Thinking about Living Aboard?

I'm currently living & working in London and as we are all aware, the price of property down here is quite ridiculous.

I have always liked the idea of living afloat but I never really thought it was a viable option. (It's deemed to be unconventional and I guess I thought therefore, it excluded me from doing it.)

Basically I am REALLY SERIOUSLY considering doing it but am at a complete loss as to where to start. I guess the main factor to consider is budget?

Well, my current salary would mean a conventional mortgage of around Ł45-50k but I would rather start off small and work my way up. I am 27, single and virtually live in one room in a houseshare - the housemates are not ideal - so having a small amount of living space is something I am already used to.

I did spend a wonderful 2 week holiday with my family when I was about 14, cruising on & around the Cheshire Ring and found the whole experience totally fantastic. Hence the yearning to try the lifestyle.

I am now beginning to realise that buying my own boat would be a great way to get out of the poverty trap I am in and have a lifestyle that I know I can enjoy.

Where would you say is the best place for me to start? (Apart from this website!) What sort of things should I consider? Assuming I get all the info I need, how long does it take from finding the boat I want to moving in?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Colin Cooper

Author	Comment
mchinery Administrator (6/5/00 1:05 am) Reply	Thinking about Living Aboard? If you are thinking about living aboard boats and have any questions or thoughts on the lifestyle then post them here and we will do our best to answer them together with other liveaboards. I know I had lot's of questions when I first decided to move aboard so don't be shy, get writting.
Colin Unregistered User (6/19/00 2:04 pm) Reply	Living afloat I'm currently living & working in London and as we are all aware, the price of property down here is quite ridiculous. I have always liked the idea of living afloat but I never really thought it was a viable option. (It's deemed to be unconventional and I guess I thought therefore, it excluded me from doing it.) Basically I am REALLY SERIOUSLY considering doing it but am at a complete loss as to where to start. I guess the main factor to consider is budget? Well, my current salary would mean a conventional mortgage of around Ł45-50k but I would rather start off small and work my way up. I am 27, single and virtually live in one room in a houseshare - the housemates are not ideal - so having a small amount of living space is something I am already used to. I did spend a wonderful 2 week holiday with my family when I was about 14, cruising on & around the Cheshire Ring and found the whole experience totally fantastic. Hence the yearning to try the lifestyle. I am now beginning to realise that buying my own boat would be a great way to get out of the poverty trap I am in and have a lifestyle that I know I can enjoy. Where would you say is the best place for me to start? (Apart from this website!) What sort of things should I consider? Assuming I get all the info I need, how long does it take from finding the boat I want to moving in? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Colin Cooper
mchinery Administrator (6/20/00 4:00 am) Reply	Re: Living afloat Hi Colin, Well you seem to be in the same situation as many living in London. Firstly you will need to consider where you wish to live and do you need to be close to work? If you live in London there is a real shortage of London Moorings and if you are able to find one they are quite expensive as thay are so popular. You can find mooring in the suburbs and commute. You are right that budget is a big consideration, work out how much you can afford first. It is possible to get a mortgage on a boat but the vessel will have to be a British Registered Vessel and few are these days and trying to register one is very difficult. Most people that wish to finance to purchase of a vessel do so through a personal loan as this is easier and having cash as it were gives you more bargaining power. So my advise would be to work out how you are going to finance it if you have to and how much you can afford and then start looking for a suitable vessel around your budget. The type of vessel you choose depends on what you wish to use it for, ie. canals/rivers, sea going, static living purpose built houseboat etc. Look throught the boating press, mags such as Boats and Planes for sale, buy a boat for under Ł15000 and your local free papers such as Loot in London. The moving process is relitively easy once you have found a suitable mooring for the vessel, you simple pack your things and move aboard !! Look at lots of different vessels so you get a good idea of the different types and what will suit you best, the time spent doing this will be well spent in the long run. It will be difficult to explain everything about making the move to the Liveaboard life here on this message board so if you would like some more in depth advise email me at martin@liveaboardcruising.co.uk with a contact number and I would be happy to speak to you and offer you some more detailed advise. I hope this is of help Colin Kind Regards Martin
