The UK has over 1000 miles of navigable canals and rivers which are home to an estimated 70,000 boats. To the untrained eye canal boats can all look much the same, but there are some very important distinctions and a new buyer has some important choices to make. This book discusses those choices, taking into consideration the various boating profiles. From those choosing to live on board permanently, to constant cruisers, weekend boaters and fair-weather cruisers, each will require a different type of boat if they are to fully enjoy their vessel.

The book covers finding and buying a boat, the legalities of purchase, the different features and utilities, finding a mooring, boating health and safety, the cost of boating, boat maintenance, boating etiquette and many other frequently asked questions. This is the inside story on buying, maintaining and using a narrowboat from someone who has done so for more than seven years.