Size and location

I guess most people new to boating would start with these two parameters above all and this occupy's most of our discussion time at this stage. We have set our eyes on a minimum of 45' and a maximum of 57', based upon the logic that the lower figure is the smallest we could live aboard and the upper figure to do with cruising the whole system. We have decided that reversing in at an angle in some of the Huddersfield canal locks, is too disturbing at this stage to contemplate so will leave it out! We have a our eyes set on a cruiser back and reverse layout, for easier cup of tea delivery to the helms person and we thing that shopping will be stored easier and quicker from the large space straight into the galley.

The second talking point is location, given the fact at this stage we have no idea where our future pride and joy is in fact residing, that leaves us a bit open. But we want to be within hail of our land base which is in East Yorkshire, so we are very keen on the Trent and Mersey, not too far. We have noted that there are a number of quality Marinas between Nottingham and Stafford, gives us a lot of scope. Looking forward to getting to the UK about September and starting to investigate in the flesh so to speak. We think that in our first year at least, we would want a home marina to trek out from, maybe a few weeks at the start and then longer tours. We think that in year two we may attempt continuous cruising but we are still keen to know we have a home base.

It will be interesting to look back at this in the coming months to see what has changed in our thinking and even more interesting to see what we buy and where we end up!