Other liveaboards' problems

[Seajet]

I'm glad I found this thread because SWMBO and I are just about to give this a go. I still like the boating life but the idea of not having to worry about anchors dragging/rough seas/idiot charter boats etc plus calm water and a pub close by is quite attractive and I can still worry about batteries and stern glands to keep me happy. My daughter lives on a narrow boat on the Avon on a permanent mooring and there has never been any hassle (except for the river flooding this winter). From what I understand there are hot spots were people abuse the system by not moving on yet are on a CC licence. But there are thousands of miles of navigable waterways in the UK so if you are a real cruiser it shouldn't be an issue - just keep going past them. If we decide to moor up for the winter there seem to be plenty of marinas offering a winter lay up berth. No doubt my blog will document our experiences in due course.

HoratioHB,

have you read ' Narrow Dog To Carcassonne ' by Terry Darlington ? If not I can recommend it, a very funny book - no connection.

Nothing to do with that book, but from personal experience on British canals take simple security measures - like having good ventilation ( grilles ? ) while the hatches are open so no one can get in, padlocked chains to towpaths so drunken yobs can't set one adrift - and it will all be fun.

No seriously, it WILL all be FUN ! Just take precautions the same as locking your front door.

 

[HoratioHB]

Thanks for that - I've ordered a copy and will probably buy his other ones if the first is a as good as it looks. As for security - we survived a night in Walilabou, St Vincent so everything after is a doddle!!