Hi Alex,

There are a number of companies that offer a part share in a narrowboat. The schemes are similar to timeshare for bricks and mortar property. Are you talking about something like that or a private arrangement with one or more other part owners? Whether you choose to buy your share through a company or whether you make the arrangements yourself, there are many things you need to consider.

• Which part of the year does your share entitle you to? Of course the popular time for your share is during the warmer, more pleasant cruising weather. On the other hand, would you be asked to take your share in the depths of winter when the canal is frozen and the locks are impassible due to essential maintenance?
• Who is going to arrange essential maintenance and repairs, BSS, license renewal etc?
• Where is the boat going to be moored? You want to buy a share in a specific location. Will you be able to find someone who is happy with the same location and for how long?

There's much, much more to consider, but there's a few pointers for you to ponder.

We have a few shared ownership narrowboats moored at Calcutt Boats. Some of the part owners are happy with the arrangements, some are driven mad by the need to consult the other part owners of the boat about the smallest details.

I hope this is of some use to you.