When you left the rat race ...

[Messy]

I'm pretty much new to this forum so would like to know what made people turn to the canals rather than stay on dry land and how they coped when they made that change?

 

How did you feel giving up comforts like hifi, big telly, baths etc. and all the other mod cons of settled living ... or did you drag it all with you and shoehorn it in?

 

Was it a struggle? Did you think about it for years before taking the plunge? Did you ever regret it?

 

Thing with me is that I have it pretty easy here. I'm in a 1 bedroom flat in London, everything is convenient, the rent is reasonably low ... but for years and years I've been dreaming of living on a boat. I'm now in a position to do it, but I've now become very scared about what I might be giving up, and the problems I might be inviting.

Edited January 24, 2007 by Messy

[Bones]

I'm pretty much new to this forum so would like to know what made people turn to the canals rather than stay on dry land and how they coped when they made that change?

 

How did you feel giving up comforts like hifi, big telly, baths etc. and all the other mod cons of settled living ... or did you drag it all with you and shoehorn it in?

 

Was it a struggle? Did you think about it for years before taking the plunge? Did you ever regret it?

 

Thing with me is that I have it pretty easy here. I'm in a 1 bedroom flat in London, everything is convenient, the rent is reasonably low ... but for years and years I've been dreaming of living on a boat. I'm now in a position to do it, but I've now become very scared about what I might be giving up, and the problems I might be inviting.

 

 

My ruck sack and I ended up on a boat, and it had a hifi and a shower. I never liked TV and don't own one now, nor do I own a hifi (I gave it away a few weeks ago) - but I do have a wind up gramaphone. As for mod cons of living I think they are over-rated. They certainly don't enhance my quality of life.

AS I said, ended up on a boat, liked it, bought my own. I haven't looked back.

[NB Alnwick]

I'm pretty much new to this forum so would like to know what made people turn to the canals rather than stay on dry land and how they coped when they made that change?

 

Welcome aboard!

 

If you haven't already done so, may I suggest that you try hiring a boat for a few nice holidays and make up your own mind. Then you will be able to meet people who have made similar life changing decisions, talk to them and see the issues for yourself. We did this and were often invited aboard by complete strangers to see how they were managing.

Edited January 24, 2007 by NB Alnwick

[Messy]

We did this and were often invited aboard by complete strangers to see how they were managing.

Having wandered around marinas and along the towpath I've often been surprised at how friendly people are ... but also how many people seem quite new to it all. Is there a huge turnover of boating people or is it something that is just getting more and more popular?

[carlt]

Having wandered around marinas and along the towpath I've often been surprised at how friendly people are ... but also how many people seem quite new to it all. Is there a huge turnover of boating people or is it something that is just getting more and more popular?

No once we get past our sell by date and start smelling we're chucked off and go and live on the Broads.

[bottle]

Hi Messy

 

We made the mistake, like many others, and had a holiday (two weeks) on a narrowboat, many years ago.

 

Within the first day I was hooked, sad I know, we did not have enough money to buy one so planned to retire onto one.

 

This was a dream and in the future but we planned and planned managed to pay off the mortgage early.

 

So 'sitting pretty' just waiting for retirement, then bang!!! I became ill and had to take early retirement but we decided, after I had recovered, we would sell up and move on-board earlier than planned.

 

We ordered the boat (two years ago, long wait for build slot) and put the house on the market, house has not sold yet and build slot is close, we cannot build without selling the house but we have an understanding builder who will move our slot and put someone in our place.

 

Now we also took holidays at the end of the season October/November to see if we had been using 'rose spectacles' but we hadn't, we enjoyed/loved it.

 

As to why we took that first holiday, we cannot remember, but glad we did.

 

It has amazed me that when it comes up in conversation the number of people that say oh! I would love to do that and those that think we are mad.

 

It may all go bottom up but at least we will have had a go.

 

Sorry went off on a tangent then, the reason we want to do it, nothing in particular we just want a change from this rat race and believe this is the way for us to enjoy life.

