still searching.

Hi

Still searching for my dream, drove up to Norwich yesterday, round trip of 340 mile to see a freeman 24.
how photos can be misleading, and taken only in the nice parts within the boat.
Believe me, it was not what I call cheap.
When we got there,after driving 160mile to Stalham, then spending 15mins trying to find the boat yard, we did find the sign eventually in the bushes. that should have been the sign to turn around.
So OUR expectations where soon popped and  our heads sunk.
 
The search continues.

Freeman 22 or 23 , there must some cherished and loved boats out there, looking for a new home to be again loved.

Being new to this game of buying a boat, I thought that the proceedure in this instance was  strange. but maybe this is the way all boat yards work.
TRIP 1   In this instance 340mile round trip ;~ Go and see the boat. (if we liked the boat and say yes we would like to buy her).£60 of fuel.
TRIP 2   The boat  yard would put the boat in the water , at a cost to me of £125, for a test run, so to speak. And in this instance another 340mile round trip , and another £60 of fuel.

After the test run and we agree to buy this boat, then the Boat would be lifted out of the water (@ at cost to me of £125), and put on a lorry, and delivered to me, or the river, where it will be moored,charged at the going rate. (understandable cost).
This end the new boat tyard would crane off  into the river £xxx. understandable.

I seems that the person who actually Owns the boat, and the boat yard, who is selling the boat on their behalf, has no out lay of money at all, in trying to sell the boat. All the costs are down to the buyer.
I find this scary, as it all adds up, and if you are happy with  a boat, after looking at the boat on hard standing and ask for a trial in the river to hear the engine and if any leaks.
This all cost YOU money, and the engine maybe knackered, and it all your expense.
Please SOMEONE  tell me, that this is not the way its normally done, has buying a boats maybe beyond me.

This particular boat would have cost me ,an additional £620 just to see he boat in the water, and for a trial, where I think that some of this expense should be down to the person who is selling, the boat for the owner.  Its a scary businness buying a boat.. may have to go and see what Sheridan Marine have to offer. lol. 
This particular boat was supposed to be in very good condition, I beg to differ on that quote, maybe after another 4 k spent on it.
Now I maybe looking for a sound boat, good engine and interior wood work in reasonable condition and restore it to concourse condition myself. 
Regards Alan

I can understand your frustration, unfortunately unless the boat is in the water you as the buyer foot the bill for the costs of having a river trial.
Bringing your chosen boat to you, contact Tony Tugboat Anderson who will slip it on/off his trailer both ends in his price , no cranes involved.
An item you have omitted is the cost of a survey if required £300+ which could involve a crane in,/out costs as well !
It seems the mistake you have made is to travel 160 miles to look at one boat, do your homework, there will be several in one particular area (ie Broads/ Cambridgeshire etc) all within striking distance of each other, it may take more than a day in each location ( more cost !)
You have been warned, owning a boat is not cheap, nor can finding the one you eventually choose be !!

Hi Alan, through the forum and the Facebook group there are often boats up for sale that members know a fair bit about, have you looked at https://www.facebook.com/groups/147808975378391/   or
https://www.facebook.com/groups/36807066957/  Tony tugboats probably knows the location of just about every Freeman for sale in the UK and abroad.  Best of luck

Blimey, just noticed your location, we are moored at wootens and I live in Bourne End. Have to say your best bet will be to go for something that is useable rather than pristine and take joy from the restoration.  There is a 23 at Wootens that hasn't been used for 3 years to my knowledge, covered in green algae but sound. I can ask Guy if the owner has any interest in selling? 

Chris

Hi Chris

are you the chris I know, as "Carpet Chris", if not hope I haven't offended you.
If you are , You will know me as I have restored  a Microplus and have it in Bourne end marina.
We have soon found out that we both love Boating and now need to upgrade to a larger boat. Ideally we are looking for a boat in good nick, but If that if not the case then an older boat which is sound maybe the way forward. We looked at a boat in the marina the other day and the guy had painted all the lovely internal timber which I feel they should be shot at dawn. pogley 11 I think the boat was called. So If you could find out who owns these boats u mention I would be interested. and we might even be able to do some of the work in the yard. regards  Alan.

