A narrowboat costs just £57,000 on average, with new and cutting-edge boats costing up to £150,000. As long as you stay on top of renovation costs, it’s no wonder owning a narrowboat is attractive.
Can you moor a narrow boat anywhere?
Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers governed by the Canal & River Trust are often free of charge. You are permitted to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths for no fee, as long as you are not causing an obstruction to the waterway.
Can I live on a narrow boat UK?
Yes, it is possible to buy a canal boat as a home. This is a much cheaper option than buying an entire house, but it comes with a variety of drawbacks with it’s advantages. You can buy a narrowboat to live on for only £20,000, although prices do vary based on a boat’s size and condition.
How much does it cost to run a narrowboat in the UK?
As of 2021, you’re currently allowed to use ‘red’ diesel fuel for your narrowboat. The price of diesel is likely to be somewhere between 70 pence/litre to over £1, depending on the fueling station you choose. Your annual fuel cost is likely to average somewhere around the £1,300 mark.
How much is a narrowboat? – Related Questions
Do you have to pay council tax living on a narrowboat?
You may have to pay council tax if you live on a houseboat with a residential mooring.
How much are mooring fees UK?
C&RT fees at the moment can range from £400 to £1,000 per year depending on the boat size.
Is living on a narrowboat cheap?
Is living on a narrowboat cheaper than living in a house? ‘Yes’ – for most people. Boats are generally cheaper to buy or rent, buy an old cruiser for a few hundred pounds! Moorings usually are cheaper than property taxes, even free as long as you keep cruising!
How much does it cost to moor a boat on the Norfolk Broads?
Natural moorings in the heart of The Norfolk Broads
Boats a minimum 20 feet in length up to 24 feet, in stern-on pens are charged at £51.50 per foot per annum and boats over 24 feet in length, in either stern-on or side-on pens, are charged at £55 per foot per annum – no VAT to pay!
Do narrowboats depreciate?
9.5 If you don’t like the idea of a canal boat depreciating in value, the best thing to do is to buy one that is at least a couple of years old. Usually, most of the depreciation happens in the first 5 years or so. When you buy a second hand narrowboat you are bypassing a lot of that major first step of depreciation.
Can you live on a boat UK?
If you intend to live on your boat, you’ll need a suitable mooring (unless you intend to continuously cruise the waterways). Permanent residential moorings usually require planning approval, so you should always make enquiries to check the mooring offered to you is legitimate.
Is it cold living on a narrowboat?
Dressing warm while on your narrowboat in winter almost goes without saying. However, being below deck when it’s nice and toasty can make you forget how cold it really is outside. If you’re facing the elements, you need to be properly kitted out.
Can I live on my mooring?
If you already have a leisure mooring for your boat, you’ll be allowed to spend holidays and weekends onboard, but can’t live there full-time. To make your boat your home you’ll need to find a residential mooring.
Is it cheaper to live on a boat than a house?
Utilities. Your electricity bill will be a fraction of what you’d pay living in a house. When you live in a very small space (like a boat) you’ll consume less electricity for heating and cooling, meaning you’ll have a lower bill at the end of the month.
Do you need a license to drive a narrowboat?
No. Anyone over 21 can hire a canal boat with no licence or training whatsoever. Most people pick up steering and controlling the boat fairly quickly, canal hire firms will give basic training if you have no one experienced on board before letting you loose, and it is possible to take some lessons in advance.
Can I live on my boat in a marina?
Most marinas require an application for you to move aboard permanently. In some areas, liveaboards aren’t permitted or there are long waiting lists. Liveaboard slip fees are usually higher and your insurance rates may increase if your boat becomes your primary residence.
Can you live on a boat in winter?
Whether you choose to live on a boat in winter is entirely up to you! Solo boaters, couples and families all live on boats year-round and make it work. If the water beckons you year-round, then give it a try!
How cold is too cold for a boat?
Any temp less than 70 degrees is dangerous. So really, probably the worst thing about cold weather boating is the danger if you fall in. If it’s really cold and you are bundled up, you don’t have as much flexibility. If you have gloves on, you can’t get the same grip.
What is the smallest boat you can live on?
For a sailboat to be considered as a liveaboard, it needs to be at least 30ft. Anything smaller and the boat will be cramped for anyone other than a solo sailor. However, the larger the boat, the greater the cost of ownership. The ideal size sailboat to live on would be 35-45 feet for most people.
How can I keep my boat warm in the winter?
Invest in Boat Heating Options
Reverse cycle, ceramic (electric) and gravity-fed diesel heaters can make a boat warmer than a house. To prevent fire, use electric heaters that turn off if they tip over, and check your wiring before you plug in multiple heaters.
Is it OK to leave boat outside in winter?
Storing a boat outside during the winter is the worst possible option a boat owner can choose when storing a boat. Ice and snow will fade the boat’s colors, ruin the cover, and ruin parts critical to a boat. Animals and insects are also a problem.