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AS SOON as the days start to lengthen people tend to revive their plans to buy a boat, or perhaps sell their current vessel to get a new one, writes Simon Jenkins of Norbury Wharf.
 In the middle of a recession you would suspect that many would think twice about making such a major investment—but dreams are made of tough stuff and those who have the resources are going to be just as determined to get onto the water in the boat of their choice.
Gone to the wall
But the whole business of buying and selling is fraught with difficulty. Large scale narrowboat brokers have gone to the wall and the market is no longer flush with money.
That is certainly true at the top end. Very expensive boats, £75,000 plus, are not moving very quickly and the market for new-build is limited to those with a lot of ready cash, but at lower prices there is a lot of business being done.
Being in the business of buying and selling boats for more than 20 years, I have developed some top tips for both buyers and sellers.
Buyers
1. Unless you have had previous experience on a narrowboat, please hire one first, and spend at least a week on it to ensure it is really something you want to do. Another possibility is to go on a training course.
2. Research, research, research. The more home work that you do the less leg work you'll have to do. Buying a boat is probably the second biggest purchase that we make. If you have a clear picture of what suits you and your family you have a better chance of getting it right the first time—although many of us find our first boat won't be our last boat. Talk to as many people, read as many forums and get as much advice as you can.
3. Make sure you know the area that you plan to keep your boat and visit the moorings in the area to ensure you have somewhere to keep it when it is yours.
4. Brokers will have done the necessary checks that the seller is really the owner of the boat. Of course, it is still viable to buy privately but please ensure that the vendor is the legal owner of the vessel, especially with regard to any outstanding finance deal.
 5. Once you've found your ideal boat do as much inspection and checking as possible to make sure the boat is in good condition before instructing a marine surveyor. A survey is a costly exercise, and you must make sure that it is the correct boat for you and fits all of your criteria.
6. Once you have taken the plunge and bought the boat if it hasn't already been documented, it is vital to have the engine serviced, hull blacked and appliances serviced by professionals. Then you know where you're starting from. Don't make the assumption that boats are like cars as some don't get the TLC the really need from some owners.
Sellers
1. Selling a boat is a bit like selling a house and you need to take in the advice often given by estate agents to de-clutter and make the vessel as welcoming as possible. Imagine you were looking for a boat to buy and dress it accordingly. Make sure that you remove all personal possessions and it only has items aboard that are included within the sale.
2. We would always recommend to use a broker or an agent—well we would, wouldn't we? But it does make a difference if you chose a broker with a proven sales history and someone who has been around the block a few times.
3. Just as you would with an estate agent, agree the terms and conditions of the sale (especially commission and mooring charges), prior to handing your boat over and signing a brokerage contract or agreement.
4. Do not just abandon your boat with a broker. Unless you agree a deal with them, they will not maintain your boat any more than an estate agent will come and clean your house. Make sure the boat is kept clean, tidy, batteries charged, water drained or heating on (through winter months). If you can't, ensure that you have an agreement with your broker so that the boat is well cared for. This is still your asset and therefore still needs to maintained and looked after.
Question of price
On the thorny question of price, ensure that the boat is not over priced in the first instance. Not only take your brokers advice—it has been known for them to exaggerate the price they can get in order to win your business—you should also do as much research into similar boats that are currently for sale. Get the price right when the boat is initially advertised and it will sell quickly, overprice it and it will sit there, draining your resources, for months.
We buy boats regularly, either to sell on or for our hire fleet. Buying and selling are two different mind sets, but value is the key to both, you need to be sure you are offering value as a seller and getting value as a buyer.
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