How much is a boat licence UK?

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.

Do you need a license to drive a canal boat UK?

If you keep and use a boat on our canals and rivers, you’ll need a licence. You can buy your long-term licence at any time of the year.

How much does a narrowboat licence cost?

Boat licences and fees

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.

Do I need a TV Licence for a canal boat?

By law, residential boat owners need a TV Licence to watch live television, or catch up TV on BBC iPlayer. This is true no matter what device is used, how the programmes are received, or whether the boat is cruising or moored.

Can anyone drive a canal boat UK?

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.

How old do you have to be to drive a canal boat UK?

“How old do they have to be to drive the boat?” Children aged 12 and up can drive the boat but they have to be supervised by you when they’re at the wheel.

Can you drink and drive a canal boat UK?

Alcohol and boating law in the UK

Boaters may be prosecuted under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 if their actions on the water are seen to be endangering other vessels, structures or individuals and they are under the influence of alcohol.

What certificates do you need for a narrowboat?

Before you buy a boat licence you will need a valid Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate or exemption. The BSS is like a boating version of the MOT. It sets standards for boats, their installations and components, which you must meet before buying your licence.

Do you pay council tax on a narrowboat?

Council tax: If your boat is moored permanently, it will typically be in the lowest tax band. However, if you’re happy to move every two weeks as a ‘continuous cruiser,’ you won’t have to pay this.

Do you need a survey to insure a narrowboat?

Many insurance companies require that boat owners have marine surveys in order to fit the policy to the specific vessel better.

How much does a narrowboat survey cost UK?

A full pre-purchase survey will cost you somewhere between £400 & £700; if the survey is out of the water it will also cost between £100 & £200 docking charges depending how the boat is taken out of the water – dry dock and slipway are generally cheaper than a fixed crane.

How long does a narrowboat hull last?

There are two types of coatings which can be used to protect the hull, Bituminous and Two Pack Epoxy. Epoxy paint is more expensive but it will last 5 – 6 years once applied and a Bitumen finished coating will last around 2 – 3 years.

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 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.

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.

How long do narrowboat engines last?

A well-maintained gasoline engine run under the best conditions may well run for more than the 1,500 hours without major overhaul.

How often do you need to pump out a narrowboat?

The pump out toilet is more like a conventional house toilet. The liquid and solid toilet waste is stored in a large (sealed) holding tank on your boat which requires emptying every two to three weeks depending on how much you use it.

How do you empty a toilet on a canal boat?

Pump-out toilets

Boaters who have a holding tank for toilet waste will need to use a pump-out facility to empty the tank. Once again we provide some facilities, as do many marinas and boat yards. There is a charge for using pump-out facilities, which is not included in the boat licence fee.