If you’re thinking of living on a narrowboat or canal boat you probably have lots of questions that you hope can be answered by the internet. But we’ve done the research for you already, and found some of the best resources around, to help you prepare for living afloat.

Living on a Narrowboat is a huge resource of articles written by liveaboard boater Paul Smith. He also offers some e-books and a detailed budget calculator to work out your likely costs.

The Liveaboard Guide: Living Afloat on the Inland Waterways Author Tony Jones has lived aboard his 50ft narrowboat for over seven years and shares what the lifestyle is really like, focusing on the practical issues of day to day living. This book covers moorings, power on board, heating choices, toilet choices, TV, internet, GP access, having no postal address and much more.

The Canal Boat Buyers Guide is a free app for your phone which covers types of boat, engines, electrical systems, plumbing, rules and regulations and more.

Canal Junction website has lots of great information about living aboard: It covers moorings, costs, advice and equipment.

A Sort of Interesting Life, is a YouTube channel created by Dan Brown. Dan lived on board for four years and has made many entertaining videos answering commonly asked questions, and showing in detail the practicalities of liveaboard life, plus the beauty of living in the Welsh countryside.

Free Magazines. Towpath Talk and Tillergraph are available from most chandlers and marinas and will give you all sorts of background knowledge about canal life.

Join some canal forums. Do ask questions in boaters Facebook groups and Canal World Discussion Forum but don’t get put off by some things you read. You’ll read conflicting advice, such as “you can't do this, you can't do that” but there are ways and means around everything, and every boater is different and wants different things out of life. Listen to other opinions, but enjoy your own learning curve.

Book a Helmsman Course. Apart from learning great steering and handling skills the skipper will answer lots of your questions. I recommend Jan Knox at Canal Experience on the Grand Union, just north of Watford.

Living on a Boat – The Boatshed Guide. Last but not least this is a free e-book written by Peggy Melmoth and Phil Bassett of Boatshed Grand Union.

Living on a boat is not always the cheaper option but it offers an alternative way of life and a means of escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living. Start your research by looking at our river and inland boats for sale.

Peggy

Featured image: Wide Beam 60 Liveaboard with mooring in Rickmansworth

You may also like:
Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide (free) / How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide (free eBook) / How to Buy a Boat: The Ultimate Guide / Our Top 5 Articles From 2014 / Don’t miss:The Boatshed Grand Union Daily/ More articles.

New here? Come and say 'hello' on Facebook or Twitter :-)

Never miss an article: Sign up and get the latest blog articles sent directly to you, plus instantly receive our free eBook: How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide.