A traditional narrowboat is the ideal choice for long cruises and living aboard. They have a classic and attractive design stemming from traditional working boats where space for transporting goods was more important than a communal area to gather.
They have the smallest stern area offering the least external space (around 2-3 foot in length) which means there is room for only one person at a time to stand outside, giving more room for inside living.
Traditional sterns are the least common style of narrowboat and come in a variety of lengths starting from around 40 feet to 70 feet.
Traditional narrow boats come in a variety of different lengths. The length of the boat is an important factor as this will determine where you can cruise, your mooring costs, how much your insurance will be and will also affect your maintenance bills. It is advisable to get a good understanding of all the different lengths so you can get a good feel of the boats size.
Hiring a traditional narrow boat will give you a good idea of what it is like to live on one and if it is for you before you buy and own your own.
Traditional narrowboats can vary wildly in price and prices will differ depending on size, age and condition. The great thing about boating is there is a boat to suit every budget meaning that everyone can have the opportunity to own one.
Think about whether you are after a restoration project, something pristine or top of the range and do a bit of research to get an idea of what the sort of narrowboat you are looking for cost.
Costs will vary from boat to boat but working out the average running costs of owning a traditional narrowboat and how you plan to use it is very important. A good way of doing this is to ask other boaters for their knowledge and experiences. Below is a list of some of the running costs that you will need to factor in when buying a narrowboat:
Canal and river trust licenses
Boat Safety Scheme
Insurance
Canal boat maintenance
Canal and river trust licenses
Mooring fees
Fuel
Heating
Council tax
Boats are allowed to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths. But nearly all of these mooring places are short-term meaning that no boat can stay there for more than a few days, two weeks at most. To live on a boat, you need to be constantly cruising or have a residential mooring. Residential moorings can be hard to find as they are in short supply, so it is advisable to look into these before you buy.
When buying a second-hand narrow boat, it is advisable to have a survey done by a qualified marine surveyor. They will advise on any faults on the hull and with the boat’s internal systems and highlight any issue the boat may have so you have peace of mind that you know exactly what you are buying.
Using a good brokerage company when buying a traditional narrowboat can have many advantages. They will have lots of experience, a variety of boats in one location and they can help to make it as stress free as possible. Alternatively, you can buy through a private seller. You will always get more information on the true nature and quirks of a boat from the owner themselves and they are often more flexible.
Having the correct paperwork in place when you buy your traditional narrowboat is important. This includes ownership papers, insurance, boat safety certificate etc. Make sure you have all of these in place when you buy.
