Are you looking for a narrowboat?

Then you need to visit Whilton marina. We have a large selection of used narrow boats for sale from in all price ranges. This means we should have a boat in our marina to match your budget.  

Not only do we hold a large variety of boats for sale here in Northamptonshire, our sister company Venetian marina in Cheshire also has a selection of narrow boats for sale. So if we don't have what you are looking for maybe our other marina will.   

Let us help take the stress out of finding a new narrowboat by providing you with the best service around. Buying and selling narrowboats is basically what we do best and our experienced staff are available 7 days a week to assist you.

We can hold your hand all the way through the buying process and give you the best advice to ensure you buy the right boat.  

When it comes to buying a narrowboat there are many considerations you need to be aware of.

So let's look at some of these now and discuss these points before you buy;

What style boat best suits your needs?

There are basically three stern types you can choose from. The traditional, the semi traditional and the cruiser.

No stern type is better than the others, it's all about personal choice when choosing which style. If you are wanting more interior space then the traditional style may best suit your needs better, as they tend to have larger interiors. If you want a larger social area when cruising for friends and family to gather, then the cruiser stern will be the better boat for you.

Stepping aboard all the different stern types will help you get feel of the boat and work out which one is going to be best for your needs. This is something we strongly encourage at our marina, you will be able to experience all the different sterns from the stock we have. You can hop on and off each boat as many times as you like, comparing each one at your leisure.

Where will you moor your narrowboat?

Don't over look finding a mooring, this should be sorted out at the beginning of the buying process so that you have somewhere to take your boat after it's purchase. 

Extensive mooring advice from the Canal and River Trust can be found here. 

How much time will you spend aboard?

Again it's important to consider how much time you will be spending on your boat. If you intend to spend long periods of time or even live aboard full time, then you need to factor in how much space you have for possessions and your family.

Should I have a survey?

YES! It's that simple, but we will explain why you should. The survey is for the buyers benefit, it will highlight any potential problems, you can then negotiate with the seller to see if they are prepared to pay for the repairs or lower the asking price. More about surveys can be found here

What finance options are available?

There are marine mortgages available from 3000 plus and 70% of the boats value. Many people also approach their bank for personal loans for smaller amounts.

How much do you want to spend?

Sort out your budget before you start looking. It's so easy to get carried away when you arrive at the marina and see all the boats on offer. Remember there are ongoing costs such as mooring fees, insurance, repairs and maintenance etc, so don't leave yourself short. 

Finally....

We also offer a seek and find service. If you leave your email address and your boat requirements with us, we will do our upmost to find a boat to match your needs. Register for our narrowboat finder service here. If you register on our website you will receive regular updates on boats that match your requirements from both of our marinas.     

We believe we can fulfill your dreams and sell you the narrow boat you have been dreaming of, so come and see us today!

AUTUMN IS HERE ALREADY!

LOOKING AFTER THE KIDS 

The kids may be going back to school this month, but lets take a look at how best to look after the little ones when they are near the waterways. Half term will be here before we know it and and for many of us it will be one of the last holidays we take this year on the canal.

Taking children on a narrow boat holiday is a great way to spend quality time with your kids, but for everyone to have a relaxing time its worth making sure that everyone knows how to conduct themselves whilst on the boat or near the water.

If your children have never been on a boating holiday before it has to be said it could go one of two ways; they will either love it or hate it! So you have been warned. 

TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

• Ensure they are wearing a life jacket.
• Give them jobs to do so they feel part of the crew.
• For older children enrol them into helping with the locks and mooring.
• Don't consume too much alcohol when you are supervising young children.
• Keep doors locked.
• Don’t leave children unsupervised.
• Use a play pen for very young children.
• Don’t allow children to run by a lock.
• Don’t allow children to stand and walk on the roof of a moving boat.

IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

Roses and Castles Weekend Painting Course 2nd September 2017, 9:30am to 3rd September 2017, 4:30pm Stoke Bruerne An introduction to traditional painting techniques.    

Discovering the Regent's Canal from East to West 2nd September 2017, 10am to 10th September 2017, 12:30pm Chalk Farm Tube Station Come along and discover the Regent's Canal on a walking tour from East to West. This walk will take you from Chalk Farm tube to Warwick Avenue.  

Milton Keynes Angling Association - Let's Fish 2nd September 2017, 2pm to 4pm Grand Union Canal, Old Wolverton Come along to Milton Keynes Angling Association's fishing taster day in Milton Keynes.   Festival fun by the canal

Angel Canal Festival 3rd September 2017, 11am to 5pm Sites across Islington North London This September head down to the Angel Canal Festival.  

Black Country Boating Festival 8th September 2017, 10am to 10th September 2017, 6pm Bumble-Hole Nature Reserve Head along to the Black Country Boating Festival.  

Slough Canal Festival 9th September 2017, 11am to 10th September 2017, 5pm Slough Organised by Slough Borough Council, you'll find boat trips, canal wares, arts and crafts, canal fishing, healthy walks, kids activities, falconry, mobile farm and refreshments  

Two Arms on Two Legs Running Festival 10th September 2017, 10am to 4pm Aylesbury Get your running shoes on! We've got a half marathon and a 10k run taking place along the Wendover and Aylesbury Arms.    

