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.
Can you legally live on a boat in the UK?
You can rent a residential mooring in a private marina or from the navigation authority. Some mooring operators won’t rent out a mooring to a boat owner who lives permanently on their boat. Some boat dwellers live on permanent moorings that are not for residential use.
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 does it cost to live on a narrowboat UK?
This varies depending on your boat’s size and location, but you’re looking at roughly between £3,000 to £18,000 per annum. You’ll also have to budget for your regular Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate every four years.
Is it worth living on a narrowboat?
Although there are maintenance costs such as blacking the hull, engine services, general maintenance, moorings fees and licence fees etc. living on a narrowboat can be cheaper than living on the land. The yearly costs of living on a boat of course depends on each individuals circumstances.
Do you need a TV Licence If you live on a 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.
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.
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!
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 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 bills do you pay on a canal boat?
On top of mooring fees, there are other expenses – possibly council tax, a safety certificate, a boat licence, insurance and upkeep costs.
How often do you need to pump out a narrowboat?
Narrowboats aren’t connected to a mains sewer system, so all wastewater and sewage is held in what’s known as a holding tank. These tanks need to be emptied once every six to eight weeks on average and it’s essential to ensure your tank is emptied regularly.
How does electricity work on a narrowboat?
Source of Power
Most boats will also have a 12V charging system fitted. This will not only keep the batteries topped up it will also act as a mains powered “battery” and run all the boats 12V services directly from the mains – so in this scenario life is a doddle!
What are the cons of living on a boat?
Lack of Space
This may be one of the main drawbacks of living aboard your boat, especially if you are looking to house more than one person. Boats, whilst incredibly space-efficient, do not give much space for storage. After your boat is furnished and fully equipped, you will quickly run out of room.
Do you need a license to drive a narrowboat?
No. Anyone over 21 can hire a canal boat with no licence or training whatsoever. Most people pick up steering and controlling the boat fairly quickly, canal hire firms will give basic training if you have no one experienced on board before letting you loose, and it is possible to take some lessons in advance.
How long do narrowboat engines last?
The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul.
Can you live on a boat on a mooring?
Private moorings granted by Transport allow vessels to be permanently stored on the water in designated mooring areas in NSW. Conditions apply and there are waiting periods in some mooring areas.
Can you live on a boat instead of a house?
Most marinas require an application for you to move aboard permanently. In some areas, liveaboards aren’t permitted or there are long waiting lists. Liveaboard slip fees are usually higher and your insurance rates may increase if your boat becomes your primary residence.
What size boat can you live on?
Experts in this area recommend a yacht that is at least 30 feet long for one or two residents and 50 feet or more for families or those who want excess space. When choosing a yacht to live on, you must consider how much room you will need to accommodate the items that you need.
Do canal boats have an MOT?
To ensure that every ones safety is addressed all narrow boats and river boats need to have an up to date Boat Safety Certificate. This is equivalent to a cars MOT certificate, the vessel also needs to be insured and have a Canal & River Trust licence.
How many miles can you travel on a narrowboat 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.