Houseboats - anyone have any experience of these?

[neva]

To date my daughter, 6 years old, has been spending alternate weekends with her dad at the home of a member of his family - as he had no home of his own. It now seems that he is planning for her to spend her weekends with him on a houseboat which he has just bought. I am worried about safety issues. Is this safe? What if he nods off to sleep? Should I be asking for any particular assurances, safetywise? Any help MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

A friend of mine has lived on a boat for 10years approx, they have 3 dc under 5 and they've been fine. I suppose he'll have to clear about "house rules".

A 6 year old should be fine on a boat. I would only worry if her father is very irresponsible or always drunk.

But if I were you I would probably want to see it, just to set my mind at rest.

Thanks, your replies reassure me - a bit. Going there might give a bit of peace of mind, or it might bring to mind more worries... They are sure to be spending a lot of time in pubs near the canal. I suppose I just have to take the view that the responsibility is his on those weekends.

I would worry more that she'd have so much fun on the boat she wouldn't want to come home.
If she is with him for a weekend you have to have full trust in him, no matter where they are, and I am sure he will be well aware of his responsibility.

Yes devilwearsprimark a normal house could seem a bit dull in contrast to a boat

Does she swim ? Is it worth educating her on water safety ?

A 6yo would prob be fine as long as there are rules though.

Hi Mrs Who. She can only swim a few feet. I'll try to get her swimming more and will talk to her about safety. No use talking to him about rules, though. Another worry is the amount of time they will be spending in pubs. Hardly a great way for a young child to spend her weekend? Thankfully cigarette smoke will soon be a thing of the past.

I wouldn't worry too much, we went on lots of family holidays on canal boats when me and my sister were young.
I don't think either of us ever fell in, and if we had it's usually about knee depth to an adult...great fun though!
Yes, we went to pubs for meals a few times, but usually sat in the garden, I don't remember the food section ever being very smoky, lots of pubs divide their premises for eating/drinking.
Make sure she has trainers or non-slip soles, otherwise it shouldn't be a worry.

Thanks flightattendant. My ex's friends smoke, and apparently it doesn't occur to them not to when a child is around. One reason to be grateful for the smoking ban.