Tipton Canal & Community Festival 15th September 2017 to 17th September 2017 Neptune Health Park and Coronation Gardens Come along to the Tipton Canal & Community Festival, for a weekend of fun for all the family.  

Vintage Foxton Festival 16th September 2017, 10am to 17th September 2017, 5pm Foxton Locks This year's Vintage Foxton festival is the first we've held in Foxton Locks.   Huddlesford Heritage Gathering 23rd September 2017 to 24th September 2017 Lichfield Cruising Club Organised jointly by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Lichfield Cruising Club, head along to Huddlesford's biennial gathering.  

Huddlesford heritage gathering 23rd September 2017 to 24th September 2017 Lichfield Cruising Club Head along to the Lichfield Cruising club for the biennial Huddlesford Heritage Gathering.  

Birmingham Floating Market 23rd September 2017, 10am to 24th September 2017, 5pm Barclaycard Arena Head along to Birmingham Floating Market.

COME AND VISIT US SOON YOU CAN EVEN BRING THE KIDS!

Preparation

Setting Off Safely

Never untie without starting the engine first. Push the boat off from its mooring to avoid scraping the boat along it's side. Keep safe by not pushing the boat too far off before stepping aboard, to ensure that you can step aboard easily. Don't forget that narrowboats don't have brakes as such and you won't be able to stop the boat quickly, so don't place yourself between the boat and a solid object as a nasty accident could occur.

Safety in Tunnels and Bridges

Make sure you have plenty of room to go through a bridge or a tunnel. Check the height to make sure that your boat will fit through without damaging the chimney, remove items from the roof if needs be. Don't allow crew onto the roof or the gunwales of the boat when navigating through. If the tunnel is dark you may encounter rubbish or sunken objects so take care. Make sure to turn on your headlights and use your horn if necessary to warn other passing boaters of danger.

Mooring

Have a centre line attached to the boat to assist with setting off or mooring up. Moor close together at busy times by sharing mooring bollards and rings, but respect peoples privacy, and if someone has obviously moored away on a quiet stretch give them space.

Turning or manoeuvring

Utilise the space available. Going forward point the tiller where you want the stern of the boat to go. Going backwards point the rudder tip where you want to go, There is a time lag between forward and reverse and you should only move the tiller when the direction of the water flow changes, this will ensure a more effective and efficient turn.

If you're new to boating or a little rusty at it, practise reversing and manoeuvering the boat. It's equally important to learn how to keep the boat still and counteract the current.

Treat Locks With Respect

When navigating through locks, keep decks clear and ropes coiled away to avoid trip hazards. Learn how the different types of locks work, such as staircase locks, and if cruising on a river; flood gate locks. Don't be distracted by anything and keep children and animals safely aboard before entering the lock. Take your time. Operate lock paddles in the correct order, especially when going uphill as the water can be more turbulent. Look out for potential hazards when entering the lock especially if they are narrow. Make sure that the lock gate fully opens to avoid getting stuck. Keep clear of the cill, which is usually marked on the edge of the lockside above, (see cill mark on picture above). Be careful as this step can catch the unattentive and make the boat lurch or even make the boat sink. You'll be surprised how often this happens!

Crew

If cruising in a tricky stretch of water or through moveable bridges only allow a trusted and reliable crew member to operate the boat for safety reasons, someone with more experience will recognise any dangers and the risks can be minimised.

Etiquette

Be courteous and assist others, who will in turn help you, especially when going through locks.

Above all enjoy your narrowboating!

Let us know what your top tips are, by commenting below!

ADVICE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO RENT OR HIRE OUT THEIR BOAT!

THE STATIC LETTING LICENCE

The Canal & River Trust is introducing a new letting licence to ensure the safety of the increasing number of people living on rented boats. 

From 12 June 2017 boat owners will be able to apply for a Static Letting Licence for static boats which will cover all types of boat rentals, including long-term renting, Airbnb-style short breaks, and overnight stays. The boat owner will need to have a permanent mooring and should talk to their local planning authority to see if planning permission is needed. The price will be the same as for the current Self-Drive Holiday Hire licence. 

Living afloat has become a popular lifestyle choice for those who are struggling to get on the housing market especially in London and other major cities, so the CRT have responded to the recent increase of people renting narrowboats and to protect those renting have introduced the new letting licence.

There are a number of accidents that can and do occur when living on a boat; from fires, sinking and carbon monoxide poisonings, the aim of the new licence is to protect potential renters and to keep them and others safe.

It's so important to get the message out there, that if you intend to rent out your boat, then as the boat owner you will have the responsibility to ensure that those who rent from you are safe at all times.

The Static Letting Licence has rigorous requirements to make sure that both the boat is safe and that potential renters are fully briefed before spending a night on board.

Boat owners will be required to have:

• proof of adequate insurance;
• a Non-Private Boat Safety Scheme Certificate;
• a detailed handover document including emergency procedures and contact numbers;
• a Landlord Gas Safety Certificate;
• and written permission from their mooring provider. 

TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE TIME ON YOUR NARROW BOAT

1. Always secure your boat when you are away from it

2. Join online boating forums to keep up with news and to make new friends

3. Install solar panels if you haven't already got them

4. Keep on top of servicing and maintenance

5. Join a break down service

6. Keep your larder stocked up - (nothing worse than a hungry crew!)

7. Have spares of important items onboard

8. Have life jackets onboard for all crew members

9. Make sure all your crew know what’s expected of them, especially when mooring and using the locks.

10. Plan your journeys. 

IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN AUGUST

Nottingham Riverside Festival 4th August 2017 to 6th August 2017
Victoria Embankment
Head along to Nottingham's biggest and most popular free festival weekend.    

The Urban Safari Roundhouse 7th August 2017, 11am to 17th September 2017, 4pm
Head along to the Roundhouse in Birmingham this summer for the Urban Safari.  

Blisworth Canal Festival 12th August 2017 to 13th August 2017
Head along to Blisworth Canal Festival for a weekend of fun that all the family can enjoy.  

Wednesfield Canal Festival 12th August 2017 to 13th August 2017
Head along to the Wednesfield Canal Festival.  

Northwich River Festival & Regatta 12th August 2017 to 13th August 2017
Head along to Northwich River Festival & Regatta, for a fun day out for all the family.  

Discovering the Regent's Canal from East to West 12th August 2017, 10am to 20th August 2017, 12:30pm
Come along and discover the Regent's Canal on a walking tour from East to West. This walk will take you from Angel to Chalk Farm.  

Horses at Work 13th August 2017, 10am to 5pm
Ellesmere Port The Canal & River Trust will be celebrating the early days of canals at the National Waterways Museum, on Sunday, 13 August, with Horses at Work.  

Heywood & District Angling Society - Let's Fish 20th August 2017, 10am to 3pm
Hopwood Arms Come along to Heywood & District Angling Society's fishing taster day.  

Merry Hill Floating Market 25th August 2017, 10am to 28th August 2017, 5pm
Come along to the Merry Hill Floating Market. Festival fun by the canal  

Burnley Canal Festival 26th August 2017 to 27th August 2017
Burnley Come along for a weekend of fun at the Burnley Canal Festival. Festival fun by the canal  

IWA Festival of Water 26th August 2017 to 28th August 2017
Gallows Inn Playing Fields Come along to the IWA Festival of Water.  

East London Waterways Festival 28th August 2017
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park As part of celebrations for the restoration of Carpenters Road Lock a cavalcade cruising opportunity is available in August.

COME AND VISIT US SOON!

Changing the oil on your narrow boat is only a problem if you don't know how to do it. You have a few options available; 

1. You can ask another boater (can be difficult especially if you're a man!)
2. Call in the experts from a marina which of course will cost you a few quid or 
3. Learn to do it yourself. 

If you are still reading I am assuming you have opted for option three and are going to give it ago yourself. Good for you!

The engine is the heart of your boat it not only provides power for cruising but it also provides you with hot water, electricity and heating. So a certain amount of pampering is required to keep her in good working order. 

Changing the oil and filters is a major part of keeping the engine in tip top condition. 

The oil and filter will get dirty through use so these will both need to be replaced every so often. The oil filter is a replaceable cartridge that cleans the oil as the engine runs. 

First things first you need to work out is when the oil change is required. The best way to understand when you should tackle this task is to refer to your boats engine manual. Which will state how often this job should be carried out. 

Next prepare to start the work. It's a bit of a messy job so dressing appropriately will make sense, a set of overalls or your general work clothes will be just right for this occasion not your favourite jeans and t shirt! Not necessary but disposal gloves will help keep your hands clean. 

Also having the right tools and all the equipment at hand will make changing the oil a lot easier. 

Checklist

• Oil
• New filter
• Container to pump oil into
• Large oil container to empty old oil into and dispose of.
• Rag
• Funnel
• Wretch
• Disposal gloves

How to do it:

Firstly we need to get rid of the old oil. So locate the cap on the oil container of the engine and unscrew it. When this is done, remove the old oil from the crank case this is done by pumping a little handle which sucks the oil from the engine block and into the container you have ready.

Top Tip; Employee a rhythmic motion to ensure the oil exits smoothly and predictably don't get impatient and give the pump a great heave; this will only ensure the oil spatters over every surface except into the waiting container.

Now pour (using a funnel) the oil into an old oil can which you should have handy from the start, preferably one designed to hold at least 5 litres of oil. 

With the engine empty of the old oil its time to replace the dirty oil filter with new ones. 
We are almost done!

Finally steps

Most engines will hold approximately 5L of oil. However, you can’t be sure exactly what yours will take. So, fill up slowly bit by bit, checking the dipstick each time to ensure you don’t overfill it. If you discover you have accidentally overfilled it use the pump again to remove the excess oil. 

Screw the oil cap back on and viola you have successfully changed the oil on your narrowboat!

