The Liveaboard Guide, 3rd edition 2026

PRE-ORDER - DUE 18TH JUNE 2026 - we will supply this item as soon as we receive our stock!

A thoroughly updated new edition of the comprehensive guide to living afloat on the inland waterways.

‘For anyone considering living afloat on the inland waterways, this excellent book by a veteran liveaboard is a must have guide.’ (Towpath Talk)

The romantic dream of downsizing, giving up the rat race, and living life at 4mph on the inland waterways is proving more and more attractive. But for tens of thousands of people it is not just a romantic dream but an actual lifestyle.

Tony Jones is one of those people. He has lived aboard his 50ft narrowboat for over 20 years and in this book he documents what the liveaboard lifestyle is really like, detailing the practical issues of living day to day on a boat and how to manage these, and the many joys to be found too.

Topics covered include:
- The pros, cons and costs of a mooring
- Power usage and energy consumption (and how it differs from a house)
- How to stay warm - the choice of coal, electric, gas or wood heating
- Troubleshooting problems with boat loos
- Entertainment - TV, radio, internet
- Handling logistical problems - no postal address, registering with a GP, vehicle access

This third edition has been comprehensively revised and expanded to include new and updated information on costs, ecological living, boat crime and security, keeping fit afloat, earning a living aboard, plus much more.