What’s it like living on a houseboat

[Queenofthesilverdollar]

Thinking of buying a boathouse in London. Any advice?

I lived on one for two years. Boat stands for bring out another thousand. Constant maintenance. I bloody loved it. It was the making of me, but its hard work. All my boat friends have now moved back to dry land.

Cooking dinner- whack it in the oven go to get it out and realise the gas ran out 5 mins into cooking.

Blige pumps.

Plumbing

Electrics.

Its not easy. Its not the same as a house, jobs can't wait or your house might sink. Hell it might sink because of horrendous water or end up on the other side of the tow path. Do it because you want to live on boat.

Do you mean a narrow boat?
If so, only do it if you like boats. Don't do it because you think it's a cheaper way to live, and it's just like living in a small house, it isn't. You have to manage your own electricity generation, your own sewage disposal, your own water and gas supplies. You spend a lot of your free time doing this. Try reading up on a few boats forums like Canal World - there are others.

I considered it in my late teens; I had an offer to rent space on one from a family friend who only used theirs occasionally.
My mum was very concerned by the prospect as at the time (2007-ish) the route from the station to the area I was looking at was poorly lit and she was concerned about me being vulnerable on a boat alone.
In terms of actually owning - the maintenance was off-putting, as were mooring fees. Boats with an existing mooring site are v pricey. Its definitely a lifestyle rather than a cheap alternative.

extortionate mooring fees for some marinas....central ones or you have to move all the time over the canals....my friend has one and is happy but now retired so goes all over the place but there is a lack of free or 14 day moorings in london....lots of boats near us in hackney...go chat to some of the people....most are very nice and helpful.