New share search facility on boatshare4u.co.uk

A new facility to search all the shares available from the main shared ownership management and share brokerage companies has been launched on boatshare4u.co.uk.

The list - currently including nearly 100 shares for sale - collects the latest information from the websites of ABC Boat Share, BCBM Boat Share, Carefree Cruising's Boat Share Shop (Boats2Share) and Ownashare Cruising.  It includes self-managed boats offered for sale by any of these companies.

The list can be searched by a range of criteria, such as price, length, type of stern and age.  Boat layouts are listed, as well as whether or not a syndicate allows pets or smoking. The selection can then be sorted by any of the details listed.

"This is the first time a composite listing of shares has been available to prospective share owners," says Andrew Cooley, who runs boatshare4u.co.uk as an independent source of informaton on shared ownership narrowboats. "It means that prospective owners can now concentrate their attention on just a few boats that meet their criteria and arrange viewings on those, rather than having to visit several different websites with the information presented in a different way on each one.  It has only been possible with the full support and co-operation of the management and brokerage companies."

The search facility can be found on the site menu or by clicking here.

Ownashare launch new boat

Heartsease, the new 4/5 berth semi-trad boat from Ownashare was launched last Saturday 26th October by Ken Knowles, the Lichfield Town Crier in great style - enjoyed by visitors and staff alike.

Ownashare's new boat Heartsease
(Ownashare photo)

The launch took place at Fradley Junction near Alrewas and the new boat was available for viewing there on both Saturday and Sunday.

Phil Capp, Ownashare's MD said, “We were delighted to see so many visitors who came along to view Heartsease, resulting in a number of shares being sold - everyone was very impressed by the workmanship of Drayton Boat Services Ltd.,  who did the fit-out, and the sheer value for money that Heartsease offers.”

Heartsease will be moored at the Ownashare base at Bromley Wharf until the end of 2014, when the owners making up the new syndicate will decide on future locations.  She features a 24ft 'open plan' living space.

Shares in the 12-member syndicate are priced at £6,950, with running costs set at £475 a year and management fees at £400 - both payable monthly.

BCBM moves to Audlem

BCBM has moved its north west office from Nantwich to a spot near the canal in Audlem.  Full details are here.

BCBM's new office in Audlem (BCBM photo)

"Everyone knows the Shroppie Fly Pub on the flight, and if you moor up outside the Audlem Mill and Shroppie Fly, then walk up the path to the main road (Shropshire Street) and turn left, we’re just across the road on the right hand side," says BCBM's MD Andrew Barton.

"We're almost opposite the Co-Op store; So,if you're calling there to replenish supplies do call in - the kettle is always on!"