Hi all. I'm right at the beginning of the process of buying a barge/narrow boat in England to live on and was wondering if anyone knows about costs - berths, insurance etc... Many thanks for all helpful contributions.
2007-10-29 03:19:24 · 4 answers · asked by Sir Fearnot 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
I in the USA and not see many of those. Been a few people ask about them. They really nice boats I think.
I came up with a plan. If you people send me a narrowboat, I will live on it and tell you all what it cost. :-D
But, I assume it be similar to here in the USA and depends on many factors like what you pay to park. The times I lived on boats, it not much different than living in a house, when a person figure all costs involved, including property taxes. The big expense with a boat is when a person go somewhere. Fuel is the major expense, if, you not have sails.
To me the thought is more focused toward living and not going. So, fuel expense is like a side order if you move because of work or family etc. Most times we should be Moored/Docked. Then have a small boat for going around local.
This all I can really say as I not know the good spots for reasonable Dock Fees. Here in the USA, I can get a 30 foot (About 10 meter) boat slip for $130 a month and then pay for what utilities I want, just like a house. So, this roughly $13 USD per meter of boat length. Some places charge more, some less. Some not have enough water depth to clear a deep draft boat, so, they cheaper and people with a shallow draft find a good deal.
Good luck, the narrowboat is very pretty. I would love to have one.
2007-10-29 03:35:18 · answer #1 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES for most people. Although I often describe narrowboating as being either a very expensive hobby OR a very cheap way of life. Sure moorings can be expensive, as can Waterway Licences, not to mention the initial cost of buying a narrowboat and kitting it out to be suitable for living aboard. But when you compare these costs with home ownership, living aboard a narrowboat can be a very cost effective alternative. BUT and it's a BIG BUT, I would not recommend that people move onto a narrowboat home UNLESS they are also very committed to the lifestyle and values that go along with living aboard a narrowboat. Those committed to the change of lifestyle are likely to succeed with real contentment - To assume that you will be happy just and merely because it is cheaper to be on a narrowboat rather than living in a house is a false premise.
2014-03-03 17:31:10 · answer #2 · answered by Sofia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is an interesting current thread on this subject for narrowboats on the Canal World forum at http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=5673.
It is surprising how much it actually costs!
Better information on the costs for barges would come from DBA The Barge Association. For info about their discussion groups go to http://www.barges.org/main.php?section=1832
2007-10-31 05:22:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your time a do an indepth web search to locate all the partical hidden tariffs. Here are some generals...
The British Waterways annual pleasure cruising licence (57ft boat approx £570pa, net of prompt payment discount); Insurance - possibly £250 - £500
If not "continuously cruising" mooring fees which could be £800pa for an ‘online’ mooring in rural areas (farmer’s field), or perhaps £2000pa in an average….. marina, or up to "costa bloody fortune" London area.
Here at Hinckley, Leicestershire
Rates are £34 per foot per annum plus VAT and service charge of £270 inc VAT.
2007-10-29 03:45:56 · answer #4 · answered by flea 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