Not Motorhomes but Narrowboats

Down here just to the north west of London, Hertfordshire they do police this keep moving policy for continuous cruisers and the expected distances are increasing.

It must be very difficult if you are still working

and also when trying to go grocery shopping,

I could not do it without a home mooring to return to base, if you had a car, again very difficult without a place to park the car.

I would need a marina of some sort of permanent safe mooring place, also lots of break ins happen down here.
 
Try hiring

Now this is an expensive thing to do, and might be of limited value, but worth a thought: I was advised to try hiring a boat for a week or two before making any big purchase.
I did that and I wasn't put off (much), but I would also consider hiring a boat in colder weather, to get a flavour of the issues involved in winter boat life- eg disposal of rubbish, getting the boat warm in the mornings, transporting coal/fuel, food, and other essentials from the various shops to the boat, along towpaths that are often a muddy, slippery morass, etc. There are a few challenges, but the boaters don't seem to mind much.
The canal world forum is a good place to raise specific queries, but I would add a note of caution- there is sometimes a tendency for people to be quite condescending, brusque, and often just downright rude to new members (and each other), so choose your words carefully if you are thin skinned.
The sniping and occasional hostililty on that forum does somewhat belie the impression of a warm and welcoming community that one is so often given in vlogs and conversations, and the behaviour there can sometimes be in stark contrast to the very helpful and positive general attitude seen on this forum- something which I think is to the great credit of this forum, and perhaps says something about the differences between motorhomers and boaters- or at those that have an online voice.
 
Tony123 said:
Now this is an expensive thing to do, and might be of limited value, but worth a thought: I was advised to try hiring a boat for a week or two before making any big purchase.
I did that and I wasn't put off (much), but I would also consider hiring a boat in colder weather, to get a flavour of the issues involved in winter boat life- eg disposal of rubbish, getting the boat warm in the mornings, transporting coal/fuel, food, and other essentials from the various shops to the boat, along towpaths that are often a muddy, slippery morass, etc. There are a few challenges, but the boaters don't seem to mind much.
The canal world forum is a good place to raise specific queries, but I would add a note of caution- there is sometimes a tendency for people to be quite condescending, brusque, and often just downright rude to new members (and each other), so choose your words carefully if you are thin skinned.
The sniping and occasional hostililty on that forum does somewhat belie the impression of a warm and welcoming community that one is so often given in vlogs and conversations, and the behaviour there can sometimes be in stark contrast to the very helpful and positive general attitude seen on this forum- something which I think is to the great credit of this forum, and perhaps says something about the differences between motorhomers and boaters- or at those that have an online voice.
Click to expand...

I think renting is a good idea to check if even doable mentally. I don't know for sure - but I think I could not full-time in a campervan as would find it too small, but 3 campers laid end-to-end ... that is doable :)

It is a shame with some forums where an atmosphere of confrontation and arguement is the norm :( I would think (hope!) that is not the real-life situation.
 
Having rented cruisers for many years.. Great while the kids were at school. We seriously considered buying or refitting a narrowboat, for full timing. We knew we'd have to retire in our mid 50s and fancied something that would keep us active

We walked along many a cut, nattering with the residents. We priced boats ,planned routes, and then we saw a wonderful pub, a couple of miles up a hillside. How would we be able to easily reach it?
Then we asked about winter time.
Then a client bought a motorhome..... And wouldn't stop bragging about it.
Off we went again, this time talking to motorhomers, visiting dealers, and talking to motorhomers there, to get an idea of the downside.
A narrow boat is surrounded by water... If it gets inside...? You've got big trouble.
A motorhome is surrounded by fresh air... And sunshine, if you do it right. If any of that gets indoors.... You're laughing!
Game set and match.
 
I wanted a boat and was working on a narrow boat. What put me off was I was still working so each time we took it out we would cover the same bit of water and at 4mph max you aren’t getting far. If I had retired then continuous cruising would have removed that limitation.

The next downside was transport as we would need something, was thinking of maybe a trials outfit or trike with a winch that swung out but that would mean having spare deck space to site when cruising.

My real want though was a small ocean capable cruiser so we could do the rivers here then nip across the channel and into the canal and rivers networks of Europe. Committed to motorhome now so not going to do it unless we win lottery but for us motorhome is an all round better option
 
Tough decision...

I do honestly take the point about the mobility, and how many more beautiful and varied places are reachable with a motorhome, and that is a huge plus. For most here it is the deciding factor, or I guess they would be posting on canal world!
But for me personally, although it is a tough call, the idea of having a full size shower, washing machine, and so many other domestic conveniences, plus having a lot more living space, is starting to swing my thoughts towards narrow boats, and I'm starting to think I could live with the greatly reduced scope for travel. I will be keeping a van anyway and may well end up doing a basic conversion job on that, for shorter wilding trips.
But the feeling by that I would never really be welcome anywhere in a motorhome, but would usually seen by locals as a nuisance or worse, is something that I think would undermine my happiness if wild camping in a motorhome full time, although I do understand there are many who are not bothered at all by such feelings, and I admire them for their fortitude to be honest.

