News

Most people who know me, know that I live on a narrowboat.
“Peggy lives on a barge,” they say, assuming that they are one and the same. I usually smile and nod. But a barge is “a long flat bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals, r...

Imagine effortlessly absorbing the history of the canals by relaxing in a canal-side pub, listening to a couple of folk-singing boaters, complete with waistcoats and flat-caps. This is against a backdrop of projected historical photographs and you...

As part of my Living Aboard series of blog posts I wrote an article titled Is it Cold in Winter?
The past two winters have been exceptionally cold and more of the same is forecast for the end of this year. British Waterways, with assistance fr...

Following my previous blog outlining some basic information about living aboard and continuous cruising, British Waterways has since updated their guidelines for boats without a home mooring. The previous guidance was first published in 2004. Howe...

I live aboard a narrowboat with my husband and two young children. The first questions that people often ask us are about safety. Our children were born on board and have had the risks stressed to them every day. If you are planning to move a fami...

I was recently asked how practical it would be to keep a pet if you are a living aboard a canal boat?

If you're thinking of buying a boat to live-aboard and go on an extended cruise you may well like to know how far would it be between Elsan points and water taps, shops, pubs, visitor moorings and winding holes.

When I first started living on a narrowboat in the year 2000 my computer connected to the internet very slowly via a blue tooth connection to my mobile phone, but technology has improved a lot since then.
If you're looking for a used boat to ...

I am sometimes asked, have you got a TV, shower or toilet on a live-aboard narrowboat? Most boats for sale have all of the above and depending on your budget you can have all mod-cons including a bath, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine! Th...

The short answer is NO. It is a bit of a running joke amongst live-aboard boaters that this is the most common question that people will ask. However, it may well be a question that you need to ask when you are looking for a boat to buy on the Gra...

If you're looking for a boat for sale on the Grand Union Canal you will already be thinking about finance. Your budget will determine the sort of liveaboard boat that you are looking for. Whether you wish to buy a second hand narrowboat or a wide ...

My last blog explored the mooring options that you have when deciding to live aboard. When you are looking for canal boats for sale you may be also be looking for a residential mooring. However, if you intend to become a continuous cruiser you cou...

Following Phil's articles on choosing a boat to buy and choosing a suitable boat to liveaboard your next decision may be where to live. Most boats are not sold with a mooring, so while looking at boats for sale you should also be considering your ...

Following Phil's previous blog post about choosing a liveaboard boat you may also be wondering, how much does it cost to live on a boat?

We’re all very excited about the PSP Southampton Boat Show and the Boatshed stand at the show.

Come and meet the Boatshed.com team at this years PSP Southampton boat show.

In the pub the other evening, someone was commenting on how much fun the Canal Festivals had been this year and lamenting that the season was nearly over. We have enjoyed Cavalcade, Crick and Rickmansworth - missed the IWA National because of my b...

Over the past year Boatshed Grand Union has sold several Dutch Barges and a Humber barge. These vessels make wonderful homes.

A while ago I was googling something boaty and up came Amazon Japan with a book by canal journalist Steve Haywood. I dashed off an email to Steve asking him if he sold well in Japan. Here is his response:

We are pleased to announce that another new member has recently joined the Boatshed Grand Union team. Peggy Melmoth will be handling some of the administration and email enquiries, welcoming new clients, liaising with vendors, and updating the Boa...