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 live permanently on a canal boat?
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.
How much does a houseboat cost UK?
How much does it cost to buy a houseboat? The cost of houseboats vary hugely, from under £10,000 all the way up to millions! It all depends what type of boat you would like! However a solicitor is not required so there are no additional costs in buying a houseboat other than the cost of a survey.
How long can you stay on a canal boat?
Unless signed the maximum stay time is 14 days for all boats, those with a home mooring and those without a home mooring.
How much is a narrowboat in the UK? – Related Questions
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.
Do you need a licence to drive 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.
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. This will still provide plenty of time for lazy lunches and energetic exploring.
Can you sleep on a canal boat?
Canal boats are now equipped with all the comforts of home. These usually include: Beds with foam or interior sprung mattresses.
How far can you travel by canal in the UK?
The longest river in the UK is the River Severn, stretching 220 miles from Plynlimon in Wales to the Bristol Channel. The longest canal in the UK is the Grand Union Canal, stretching 137 miles from London to Birmingham. Cruising the whole length, non-stop, would take you 74 hours.
How often do you have to move your canal boat?
Most canals will allow you to stay for up to 14 days before you have to move on. However, this isn’t always the case and sometimes there is a 24 or 48 hours limit. Check the signage to be sure.
Can you shower on a canal boat?
Most canal boats have several pumps on board to aid shower use. Most will use a whale gulper pump to help pump the grey water from your shower out of your boat and into the canals.
Can you drive a canal boat at night?
If you own a canal boat, it is not illegal to drive your canal boat in the dark – however, if you are renting from a canal boat supplier, such as ABC Boat Hire, these hire boats are not permitted to be driven at night.
Can I moor my canal 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.
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.
Do you need a TV Licence on a narrowboat?
“You need a valid TV Licence if you use TV receiving equipment to watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown on TV. ‘TV receiving equipment’ means any equipment which is used to watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown on TV.
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!
Do you pay council tax if you live on a canal boat?
The pitch for a caravan or the mooring for a boat is charged Council Tax if someone lives in the caravan or the boat as their main home (known as their sole or main residence). The decision whether a caravan or boat should have a Council Tax bill is made by the Valuation Office Agency and not by local councils.
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.
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
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.