 

I do count myself very lucky that through being ill, I will have the possibility of having a better and maybe longer life.

[honey ryder]

hi messy,

i live in a similar situation to you, i live in a flat that is very reasonably priced and nice inside, its just 3 minutes cycle ride from work and very convenient for the shops and stuff like that.

 

im in the process of moving all my stuff into our 57foot narrowboat ( theres 2 of us)

its definately not a life changing descision though, not for me anyway.

we have no TV, but I do have a laptop which is what I use when I work from home, if we want to watch a film/dvd we can use that.

we also have a stereo, the same battery operated one I had 20 years ago in fact. it plays cds, its got a tape deck and has a radio.. .what more could you possibly want?

 

We have the luxury of shore power, an inverter and an engine powered genny. so im having a washing machine delivered soon and that will be my one huge luxury. ( we're sporty people and get through a fair bit of specialist clothes that would take forever by hand and cost a fortune at the launderette)

The main electrical appliance I have ( if you dont include the washing machine which doesnt work from an inverter/battery but needs BIG power)

is a sewing machine which is my pride and joy which was left to me when my gran died less than 2 years ago. Thats the only thing I really insisted I take on the boat that wasnt exactly an essential thing for living.

 

Ive spent the past 2/3 years de-cluttering, not for living on a boat but because I hate clutter in my life.

My clothes can all fit into a decent sized holdall and im working on getting rid of more stuff to reduce it further. the less I have the happier I feel.

 

some people have a whole array of modern appliances on their boats, electric boosted aerials, satelite dishes, tvs, computers, playstations, microwaves, electric kettles, full sized bath!!! for these people I feel they are missing the point of living on a boat, but each to their own.

 

living on a boat is far easier than some people will have you believe, its not the amount of stuff you can and cant take whith you that makes it "hard" its more the lifestyle of being a bit closer to nature and some people cant handle that. the way you ue a toilet and heat your water, where you get your water from even has to be considered and not taken for granted. as long as you can get your head around those basics, then boating is a piece of cake.

 

with a cherry on top when the sun shines.

Edited January 24, 2007 by honey ryder

[Yoda]

It is not many people in the world who can wake up every morning in their own beds to look out on a different vista.

[Messy]

Thanks for answering people.

 

I've actually had campervans for a few years and camped in tents before that, I've got no problem with being closer to nature .. Things like washing, boiling water and toilets don't bother me ... but I've never done it for extended periods of time, with nowhere to return to.

 

Looking around this flat, I have 6 plugs for the hifi (separates) and 32" telly & DVD. About the same for the computer, printer, monitor, scanner, 2 large external hard drives, router etc. (I kinda dislike laptops). I also have a digital SLR and mobile that both need recharging regularly. I too have a sewing machine, and also an electric guitar. That's just the main stuff, the list goes on ...

 

So all in, that's quite a lot of plug sockets and quite a lot of room taken up. I would definitely have to compromise somewhere.

 

It is not many people in the world who can wake up every morning in their own beds to look out on a different vista.

 

Ah but how true is this? It seems that a great many boaters look out of their windows and just see other boats.

Edited January 24, 2007 by Messy

[Bones]

Thanks for answering people.

 

Ah but how true is this? It seems that a great many boaters look out of their windows and just see other boats.

 

 

I persume it is a matter of choice unless where you are moored is un-navigatable?!

[bottle]

Thanks for answering people.

 

I've actually had campervans for a few years and camped in tents before that, I've got no problem with being closer to nature .. Things like washing, boiling water and toilets don't bother me ... but I've never done it for extended periods of time, with nowhere to return to.

 

Looking around this flat, I have 6 plugs for the hifi (separates) and 32" telly & DVD. About the same for the computer, printer, monitor, scanner, 2 large external hard drives, router etc. (I kinda dislike laptops). I also have a digital SLR and mobile that both need recharging regularly. I too have a sewing machine, and also an electric guitar. That's just the main stuff, the list goes on ...

