We have now been living onboard our new narrowboat’Cygnet’ for over a year and as much as she is an improvement on living afloat in comparison to our old boat ‘Badger’ we still need to focus on getting a bigger boat in the near future. Cygnet was always going to be a kind of 'stepping stone' boat as it were, a way of being on the canal network, enjoying the life it brings, while we reorganise ourselves and get into a position to go bigger.
So I have been keeping an eye out online for some likely candidates and one in paricular caught my attention as it was in what they call the 'TUG' style narrowboat, with an elongated bow section. Both 
I decided to go and have a closer look at this one and arranged a viewing with the owner and of course took the obvious opportunity to snap some shots of her.
It was one of those situations where I wanted to like her more than I actually did when I was viewing. She ticked a lot of boxes, style and space wise. I loved the bed actually being under the elongated bow section so not really losing any interior space to the design.
But,and there is a big but and I cannot lie.
SHe was more style than substance, alot of potential but too much to be done. Question marks over the engine, hull integrity and lack of a inboard water tank. He was living on the marina and used the water hook ups and had removed the freshwater tank and hadn't really put alot of thought into where he would reposition it. I listened to his suggestions and nodded politely but inwardly wrote them off instantly.
I never see looking at a boat that I don't end up buying as a failure but more of a learning curve an a motivator. I know Ideal boat for us is out there still waiting. It's all about timing really and so I will continue to scour websites and keep my eyes and ears open on the canal itself as anything can pop up at anytime.
In the meantime, keep saving, keep looking and keep enjoying our existing little boat, life on the canals is good!
