Hello - again

GrannyJen said:
Hello everyone, I'm new here .....:)

Well, sort of .... almost...

and I'm looking for a Cali, or possibly even a caddy Cali.

Yes, a few changes. I have become a widow. My Darling Jo, taken ill just as we completed the last of our big charity cycle rides last September, left me in December.

It left me having to reorganise my life. My grief has been unimaginable but life moves on. Last week I completed on the purchase of a narrowboat. A complete change of direction but it now means a full facility camper van is a bit superfluous to my lifestyle. However I do still have a need for an occasional overnight camper so looking, yet again, at the California range.

Bad pennies never go away for long :oops:
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Sorry to hear about your loss. I trust you’ll manage to treasure your precious memories of your loved one and march onward . Enjoy the boat and good luck in your Cali hunt!
 
Hello, When my mother died, my Father decided he wanted a camper for one, with certain requirements that no converter could accommodate, so he bought a caddy maxi van and converted it.
So it has a pop top roof with a small double bed in the roof, the passenger seat swivels, a chemical toilet, a microwave and a coffee machine powered by EHU or inverters with 2 x 100 amp hour batteries, sink, gas burner and cool box. it is currently on Auto trader because he now has a motorhome because he now has a dog!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
secret lemonade drinker said:
Hello, When my mother died, my Father decided he wanted a camper for one, with certain requirements that no converter could accommodate, so he bought a caddy maxi van and converted it.
So it has a pop top roof with a small double bed in the roof, the passenger seat swivels, a chemical toilet, a microwave and a coffee machine powered by EHU or inverters with 2 x 100 amp hour batteries, sink, gas burner and cool box. it is currently on Auto trader because he now has a motorhome because he now has a dog!

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!
www.autotrader.co.uk www.autotrader.co.uk

It might suit your requirements
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Thank you x
 
GrannyJen said:
Thank you Paul, and your comment I take as a compliment from someone who has given so much to this community.


Jen x
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Hi Jen, you must post some photos of your Canal Residence.
Friend had a canal boat, same width, height but only half the length.. A limited run of hulls from a local boat maker 50 yrs ago. The advantages were he could turn around on most canals at any point and he could get it on a trailer and take it to different canals all over the UK and even France. More of a Beach version than a SE/Ocean and the summer rather than winter.
 
WelshGas said:
Hi Jen, you must post some photos of your Canal Residence.
Friend had a canal boat, same width, height but only half the length.. A limited run of hulls from a local boat maker 50 yrs ago. The advantages were he could turn around on most canals at any point and he could get it on a trailer and take it to different canals all over the UK and even France. More of a Beach version than a SE/Ocean and the summer rather than winter.
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Sounds like one of those lovely canal boats found on the mon and Brec. I went for a compromise, a 50 foot can get round in most winding holes without the risk of going aground, but obviously a lot less in them than the more popular 60ft or the enormous 70ft. I am also looking to extended trips away, 1 to 3 months at a time, and wanted room for that fixed bed!!

As with a camper I also opted to buy new. My inability to put a screw in a wall without the wall falling down easily translates to me sinking the boat by fixing the tap.

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GrannyJen said:
Sounds like one of those lovely canal boats found on the mon and Brec. I went for a compromise, a 50 foot can get round in most winding holes without the risk of going aground, but obviously a lot less in them than the more popular 60ft or the enormous 70ft. I am also looking to extended trips away, 1 to 3 months at a time, and wanted room for that fixed bed!!

As with a camper I also opted to buy new. My inability to put a screw in a wall without the wall falling down easily translates to me sinking the boat by fixing the tap.

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Love this. Looks amazing.
 
GrannyJen said:
Sounds like one of those lovely canal boats found on the mon and Brec. I went for a compromise, a 50 foot can get round in most winding holes without the risk of going aground, but obviously a lot less in them than the more popular 60ft or the enormous 70ft. I am also looking to extended trips away, 1 to 3 months at a time, and wanted room for that fixed bed!!

