If you are thinking about adopting a new life as a liveaboard but are not sure how well suited you are to a lifestyle afloat then try this simple questionnaire.
1. What appeals to you most about living on a boat?
- (A) With house prices so high, it’s the low cost that appeals to me most.
- (B) The simple and natural lifestyle away from the stresses of the modern age. What’s more I love boats and being on the water.
- (C) I’m really enthusiastic about boating and would like to spend more time aboard a vessel.
2. How much living space do you need to feel comfortable in?
- (A) I do like having quite a lot of space and would even consider myself quite claustrophobic.
- (B) In many ways I prefer compact spaces because I find it cosier and I like everything to be within easy reach. If I need open space then I just go outside.
- (C) I am very adaptable. I'm used to living in a small space but if I had the choice then I would choose a very roomy living space
3. Do own many possessions and how good are you at managing them?
- (A) I’m both an ardent shopper and a hoarder so I have quite a few possessions to manage.
- (B) I don’t need many possessions to keep me happy. I just have a few cherished personal items that I cling on to.
- (C) I don’t have that many possessions but I am rather chaotic with those that I do have.
4. Do you like to have your modern conveniences and home comforts?
- (A) I do like all my various gadgets and appliances and there’s even certain things I can’t get through the day without.
- (B) I’m happy just as long as my basic needs are catered for. My biggest luxury would be a good book.
- (C) I can do without most things but I am very attached to my internet and my telly.
Estimate your annual expenses for boat living based on boat type, location, and usage patterns.
Try our Boat Living Cost Calculator free, here on this site →5. How are you with living with other people?
- (A) Although I need to live with somebody else I can’t spend too long in their close company without them winding me up somehow.
- (B) I love living with someone else and being in their company most of the time.
- (C) I’m happy living with somebody else and being in their close company but I do like to have my own space every now and again.
6. What about friends, neighbours and acquaintances, do you value their company?
- (A) I’m a very social person and thrive on that social contact with other people, whether they’re friends, family or even people I meet in the street.
- (B) Although I’m certainly independent and happy to spent long periods without any contact with the outside world, I do enjoy socialising with friends and the camaraderie of being part of a community.
- (C) One of my reasons for wanting to live on a boat was to get away from people.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
7. How practical a person are you?
- (A) I’m not practical at all. I’ve never needed to be as I always had someone cleaning up after me, and practical friends and tradesmen to do jobs for me.
- (B) I like being practical whenever and wherever I can. It’s very satisfying being able to complete any task your faced with.
- (C) I would love to be a practical person and am enthusiastic when something needs doing, but unfortunately it’s not something that comes naturally to me.
8. How good are you at coping in various weathers?
- (A) I am a sun person. I am happy when it’s warm and miserable when it’s cold and damp. In the winter I lock myself in and turn up the heating.
- (B) As long as it’s not catastrophic, I love to experience the full gamut of British weather. I’m as content in the frost as I am in the sunshine.
- (C) I would prefer it to be sunny most of the time, but I’m not adverse to a little rain and cold.
The Conclusion
If you answered with mainly ‘A’s then I’m afraid the liveaboard lifestyle is definitely not for you. You are much better suited to life ashore.
If you answered with mainly ‘B’s then you are clearly a natural liveaboard and it is surprising that you’ve managed to put up with living on land for so long.
If you answered with mainly ‘C’s then you are not naturally suited to liveaboard life but if you are very keen then it may be something you could grow accustomed to. It’s recommended that you first try it out by going on a boating holiday.
Also enjoy solitude and reading. No mention of the wildlife on and around water another reason many people value the canals doesn't get a mention. Also you meet some really nice people on the canals which can be very sociable if you want them to be. We also have lots of room for clothes, books and hobbies.
Agree about the practicality side of boat living.
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