Costs & Advice

One of the most popular questions we're asked is "how much did your boat cost?". On this page we'll try and give you an overview of the options we've selected and the associated costs. We'll also try and offer advice where possible if you're thinking about a narrowboat build. It's important to remember the additional costs involved in furnishing, fitting out and running a narrowboat.

Budget

Just a few words around the budget. It's always a good idea when looking to build a boat to understand if you can truly afford it and are comfortable with the price. This sounds like common sense, however emotion will quickly take a hold and you'll be pushing toward the higher limits of your budget. Our advice is to constantly review your figures and ask again and again how comfortable you feel. Prices can and will increase during the build (and ownership) so our advice would be to never operate at the top end of your budget.

The Costs

Prices are changing continually. The price of raw materials has increased significantly since 2021 due to the fallout from the global pandemic which has seen unprecedented supply chain issues. In addition, Russia's invasion of the Ukraine (2022) has also increased prices of raw materials, especially steel.

The result of this is that we suffered two price increases while building our boat - one of them significant.

Our advice is to factor in at least 30% additional budget to your first draft of your quoted figures. This will ensure your dreams of building and owning a narrowboat are kept alive. Hopefully you will never need to use this "buffer"!

Options Selected

Because the price of raw materials is increasing constantly, it's impossible to publish the total price of our boat if you were to purchase it today. New & Used Boat Company publish an up-to-date price list for the Collingwood Shearwater 2 Narrowboat and all of the options you can order. This is available on the New & Used Boat Company website.

Here are the options we have chosen:

57ft Reverse Layout Cruiser Stern Narrowboat - Fully Fitted (including standard options)
Wrap Stern
Bow Thruster Tube
Bow Thruster
Additional Lead Acid Batteries (x1)
Navigation Lights
Water & Fuel Gauges
Off White Tongue & Groove Ceiling
Off White Cabin Sides

Under separate negotiation (price on application only), we have also included:

Cross Bed Layout
Ethernet Cables (installation only)
Cellular Router Antenna Cables (installation only)
Provision for retrofitting of a Washing Machine (water, power, waste)
Supply and Fitting of 12 volt sockets (x7)
Supply and Fitting of cables for Solar Panels (4x Cable Pairs)

Choosing a Builder/Dealer

With many different boat builds and fit-outs on offer, it is often an easy choice when deciding which builder or dealer to use to build your boat. However, it is imperative you also consider the following:

The relationship with your dealer and/or builder. Without regular contact your boat build will either be delayed/compromised. As a result it could cost you considerably more money.
Communication (2 way) is key. Lack of timely communication can (and will) cost you time and money.
Ensure you receive regular updates and also the opportunity to feedback and voice your concerns in a timely manner. Make sure you receive the responses you're looking for.
Focus. Never loose sight of your requirements and review them regularly.
Visit your Build regularly - this will enable you to monitor progress and ensure what you have planned/agreed will be actioned. Your build maybe postponed if your builder prioritises other builds, leaving yours with weeks or even months of delays and incurring considerable costs due to raw material shortages/price increases.

Moorings & License

Mooring your boat will depend on your usage and purpose. As leisure cruisers, we will be taking advantage of a mooring in a marina, close to where we live; Alvechurch Marina. This marina is run by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. An advantage of mooring with ABC Leisure Group is that we have access to 18 other marina's around the UK where we can arrange mooring free, for a limited time. However mooring slots are limited. Its always best to call into the marina if you want to reserve moorings because websites are seldom up-to-date. We also considered Withybed Moorings (also located in Alvechurch) as our second choice to moor, but we do prefer Alvechurch Marina because walking access from home is much better.

Some cruisers who would like to live aboard their boat full-time (but with the security and convenience of a marina) will need to check if the marina permits permanent residence. Check the terms and conditions of the marina before you commit to your mooring.

If you plan to live aboard then you can escape the costs of a marina by declaring yourself as a "continuous cruiser". In England, you will be following the Canal & River Trust guidelines on mooring, and will purchase an appropriate license to do so. Typical mooring durations on the canal network are up to 14 days, however many are restricted to 48 hours, or even not permitted at all. The Canal & River Trust have signposted most moorings (especially in busy or built-up areas) to indicate how long you can stay.

The Canal & River Trust have also produced on-line maps that show mooring locations and facilities like water points (to fill you tank with water), as well as other amenities like eateries, winding holes (turning points), train stations, marinas, bridges, locks, etc..

Any vessel that uses the inland waterways will need to be licensed. You can discover which license you need and it's associated cost by visiting the Canal & River Trust website.