10 Essential Items for Life on a Narrowboat

Welcome aboard!

Our 40-foot narrowboat home. 

If you're dreaming of trading life in bricks and mortar for life on the water, you're in the right place.

In July 2023, my partner and I made the leap to narrowboat living after only being on a narrowboat once! Fortunately, we love it, and the last year has been an amazing journey.

One of the biggest adjustments we had to make when moving aboard was reducing our possessions from a three-bedroom house to a 40-foot narrowboat. We cheated slightly as we started with a storage unit, which has helped us change the boat essentials many times over the last year.

We have finally got to the stage where the items we have earned their place on the boat and made our narrowboat experience comfortable, functional, and aligned with our values of simplicity and sustainability.

In this post, I'll be sharing our ten favourite essential items - the tools, gear, and solutions that have made our day-to-day lives on the water easier. Whether you're an experienced narrowboater or just starting to explore this unique lifestyle, I hope these recommendations will inspire you and provide a helpful starting point.

Let's dive in, shall we?

A sunny day on the Kennett and Avon Canal.

The 10 Narrowboat Essentials

1. Versatile Cookware. 

We have two cast iron skillets (one large and one small), a large lidded pot (pressure cooker), a wok and two lidded saucepans. 

We cook on the gas stove, multifuel stove (like a wood burner) and outside in the summer. The cast iron skillets are very efficient and cook even on low heat. The pressure cooker can be used as a large saucepan for things like marmalade or soups and stews. I only realised this year that even when they don’t get up to temperature and hiss, they still cook very efficiently and keep all of the smells in the pot, which is great for a small area. 

2. Multi Fuel Stove

In the winter, the stove works really hard. We use it not only for heat but also for cooking, drying washing and boiling the kettle for the copious cups of tea all boaters seem to consume. We burn predominantly wood and coal if the weather gets very cold or if we need the fire to stay lit overnight. 

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is - Is it cold on the boat? The quick answer is no, and to begin with, the boat was like a sauna. We now have the hang of things (most of the time), so the boat is cosy and a great place to arrive when you have walked down a cold, dark towpath. 

3. The Composting Toilet 

This is a total game-changer if you want to embrace sustainable, off-grid living. Ours has eliminated the hassle of a traditional pump-out marine toilet. It also significantly reduces our water usage and waste. It does take a little adjustment at first, but now we can't imagine life on the boat without it. 

4. Space-Saving Ideas. 

This isn’t one thing, but many, and definitely deserves a place in the essentials. When every square inch counts, the right multi-functional furniture makes life so much easier.

We have built-in sofas with storage underneath, which came with the boat. We use this for a multitude of things, from tolls and the hoover to spare bedding for guests and wood to keep us toasty.

At first, I was all for taking the sofas out, but I realised they were so practical; I can see why the previous owner had them. We have even found a way to convert them into a double bed, so we can have family stay over now and again!

My partner has made drawers for the under the kitchen cupboards and storage space under the bed. He has also made the steps into shoe storage, which is perfect as it means shoes no longer clutter the doorway. I have also made things like plant hangers and a hanging fruit bowl to free up the kitchen workspace.

5. Solar-Powered Electrical System 

When it comes to living off-grid, your power setup is critical. We have a solar-based system that keeps our lights on, devices charged, and essential appliances running. The combination of high-capacity batteries and energy-efficient LED lighting means we can enjoy all the comforts of home completely and self-sufficiently.

During the summer, solar energy provides us with more power than we need, and in the winter, on short dark days, this is topped up with a generator. Some people use their engines to top up their batteries, but for us, as our engine is noisy, this isn’t practical. 

6. Staying Connected

As I work from the boat, wi-fi is vital. We have a mobile hotspot, which is great most of the time. We also have an antenna for when the wi-fi needs a boost. The type of network will differ depending on where you are. 

7. Footwear. 

It is essential to have good footwear for life on the canal. The towpaths can get quite muddy in the winter, so wellingtons are a good option. However, I don’t like wearing them when we are cruising, as they are quite slippery and not ideal for locks or for walking on the gunnels (the ledge around the boat). For cruising, I have a narrow pair of walking boots, which I waterproof regularly and have a good grip on, and feel much safer when I open a difficult lock.  

8. Essential Safety Gear Giving Us Peace of Mind 

Safety must be a top priority when you're living on the water. We've made sure to equip our narrowboat with all the essential gear—life jackets (if on rivers), fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and more. Regular maintenance and storage of this equipment give us the confidence to fully enjoy our canal adventures, knowing we're prepared for most things. It's a small investment that provides immense peace of mind as we are often far from civilisation.

9. Rechargeable Torches

Many places we stay on the canal have no lights, and whilst this is brilliant for looking at the stars, it does mean you need to provide your own light.

In our first winter, I was caught out when the clocks changed and had to inch my way down the towpath in the dark without a torch. I now always have lots: one in my bag, one in the car and a few in the boat.

A head torch is also a good investment as it means you have free hands. This is useful for both nights and working in the engine room, which can be pretty dark.

10. Waterproof Clothing

We try to move the boat on dry days, but as you can imagine, this isn’t always possible with the British weather. So, a good pair of lightweight, quick-drying waterproofs are a must. They can also be used as an extra layer on freezing days to give a little warmth, as standing on the back of the boat can get quite chilly.

Whether you're an experienced narrowboater or just starting your journey, I hope these recommendations provide valuable insights and inspiration. Embrace the unique challenges and joys of this lifestyle, and let the tranquillity of the canals become your new normal.