 

So all in, that's quite a lot of plug sockets and quite a lot of room taken up. I would definitely have to compromise somewhere.

 

 

 

Ah but how true is this? It seems that a great many boaters look out of their windows and just see other boats.

 

The power thing is not insurmountable, you do not use everything at once, if you have a shore supply that is generally 16 amps about 3.5Kw you would soon learn how much could be on at the same time.

 

If no shore supply then you would rely on battery/generator/inverter combination.

 

There was a boat that I recently saw that had everything and more on board, even had a satellite dish that was totally automatic, the guy was a technophile, he did have a 7Kw generator. the boat was 70ft and cost in excess of £170,000 two years ago.

 

I do not know why but it is now up for sale (poa) according to the sales pitch.

 

It is just a matter of priorities and the physical space

[honey ryder]

Thanks for answering people.

 

I've actually had campervans for a few years and camped in tents before that, I've got no problem with being closer to nature .. Things like washing, boiling water and toilets don't bother me ... but I've never done it for extended periods of time, with nowhere to return to.

 

Looking around this flat, I have 6 plugs for the hifi (separates) and 32" telly & DVD. About the same for the computer, printer, monitor, scanner, 2 large external hard drives, router etc. (I kinda dislike laptops). I also have a digital SLR and mobile that both need recharging regularly. I too have a sewing machine, and also an electric guitar. That's just the main stuff, the list goes on ...

 

So all in, that's quite a lot of plug sockets and quite a lot of room taken up. I would definitely have to compromise somewhere.

Ah but how true is this? It seems that a great many boaters look out of their windows and just see other boats.

 

There might be a bit of a compromise there then if you want to live on a boat, that huge list of stuff doesnt all seem particularly compatible unless you plan to live in a fully serviced marina all the time, in which case, stay in the flat because marina living/ shorepower reliance sucks big time!

if you can reorganise your stuff into "essential" and "nonessential" and take your time about it, dont rush, the nonessential list eventually when you learn to let go of "stuff" will be the longest list and the essential will be very very short.

[Messy]

if you can reorganise your stuff into "essential" and "nonessential" and take your time about it, dont rush, the nonessential list eventually when you learn to let go of "stuff" will be the longest list and the essential will be very very short.

 

Yup, I'd definitely have to change stuff, most isn't essential, just what I have gotten used to having around ...

 

I think the plan would be to get all my music converted to high bitrate mp3 and stored on hard disk, then I could incorporate the lot in with a PC and decent speakers. I'm still to investigate running a desktop PC on a 12 volt supply rather than use a laptop .. I'm already using 500+ gigs of hard drive so most laptops wouldn't be enough for all my stuff.

 

My telly is an LCD flat panel with built in freeview, so that probably wouldn't take up much more room than a CRT portable ... and it can double as a PC monitor. (32 inches for a PC monitor is a bit huge though )

Edited January 24, 2007 by Messy

[Hobart]

We had never even seen a narrowboat properly a year ago, now we live on one. Friends just kept telling us about their plans to live afloat, and eventually one evening they unknowingly convinced us to do the same. about a month later we'd seen a boat (first one ever been on), bought it (it was from Richard's Aunty so trustworthy and all that), and now just paying off the loans.

 

We don't regret it one bit. It's been great, although make sure you've got a reserve pot for maintenance - it's one thing after another! We have a shore line, and have no problem with running loads of stuff at the same time. We did the same as you suggested and put all the music on a desktop - plays fine through decent speakers and a good amp. and now we just download all our music anyway.

 

You soon get used to the toilet / filling up with water chores, and it really isn't too difficult. Just be prepared for water pumps / heaters to break, and have back-up systems where you can.

 

marina living/ shorepower reliance sucks big time!

