This page is a quiet porthole into what everyday boat life really looks like — the practicalities, the comforts, the challenges, and the little joys.
Boat-dwellers come in many forms, with a wide range of backgrounds, jobs and skills.
- Many are creative
- Most are resourceful and adaptable
- Some have pets that share their waterside dwellings — cats, dogs, rabbits, spiders, reptiles… we’ve had them all
We don’t all live on narrowboats and barges.
There are also yachts, cruisers, lifeboats, ex-marine training vessels, water-lodges and everything in between.
Some people live fully off-grid.
Most of us have shore power, but we also use solar and wind power and run 12-volt systems, so we always have lights and essential power.
Many people also have a power bank to store electricity for days off-grid or for emergencies.
We all become very energy-aware.
We shop around for low-power and energy-efficient appliances and gadgets wherever possible.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are an absolute must-have on a boat.
They prevent damp, remove excess moisture from the air and soft furnishings, and make a huge difference to warmth and comfort.
A dry boat is a warmer boat.
Get a good one — it’s an investment that will save you money (and despair) in the long run.
They’re also brilliant for drying laundry in an emergency.
Seasons
You really experience all the seasons when you live on a boat.
Most of us become very tuned-in to our environment.
Winter is the hardest time and takes some getting used to.
Layers are your number one solution — both on your body and on your bed.
Avoid thick, heavy bedding and clothing where you can; it’s harder to regulate your temperature, and those items are awkward to launder and store.
That trusty dehumidifier becomes a complete godsend in winter.
Damp air and soft furnishings are not comfortable!
Heating choices depend on your moorings, your boat layout, and sometimes your environmental values.
Several of my neighbours have log burners and use smokeless fuel.
Some use diesel heaters, electric fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, or even heated wall panels that look like artwork.
Most people end up with a mixture.
Winter clothing matters too — both for comfort and safety.
Non-slip boots, hats and gloves, and coats that keep wind and rain out are essentials.
I look like I’m heading off on an expedition when I go on my twice-daily dog walk.
The wind really whips along the pontoon!
One of my best buys was a heated body-warmer.
It runs from a simple power bank, and both the front and back panels heat up.
When temperatures drop, we grit the main pontoon and our individual finger pontoons.
We even have a communal grit spreader — it’s a marvellous little gadget.
Making Your Boat Your Home
We all share the same aim — to make our boats dry, cosy, and calm.
A place to be close to nature.
A true happy place.
Some boats have a minimalist feel, with a few key pieces and plants.
Others (like mine!) are full of bits and bobs — ornaments, gadgets, photos, plants, and personal touches that make it feel like home.
Clever storage, good lighting, and compact multi-use items are always high on our wish-lists.
Seasonal soft furnishings make a huge difference.
In Autumn and Winter:
Go cosy with fleeces, fluffy throws and warm-toned cushions.
In Spring and Summer:
Switch to lightweight throws and cushion covers with nautical or sea-life themes and colours.
It’s an easy way to completely change the look and feel of your boat through the year.
Community
We have a great community.
We help each other out share what we can – whether that’s fuel, food, water, or simply company.
We socialise, celebrate and commiserate.
And to a certain extent, most of us like to hibernate as much as possible in the colder months.
“Boat life isn’t for everyone — but for those of us who choose it, it becomes something quietly magical.”
