Embracing The Waterways: Swapping Living in a House for a Canal or Narrow Boat

Living in a traditional home with a lawn, fence and possibly a shed is the target of many an individual and couple.

But there is an alternative that offers freedom, mobility, and a unique perspective on life.

It’s canal or narrow boat living, an increasingly popular lifestyle that is providing a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity to its adherents.

The Allure of Canal Boats

Why might someone choose to swap their terrestrial dwelling for a boat on the water?

For one, there is an inherent sense of freedom that comes with living on a canal boat. Your home is no longer fixed in one location, but is free to travel along the waterways, allowing you to explore different places with ease. There's a certain romanticism in this nomadic lifestyle, a captivating freedom found in the gentle swaying of the water and the picturesque landscapes that change with each passing mile.

Yet, it’s not just about the allure of freedom and adventure. There's a practicality to this lifestyle as well. With the increasing cost of housing in many cities worldwide, living on a canal boat can be a significantly cheaper option. It’s an alternative form of housing that appeals especially to those looking to downsize, simplify their lives, or escape the fast pace of city life.

Essential Considerations

Moving from a house to a narrowboat involves more than simply packing your belongings and setting sail. The lifestyle is different, and so too are the challenges you'll face.

Space Management

Space is a premium on a narrow boat. While you might have the freedom to cruise the waterways, you will have to compromise on space. This requires efficient and creative storage solutions. It also means you might have to significantly downsize your possessions.

Maintenance

A canal boat, like any other form of housing, requires regular maintenance. Unlike a traditional house, however, the very environment in which your boat exists can pose additional challenges. Corrosion, hull damage, engine issues, and maintaining watertight integrity are all aspects that you'll need to consider.

Utilities and Amenities

Utilities, such as water, electricity, and waste disposal, operate differently on a canal boat. Some boats are equipped with solar panels and generators to produce electricity, and water tanks need to be refilled regularly. Waste disposal also requires more planning than in a traditional house. And of course heating, it’s bloody cold on boats in the winter so this takes a lot of consideration and a big chunk of your budget.

A Closer Community

Canal and narrowboat communities are often close-knit. People help each other with maintenance, navigation, and the many other quirks of waterborne life. They also share information about the best mooring spots, upcoming events, and recent news. This sense of community is a significant draw for many who choose to live on the water.

A Sustainable Lifestyle

With a move towards more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles, canal boats offer an excellent option. Many canal boats are now powered by electric engines, reducing CO2 emissions. Solar panels are often used for electricity, and a minimalist lifestyle reduces overall consumption.

Cost of living on a narrowboat in 2024

Brodie of insure4boats.co.uk has written about the costs of living on a narrow boat vs the cost of a traditional home, in summary your average monthly expenditure would be around £715 which could save around £1600 a month if you lived in a traditional home. That’s a huge cost saving.

Final Thoughts

Moving from a house to a canal or narrow boat is not a decision to be taken lightly. It's a significant lifestyle change that will bring both challenges and rewards. But for those yearning for a life less ordinary, the freedom of the waterways and the closeness of the boating community might be the perfect answer. After all, where else can you have your morning coffee while drifting down a tranquil waterway, surrounded by nature’s glory, with your next destination just a horizon away?

The waterways are calling; will you answer?