Many years ago, 12 to be exact, I wrote a post about buying and doing up boats to live on. I was reminded of that on my lunchtime walk, standing for a while with a group of old chaps to watch the lifeboat being hauled onto the beach. Out of water, lifeboats move like seals.
I went back to the links I'd used in that post from 2013 and, while some of the sites have gone, most are still around - which was nice to see. There are lots of boats out there, lots and lots, so I limited myself to a top price of £40k (pocket-money for you £2million-ers... ; ) and ignored anything already done up.
I'm going to start here, with this 1960s, partly-renovated former trawler. Currently berthed in a marina in Plymouth, the owners have done a fair bit of work to prep it but there's a lot more to do.
It's basically two 'rooms' at present - the cockpit, and the saloon/galley/anything else space shown below. The issue will be whether you could repurpose the large hull to create a bedroom and bathroom, if your goal is to spend more than occasional weekends in the marina.
But at offers on just £10k, it's well worth exploring. On the market through Boatshed (Plymouth), more information and pictures through the agent, and on Apollo Duck here.
Also in the 25/26ft bracket is this chunky and cute narrowboat. Much, much less work to do, but also three times the price and you'd need to get it to where you want it.
Saloon/galley, plus separate toilet, shower, and a bedroom with a fitted double bed base. Details are pretty limited and don't include why it isn't in the water - could just be a storage issue at the yard? Also, I think all boats should have a name.
On the market at £37,750 through Nationwide Narrowboat Sales, more here.
And, if you really know your boats, this beautiful part-renovation of a classic 1948 Morgan Giles needs someone to finish the job and get it back to sea and under sail (top pic and below).
Designed by F.C. Morgan Giles, it was bought as wreck in 2010, the hull has been rebuilt, the bulkhead, decks and roofing replaced and the interior started. There's an engine and mast waiting to be fitted and electrics to do. Easy-peasy for the right buyer ; )
On the market through Wooden Ships at just £6500. Details and more pictures here.
Just to wrap up, couple of other sites I'd recommend if the idea of moving from land to water appeals.
Have a look at the New and Used Boat Company's secondhand section - they're not just another aggregator so useful on the advice front too. Apollo Duck is an aggregator but one that's been around for decades and carry a good mix of private and trade sales. A good option for registering interest in particular locations or types of boats (basically Rightmove for boats). And, if narrow boats are your thing (or could be), have a look at the Historic Narrowboat Club for information and guidance on what to look for.
Sea is calm this evening, hopefully the lifeboat can stay at home.
