steveb2007 Â Â 11 #13 Posted March 14, 2008 My mates mum & dad and also his brother both live on barge's on the canal in Sheffield.The barge's are really nice,all fitted appliances and very warm in winter,they love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
natalie22   10 #14 Posted March 25, 2008 2 years ago my mum and dad sold their house and moved onto a narrowboat full time. They are mored at Thorne in Doncaster and they have no regrets. I think they paid around £60,000 for theirs but their bills are very cheap. The marina is very friendly and they are having a great time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
john barratt   10 #15 Posted December 27, 2011 Dont miss out on holidays, they have never been cheaper, check out the boats and canals section for advice on first time hire, read other experiences too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
junction1 Â Â 10 #16 Posted December 27, 2011 Get yourself an edition of 'Towpath', and do some reading. Go visit a few marinas and canal towpaths, learn the differences between wide and narrow beam and tradition and cruiser sterns. Â Other than for that, I know very little. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Sparkasaurus   10 #17 Posted December 27, 2011 Years ago, I used to work at The Sheaf Quay (pub now a callcentre) on the canal basin. There were several people who lived in the barges on the canal that used the pub, and they all swore by it. There was even 1 couple who had 2 barges, using the second barge as the coolest hotel room in town.  If I were you, go for a walk on the canal basin, and knock on a few doors. If it's the same people living there now as then, they will be friendly and happy to advise you regarding costs etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
doom bringer   10 #18 Posted December 27, 2011 (edited) there is no way on earth that buying a barge costs as much as buying a house, sorry.  supose your right in some ways yes the price of buying one may not be as much as a house ....  but the running costs and other cost's can mount up ..  A 55foot narrow boat kept on a premium mooring, and used for approximately 3,000 cruising miles a year.  Moorings £1500 Insurance £300 BW License (With prompt payment discount) £555 Fixed cost maintenance & Blacking £500 Diesel £380 Heating & Cooking £155 Toilet emptying £70 Variable maintenance costs £150 Variable cost repair fund £150  Total £3,760 Edited December 27, 2011 by doom bringer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...