October 2006 Newsletter

Liveaboard Moorings.

We get many people ask about mooring their liveaboard boat and whether they really need a residential mooring.

So here are some pointers to help you search for and find a suitable mooring for your needs.

We all know that proper residential moorings are getting harder to find especially in popular areas such as London so do you really need a proper residential mooring?
The answer is no, you don't but it will be easier if you can find one.
With a proper residential mooring you get the security of status. By this I mean you can use your boats mooring address as your home address, you have the same rights as others to use local services and schools and include your permanent address on legal documents such as your passport and driving license. For some people this security of status is important but what if you cannot find a residential mooring?

There are other options that may or may not suit you.

1. Continuously cruise

By that we mean that you move your boat to different moorings often so you are not classed as a residential boat because you do not stay permanently moored in one location.
This is an alternative but you will need to keep a permanent address somewhere such as a family members or friends address. This option is not right for everyone but some enjoy moving around seeing different places. You could move moorings within a small geographical location which will keep you always in the same general location.

2. Mooring by agreement.

By this I mean talking to a moorings operator and having a verbal agreement that you can liveaboard your boat as long as you keep a low profile. Some are open to this arrangement and it can work well for both you and the mooring operator. You get a mooring and they get your money. It is surprising how many liveaboards are happily living on moorings with this arrangement.

The one problem with this arrangement is that the mooring operator will rarely give you any secure mooring agreement. If they do not have a proper residential mooring and the local authority find out you are residential the operator will ask you to leave. If you can get a mooring like this then do keep a low profile, I know people that have been mooring this way for years with no problems but you must always be prepared to move on if you have to.
Again, you would need to keep a shore side address as many mooring operators will not allow mail to be sent to their address on your behalf.

3. Mooring anywhere!

If you like the really nomadic lifestyle then you could just find a isolated mooring spot and stay. You would need to be very self sufficient but there is no reason you can't as there are many out of the way spots that you may be able to occupy for as long as you wish.

These are real alternatives to a residential mooring but as you may have guessed you really need to live on a boat that can move under its own power. If you have a static houseboat with no engine to move it you really do need a permanent residential mooring. Having said that most static houseboats will be sold with a permanent mooring.


In summary you really need to be clever and go and talk to mooring operators in your chosen area. In my experience talking to them personally will get you better results. It's easy for them to say no over the phone but in person you can build a rapour with them and explain what you are looking for.

So if you are finding it difficult locating a residential mooring in your chosen area it might be worth visiting some of the marinas and boatyards and asking if they can accommodate your needs. Remember, even if some say no ask them if they know of any moorings that would be suitable, they should have a good knowledge of the area and may come up with something you missed.

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© 2005. Living On Boats.
www.livingonboats.co.uk

Martin Chinery has lived on boats for over 7 years. He writes articles for and runs the Living On Boats website.

** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners **
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include this resource box.
If you do use the material please send us a note so we can take a look. Thanks.
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'Bargain Basement'

I often look around for boats that are for sale at a reasonable price and could make a suitable liveaboard boat. It is surprising what you can find so I thought I would feature one vessel in each edition of the newsletter to show what can be found. I'll call this 'Bargain Basement' and see what little jems we can come up with.

This months 'Bargain Basement'
60ft Part converted MFV

60ft Part converted MFV made from larch on oak frames,built in 1959 in Banff East Scotland as a siene netter. She has had a new wheelhouse conversion, which includes kitchen and dinning area, also helm position.
She is powerd by a Kelvin 8 cylinder marine diesel engine 240hp which is in commision with a very good gear box fiited,all working and ready to be moved to a new location if needed.

Down below decks is all stripped out ready for you to put your own stamp on. There is lots of space for conversion to live abourd or to put back as fishing or diving vessel. I think the price is very good for a vessel of this size, you could expect to get about £60k when finished.
£18,000

This is a large vessel and for the money could be a great buy for someone that wanted to fit out below decks to their own specification. Here you are getting a lot of boat for your money but don't forget tha you will have to put in some hard work finishing off he conversion.

September 2006 Newsletter

Boat Surveys.

Buying any boat is a big decision and is probably the second biggest personal outlay you will ever make. It's a major decision, and bluntly, when buying a used boat...

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN
Remember: "Buyer Beware"
"Caveat Emptor". The axiom or principle in commerce that the buyer alone is responsible
for assessing the quality of a purchase before buying.

When buying a used boat there are no warranties or guarantees. How do you know...
• That the boat is even what the advert states?
• That the boat is fit for the purpose?
• That the boat is undamaged?
• That the boat is safe, sound or seaworthy?
• That the engines are serviceable?
• That the rig is safe?
• That the boat will provide good service without huge repair costs?
• That your investment is justified; are you paying too much, or too little?
If there are problems your only recourse is pursuit of the vendor through the courts; which can be along and costly procedure with unknown results.

