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Dear CanalCuttings Re: Living on a Boat
Some of the 'living on a boat' emails we have received recently - Answers
given in good faith
Living on a boat in Yorkshire
Dear CC,
I shall be moving to the Leeds area within the next 3 to 6 months.
I will want to rent some suitable ( self contained ) accommodation. I shall be
mobile hence if there are any possibilities for a lower rent due to my locating
outside of Leeds then I would be interested in that possibility. I understand
that there is a canal network nearby to Leeds hence the idea of renting (long
term) a narrow boat appeals to me. My stay in the Leeds area is likely to be
from 1 ½ years
to 3 years. Are you able to make suggestions at this stage? And also an indication
of the rent to pay? Regards K J
Hi K,
I wouldn’t say there is no chance but finding a narrowboat with a residential
mooring for rent is highly unlikely as these are highly sought after by boaters
for themselves.
If you go down the non-residential; long term moorings route
then you will have the problem that you are not legal for 24/7 occupancy of the
boat, of access and lack of services: water, sewer, electricity rubbish disposal,
mail etc.
If you go down the permanently cruising route, then you have to keep moving
at least every 24 hours to 14 days depending where you moor.
If you have had a holiday on a narrowboat then you have some idea of the
concept of living aboard if you haven’t then I would recommend you take
one.
I know this doesn’t sound very positive but I meet hundreds of people
each year who ‘like the idea of living aboard’ but would never be
able to hack it as it’s not necessarily the idyllic life that everyone
assumes.
If I haven’t changed your mind by now, get back in touch and I’ll
discuss further.
Kind regards Graham
Furtherance:
Hi K,
The hiring of the boat may well be legal but the validity of the mooring of said
craft is usually the problem.
There are different classes of legal moorings – Here are the ones we know
:
Residential – BW or other Waterways Licence usually required even in a
private marina - Where tenure has been approved by the local council planning
department - you are liable for council tax (even if you don’t actually
receive any services)
Long Term Moorings – BW or other Waterways Licence usually required even
in a private marina – LTM are for the boat not the occupants! You may be
permitted to stay aboard for periods of time, say; two weeks at a time - dependant
on the individual mooring permit.
Visitor Moorings (Signposted) - BW or other Waterways Licence required – for
periods of time from as little as 30minutes up to 14 days or more.
Unofficial Moorings - BW or other Waterways Licence required – Mooring
on the towpath outside of Residential, Long Term or Visitor moorings. You may
be permitted to stay for up to 14 days, dependant on local by-laws.
The best people to speak to ate your local waterways office (BW or other as applicable).
Living on a boat - some practicalities
Hi CC
I have found your web site and have been reading about those who 'sold up' and
now live on their boats, and mention is made of residential moorings which can
provide a postal address.
How about doctors services? Do you register with a local GP? Do GPs accept permanent
boaters?
Thank you
G H
Hi G,
We are still registered with the doctor we had in our last residence town
of T**** at one of our daughter’s address. Our two daughters live within
a couple of miles of T**** so they come and take us to the doctors as and when
(desperately) required.
If you have your NHS Medical Card and proof of identity you can use any NHS
doctor as a temporary patient.
We also use NHS Direct by phone and dispensing Pharmacists for queries about
things, lumps and bumps! Hope this helps?
Kind regards
Graham
Looking at living on a boat
Hi CC,
I am considering “selling up” and moving onto a narrow boat for
good.
I am reading your website with great interest and would really appreciate
as much help & advice as you can possibly afford or point me in the right
direction of where to start. I want to be based around the Leeds area due to
work commitments.
Where on earth do I begin? Best Regards, A R
Hi A,
I think we would need to know a bit more about you before we can really give ‘best
advice’ but here’s a starter.
Walk the towpath and talk to boaters – they will usually answer any
questions you have.
Have you ever been on a narrowboat for a week or more? If you haven’t
then hire a 60 foot or longer narrowboat for at least 1 week - we recommend 2
weeks cruising in the area where you are planning to ‘live’ – just
to make sure you are not just falling in love with the idea.
If you are looking to stay in on one place – you will need to find official
residential or long term moorings where the owners will permit you to live aboard.
(Do this before you do anything else! – If you can’t find ‘residential’ moorings
in your area – you’re scuppered before you start!) Make sure you
have a mobile phone signal actually on the proposed moorings!
Decide what you are going to need aboard your boat: Central heating / coal
fire / combination.
Washing machine, tumble drier, fridge, freezer, microwave, hairdryer, TV,
computer (internet through mobile internet service provider – 3G) then
decide how you’re going to power them!
Visit a couple of boat shows and talk to heating and power management companies.
Let us know when you have specific questions.
Kind regards
Graham
