What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know
Buying a narrowboat is an exciting step — whether you’re planning weekend escapes, a full-time liveaboard lifestyle, or a floating holiday home. But it’s also a big investment, and with so many styles, sizes, and systems to consider, it pays to do your homework.
Here are 10 essential tips to help you buy the right narrowboat — without costly mistakes.
1. 🧭 Know What You Want the Boat For
Are you planning to live aboard full time? Cruise occasionally? Stay moored in one location? Your lifestyle and intentions will shape everything — from size and layout to heating, storage and power setup.
2. 📏 Choose the Right Size
Most narrowboats range between 30 and 70 feet.
- Under 45ft: Suitable for solo cruisers or short breaks.
- 50–60ft: Ideal for couples or part-time liveaboards.
- Over 60ft: Offers more space but may be restricted on some canals (especially northern or narrow ones).
3. 💡 Consider a Cruiser, Semi-Trad or Traditional Stern
Each stern type offers pros and cons:
- Cruiser: Great for social space, ideal for leisure.
- Semi-Trad: A compromise with some outside seating and engine protection.
- Traditional: Smaller deck, more internal space, popular with liveaboards.
4. 🔍 Always Get a Survey
A pre-purchase marine survey is a must. It checks hull condition, engine health, electrics, and more. Even newer boats can have hidden issues — and surveys can give you bargaining power.
5. 💰 Don’t Forget the Ongoing Costs
Beyond the purchase price, consider:
- Mooring fees
- Licence fees (Canal & River Trust)
- Maintenance & repairs
- Insurance
- Fuel & gas
Plan for £3,000–£6,000 per year, depending on how often you cruise.
6. 🛠️ Understand the Systems Onboard
Make sure you understand how the boat’s electrics, water, heating, and engine work — and how to maintain them. Diesel engines, inverter systems, calorifiers and pumps all need regular attention.
7. 🧱 Steel Is Standard – But Check the Hull
Most narrowboats are made of steel, but check hull thickness (ideally 10/6/4 or better) and whether the baseplate has been properly blacked and maintained.
8. 🏠 Layout and Storage Matter
Think about liveability:
- Fixed vs pull-out beds
- Shower or bath?
- Galley size and storage
- Seating comfort
The layout you choose should suit your daily life, not just look good on paper.
9. 📍 Explore Mooring Options First
Before buying, secure or research mooring. Residential moorings can be scarce and expensive. Continuous cruising is a legal option — but comes with strict rules on movement.
10. 🧠 Take Your Time – and Ask Questions
The narrowboat community is friendly and helpful. Ask questions in forums, take hire boat holidays first, and never rush a decision. The right boat is out there — but patience pays off!
🚢 Thinking of Buying?
Why not start with a canal boat holiday to try the lifestyle first? Spending time on board can teach you far more than browsing listings online.
