GAZING out to sea every day, Dave Howe knew his life should have been perfect, but somehow it was not.

The owner of a small franchise selling replica maritime paraphernalia on Hartlepool's Marina, he just could not get close enough to the water.

So, one day, he decided to take the plunge and is now planning to relocate his shop just feet away, in the middle of the marina.

The boat is already there - a 100ft Dutch-built tug - all he needs now is permission to move his impressive range of ships' wheels, lamps, barometers and other seafaring equipment on deck.

Once on board, he will then convert one deck into a shop, and the other into a restaurant.

It may sound like a unique selling point, but as Mr Howe explained, he is not the first to have a business afloat.

The 57-year-old former lifeboat crew member said: "My shop, Nauticalia, is part of a chain of about ten shops dotted round the country.

"But when they were set up 20 years ago, the founder started his shop on a converted rubbish barge floating on the Thames.

"He was selling artefacts and naval antiques, but quickly realised there was a massive market in it and turned to selling reproduction items.

"That is what I am doing and I think it is nice that I am returning to the original idea, a floating shop."

Having spent £30,000 to buy the 43-year-old vessel, he plans to spend £60,000 converting both decks into retail and restaurant use.

After running a hotel in Seaton Carew with his wife, Carol, for 30 years, the pull of the sea proved too much and he opened Nauticalia three years ago.

But, he said, that still was not enough: "I was thinking, what can I do to get closer to the water. Then it hit me, why not buy a boat?

"I do have a little maritime heritage, my brother was in the Merchant Navy and I manned the lifeboats as a young man.

"I just hope my enthusiasm rubs off on tourists visiting Hartlepool."

The vessel has led an active life and was last used to run supplies to an oil rig off Grimsby.

Mr Howe hopes that, if Hartlepool Borough Council grants planning permission for the work, the floating complex will contribute to the town's tourism revival.

The plans will be considered by councillors next month.