Yup, and none taken  Ding, Alan from Garibaldi darts and other places. Bizarrely, I've just phoned a customer of mine who is called Alan and is looking for a Freeman, he is going to look at Pogley tomorrow, think that's overpriced if its been ruined.  They are about, Camille the 23 that is on a finger jetty just down from the marina was bought for just under 5K.  PM me your mobile and Ill text you if I come across anything.  We bought ours from Tony TB.  There is a member of this Forum who is planning to upgrade to a 33 and will be selling his 23, but suspect that will be the end of the season.  Meanwhile there have been 22's and 23's for sale on the facebook pages recently so worth joining them, if only for the banter and advice.

Hi Chris.
small world. My Number is 07475464999. we are in no hurry in getting a boat, but if the right one come up then its worth a look.  we find boating fantastic and the boat owner, great company and very helpful. its just the others which have these hire boats , and don't give a scoopy do about others on the river, or those boats that have flying bridges that are so high you can't see the drivers or w...rs. 
If that guy who you mention is upgrading to a 33, it might be useful to him  that he could have a buyer for  his  boat and at the correct price. would be good to see it. any help would be appreciated.  regards Alan

Thanks for sending this, not that keen on diesel engines, someone told me that they where noisy . don't know if that is true, but do know that the petrol engines are  not that bad.
but thanks again for sending this advert through, will look into it.
regards

Alan

Pardon. sorry, cant hear you, we've got twin diesels, what was that?

you no what I mean heh,

what a great afternoon to be on the river

Sent you a PM (private message)

Hi 
Can't see the private message, where will it be ?.

SNAPPER101 wrote:Hi 
Can't see the private message, where will it be ?.

It's along the top page heading, next to the "log in/log out" section except yours will say  'You have 1 message' tap the envelope image on your page not the picture which is a screengrab !



The message is not that important, just something l wouldn't put on the open Forum, and in future you will know how to send/receive PM's

Derek

If you are happy to travel there are 1 or 2 in lancs at my local Marina http://www.bridgehousemarina.co.uk/boatthumbs.asp

Cheers Jed

Hi
Have you looked at Val Wyat Marine in Wargrave,i think they had about 3 freemans for sale
Simon

Hi Alan just saw this 

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kayaks-jet-skis/freeman-22-motor-cruiser/1235841667

Alan, the one Chris has linked looks a good buy (from photos​)

If it's around Norwich as suggested l could give it a view on your behalf , save you the miles.
Obviously it would only be a cosmetic view with hopefully an engine run up, save your road miles just to see if worth pursuing.
Let me know, if you would like me to look l can ring the guy and make an appointment to view.
The number is an East Dereham one ,not far from me, so hopefully his mooring will be this side of Norwich.

Derek

I'm on the Avon by Evesham, if you ever see any down this end of the woods I would give it the once over if needs be. Might save you another wasted trip.

Alan, look back several posts on here l have posted instructions on how to access your PM inbox, you have found how to send cos l have yours !

Also l posted later an offer to look on your behalf at a boat Chris Meyer found in Norwich, if any good you could then follow up, saving you unecessary expense if l feel it's a dud !

Impressed with the Val Wyatt offers.
http://www.valwyattmarine.co.uk/buy-a-boat/used-boats-for-sale/
I moored there for several years - well run. Bought my own first Freeman there, as it happened! Expensive but they are surrounded by high-end boats which I like to think conditions the salesman's outlook and standards. If you sell top quality boats (or cars) even a much older example has to be good or you're not interested in stocking it. Very helpful photographs, at least as a guide.

I looked at the middle 23 Windflower, (renamed - was originally 'Scrounger') in November/December - Mmmm!...
I think I have now deleted all the photos I took. I have to be careful what I say, but on the advice of some folks here I stepped away.

I did also, thought it was too much money.

I know he came down to c£5 or £6k quite quickly as a private sale. But now in the hands of a broker and you would have to be willing to take on a bit of a project. The chap who owned it came back to me in Feb and said that he would consider an offer, but I had already purchased ours.   
Good luck...