October 2005 Newsletter

Thoughts about the liveaboard lifestyle

Why are people drawn to the water?

Maybe it has something to do with our naval heritage from years gone by or a way for us to co-exist with nature on a more personal level. I guess we will never be able to answer this question because it is so many different things to so many different people, each with their own interpretation of why they are drawn to the water.

Their is a small but growing group of people that are so drawn to the water that they choose to live on the water in many different types of vessels. We know these people as 'Liveaboards' and they can be found not only in the UK but all over the world anywhere there is water.

If you are reading this you will be one of two types of people, either you currently liveaboard your boat or you are contemplating buying a boat and living aboard it. If you are a liveaboard then we hope you enjoy reading this insight and maybe it will make you think back to the time you decided to make this lifestyle change.

If you are thinking about a lifestyle change and becoming a liveaboard then we hope this will go some way to helping you make your decision.

So why do people live on boats? I know for me, and probably for many others, it was a total lifestyle change. An escape from the daily grind and never ending bureaucracy of everyday living. Having more freedom to choose was one thing I really enjoyed; being able to move my location with ease and take my home with me was something I knew I would enjoy.

Other liveaboards will have different reasons that are personal to them and work for them. The important thing to remember here is that it works for them and their reasons to liveaboard outweigh the reasons not to.

Let us take a look at some of the possible reasons people liveaboard.

In today's economic climate getting on the property ladder can be very difficult. With house prices rising out of the reach of ordinary people, many are looking at alternative lifestyles and places to live. Living on a boat is now becoming a rational alternative.

Generally a boat will cost less than a house but this is not always the case. With some top class houseboats on moorings in London costing over £400,000 and new large yachts and motor cruisers can also cost the same.

When you look at advertisements for boats you will start to see that you do not need to spend this much to find a comfortable boat to live on. The good thing about the liveaboard life is that there is something for everyone at every conceivable budget.

The hum drum of everyday life can take its toll so some people turn to the liveaboard lifestyle to simplify there life's and enjoy a little more freedom. Some have sold their homes, cleared out all the belongings they do not need and started afresh.

Many liveaboards have made the transition because it was a natural progression from already owning a boat and being a keen boater or sailor. For many people their love of the water and their passion for boats is too much and they decide to go full time.

This is not always the case so do not think you are excluded if you know nothing about boats. Many people have become successful and knowledgeable liveaboards that started with only a desire to live on a boat but no experience of boats at all. It's all about your desire and the courage to take positive action to achieve your goals. Anyone can do it if they really want to.

At some point in our lives we all go through some kind of financial hardships and this can be the point that prompts some to look at a liveaboard life as a way of relieving some of the financial pressures. As I have said before, living on a boat is generally cheaper than living on land so can appeal too many people looking to reduce their financial out goings.

Some people that choose to liveaboard just want to simplify their lives. With less bureaucracy and red tape comes some peace of mind and a more relaxed lifestyle. Without the need for many material possessions (you have nowhere to put them anyway!) many appreciate the few things they do have a lot more and make better use of them.

Maybe we all like to go back to basics at some point and that is why as a country we enjoy camping and caravanning so much?

In my opinion a liveaboard life can really help you appreciate the simple things in life. When you can appreciate those little things I believe you enrich your life as a consequence. It really is surprising how much you appreciate the ordinary things when you do not have them. As an example, how many of us think nothing of leaving the tap running when we brush our teeth or wash the dishes? Probably many of us. After all, water is always there when we turn on the tap and it never runs out.

This simple task is very different to a liveaboard as there are consequences for your actions.

Your boat will only hold so much water in the tank and if you do not have easy access to facilities to fill your water tank you could run out completely. If you do have access to water you will be filling up your water tank many more times. When you have to fill up the water tank in the cold winter you soon learn how important it is to use it wisely. This is what I mean about appreciating the simple things in life.

If you speak to people that liveaboard boats they will all have their own personal reasons for choosing their lifestyle and this is what makes them so diverse and interesting.

I hope these thoughts help you to understand a little more about the liveaboard lifestyle and you have enjoyed reading this article.

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© 2005. Living On Boats.
www.livingonboats.co.uk

Martin Chinery has lived on boats for over 7 years. He writes articles for and runs the Living On Boats website.

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'Bargain Basement'

I often look around for boats that are for sale at a reasonable price and could make a suitable liveaboard boat. It is surprising what you can find so I thought I would feature one vessel in each edition of the newsletter to show what can be found. I'll call this 'Bargain Basement' and see what little jems we can come up with.

So here is the first 'Bargain Basement'

FOR SALE: 70' residential narrowboat in London £77,900

Sulis is a superb traditional Northwich replica narrowboat built in 1995. Solid oak flooring, oak & pine T & G panelling, the accommodation comprises of the following: Traditional cratch & foredeck leading to: 12 ft open plan lounge and dining area, 7 ft 6in galley with Rayburn, Bathroom and separate toilet, Utility area, Double bedroom, Engine room, Back Cabin with double cross bed.

RESIDENTIAL mooring with FULL CONSENT to TRANSFER RESIDENTIAL STATUS to new owner. Very secure gated community. Site facilities include electricity, telephone, water, pumpout services. One parking space. Close to M40/A40/M25, Zone 5. London Underground Central Line 10 mins walk, Moorings £226 monthly.

This boat and the secure residential mooring is close to London and could be a good buy for someone that wishes to live in the London area but can not afford the house prices.

You will not find a flat/house in this area for anywhere near the £77,900 the seller is asking and the monthly mooring fees seem reasonable also.

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Are you looking for a narrowboat to rent? Want to try out the lifestyle before you buy?

This is a common request from people but boats that come up for rent are very few. Having said that if you keep your eyes peeled and can move quickly then you might just find what you are looking for.

We found this advertised on a website.

Narrow Boat for rent on permanent mooring.

Boat is lying in Brentford. £120 per week.

Call xxxxxx

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I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and you visit us again soon at www.livingonboats.co.uk

Don't forget to use the Forum to ask questions and join in the discussion. Your input really does make a difference.