How much would living on a narrowboat in the uk cost in terms of mooring fees, licence etc.?

Question

I'm based in northwest Shropshire and am considering a semi trad/trad narrowboat around 60 feet in length to live aboard. I can afford a reasonable boat of maybe 3- 4 years old. Any advice on the long term general running costs, mooring fees, licence fees etc would be very helpful.

Answer 1

Costs will vary in accordance to the type of mooring you require. Can I suggest the following:-

Living on board is not cheap so I recommend the book "Living Afloat" published by the Residential Boat Owners Association £8 ISBN 978 0 9532465 2 6

Look at the British Waterways web sites for licence details and moorings controlled by them (live aboard BW moorings are at a premium)

Look at Waterways World magazine to find private moorings and the prices charged. Also find the marinas with boat builders and yards who will need to lift your boat out every so often for hull maintenance (blacking).

Costs of running the craft will depend on whether you cruise a lot or just stay put. Do not forget to add on the cost of transport to work!!! and secure car parking, plus the usual expenses of insurance, heat, light, water, sewerage, pump outs etc.

If you are really serious the book will give you pointers on all these matters.

Answer 2

AS Michael H has said,your mooring is the biggest problem,maybe you should consider buying a used boat that comes with the mooring,the seller can normally arrange this with people he is renting from,and the cost as Michael has shown are pretty spot on

Answer 3

Why not make a date to come to the Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC next month?

People like the RBOA usually have a stand there, as do several of the Canal Trusts and the IWA; you will be able to pick all manner of brains about what is around.

I moor a 30' boat near Lichfield and my total running costs for a year are in the region of £1,500, but this is in a Marina which is technically not a residential.

Have a look in the back of the Canal Mags next time you are in Smiths and check out residential mooring availability.

If you are determined to live aboard and can't find a mooring, straight away, you could become a "Continuous Moorer".  This means that you can stay on a canal side mooring for 2 weeks, but would then have to move on a couple of miles before mooring up again.  OK if you have a bike on board and can cycle a couple of miles or more to work along the tow paths.

Answer 4

We get this question a few times.

Firstly, you have to find the mooring. in NW shropshire you are talking about the monty, shroppie or llangollen.

There are no available residential moorings on these canals.

in terms of cost, you need to think about:

insurance : £200

mooring: £1,000 - £2,000

licence: £500

boat safety: £100/ 3 years

maint/black: allow £300/year

depreciation:£3-5K

capital outlay - boat: £30K-80K

but, like i say, a mooring is the issue. If a marina says they have a residential mooring, they are not being entirely truthful with you. Ask Oswestry or Whitchurch council if the marina has a licence for residential boats., they will say no.

BW have absolutely no residential on-line mooring on the monty and the others have a waiting list, that doesn't really move. You would be on the list for many years.

It would just take a clampdown from BW or the council and you'll have to move.

If you are happy with that risk, good luck to you. But be cautious, there are some boats under "monitoring" in this area and they will be put on "notice to cease" soon.

Let us know the name of your boat and I'll wave as you pass - don't forget to stop and buy your eggs and veggies from us !

Answer 5

Hi don't be put off by the fist answer, and no disrespect to them , but I have a 60fter and she cost me 98k they do not depreciate if you keep them in good order inside and out quite the opposite they increase, in value, now as far as mooring you do not have to incur any costs what so ever never mind 1/£3000 per annum why / because its your home and you can more anywhere out in the country side as a continuous moorer until or you are asked to move on for one reason or an other, its a great life and there are lots of opportunities for the odd jobs on your travels gardening and so on good luck and do keep us infomed as to your progress

Answer 6

I dont know but with the way things are going you've got the right idea!