Composting toilets can be a practical and environmentally-friendly option for waste management on a narrowboat. In this article, we’ll discuss key considerations when installing a composting toilet on your narrowboat, including types of composting toilets, installation costs, maintenance, and legal requirements. Types of Composting Toilets There are two main types of composting toilets suitable for narrowboats: self-contained and central/composting units. Self-contained units are more compact and suitable for smaller spaces, while central units, which separate the toilet from the composting unit, are better for larger narrowboats.

Switching to solar power on your narrowboat can be an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs. In this article, we’ll discuss key considerations for installing a solar power system on your narrowboat, including types of solar panels, installation costs, energy storage, maintenance, and legal requirements. Types of Solar Panels There are primarily three types of solar panels suitable for narrowboats: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin Film.

A canal lock is a vital part of river and canal waterways, used for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water at different levels. This article explains the workings of a canal lock, focusing on the process for a boat moving from a lower water level to a higher one. Canal Lock Structure The distinguishing feature of a lock is a fixed chamber in which the water level can be varied; whereas in a caisson lock, a boat lift, or on a canal inclined plane, it is the chamber itself (usually then called a caisson) that rises and falls.

Owning a narrowboat comes with various costs that you should consider before making a purchase. In this article, we’ll discuss the primary costs associated with narrowboat ownership, including purchase price, mooring fees, maintenance, insurance, and licensing. Purchase Price The price of a narrowboat depends on factors such as its age, condition, size, and features. A new narrowboat can range from £50,000 to £200,000 or more, while a used boat may cost between £20,000 and £150,000.

Equipping your narrowboat with the essential tools and equipment will ensure a safe and comfortable life on the water. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the key items you should have on board your narrowboat. Something to remember if you get a bit daunted by this list is that many second hand boats will come with a lot of the equipment listed here. If anything is missing, there are some lovely boat shops (called a chandlery) which are great fun to look around and usually have someone very friendly to help you.

When it comes to purchasing a narrowboat, you have two main options: buying through a broker or finding a private seller. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method and provide tips for finding the right narrowboat. Broker vs. Private Seller Broker A broker is a professional who facilitates the buying and selling of narrowboats. They typically have a range of boats available for sale and can help guide you through the purchasing process.