How practical are widebeam or dutch barges on UK canals?

Question

I don't know anything about canals and boats... I am looking at renting/buying a widebeam (11' wide or more) or dutch barges.... on UK canals (West London/Uxbridge etc)... but how practical are these - to live on and use on the canals? Narrowboats look too small for me... widebeam look good... what do you think?

Answer 1

you could get a widebeam barge say no more than10'6'' wide, and in that area you wouldnt have any problem, you would have to pay more for the mooring, just because its wider, and like a Dutch barge you are limited as to where you can go.

You can check out on the net the width restrictions.

Try and buy one with  a mooring,you will pay more,but it might be worth it,there are loads of other cost to consider.