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Original poster

living on a boat. Is it possible? Anyone do it?

28 replies

hippoo · 21/01/2024 12:54

despite my eldest having a great graduate job in London, the cost of living is huge and she's looking at renting a room in a commuter town for £700 a month. She's just texted me this.
She's not thinking about doing it right now, but definitely exploring options and doing research for the future. A 3 bed semi in a commuter town is about 400k, so the mortgage on that would be eye watering. Does anyone live in a boat or know someone who does? Pros and Cons?

OP posts:
soupfiend · 21/01/2024 17:57

boathouse20 · 21/01/2024 13:08

These articles are very irresponsible (influencer giving the impression they're 'living the dream') - it's difficult, hard work, and more expensive than the article indicates.

Some things to think about:
....the article doesn't mention that you either need to pay marina fees (expensive) or be a 'continuous cruiser' ie move your boat a certain distance at regular intervals. And this is enforced.
... lots of other expenses - boat licence, regular Boat Satety Scheme inspections, insurance etc
... problems of not having a permanent home address if you're a continuous cruiser. Things like having difficulty registering with a GP or dentist, or receiving post, or being eligible for winter fuel payments. Not insurmountable but makes life harder.

Honestly wouldn't recommend it as a way to save money (but would recommend it for people who've always wanted to live in a boat & are prepared to put up with the difficulties)

This

We looked into it years ago and all the things that you dont consider like the mooring fees, refurb fees, maintenance, recycling/rubbish costs, toileting costs, how to insure, how to register addresses, how to keep a GP/dentist etc, limited places to get replacements/repairs, the twice yearly clean down where you have to lift it out of water etc etc

She also doesnt need a 3 bed semi in a commuter town does she? Whats wrong with a one bed flat?

Notquitegrownup2 · 21/01/2024 18:08

Niece does it. Permanent mooring c £100k - South East. Boat c £50k

Pros - v cosy. Has log/coal burner which runs radiators, has shower and flushing loo (with container which she has to empty). Electricity cheap. 2 solar panels for £300. Sorted.

Diesel and coal delivered by a boat, which comes to you.

Great community.

Great for minimalist living/v. tidy people.

No problem in selling in here and little depreciation.

Cons. Maintenance involves cost or knowing what to do/not being afraid to get your hands dirty.

Security - can be an issue: check out with the community/area you are looking to join.

Not great if you like things. V. little storage

HTH

Original poster
hippoo · 21/01/2024 20:07

thank you all. Very interesting and seems like more of a lifestyle choice for boat lovers than a cost cutting plan. She's not very handy and gets seasick too, so perhaps she needs to look at other options like cheaper areas

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