Clearing up. How to responsibly dispose of the oil;

There are plenty of marinas and boatyards who will accept used engine oil for free in their waste disposal facilities. But always ask before presuming your local marina will accept your waste.

BOATING HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR DOG!

WANT TO GO NARROWING BOATING WITH FIDO? 

If the answer is YES ,then you will want to read our guide to narrow boating with your four legged friend.

There's nothing worse than setting of for your holiday knowing that you are leaving your four legged friend behind in kennels for the week, so do bring him with you, boating holidays were made for you and your four legged pal!

What to pack when going away with your dog 

As well as bedding, food and water bowls, food, treats, first aid kit, poo bags, and grooming equipment, include a lifejacket for your dog and plenty of towels in case he accidentally or intentionally takes a dip.

Take his collar (with waterproof ID) and lead for places where you may need to keep him under control for his own safety - and a spare lead just in case you lose one overboard.

You may also find that life afloat feels chillier at night,  so you may find your pooch benefits from a fleece/wool jumper in the evenings.

Safety tips for your dog and other towpath users

 Don’t let your dog drink the river or canal water. Ensure that you have clean drinking water available at all times on board and on shore when you moor up.

Consider a dog life jacket. Jackets with handles on the top are especially good for hauling the dog back on board just in case he falls in.  Canal banks can be steep and difficult for dogs to climb out of.

Put your dog on his lead when entering locks and mooring for their own safety.

If your dog enjoys running free when you go for a walk on the towpath, then be aware that when you approach bridges there maybe traffic around, so always be mindful to keep your dog Under your control.

Always keep your dog away from livestock and birds - chasing ducks may be fun for the dog, but it isn't for the ducks!

Carry or let your dog use a ramp to board and get off the boat.

 © Copyright Roger Kidd and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Etiquette when boating with your dog

Take care when meeting other towpath users with dogs. If your dog is off the lead it may be worth asking if their dog is ok with other dogs before approaching them, not all dogs are so friendly.

Stay away from the fishermen - apart from potentially getting in their way, hooks and lines may cause injury to dogs.

Don't allow your dog to disturb wildlife and keep him on a lead if you can't guarantee manners and obedience.

Tuck him in safely to the side of the path until cyclists have passed.

Scoop the poop and dispose of responsibly.

KEEP FIT INSPIRATION

Time to sign up for boot camp!

 A leaner physique, flatter abs, toned arms and a tighter tush are all possible with a bit of boot camp training. No need to pack yourself off for a week to a fitness park, save your cash and create your own killer training session. Find a training plan online and do the work out with friends or on your own, there's plenty to choose from and most don't require expensive equipment, so whats stopping you?

*Always seek your doctors advice before starting any new life style change.

JULY'S HEALTH TIPS

Follow these simple tips to get healthy skin:  

Tip 1: Minimal makeup  
Let your skin breathe. Try to minimize makeup usage. It is really not necessary to always use a blush, concealer, foundation, mousse or whatever it is every day. It may add a fine coating to your skin making it glow however it damages your skin to a large extent. Keep these beauty products for special occasions, the rest of the time, tone and moisturize, use sunscreen and let your skin breathe.  

Tip 2: Face cleansing  
To maintain healthy skin you need to cleanse even if you are too tired after a long party or working late, cleanse all dirt of the day and makeup from your skin. Your face needs to be cleared of all the chemicals in the makeup and impurities from air pollution. Your makeup acts as a mask on your skin keeping your pores clogged.  

Tip 3: Don’t forget the sunscreen  
Sunscreen is a must for your skin. The rays of the sun are harmful beyond thoughts. Skin cancer, premature aging, skin rashes all of these are caused when your skin gets too much exposure to the sun without any protection. You can also use a SPF moisturiser to give you daily protection all year round – yes even on cloudy days!.

However it is a good idea to get a few minutes a day of sun exposure without sunscreen and without burning to top up your vitamin D levels, as in the UK the sun is rarely strong enough to make vitamin D and it is hard to get enough from diet alone. Vitamin D provides the body with many health benefits, do your research to find out more.  

Tip 4: Exfoliating face  
Exfoliate your face at least twice a week. Scrubbing your face will rid your facial skin of all the dead cells that might have clogged your pored leading to acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. Scrubbing your face will also improve your complexion, adds a glow to your skin and also clears your skin of all toxins.  

Tip 5: Moisturise  
Use a good moisturiser to feed your skin. Moisturisers do not add a great deal of moisture by themselves, but they lock in the present moisture and are therefore essential to keep your skin hydrated. Use daily in the morning and before bedtime.  

Tip 6: Eat proper food to get healthy skin  
Food provides life to your skin. Everything you eat in your everyday life contributes to a healthy skin.  This includes drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 IN THE MONTH OF JULY WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN JULY

The Birmingham Black Country Half Marathon

1st July 2017, 8am to 5pm 
Canal Dock, Wolverhampton

Head along to the Birmingham Black Country Marathon.

Wildflower & Meadow ID workshop

2nd July 2017, 2pm to 4pm 
Melbourne Arm, Melbourne

Join staff from Natural England for a guided walk along the canal and through the wildflower rich meadows of the Melbourne and Thornton Ings Site of Special Scientific Interest.        

