What is Brokerage?

Most craft are sold on a brokerage basis. This means that the boatyard/marina will be selling the craft on the owner's behalf and charging a commission for the service. As there is no warranty given or implied with this type of sale, it is important that prospective purchasers have a survey undertaken to satisfy themselves as to the craft's condition. Part exchange is not usually available on brokerage craft, but always ask to see if any facility can be arranged.

Choosing a Boat

This is sometimes a daunting prospect for the ‘first time boater' as there are many different types of cruiser with different specifications available. We suggest that customers take time to have a thorough look at what is on the market - and the best locations to view boats are marinas where the choice is greatest. This approach will enable the first-time buyer to become conversant with suitable models and typical prices.

To establish the type of cruiser best suited to your requirements, it is worth considering the following points:

• What sort of cruising will the boat be used for?
• Does it need to be seagoing?  If so, is it necessary to have a planing performance?
• Will the boat fit onto the chosen waterway (i.e. is it too wide or too high)?  To negotiate the River Gt Ouse, for example, cruisers no wider than 10ft 6ins with a 3ft draught and 8ft airdraught are best suited.
• Will the boat be used on canals?  If so, a narrow beam, maximum 6ft 10ins, will be required.
• Will the boat be trailed?  If so, is the car big enough to cope, particularly with slipping and launching?
• Is the boat going to be used for day, weekend or extensive cruising?
• Do you require an enclosed or open-plan interior and how many berths?
• Is a large cockpit required?
• Would you prefer a hard top?
• Do you require an aft cabin?
• Would you prefer a traditional style boat or a more modern cruiser?

Engines and Installation

Advantages of Petrol Engines

• Petrol engined boats usually cheaper to buy.
• More efficient in power to weight ratio.
• Smooth and quiet.
• Easy to understand and maintain.

Disadvantages of Petrol Engines

• Cost of fuel.
• Fuel consumption.
• Potentially volatile (although the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme has reduced this risk).
• Limited waterside availability of fuel

Advantages of Diesel Engines

• Reliability (particularly in damp marine environment)
• Economy
• Safety (the fuel is less volatile than petrol)
• Cost of fuel (red untaxed fuel may be used)

Disadvantages of Diesel Engines

• Noise
• Smell
• Requires specialist equipment to maintain

Advantages of Outboard Engines

• Cost of boat usually less
• Portability
• Ease of changing engine
• Good access to prop
• Good reverse steerability
• Modern 4-stroke motor quiet and economical

Disadvantages of Outboard Engines

• 2-Stroke motors have poorer economy over small diesel and petrol boats
• Steering not so direct at low speeds
• Certain installations noisy
• Can be smelly/smoky – particularly older 2-stroke engines

Advantages of Inboard Engines

• Economy
• Reliability
• Easier to understand for home mechanic

Disadvantages of Inboard Engines

• Accessibility
• Cost of installation
• Safety

Advantages of Outdrives

• Good manoeuvrability at slow speeds
• Good manoeuvrability in reverse
• Can be tilted to access propeller

Disadvantages of Outdrives

• Cost of maintenance high, particularly if not regularly serviced.
• Vulnerability as fixed onto transom
• Wander in forward travel

Advantages of Shaft Drives

• Good forward directional stability
• Economy
• Simplicity
• Reliability

Disadvantages of Shaft Drives

• Poor access to prop (unless via tunnel)
• Poor reverse direction

Advantages of Twin Engines

• Safety in sea use
• Reliability
• Superb manoeuvrability
• Desirability on larger boats

Disadvantages of Twin Engines

• Cost
• Economy
• Shafts/drives are more exposed by mounted outboard of the keel

Hull Design

Advantages of a Displacement Hull (e.g. Ocean 30, Broom 30, Colvic 26)

• Traditional style with long keel area
• A lot of hull in the water gives good slow speed handling
• Good turning
• Low wash characteristics

Disadvantages of a Displacement Hull

• Will only propel boat to its displacement speed, i.e. 27ft – 7 knots approximately
• Narrow boat designs usually have very narrow decks

Advantages of a Semi-displacement Hull (e.g. Seamaster 27, Elysian 27)

• If enough power is provided the craft will be capable of planing, but still offer good slow speed handling

Disadvantages of a Semi-displacement Hull

• Relatively inefficient to propel at speeds, requires a lot of power

Advantages of a Planing Hull (e.g. Bayliner, Fairline Sunfury)

• Efficient for fast performance as boat is usually light as well

Disadvantages of a Planing Hull

• Little hull in the water with fairly flat sections
• Can lead to poor slow speed handling and slamming at fast speeds in choppy water

