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50ft Liverpool Boats – Narrowboat for Sale In London

Project Boat For Sale: 1984 Thorne Boatbuilders 50-Foot Narrowboat

NB Road Runner – Refurbished 57ft Narrowboat For Sale

58ft Triton Narrowboats Cruiser Style Narrowboat For Sale

For Sale: 47ft 12 Seat Narrowboat With Skippered Passenger Boat Licence

1993 Now Voyager 32ft Narrowboat For Sale

NB Sal – 48ft Narrowboat – Lovely fit out, fully surveyed & all work done

23ft Springer Narrowboat For Sale

1978 28ft Project Canal Boat For Sale

Colecraft Narrowboat For Sale with London Mooring

1938 48ft Brinklow Boats Narrowboat For Sale

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1984 R&D Fabrications Narrowboat For Sale

40ft Narrowboat For Sale In London

Cruiser Narrowboat 38ft 1986 For Sale

NB Harmonia – 54ft Narrowboat for sale

45ft Calder Valley Narrowboat For Sale

42ft Recently Refurbished Narrowboat For Sale

NB Dart – Beautiful 48ft Trad Stern 1936 Butty Conversion

NB Pluto – 1993 TT Marine Narrowboat

NB Spring – 45ft Cruiser Stern 1985 Narrowboat

NB Hollyhill – Includes residential mooring at Limehouse Marina

NB Idler – 45ft Cruiser Stern Liveaboard Narrowboat

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Dock around the clock: 20 of the best houseboats for sale in London, from Battersea to Blackwall Basin

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Resourceful Londoners faced with insurmountable barriers to homeownership are finding increasingly offbeat ways to carve out a life in the capital, with the most adventurous moving into renovated vans , buses and even a skip .

But there is one tight-knit community that has long provided an alternative to the traditional housing market – though potential converts may need to take a generous view of compost toilets and capsule wardrobes.

Few of us who have strolled down a canal on a sunny day have not wondered about life aboard a houseboat , surely an endless loop of sunbathing, sailing and tending to a pretty towpath garden.

Houseboats are exempt from stamp duty, but are not mortgageable through traditional channels – which means they often change hands between boaters.

Monthly bills are likely to be far lower once on board, but there are also hidden costs involved, including marina fees that can rival the ground rent on a luxury new build.

Dwindling permanent moorings meaning those sold with a residential lease can command tens of thousands of pounds more, with those lacking such a lease restricted to ‘continuous cruising’.

Would-be buyers should read terms carefully, as some agreements – like leisure licenses – restrict the number of days a week that an owner can live aboard.

Not dissuaded? We’ve rounded up 20 of the best houseboats for sale now, from bijou fishing boats to floating mansions with all the mod cons.

Paddington, W10

A compact river cruiser with a resourceful layout, including a fully fitted kitchen, shower room and chemical toilet, plus ‘winter proof’ bedroom with powerful heating. Currently based near Paddington, ‘Charlie V’ is being sold without a mooring.

Apollo Duck

Nr Hampton Court, KT8

A classic Dutch barge with an eye-catching exterior and new wood flooring, though in need of some cosmetic improvements. Sold without a mooring, the boat features an Aga and a second stove, plus a generator ‘ideal for off-grid and extended cruising’.

Limehouse Marina, E14

This neutrally-decorated narrow boat has a galley-style kitchen, small rear deck and fully transferable residential mooring at Limehouse Marina. As a sweetener, the wall-mounted television and Dyson vacuum cleaner is included in the sale.

Aquavista, 0207 308 9930

St Katharine Docks, E1W

Available furnished or unfurnished, this recently refurbished houseboat is moored on an annual rolling contract at St Katharine Docks, near Tower Bridge. A former owner, the filmmaker and artist David Buckland, sailed her around the Mediterranean.

Swan Island Harbour, Twickenham, TW1

Sold with a residential mooring, ‘Coriander’ has ‘unrestricted views’ across the river to Ham Lands Nature Reserve. As the bed, sofa and storage are built in, the boat effectively comes furnished, and there’s a woodburning stove as well as mains electricity.

