Owning/Building

Although canal boats can look much the same to the novice, there are some very important distinctions between them. If you're new to boating you have some important choices to make.

This comprehensive book examines the options available to various boating profiles. From those who choose to live on board their boats and constant cruisers to weekend boaters and fair-weather cruisers, each will need a different type of boat if they are to fully enjoy their time afloat. Packed with case studies and advice from real boaters with years of experience to share.

by Jim Batty.

Full time life on a narrowboat is a novelty for so many, and is endlessly fascinating. Narrowboat Life answers all the questions you've wanted to ask about the ins and outs of liveaboard life on the inland waterways..

The book is filled with beautiful, enthralling photography of the waterways themselves, the narrowboats that occupy them and, most importantly, every nook and cranny of their insides. Should you become seduced, the author gives solid hands-on advice about how to make a narrowboat your home.

Soft back, front and back covers have a flap so that you can mark pages. 192 pages. 25cmx x 25 cms approx. Colour photos throughout.

by Tony Jones.

In this book Tony reveals the pleasures and practicalities of living aboard on Britain's inland waterways.

Uncovering the nuts and bolts of boat life, Tony offers first-hand accessible advice on choosing the best boat for you, finding a suitable mooring, power usage and energy consumption, boating in all seasons, the highs and lows of boat life, the real cost of living aboard, earning an income afloat , rules and red tape.

Soft back. 160 pages. 15.6cms x 23.4cms approx. Colour photographs.

Updated in 2019

by Pat Manley.

The book covers 67 of the most common jobs. From engines (cooling system, fuel, servicing etc), fuel, water and gas systems, to bilge pumps, stern gear, repairing fibre glass and inflatables.

Obviously not all jobs refer to narrowboats, cruisers and sailing boats are also covered.

Hard back. 160 pages, 17.7cms x 24.9cms approx. Well illustrated with over 750 colour photographs and diagrams.

by Nick Corble and Allan Ford.

The aim of this book is to help people live the dream and not the nightmare, providing a useful step by step introduction to the basics of making a life afloat.

The book covers different types of liveaboard craft, the good and bad points, moorings, engines, heating, cooking, sanitation, furnishing, survival tips and finances.

Soft back. 143 pages. 12.4cms x 22.6cms. Illustrated with colour and black and white photos.

by Bill & Laurel Cooper.

Bill & Laurel are experts on living afloat, having lived aboard a variety of boats for over 30 years. In this thorough and inspirational guide they share their practical, first hand advice on suitable boats, likely costs, insurance, the pros and cons, health, provisioning and the rules and regulations, and much more.

Soft back. 202 pages. 15.4cms x 23.3cms approx. Illustrated in colour and black & white.

Edited by Valerie Lee & Beryl McDowall.

Published by the Residential Boat Owners' Association, this book is meant as a basic introduction to those who would like to live on a boat in Great Britain.

It tries to cover all aspects to help you make the decision. Topics covered include moorings, type of boat, services & equipment, safety & security, legal requirements and acquiring your boat. There is a chapter on common questions and members' solutions.

Softback. 96 pages. 14.8cms x 21cms approx. Illustrated with colour and black & white photographs and diagrams. Revised edition 2007.