Who Lives On Boats?
About 15,000 people are thought to live afloat in Great Britain. They are found throughout the canals, rivers and coasts; in cities, in the country and in harbours. Some cruise continuously, some are permanently moored and the others mix cruising and mooring to suit themselves. Liveaboards come from all walks of life: families to pensioners, professionals to artists to boatbuilders. Some live in narrow boats, some in sea-going craft, some in houseboats. Their homes may be owned (possibly with the aid of a loan) or rented. Liveaboards are attracted to their lifestyle for many reasons, including: • the economies of combining home with pleasure • the closeness to Nature • the camaraderie • the escape from day-to-day pressures of life ashore Academic research has shown that liveaboards are not a sub-culture; actually they are a very diverse group. Often they have a strong sense of their local community and its environment.