This ‘virtually new’ two-year-old widebeam cruiser has been subject to a stylish contemporary fit out, including woodburning stove, breakfast bar and a bedroom with built-in storage that’s a better size than most. It’s docked in Limehouse, but is being sold without a mooring.

Cheyne Walk Moorings, Chelsea, SW10

Split over two levels without enough space to carve out a permanent second bedroom, bright ‘Chelsea Muse’ has a front garden, balcony and generous sun deck. Residents at Cheyne Walk are covered by a night watchman, CCTV and an on-site maintenance team.

River Homes, 020 7407 6000

Palmers Wharf, Kingston, KT1

A bijou Scottish fishing boat with full residential mooring licence in perpetuity on this tranquil stretch of the Thames, plus precious access to a gym, bike shed and roof terrace at the nearby Charter Quays building. The wood-paneled interior is charming, if compact.

Regents Canal, Little Venice, W9

This slender narrow boat is arranged as a studio, with the built-in seating area doubling as the bed – but the real selling point is its location beside a private tow path in Little Venice, with white stucco villas on all sides. The mooring is fully transferable.

Braithwait, 020 7289 8889

Poplar Dock Marina, E14

A seven-year-old bespoke widebeam with an appealing outdoor seating area, partially covered by a canopy. As well as the main bedroom, there’s a sofa bed and pull out bed. It’s being brought into Poplar Dock Marina for viewings, but there’s no mooring available.

Chelsea Harbour, SW10

This attractive two-bedroom Humber Keel barge , moored two minutes from Imperial Wharf station, has a large canopied deck and solid wood flooring. It’s available with a leisure license, which limits the amount of days per week that you can live on the boat.

This idyllically located two-bedroom narrow boat , dubbed the Lady Venice, has successive assignability with the Canal and River Trust – meaning it can be sold with the mooring – plus an usual clause that stipulates no other boats can berth adjoining the vessel.

Kensal Green Moorings, W10

A wide beam barge which is moored on a private, gated towpath on the Grand Union Canal for added peace of mind. As well as two bedrooms and a good-size living area, it comes with a sweet stretch of garden on the towpath, which the current owner has kept in good nick.

Greenland Dock, Surrey Quays, SE16

This open-plan barge comes with a residential mooring in Surrey Quays, which is well-placed for the interchange at Canada Water. The bathroom is unusually large – and comes with a full-size bath – plus there’s potential to add a second bedroom.

Peach Properties, 020 7739 6969

Albion Quay, Battersea, SW11

This one bedroom restored Dutch barge has a contemporary birch plywood clad interior, courtesy of the current owners. They’ve also installed a woodburning stove, a reclaimed floor and a kitchen with concrete worktops. It comes with a residential mooring.

Blackwall Basin, Canary Wharf, E14

A two-level Dutch barge with an impressive 1,800 sq ft of living space, which includes three bedrooms and a large roof terrace accessed from the open plan kitchen. A recent renovation has seen the exterior painted anthracite grey and slick copper and brass panels installed.

Plantation Wharf, Battersea, SW11

This clearly well-loved barge , dubbed ‘Jannette’, has an enviable 120-year residential lease on Battersea’s Plantation Wharf, which has a 24-hour concierge service. Inside are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living space, plus a smaller room that could be used as a study.

Prospect Moorings, Wandsworth, SW18

£1.75 million

A luxurious five bedroom, four bathroom houseboat with more than 3,000 square feet of living space, plus access to a pool, gym and parking at nearby Prospect Quay. Available with a residential mooring, its interior includes traditional trimmings like dark wood paneling.

Sothebys, 020 4586 7137

£2.5 million

This 1920s coal barge has 5,000 square feet of bright, contemporary interiors, including five bedrooms, a sauna and a striking sunken seating area arranged around a suspended woodburner. There is a large open deck with a glazed atrium-style area for socialising.

