What are the costs associated with living on a barge/narrowboat in the UK?

Question

Hi all. I'm right at the beginning of the process of buying a barge/narrow boat in England to live on and was wondering if anyone knows about costs - berths, insurance etc... Many thanks for all helpful contributions.

Answer 1

I in the USA and not see many of those. Been a few people ask about them. They really nice boats I think.

I came up with a plan. If you people send me a narrowboat, I  will live on it and tell you all what it cost. :-D

But, I assume it be similar to here in the USA and depends on many factors like what you pay to park. The times I lived on boats, it not much different than living in a house, when a person figure all costs involved, including property taxes. The big expense with a boat is when a person go somewhere. Fuel is the major expense, if, you not have sails.

To me the thought is more focused toward living and not going. So, fuel expense is like a side order if you move because of work or family etc. Most times we should be Moored/Docked. Then have a small boat for going around local.

This all I can really say as I not know the good spots for reasonable Dock Fees. Here in the USA, I can get a 30 foot (About 10 meter) boat slip for $130 a month and then pay for what utilities I want, just like a house. So, this roughly $13 USD per meter of boat length. Some places charge more, some less. Some not have enough water depth to clear a deep draft boat, so, they cheaper and people with a shallow draft find a good deal.

Good luck, the narrowboat is very pretty. I would love to have one.

Answer 2

There is an interesting current thread on this subject for narrowboats on the Canal World forum at http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.p...

It is surprising how much it actually costs!

Better information on the costs for barges would come from DBA The Barge Association. For info about their discussion groups go to http://www.barges.org/main.php?section=1...

Answer 3

Take your time a do an indepth web search to locate all the partical hidden tariffs. Here are some generals...

The British Waterways annual pleasure cruising licence (57ft boat approx £570pa, net of prompt payment discount); Insurance - possibly £250 - £500

If not "continuously cruising" mooring fees which could be £800pa for an ‘online’ mooring in rural areas (farmer’s field), or perhaps £2000pa in an average….. marina, or up to "costa bloody fortune" London area.

Here at Hinckley, Leicestershire

Rates are £34 per foot per annum plus VAT and service charge of £270 inc VAT.