Whats it's really like to live on a narrow boat?

Question

To escape the rat race I am considering buying a boat to live on, but being on my own I am not sure about managing the practical issues i.e locks, mooring the boat ect. Does anyone have first hand experience in this? Is it a good idea? or any other suggestions as to how I can live a quiet life ?

Answer 1

We lived on a narrow boat for several years and can tell you it is an experience we are glad we had
Your first port of call should be WHSmiths and start buying all the narrow boat magazines,waterways world,canal boat etc,you will find lots of little bits of info about 12v electrics,locks, maintenance,painting,places to visit and all manner of articles.Get along to the many hundreds of chandlers and boat sales marinas just to get a feel for the life and look around any boats for sale,talk to boaters they will usually give good advice and some tips.
You can spend what ever you want on a boat,they come in several catagories,New builds,second hand ,fit outs,ex hire craft etc,New builds are just that ,they can range from about 50k up to well over 120k and are all singing and all dancing craft.second hand will give you loads of scope being between 10k up to 75k,they are just like cars,people move on etc and need to get rid of thier old boat, fit outs are usually just a shell with an engine and the basics,floor,roof sides etc,ex hire craft are the ones that have belonged to hire companies,they are often bashed about by the renters but are usually in good trim.
If you have the money get a new build from a reputable boat builder,there are hundreds around the country and unless they have something in stock you could wait for up to 6 months for the boat of your specifications,Second hand are always a good bet,you will need to get a boat safety certificate at about £400 plus,they should take the boat out of water and do a full inspection,you get a report outlining all the bits that need attention. Buying is simple,you pay the money get insurance and off you go,its that simple,learning to handle a boat should only take an hour or so,learning all the other bits just takes longer.
Locks are quite simple but go to a lock near you and just watch what happens,after watching several times you will soon pick it up.When we collected our boat we had never been on one let alone steered one,we had 79 miles to get back to our mooring and 14 locks,we did it without to many problems.we had to take it over the tidal section of the river trent and read a chart but did it anyway.
Make a list of what you want from your boat,number of beds,loung size etc,you will usually get a 4ftX6ft bed=double full bathroom and galley with gas bottled cooker,usually the 14 killo gas bottles.the toilet will be either a pumpout(has its own cess that you get pumped out at a marina)or the porta potti type like you get in a caravan.porta potties are more convenient.
A wood burniing stove usually in the lounge which will burn coal,wood,paper etc and central heating,ours had 3 radiators.
Your mooring will have to be sourced first you can get two types,a resdential mooring where you get your post delivered,you will pay council tax and a rent of up to and over £1000/annum or a berth that just allows you to moor your boat there but not live aboard,they are usually cheaper.
There are so many things to find out that if I were to list them all the answer would be several thousand words long
Just buy the magazines and get along to some marinas and locks and talk/ask questions.
Narrowboating might seam very idyililc but chopping frozen wood at 4 in the morning does take some of the glamour away
It `s worth it though.we did it and enjoyed all the relaxing riverside drinking we did ,watching the sun go down over the fields with a glass of rum and breathing some fresh air,.
All you have to do is do your homework and just DO IT
If you do become a narrowboater you will find that you become very proud of your lifestyle, very protective about it and smile to yourself when you look at all the people in their little brick boxes and realise you have found the answer to escaping the ratrace.. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

It's an excellent idea. We lived on a boat (not a narrowboat but a river cruiser) for several years. Contact the Residential Boat Owners Association (RBOA). They do a useful book called "Living Afloat". Also, membership is £15 per year and you will meet like-minded people with plenty of experience. They can tell you where there are moorings near you too.

www.rboa.org.uk

Answer 3

Are you going to take the boat on the ocean? By yourself? You had better be good at being a boat captain because the sea does not show mercy. I would suggest, if you are a female alone, to find a nice place in the country and enjoy solitude there.

Answer 4

40 Boat Building Videos : http://BoatPlans.NaturallyGo.com/?hrV