Dexters, 020 7650 5350

Clove Hitch Quay, Battersea, SW11

A remarkable converted barge with glamorous, high spec interiors, including inlaid wood flooring, ornate cornicing and a curved staircase, plus four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It’s being sold with a 117-year mooring agreement for this sought-after Battersea quay.

Waterview, 020 7590 9516

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The premier destination for canal boats for sale near London

Welcome to Roydon Marina Village, the premier destination for canal boat enthusiasts. We're excited to offer a selection of top-quality canal boats for sale near London, including a range of narrow boats for sale that are perfect for cruising the waterways.

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you craving a slower, more relaxed pace of living? Have you always dreamed of exploring the peaceful waterways of the UK? If you're feeling stuck in the daily grind and searching for a way to escape, then Roydon Marina Village has the solution for you.

Perhaps you've spent hours scrolling through online listings for canal boats for sale in London, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. It can be frustrating and disheartening to try and navigate the complex world of canal boats, especially if you're not an experienced boater.

That's where we come in. At Roydon Marina Village, we specialise in offering a wide selection of top-quality canal boats for sale near London. From narrow boats to wide beams, we have a range of boats to suit all preferences and budgets. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect boat for your needs.

Featured Canal Boats For Sale near London

Welcome to Glen Moray, a stunning 57ft cruiser stern narrow boat that was expertly crafted by Viking Canal Boats in 2016. Equipped with a Beta Marine 43HP engine, Glen Moray provides a comfortable and smooth cruising experience on the water.

Whether you're exploring the waterways for a weekend or embarking on a longer journey, Glen Moray will provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure on the water.

For sale at Roydon Marina Village, Essex.

Mayar Traditional Narrowboat

Scheihllion Cruiser Stern

Isabella Semi Trad

Lady Charlotte II Cruiser

Star Chaser Cruiser Stern

Derby Ram Traditional Narrowboat

Capt Cook Eurocruiser

Sunflower & Spitfire Traditional Narrowboat

Ozymandias Widebeam

Greylag Goose Semi Trad Narrowboat

Madoz Cruiser

“Thank you so much for both the sale of beloved boat and for the purchase of our new one. Thanks to you this has been a wonderful and painless experience.”

“Thank you so much for all your advice re. buying a boat. You have been so generous with your knowledge and your time and for that I’m eternally grateful. It’s made a rather daunting task really enjoyable and I’ve loved doing business with you. I cannot thank you enough for all your help. Thanks so much.”

“5 Stars! I’ve been there visiting a boat. They weren't just helpful but very kind as well, they didn't rush answering my question. Recommended”

“Thank you so much for your professionalism and your help in securing the sale of our new boat to which we are very grateful. Our best regards to you”

Roydon Marina Village is located on the B181 just north of Roydon Village towards Stanstead St Margarets. The A414 is the nearest dual-carriageway to Roydon Marina Village.

There is a regular, direct train service to and from London Tottenham Hale or Liverpool Street to Roydon train station.

Roydon Marina Village is within a 30-minute drive or train ride of Stanstead Airport.

There are several bus stops for the 381 service to Harlow that stop in Roydon Village. A 10-minute walk from Roydon Marina Village.

Find Roydon Marina Village's Narrow Boats For Sale, London

Roydon Marina Village operates a Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales brokerage here in Essex on the River Stort.

Find us at:

Roydon Essex CM19 5EJ

Or alternatively via the What3Words address: ///pose.whites.leans

Email [email protected] Call 07534 655702

Frequently Asked Questions

The popularity of boats is on the rise, mainly due to their versatility and the multiple benefits they offer. Narrow boats, in particular, can be utilised for a range of purposes, including leisure, business, and investment opportunities. It's no wonder why so many people are attracted to this option. In fact, some individuals even decide to live on their boat full-time.

However, if you're unsure whether it's the right choice for you, this FAQ should help provide some clarity.

• Insurance : Either 3rd party or fully comprehensive.
• Licence : Canals and Rivers Trust. Price varies on boat length. Please note that some waterways have different fees.
• Boat Safety Certificate : Every 4 years.
• River Canal Rescue (optional): The canal boat equivalent to the RAC. Price varies on level of cover.
• Boat blacking : Painted protection for the hull. Your boat needs to be taken out of the water, either using a slip or in a dry dock. Most boats are blacked with Bitumen or longer lasting Epoxy 2 Pack. Other products used include Keelblack and Comastic.
• Diesel : Propulsion only or propulsion and heating
• Marina mooring fees (if required)
• Coal and/or gas
• Engine Service : Usually every 250 hours or once per year.
• Pump out fees : If the boat has a pump out toilet. This can cost between £15 – £20 per cycle. Elsan points for cassette toilets are usually free.

One thing to bear in mind : the longer the boat, the more expensive many of the running costs will be.

It is always advisable to get a survey done when buying your boat to determine its condition. There are three types of survey:

• Full Survey : This is a comprehensive check of the structure of the boat and the internal condition and working status of all the appliances on board.
• Hull Survey : this is an external survey only to check the condition of the hull.
• Internal Survey : having an internal survey only determines the internal condition and working status of the appliances on board.

A Traditional Stern narrow boat has the helm at the back that only serves for steering. This leaves you with more internal room and is beneficial for those who plan on living onboard.

Cruiser Stern narrow boats offer the most external area and are ideal for people who go on holiday or are just looking for an outdoor social space to enjoy their boat with a nice cup of tea. It's even perfect for those looking to moor in a nice spot!

Semi-Trad narrow boats are an ideal combination between the Traditional and Cruiser Stern narrow boats. They give the traditional boat feel but with some extra features such as external seating and storage beneath.

Canals and rivers have visitor mooring spots along the network. In most areas you can moor for up to 14 days.

Note: Some areas have permanent moorings, which are reserved for those who pay a fee to stay there for extended periods. There will be notices advising if an area is permanent mooring only.

Most boats have either a pump out or cassette toilet.

A pump out toilet has a waste holding tank within the boat so that when the toilet is flushed, the waste goes into the tank. Tanks are usually large, so the time between having to empty them is much longer than a cassette toilet. There are pump out stations along the network and in most marinas. A fee is charged, usually between £15 – £20.

• Advantages : Not having to clean the tank yourself. Toilets are usually ceramic and feel more like a house toilet.
• Disadvantages : Boat has to be moved to empty the tank and emptying the tank costs a fee.

A cassette toilet is the same principle as a toilet in a camper van, although some modern types have a direct water feed and electric flush. The bottom cartridge is removed when full, which you then take to an Elsan point to empty and clean.

• Advantages : Elsan points are usually free. No need to move the boat to empty the tank.
• Disadvantage : The cartridge is much smaller than a waste holding tank so it requires emptying more frequently.

There’s also a new arrival on the scene that’s becoming increasingly popular: the eco-friendly composting toilet. It’s quite an expensive alternative but kinder to the environment.

Opinion is divided amongst boaters over which is the best option. Choose the one that suits you best!

There are lots of ways to have hot water on a boat!

There are many types of boilers and heating systems currently available on the market. Gas boilers from brands like Alde, Morco, and Rinnai are a popular choice in narrow boats. Diesel ones such as Webasto, Eberspacher, and Mikuni are also gaining popularity. Last but not least, a multi-fuel stove can feed your radiators and hot water tank too.

Boats need a calorifier to heat the water when the engine is running and an immersion heater which is great for when docked at a marina, as it utilises shoreline electric power. To get the most out of your vessel, look for boats that have both heating options available.

There are many options to heat a boat.

Canal boats traditionally utilize multi-fuel stoves, running on coal and/or wood. Certain stoves are further equipped with back boilers, which are tightly sealed water systems. Hot water would then be circulated through the pipe lines to heat up the boat's full length.

Other options include:

• Gas central heating, e.g. Alde gas boiler;
• Diesel central heating e.g. Eberspacher or Webasto, and;
• Some boats have a diesel drip fed stove, which looks similar to a multi-fuel stove but uses diesel from the main tank (or sometimes a separate tank).

Canal boats generally use approx. 1 litre of diesel per hour when cruising.

Boats these days come equipped with diesel heating systems, and the amount used is determined by your usage. When purchasing diesel to use for this purpose, make sure to specify which portion is for domestic needs (heating) and what portion is intended for travelling (cruising). Domestic usage diesel tends to be more cost-effective than that meant for propulsion.

Roydon Marina Village Roydon Essex CM19 5EJ

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Sailboat for Sale, wing keel, Sirius 26

Port Burwell

Classic pocket cruiser made by Vanderstadt and McGruer in Ontario Canada. Interior good quality, Bruce anchor, 4 stroke 9.9 hp electric start Honda, 10 ft chain, 130 ft line Bruce anchor, VHF radio, ...

1975 Grampian 23 Sailboat

23 foot sailing boat. Dual Axle Trailer. 10 HP Long Shaft outboard motor. Runs great. Fixed Keel. 3 foot draft. The boat has some cosmetic wear. Easily fix that and paint it up before the season ...

Fireball sailboat - race equiped - $1700

International Fireball $1700 Contact [email protected] – 5194731966 – London, ONT - Rebuilt Fireball #6733 in storage since 2003 and likely years before I obtained it, - trailer optional $ 200 w. ...

30 ft San Juan sailboat Volvo penta diesel sails in great shape extra sails

Shark Class Mainsail $400 obo

Class certified mainsail - $400 obo -lightly used -small stain near head -possible to ship by courier CP at cost

Misc. Boat stuff

Steaming/deck light $30 Scene brass/chrome chocks $30 Balmar boat buddy belt tensioner - sold Magma BBQ cover $30 SOLD Will remove items if sold, so if still showing, it IS available. Can deliver in ...

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Residential & transferable moorings in London

Dreaming of a lifestyle change that doesn’t involve leaving the big city behind? Whether you’re seeking a slower pace, beautiful views or an easy commute, swapping the bricks and mortar for a gleaming houseboat on the London waterways could be the answer! 

Buy a boat with a transferable residential licence at one of Aquavista’s beautiful Central London residential moorings. Wake up to the sound of ducks, chat to like-minded neighbours, and cycle to work along a quiet towpath. 

Facilities like Wi-Fi, showers, electricity and water means you won’t be going completely off-grid. And with two great locations in the heart of the city, you’ll be able to dip in and out of the hustle and bustle of the capital whenever you wish!

In this guide, you will learn about the benefits of buying a boat with residential moorings in London, and how Aquavista’s marinas at Limehouse and Poplar can help turn your dream city lifestyle into a reality.

Securing a London residential mooring can be one of the biggest challenges for boaters hoping to start a live-aboard lifestyle in the capital. Gated and secure, marinas are always a popular choice for boaters in the city. However, most residential berths are already full to capacity and some marinas have waiting lists of up to 10 years’ long. 

However, there is a way to jump the queue. Buying a boat with a transferable residential licence can get you the vessel of your dreams in a prime location, right in the heart of the city. 

But, for those who want to live in a marina in central London, it’s more than just a desirable option. Buying a boat with a transferable licence is now the only practicable way to secure a residential mooring.

How does a transferable licence work?

When you buy a boat at a London marina, you’ll be told if it comes with a transferable licence as part of the deal. 

If it does, you’ll get the boat plus the mooring. This will also be transferred into your name. However, it is important that you check the small print because transference of the mooring right is not automatic. You must obtain the written agreement of the site operator.