Pirates at Anderton

8th July 2017 to 9th July 2017 

Anderton Boat Lift

Come along for a weekend of family fun, and enjoy the Pirates at Anderton.        

Bugsworth Basin Fun Day
8th July 2017, 9am to 5pm 

Bugsworth Basin

Head along to Bugsworth Basin and enjoy a day of fun for all the family.        

Dragonfly walk along the Pocklington Canal
22nd July 2017, 10:30am to 12:30pm 

Join the Yorkshire Dragonfly Group for a guided walk along the Pocklington Canal.            

Wild West Anderton

29th July 2017 to 30th July 2017 

Anderton Boat Lift

Head to the Anderton Boat Lift for the annual Wild West at Anderton event

COME AND VISIT US SOON, YOU CAN EVEN BRING YOUR DOG TOO!

LOVE AND ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT TYING THE KNOT?

Interesting fact; June is still the most popular month to get married, followed by August, July, May, and September. The goddess Juno was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno's month was considered most auspicious.

Now let's be honest planning a wedding is no easy task! When it comes to your big day, it’s very important that you sit down with your fiancé and decide what it is you BOTH want from your wedding day. Now is also the time you should have a very honest discussion about your budget and the kind of things that you will and won’t compromise on.

The first thing you should plan is the venue, with so many options available this can be quite a daunting task. It is however one of the most important decisions you will make relating to your big day, so have a good think as to what you want from your venue.

Here are a few tips on how to make the task of finding the perfect place to say “I do”. 

• Start with working out what size venue you need. Make a list of everyone attending and decide whether you want everyone to come for the full day and evening or just to have close friends and family for the full occasion and more guest just attending the evening do.
  
  
• Another factor in deciding your venue is going to be your budget. Once you’ve confirmed a guest list, most venues will be able to give you a price per-guest so you will then be able to calculate how much you can afford per person.
  
  
•  Where do you want to get married? Near where you grew up or somewhere that has a special meaning for you both? Once the location has been decided this will help narrow down the actual venues in this area.
  
  
• Next think about what you want your venue to provide. If you’re planning on a marquee wedding and arranging catering and entertainment separately, you might just need a picturesque field that’s near the registry office or church where you’re getting married. Alternatively, you might want somewhere that will provide the full package - ceremony, wedding breakfast, wedding planner and overnight accommodation for guests. 
  
  
• If you’re the sort of person who loves organising everything and has the time to dedicate to do the planning, you might want to choose a venue where you need to arrange things like; the caterers, DJ, transport and decorations yourself.
  If you’re a busy bride with not alot of time to give to your wedding planning, you might prefer to have all these decisions made for you by the venue organisers.
  
  
• Next for the fun bit – finding somewhere that fits in with your theme. Whether it’s a fairytale wedding in a castle, a rustic country affair on a farm, a BBQ on a hot beach or a calm and tranquil riverside affair, there will be a venue that matches your theme. 
  
  
•  Once you have a short list of venues ideally 3 or 4, its time to decide upon the right one for you. If your venue is catering the wedding, make sure you’re happy with the menu they’re providing. Most will offer tasting sessions and don’t be afraid to tell them if there’s something you don’t like or another dish you’d prefer.
  
  If you’re planning on bringing your own caterers to the venue, check what their policy is on corkage (extra charge for opening bottles of wine). It can add a substantial amount to your budget and you might be better off buying cases from them directly.
  
  
• Often it’s the little things that make a venue stand out from the others – the amazing view out of the windows, the wedding planner who gets exactly what you want, the fact that there’s no restriction on when the DJ has to stop or an incredible backdrop for photos. It’s your big day so don’t be surprised if it’s something small and sentimental that swings it for you.

CANAL SIDE SETTINGS MAKE WONDERFUL VENUES

If you are planning a canal side setting, then you may want to take a look at these great canal themed wedding venues we have put together for you. 

Fantastic canal based venues for your perfect day; 

Anderton Boat Lift 

Romantics wanting to tie the knot somewhere unusual will be pleased to hear that the Anderton Boat Lift has been granted a venue licence for civil marriage ceremonies. Issued by the Superintendent Registrar for Cheshire West and Chester Council, the licence allows couples to formalise their relationship at the ‘cathedral of the canals’, built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Duty manager Graham Wood said: “We’re really excited about the future. Providing couples say the legal declaration in either the Lift View Function Room or the Lower Floor Exhibition Hall, they can get married on The Edwin Clark trip boat while going through the lift, or even on top of the lift.”

The Bond Company

Steeped in Birmingham’s rich canal heritage, just a short walk from the city centre, you will find The Bond Company. With a majestic front and  fine cobbled entrance, the collection of Victorian buildings and planted courtyards overlook the Grand Union Canal.

This idyllic oasis within the centre of Birmingham is recommended by The Birmingham Mail as one of the “Top 5 Wedding Venues in Birmingham” and would provide a stunning backdrop to your wedding day.  

