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Would I be mad to sell my house to live on a narrowboat?

79 replies

EdinaMonsoonsWardrobe · 24/04/2026 19:59

It isn't something I'm considering doing now or in the near future. I live in a lovely little terraced house and I'm very happy here. I love my house. But the walls are extremely thin and I get really severe noise anxiety, things are fine at the moment but I'm thinking ahead if I ever get awful neighbours. I read some stories on here and I just wouldn't be able to cope. I doubt I'll ever be able to afford another house that isn't terraced. So I'm trying to think of other ways out.

I have spent loads of time on narrowboats and I absolutely love them all year round be it muddy and freezing or sunny and warm. The physical sacrifices wouldn't bother me (less space, less clothes, smaller fridge etc) it's more the expense and upkeep I have reservations about. I'd want to moor at a marina, which I know will up the costs.

But the way of life and the serenity of it is absolutely perfect for someone like me. Honestly it's my absolute dream. But I know it's not bricks and mortar...

Thoughts? I'm in my early 40s and earn £35k per year. No children, pets or partner.

OP posts:
MudRitual · Today 12:43

OvernightBloats · Today 12:34

Interesting thread. The Canal Boat Diaries programme is an enjoyable watch but practically every episode there is some repair he has to do on his boat. Robbie is very adept at tackling all these but it highlights how day to day living in one is far from the romantic ideal. Seems to be a lot of work involved.

A way of life not for the faint hearted. Not surprised so many give up after a year. I'll stick to watching tv to see what living on a boat is like!

And Robbie seems very anxious and stressed a lot of the time!

AprilMizzel · Today 12:53

DH Uncle looked at this - house vs narrow boat - he'd lived with parents in council hosue had savings. In end boat didn't make long term finacial sense then council decided to offer him the tennacy anyway due to his age - and he took that.

Depreciated, mooring costs and repair all made the boat idea not a great one when thoughly looked at and spoke to people doing it.

If you can rent out the house rather than sell you may make the numbers work better - that wasn't an option for DH uncle.

topcat2014 · Today 12:57

Dearover · 24/04/2026 20:11

Maintenance, mooring fees, freezing in the winter, too hot in the summer, no ability to scrutinise your neighbours, pump outs, canal weed wrapped around your prop, work ....it's a nice idea, but the reality is VERY different. Watch a few series of Canal Boat Diaries with Robbie.

I love that show!

PauliesWalnuts · Today 13:16

mypantsareonfire · Today 07:26

Thats where I ended up with my ex many years ago and why I fucked off into the night, never seeing him or that bloody boat again.

Surrounded by insufferable hippies and it was hell. I used to have to hide supermarket bags under my coat or I’d be lectured to death on consumerism.

Their boats fucking stank as well.

That’s the place. Still like that now, and you get stared down if you dare to ride past on a half decent gravel bike. I pedal past as quickly as possible.

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