nrbo:narrowboats

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nrbo:narrowboats [2026/03/13 13:52] – [Related topics] Katja Durraninrbo:narrowboats [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Narrowboats+This topic is part of [[gt:transport|Transport & freight]]. 
 +====== Narrowboats ======
  
  
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-## What are narrowboats?+===== What are narrowboats? =====
  
 A narrowboat is a boat for living in, transporting cargo and / or travelling on canals and inland waterways. Modern narrowboats are generally made of steel, though some are aluminium, and many older craft are wooden. They are 6ft 10in (2.1m) wide, up to 70ft (21.3m) long and can cruise almost any waterway, but are not well suited to tidal rivers. ‘Wide beam’ boats (barges) also exist, and are, as the name suggests, wider steel craft. They are more spacious and therefore make for more comfortable living, but are unsuited to navigating canal locks, which are usually 7ft (2.13m) wide. A narrowboat is a boat for living in, transporting cargo and / or travelling on canals and inland waterways. Modern narrowboats are generally made of steel, though some are aluminium, and many older craft are wooden. They are 6ft 10in (2.1m) wide, up to 70ft (21.3m) long and can cruise almost any waterway, but are not well suited to tidal rivers. ‘Wide beam’ boats (barges) also exist, and are, as the name suggests, wider steel craft. They are more spacious and therefore make for more comfortable living, but are unsuited to navigating canal locks, which are usually 7ft (2.13m) wide.
  
-### History+==== History ====
  
 The majority of Britain’s canals were constructed in the 18th century to transport industrial goods and raw materials. Cargo boats were initially drawn by [horses](/woho/working_horses) until after WWII when they were finally replaced entirely by engines. These powerful animals could pull much bigger loads over frictionless water than by road and the huge jump in productivity led to an explosion in use of canal freight, reduced the price of coal and powered the Industrial Revolution. The majority of Britain’s canals were constructed in the 18th century to transport industrial goods and raw materials. Cargo boats were initially drawn by [horses](/woho/working_horses) until after WWII when they were finally replaced entirely by engines. These powerful animals could pull much bigger loads over frictionless water than by road and the huge jump in productivity led to an explosion in use of canal freight, reduced the price of coal and powered the Industrial Revolution.
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-## What are the benefits of narrowboats?+===== What are the benefits of narrowboats? =====
  
 The pace of life tends to be slower and it brings you into close contact with nature. Like parks, canals act as green lungs for the cities and are home to a huge variety of wildlife, from water voles to herons, kingfishers, swans, ducks and many species of fish (a good indication of improving water quality). Many canals and towpaths are listed as sites of special scientific interest. The pace of life tends to be slower and it brings you into close contact with nature. Like parks, canals act as green lungs for the cities and are home to a huge variety of wildlife, from water voles to herons, kingfishers, swans, ducks and many species of fish (a good indication of improving water quality). Many canals and towpaths are listed as sites of special scientific interest.
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
 Try taking a narrowboat trip or holiday first to see if you like it - it’s not for everyone. It can be hard work and you need to do your research before committing to buying a boat, particularly if you’re going to live on it. There are hidden costs and continuous maintenance, repairs and tweaking required, which can mean getting your hands dirty or forking out for specialist work. Running a boat has been likened to having a part-time job, or to running a house and car simultaneously. It all adds up - so, while the initial investment may be less than buying a house, only get a boat if you want to embrace the lifestyle, not primarily to save money. Try taking a narrowboat trip or holiday first to see if you like it - it’s not for everyone. It can be hard work and you need to do your research before committing to buying a boat, particularly if you’re going to live on it. There are hidden costs and continuous maintenance, repairs and tweaking required, which can mean getting your hands dirty or forking out for specialist work. Running a boat has been likened to having a part-time job, or to running a house and car simultaneously. It all adds up - so, while the initial investment may be less than buying a house, only get a boat if you want to embrace the lifestyle, not primarily to save money.
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 {{ https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/5-narrowboats-degrading.jpg }} {{ https://lowimpactorg.onyx-sites.io/wp-content/uploads/5-narrowboats-degrading.jpg }}
  
-### Buying a boat+==== Buying a boat ====
  
 Once you’re convinced it’s the life for you, then it’s time to think about [buying a boat](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/getting-afloat/buying-a-boat). Once you’re convinced it’s the life for you, then it’s time to think about [buying a boat](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/getting-afloat/buying-a-boat).
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Other costs+==== Other costs ====
  
 (average costs based on the Canal & River Trust’s 2013 biannual boat owners survey) (average costs based on the Canal & River Trust’s 2013 biannual boat owners survey)
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Environmental considerations+==== Environmental considerations ====
  
 There are a number of things you need to be aware of to avoid polluting waterways and to reduce the environmental impact of your boat. There are a number of things you need to be aware of to avoid polluting waterways and to reduce the environmental impact of your boat.
  
-### Waste+==== Waste ====
  
 - **Greywater** from sinks, bathrooms, washing machines etc. goes straight into the waterways, so it’s essential to use eco-friendly cleaning and personal products to avoid discharging any toxic or harmful liquids. - **Greywater** from sinks, bathrooms, washing machines etc. goes straight into the waterways, so it’s essential to use eco-friendly cleaning and personal products to avoid discharging any toxic or harmful liquids.
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Resource efficiency+==== Resource efficiency ====
  
 - [Insulation](/insu/insulation) is important for fuel efficiency on board. Wool is a good natural material, although far less common than polystyrene or spray foam. Double glazing is also important; small portholes will retain more heat than large windows. - [Insulation](/insu/insulation) is important for fuel efficiency on board. Wool is a good natural material, although far less common than polystyrene or spray foam. Double glazing is also important; small portholes will retain more heat than large windows.
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Fuel & power+==== Fuel & power ====
  
 - Avoid fuel spills and leaks. If you do spill, never use detergents. - Avoid fuel spills and leaks. If you do spill, never use detergents.
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Wildlife+==== Wildlife ====
  
 - Avoid going too fast as this creates wash that can disturb animals and erode banks. Always keep dogs under control. - Avoid going too fast as this creates wash that can disturb animals and erode banks. Always keep dogs under control.
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-### Safety+==== Safety ====
  
 There are a number of [safety procedures](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/141.pdf) to be adhered to at all times so you know what to do in the event of accidents or falls. You also need to recognise stream conditions like fast-flowing water, know how to avoid waterborne diseases and avoid or deal with human-related nuisances like vandalism and aggression in urban areas. There are a number of [safety procedures](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/141.pdf) to be adhered to at all times so you know what to do in the event of accidents or falls. You also need to recognise stream conditions like fast-flowing water, know how to avoid waterborne diseases and avoid or deal with human-related nuisances like vandalism and aggression in urban areas.
  
-## Further resources+===== Forum ===== 
 + 
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:transport|Transport & freight]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/transport). 
 + 
 +===== Further resources =====
  
 - [Narrowboat Trust](https://www.narrowboattrust.org.uk/) - [Narrowboat Trust](https://www.narrowboattrust.org.uk/)
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- +===== Related topics =====
-## Related topics+
  
 - [[biod:biodiesel|Biodiesel]] - [[biod:biodiesel|Biodiesel]]
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 - [[woho:Working horses]] - [[woho:Working horses]]
 - [[batt:Batteries]] - [[batt:Batteries]]
- +- [[cano:canoes|Canoes & kayaks]]
-Solar elec +
-Sail boats +
-Working horses +
-Batteries +
-Canoes & kayaks+
  
  
-## Specialist curators of this topic+===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  
  • nrbo/narrowboats.1773409953.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2026/03/13 13:52
  • by Katja Durrani