We are thinking of life on a boat, what do you think? It'd be an adventure wouldn't it? 'Thinking' is the operative word!
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Tin-man
- 2009-08-08 @ 13:58:54
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wendlane
- http://www.moondustandangels.co.uk
- 2009-08-08 @ 14:36:25
Oh cool! thanks for that, you obviously are a seasoned live on boater then? why are winters a nightmare? Does it get very cold or damp? I notice many of the boats have log burning fires, I just love the idea of being able to move around, I am a bit of a gypsy and of course no mortgage would be nice
one worry is the continuing damp summers, that could be a problem!-
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Tin-man
- 2009-08-08 @ 15:33:07
In the winter, condensation can be a problem in a steel boat, and then there's the mud. If you live in a marina it can be just as bad as the towpath. Log fires are fantastic, you can run central heating from them and hot water and you can boil your kettle on top as well as burn your household rubbish. If you plan your boat well, you can minimise a lot of the pitfalls and it's also a good idea to holiday on a boat first to get an idea of how to plan your ideal layout. The things to keep in mind though are that if you are going to cruise the network (as opposed to a permanent mooring) you will have to fetch your gas and water and dispose of your waste, and you will have to manage your batteries to provide electricity. Solar power and wind power will supplement your engine when you are stationary. If you moor up for much of the time this is not a problem as all marinas have disposal points and water as well as electricity. I can recommend the lifestyle though and if you have a good relationship you can overcome most of the difficulties that can arise. All in all it is similar to caravanning except it's more romantic and being close to nature is the best part of all. I would say go for it, you can always go back to bricks and mortar but somehow I don't think you would ever want to.
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Tin-man
- 2009-08-08 @ 15:41:07
Oh, I forgot to mention the community spirit that exists amongst boaters. You will always find someone to help you whatever the problem, boaters are a sociable bunch and always ready to offer advice and assistance.
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wendlane
- http://www.moondustandangels.co.uk
- 2009-08-08 @ 15:54:25
Sounds nice, it's a bit of a step, but one we are just considering right now, we will see, no dount there will be plenty of people to tell us not to do it, land I can understand the reservations but life is an adventure and you've just got to live it, as long as our health is ok
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Tin-man
- 2009-08-08 @ 15:59:37
That's the spirit.
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jenray
Pro - http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
- 2009-08-08 @ 16:35:12
did consider it once but not anymore...simply have too much stuff we can't get rid off and very expensive to keep in permanent storage...LOL...Good luck, Wendy, if you do decide on this way of life...GBHs...XXX
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wendlane
- http://www.moondustandangels.co.uk
- 2009-08-08 @ 16:47:09
it's only a tentatie thought process right now, but something in me seeks adventure and non conforming, I just get really bored!
it's actually a pain being like that, I have flu symptoms at the mo which thankfully haven't got much worse, thought it was swine flu the other day x-
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jenray
Pro
- http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
- 2009-08-08 @ 16:53:25
Oh, dear, hope you feel better soon...Ray is all blocked up after his hols going back to all the dust and night work...not ill just a blocked nose all the time at the moment...Big decision, Wendy, have had urges like that sometimes, but sanity was restored when the reality kicked in...LOL...GBHs...XXX
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It's a great life, but it has it's down sides. The cramped conditions can gradually get to you and the winters can be a nightmare. Sanitation is not always easy and waste disposal is unpleasant. The upside is that you can move when you want and spring to autumn is fantastic. If you do go ahead, get a widebeam. The only advantage of a narrowbeam (6ft 9in) is that you can access the maximum amount of the canal network. If you live aboard then you may not want to do this and a widebeam (up to 10ft) will give you much more space, it's worth sacrificing your ability to cruise the whole network for that extra space and you won't have to ditch most of you wardrobe. Good luck