Don't barge into buying a houseboat

THREE types of houseboat are found on Irish canals. Many are converted barges, which were originally owned and operated by the main users of the canals, CIE, Guinness and the Grand Canal company, to transport a variety of goods throughout the country. Another popular houseboat in Ireland is the converted English narrow barge, which, like imported barges from Holland, are transported here for around £1,000, according to Stephen Hollinshead of Belmont Boats, Co Offaly.

For the Irish climate, a steel hull and superstructure is the recommended material, although many traditionalists prefer the older wooden barges. It is also essential to have a solid fuel stove on board for good heat during the winter. It is important to check with mechanical specialists that the engine is one for which parts are still widely available for the day that repairs will be required.

The cost of a barge will depend mainly on the size of the barge and quality of fit-out specifications. Barges both basic and luxurious can be specially ordered or bought either here or in the UK or Holland. The length of the locks on Irish canals is 62 ft and that determines the maximum length of a barge, which should be a little shorter than the lock length. The widths of barges vary from the English narrow boat, at seven ft to the traditionally wider Irish, barge, at 13 ft. The largest barges - 60 ft long models - have around 780 sq ft, the size of a two-bedroom apartment. And a houseboat is a lot cheaper than most apartments.

The prices vary from £25,000, for a second-hand English narrow boat, to £100,000 for a dream barge with all the creature comforts you could desire on board. A specially fitted smaller one-bed houseboat with all mod cons would cost in the region of £50,000. One of the larger models - 60 ft by 13 ft - with luxury fittings should cost in the region of £80,000 to £100,000, incl VAT. It is best to take advice from a reputable company or from someone who has some experience of barges before committing your money to something that might later turn out to be a disappointment, says Stephen Hollinshead of Belmont Boats.