Andy Hemper Unregistered User (8/28/00 6:36 am) Reply	Living Afloat, but not floating away... I'm very much in the same boat (if you'll pardon the pun) as Colin - Work in SW London, single, unable to raise a mortgage sufficent to buy a shoebox let alone a house. And also very seriously considering buying a boat for live aboard. I know what type of use my potential vessel would be put to: apart from living aboard, the requirements I envisage would require it to be seaworthy enough to allow me to relocate around the south coast to Poole, either for holidays or possibly to live. To the main points of my post: Firstly, as I work in Sutton, SW London, my ideal mooring - taking travelling time into consideration from my workplace - would be anywhere along the Thames from Richmond to Sunbury. From observation, there are a lot of moorings along that stretch of the river. The question I have is what makes a mooring a residential mooring? I'm not talking about fully serviced moorings with mains electricity, rubbish collection every Thursday etc. but "normal" bankside or midriver moorings. Would anyone be allowed to reside on a boat on any mooring, or would the river authorities take exception to this? Secondly, would I need a "presence" on land, my post sent, my car registered to a landbased address, as well as being on the electorial register at the same address. How would this impact on things like Council Tax? I read on the websites' FAQ that the question of taxation is a complex one. For my purposes, I would ideally own a motor crusier that would be on the same mooring for most of the time: 40+ weeks out of the year. I hope I've not over complicated the questions I raise and greatly appreciate any help you give me. Thanks Andy Hemper
danny Unregistered User (10/26/00 6:46 pm) Reply	Head room Hello, I like the idea of a narrow boat but as I'm 6ft 2in I'm not sure I'd fit!!!! What is the average head room Cheers Danny
robbieoneillaolcom Unregistered User (1/13/01 7:45 am) Reply	We want a boat As off-shore sailors for the past 20yrs. we have sold our sailboat and now ready to cruise the canals of Europe. 2001. We have cash and will move very quickly on a suitable vessel. We can close the deal with the currency or bank of your choice. We are looking for a suitable vessel to cruise the canals. We are not looking for Project boats or unfinished boats, amature fitouts. We seek a quality fitted out vessel with at least 1 fixed double cabin, 1 additional cabin w/ twins,bunks or double, 2 pump-out loos. A modern 4 cyl. diesel engine, heating. Well equipped galley and saloon. Send info to: Rob O'Neill 3833 Beecher St NW Washington, DC USA 20007 e-mail robbieoneill@aol.com Phone 202-625-0006
concannonl Registered User Posts: 1 (5/9/01 8:57 am) Reply	London Moorings Since residential moorings are in short supply, is there any reason why I couldn't move a motor boat between the various marinas around London instead of living at a permanent mooring? Perhaps staying at each one for no more than a month at a time?
mchinery ezOP Posts: 31 (5/9/01 8:01 pm) Reply	Re: London Moorings Hi, There is no reason why you can't move around from mooring to mooring in London if you wish, I guess you would have to keep a land based address though as to keep changing addresses would be dificult. Some people do this and it's commonly know as 'continuous cruising', If your work allows you to move around alot this can be a great way to live with plenty of varity of surroundings. You may even find that a mooring that you use will let you stay longer if you keep a low profile. Kind Regards, Martin
Julie Unregistered User (5/29/01 4:33 am) Reply	Finance is a pain in the neck Hi there Martin, I found a beautiful houseboat at the weekend that I'd really like to buy with my bloke. I know you said earlier that it's best to have some cash and get a loan but what if you don't? The boat is Ł200,000. We can put down Ł20K as a deposit but we need a mortgage from someone or finance for 100% of the boat. The engine doesn't work and its steel framed so I'm sure it's 'residential' Have I gone nuts or is this at all possible? julie
