Life Afloat

- see life from a new perspective

Click here for the "Slow Boat Through Wales" article.

One of the most common questions that people ask us is "What stern should I have?"  The short answer is "Whatever is right for you", but another might be that there are no typical narrow boat owners anymore.  The only thing they have in common is a love for the waterways and a desire to take life at their own pace.

There is no doubt that life afloat is becoming more popular and indeed there are some who worry that by this time next year there will be so many boats on the network that the Grand Union will resemble the M6!

The truth is somewhat different.  The network has a long way to go before it gets this busy.  Yes, there are choke points on some weekends in the height of summer, but for every one of these there are a myriad of hidden backwaters that are just begging to be discovered.  And with the current rate of canal restoration equalling the rate of new canal building at its peak, there is clearly a rosy future for the network.

If you are in a hurry, why are you looking at a canal boat?  At 4 knots you adapt your pace of life to suit.  It is not long before your whole perspective on the world changes and you start to notice things you never had the time to see. 

For those who make the move to make the water their home, they can enjoy the charm of life afloat year round.  The advantages are many.  With the price of property spiralling upwards, a boat offers a cost effective solution, with the advantage that you can take it with you on holiday!  And with all mod cons such as central heating, hot water on demand and decent size furniture (in a wide beam), you really do not need to make such a sacrifice.

So go on!  Hire a boat for a short break or a family holiday.  Borrow a friend's, or even take the plunge and buy your own!  You will see life from a new perspective.