Luckily, when you buy a boat from one of Aquavista’s London marinas, our brokerage service makes this easy. Boats for sale in our London marinas at Limehouse and Poplar are sold with a transferable licence to moor, subject to a successful application. In these marinas, additional charges will apply to transfer the berth into your name, whether you choose to buy your boat through Aquavista or a third-party broker.

Are there any downsides to buying a boat with a transferable mooring?

While it’s possible to buy a boat relatively cheaply, vessels that come with a London residential mooring usually sell at a premium. But, remember that this works both ways. Having a residential berth in a desirable London postcode will make your boat a more attractive proposition if and when you come to sell!

Why choose one of Aquavista’s London marinas for your residential mooring?

Choosing an Aquavista marina means a full array of brilliant basics comes as standard. You’ll find amenities such as: 

• Secure moorings
• Well-kept environments 
• Shower, toilet and laundry facilities 
• Working pumps and lighting
• Excellent customer service

In short, we offer everything you’d expect from modern waterside living.

What are the benefits of a residential mooring at a London marina?

If you plan to live on-board your boat full-time without securing residential moorings, your only other option is to continuously cruise the waterways. As part of the terms of your continuous cruiser licence, you’re committed to moving your boat every two weeks.

It sounds romantic, but for those tied to an area for work or school, this nomadic lifestyle may not be feasible. With a large number of boats competing for mooring space it can be stressful, especially in winter. Even if you do find a space to moor your boat, there’s no guarantee you’ll have easy access to water and electricity and a lack of postal address means you won’t be able to sign on with a GP.

The main benefit of a London mooring is that you have reliable access to electricity, water and Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can live on your boat without losing the convenience of being on land. Many of our Aquavista facilities include showers and laundry, plus you’ll get a postal address which means you can go on the electoral roll, and sign on with a GP.

Sense of connection

Take up a residential mooring at a London Aquavista marina and you’ll become part of a close-knit community of like-minded boat owners. Our London marinas attract residents from a wide variety of careers, from artists and actors to doctors and engineers. 

Everyone in the community is invested in their environment and can share in the joys and adventures of living on the water. This gives you an instant sense of connection that is rare to find in a big city like London.

Close to nature in the capital

Both Poplar and Limehouse Waterside & Marinas are little pieces of natural wonder in the heart of the city and living on your boat gives you a direct connection to a whole host of wildlife. 

Nothing beats feeding the ducks your leftover toast crumbs in the morning and catching a glimpse of herons, carp and waterfowl. London’s canals are true wildlife corridors and high in ecological value, offering the kind of tranquillity that city-dwellers crave.

Incredible locations

A residential mooring at one of Aquavista’s London marinas gives you the best of both worlds; a tranquil waterside location within a well connected area.

Limehouse is ideally located between the City of London and Canary Wharf, just a short walk from Limehouse Station. Poplar sits just east of Canary Wharf, with central London just minutes away on the Jubilee Line.

Healthier lifestyle

London’s boutique gyms can be pricey but who needs a membership when you live at an Aquavista marina in the capital? Getting outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine comes as standard when you live on a boat.

At Limehouse, there’s an 11-mile traffic-free towpath that takes you to Regent’s Park, perfect if you love to cycle. Poplar offers Canary Wharf, Greenwich and green spaces like  Mudchute Park and Farm.

Facilities right on your doorstep

Our Waterside & Marinas at Limehouse and Poplar may feel like an oasis of calm but the buzz of London is just minutes away. Foodies are spoilt for choice at Limehouse, where the world’s cuisine awaits them on Narrow Street, just beyond the marina gates. Explore local pubs with riverside views within a five-minute walk.

At Poplar you’ll find Billingsgate Market and an array of pretty shops and restaurants in Greenwich. This is all just a half an hour stroll through the Isle of Dogs and across the river.

In need of some retail therapy? It takes less than 20 minutes to walk to Canary Wharf from both Limehouse and Poplar Waterside & Marinas , where you can shop (and eat!) until you drop.

Want to find out more about buying a boat with residential moorings in London? 

