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“Ory” 1979 48ft Narrowboat cruiser stern
A project boat / quirky glamping accommodation
I purchased this narrowboat in April 2022 at a cost of £32.5k
I have gutted the boat with the intention of a full refit but in doing so have revealed damage to the hull which was not noted on the survey when I purchased her. I cannot afford the repairs or legal action against the surveyor and equally having now lost my home I cannot afford the mooring fees as well as a rental property – I have no choice but to sell her at a loss. She would make a great project for someone whether the intention is to remediate the damage and continue to use her as a boat or lift and transport to hard standing to use as quirky glamping accommodation – this scenario would negate the need for most of the repairs – if only I owned some land!
The Honest bits:
She will require over plating on the base plate as the hull has become porous at bow and stern and water droplets are slowly bubbling up. (See picture)
New bulkheads bow and stern as these have rotted where they meet the hull as well as a new well deck as this was allowing rainwater into the hull where the water tank is located.
There is water between the side overplating and the original plate which will need to be drained and pressure tested to find the source of the ingress.
Ideally a new boss welding in for the stern gear / new copper tube fabricated as an off the shelf tube will not fit the boss as the tube was custom made when the new engine was fitted 20 years ago. The stern gear boss was leaking; this was temporarily resealed with sikaflex as the marina were unable to get the parts when she was docked, my intention was to have this resolved at her next blacking – then I began the refit and discovered the above issues. This is still water tight and functional.
The good bits:
Blacked in June 2022 with 8 new anodes fitted. By 4allmarine in Chertsey at a cost of £1k – She was out the water in September to assess the hull damage and these still had plenty of life left in them.
Beta marine 38 engine, serviced, new belts and filters. 25k hours. Runs without fault. New starter battery in 2022.
New morse controller and cables at a cost of £350
Custom recycled plastic deck boards at a cost of £500 (they will never rot)
Custom stern and catch covers fitted in January by AM marine trimming at a cost of £5k
20x recycled plastic fence post bearers for floor refit at a cost of £500 (again these will never rot)
5l of vactan rust converter and 5l of bilge paint at a cost of over £100. The decent parts of the hull have been wire wheeled back and are ready for treatment and paint.
She is still afloat and can be transported via river by the buyer – located on the river Wey in Surrey with easy access to the Thames.
Morso Squirrel multifuel stove (flue is still in boat) worth £1k needs a new collar which can be purchased for £30 from midland chandlers
I have been as honest as I can – I want any potential buyer to understand the extent of the work required – something that was not afforded to myself. I would love to save her but no longer have the time, money or energy.
for more information call / WhatsApp 07568138434
offers considered
Current Price: £9500.00
This 1979 48′ Narrowboat – Project – Liveaboard – Glamping may be available on ebay