Boatshares

As I understand it when you involve yourself in a boat sharing scheme you actually become a part owner of a boat rather than just buying the right to use the boat. Typically buying a ¹/₁₂  share, would give you a guaranteed 4 weeks a year on the boat, which weeks depending on the nature of the package you buy into and how the Boatshare is organised.

Some will allow you to buy weeks that are guaranteed to be in the school holidays, for those with families. others rotate weeks or have a booking system

If you are dedicated to the idea of boat ownership, but do not have the capital to go the "whole hog", this could be  a sensible way forward. Apart from anything else it puts you in the company of like minded people with whom you can share experiences etc, which makes it a good prelude to full time ownership or even residential life on a Narrowboat.

However do think before you commit yourself.

• A boat run by committee may have its problems
• Discuss maintenance arrangements - are services bought in or do members muck in and do it themselves?
• What are the aspirations of the share owners and do they fit in with your views?
• What happens when the boat needs replacing and is this being budgeted for?

Also consider licensing, insurance, safety and all the mundane problems of life before you commit.

A bit of time getting to know both the boat and the co-owners of the boat will be time well invested and  help ensure a happy future by avoiding obvious and unnecessary problems. You are taking on quite a commitment , so loose the "starry eyed" exspression on your face, when you first saw the boat and do some serious research and thinking.

If you browse the canal related forums you will find many people who have been very happy with boatshare arrangements, many of whom have gone onto full ownership later. Get online find them and task about their experiences - before you commit yourself.