Gavin Unregistered User (5/29/01 3:42 pm) Reply	Try before I buy I am Interested in renting a House boat in london before I buy to see if I like it.I don't know if this is normal.I work in west London and it would need to be within easy commuting distance. I have spent lots of time on all sorts of boats and am well experienced. If somebody would like to make some money while I look after there boat for a few months then rent me there boat so I can try before I buy. Thanks Gavin Kerr gksport@freenetname.co.uk
Isobel Unregistered User (6/13/01 8:04 am) Reply	houseboat for sale Hi Gavin, I see that you are looking to rent a houseboat in West London before buying one. Whilst we don't have a boat to rent we are selling a beautiful houseboat in West London on the Grand Union Canal. Take a look at exp.bigfathead.com/boat. We have many people viewing the boat and it won't be around for long so if you'd like to come an view it then we be pleased to show you round. Good luck Isobel
isobel Unregistered User (6/13/01 8:06 am) Reply	HOUSEBOAT FOR SALE - west london Sorry Gavin, Please try the correct website!! exp.bigfathead.com/boat
Dominic Oldrey Unregistered User (6/15/01 1:27 am) Reply	Now for the hard part... I am beginning to realise that finding a boat is quite easy, but finding an affordable mooring is quite difficult indeed. Does anyone know a place the offers residential moorings within an easy commute of London that will not totally break my bank balance? Or am I asking too much? Cheers Dom
mary Unregistered User (6/29/01 9:28 am) Reply	rent a boat Couple of young hacks looking for a houseboat w moorings in London to rent for a year. Will pay through nose. Like Gavin, I want to rent before buying but am fantastically excited about the idea of living on water and will hang in there until I find one. Can you help? marywakefield@hotmail.com
barralittle Registered User Posts: 1 (7/8/01 7:37 am) Reply	Living on a sailboat? Renting a houseboat? I'm moving to London to start work in the City this summer. I've wanted to become a better sailor for ages, and I thought it would be cool to live on a boat--maybe at St Katherine's dock, right in the center. But is it possible to find a sailboat that's livable? I'd like something that I could take out beyond the coasts eventually, but I can't afford anything bigger than 40 feet or so. Is that crazy? What about headroom? Shower? Heat in the winter? Does anyone have any idea? And if it is crazy, I'm very interested in renting a houseboat as central as possible, and would pay whatever it takes. If you have any ideas, my email is barra@post.harvard.edu, and I'd welcome your advice! THanks!
mchinery ezOP Posts: 32 (7/15/01 3:19 am) Reply	Re: Living on a sailboat? Renting a houseboat? Have a look at the features page on the web site for a liveaboard sail boat that has been featured, may well suit your needs. As for moorings in London you will have to look very hard for a residential one but you may be able to find something on a semi permenant basis if you don't mind moving now an then. Renting a houseboat in London is difficult but have a look at the following link as these sometimes have boats come up for renting. Good Luck. Kind Regards Martin www.vcmarine.co.uk
stonefield25fsnetcouk Unregistered User (7/30/01 2:46 pm) Reply	A life on water reply. Hello to all at mchinery ( is this the same people who have another site on liveaboard wannabees-MARTIN?) we are a couple who are really interested in buying a wide-beam "narrowboat" and probably using it as a home. we would welcome any chats with people who have the same idea or who are already living aboard. We are in west yorkshire and at present run a 23ft cruiser (inboard diesel) to gain a bit of experience with the waterways (locks etc etc) Hope to hear from anybody reading this.......Thanks....Terry and Gillian.
cunawarit Registered User Posts: 1 (6/30/02 8:55 am) Reply	I am also thinking of living aboard. I am currently living in a shared house and within a year or two I'd like to be living in a yacht. However there are a few things that concern me: 1) Considering my means I'd probably end up living in a small yacht. This would mean either giving up many luxury items (for instance I know I'd have to give up my RC plane) or putting up with a heavy sailboat. I have my parent's place to store things, however I often wonder how long it'll be before the poor little yacht is super loaded. 