How to Buy a Narrowboat from Facebook Marketplace
Buying a narrow boat is a significant decision, and Facebook Marketplace can be a great platform to find one that suits your needs and budget. This guide will help you navigate the process and provide some crucial considerations.
Determining Your Needs
Before you start your search, decide on the type of boat you want. Are you looking for a narrow boat or a wide beam boat? Each has its own advantages and suits different needs and preferences. Use these preferences to guide your search on Facebook Marketplace.
Evaluating Listings
Once you’ve found potential boats, it’s time to evaluate them. Look for the following key information in the listings:
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Age of the Boat: The age can give you an idea about the potential condition of the boat and its equipment.
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Blacking History: Check when the boat was last blacked. Regular blacking helps protect the hull from corrosion.
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Hull Thickness: If the metal on the hull is too thin, you risk needing to over plate the boat. This is an expensive process, and needs to be professionally done by a welder.
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Visible Wear and Tear: Look closely at the pictures for any visible damage or signs of neglect.
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Price: Compare the price of the boat to its length. A rough guide is £1000 per foot, but this can vary depending on many factors.
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Balast: One thing I wish I did before buying my boat would have been to ask what type of ballast was used. Blocks are better than shingle or sand for moisture reasons. I will have another article on this.
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Water Tank Capacity: No good buying a boat with a tiny water tank. You will spend more time filling it up than cruising!
Contacting Sellers
If a listing catches your interest, reach out to the seller for more information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to get a better understanding of the boat’s condition and history. That is what they are expecting.
You will either get through to a private seller or a boat broker. The benefit of getting a private seller is that they are more likely to know the ins an outs of the boat because they themselves have lived on it, whereas a boat broker is only going off experience with other boats and a quick look round.
The advantage of a boat broker over a private seller however is that they usually have multiple boats to show. This means that if you don’t quite like the initial boat you have gone to see, you will be able to go an view the other boats they have for sale.
Harder to negotiate with a boat broker however as they are on a 10% commission, and have to take your price to the current owner before reaching an agreement.
Arranging a Visit
If you’re satisfied with the information provided, arrange a visit to see the boat in person. This is your opportunity to check the boat’s condition firsthand and assess whether it’s the right boat for you.
Negotiating and Finalizing the Purchase
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, negotiate the price with the seller. Once you agree on a price, finalise the purchase, but remember to ensure all the necessary paperwork is completed.
FAQ
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What should I look for in a narrow boat listing on Facebook Marketplace?
Key things to look for include the age of the boat, when it was last blacked, visible wear and tear in pictures, hull thickness, water tank capacity, engine condition and the price relative to the boat’s length.
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How can I get more information about a boat I’m interested in?
Contact the seller to ask any questions you have or request more information about the boat.
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What should I check when visiting a boat?
When visiting a boat, check its overall condition, the state of its equipment, and look for any signs of neglect or damage. Get in the bilge and check for water. Make sure you hear the engine run.