Almost everyone you will deal with in choosing and selecting your boat will be working for the vendor. Brokers, advertisers, agents, agencies are all paid buy the vendor. If you use a broker make sure they are professional, use a recognized form of contract (for example RYA/BMIF/ABYA if in the UK) and that your deposit is secure and returnable. In the United Kingdom, look for membership of the ABYA (the Professional Association of Yacht Brokers) which ensures a high ethical standard and established code of practice, correct paperwork and indemnity insurance.

Who Can Help?

You need a Surveyor.
• Your surveyor is your professional.
• Your surveyor is on your side.
• Your surveyor works for you.
• Your surveyor cares about your boating safety.
• Your surveyor protects your investment and risk.
• Your surveyor enables you to make an informed decision.
You need a professional surveyor experienced in the type of boat you are considering.

A good surveyor will help and advise you on suitability and what to look for, he will play devils advocate in your decision purchase. He is your only guarantee and back up.

How do I find a good Surveyor?

Surveyors can be found in the advertising in the yachting press, at the professional association's web sites, broker's lists. Ask around in the yard, yacht club or marina for a personal recommendation.

Alarmingly there is no legislation, qualification or requisite standard to set up as a yacht surveyor. In the UK, look for a surveyor who is a member of an established and tangible, professional body such as the YDSA, Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association, or the IIMS, International Institute of Marine Surveyors (small craft section). This ensures that the surveyor is fully accredited, scrutinized, and follows a recognized code of practice.

Points to Check, and Questions to ask, when selecting a Surveyor.
• Membership of Professional Association.
• Qualification, Experience, or Accreditation.
• Level of Professional Indemnity. Cover for you.
• Third Party Insurance. Cover for the boat/vendor.
• Specialty and or Experience in the type of craft.
• Fees. Compare Quotes - beware too cheap.
• Does the surveyor offer formal terms of business and survey instruction form?

Ask for a sample survey; see what you might get for your money, and a reference from a previous client. The Surveyor should be flexible to suit your needs or any special requirements and should explain and discuss the types and benefits of different surveys. The surveyor should be receptive to your enquiries, positive, helpful, willing and enthusiastic never casual or dismissive. Remember he is working for you.

The Survey.

If at all possible attend the survey, after all it's your survey. Ask questions and talk to your surveyor, but don't stop him doing his job. The surveyor should explain what he is looking at and why and what it means. This is invaluable when you need to understand and quantify a technical report.

After the Survey.

Digest your report, make notes and discuss it with your surveyor. Ask questions. It is important to understand the findings and implications of the survey report and the advice of your surveyor. You will get more meaningful information from a frank discussion than a report. If you are satisfied that you can make an informed decision, renegotiate, buy the boat, or pull out.

Reproduced from http://www.boatcareyachtsurveys.co.uk/ with thanks to Simon May

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© 2005. Living On Boats.
www.livingonboats.co.uk

Martin Chinery has lived on boats for over 7 years. He writes articles for and runs the Living On Boats website.

** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners **
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include this resource box.
If you do use the material please send us a note so we can take a look. Thanks.
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'Bargain Basement'

I often look around for boats that are for sale at a reasonable price and could make a suitable liveaboard boat. It is surprising what you can find so I thought I would feature one vessel in each edition of the newsletter to show what can be found. I'll call this 'Bargain Basement' and see what little jems we can come up with.

This months 'Bargain Basement'
Cruising Houseboat on London Docklands mooring

64ft Steel Cruising Houseboat

Vospen Thorneycroft Steel 64ft motor Yacht, inland and ofshore waters. A conversion from famous Fireboat39 that escorted the Falcland troops and served in southampton until late 80's recently refitted to outstanding specification.
Birch and american black walnut interior and leather, separate galley with dish washer, washer dryer, freezer, fridge, combination oven, grill, microwave,hob and hood.
Saloon with leather L shape seating and windows 360degree view, 2 ensuite master cabins with electric jabsco toilets and glass basins and leather bed with full ceiling height throughout.
Integrated sound system and remote controlled mood lighting throughout and fitted alarm system.
Twin 460hp rolls royce engines. Great live aboard/cruising houseboat with residential london docklands mooring. Surveyed and antiffouledin Dec2004, reffited in 2005. Inflatable dinghy for 4persons with 2.5hp engine. Price was reduced and now priced accordingly for a quick sale. She's moored on residential mooring in london docklands. Mooring £458.25p/m plus electrics.
£120,500

This boat caught our eye and would make a great liveaboard boat with a London mooring. With a good amount of space and working engines this would be a flexible boat that would make a good London base and a boat you can use to travel. I know you wouls not find a house in the docklands for this price!