So as a home base with the ability to stop for 2 weeks in any rural location I want, and with no worries about being hassled, it means the narrowboat just wins out for me, although there will still be room for a decent van conversion in my life, money permitting...
 
Tony123 said:
I do honestly take the point about the mobility, and how many more beautiful and varied places are reachable with a motorhome, and that is a huge plus. For most here it is the deciding factor, or I guess they would be posting on canal world!
But for me personally, although it is a tough call, the idea of having a full size shower, washing machine, and so many other domestic conveniences, plus having a lot more living space, is starting to swing my thoughts towards narrow boats, and I'm starting to think I could live with the greatly reduced scope for travel. I will be keeping a van anyway and may well end up doing a basic conversion job on that, for shorter wilding trips.
But the feeling by that I would never really be welcome anywhere in a motorhome, but would usually seen by locals as a nuisance or worse, is something that I think would undermine my happiness if wild camping in a motorhome full time, although I do understand there are many who are not bothered at all by such feelings, and I admire them for their fortitude to be honest.

So as a home base with the ability to stop for 2 weeks in any rural location I want, and with no worries about being hassled, it means the narrowboat just wins out for me, although there will still be room for a decent van conversion in my life, money permitting...
Click to expand...
.

Go on then... DO IT !
You only get one crack at life.
Keep us posted how you get on.
 
I think Tonys plan is to do just that in a few years time :)

Have to say what he is saying is very in-tune with my own thinking albeit in his case at a much more Informed and advanced stage of research.
I think my main stumbling block would seem to be the OH :(
 
wildebus said:
I think Tonys plan is to do just that in a few years time :)

Have to say what he is saying is very in-tune with my own thinking albeit in his case at a much more Informed and advanced stage of research.
I think my main stumbling block would seem to be the OH :(
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I refer the Hon Member to my previous response.:scared:
 
Oh I will!

My original plan was to take early retirement next summer, accepting a bit of a lower income to gain an earlier exit from work. But earlier this year I got the bad news that I needed to remortgage to the tune of 20k, partly to pay for major building work on my house, so I'm now looking at summer 2021 for retirement, and I'm already starting to count down the days (which is not a great idea apparently).
My liveaboard narrow boat plan was kicked into touch several years ago by my then partner, who was also no great fan of motorhomes.

However, the recent and very sad ending of that relationship did have one plus side, in that all bets are off as regards my post-retirement life, so the boat plan is back in my thinking. As is a van conversion.

I do need to keep a grip though- I happened to watch a YouTube video about a guy who bought a cheap 500cc bike and toured Europe, and found myself thinking 'yes, now that's a quality idea...'

It does add a challenge to the idea of finding a future relationship partner though, because I'll have to find someone who is ok with life on a 60 feet steel corridor.

Something will have to give, and it may be my sanity...
 
There are certainly many attractions to boating, not least of which are the quiet locations away from everyone that can be found, as well as the amazing scenery. At one point I wanted nothing more than to retire to a canal life. I never did live aboard full time but did stay aboard for many weeks at a time at all times of year. It was actually amazing how far you do get to travel even at a maximum of 4 mph.
The downsides are that the enjoyment can be very weather dependent. Because we were not hurrying anywhere we would just moor up for periods of very inclement weather but would see some sorry souls trying to get round a cruising ring or back to their hire base.
It’s strange how well you get to know the area within a walk of the canal, yet later realise that you actually only get to see a small part of where you’ve travelled.
The practicalities of living aboard take some consideration. All supplies have to be carried in. This can be particularly difficult in Winter with not only maintenance stoppages but also freezing weather restricting movement. Supermarkets are often a fair distance from the canal so carrying everything that you need can be quite a chore.
We eventually plumped for a motorhome (not full time) because of how much less weather dependant it is.
I still love to stay by canals, but don’t feel a great urge to get back on there.
 
I lived on a narrow boat at the end of the 90s, so some time ago. I was still working and thankfully I was able to more for extended periods without being hassled to move. Things have changed since ...

I had a car and I was able to get provisions easily but without a car it would have been difficult.

My main problem was water. The boat had a huge tank, big enough to climb into to clean and paint, but moving the boat to refill from a tap that is some distance away was a pain. You also have to factor in extra distance you may have to cover in order to turn (or wind in the vernacular).

Plenty warm in Winter with a stove that would stay in overnight.

My 60 foot boat had an open lounge and kitchen, then a bathroom (with bath!), and bedroom at the stern with a double bed.

Airy and spacious with lots of windows it made a lovely place to live.

I sold it after I'd moved in with a partner who wasn't enamoured with boating. This was after many years tied up in a marina, which cost a fortune, and not much use. Just me and the dog ...

Now I live full-time in my motorhome which I find plenty big enough.

The reason the POIs database came to pass was a desire to do the same in my 'van as I did in the boat. Just find a nice spot in the countryside, bang in the spikes, tie up and relax. I found this website and started mapping all the places suggested by members ...

Eight years on I'm still doing it!
 
Off topic but as you mentioned it.........

“The reason the POIs database came to pass was a desire to do the same in my 'van as I did in the boat. Just find a nice spot in the countryside, bang in the spikes, tie up and relax. I found this website and started mapping all the places suggested by members ...

