Frequently Asked Questions
What is a continuous cruiser?
A continuous cruiser is a boater who does not have a permanent home mooring and travels the waterways in accordance with the Canal & River Trust guidelines.
How much does it cost to live on a narrowboat?
The cost of living on a narrowboat varies depending on your lifestyle, the size and age of your boat and how much you travel. Typical expenses include your Canal & River Trust licence, boat insurance, fuel, maintenance and everyday living costs such as food and mobile internet.
While some people assume narrowboat living is a cheap alternative to living in a house, there are still ongoing costs to consider, particularly when it comes to maintaining the boat. However, many boaters find that the freedom, simplicity, and unique lifestyle more than make up for these expenses.
We’ve found that living afloat allows us to focus on experiences rather than possessions, and we wouldn’t swap it for anything.
Can you live on a narrowboat all year round?
Yes, many people live on narrowboats full-time throughout the year, and we are among them. Modern narrowboats are designed to be lived in during all seasons, with insulation, heating systems and the facilities needed for everyday life.
Winter can be more challenging, with shorter days, colder temperatures and the occasional frozen canal, but it also brings some of the most beautiful and peaceful cruising experiences. Living afloat requires a little more planning and self-sufficiency than living in a house, particularly when it comes to heating, water and electricity, but for us the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
After experiencing every season aboard, we can confidently say that narrowboat life isn’t just a summer adventure – it’s a year-round way of life.
What are the biggest challenges of narrowboat life?
Living on a narrowboat is incredibly rewarding, but it does come with its challenges. Unlike a house, you are responsible for many of the services that people normally take for granted, such as water, electricity, heating and waste disposal. These all require regular attention and planning.
The weather can also play a part, particularly during winter and occasional mechanical issues can disrupt even the best-laid cruising plans. Space is more limited than in a traditional home, so organisation becomes essential.
That said, most boaters quickly adapt to these challenges and find that the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. For us, the freedom to travel, the ever-changing scenery and the sense of community on the waterways make the extra effort worthwhile.
What do you wish you'd known before moving aboard?
Before moving aboard, we spent a lot of time researching narrowboat life, but some things can only really be learned through experience. We wish we’d known just how quickly everyday routines would become second nature, from working locks to managing water and electricity.
We also underestimated how much the weather, seasons, and cruising plans would influence our daily lives. Living on a boat encourages a slower pace and a greater appreciation of simple things, whether that’s finding a peaceful mooring, watching the wildlife, or enjoying a cup of tea with a changing view outside the window.
Most importantly, we wish we’d worried less. Like many new boaters, we had plenty of questions and concerns before moving aboard, but we soon discovered that the boating community is incredibly welcoming and there’s always someone willing to offer advice and support.