 

Why's that honey ryder? We've considered leaving the Marina life, but can only see downsides to living directly on the cut (apart from having much more money!) Would love to hear the other pro's of on-line moorings. Besides, where do you find them???? Our Marina's great though, really small, and more or less just on a bend of the GU. Water, Elec, gas bottles, coal, cafe, and most importantly - a mechanic, all on-site.

[bottle]

I'm still to investigate running a desktop PC on a 12 volt supply rather than use a laptop

 

Why, every thing else will require 230v, (tv/hi-fi etc.)

 

Or use laptop and have external hardrive,

 

I think we may be wandering, your priority is to see if the 'boating life' is for you, if it is then all of these problems hi-fi/tv/computor can be overcome. There may be a cost (£££) involved but it is all possible.

 

Find the right boat and mooring and do a check on whether you can afford to run the boat.

 

Licence/mooring fee/maintenance/fuel/ get the essentials sorted and the rest will be easy (relatively)

 

I am not trying to put you off, far from it, but you must be financially safe.

[BlueStringPudding]

We had never even seen a narrowboat properly a year ago, now we live on one. Friends just kept telling us about their plans to live afloat, and eventually one evening they unknowingly convinced us to do the same. about a month later we'd seen a boat (first one ever been on), bought it (it was from Richard's Aunty so trustworthy and all that), and now just paying off the loans.

 

We don't regret it one bit. It's been great, although make sure you've got a reserve pot for maintenance - it's one thing after another! We have a shore line, and have no problem with running loads of stuff at the same time. We did the same as you suggested and put all the music on a desktop - plays fine through decent speakers and a good amp. and now we just download all our music anyway.

 

You soon get used to the toilet / filling up with water chores, and it really isn't too difficult. Just be prepared for water pumps / heaters to break, and have back-up systems where you can.

Why's that honey ryder? We've considered leaving the Marina life, but can only see downsides to living directly on the cut (apart from having much more money!) Would love to hear the other pro's of on-line moorings. Besides, where do you find them???? Our Marina's great though, really small, and more or less just on a bend of the GU. Water, Elec, gas bottles, coal, cafe, and most importantly - a mechanic, all on-site.

Hello,

 

Now although I'm not yet afloat (so I could one day find myself eating these ill chosen words), much of the appeal of living aboard for me is not to be living in a village of boats in a marina. Nice to have the perks and everything nearby, but I could live in a village of houses for that. I like the idea of stocking up with loads of coal and wood, top up the water wherever we can and moor up on the canalside or riverside - pootling around and having a different view out of the window every few days or weeks.

 

But that's just my opinion, and as I said, aside from a few holidays, I can't pretend to have spent more than a week afloat at a time, and only found myself without fuel for two days in the middle of winter (it's interesting how creative one can be in keeping warm when the stove and gas go wrong!)... I'm sure the perks of having that safety net of it all being nearby can be very appealling!

 

[honey ryder]

Why's that honey ryder? We've considered leaving the Marina life, but can only see downsides to living directly on the cut (apart from having much more money!) Would love to hear the other pro's of on-line moorings. Besides, where do you find them???? Our Marina's great though, really small, and more or less just on a bend of the GU. Water, Elec, gas bottles, coal, cafe, and most importantly - a mechanic, all on-site.

 

because a marina is a tie. its like paying rent to a landlord. Some people like marina life (and i dont want to knock them for their own personal choices), but I dont, not long term anywy. for winter its tolerable and for occasional stop overs its ok too. but I wouldnt want to live in one full time if I can avoid it. I find it hard to stay in one place for very long, even when I live in a house or flat, I need to keep moving and I suppose its just an inbuilt sense of hobo in me. I like change, I like finding new places and meeting new people ( ideally ina situation where I dont then have to spend my days moored within a couple of feet of them !)

I also feel that dependance on shorepower is not very healthy because it means you are tied to land... and again you may as well be living in a portacabin, caravan or static box. a boat is moveable and that is one of the main advantages of living on one

[Lady Muck]

What made us leave the rat race? Well we already left the ratrace when we ditched our jobs and went self employed four years ago.

