Project FloatingAbode Diary
Beginnings In May 1999, I was looking at local estate agent's website when I came across an advert for a 57' narrowboat. This forced me to question myself - did I really want to lumber myself with a house and a mortgage? I went to see the boat and as it happens, it was very pleasant, if not quite to my taste. The asking price was £40,000 Stg which seemed like a bargain compared to the cheapest flats in the vicinity of my workplace. For around £50,000 you can be the owner of a not-very-interesting flat that is in serious need of redecorating. When I went to see that boat, it was warm and sunny, the side hatches were open and you could lean looking out over the water, fishes swimming just under the mirror surface below the hatch. It was idyllic. I made up my mind to buy some magazines and learn more. From then on, I became more and more convinced that it was a good idea.. Finance was an issue and for a while I thought I would have to give up on the project. Thankfully, my bank, HSBC, has been refreshingly flexible for a bank and were able to propose a personal loan to cover the cost of the hull and some of the initial expenditure. The rest of the investment I will make from my monthly paycheck as I go along!