Canal Boat Living in Winter

19.11.24

You're not alone if canal boat living sounds tempting. Even in the depths of winter. An estimated 50,000 people live on boats in the UK without a permanent mooring. Gliding down the water like a swan, free from the binds of property and being anchored to one place for too long has its charms and compensations. And condensations!

At Aqua Contractor, we spend a lot of our time on the waterways of the UK, with our expert pond weed identification eye trained on offending aquatic weeds, so this is something that we see at close quarters: a lots of many happy canal boat dwellers. There’s just something about living on the water.

TikTok feeds buzz with creators documenting their journeys aboard narrowboats, sharing their breakfast and bunions. Let’s start with the lowdown on how you may test the waters if you’re dreaming of drifting, then we’ll go on to discuss canal boat living in winter, and all icicle mornings.

Is Canal boat living for me?

It has its appeal, pruning your life of all that material stuff, most of which you probably wouldn’t even miss, being close to nature etc. But where to start? But why not test the water by renting a canal boat for a holiday? It's perhaps the fastest route to you getting to know if life on the ocean waves suits you. We’re talking lack of space, heating etc. in reality, and a lot of hard work.

Licence to krill

You will also require a UK boat licence from the Canal & River Trust, as well as insurance and a Boat Safety Scheme certificate.

Costings

Boats vary in cost, with an okay second-hand narrowboat possibly setting you back roughly somewhere between £30,000 to £100,000. You must then factor in running costs like mooring fees, maintenance, and heating.

Moorings

Moving every 14 days – aka continuous cruising - is popular these days, but you’ll need a plan for water and fuel in out-of-the-way spots. Permanent moorings are another option, and the lure of continuity and easier access to facilities.

What are the perks of canal boat living?

You may be asking yourself what’s all the fuss about? Well, let’s break it down for you...

Canal boat community

The canal boating community is famously welcoming, with many opportunities for cuppas and chinwags and a good old gossip too no doubt.

Eco-friendly living

With space at a premium, you naturally consume less. Solar panels, composting toilets, and careful water usage all promote greener daily habits.

nature adjacent

Who doesn't love a quacking-duck alarm clock, kingfishers and herons peering in from time to time. Winter canal scenery can be particularly stunning.

good for the pocket

Fairly hefty initial outlay out the way, monthly expenses are typically lower than renting or owning a house.

What you need to know about canal boat living in winter

Now for the crux of the matter: is canal boat living in winter for you?

Living on a canal boat in winter can be magical once you manage all the challenges. Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so the motto is of course: be prepared. Invest in good quality lighting like head torches and navigation lights, and life jackets too. And don’t forget that all-important first aid kit either, with in-date supplies of course. No dried-up plasters from 1982.

the power of glove

Heating is your top priority. Most canal boats rely on solid fuel stoves or diesel heaters. Solid fuel stoves are a popular choice, running on coal or wood. You’ll be as snug as a bug, but you’ll need to store fuel and manage ash disposal. Diesel Heaters are perhaps less of a faff, but aren't as econmoical. Check your system is in good working order before winter hits. Double glazing and lined curtains help keep the heat in as will your thermal gloves and other garments. Rugs on the floor and thermal liners in windows can make a world of difference.

pipes of freeze

Plummeting temperatures can freeze pipes, so you must insulate them and tanks with foam-lagging or heated tape. You’ll likewise need to ensure you’re close to water points when freezing weather is forecast. You might wish to keep a few large bottles as a backup.

If the canal freezes over, you might need to break the ice around your boat to prevent it from getting stuck. Perhaps avoid cruising on icy waters though if you can help it, as they can damage the hull.

put the kettle off

Shorter winter days mean you’ll rely more on onboard power. Solar panels are less effective in winter, of course, so you’ll have to monitor batteries and keep them charged with a generator or engine. LED is a good energy-saving option. High-energy appliances devour power. We're looking at you microwave and kettle.

give it up for vent

Condensation is a common issue in winter, but it’s manageable with good ventilation, so keep those windows open just a crack even when it’s Baltic. Investing in a dehumidifier is a sound idea. Avoid drying laundry inside, and perhaps try to find a launderette if you can.

stock watching

Winter means fewer shops and services near remote moorings, so you’ll need to keep up your fuel stocks – wood, coal, or diesel. Tinned goods, pasta, long-life milk, chocolate - are all essentials. Keep a toolkit under the bed for quick fixes and some salt or sand for icy towpaths.

Ready to cast off?

Canal boat living isn’t for everyone, and it's only for some people for one chapter of their life. It can be a rewarding and transformative swapping bricks and mortar for life on the water—even when those Arctic blasts hit.

Sources:

canalrivertrust.org.uk

theguardian.com

canaljunction.com

bbc.co.uk