Living on board what are the main things we will need.Newbies please be gentle,

[AidanLincs]

If you're planning from working from the boat (which I usually do), then you also need an iron discipline to actually WORK, and not spend the entire day watching and feeding the ducks and fish.

[BlueStringPudding]

Mooring chains and mooring pins, a mallet, a dongle or iPad, folding sack truck with a couple of bungee hook things (you'd be surprised how many things it becomes useful for), your favourite music, a cheap set of spanners (unless you intend to be a proper tinkerer in which case buy a good set), a brimmed hat for rain or shine, sun tan lotion, and some beer.

 

That's the essential boating kit.

Edited July 7, 2013 by BlueStringPudding

[Bod]

 

A very intimate relationship is needed if you have a walk through kitchen.[/quote

 

A blindfold for a walk-thru bathroom?

 

Bod

[woodjam]

Thanks for all the useful advice.

We are now on week 2 of living on board and its going well.

 

Bilge pumps are they problem matic.

[woodjam]

We are loving it a part from the wigan flight.

21 locks in 8 hours On a wide beam.

We are now on week 3 of the adventure.

Alls good

Learning all new social skills and practical skills.

[pquinn]

an ash carrier [tippy] i find has come in very handy.

[Lady Muck]

Torches and portable rechargeable lighting solutions galore - headtorches, those round LED lights that have magnets on the back, those long rechargeable LED wand's - had no use for this kind of thing before living aboard now can't do without them.

 

Also a 12v torch battery charger for the above. And proper waterproofs.

[StarUKKiwi]

Torches and portable rechargeable lighting solutions galore - headtorches, those round LED lights that have magnets on the back, those long rechargeable LED wand's - had no use for this kind of thing before living aboard now can't do without them.

 

Also a 12v torch battery charger for the above. And proper waterproofs.

 

Oh thank you - OH wants to get head torches & I wasn't sure - but yes when cruising I can see the point now

[Lady Muck]

Head torches are a must - from searching for things in dark cupboards, to having to faff about outside at 6pm in the winter.

[i love my narrowboat]

Welcome to life afloat, it is a wonderful way of life and we do not regret it for a moment, ever, even when it is pouring of rain and miserable weather, we love it.

[Jo Villanelle]

A sense of humour and a liking (or even a tolerance would do at a push) for toilets and all things related...cassette? pump out? whichever you have you will be right and whichever you have you will be wrong. But one thing is for sure, you will never be short of conversation!

 

I love boat living and have no plans to move into a house - although I am told some people like them :-)

[Dave_P]

Head torches are a must - from searching for things in dark cupboards, to having to faff about outside at 6pm in the winter.

I always wear a head torch when going through long tunnels. Its useful to be able to look around, plus you can spot interesting tunnel features.