Buying a canal boat or narrowboat.
Why buy a canal boat?
Which type of canal boat?
Having a canal boat built
Doing it yourself
Payment Arrangements
Buying second hand
- Ownership and Resale
– What to look for
Financing
Things to Consider
– Length and width
– Construction
- Engine
- Toilet
- Heating/Hot Water
– Electrics
– Surveys
– Documentation
Typical Costs
- Ownership
- Shared Ownership
- Hiring
- First rung on the property ladder, often costing less than a house
- No stamp duty on boat sales
- Move around freely with your home
- If well maintained the values will almost certainly rise
- Lower maintenance costs than most houses
- Community with other boaters
- Beautiful countryside views
- Different views every morning
- Holidays for life
Which type of canal boat should I buy?
Narrowboats come in three different styles. The style traditionally refers to the space at the stern, with usage depending on the preference of the boat owner. Each style offers advantages in terms of use of the deck space or interior.
- TRAD: Ideal for live aboard, typified by a short back deck of 2-3 feet in length, with more room inside for living than on other styles.
- CRUISER: Ideal as a holiday boat. Back deck of between 4-8 feet long, ample space for several people.
- SEMI-TRAD: Trad look with the space of a cruiser
Dutch Barge style boats are becoming increasingly popular with people cruising the larger waterways, however, the available mileage of waterways inland is limited.