Living on a Narrow Boat

Theodbird Are you buying an empty hull? Usually these are already lined out. But if your buying with raw steel don't scrimp on the insulation. I know it's a lot of money and you can't see it but it's more than worth it.

What wonderful stories everyone has. Of course my dream would be to find a male narrow boater who would moor his boat next to mine.... hahaha... how cool would that be. Mine would be the one with the bunting on smile

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First off, your not too old, I've meet continuous cruisers(boaters that don't moor in marinas) that a much older than you, with the oldest being 92. I would recommend hiring a boat out first to see how you like it, and if your on facebook join "Canal Market Place" on of the more friendly FB group and ask away, most boaters are more than willing to help you with advice. You can hire boats for a week or a few days, have a look at this website www.waterwaypages.com . There are many canal festivals around the UK, take yourself down to one and have a talk to a boat owner, they are always happy to chat.

I would love to know how things have progressed for you. I am 69 and in the same position. I wanted to live on a narrowboat many years ago but circumstances were not in my favour. Now I am able to do so, I wonder if I am too old to make the leap.

Hi Everyone. My son moved to Oxford a year ago and I miss him terribly. (I live abroad) The only way, at 63, I could afford to live on my own is to live on a narrow boat or a rented flat(not for me), or a caravan (NOOOOO). So does anyone have any advice. I'm thinking of coming in Jan or Feb 2020 (to test the winter) I have under 15 PGB for a narrowboat. I'd really like to rent for two months, is that possible??? without paying holiday rental fees???? Any advice????????

You're never too old for an adventure so long as you are reasonably fit and healthy.
We spent a long week on a narrow boat with friends and I can honestly say for me NEVER AGAIN.
If you are on your own probably ok.
Our issues were you can hear everything that goes on in the boat the noise carries, not for me.
You have obviously set your heart on it but just bare this in mind.
Best of luck

Narrowboats are wonderful- when the sun is shining and the birds singing - but year long, cold, rain, etc- in such a cramped space. Really not for me/us.

But whatever floats your boat

Go for it but make sure it’s all checked out underneath as we were told can cost a lot to put right if not good as have to lift out of water. wood burning stove makes them so lovely and cosy in the winter. It will be an adventure and a lovely life

You're not too old. I remember hearing a lady on the radio talking about travel. She was in her seventies and was doing long haul travel. She planned to ravel in Europe during her eighties and the UK in her nineties.

I'm 75 and have lived on a narrow boat for just over two years. It's been a great experience.

I have a sack barrow (trolley) to cope with heavy weights.

I don't take the boat out on my own because I'm not agile enough to leap off holding a rope but there is a queue of relatives and friends eager to stay on the boat and do that bit. (Sometimes I even let them steer).

Theoddbird, did you but your boat?
And what did you go for? Wide beam or a narrowbeam, which gives you much more space if you're planning to moor her and not cruise?