Any Houseboat owners here?

HAMISH_MCTAVISH

dominoman wrote: »

Not sure what you'll get for 50k though?!

Canal narrow boats are cheap, but I wouldn't want to live on one.

http://greathaywoodboatsales.co.uk/boat/listing/pre

Wide beam boats more comfortable, and still not all that expensive...

http://greathaywoodboatsales.co.uk/boat/listing/wide_beams

princeofpounds

Another thing to consider is the mooring fees. This boat is a beauty, but mooring fees are over 20k per annum.

I really don't like that boat. They have succeeded in making it look like an office inside.

G_M

The trouble with moorings on the canals is that either

* you have a 'Continuous Cruising' licence. No home mooring. But you must keep moving every 2 weeks (and no moving 100 yards up/down the same stretch!)

* you have a home mooring. But most of these are non residential. Most moorings at marinas are non residential ie you can keep the boat there but not live on it

* you have a residential mooring. These are rarer (both at marinas and along the Cut) and much more expensive. Council tax kicks in too.

Then there's an annual boat safety certificate, maintenance, insurance, fuel, pump-out costs (unless you man-handle your poo), and much more....

http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/a-boat-of-your-own/living-on-a-boat

Gonzo1987

Ideally a marina would be most convenient when you take into consideration waste disposals etc.

Thanks for all the points of consideration - Like I say, we're still at the first stages on investigation, but so far, I've no been put of by the coms/things to really think about.

Council tax I believe is band A on a residential mooring, which is fine, and considerably cheaper than what we pay right now.

Gonzo1987

My liveaboard guide arrived today and I can't wait to get stuck into it.

Gonzo1987

We are going to be in a position to buy our houseboat in the new year! I am SO excited.

Gonzo1987

It's been a while since I started this thread, but we bought our boat in March this year and absolutely love it. Finally being free of being in rented accommodation is the best feeling ever.

Rambosmum

My OHs family are all water gypsy's (their term not mine) and love it. I can't stand boats though!

JP08

When I looked into this a good few years ago (when I was considering it from a non marina basis - paying fees every month rather negated the financial aspect) it came down to two things. Sufficient power to run a washing machine et al - no wish to be dragging stuff to a launderette, even if I could find one round here, and big enough crap / water tanks to survive a canal freeze ...

.... the rest was doable.