Sell Up & Cruise the Inland Waterways by Bill & Laurel Cooper - 2010
28 March 2010

 

Thirty four years ago or thereabouts, Bill and Laurel Cooper, then in their forties opted to ‘Sell Up and Sail’. The book they wrote on the subject is now in its 5th edition and recently they have added to the information contained in it with ‘Sell Up and Cruise the Inland Waterways’ a guide on how to get the most out of the inland cruising lifestyle.
They initially sailed away in their 16.7m (55ft) ketch Farewell and cruised the world for 10 years; they then spent the next 22 years cruising the inland waterways and the seas of Europe in their 27m (88ft) barge Hosanna; more recently they are cruising in their new build or as they refer to it their ‘old folks boat’, the 12m (39ft) cruiser Faraway.
Quote: "We are all mad, we boat people". This book written from both their perspectives, contains great advice given in a no nonsense style or as Laurel comments “Bill missed out when tact was being distributed, so please be tolerant!” Construction or conversion of various boat types, suitability, likely costs, internal designs, equipment for living aboard and essentials required for cruising are discussed. "People who aspire to boat-ownership will not fit into moulds ..." The pros and cons of a liveaboard lifestyle, provisioning, waterways, and rules and regulations are covered.
The section on boat maintenance includes a useful ‘Regular Maintenance Tasks’ list, how to be “in tune with your boat” and using solvents, paints and glues. Overwintering in icy conditions, a topical subject this year, advises what to do both when winter is setting in and during the thaw. Barge handling is examined briefly and the canal effect, what’s going to happen when you meet heavy metal in a confined space. Also, coping with risks and dangers, the aspects of life aboard that are different to life ashore.
Interspersed throughout to whet ones appetite, are ‘Waterway Interludes’ describing their times on various waters throughout the world.
There are photographs of boats and waterways and Laurel’s wonderful sketches, illustrating the topics reviewed. A great read whether you are considering cruising rivers, lakes and canals or are considering living aboard or have already spent considerable time doing so.
Sell Up and Cruise the Inland Waterways – Bill & Laurel Cooper – Adlard Coles Nautical 2010 – ISBN 978 0 713679885 available at DBA the Barge Assoc Shop see HBA Links.
EOL 2010

 

Last Updated ( 08 September 2011 )