Is a 23ft Narrowboat Too Small for Comfortable Living?
Introduction
In this article, we consider a 23ft narrowboat and discuss whether it’s too small for comfortable living.
Understanding the Size of a 23ft Narrowboat
A 23ft narrowboat is one of the smaller options for potential boat dwellers. The boat’s interior typically includes a compact sleeping area, a small but functional kitchen, potentially a seating area that may double as additional sleeping space, and a tiny bathroom.
Usually the sleeping area doubles up as the seating area.
Despite this limited space, many individuals and couples have found it sufficient for their needs.
Space Considerations for Living on a Narrowboat
When thinking about living on a narrowboat, it’s essential to consider your space needs. Key areas include a sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom, and storage. A 23ft narrowboat, while compact, can provide all of these albeit in a confined space. Creativity and adaptability are crucial in making the most of the available space.
Pros and Cons of a Smaller Narrowboat
Living on a smaller boat like a 23ft narrowboat has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, its small size makes it more manageable to maneuver and maintain. Even with a 38ft narrowboat you can turn around pretty much anywhere on the canal network, whereas a larger boat has to find specific places to turn around.
It’s also likely to be cheaper, both to purchase and to run. You pay for blacking and marinas per foot, so smaller boats are cheaper.
On the downside, space is a significant challenge, and living on such a small boat requires a minimalist lifestyle and smart use of space.
Another aspect not really considered with a smaller boat is how much they rock around when walking on them, or when other boats are passing.
Creative Solutions for Living Small
Numerous solutions can make living in small spaces more comfortable. Multi-purpose furniture, such as sofa beds or benches with storage inside, can maximize space. Clever storage solutions are also crucial, using vertical space and taking advantage of every nook and cranny. You need to pack things in but it is totally possible for a couple to live on a narrowboat this size if you don’t own that many items.
The Roof
One thing you have to your advantage with a narrowboat is that the roof area can be used for storage. As long as you have secure boxes or items which are not liable to theft, a narrowboat is effectively two floors. Your actual floor space is not 23ft, but more like 40ft when including the roof space.
##Personal Experience I currently (2023) have a 38ft narrowboat. I live on it with my girlfriend. Neither of us have very many possessions and we have been living in small spaces together the entire time we have been together.
Personally, I would not want to live on a 23ft narrowboat unless the only thing I was thinking about using it for was a sleeping / cooking area, and the rest of the time I was out and about.
I have friends that are completely happy on tiny boats, and they save a lot of money on maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether a 23ft narrowboat is too small to live on depends largely on personal preferences and lifestyle. It certainly presents challenges, particularly related to space. However, with creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to live simply, it’s entirely possible to make a 23ft narrowboat a comfortable and satisfying home.
FAQ
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Is a 23ft narrowboat too small to live on? It certainly presents challenges, particularly related to space. However, with creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to live simply, it’s entirely possible to make a 23ft narrowboat a comfortable and satisfying home.
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What are some strategies for maximizing space on a 23ft narrowboat? Multi-purpose furniture, such as sofa beds or benches with storage inside, can maximize space. Using vertical space and taking advantage of every nook and cranny.
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What are the benefits and drawbacks of living on a smaller boat like a 23ft narrowboat? The advantages of living on a smaller boat like a 23ft narrowboat include easier maneuverability, less maintenance, and lower costs. The main disadvantage is the limited space, which requires a minimalist lifestyle and smart use of space.