As with a camper I also opted to buy new. My inability to put a screw in a wall without the wall falling down easily translates to me sinking the boat by fixing the tap.

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Nice. Woodburner for winter. No solar panels?
 
WelshGas said:
Nice. Woodburner for winter. No solar panels?
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Solar will be coming. Webasto heater and Rads for shoulder months, and yes, that nice woodburner for winter. I also need her sign writing. She is to be christened "Lady Jo" after that huge hole that is in my heart right now.
 
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GrannyJen said:
Solar will be coming. Webasto heater and Rads for shoulder months, and yes, that nice woodburner for winter. I also need her sign writing. She is to be christened "Lady Jo" after that huge hole that is in my heart right now.
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Excellent. I hope you make many new memories together in the years to come.
 
GrannyJen said:
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Wow! A narrow boat has been on our 'desired' list for years. We finally sold our sailing yacht last year but no wish to return to the sea. Your boat looks beautiful! it really does make me have to contain myself from selling up (not for the first time) and buying one. The only fly in the ointment is that on previous occasions when we have hired narrow boats I did suffer a bit from 'Canal Rage' :D but now that I am properly retired and no need to be back to 'work on a Monday' hopefully the short temper will have abated.
 
chockswahay said:
Wow! A narrow boat has been on our 'desired' list for years. We finally sold our sailing yacht last year but no wish to return to the sea. Your boat looks beautiful! it really does make me have to contain myself from selling up (not for the first time) and buying one. The only fly in the ointment is that on previous occasions when we have hired narrow boats I did suffer a bit from 'Canal Rage' :D but now that I am properly retired and no need to be back to 'work on a Monday' hopefully the short temper will have abated.
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AND .......... I just realised it has proper Portholes..........LOVELY (just showed the piccies to my wife, she wants one too!)
 
Hi GJ,

So sorry for your loss.

Narrow boat sounds lovely. Nice to see you on the forum.
 
GrannyJen said:
Sounds like one of those lovely canal boats found on the mon and Brec. I went for a compromise, a 50 foot can get round in most winding holes without the risk of going aground, but obviously a lot less in them than the more popular 60ft or the enormous 70ft. I am also looking to extended trips away, 1 to 3 months at a time, and wanted room for that fixed bed!!

As with a camper I also opted to buy new. My inability to put a screw in a wall without the wall falling down easily translates to me sinking the boat by fixing the tap.

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What a beautiful boat she is. So sad to hear your news, you really made the most of the time you had. Here's to more adventures in the future for you.
 
chockswahay said:
Can I ask who the builder is please Jen?
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Dragon boats, London. It is a start-up by the people who used to design and build Viking and Aqualine, two very well regarded companies that bit the dust with lockdown. They are built in Poland.

My surveyor was very impressed with quality and handling. It had it's river trials two weeks ago and we were both on it. I bought DB001, their demo boat, much to their annoyance as it was booked into the Shepperton boat show on the 21st. However it was "Cash for your "used" demonstrator" and I think they were keen to get a boat on the water.

Dragon Boats 50' Narrowboat - New Boat

Introducing the All-New Custom-Built 50ft Narrowboat by Dragon Boats London Ltd. Crafted with precision and passion by Dragon Boats London Ltd, this modern and contemporary narrowboat is designed to offer the ultimate cruising experience. This vessel combines durable steel construction with...
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GrannyJen said:
Sounds like one of those lovely canal boats found on the mon and Brec. I went for a compromise, a 50 foot can get round in most winding holes without the risk of going aground, but obviously a lot less in them than the more popular 60ft or the enormous 70ft. I am also looking to extended trips away, 1 to 3 months at a time, and wanted room for that fixed bed!!

As with a camper I also opted to buy new. My inability to put a screw in a wall without the wall falling down easily translates to me sinking the boat by fixing the tap.

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Lovely canal boat you have there and having owned on myself over 20 years ago I have to say the aft galley is the best layout. Happy cruising
 
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