Advantages of Narrow Beam Craft (e.g. Norman 23, Viking 26)

• Can go through narrow beam locks on canals i.e. 6ft 10ins
• Usually equipped with displacement hulls so handle well
• Low wash hulls
• Good directional stability

Disadvantages of Narrow Beam Craft

• Narrow decks
• Can be less stable
• Accommodation can be cramped

Advantages of Steel Narrow Boats

• Very easy to handle/low wash hulls
• Comfortable interiors, particularly those with solid fuel stoves
• Practical for extended cruising or living aboard
• Good value for money
• Low depreciation
• Most are custom-built and individual

Disadvantages of Steel Narrow Boats

• Steel requires painting
• Difficult to moor in confined spaces
• Narrow beam limits accommodation
• Helm position almost always in the open
• Slow cruising speed
• Boats usually very heavy – not all marinas can handle ashore

Boat Construction

Advantages of Wood

• A traditional style of material providing a warm, well-insulated character interior
• Some classic craft are proving to be a good investment
• Owner gains a tremendous pride of ownership

Disadvantages of Wood

• High maintenance costs
• Craft requires constant attention
• Some technical skill required

Advantages of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)

• The standard material for some years
• Proving easy to maintain
• Long-lived
• Easy to repair
• Can be refinished by high performance paints

Disadvantages of GRP

• Tendency towards osmotic blistering
• Somewhat poorly insulated which produces high levels of condensation

Advantages of Steel

• Strong, simple construction
• Usually only available in semi-displacement style and larger craft

Disadvantages of Steel

• Will rust
• Requires regular painting
• Heavy compared with wood/GRP

Do not be put off by the age of the craft

Many craft offered for sale are more than 15 years old. This is of no great concern as craft are generally well built and a long-lived commodity. The engine during this time will not have anything like the use of that fitted to a vehicle.

It is often felt that the older craft offer more character with a quality wooden interior fit out. Production glass fibre boats first appeared on the market in 1959 and are still going strong.

Many of the cruisers built from the early 1980s onwards have a more sporty appearance and are usually powered by larger engines to offer a planing performance.

Trials and surveys

When buying any boat, always try it to ensure that the slow speed manoeuvrability is satisfactory.  We also thoroughly recommend an independent survey on any vessel to confirm that the boat is safe and a good investment. You will also be advised of any safety features that may need attention.  Generally speaking, craft that are 15 years of age or more will require a survey to gain insurance cover.  It is important to remember that neither the vendor nor the broker offers any guarantee on used craft.

General

We have been successful yacht brokers for many years with a dedicated boat sales area. Staff hold the Inland Waterways Helmsman Instructors Certificate and can advise on handling techniques.  For the security of purchasers and vendors all brokerage monies are held in a clients’ account until the sale is completed.  As keen boaters ourselves, we have a thorough knowledge of craft and are willing to discuss your requirements and help in any way we can.

The River Gt Ouse is a slowing moving and meandering river from its navigation head at Bedford through 16 locks to Earith.  From there onwards, the river changes character as it traverses flat fenland with no locks to negotiate between Earith and Denver Sluice.  The river and its tributaries take in the delightful towns of Bedford, St Neots, Huntingdon and St Ives, the cities of Ely and Cambridge as well as numerous villages.  From Denver Sluice access can be gained to the Middle Level (subject to size of craft) and on to the River Nene which eventually links with the Grand Union canal at Northampton.  Coastal craft have access to the North Sea via Kings Lynn and the Wash.  St Ives is conveniently situated in the centre of the river system.

Procedure for Purchase

Having found a boat of your choice, the sale will be subject to trials and inspection.  As brokers we do not offer a guarentee with any of the boats.  It is important, therefore, for purchasers to either inspect a boat out of the water or have it independently surveyed.  For this purpose we will offer to slip the boat once a holding deposit of 10% has been paid to us.  The cost of slipping will be charged at £5/ft and this is payable by the prospective purchaser whether or not the sale proceeds.  This service is provided for craft up to 40ft and lying at our marina that we can accommodate with our own lifting equipment.

We list three surveyors:

• Mr P Bullen, (01480 462735, 07702 387867) – local boat safety examiner and surveyor.
• Mr S Hipkin (01255 670895; 07968 346220) – a member of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors.
• Brian Smith (tel/fax: 01354 680341; 07887 781649) affiliated member of YBDSA, time served Shipwright and boat safety examiner.

Please note that most insurance companies require a pre-purchase survey report on craft over 15 years of age.  Wooden craft will almost always require a survey report to gain insurance.  Your cruiser will be subject to Boat Safety Certification for use on the river – see over for details.

