Buying a small boat and what it entails

[Compostella]

I want to buy a small motor boat (approx 14') with a trailer so I can keep it at home.

What are the costs of getting the boat into the water.  I assume I have to pay someone for the use of a ramp etc.

I live near Staines on the river Thames if its any help

[sddsddean]

Main cost will be a licence. If you are planning on just using the Thames, this will be from the Thames Water Authority. If you are going elsewhere (such as up the Grand Union canal), contact the British Waterways Board. Can't remember the cost, but it will probably be in the region of �100 for the year (but I am just guessing!). I think there are public slipways which you don't have to pay to use and probably most marinas will let you slip for free, but of course may have a parking charge for the car & trailer. Don't forget you will also need insurance. Having fun doesn't come cheap these days!

[slimjim]

Licence will be c.�130. You will need a BSC (Boat Safety Cert) to get one. Get licence from Environment Agency. This will only cover Thames. If you want to go on canals, you will need a separate licence from British Waterways. Insurance can be very cheap (try craftinsure.com). Fuel can often be very cheap especially if you have a diesel (marine diesel is currently very cheap - may be changing soon). But I suspect you have a petrol outboard. These can also be very cheap if they're small capacity and you keep to the Thames speed limit. As the previous poster said, most slipways are free. www.visitthames.co.uk is a good source of information (official EA site). Enjoy - there's nothing like pottering on the Thames on a summer's day.

[samz90]

You could visit http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/ this site tells you the places you can launch and other details.