Canal Boat Cruises

If you are looking for the ultimate venue for your next private event, then a celebration aboard Romance is the perfect choice. Cruising in the open countryside creates the perfect backdrop for your guests to have a wonderful and memorable time. Our experienced event organisers will work closely with you to ensure that your expectations for this big event are exceeded.

IN THE MONTH OF JUNE WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN JUNE

Stilling the flow exhibition

2nd June 2017 to 2nd July 2017
Come along to the National Waterways Museum and view artist, lecturer and boater, Jim Cooke's photography exhibition.      

Leicester Riverside Festival
3rd June 2017 to 4th June 2017 

Head to the 20th anniversary of the Leicester Riverside Festival this year.        

Long Eaton Canal Festival

3rd June 2017, 10am to 4th June 2017, 4pm 

Trent Lock
Come along to Long Eaton Canal Festival for a weekend of family fun.        

Anderton In Bloom

10th June 2017 to 11th June 2017 

Head along to the Anderton Boat lift for the Anderton In Bloom flower festival.        

Wildflower & Meadow ID workshop

10th June 2017, 2pm to 4pm 

Join staff from Natural England for a guided walk along the canal and through the wildflower rich meadows of the Melbourne and Thornton Ings Site of Special Scientific Interest.  

Foxton Locks Festival

17th June 2017, 10am to 18th June 2017, 5pm 

Head along to Foxton Locks over the weekend of the 17th/18th June for the annual Foxton Locks Festival.        

Father's Day breakfast and boat trip

18th June 2017
Treat Dad to something different this Father's Day with a delicious breakfast sandwich followed by a guided boat trip into Britain's longest, highest and deepest tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.            

Pennine Explorer Cruise

23rd June 2017 to 9th July 2017 

Come along and join the first Pennine Explorer Cruise from 23 June - 1 July.  

Chester Floating Market

24th June 2017, 10am to 25th June 2017, 5pm 

Head along to Chester Floating Market

IF YOU WANT TO BUY A NARROWBOAT FOR YOUR HONEY MOON!, COME AND SEE US SOON.

Buying a narrow boat can be a very exciting experience, but it’s also a very big investment and not something that should be rushed into. A bit of planning and research will go along way to helping you choose the perfect boat.  

It’s a bit of a Marmite thing when it comes to choosing a narrow boat there are some styles that you will love and some you will hate.  

Generally speaking there are 3 types of sterns on a narrow boat. You can choose to purchase the traditional, the semi traditional or the cruiser. Then there’s the tug and the Dutch barge, which aren’t as popular, you will see why when we tell you about them later, but they are available.  

Before you even decide what boat stern type you want, you should first consider a few factors such as;  

• How many people will use the boat?
• What is more important the outside or the inside space?
• Do you need a lot of storage space?
• Is privacy important to you?
• How often will you use the boat?
• Are you going to live on the boat full time?
• What funds do you have available to buy the boat?
• This will not determine what stern you buy, but you do need to consider where you will moor your new vessel.   

You will see from the different descriptions of each stern type that they are quite different and depending on how you intend to use the boat, one style may suit you better than the others.  

All narrow boats are 6 feet 10 inches wide in general, but they come in different lengths. So the length of the vessel is another area you need to consider. Have a read about the size of a narrow boat here        

It’s worth mentioning that the length of any style boat will be used to base your mooring fees upon. So the longer the boat the more expensive it will be to moor. Also it has to be said the larger the boat generally speaking the more expensive it is to maintain i.e blacking, etc. And lastly some boats over 57ft will not be able to cruise the whole network. Please bear these points in mind when choosing the length of your boat.  

Narrow Boat Styles  

Traditional  
Is a classic and attractive design, which understandably makes it a very popular choice with today’s buyers. The style comes from the old working boats, which were used to move cargo along the canal system back in the day. Due to the large interior area, which was needed to carry goods it now makes it a good choice for people looking for the maximum amount of living space within the boat itself.  

Today the traditional narrow boat makes the ideal choice for long term use i.e. living aboard and long cruises. Due to the large interior the living space makes staying on the boat for long periods of time more comfortable and provides areas of privacy if needed.  

The exterior area on the stern deck however has the smallest amount of space being around 2 – 3 foot in length. Due to the small area outside there is really only room for one person at a time therefore when cruising it isn’t the most sociable of times. If you want more of a sociable space then keep reading the semi trad may be just right for you!  

Trads come in a variety of lengths starting from around 40 feet to 70 feet.  

Semi Traditional AKA Semi Trad  
The semi traditional is the modern day version of the traditional narrow boat. It benefits from having a slightly larger stern deck, which enables more than one person to be in this area at any one time, making the semi trad a more social able boat when cruising along.

The deck also has sides which can have benches fitted to provide additional seating and outdoor storage.  

Another advantage of the semi trad is that a pram hood can be fitted in the bad weather giving some protection when you are cruising and provides a additional covered storage area for boots and other equipment that you may not want to keep in the boat. The cover can be removed during the warmer months if you wish.   This style is a popular choice for families and people with dogs.  

Cruiser  
The cruiser is the perfect choice for those of you that want the best cruising experience and are not so worried about the internal space on offer. The open plan deck is as a rule 2mts or longer in size than the other styles and also has a safety rail around the edge.

