My friend and I are thinking of living on a Boat...?

Question

a 66ft ex Herring Drifter...

What are the costs involved for moorings, licences etc

we dont intend to use it commercially.

mooring in esturys and rivers...

Answer 1

I don't know how the costs there compare with North America, but in the more populated areas here you can expect to pay at least a fhundred dollars a month for a good morning, and more, but you can also find places to anchor for free if you can dinghy ashore when you need to.  It is much the same situation with marinas - the cost can vary greatly, and also depends on if you pay by the day, week, month or year - obviously the longer you pay up front, the better the deal.  I would estimate that an average marina cost in many areas in North America would be $200 to $300 a month, with electricity and water extra - sometimes water will be included.  I would expect your costs to be somewhat higher than here.  When I compare my costs of living with those of my step-daughter who lives in the UK, I find hers are about 50% higher.  Have you considered whether people who live in the area may complain about live aboards?  We have found that is becoming more common here.  It is harder to find decent places where live aboards are welcome.

However it works out, I hope you enjoy it.  Living on a boat is a great life - I loved it!

Answer 2

The Environment Agency will be able to tell you about Licence costs for using her on rivers.

As a rough (very rough) idea, I have a 30' canal boat which is moored in a Marina in the Midlands on the Trent and Mersey.

I reckon that my total running costs for the year are in the order of £1,500 - that includes mooring, licence, insurance, engine servicing and fuel.

The cost of moorings varies all over the Country, like housing.  In places where the demand is high, the mooring reflects this.

Around the Thames area I would expect to pay 4x the cost of mooring in the Midlands.