Axster

I can see that. I looked up some quick numbers and there are about 30k narrowboats vs 600k+ caravans and campers. That certainly limits innovation

I think that's a really valid argument - a good bump on the superstructure could misalign the mechanism of a lifting roof. Although I guess there could be engineering work-arounds

Well, it all depends on your cruising habits. What is clear is that an all-electric boat supported by a large battery bank (which can also serve as ballast) and solar array (maybe a wind generator) is considerably more energy efficient than a diesel-driven boat that charges the batteries via an alternator. In the former model you can combine all sources of energy and store them as needed. It is obviously not going to be enough if you are continuously cruising, so a generator is required to support the system, charge batteries when solar and wind aren't enough and drive the electric motor when cruising time exceeds what the batteries can deliver, but overall it is a far more efficient system because it is integrated and cuts out energy losses. I think that's a really valid argument - a good bump on the superstructure could misalign the mechanism of a lifting roof. Although I guess there could be engineering work-arounds I think that's a really valid argument - a good bump on the superstructure could misalign the mechanism of a lifting roof. Although I guess there could be engineering work-arounds

Hi all, This is my first post on the forum and although I read a lot, my experience with narrowboats is limited, so please correct my ignorance when I state nonsense. I have lived on sailboats and innovation with regard to living space is limited by the need for safety and performance as a sailing vessel. This isn't true for canal boats, the only limiting factors are width, length and height if you want to be able to cruise all or the majority of the canals. These restrictions only apply though when the boat is going through locks, aqueducts or tunnels. When moored up for the night, these restrictions do not apply. So I wonder why none of the tiny house innovations have made their way onto narrowboats. Why, for instance, there are no lifting roofs - beds embedded in the ceiling, when anchored one raises the roof by 3ft and creates a loft space. Or even a fold-down deck on the side. There seems to be some innovation on the technical side. Plenty of hybrid boats on the water now that are solar/generator driven and work from an electric motor. That's great, but when it comes to innovation on the shape and function (in terms of living space) of the boats I see very little innovation. Or maybe that's just me being ignorant :P I'd love to hear your thoughts!