What would you think of someone if they lived on a boat?

[Newyounewlife]

I am considering leaving my partner for 15+ years, however it would be impossible for me to buy or rent independently even with my professional job due to the area in which I need to be based. The only options seem to be:

• move home with parents (not something I want to do at 35)
• sell my car for £15,000, buy a small houseboat and a runaround car to get me to and from work.

What would be your perception of someone who was in a well respected professional position who made this life change?

Do you think this would affect opportunities for promotion?

Would you think less of them for leaving a seemingly secure relationship and a house with mortgage for a house boat?

I would think that you are very fit and active and practical. It seems way harder work living in a boat than living in a house.
I'd also think you are brave as I'd be worried about personal security- I'd definitely buy a big dog if I lived on a boat.

The people I know who live on boats really love it.

Why does your work need to know you live in a boat?

My husband spent one winter living in a pretty basic houseboat, it's not for the faint of heart. It was freezing, the fire would go out overnight, badly insulated, then there's the dealing with toilet waste etc, and no shower.

This was 20 years ago though, and I'd hope you can afford one with more mod cons and a proper heating system.

I'm not sure why people think drying hair might be a problem!

I would think that they are practical, have researched the topic and are enterprising.

I'd think that they like boats

and I'd call them salty seadogs

I'd find it really interesting and also be a bit jealous.

I've known two people who have lived on boats.

One was moored on a city centre marina. He wasn't supposed to lived there full time but pretty much did. He had a chemical toilet which needed emptying (like a caravan or motor home one) and there was a disposal point at the marina. He was a member of a gym nearby and showered there every day.

The other was moored in a different city centre canal where he was allowed permanent residence. Also had a chemical toilet but there was an option to have one that flushed normally and pumped out but it was more expensive. I'm pretty sure he had a shower and a washing machine on board.

@CurlewKate I can't recall what happens with electrical appliances like kettles/ hairdryers - do you have a generator for stuff like that? I can only recall kettles being boiled atop woodburner stoves, and it's been a while.

I always look at boats moored on the Thames at Kingston as I walk on the path and think they look very cosy!
im not sure I’d think anything other than ‘that’s a cool place to live, can I come round please?!’ - good luck with it all; and once you’re on, can I come round please?! 😂

Exactly.

OP- you’re 35. You don’t have to buy into the idea that a person’s worth is tied up in their address.

Well I’d be concerned that it’s a short sighted decision. Boats need a lot of work to keep them in good shape, and moorings can be expensive plus getting power and sanitation, you can’t just discharge it into the river. I’d think it’s a hard lifestyle choice , but wouldn’t judge you. I wouldn’t want to do it though

Make sure the bilge pump works, and check it frequently!

Look into the ongoing maintenance costs of living onboard. How often does it need to be dry-docked for repairs/maintenance? Will it need to be dry-docked for a survey if you are buying? How much will that cost and how long does it take? What about mooring fees? Amenities like electricity and water hookups? Perhaps join an FB group of UK based, year round boat dwellers for any questions and a broad base of knowledge & support. I imagine winters in them can be cold and damp.

depending on your age I’d think aw hope you didn’t get shafted in a divorce. Sexistly, I’d assume if you were a man that you were a bit of a player. Female, free spirit, bit jealous of you😂

Honestly, I would think that you should have kept your reliable car, moved back in with your parents temporarily and saved your money towards a proper home.

On a permanent mooring there would probably be electric hook up.

I've got a pal who lives on a houseboat with her dog, she inherited the boat from her grandparents and is a determinedly single woman with zero desire to marry or settle down.

Her little boat is fab, I love going there for a brew and she's honestly one of the happiest, most relaxed, contented, peaceful human beings I know.

Absolutely go for it OP, anyone who'd think less of you isn't worth talking to anyway.

@Alltheyearround I do have a generator. But most boats that people live on permanently have mains power. I need it for my Aga!

@Newyounewlife

The only options seem to be:
• move home with parents (not something I want to do at 35)
• sell my car for £15,000, buy a small houseboat and a runaround car to get me to and from work.

Have you also considered a professional house share for a while, if the houseboat idea doesn't work and you don't fancy moving back to your parents? Maybe look at spareroom .co.uk, gumtree, Rightmove, etc and filter for the type of properties and locations which would work for you (including en suite rooms) Also look at/speak to estate agents who might specialise in this type of property for professional people (eg not student accommodation). 🌹

If think bloody ell what a genius idea and hope you've covered your mooring costs and then move on.

Honestly? I’d think they sounded pretty freaking cool!

You don't have many posessions, don't want many possessions, & you are practical (can fix things). Those are only parts I would infer.

I'd see them as a bit unconventional and a free spirit. I'd be a little envious!

We’ve just come back Bankside after living aboard for 23 years. £15k is nowhere near enough to by a decent houseboat (canal boat with no engine) or narrowboat (canal boat with engine), as opposed to a grp yacht or motorboat AND a car.
A decent boat with minimal work needing to be done runs at £1k per foot on the the second hand market. You absolutely do get what you pay for - or don’t pay for it and get very very little.

It is a wonderful life on the water, but it is exceedingly and increasingly expensive. Our moorings are due to go up £2k this year for liveaboards as opposed to leisure boaters. Electric is additional and if residential council tax either composite or full is payable. Add in licensing, insurance , BSC costs, dry docking, painting, other maintenance, toilet fees and tax etc and we used to budget £10k before we had even gone cruising. We did all our own servicing for engine, diesel heating, generator, multi fuel stove, water, electric and painting - are you happy to diy? Continuous cruising is cheaper but about to get a lot more expensive due to new licensing fees and more complex due to new cruising rules.

I can run my two bed terrace for a lot lot less per year.

I miss it daily.

Would you think anything except: what fun and at the same time is it fun? My high school English teacher lived on a boat, snd a good friend of mine does now. I can't see how it would impact on their job!