Robert & Liz

No problems sticking with the rules - I'm just trying to find out what they are before I arrive in the UK. But you have made it a bit more clear. Thanks. So I'm looking at a 57 to 59 ft boat myself, so I could expect about the same, 2700 pa for a marina. I can also expect about 1000 + for a suitable license. I figure Gold anyway, because it reduces the hassles when cruising. A lot less fiddling about with multiple licenses. While the idea of continuously cruising sounds nice, and no doubt suits a lot of people, the practicalities at present would determine that I have a "base" in a marina. If I read it correctly, that practically takes care of the legalities. Other than insurance, boat survey, and so on. cheers

I know that this is probably a big ask. But I'm trying to decipher the British Waterways http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/license-it/choosing-and-buying-a-licence/standard-licences conditions. I see that some people who have lived aboard for years and years only have what they call Cruising Licenses, and have to literally move on every 14 days. This seems a bit inconvenient. But not I guess if you don't have a marina berth paid for. However, it looks to me like the Gold License is the best option if one is going to do a fair bit of cruising, but also have the option of long term stays at marina's in various areas. If your home base is a marina, it kind of makes sense in general I'd think. Obviously not for everyone, but a lot. and Marina costs. How much does it cost on average for a 1 year spot at a good marina? all these and a thousand more questions ... thanks

I see lots and lots of people and lots and lots of boats, and people coming and going all the time. But now I'm wondering what is the longest known time someone has been living on their narrowboat? and cruising. I'm not too sure that just tying up at a marina and staying put counts - but there you go, it may be some peoples ideal. What's the average time? What's the longest time? What's the shortest time even?

I have read in "Canals of Britain", that the maximum size boat that will fit in the Yorkshire canals is 56 ft. Is this the case. 56ft - or will a 58ft, or even a 60 ft fit? Also, are the Yorkshire canals part of the main systems, reachable from the canals of the areas? thanks Robert&Liz

I so pleased to see so many positive replies. I guess those who aren't positive are sold up and back in a flat/house/debt.. I can't believe I started this thread with a few simple questions. So much information has been forthcoming. I am going to have to put it all into a note book. As we hope to meet a lot of you eventually - for a cupper, a beer, a pint or a wine, Liz and I just have to sort a few things now, and it's done. Believe it or not, we live in Australia right now, near a town called Toowoomba, in Queensland. We have a small farm together. Liz is from Suffolk, and my mother came from Lancaster (in 1924) :-) Liz will be back in the UK in April for a bit, scoping things out. Just have to get things sold and sorted here. I am so looking forward to this move. ok. More questions :-) Does anyone live aboard with a dog, or dogs.? Does anybody still work, and live aboard (apart from Richard Branson...) I write, and program iPhone apps. Liz is becoming an accountant. So we both still have the option to earn a little drinking silver. Does anyone still use Clydesdale horses to tow the boat(s) along? I'm doubting it can be done these days, but maybe in places? Do most boats in the narrow beam, 60ft +- class have "double bottoms", or something like that for water storage bladders. or are they generally not needed with there being plenty of places to top up? Extra solar panel battery storage areas. (Ventilated) wait, I have a list :-) thanks for all your help and ideas. Robert & Liz

Thanks everyone for your very helpful answers. May I ask, what is a "Gold license" ? or further to that, what licenses do I need, permits, levies, fees etc. I have no doubt there are at least a dozen government departments who all want a fee for something? I must say - this is all sounding very positive. I love the comment - "living in a horizontal filling cabinet" - great analogy :-) Robert & Liz

Hi all, This is a most useful forum, as we are looking at buying a narrow boat and wandering the canals. Living on board while health permits and so on. If I can ask a question or two, about size and fit outs? I seem to see that a 60ft boat, 6'10 wide seems to be the ideal for being able to cover most canals. I don't think I'll live long enough to cover all of them - I'd have to reach about 150 I think! But the main canals, and more well known paths would be nice. Diesel engine. Solar panels. There is only the two of us, so we don't need lots of "stuff" onboard. Just bedroom, loo/shower, lounge/kitchen area, and probably some 'storage' way forward. Someone on a website somewhere ... indicated that about 4,000 pounds a year would be average for annual costs. Obviouisly thee would be unplanned extras from time, but does that sound about right? So I'm wondering if any long term narrow boat living people would care to share any experiences with us? The good, the bad, the ugly? In short - from your own experiences, would you recommend it as a life style.. thanks Robert & Liz