Narrowboat Security: How to Stop a Break-In
Narrowboat theft is rare, but a boat left unlocked or unwatched is an easy target. Here is how to lock it down, what it costs, and what actually works.
Widebeam vs Narrowboat: Which Should You Choose?
A widebeam gives more room, but a narrowboat reaches almost the whole canal network. Compare cost, mooring premiums and range before you choose.
Can You Keep a Cat on a Narrowboat?
Yes, most cats settle onto a narrowboat within weeks. Here is what changes day to day, which build features help, and how to keep a cat safe.
Narrowboat Shared Ownership: Is a Boat Share Right for You?
Narrowboat shared ownership costs about £1,700 to £2,000 a year for three or four weeks afloat. Here's how a boat share works, what it really costs, and how it compares with owning your own narrowboat.
Getting Internet on a Narrowboat: What Actually Works for Full-Time Living
Steel hulls block mobile signal on a narrowboat, so a phone alone rarely cuts it. Here’s what actually works, from router and antenna setups to Starlink, and what to ask your builder before the boat is finished.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Narrowboat? A Builder’s Timeline Explained
A bespoke new narrowboat typically takes 12 to 24 months from enquiry to handover. Here is how the build timeline breaks down, stage by stage.
Do You Need a Licence to Drive a Narrowboat? What the Law Actually Says
No personal licence is needed to drive a narrowboat in the UK. What you do need is a CRT boat licence for the vessel itself, which requires a valid Boat Safety Certificate and insurance already in place.
Narrowboat Second Bedroom Options: How to Plan for Guests
"Hard to stay in regular contact with family" is one of the quiet worries behind narrowboat retirement. A well-planned guest space goes a long way to solving it. Here's what's actually possible.
Narrowboat Accessibility: What's Genuinely Possible for Less Mobile Owners
"Are we too old for this?" is one of the most common questions we hear. Here's a clear, honest look at narrowboat accessibility, what design choices genuinely help, and where the real physical limits are.
Do Narrowboats Depreciate? What Actually Happens to Resale Value
"New boats depreciate fast" is the line every second-hand seller uses. It's true of most boats. It isn't quite true of a well-built narrowboat, and the reason comes down to what they're actually made of.
Do You Pay Council Tax on a Narrowboat? What the Law Actually Says
One of the most common questions from people planning to live aboard, and one of the most poorly answered online. Here's what the law actually says about council tax, TV licences, and your legal status as a liveaboard in 2026.
Narrowboat Blacking Cost: What You'll Pay in 2026
Blacking is one of those costs that barely gets mentioned until you own a boat. Here's what it actually costs in 2026, how often you need it, and why the steel under your boat matters more than the price per foot.
Narrowboat Licence Cost: What You'll Really Pay in 2026
Every narrowboat needs a licence before it touches the water, but the pricing structure trips up a lot of first-time buyers. Here's exactly what you'll pay in 2026, why the price varies so much, and what catches people out.
Narrowboat Solar Panels: A Complete Setup Guide for 2026
Solar power is one of the best investments you can make on a narrowboat — but only if your system is sized and installed correctly. Get it wrong and you will be running your engine for hours every day to make up the shortfall. Get it right and you could cruise for weeks without touching the throttle.
Retiring to a Narrowboat: Is It Right for You?
Retirement on the canals sounds like the dream. For many couples it genuinely is. But it is also a six-figure decision that deserves an honest look before you commit.
Narrowboat Engine Types Explained: Which Should You Choose?
Your narrowboat engine is the one system you will rely on every single day. Choosing the wrong type is an expensive mistake that is very hard to undo. Here is a plain-English guide to every option available in 2026.