Moorings

Under most circumstances we can offer moorings with boats we sell up to a length of 40ft.  However, if we are full we may have to move your boat around the marina periodically until a permanent mooring is available. We regret that we are unable to offer residential moorings.

Environment Agency Navigation Charges

In order to use a cruiser on the River Great Ouse, the boat has to be licensed with the local authority.  Their address is: Environment Agency. Income Dept 311, PO Box 263, Peterborough PE2 8YD  The fees for this year (until 31 March 2011) for cruisers with engines over 4hp are:

3-5m in length £234.45
5-7.5m in length £288.46
7.5-10m in length £373.51
10-12.5m in length £511.74
Plus an administrative fee of £2.00 for all applications.

Insurance

We are Introducing Agents for Navigators & General and Haven Knox-Johnston Insurers.  We can put you in touch with insurers/brokers who will be able to arrange a quote for you and discuss your requirements.

Finance

Useful contacts are:
Barclays Marine Finance       Tel: 023 80456298
PM Collidge & Partners         Tel: 01843 295925

Transport

We are able to assist in arranging transport for customers wishing to move their boats to other waterways.  Please see our separate list of transporters.

Boat Safety Scheme

The Environment Agency and British Waterways joined forces to introduce a boat safety scheme common to all waterways under their jurisdiction.  This raepresents the majority of inland waterways.  Coastal craft do not have to comply.  Boats up to 4 years old with a CE mark do not require a boat sfety certificate.

The scheme came into force from 1997 on a transitional boat age related basis.  By 2000 all navigation authority registered craft should have had certificates.  The certificate lasts for four years; so many craft have now undergoing re-inspections.

The introduction of the scheme proved difficult as some of the modifications required to older craft were costly and troublesome.  In addition, despite the training of the examiners by the Boat Safety Inspectorate, there has been significant disparity as to what is and is not acceptable.  The scheme has now undergone a major review and 25% of the previous mandatory regulations, such as minimum ventilation levels, are now advisory.  Your boat safety examiner will issue a certificate plus a list of advisory recommendations.

It should be remembered that a boat safety inspection is not a full structural survey and, rather like a vehicle M.O.T., does not guarantee condition.  A surveyor might not consider that a boat with a safety certificate meets his own safety criteria.

Local Examiners

There are several local examiners who will undertake inspections.  Their fees, and their charges for re-inspection should the boat fail, vary so we suggest you contact them direct.

Stuart Holmes of Peterborough Tel: 01733 566688
Brian Smith of Manea Tel/Fax: 01354 680341 / 07887 781649
Paul Bullen of Hartford Tel: 01480 462735 / 07702 387867
Keith Alderton of Ely Tel: 01353 663095 / 07771 912630

Administrators of tha Boat Safety Scheme
www.boatsafetyscheme.com
Environment Agency, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 4NE:   Tel: 08708 506506; Fax: 01480 413381
British Waterways Board Boat Safety Scheme, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA:  Tel: 01923 201278, Fax: 01923 201420

Useful Addresses

Environment Agency: (Registrations) Income Dept. 311, PO Box 263, Peterborough PE2 8YD – 08708 506506; www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Environment Agency: (Navigation) Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Cambs PE28 4NE – 08708 506506:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/navigation/?lang=_e
Conservators of the River Cam: Baits Bite Lock, Fen Road, Milton, Cambs CB4 6AF – 01223 863785; www.camconservators.org.uk
Middle Level Commissioners: Middle Level Offices, Dartford Road, March, Cambs PE15 8AE – 01354 653232; www.middlelevel.co.uk
British Waterways: Customer Services, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford, Herts WD17 4QA – 01923 201120; www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Great Ouse Boating Association: Membership – PO Box 244, Huntingdon, Cambs PE29 6FE – 01353 664229; www.goba.org.uk
Inland Waterways Association: PO Box 114, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1ZY – 01923 711114; www.waterways.org.uk, Peterborough Branch Membership secretary Nigel Long – 01733 553782

Further Reading

The River Gt Ouse and Tributaries by Andrew Hunter Blair.  Published by Imray, Laurie, Norrie and Wilson
The Middle Level by Andrew Hunter Blair.  Published by Imray, Laurie, Norrie and Wilson
Map of the River Nene by Ian Smith.  Published by Imray, Laurie, Norrie and Wilson
The Norfolk Broads and Fens by Derek Bowskill.  Published by Opus Book Publishing Ltd.
Inland Waterways Map of Britain published by Imray, Laurie, Norrie and Wilson
All the above publications are available in our chandlery shop
Welcoming Waterways – publication free from Environment Agency