I find Narrowboating very enjoyable but for various reasons haven't been able to be on them much this year.

Question

Bearing in mind that on these boats you normally only have a few feet of water underneath you, you are rarely more that ten ot twenty feet from the shore or towpath, and can only travel at approximately 4 mph, what is the appeal?

What is it about them that makes people spend anything up to £150K buying them, and want to live on them?

Answer 1

Total relaxation.

Used to cruise beneath the M6 motorway, on the Bridgewater canal. Seeing the cars travelling at 70 mph plus, which I had probably been doing the day previously, made it all fall into perspective.You could feel the tension draining through your toes.Returned a few days later to modern life a better, relaxed person.

For £150k you could buy a floating palace, much better deals if you look around.

Answer 2

I never met a boat I not like. Here in the USA I not think this a very well known boat or should I say well owned? These are beautiful boats and I would love to have one to live on. I may build one but, for now I have 3 boats to build, one being a Stern-wheeler/Paddle-wheeler to live aboard.

Though mine will not look like this;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mutbka/2479...

People who love boats, they love boats. Any boat is a good boat if the person is happy. Anyone that not have that boat will love talking and learning about it. Guess we could say, it a boat thing that only people with a love of boats will understand.

Answer 3

the appeal is to be on something that could potentially sink and make you drown.  these people are risk takers.

Answer 4

As an ex narrow boat live-a-board owner I can speak from experience,,we only payed £26,000 for our boat so I feel the £150,000 is a little excessive,,,however as you have been on Holiday on one you will understand the pleasures derived from the experience,,,,being able to take your home wherever you wish when ever you wish is freedom itself,,,A boat is after all nothing more than a hole in the water into which you throw money,,but notwithstanding that the appeal of them is everlasting,,,,,to live with the bare minimum of possessions and unhindered from society is one of the best things you can have,,,Winter is no problem with central heating and a wood burning stove to heat you,you have at hand all the necessities for a comfortable life,,,,

I cant say much more than to own your own mobile floating home and be free is the best

and in answer to the first poster,,,All UK canals were built to a strict 4 foot deapth,,if you fall in just stand up and wade to the canal side,,,,as for sinking ha ha ha

Answer 5

so that if they are fishing for hours that they can get a sleep or get something to drink instead of going back to their houses all the time.

Answer 6

For liveaboards, £150K is much cheaper than most houses, a narrowboat has cheaper running costs and if you don't like your neighbours there is no hassle with Estate Agents, Solicitors, etc., you just "up anchor" and move your home somewhere else.

I have a tiny 30' aluminium "Sea Otter" and I usually get to spend a couple of days a week on her, often not going anywhere at all, but I come home feeling totally refreshed and laid back.  Isn't the 3-4 mph when travelling what it's all about?  Usually in no rush to get anywhere, very friendly guys all round you, people have time to stop and natter, lovely scenery, kingfishers, and great pubs.

It's "in my blood" back to my Gt. Gt. grandparents who were barge Captains (unfortunately, for me, they married into a family of brewers!  There is no hope for me!!)