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.
Is it worth buying a narrowboat?
Owning a narrowboat or a widebeam canal boat is a great investment as it allows you to access the beautiful canals in the UK and gives you the freedom to travel the country whenever you decide.
What is the average price of a narrowboat?
A narrowboat costs just £57,000 on average, with new and cutting-edge boats costing up to £150,000.
How long can you live on a canal boat?
The boat can be moored long term but they usually don’t allow you to live on your boat for more than a few days or weeks. A Residential Mooring is needed if you want to live aboard your boat anywhere on the canals for more than a few days whilst staying in one place or area.
Can you live permanently on a canal boat? – Related Questions
Do you have to pay to moor a canal boat?
You usually need a boat licence. This costs around £500 to £1,000 per year and gives you permission to use the waterways. You must display the licence on both sides of your boat. You also need to pay a mooring fee if you rent a mooring.
Can you legally live on a boat in the UK?
Is it legal to live on a boat? It is, provided you get the right 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 living on a canal boat cheaper than a house?
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 long can you stay on a canal mooring?
It may be at a visitor mooring (subject to time limits displayed at the site) or anywhere else along the towpath where, if unsigned, the maximum stay time is 14 days. It’s usually best to moor against the towpath or on signed visitor moorings.
Can you rent a narrowboat to live on?
Whether you are looking for a longer term Narrowboat holiday, or to live on a narrowboat permanently, we can serve you. We have a diverse fleet of narrowboats, at a far lower cost than long term holiday hire. Bookings range from 3 months upward.
What is it like to live on a canal boat?
Living on a canal boat can be the most idyllic setting for people who love and enjoy being amidst nature’s wonders along the English waterways. Admiring the beautiful countryside whilst sailing along the soft calming waters can be the ideal living choice for some people.
Can you stand up in a canal boat?
4) Can you stand up in there? Most narrowboats will accommodate most heights but all boats are individual. My first narrowboat had an unusually low ceiling and taller friends had to bend a little when they visited.
How long do narrowboats last?
If you take good care of it, the narrowboat battery may last for as long as six to eight years. If you don’t take good care of it, it can fail within a couple of seasons.
What do I need to live on a canal boat?
Canal boat equipment
Boat communications – TV access, WiFi, onboard mobile communications. Energy – both solar power and wind power systems. Electrics – marine electrical and electronic equipment. Heating – equipment for gas, heating, boat water and sanitisation systems.
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.
What is life like on a narrowboat?
Life aboard a narrowboat is one of peace and tranquillity. It affords you some of the most beautiful views of the UK at a leisurely pace. It isn’t without its challenges; these beautiful boats require heaps of care and attention, with considered renovation, and lots of love poured into upkeep and maintenance.
Is it hard to drive a narrowboat?
A narrowboat is not difficult to operate, but she is heavy and slow to respond. This can take some getting used to and we are happy to stand beside you on deck as we talk you through the procedure. We show you how to set off and slow down safely, where to moor up and how to steer around other boats.
Do I need a licence to drive a narrowboat?
Is a boating licence needed? You do not need a licence or certificate to steer a boat for up to 12 people, the maximum canal boat size. What does the boat hire charge include ? The hire charge is quoted for the boat with up to its specified maximum number of people.
Can you drink and drive a narrowboat?
“No person shall navigate any vessel on any canal or take any part in the navigation, mooring or handling of any vessel on the canal whilst under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vessel.”