At Aquavista, we’re here to lend a hand with every step of your boating journey and the first step is finding the boat that’s right for you. Visit our buy a boat page to view everything on offer at Limehouse or Poplar . You can also filter by boat type if you’ve got something particular in mind.

Seen a boat you like? Our experienced brokers can guide you through the process from start to finish. You can email them on [email protected] or call 0207 3089 930 to speak to them directly. We can’t wait to have you on-board!

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Meet the london team, jeremy tutt.

I thought I would drop you a line as Little Nell is now in Brixham, with Spinnaker now tested and Hilary has sorted the soft furnishings! She really is a fantastic boat and anyone who has sailed her falls in love with the experience so again many thanks for helping the dream come true! We are loving it! Keep in touch and if you are every in the West Country it would be good to have a beer!

Thanks again for getting the asking price, in a very short time. Your help in selling my boat was very appreciated.

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Iconic 'little blue boat' that calls Montrose Bay home up for sale after family makes tough decision

For almost 50 years a little blue boat has been moored on the River Derwent in Hobart's northern suburbs by the side of a busy highway.

It is known affectionately by many Tasmanians as "the little blue boat", and has floated alone next to the Brooker Highway at Montrose Bay over the decades.

Sea Breeze, its official name, was built by Robin Attrill in his Montrose backyard in the early 1970s.

His son Colin Attrill said the boat was launched at Macquarie Wharf in 1976.

"It's been on the mooring in Montrose Bay ever since, and that's why it's such an iconic little blue boat," he said.

Tasmanians curious about 'little blue boat'

The boat is an object of fascination for Brooker Highway motorists and foreshore walkers due to it seemingly never moving.

Colin Attrill said it was "absolutely amazing" the number of people who would stop and talk to him about the boat when he was launching the dinghy to go and check on it.

"The number of people that talk to me that are walking past and go 'that boat has been there forever' and 'it was there when I was going to school or every day when I've been driving to work'," he said.

"Some people say they've never seen it move. Well it used to move all the time.

"Of late it's slowed up, we're all busy and dad has slowed up. We lost mum and once that happened it impacted on family activities."

Tough decision to sell

Its owner is now 91 and the boat has not been sailed for about 10 years.

Colin Attrill said the family had recently made the tough decision to try to sell the boat.

"Dad isn't well and he's gotten old, which we all do, and the boat's got old," he said.

"Anyone who knows about a timber boat knows that they need maintenance."

Mr Attrill said the family used to put the boat on the slip at least once a year to clean and antifoul it, and do any repairs.

"But the past few years Dad has been unable to do anything, and the boat unfortunately has just sat on the mooring," he said.

He said the family decided it was time for the boat to have a new owner.

"Nobody is using it, it needs a new owner who will give it the time and get the enjoyment out of it that we had growing up," he said.

"It's a great boat, and there are many years left. Wooden boats just last."

'Next phase' for the boat

The Attrill family is full of passionate sailors and Robin's brother Peter represented Australia in sailing at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952 — Tasmania's fifth Olympian and the first to represent the state in sailing.

When Robin finished building the 25-foot river cruiser, known by the family as The Breeze, it was used for trips away around Hobart.

"We used to have family trips down the channel, down to Cygnet, down to Dover, and all places in between fishing and weekends away," he said.

"We also used to go to events in Hobart like the Hobart Regatta, the Sandy Bay Regatta. We'd be down the river at any chance, or up the river. She made it to New Norfolk a couple of times.

"The boat was all over the place, wherever we could."

Mr Attrill said it would be a sad day when the boat left Montrose Bay after almost 50 years.

"We will see where it goes and where it ends up and what's the next phase for the boat," he said.

Over the years its owner has been keeping a watchful eye on it just a matter of metres away, across the Brooker Highway from his Montrose home of more than 70 years.

"He's always been there. He'd open the blinds in the morning in the kitchen and look out the window and there's the boat," son Colin said.

"It's always been a part of his life."