Why a boat? Well this is my partners second boat and he has been a skipper for a community boat scheme for over 15 years.

Regarding electricty - we have no shoreline and we had to adapt. I bought a 12v black and white telly from Woolies but I never watch it. The boat has a car stereo but we also use a wind up radio. I don't have a george foreman grill - I have a cast iron ridged pan with a cast iron ridged panini press lid. I bought a potato ricer and a food chopper and use them instead of a food processor. Learn to love laptops coz you can get 12v adaptors from Maplin, and use a 3g datacard so you can get the internet. Canon even do a printer (the ip90 I think) that runs off 12v. New purchases include a sunlinq solar panel(to supplement the two we have already) which I plan to use with my new 12v battery charger and also our phones. I changed my hairstyle so I don't need a hairdryer and I rarely iron. To save space I scan recipes (I used to keep in a scrapbook) and our cds are stored in plastic wallets. I keep an archive of all our old projects and all our old accounts etc on dry land and regularly back up our computer data to an off site location. We are proof that its possible to work onboard. Bank statements and phonebills are downloaded and printed so I only need to pick my post up occasionally. Our clients pay is by bank transfer and we have blackberry phones that can be charged off 12v to receive work emails instantly.Our clients have no idea until We tell them! Before the boat I used to panic about getting rid of loads of stuff, but once its gone you don't miss it. If its too scary to get rid, hire a storage unit or store it at a relatives and see how much you miss it once you've moved. In my opinion, with modern technology and the plummeting prices of alternative energy equipment there is no better time to move onboard. You just need to think creatively. But I wouldn't say its the easiest way of life, no, there is always stuff to do.

[Pirate]

I'm pretty much new to this forum so would like to know what made people turn to the canals rather than stay on dry land and how they coped when they made that change?

 

How did you feel giving up comforts like hifi, big telly, baths etc. and all the other mod cons of settled living ... or did you drag it all with you and shoehorn it in?

 

Was it a struggle? Did you think about it for years before taking the plunge? Did you ever regret it?

 

Thing with me is that I have it pretty easy here. I'm in a 1 bedroom flat in London, everything is convenient, the rent is reasonably low ... but for years and years I've been dreaming of living on a boat. I'm now in a position to do it, but I've now become very scared about what I might be giving up, and the problems I might be inviting.

 

 

Well I`ve not been living aboard long, but its great, as for giving things up, I dont know what yer on about

 

We have 5.1 surround sound system, big wide screen video projector, Jacuzzi bath,, internet and all the other usual mod cons.

 

What else could you possibly be missing out on?

[NB Willawaw]

I haven't really given up land living because I still keep a property, but I think I spend enough time afloat to qualify:

 

so:

 

1. Freedom is the reason to go afloat - somebody once described it to me as moving gardens whenever the grass grows too long

2. I still have all the mod-cons that you describe

3. A struggle - no. The main problem is getting used to having a lot less space to live in. The biggest pitfall is going boating in summer and falling in love with the concept as a rosy, countryside cottage kind of existence. If you are seriously considering it, rent a boat for a week or so this time of year and see how you get on. I think you have to think ahead a little more than you do ashore. You have to negotiate stoppages whilst considering where you are going to get water, diesel, pump-outs, etc. Unless you live in a marina all the time that is.

 

 

I'm pretty much new to this forum so would like to know what made people turn to the canals rather than stay on dry land and how they coped when they made that change?

 

How did you feel giving up comforts like hifi, big telly, baths etc. and all the other mod cons of settled living ... or did you drag it all with you and shoehorn it in?

 

Was it a struggle? Did you think about it for years before taking the plunge? Did you ever regret it?

 

Thing with me is that I have it pretty easy here. I'm in a 1 bedroom flat in London, everything is convenient, the rent is reasonably low ... but for years and years I've been dreaming of living on a boat. I'm now in a position to do it, but I've now become very scared about what I might be giving up, and the problems I might be inviting.

