First Time Boat Buyer - Questions & Help?

Hi there,

I've been thinking about narrowboat life ever since I first walked along a canal 7 years ago. Something about the lifestyle just gripped me, living totally immersed in nature and being at one with it, and when I was talking to my partner (at the time) about buying houses I'd always suggest buying a boat. I'm under no illusion as to how hard the life can be, whether it's finding water, emptying toilets, fixing engines, painting, fixing, etc etc. As well as the winters being bitterly cold and difficult. I know that if I go ahead with it, I'll likely be massively shocked at just how difficult it is.

However, I'm a huge lover of the outdoors. The happiest times of my life have been spent outside with nature, no matter the weather. I also absolutely adore bird watching, I felt a rush unlike any rollercoaster when I spotted my first tufted duck haha!

I'm at a crossroads in my life now where I left my abusive ex-bf, moved back home, and am now torn between returning to the matrix & working full-time exclusively to pay for an overpriced flat in a busy city which I did and hated for the last 8 years, or trying something completely different and radical - and putting money I earn into something, and finally finding my own independence and freedom that my whole adult life has been lacking. My sister has also offered me a job in AUS, but it's woefully underpaid (with the prospect of earning a small fortune on commission) and I'm not sure it's where I need to be right now.

I've found a small narrowboat going for pretty cheap that I have fallen for and think could actually be my first ever home, but I don't have the foggiest clue on what to look out for. What to ask, what to check (??), what issues I'd even be trying to find, how to know it's not a scam, etc.

I've asked my friend who lived on a narrowboat for 10 years before returning to land for advice and maybe to view it with me, but they haven't responded yet so idk if that's a viable option. Right now, all I have is either myself to go down to meet the seller with absolutely no clue on anything, or see if there is anyone moored up nearby who wouldn't mind lending an extra pair of eyes.

That being said, if anyone is near Stafford next week I would be so incredibly grateful for a bit of guidance. If no-one's free, don't worry, if you wouldn't mind letting me know what to look out for, or to check the boat on the listing to see if it looks okay before I go ahead with making any financial plans.

Thank you so much. I really do hope to be part of the narrowboat community someday (sooner rather than later!).