Since our nation’s cost of expenses is still a problem. More people are trying to figure out how to reduce their monthly expenses.
Because of this, alternative living arrangements—like living aboard a narrowboat—are growing in popularity. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kCG2z3_zv0 for some tips.
In the UK, there are reportedly 150,000 or so people who live off the grid. Outside of the conventional metropolitan infrastructure, to be precise. Of them, some 15,000 are permanent residents of the UK’s waterways, many of them being on narrowboats.
The monetary gains may be substantial. Studies indicate that you could save about £1,600 a month on average. When staying in an off-grid home, that is.
Choosing a Narrowboat
Types
Traditional Stern:
It is the most compact that is offered. Typically, the deck area is two to three feet. This makes additional living space possible inside. Traditional stern models from the past usually include a Boatman’s Cabin.
Because transporting goods was the primary purpose of canal boats. Families that were employed and resided along the canals were forced to live at the rear of the ship.
In a space no wider than six feet and no longer than ten, they ate, cleaned, and slept. This kind of stern is found within the housing of the motor.
Cruiser Stern:
These inventions are relatively recent. Offering five to seven feet of decking, it is intended to be an extra social area. They are therefore well-liked by both liveaboards and recreational boaters.
Imagine them as a decorated space for bright days. The engine is accessible through the hatch on the outside.
Semi-Traditional Stern
They combine elements of cruiser and traditional stern designs. As a result, an expanded area outdoors the boat has room and seats.
Meanwhile, the steering position remains more akin to that of a classic narrowboat. This results in a smaller cabin space, but the diesel engine is accessible through a hatch on the outside.
Licence
You will need to get a license for your boat to use it on UK rivers and canals. Waterways in the Canal & River Trust’s care. Your long-term license will support canal upkeep, much like a car’s road tax does.
A valid boat insurance policy must be in place before you can apply for a license and a Boat Safety Certificate (BSS) – see https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/requirements-examinations-certification/arranging-a-bss-examination/bss-certification-reports-explained/ for more details. A typical narrowboat’s Canal & River Trust Licence will set you back about £100 per month starting in April 2024.
Insurance
Applying for a boat license requires having narrowboat insurance. And regardless of how experienced or inexperienced you are as a narrowboater.
It makes sense to think about obtaining specialized narrowboat insurance. This will shield your narrowboat from malicious harm, theft, and unintentional damage.
Layouts
Traditional: The bedroom is located toward the back in these designs.
Reverse: They feature a front bedroom and a back galley.
Size
50 feet is a terrific go-anywhere size that is ideal for novices.
57 feet is considered a reasonable amount of time to cover the complete canal system. Anything heavier is restricted in terms of lock size.
60 feet: You will still be able to cover a lot of ground, but you will have to deal with size restrictions.
65 feet: This length allows for the addition of a second bedroom.
70 feet: This gives you a lot more space. It’s a trade-off between having more room on board and exploring the network.
Budget: Used Vs. Brand New
Brand New: Purchasing new guarantees that you will be the very first to buy and obtain the boat of your dreams. It is a possibility to consider. Just keep in mind that devaluation is a major issue.
Second-Hand: As an illustration of depreciation the boat you purchased would have cost £235, 000 when it was brand-new. You chose to purchase used goods and ended up saving £70,000.
It may not be the boat you had in mind. However, you were spared the depreciation hit.
Fuel
Typically, equipment used for cooking, heating, and operating will require separate fuel sources. For these purposes, solar energy is often used by narrow boaters, though wood and coal are still common options.
- The average monthly cost of diesel is approximately £60.
- Coal and other fuels typically cost about £25 a month on average.
- For firewood, the average monthly cost is approximately £90.
Mooring
Concerning your narrowboat, there are primarily two choices. Either you can opt to be a continuous cruiser—find out more, or pay for a mooring. Indicating that you are always moving and don’t have a permanent place to be.
The price of permanent mooring varies depending on the river. The typical monthly bill in the UK is approximately £3,000. This includes any annual guest mooring fees that may be required.
Typically, your water bill will be included in this expense. The cost of a permanent mooring can rise dramatically in populated cities like London.