Edited January 24, 2007 by NB Willawaw

[Messy]

I've always been put off of canal holidays by the price; It's a lot to pay when you can have a week in a hot country for the same sort of money ... but for prospecting and learning purposes I guess it does make a lot of sense. I mean, I wouldn't have a clue how to even pilot a narrowboat at the moment.

[Bones]

I've always been put off of canal holidays by the price; It's a lot to pay when you can have a week in a hot country for the same sort of money ... but for prospecting and learning purposes I guess it does make a lot of sense. I mean, I wouldn't have a clue how to even pilot a narrowboat at the moment.

 

 

Why a boat Messy? Have you got chums on them? I am probably unusual in that I never hired one, and although I had a friend with one I visited only a few times and had no idea whether I would get on with it. I just did. My first experience of narrowboating was when I moved aboard. I would recommend to anyone that they get some experience though! There are lots of people who think they could cope with it and simply can't.

[Messy]

Why a boat Messy? Have you got chums on them? I am probably unusual in that I never hired one, and although I had a friend with one I visited only a few times and had no idea whether I would get on with it. I just did. My first experience of narrowboating was when I moved aboard. I would recommend to anyone that they get some experience though! There are lots of people who think they could cope with it and simply can't.

I've had a few acquaintances over the years living on boats, no close friends though ... I've just always been drawn to water. I live near the limehouse cut and often use the towpath for cycling or solitude depending on my mood. being close to water has always been kinda therapeutic, (I sailed dinghys when i was younger) and it just represents a healthier way of life ...

 

My fears stem from my inexperience and addiction to 21st century consumerism ... Scared of giving so much up .... The dream was once that of an escape, but I know that is just an illusion and I won't be buying into an easier life, but it may be a more fulfilling one. I'm also not wealthy, just struggling like most other people. I'd probably have to move area, so the fear of not being able to afford it is also a consideration.

[Bones]

I've had a few acquaintances over the years living on boats, no close friends though ... I've just always been drawn to water. I live near the limehouse cut and often use the towpath for cycling or solitude depending on my mood. being close to water has always been kinda therapeutic, (I sailed dinghys when i was younger) and it just represents a healthier way of life ...

My fears stem from my inexperience and addiction to 21st century consumerism ... Scared of giving so much up .... The dream was once that of an escape, but I know that is just an illusion and I won't be buying into an easier life, but it may be a more fulfilling one. I'm also not wealthy, just struggling like most other people. I'd probably have to move area, so the fear of not being able to afford it is also a consideration.

 

 

It is often said that water is calming and boating is superb for a tired and weary mind. Inexperience soon disappears when you get into it, and as for 21st century consumerism - you probably wouldn't have to give up as much as you may think.

 

You may find you can have the best of both worlds as you live so close to the canals and already enjoy them so much. Find out more about it here, and see if you can get involved in some crewing. There are bound to be local groups of some sort...? Some of us here meet up for the odd banter, so you may find there are people in your area that you could periodically meet up with to find out about experiences/whatever. I have had a great time with the ones around here!

[NB Alnwick]

I've had a few acquaintances over the years living on boats, no close friends though ... I've just always been drawn to water. I live near the limehouse cut and often use the towpath for cycling or solitude depending on my mood. being close to water has always been kinda therapeutic, (I sailed dinghys when i was younger) and it just represents a healthier way of life ...

 

My fears stem from my inexperience and addiction to 21st century consumerism ... Scared of giving so much up .... The dream was once that of an escape, but I know that is just an illusion and I won't be buying into an easier life, but it may be a more fulfilling one. I'm also not wealthy, just struggling like most other people. I'd probably have to move area, so the fear of not being able to afford it is also a consideration.

 

Narrowboating is probably one of the more expensive ways of living on the water - there are plany of old barges and retired naval vessels moored in creeks and estuaries around our coast that would prove to be a lot cheaper and much more commodious.

 

Here's one complete with mooring for £35,000

 

And, this one's in the South of France at just £15,000