You can buy covers that you can then simply attach to the rails to enclose the deck area making it safer for children and pets.  

Tug  
Its main feature is it’s long front deck, which is useful if you want more outside space. Some believe that these boats are a bit of a waste of space, as you can’t live on your deck especially in the UK!  

Dutch Barge  
The ‘normal sized’ Dutch Barges style comes from the Netherlands and were originally used to carry cargo much like our traditional narrow boats. They are typically 15m to 40m in width; this makes them too wide to fit on most of the UK Inland Waterways. Fine if you don’t plan to go anywhere but no good if you want to travel. However you can purchase a Dutch barge style narrow boat the same width as a narrow boat, (6ft 10”) but has the look of a Dutch barge.  

The Mystery Boat  
It’s not a narrow boat, but it can be used on the UK canal system and is very similar to a narrow boat but it’s just a bit bigger. What is it? It’s a wide beam! Find out more about wide beams in this article.    

Hopefully this article has given you an insight into the different sterns available and if you would like to discuss this topic in more detail please do feel free to visit us at the marina. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to help.  

1. Take A Free Boat Trip

The London Narrow Boat Project are offering free 30 minute boat trips every day of the Crick boat show. The first trip starts at 10.10am and each trip lasts 30 minutes taking you along the Grand Union Canal.

You can book your trip at the Trip Boats marquee on the Quayside when you arrive at the show. A small donation to the project would be appreciated. 

2. Seminars 

Suitable for all as no one ever knows all there is to know about boating or owning a boat. 

A series of talks will be hosted by Mark Langley; Technical Editor of Waterways World which will be invaluable to new and experienced boaters.

Some topics that will be covered include;

• Things to consider when buying or selling
• How to ensure your boat is well maintained to avoid issues

At the end of each topic there will be an open question and answer session

3 Enjoy the music entertainment

Headline acts for 2017. Following highly-popular performances at Crick, as well as success from their own widely toured shows, Sunday 28 May sees the return of well-loved artists, Fleetwood Bac and Murphy’s Marbles, for Crick Favourites Night. Performances are held in the Wheatsheaf Bar Marquee so whatever weather we get you arcan enjoy the super music undisturbed.

All evening entertainment is included in the price of your day/weekend ticket.

4 Visit The Canal & River Trust marquee

The Canal & River Trust is now one of the UK's biggest charities. It was set up to care for the 2,000 miles of canal networks in England and Wales. Within the Canal & River Trust Marquee a number of historic and wildlife displays and activities will be taking place.

5 Climb aboard one of 40 display boats

This is a great opportunity for newbies to get aboard a variety of different boats, to get a feel of what potentially could be the perfect boat for them.

Our marina at Whilton Locks is just 10 minutes away from the Crick Boat Show by road. So if you fancy taking a look at any of the boats we are selling you are more than welcome to come to our marina to look. We will be open all Bank Holiday weekend from 9am to 6pm every day. There's no need to make an appointment just pop down and the staff at the marina will hand you the keys and be on hand if you need any help.

6 A chance to buy and win

With many of the biggest and best brokerage companies exhibiting at the Crick Boat show, buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to looking to buy a narrowboat. Many companies offer show deals,so look out for these specials and grab yourself a bargain over the Bank Holiday weekend.  

We will be exhibiting at the show and also running a photo competition, so have your camera ready and send us your shots of anything waterways related to be in with a chance to win one of our wonderful prizes. For details of how to enter our Crick Boat Show photography competition see our Crick Boat Show page.

7. Shopping heaven

If you're a boat owner or just a dreamer, the Crick Show is the ideal place to flex your credit card. With a large selection of stalls you will be spoilt for choice with gadgets, accessories, clothes and interesting finds all for the taking. You won't want to forget your shopping bags!

8 FREE Day out for the kids

The Crick Boat show is very much a family day out so bring along your kids there’s plenty for them to do and entry is free for children under 16 years old all weekend.

9 Be a VIP! The Waterways World VIP marquee

The Waterways World VIP marquee is the home of our Roses and Castles Vintage Tea room. 

The Tea room is a quiet space to relax and enjoy savories, homemade cakes and a selection of teas and coffees. Entry to the VIP Marquee is exclusively for wearers of the following wristbands:

• VIP*
• Exhibitor
• Show Volunteer.  

*To have a VIP wristband you need to be one of the following:  

• A subscriber to Waterways World magazine (to subscribe, visit waterwaysworld.com. As a subscriber you also receive 10% discount off advance ticket prices)
• An IWA member (you should show proof of membership at the marquee entrance)
• Visitors who have booked a weekend camping package.  

10 Vote for your favourite boat at the show

The Favourite Boat of Show competition is a tradition of Crick. If you’re taking a look at the exhibitor's boats in the marina or in the Show Village this year, make sure you pick up a Favourite Boat of Show slip to vote for your own favourite from the Shawbrook Finance Ltd stand on the Quayside (Q35). The boat with the most votes from visitors receives the award of Favourite Boat of Show, and the result is announced mid-afternoon on Monday. Everyone who votes is entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Marks & Spencer voucher and Waterways World subscription. The winning exhibitor receives a trophy and a bottle of champagne.

