Continuous Cruiser or Marina Resident?
Choosing Your Narrowboat Lifestyle
Continuous Cruiser or Marina Resident. Living on a narrowboat is a dream for many, offering a slower pace of life surrounded by the beauty of England's waterways. But when it comes to how you’ll live on the canals, there’s a big decision to make: will you embrace the freedom of a continuous cruiser or settle into the convenience of life in a marina? Both lifestyles have their perks, challenges, and costs, so let’s dive into what sets them apart.
What is a Continuous Cruiser?
A continuous cruiser is someone who lives on their narrowboat full-time but doesn’t have a permanent mooring. Instead, they keep moving along the canal network, enjoying the freedom of life on the water without being tied to one location.
What It’s Like to Be a Continuous Cruiser:
- You’re Always on the Move:
To qualify as a continuous cruiser, you must adhere to the rules set by the Canal & River Trust (CRT). This means you need to move your boat regularly and cover a range of at least 20 miles each year. You can only stay in one spot for a maximum of 14 days (or less if the local signs say so). - Costs Are Lower:
Since you don’t pay for a permanent mooring, you save a chunk of money. Your main expenses will be the continuous cruising licence, fuel, maintenance, and essentials like water and waste disposal. - Freedom and Flexibility:
Every few weeks, you get a change of scenery, exploring new villages, towns, and countryside. It’s a lifestyle full of adventure, where you can wake up to a different view whenever you like. - Challenges to Consider:
Without a fixed base, accessing services like fuel, pump-outs, and groceries can take extra planning. You’ll also need a solution for receiving mail and managing official paperwork. Living on the move means being self-sufficient and adaptable.
Who Is It For?
Continuous cruising is perfect for those who love the idea of a nomadic lifestyle, enjoy exploring, and don’t mind the logistical challenges of living off-grid.
Life in a Marina
On the other hand, a marina resident keeps their narrowboat moored in a designated marina. This setup offers a permanent base with facilities on hand, making it a popular choice for liveaboards who want a bit more stability.
What It’s Like in a Marina:
- A Fixed Address:
Having a mooring means you always know where your boat is. If you’ve chosen a residential mooring, you can even use it as your official address, which makes things like receiving post and managing utilities much easier. - Convenience Costs More:
Marina fees vary depending on location and amenities, but they can range from £2,000 to £6,000 a year. On top of that, residential moorings may come with council tax. However, what you pay for in costs, you gain in convenience—electricity, water, and sometimes even Wi-Fi are often available right at your berth. - A Stable, Comfortable Lifestyle:
Living in a marina provides a sense of community with other boaters, plus easy access to facilities like shops and public transport. It’s a more predictable way to enjoy narrowboat living, without having to constantly plan your next stop. - Less Time on the Move:
While you can still take your boat out cruising whenever you like, many marina residents enjoy the comfort of staying put for longer periods.
Narrowboats at Crick Marina.
Who Is It For?
Life in a marina suits those who want the charm of canal living but with the conveniences of modern life close at hand. It’s ideal for people who prefer a stable base or need easy access to amenities.
Continuous Cruiser Or Marina Resident - Choosing What’s Right for You
The choice between being a continuous cruiser and living in a marina boils down to your priorities. Do you dream of waking up in a new location every few weeks, with the open canal network as your playground? Or do you prefer the ease of having a permanent base, with modern facilities and a tight-knit community?
Both lifestyles offer the chance to enjoy the magic of life on the water. Whether you’re moored up in a bustling marina or cruising through peaceful countryside, canal living promises a unique connection to nature and a slower, more fulfilling pace of life.
Conclusion - Continuous Cruiser Or Marina Resident
Living on a narrowboat is more than just a lifestyle; it’s an adventure. Whether you opt for the freedom of a continuous cruiser or the stability of a marina resident, both paths offer their own kind of charm. Take the time to consider what works best for you, your budget, and your lifestyle goals. No matter which route you choose, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded people who share a love for England’s beautiful waterways. So, what will it be—life on the move or a cosy berth to call home? The choice is yours!
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