BLOG: Disadvantages of living on a narrowboat as a senior: CLICK HERE

Hi, everyone, Welcome back, or if you’re new here, a very warm welcome. My name is Gary, and I’ve been living on a narrowboat in the UK for the past 3 of years. It’s a lifestyle that I truly love, it’s peaceful, it’s adventurous, and there’s something magical about waking up to the sight of a misty canal in the morning.

But, like any way of living, it has its challenges. And when you’re a senior citizen like me, some of those challenges can feel even bigger. Take last winter, for instance. The canal froze solid for two weeks straight, and the water points were all inaccessible. I had to trek over a mile on icy towpaths with a trolley just to get drinking water.

So, today, I want to share the hardest parts of living on a narrowboat as a senior citizen. I’m not here to scare anyone off, it’s more about giving a realistic view of what you might face and how to manage it. Let’s get started.

Physical Demands

First let’s talk about the physical demands of narrowboat living. This isn’t something most people think about when they first fall in love with the idea of life on the water.

Operating locks is one of the most physically demanding tasks. If you’re navigating the canals regularly, you’ll encounter locks almost every day. Now, most locks require you to wind up paddles, push heavy gates, and sometimes pull ropes in less-than-ideal weather.

I’ll never forget one particularly windy day near Staffordshire. I was trying to push open a lock gate, but the wind kept slamming it shut. It took three attempts, and by the time I was done, I was out of breath and ready for a nap.

Then there’s boat maintenance. Narrowboats need constant care. Cleaning out the engine compartment, painting the hull to prevent rust, and even just checking for leaks are all part of the deal. Last summer, I spent an entire afternoon changing the engine oil. It was a sweltering day, and the cramped engine compartment made it ten times worse.

And don’t forget carrying supplies. Everything you need, fuel, water, groceries has to be transported to the boat. One time, I had to carry a 13 kilo gas bottle down a narrow, muddy towpath because there was no road access nearby. By the time I got it to the boat, my arms felt like jelly.

Now, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to make adjustments. For example, I’ve installed foldable steps at my mooring point to make getting on and off the boat easier. I’ve also started pacing myself more I no longer try to do all the locks in one day if I can spread them out over two.

Weather and Temperature Control

The next big challenge is the weather, which has a huge impact on your day-to-day life on a narrowboat.

Let’s start with winter. It’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing like seeing frost-covered trees reflected in the water. But it’s also freezing literally. One January morning, I woke up to find the canal completely frozen over. My water pump had frozen too, so I couldn’t get any water into the boat. I ended up boiling several kettles of water and pouring them over the pump to unfreeze it.

Then there’s summer, which brings its own problems. Narrowboats can become unbearably hot in the summer months, especially if you’re moored in direct sunlight. Last July, the cabin temperature reached over 30°C, and I spent most of the day sitting outside under a parasol just to stay cool.

Finally, there’s the issue of dampness and condensation. One winter, I discovered mold growing behind my bookshelves because I hadn’t ventilated the space properly. It was a wake-up call. I had to spend hours scrubbing and then installing small vents to prevent it from happening again.

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to manage these challenges. Good insulation is key, as is a reliable stove to keep the cabin warm. In summer, I make sure to moor in shaded areas when possible, and I’ve invested in a small but powerful dehumidifier to tackle the damp.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare is something we all rely on more as we get older, and it can be a real challenge when you’re living on a narrowboat.

For example, while moored in a rural area, I realized I needed to see a GP. The nearest surgery was five miles away, and there was no public transport. I ended up hitching a ride with a passerby who kindly offered to take me. It was an uncomfortable experience, but it taught me the importance of planning ahead.

Emergencies are another big worry. One winter, I slipped on the icy deck and hurt my knee. My car was parked miles away, so I had to call for help and wait for assistance. It really drove home the importance of being extra cautious.

Even something as simple as managing prescriptions can be tricky. You need to think ahead about where you’ll be moored and how you’ll pick up your medication. I’ve had to plan my routes around pharmacy locations more than once.

Limited Space

Living on a narrowboat means adapting to a much smaller space than you might be used to.

When my grandchildren come to visit, it’s always lovely, but the space quickly becomes cramped. We have to fold away the dining table and get creative with seating arrangements just to make room for everyone.

Storage is another challenge. I used to be a bit of a hoarder, especially when it came to books. But now, I’ve had to downsize significantly. Most of my library is now digital, stored on my Kindle. I’ve also learned to invest in multi-functional furniture. For example, my armchair now doubles as storage for my winter clothes. It’s amazing how much you can fit into a small space if you’re clever about it.

Social Isolation

Life on the water can be wonderfully peaceful, but it can also feel isolating at times.I’ve made some great friends in the boating community, but because we’re all constantly moving, it can be hard to stay in touch.

One evening, I was moored in a quiet stretch near Shropshire. It was idyllic, but after two days without seeing another person, I started to feel quite lonely. To combat this, I’ve joined Facebook groups for boaters, which are a fantastic way to stay connected. I also make a point of chatting with locals when I stop in new villages or towns.

Final Thoughts and Advice

So, there you have it the hardest parts of living on a narrowboat as a senior citizen.

Every challenge I’ve mentioned comes with its own solution. Whether it’s installing better insulation, pacing yourself at locks, or joining a boater’s community, there are always ways to adapt. Despite these difficulties, I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. The freedom, the connection with nature, and the sense of adventure make it all worthwhile.

If you’re considering this lifestyle, my advice is to try it out first. Rent a boat for a few months and see if it’s right for you. It’s better to go in with your eyes open.

Thanks for reading, and if you found this BLOG helpful please consider clicking on the below link and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mEfMbKuLo0epcSYFuFj8Q

I’d love to hear from you. Have you experienced any of these challenges, or do you have tips for overcoming them? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to stay tuned. See you next time.