The Crick Boat Show 2017 will be open from 10am till 6pm every day except Monday 29 May, when it closes at 5pm.

Evening entertainment runs from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.

Ticket Price:  

• £12 per adult if booked in advance, £15 on the day. All children aged 16 and under go free. Senior citizens and concessions are £10.80 in advance and £13.50 if bought on the day.  
• Three day tickets are also available for £23.20 per adultin advance, or £29 on the day. Senior citizens and concessions are priced at £20.80 in advance, £26 on the day. 

Get your Crick Boat Show tickets here

Do come and visit our stand to say hello we'd love to see you!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF BOATING!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BUYING A NARROW BOAT? 

If the answer is YES then you will want to grab a coffee, find a quiet place to sit and continue reading this article! There are over 35,000 boat owners in the UK with the numbers growing year on year. There are so many people attracted to this life style and many more wanting to be part of it, are you about ready to jump onboard?

Things you should know before you part with your cash

Buying and maintaining a narrowboat is not something that should be rushed into. You may be full of enthusiasm and raring to get onboard, but first lets look at whats involved and plan ahead. Planning is a key part to getting the right boat and keeping the buying process as stress free as possible.

Set a budget

Know how you will use it

Know your sterns and lengths

Research the running costs

Moorings

Sort out the admin

Don’t buy until you have a survey

Use a Brokerage Company

For more help and advice give us a call on 01327 842577 or contact us by email

KEEP FIT INSPIRATION

Skipping into May!

We may have plenty of ropes lying around our boats which help us keep our boats in place, but how about using a rope to get yourself fit?

Skipping is a simple and effective method to improve your fitness. But be warned - you need to be patient, it's not as easy as it looks and it will take a little time and practice to become a skipping pro.

According to the British Rope Skipping Association, 10 minutes of skipping can have the same health benefits as a 45-minute run.

Skipping is a full body workout which uses your abdominals to stabilise the body, legs for jumping, shoulders and arms for turning the rope.

You can burn more than 200 calories in two, 10-minute sessions each day (that's 1,000 calories a week)!

*Always seek your doctors advice before starting any new life style change.

MAYS HEALTH TIPS

• Turn off your devices and connect with mother nature. Take long walks, go for a long cruise or fall asleep in the shade of a tree. Not only will you relax and recharge, you’ll give your immune system a boost.
• Now it's getting warmer you can swap your hot porridge breakfast for soaked overnight oats, add some seasonal fruit for some extra scrummy taste.
• Get outside earlier in the day. It's been cold and dark in the winter months, so it’s important to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days now the summer is on it's way. 

IN THE MONTH OF MAY WE CELEBRATE..

BOATING EVENTS IN MAY

Montgomery Canal Triathlon 6th May 2017, 8:30am to 5pm Severn Way, NewtonHead along to the Montgomery Canal Triathlon

Roses and Castles Weekend Painting Course 6th May 2017, 9:30am to 7th May 2017, 4:30pm Stoke BruerneAn Introduction to traditional painting techniques.

Stourbridge model railway exhibition 6th May 2017, 10am to 7th May 2017, 4:30pm Bonded WarehouseHead along to the Stourbridge model railway exhibition at the Bonded Warehouse.

Alarum Theatre presents: Idle women of the wartime waterways 6th May 2017, 2pm to 21st May 2017, 8:30pm Various locations across Milton KeynesThis May, head along to the Alarum Theatre's performance of Idle women of the wartime waterways.

Geophysics workshop 7th May 2017, 10am to 3pm Canal Head, PocklingtonJoin archaeologist Jon Kenny to learn about geophysics, and then help carry out the surveying at Canal Head ahead of the dig taking place later in the year.

Vikings at Anderton 13th May 2017 to 14th May 2017 Anderton Boat LiftHead to the Anderton Boat lift for a special 'Vikings at Anderton' event.

Freshwater wildlife of the Pocklington Canal 13th May 2017, 10am to 4pm Pocklington CanalHead along to this event on the Pocklington Canal where you can find out more about the freshwater wildlife in the canal.

Rickmansworth Festival 20th May 2017, 10:30am to 21st May 2017, 10:30pm Bewtween Batchwortha nd Stockers LockHead along to the Rickmansworth Festival

Willow weaving workshop - bowl making (PCAS Spring Fete) 21st May 2017, 10am to 3pm Melbourne Marina, MelbourneHead along to a workshop where you will learn how to weave using rushes from the canal itself.

Stoke Bruerne Floating Market 27th May 2017, 10am to 29th May 2017, 5pm Stoke BruerneHead along to the Stoke Bruerne Floating Market this May.

Crick Boat Show 2017 27th May 2017, 10am to 29th May 2017, 6pm Crick Marina. Head along to this years Crick Boat Show for a weekend of family fun. And we will be there too!

AND LASTLY "MAY "WE INVITE YOU, TO COME AND VISIT US SOON!