Eight years on I'm still doing it!”

We are very grateful for the work you do.

Dave
 
i had assumed the original ‘canalsman’ name originated from that lifestyle , now poi admin thanks to both incarnations,
 
Living on a narrowboat after retirement was one of my ambitions while I was at work. I've hired narrow boats a few times and absolutely love the slower pace of life and living in the worlds best linear nature reserve. The canal system should be one of our most treasured national assets. However, I fear I, and the OP, have missed the boat (no pun intended) for the following reasons:
- Living on the cut is now highly regulated by the CRT who regard boaters as cash-cows to be squeezed until they squeal. And with reducing Government funding that's only going to get worse.
- Canal living has become so crowded there is little space left. In popular areas or near to the facilities we all take for granted you daren't move your boat to collect water or get a pump-out for fear of losing your 'spot'. Depending on your chosen waterway in more remote areas it can be very difficult to moor up and owing to CRT's reduced spending on maintenance, towpaths are either overgrown or in a very poor state of repair.
- Crime levels for those mooring nearer towns/cities are on the increase with thefts from/damage to boats going un-policed.
- The canals are being used as dumping ground for those who otherwise might be homeless. On a canal near me in the Midlands there is a stretch which has been taken over by junkies and wineos. They buy old wrecks of plastic cruisers - most don't even have an engine - tie them up on the canal near shops and get partying. The towpath is a disgrace with bottles and rubbish strewn everywhere. I've stopped walking my dog there because of contamination by broken glass and human waste and I've also witnessed cyclists/pedestrians using the towpath being subject to abuse and threats!
- Living in a marina would be my idea of hell. 6 feet away from your neighbours and still subject to the whims of the marina owner or operator. No ta.

Having said all that I still love the idea and admire anyone who can make it work for them. As for the practicalities, this might offer some answers Narrowboat Forum | Living On A Narrowboat
 
Hi Green Man,
You don't paint a very happy picture - but best to look at these things without the rose-tinted specs on!

On your last point, Marinas do seem quite claustrophobic and I read some article recently about mooring fees in London going right up (not that I want to be in London) - and the reason I recall that article is that the images they showed to accompany it was of loads of narrowboats, all side by side (so each one tied up at the bow) - 6 foot away from your neighbour? that would be more like 6 inches away! and apparently paying over £1,000 a month for the privilege.
 
I remember watching this little video lots when I was considering living on a boat. Not a lot of info, but a lovely film.

[video=youtube_share;0Or66rXzUlk]https://youtu.be/0Or66rXzUlk[/video]
 
Hi! We have lived aboard for some 15 years, whilst working, and not. We've cc'd, been in a marina, and now have an offside field mooring, which is fab. We are on a river, which takes more work during flood, but comes with a cheaper river only lucence at just over 500 squid a year for a 62ft boat.
CRT have cracked down and regulated massively since BW days, even with a home mooring they will hassle you. We got notice to move once while stuck in massive flood between 2 river locks...they got a telling off back!
We trundle our water and cassettes when on the moiring, have solar that runs everything february to november, genny an hour a day nov to feb. But we love it. We have excellent internet, built the boat ourselves so it suits us (tug style trad) my OH used to move the boat single handed while i worked, then text me where to find him.
It's a great community mostly. We are in east midlands, it's not busy, plenty of moorings and cc mooring opps too. It's dry, comfy, warm, spacious.
I also used to have my own boat building business, bespoke builds. We only have a permanent mooring now because i care nearly full time for my mum.
I'd have to say go for it, but choose carefully. If you ever want to ask specific questions feel free!
(We are toying with a year out on a motorhome, to do the British coast)
 
An interesting thread, has anyone got any further with their ideas ?

Reading some of the replies, one solution to shopping trips is perhaps given supermarkets offering home deliveries that problem is solved.

For those that have boated, what sort of fuel economy do these engines give.

With the constant theft of motorhomes and in some locations an ever increasing hostility from local authoroties ,A boat seems perhaps a viable alternative.

I am thinking with rent rates water bills and utility bills I get fair start on the water morever as Paul jenny suggests do things whilst you can,considering my own health scares and that of friends over the last 12 months now might just be the time to strike whilst the iron is hot

Channa
 
channa said:
An interesting thread, has anyone got any further with their ideas ?

Reading some of the replies, one solution to shopping trips is perhaps given supermarkets offering home deliveries that problem is solved.

For those that have boated, what sort of fuel economy do these engines give.

With the constant theft of motorhomes and in some locations an ever increasing hostility from local authoroties ,A boat seems perhaps a viable alternative.

I am thinking with rent rates water bills and utility bills I get fair start on the water morever as Paul jenny suggests do things whilst you can,considering my own health scares and that of friends over the last 12 months now might just be the time to strike whilst the iron is hot

Channa
Click to expand...

A couple of youtube channels to view and they are at extremes of boating,

[video=youtube;dCcZ1lRqX-Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcZ1lRqX-Q[/video]
[video=youtube;Iiu0z85JxFs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iiu0z85JxFs[/video]
 
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