Downshifting to canal boat or park home maybe

G_M

wikthor wrote: »

..maybe more residential moorings will equal less cost?

There is still a shortage of residential moorings, though as more marinas are built the provision grows. But not all marinas have R moorings, and those that do only have small numbers.

The overall costs don't change much at all.

laurel7172

A colleague downshifted to a narrowboat some years ago.

It wasn't many seasons before they bought a house for the winter...

Jenniefour

I think those motor homes are probably great to go on a long holiday with, the best are like hotel suites on wheels. But as somewhere to live permanently I wouldn't entertain one. Same for boats, nice for a long holiday. Some friends of friends sold their house to buy a motor home when they retired. Had a fantastic time for about three years. When they'd had enough of it they found they'd been priced out of housing market in area where they used to live. And motor home was worth a lot less by then as well.

Personally, I wouldn't go for anything that would be a depreciating asset - not because I want to protect anyone's inheritance - but because I wouldn't want to remove any choices I might need later. So over 55's flats are out as well. Smaller house or flat would be my choice. With more freedom, less rules and less running costs.

Colin_Hunt

I think there are plans to extend this place
http://www.merciamarina.co.uk/prices

Personally you couldnt pay me to live on a boat, but if you do settle on the above let me know and you can get me a pint in the Dragon.

Cyclamen

My Dad was a 'continuous cruiser live aboard' narrowboat resident.

You do have to keep moving.. and not just on the same river or canal.. he ended up everywhere.

Residential moorings seem to be highly variable (he used to get one for winter due to weather, ice and muddy towpaths). Some of the sites were lovely, others very pricey and not so great.

I would suggest going for a good look round and actually chatting to the boaters.. I have spent a lot of time as a kid on the waterways and have concluded that there is nothing a boat owner likes more than to chat;-)

I have slept on a narrowboat (ended up crewing for a bit as Dad got older) and personally I dislike it.. touching both walls at once by extending your hands, having to think about how much water you use in a shower.. thank heavens we had a pump out loo so it was normal to use but still had to go to a pump out station to empty the tanks. People walking up towpaths always look into your living room lack of privacy and although Dad had flower baskets on the roof there was no garden that was his so everything (aforementioned wheelbarrow/ bicycle/coal bags) had to be stored on boat.

In nice weather it's lovely.. but there is so much work.. and if you are doing it as a budget idea you will probably be considering doing some of it yourself. I absolutely detested, anti fouling and repainting a hull and have done it more than once. I would love one for a holiday and enjoyed a day trip but living on one is a big NO for me... i really recommend going along your nearest canal and having a chat.

Good luck with what ever you decide

G_M

Colin_Hunt wrote: »

I think there are plans to extend this place
http://www.merciamarina.co.uk/prices

Personally you couldnt pay me to live on a boat, but if you do settle on the above let me know and you can get me a pint in the Dragon.

I do not see any suggestion that they offer residential moorings. Their price list is for 'birthing' - not the same at all.

That is the problem. Few marinas have RMs and those that do only have a few spaces reserved as RMs.

Davesnave

G_M wrote: »

I do not see any suggestion that they offer residential moorings. Their price list is for 'birthing' - not the same at all.

No, it's much messier, and if you get a midwife that goes on and on about the weird complications she's dealt with, there's no escape.