Where can you buy ex-hire narrowboats?

Ex-hire and holiday narrowboats can be a great option when buying a canal boat. They are usually extremely well maintained as well as regularly serviced and looked after. So, where can you find and buy these narrowboats? The top tier brokerages don’t always like shout about the holiday boats they are selling on.

Narrowboat hire companies: Many narrowboat hire companies also sell their ex-hire boats. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a boat that has been well-maintained and serviced.

• ABC Boat Hire sell their ex-hire boats through their own brokerage as ABC Boat sales.
• Black Prince Holidays sell their ex-hire boats through their own website on Black Prince Holidays boat sales section.
• Kate Boats sell their holiday boats through a hidden boat sales section on their hire site.

Narrowboat brokers: There are a number of narrowboat brokers who specialize in selling ex-hire boats. These brokers typically have a wide range of boats to choose from, and they can offer advice on buying and selling narrowboats.

Online marketplaces: There are a number of online marketplaces where you can find ex-hire narrowboats for sale. Look out for auctions on ebay and some of the Facebook groups.
These marketplaces can be a good way to find a good deal, but it’s important to do your research before buying a boat from an online seller. Be very wary off paying large deposits online before you have seen the boat.

Here are some additional tips for buying an ex-hire narrowboat:

• Get a survey done: It’s important to get a survey done on any narrowboat before you buy it, especially an ex-hire boat. This will help you to identify any potential problems with the boat.
• Ask about the boat’s history: Ask the seller about the boat’s history, including how it has been used and maintained. It’s also a good idea to ask for copies of any service records.
• Take the boat for a test run: Before you buy a narrowboat, it’s important to take it for a test run. This will give you a chance to see how the boat handles and to identify any potential problems.

I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your search for an ex-hire narrowboat!