2) I am not the greatest sailor in the world. I have sailed dinghies before but I have to admit that I am a MUCH better powerboater than sailor. I am planning to do some more sailing this summer and I'll try and join a club, but I would be doing lots of learning on the yacht that I buy. 3) Maintenance, I know wood is the hardest to maintain so I would be avoiding wooden boats. However, when it comes to GRP, ferro cement or steel what are the differences??? I have noticed that many steel and ferro cement boats are much cheaper... I would avoid any home made boats, but what is your opinion on ferro cement yachts in particular? 4) Resale value, I don't want to spend a lot of money on a yacht then to find out that when I finally want to get something bigger it is only worth a fraction of what I paid. I know certain yachts do hold their value, but I do find it a bit scary. 5) Marinas vs residential moorings. First of all I have heard that finding a residential mooring is practically impossible and I have to admit I would much rather live in a Marina than a residential mooring. I don't like many of the residential mooring I have seen, whereas many marinas are pretty lively, cool places. Are there any issues with living in a marina??? I know I won't get a phone, but I think I am OK with that... With next generation mobile phones Internet connections should be a lot better... BTW, are there any Marinas which offer residential status?
mchinery Unregistered User (6/30/02 10:08 am) Reply	Re: I am also thinking of living aboard. Hi, Firstly, I will address the type of construction as this will lead to another question. I have had both steel and wood and ferro and I would say that ferro is by far the better to maintain. I currently own and live on a 38' ferro motor sailor. As for the cost a secondhand yacht a grp or steel will be pricey in a large size, wood a little less depending on maker and ferro the cheapest for a larger size. If you are on a budget then ferro could be the answer I picked up my 38 footer for under Ł10,000 although it needed so work doing but nothing to major. If you get your boat you will certainly learn a lot more about sailing so don't worry to much about lack of experience learning and using your vessel is the most fun part! Most boats will decrease in value if not maintained in good order, if maintained well you will not lose much and may even make a profit. I have always made a profit from all the boats I have owned. Residential moorings are hard to find in London but are much easier to find outside of London and any large cities. Many marina's and boatyards will take on liveaboards if you ask them, many do not advertise the fact but you could get in if you contact them and ask. Work out your budget then search for vessels within that range, you may be surprised what you can find in the larger size yachts as these are not as popular as smaller one's and do offer alot more space for the liveaboard. Good luck in your search and let us know how you get on. Kind Regards Martin.
cunawarit Registered User Posts: 2 (6/30/02 11:33 am) Reply	thanks thanks mchinery, I will let you know how it turns out. I am still a part-time PhD student and I'll be starting to look properly for a vessel after I graduate (September, fingers crossed). I have been looking at local marinas and finding out marinas fees and going thru the ads on local yacht brokers to get a feel of what is available. I am surprised you found a 38 foot motorsailor for Ł10k! There's hope for fulfilling my dream after all As things stand, I think I can afford to make the move. However, I'll wait till I graduate as my current job is anything but permanent.
tim Unregistered User (9/10/02 1:42 pm) Reply	narrowboats and the law Hello, I am considering the option of purchasing a narrow boat to live on on the Regents canal in Kings cross, it is not something that has been a lifelong ambition but does look an attractive prospect, especially considering the prices of property and rent in London. The asking price for the 69 by 7 ft boat built in 1979 is around 45-50 thousand, is this a reasonable price?? I have looked into the prices of similar boats and the prices seem to vary considerably. Obviously I have not got as far as haveing the vessel surveyed which would define it better, but I wonder if anyone has a ballpark figure for a boat of that vintage and size, in reasonable condition but requiring a sizable amount of interior work. Any suggestions???? Also if anyone can help out with nailing down the true defintion of a 'residential mooring' I would appreciate it, the boat in question is one of six moored on the canal in Kings Cross (essentially at the end of platform one as the rails run under the canal), power is supplied and metered to each boat but the mooring is apparently not actually residential. What is the legal position of the boats and residents in them??? Any answers or suggestions gratefully recieved. Tim

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