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Buying a houseboat

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  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
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    Thanks everyone.

    I am looking to buy.

    Yes it's a whim at the moment but I'd never go into anything without doing a lot of research!

    I own a house so I may well stay were I am. For certain reasons (living on a communal estate) I am contemplating moving and this came up. The age thing could be a deciding factor - the points are well made. On the other hand it could be fun. And,you know, the breaking the leg issue could be a problem in flats and houses too

    Once again thanks. I appreciate all the comments
  • 3mph
    3mph Posts: 247 Forumite
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    You do know that BOAT stands for "bung over another thousand" ?
  • Lioness_Twinkletoes
    Lioness_Twinkletoes Posts: 1,573 Forumite
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    This thread lead me to look at houseboats for sale and I have to say, I'd love one. Looking at spending about £2m though, so it'll have to wait until I've won the lottery!
  • Red-Squirrel_2
    Red-Squirrel_2 Posts: 4,341 Forumite
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    NeilCr wrote: »
    On the other hand it could be fun. And,you know, the breaking the leg issue could be a problem in flats and houses too

    Much easier to solve though, lifts, ramps etc. Newer builds have to be accessible by law, a houseboat doesn't!

    I understand the temptation though, can you upsticks and go on holiday in a houseboat though or does it have to stay where it is?
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
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    The term 'houseboat' generally refers to a static, floating 'house'.

    We seem here to be talking about the canal network, mostly used by 'narrowboats' (due to the width of the canals, and more importantly, the locks).

    On the wider canals (eg Grand Union), Dutch Barges can be used (they're about double the width of a narrowboat). And on the rivers/broads etc there are river boats (often glass fibre or wood rather than steel construction).

    I suspect here the OP is considering a liveaboad narrowboat on a canal. Which would be able to cruise as well as provide a permenat home.
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
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    edited 18 March 2017 at 11:46AM
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    G_M wrote: »

    I suspect here the OP is considering a liveaboad narrowboat on a canal. Which would be able to cruise as well as provide a permenat home.

    It's actually a 60 footer moored on my local marina. It is fully working, as I understand it.

    There is a good lifestyle by our marina - lots of bars, restaurants etc and buzzy. So yes it is tempting but I have to keep my sensible head on too
  • Gers
    Gers Posts: 12,031 Forumite
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    NeilCr wrote: »
    I am vaguely thinking of moving

    During a search of available properties I came across a new houseboat with a permanent mooring at my local marina. And very nice it is too. 60 ft long - tastefully decorated - a bit of a man vpcave - big telly, drinks fridge etc

    I've never thought of living on a houseboat before but I can see the attractions. I'm aware of some of the downsides - mooring fees, insurance, licence, maintenance etc. I don't need that much space - my best friend reckons I could live in a hotel room. I don't come with much baggage - it's me and my cat really

    Internet and Sky Sports are important to me. Mid 60s now and like my days in front of the telly watching cricket, rugby, golf etc. The marina has wi fi - I've asked about provision for TV

    Just wondered if anyone with experience could comment on the pros and cons. It may well not happen but it's piqued my interest

    If you pop over to the Old Style board and search for HardupHester she'll be able to give you great information as her and her hubby have just bought one to live in full time.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
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    Originally Posted by G_M viewpost.gif

    I suspect here the OP is considering a liveaboad narrowboat on a canal. Which would be able to cruise as well as provide a permenat home.
    NeilCr wrote: »
    It's actually a 60 footer moored on my local marina. It is fully working, as I understand it.
    And the marina is.... on the canal network? On the coast? On a river?

    Being a '60 footer' I imagine it's a narrowboat on a canal which you're considering using as a liveaboard..........
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
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    G_M wrote: »
    And the marina is.... on the canal network? On the coast? On a river?

    Being a '60 footer' I imagine it's a narrowboat on a canal which you're considering using as a liveaboard..........

    On the coast!

    Not sure I fancy travelling on it anyway, to be honest
  • boliston
    boliston Posts: 3,012 Forumite
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    I would imagine the cost of living in a flat vs a boat would be FAR more for the boat.

    I was looking recently at bristol property and a houseboat came up at 165k which is comparable with some of bristol's flats but I would imagine the running costs would be high and the boat would have a limited lifespan

    http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-56022298.html
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