We often speak to people who have a dream to buy a narrow boat, but they come up with every excuse in the book as to why they can’t realise their dream. This is a real shame because there is often no reason they can't be the owner of a narrow boat.

If owning a canal boat is also your dream, don’t be one of those people. Put excuses aside and we'll help you buy the boat of your dreams.

Unfortunately we live in a world where making excuses is common place. This can be true of complacent people or those who are too afraid to give something new a chance. By making excuses you are actually holding yourself back on so many different levels; professionally, emotionally and socially.

How many times a day do you find yourself making an excuse for not doing something, whether its going to the gym, starting a new project or investing in your future? Making excuses limits the possibilities that are open to us.

So what to do? Easy – STOP making excuses and allow yourselves to grow and fulfill your goals however big or small.

Don’t let excuses stop you owning your own canal boat.  We want to help you achieve your dream.

Here is a list of excuses we have heard people quoting for not buying a narrow boat and how we can answer that excuse in a flash.

I’M TOO OLD – Rubbish! 40% of our clients who buy a narrow boat are over 50. In fact we recently sold a 35 foot narrow boat to a couple in their 80s! Boating is a great hobby/investment for the older generation. The slow pace of life and the tranquility of the canal system makes it a great choice for all, especially those over 50!

IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE I COULD NEVER AFFORD IT – There are a variety of ways to finance a narrow boat from; re-mortgaging, getting a marine mortgage or personal loan, going to the bank of mum and dad or simply by saving up. Don’t let money stand in the way of getting your own narrow boat.

I DON’T KNOW HOW TO CRUISE – Nor do most people who buy a narrow boat for the first time, but that’s easily overcome. You can enroll on a boating course - see here for more details

The Inland Waterways Crew Course is an entry level course and can be run in conjunction with the Inland Waterways Helmsman’s course for mixed ability groups.This course is ideal for introducing friends or family members to crewing a vessel on the inland waterways, and for giving them an understanding of how they can assist the helm.  

Your instructor will cover all the basics of being a useful crew member, including personal safety; communication on board; throwing a mooring line; some basic boat handling; helping in locking operations; how to be a good look out; what to do in an emergency and looking after the environment.

IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN FOR ME, I’M NOT LUCKY ENOUGH – It has nothing to do with luck; look at your strengths and situation & make things happen for you. You can achieve any goal you set yourself. It’s sometimes useful to make a list of how you will achieve your goal and also set yourself time scales and targets to work to. Focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Leave lady luck to do her work elsewhere - you are in control of your future.

IT’S DANGEROUS – No more so than any other past time like driving, caravaning, and so on. If you use your common sense and follow the basic safety tips for boating you will be just fine.

IT’S TOO COLD IN THE WINTER! – You’d be surprised how toasty and warm a well heated and maintained narrow boat is! And if you are not planning on living on your boat full time, then you can winterise your vessel in the  winter and return in the spring when the better weather comes.

MY FRIEND SAYS THEY ARE  A WASTE OF MONEY - Total rubbish, your friend is more likely suffering from a touch of the green eyed monster and just doesn't want you to fulfill your dreams. Buying a canal boat can be a good investment and it can provide you and your family with additional living or holiday accommodation.

I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START – Well you are on the right path already, reading this article is the first step to looking into the possibility of buying a narrow boat. Have a good look around our site at the boats for sale and the articles in our blog for more help and advice.

If you would like a chat that’s great, give us a call on 01327 842577 and we will answer any questions you may have. then pop down and see us, we are conveniently located on the Grand Union Canal in the Midlands so its easy to access our marina from most places.

We all have doubts and fears, but we truly become empowered and lead a more fulfilled life when we trade in our excuses for our dreams!