Preamble

Since giving up boating on the River Thames 15 years ago and moving to the Isle of Man. Sue and I (Andy} have always said we would like to move on to a  narrowboat when we retired, officially this date is still another 8 years away for me and a little more for Sue, but after a health scare for me and redundancy for Sue in 2012 we hope to achieve our "dream" this year (the earlier the better).

For the last few years, we have looked at every boat in our price range and above on every boat brokerage website daily to see what is available and what would suit us. We have toured a few marinas too. I read lots of narrowboat blogs from liveaboard boat people every day (these are a great source of useful information about the lifestyle, canals, boats, equipment, problems and friendship's made} Read all the canal magazines.

Betty and Sue

Unfortunately, Sue is away in Somerset to look after her mother who is having an operation. She will probably be away for a few months.

I will post about what should be included in our ideal boat  soon