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London home Freddie Mercury bought in 1980 is for sale, minus his 'exquisite clutter'

LONDON — Freddie Mercury ’s sanctuary in London, where he lived the last decade of his life, is on sale for the first time in nearly half a century — minus his “exquisite clutter.”

Garden Lodge, as the neo-Georgian brick home in the posh Kensington neighborhood is known, is for sale by Knight Frank for offers exceeding 30 million pounds ($38 million). It is not publicly listed.

Mercury, the frontman for Queen, bought the house in 1980 — the year the band’s album “The Game,” with hits “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” topped the charts. He reportedly paid cash for the property, which was listed for more than 500,000 pounds, according to “Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury.”

“I saw the house, fell in love with it, and within a half an hour it was mine,” Mercury boasted, according to the book.

Mercury had extensive renovations done to the house and loaded it with precious artwork, including pieces by Picasso, Dalí and Matisse.

“I like to be surrounded by splendid things,” Mercury said. “I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.”

Mercury died in the house in 1991 of AIDS-related pneumonia at 45.

He left the eight-bedroom villa and all his possessions to his close friend and ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin, who lived there. She has been raking in millions selling his collection of stage costumes, fine art and song lyrics over the past year. The home was put up for sale late last month.

“This house has been the most glorious memory box, because it has such love and warmth in every room,” Austin said in a statement. “It has been a joy to live in and I have many wonderful memories here. Now that it is empty, I’m transported back to the first time we viewed it. Ever since Freddie and I stepped through the fabled green door, it has been a place of peace, a true artist’s house, and now is the time to entrust that sense of peace to the next person.”

The famous gate to the garden, which was inscribed with graffiti and love notes from fans, was one of 59 of Mercury’s most prized possessions that sold for 12.2 million pounds ($15.4 million) in September. The door brought in 412,750 pounds ($521,000), including a buyer’s premium.

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London home Freddie Mercury bought in 1980 is for sale, minus his 'exquisite clutter'

This undated handout image shows the house known as the Garden Lodge in London, where rock star Freddie Mercury's lived the final decade of his life. The mansion that was Freddie Mercury's sanctuary in London is on sale for the first time in nearly 45 years. Credit: AP/Barney Hindle

LONDON — Freddie Mercury ’s sanctuary in London, where he lived the last decade of his life, is on sale for the first time in nearly half a century — minus his “exquisite clutter.”

Garden Lodge, as the neo-Georgian brick home in the posh Kensington neighborhood is known, is for sale by Knight Frank for offers exceeding 30 million pounds ($38 million). It is not publicly listed.

Mercury, the frontman for Queen, bought the house in 1980 — the year the band's album “The Game,” with hits “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” topped the charts. He reportedly paid cash for the property, which was listed for more than 500,000 pounds, according to “Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury."

“I saw the house, fell in love with it, and within a half an hour it was mine,” Mercury boasted, according to the book.

Mercury had extensive renovations done to the house and loaded it with precious artwork, including pieces by Picasso, Dalí and Matisse.

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“I like to be surrounded by splendid things," Mercury said. "I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.”

Mercury died in the house in 1991 of AIDS-related pneumonia at 45.

He left the eight-bedroom villa and all his possessions to his close friend and ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin, who lived there. She has been raking in millions selling his collection of stage costumes, fine art and song lyrics over the past year. The home was put up for sale late last month.

“This house has been the most glorious memory box, because it has such love and warmth in every room," Austin said in a statement. "It has been a joy to live in and I have many wonderful memories here. Now that it is empty, I’m transported back to the first time we viewed it. Ever since Freddie and I stepped through the fabled green door, it has been a place of peace, a true artist’s house, and now is the time to entrust that sense of peace to the next person.”

The famous gate to the garden, which was inscribed with graffiti and love notes from fans, was one of 59 of Mercury’s most prized possessions that sold for 12.2 million pounds ($15.4 million) in September. The door brought in 412,750 pounds ($521,000), including a buyer's premium.

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