living on a narrowboat

[jazzactivist]

Hi all, I wonder if any of you have any experience or advice? In my constant quest to downshift and live a simpler and cheaper life, I am considering what it might be like to buy and live on a narrowboat / canal barge / houseboat. As I am thinking about developing my own small business, maybe this might be an interesting way to sell jewellery / crafts / herbs / whatever. I am quite proficient at growing fruit and veg in containers too. I know that a major stumbling block is finding a residential mooring, but does anyone know of other things to consider / look out for? Thanks.

[fife]

Hi Jazz my friend who was at uni in london had to live on a narrow boat as she could not afford anything else we use to have a great time on it and she has never moved from it six years later, she has said that the only time she will consider selling it is when she meets somebody and has children she figures that this may cause a problem if still living there.

[jazzactivist]

Thanks, fife, that's very encouraging to know. I like the look of the lifestyle and have always liked boats and water, so it is quite an attractive proposition for me. It would just be me and my partner, and of course I wuld have to convince him that all ur books would remain dry!

[sunflower]

I think narrow boats are lovely. In the past we have had holidays in Norfolk. One thing to think about. On one of our holidays, I was talking to an Artist who had lived on a narrow boat for three years. He said that life on the boat is great. However, the damp can affect your health, and that is why he sold his boat. He felt that three years was long enough if you wanted to keep healthy.

[Crocus]

Hubby is crazy about narrow boats and especially the locks! One day, he says, he wants us to have a week of two on a narrow boat. Summer of course will be the best time, but the "traffic" may be a bit heavy, or am I wrong? Sorry Jazz, I'm a bit of topic here!

[jazzactivist]

Not at all, Crocus, I like your enthusiasm. I have always liked them too, but haven't ever been on a holiday on one. maybe we should try it out this summer and chat to some permanent residents before taking the plunge (not literally, I hope!)

[Crocus]

Yes, that sounds like a very good idea to me - kind of a trial run eh? Test the waters, so to speak!