Brief Summary
This video provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with owning and running a canal boat in the UK, whether for leisure or living aboard. It covers essential expenses such as license fees, insurance, mooring costs, boat safety scheme testing, council tax (where applicable), diesel, heating, water, toilet pump-outs, propane gas, and maintenance. The video concludes with estimated monthly and annual costs for both leisure users and liveaboards, highlighting the variability of these figures based on individual circumstances and usage patterns.
- License fees vary based on waterway, boat size, and usage.
- Mooring costs differ significantly depending on location and facilities.
- Maintenance funds are crucial for unexpected repairs and long-term upkeep.
Introduction
The video aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the costs involved in owning and running a canal boat, whether for leisure or as a permanent residence. The presenter will use a spreadsheet to detail typical expenses, offering valuable information for those considering buying or investing in a canal boat. The video will cover various factors influencing these costs, such as the waterway used, boat size, and usage patterns.
License Fees
To operate a boat on UK waterways, a license is required from the relevant authority, such as the Canal & River Trust (CRT), Environment Agency, Avon Navigation Trust, Peel Ports Limited (Bridgewater Canal), or Scottish Canals. The fees vary depending on the waterway, boat length and width, and usage. For a standard 57-foot narrowboat with a home mooring on CRT waters, the annual license fee is £1,287 (£107 per month). Continuous cruisers pay a surcharge, with the same boat costing £1,352 annually (£113 per month). Wide beam boats incur higher fees. A Gold License, covering both EA and CRT waters, costs £1,591 annually for a 57-foot narrowboat. The River Avon charges £769 annually for a 57-foot narrowboat with a leisure mooring, with a prompt payment discount. Scottish Canals charge £257 for a license, but require a mooring.
Insurance
All navigation authorities require boat insurance to cover fire, collisions, and damage. While contents and comprehensive coverage are optional, liability insurance is essential. A small boat might cost around £120 per year to insure, while a typical 57-foot narrowboat could be around £250 per year. Costs vary, so shopping around is advised.
Moorings
Permanent moorings are often desired for leisure users. Options include marinas, Canal & River Trust moorings, farmers' fields, and private gardens, each with varying security and facilities. ABC Leisure marinas have the lowest price at £2,933 per year (£244 per month) and the highest at £4,212 per year (£351 per month). London moorings can be very expensive, easily reaching £15,000 a year (£1,250 a month). Scottish Canals range from £1,496 to £4,981 a year (£125 to £415 a month). CRT towpath moorings might cost around £200 a month (£2,400 a year). Living aboard often incurs a 20% uplift on leisure mooring fees, while official residential moorings with council tax are rare and more expensive.
Boat Safety Scheme (BSS)
Every four years, boats must undergo a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) test, costing around £250, to check gas, electric, and fuel systems. This equates to about £5 a month over the four-year period. The test ensures safety and compliance with regulations. Any necessary repairs identified during the BSS test will incur additional costs.
Council Tax
Council tax is generally not applicable to canal boats used for leisure, as they are not considered primary residences. However, those with official residential moorings will typically pay Band A council tax, which could be around £100-£150 a month, depending on the local council. "High-use" moorings allow people to live on their boats without officially declaring it, requiring a separate residential address for legal purposes.
Diesel
Most canal boats use diesel, with engines consuming 1 to 1.5 litres per hour. Diesel costs around £1.50 per litre for propulsion and a lower rate (around £1.10) for domestic use (heating and hot water). Marinas often use a 60-40 split for billing. Fuel boats can offer competitive prices.
Heating: Coal, Briquettes, or Wood
For heating, coal or wood is commonly used. Buying bags of coal can cost around £20-£25 for a 25kg bag. Using eight bags a month for six months would total £960 a year, averaging £80 per month.
Water and Toilet Pump-Outs
Water is generally free at canal water points. Cassette toilet emptying points (Elsan points) are also free. However, pump-outs for fixed storage tanks typically cost £30-£40 per emptying.
Propane Gas
Propane gas, typically in 13kg tanks, is used for cooking and heating. A refill costs about £50, with a typical user going through two tanks a year, costing £100 annually or £8 a month.
Maintenance Fund
A maintenance fund is essential for unexpected repairs. Setting aside at least £1,000 a year is advisable. Blacking the hull every 2-3 years costs around £1,000, while a professional repaint every 10-15 years can cost about £10,000, requiring an annual saving of £1,000.
Everyday Costs
Everyday costs include food, entertainment, and broadband. Food costs may increase for liveaboards due to limited supermarket access in some areas.
Typical Costs: Leisure User
A typical leisure user with a 57-foot narrowboat might pay £107 a month for a license, £21 for insurance, £300 for mooring, £5 for BSS, £22 for diesel, £13 for coal, £4 for propane, £28 for blacking fund, £83 for other maintenance, and £67 for a repainting fund, totalling £648 a month or £7,778 annually, excluding personal expenses.
Typical Costs: Liveaboard
A liveaboard on the same boat might pay £113 a month for a license, £21 for insurance, no mooring fees, £5 for BSS, no council tax, £33 for propulsion diesel, £108 for domestic diesel, £80 for coal, £8 for propane, £28 for blacking fund, £83 for other maintenance, and £67 for a repainting fund, totalling £545 a month or £6,539 per year, excluding personal expenses.
Conclusion
The actual costs vary based on boat usage, type, and location. The presenter estimates typical costs to be around £7,800 annually for leisure use and £6,500 for liveaboards, or approximately £650 and £545 per month, respectively.
