Customer Story: Tor and 'Jelly Tot' - 36ft Trad Stern Narrowboat

Why did you choose Jelly Tot?

"I chose this boat because it's a great size, easy to navigate, and it needed some refurbishing inside - which gave me the chance to add my own style and make it truly mine. Plus, I loved the name straight away!"

What inspired you to buy a boat in the first place?

"We’ve lived by the canal for a while and just love the slower pace of life on the water. Life moves so fast, so having a boat is a chance to slow things down, enjoy the moment, and be part of the amazing canal community. Plus, we love exploring and seeing new places, so it felt like the perfect fit."

'Jelly Tot' - then 'Jelley Tot', formerly part of Jelleyworld Narrowboat's fleet, in October 2022 having just arrived on our brokerage at Tattenhall Marina.

Was buying a boat a lifelong dream or more of a spontaneous decision?

"I’d wanted a boat for years, and living by the canal only made that feeling even stronger. So when the opportunity came along to finally buy one myself, I didn’t hesitate - I chose one pretty quickly."

Q: How did you find the buying experience with Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales?

"The whole buying experience was really smooth and straightforward. Buying my first boat was a bit daunting but everything felt easy and stress-free, and I felt supported through the process."

Tor and Jelly Tot on their first voyage together

What have you enjoyed most about boat ownership so far?

"I love having somewhere to go and relax in peace and quiet at the boat’s mooring, as well as the freedom to set out on the cut and enjoy the Cheshire countryside just an hour or so away from Sale. It’s great to be involved in our local cruising club community - everyone is so friendly and their wealth of knowledge on all things boaty is invaluable!"

Do you live aboard full-time, or mainly use the boat for leisure?

"I don’t live aboard full-time - I mainly use the boat for leisure. She used to be a hire boat, so the size is perfect for weekends, holidays, and day trips with family and friends. I’ve also set her up with Wi-Fi, so I can work from the boat when I want to, which makes for a really nice change of scenery."

Jelly Tot's interior has been beautifully refurbished

What’s been the highlight of your boating journey so far?

"The highlight has definitely been becoming part of the boating community, especially through Sale Cruising Club where Jelly Tot is moored. They host lots of events throughout the year, but my favourite is the annual Christmas Lights Cruise, where the whole of Sale turns out to watch the illuminated flotilla pass through the town. All the boats are dressed up in lights, everyone gets involved, and it creates such a magical, festive atmosphere. The first year I did it with my family was really special, and now it’s become an annual tradition that we all look forward to."

Jelly Tot's stunning new paintwork is bursting with personality

Have there been any challenges along the way?

"Refurbishing the boat and learning the ins and outs of maintenance have definitely been challenges and always take longer than initially planned, but they’ve also been really rewarding. What’s helped most is the support from the boating community (Facebook groups where I can ask questions have been a godsend). Also, support from the people at Sale Cruising Club - where there’s always someone with advice, experience, or just encouragement to keep you going. They really are a lovely bunch!"

Jelly Tot's personalised mooring space beautifully compliments her bright and bold character.

What plans do you have for the future with your boat?

"I’m currently waiting for the breach at Dunham to be fixed so we can head back up that way. One trip I’m especially looking forward to is returning to Tattenhall Marina to stay in one of the floating pods and to bring Jelly Tot back to where we bought her, but this time with her new look. I’ll also be continuing with the renovations. There’s always something to do, but I’m really enjoying seeing it all come together, she’s changed so much since I first bought her!"

What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying their first boat?

"I’d say go for it! Owning a boat is such a rewarding experience. Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, and sometimes costly but remember you don’t have to know or do everything straight away.

I’d only driven a boat once before I bought mine and that was brief, but when we brought her from Tattenhall back to Sale, I picked it up along the way (thankfully) and haven’t looked back since.

Another good piece of advice would be to make sure you have arranged or secured a home mooring for your boat before you buy it (if you won’t be continuously cruising)."

Finally, how would you describe your experience with Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales?

"Andrew was really helpful and kept me up to date throughout the process and during the survey, which made everything feel straightforward and stress-free. It really gave me confidence as a first-time buyer and made the whole experience enjoyable."

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

"Yes- I'd like to give a big shout-out to Carl Tickle at Cheshire Brush, who did an amazing job giving Jelly Tot her new look and a real lease of life - he was fantastic throughout the whole process. And also to my partner Tom, who played such a big part in the renovations. I couldn’t have done it without them."

To follow Tor & Jelly Tot's updates and adventures, follow @adventures_of_jellytot on Instagram

Thinking About Buying a Boat?

Inspired by Tor’s story? Whether you’re looking for a narrowboat, widebeam, or cruiser, Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales makes the buying process smooth and stress-free.

Explore our latest boats for sale and start your own boating journey today.