Condensation is one of the most common frustrations of life afloat, especially during autumn and winter. If you have woken up to dripping windows, damp bedding or a clammy feel in the cabin, you are certainly not alone. The good news is that condensation can usually be reduced with a few steady habits and some…
Damp is one of the most common challenges of life afloat. A narrowboat is a compact metal home surrounded by water, so moisture needs careful management. The good news is that most damp problems can be reduced with the right mix of ventilation, heat, insulation and regular maintenance. If you are wondering how to stop…
This Caldon Canal guide is for boaters planning a peaceful and varied cruise through Staffordshire, from the industrial heritage of Stoke-on-Trent to the wooded Churnet Valley and the quiet reaches towards Leek and Froghall. The Caldon is a rewarding waterway for narrowboats. It offers city cruising, stone-built locks, open countryside, railway scenery, canal-side pubs, a…
Sharing a narrowboat with pets can be wonderfully rewarding. Towpaths, changing views and slow travel can suit many animals, provided their needs are planned for carefully. This narrowboat pets guide covers the essentials for living or holidaying afloat with dogs, cats and small animals. From safety equipment to daily routines, the aim is to help…
There are few boating sounds more annoying than the sudden splash of a windlass disappearing into the canal. One moment it is in your hand, the next it is somewhere in the murk beside a lock landing. If you have managed to drop windlass in canal and are wondering what to do next, do not…
Living on a narrowboat with dogs can be a wonderful way to share a slower, more outdoorsy lifestyle with your four-legged companions. Towpaths, woodland walks, changing scenery and cosy evenings aboard can suit many dogs very well. That said, boat life brings a few challenges that are different from living in a house. Space is…
The Limehouse Cut is one of London’s most distinctive waterways. Straight, urban and full of history, it links the Lee Navigation at Bow with Limehouse Basin, where boats can connect with the Regent’s Canal and, with the right preparation, the tidal Thames. This Limehouse Cut canal guide is designed for boaters, walkers and anyone planning…
A narrowboat engine failure can feel alarming, especially if it happens in a bridge hole, near a lock, on a river, or when the weather is against you. The good news is that most situations can be managed calmly if you know the right steps to take. This guide explains what to do if your…
Living on a narrowboat with cats can be a calm, cosy and rewarding way to share life afloat. Cats often enjoy warm cabins, quiet corners and the ever-changing view from a window, but boat life also brings practical responsibilities. Space is limited, routines can change on cruising days, and safety matters more when water is…
Narrowboat life with children can be rewarding, adventurous and wonderfully simple, but it also needs careful planning. Living afloat as a family means thinking differently about space, safety, schooling, routines and everyday jobs. With the right preparation, children can enjoy a childhood full of nature, practical skills and memorable journeys along the waterways. Is Narrowboat…
