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. A full tank of fuel gives two weeks cruising time on average.
Can I live on a canal 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.
What is the difference between a canal boat and a narrowboat?
Narrowboats typically have a beam (width) of between 6ft 10in – 7 ft, whereas a barge can typically be around twice the width – often around 14.5 ft. If you come across a boat which is in between, this range of vessels is typically known as ‘wide beam’ canal boats.
How much is a narrowboat in the UK?
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.
Do you need a license to drive a canal boat UK? – Related Questions
Is living on a narrowboat 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!
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.
Are narrowboats a good investment?
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.
How long does a narrowboat 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.
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 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 far can you travel on a canal boat in a day?
How far can I travel? During the summer months you can expect to cruise for anywhere between four and seven hours a day. Travelling at 3-4mph for four hours a day will mean you cover around 80 to 100 miles in a week.
How long can you stay in one place on a canal boat?
This is dependent on each particular mooring place – but you will be able to tell how long you are allowed to stay for by checking the signs. Most short stay moorings allow stays between 48 hours and 7 days.
Can you live on a canal boat for free?
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.
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.
Can I anchor my boat anywhere UK?
The short answer is no, you can not anchor or moor anywhere. Most cities and towns have restrictions on permanent mooring locations, and some restrict anchoring. And not every spot is safe or ideal to leave your boat unattended for long.
How much is a boat licence UK?
An Initial BSSC registration for a full year for a boat starts from £144.00. Note – All boats requiring a BSSC must be tested every 4 years.
Can you drink and drive a boat UK?
Alcohol and boating law in the UK
Locally, most harbour authorities have harbour byelaws under which they can prosecute if boaters are found to be under the influence of alcohol when in charge of a vessel. The RYA encourages harbour authorities to enforce those rules.
What size boat can you drive without a license UK?
They are required to have a minimum level of fire fighting and life saving equipment. There are minimal requirements for UK flagged private pleasure boats of all descriptions in British coastal waters, providing they are less than 13.7m in length.
What is the largest boat you can operate without a captains license?
When Do I Need a Captain’s License? The USCG license isn’t always required. If you are wondering, “What length of boat requires a captain’s license?” The answer is this: If your vessel is less than 26 feet in length and doesn’t require a mate, then you may be exempt from having a captain’s license.
Is a captain’s license worth it?
Why get a captain’s license. Main reason is safety. Captain’s classes cover many of the basic items to ensure mariners are safe on the water. Rules of the Road, navigation procedure, responding to emergencies, understanding aids to navigation, use of publications to stay up to date on their waterways and more.