With the whole nation on lock-down, people’s lifestyles have been rightly forced into isolation and some are finding it easier than others.
Solo sailors and particularly liveaboard boaters have lead a life of somewhat isolated living for years. Dee Caffari, a solo round-the-world sailor has shed light and advice on confinement, suggesting you accept situations for what they are, be creative and do the best you can with what you have.
For many inland waterway boaters, being socially distant is something that they most enjoy when cruising the canals. Finding the most secluded spots where you can’t hear any nearby traffic or people is their solitary bliss.
Perhaps these unprecedented times will change people’s outlook on their lifestyle choices. We certainly hope it will spur those to start boating, the seasoned to spend more time on the water or cease that dream liveaboard lifestyle once this storm has blown over.
For those who can think of nothing better than spending as much time on the water, or those curiously browsing from home, here are just a few houseboats we’d enjoy self-isolating on.
Luxemotor 73’ Dutch Barge - £500,000
Luxe motor barges are a winning design for houseboats. The comfortable living space onboard eliminates any cabin-fever feeling, even for the most claustrophobic among us. Priced at half a million and approximate mooring fees of £13,000 per annum, this treasure trove of a Luxe motor is set in one of the most valuable areas in London, Chelsea Harbour.
Recently converted to the highest specification, ‘Anny’ has been kitted out with everything any decadent London apartment could include. Dotted with tasteful furnishings throughout, albeit perhaps not the most functional for constant cruising but more of a luxury floating residence.
The open plan galley boasts four large roof windows basking the interior with natural light. The owners cabin can accommodate a king-size bed with fitted wardrobes and a separate dressing room. This two berth barge lying in a sought after thames-facing mooring would make a stunning asset to anyone and bring a very different lifestyle to living in London.Catalina 42 - £55,000 (Reduced)
Launched in 1990, this lovely 42 foot cruising yacht is an amazing opportunity to purchase a very capable and well-looked after boat in a sought-after residential berth in Limehouse Basin Marina.
Catalina yachts make for great liveaboards and extended stay blue-water cruisers. The 42 is one of the most popular sailboats in the world within this length class. This particular boat has been gifted with many new additions by her current owner to make for the perfect pied-à-terre for a working professional in the city who loves their sailing.
Calder Marine 50’ Dutch Barge Style Narrowboat - £66,995
This houseboat is described as a modern replica of a Luxe motor barge, but squeezed into narrowboat dimensions. She has been fully stripped back, rebuilt and refurbished between 2017-18. This charming boat has also had professional carpentry work done with oak flooring throughout and double glazed mahogany windows that are both practical and characterful.
Due to the extensive work done to this barge replica, the boat is in prime condition. The most recent survey in 2017 recorded the steel throughout to be as-new condition. The engine is a Beta Marine 43 with hydraulic steering and has clocked just 130 hours since new.
Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 - £318,605
The popular Swift Trawler range combine classic style with modernity and the 44 is one of the leader’s in this class due to her efficiency. For extended cruising and versatility Swift Trawlers are a guaranteed favourite for liveable seaworthy boats. This tidy example chosen, has been professionally maintained all year round and comes with top features being a 2014 model. Fitted with twin Volvo Penta D4300s and running on her semi-displacement hull she's no slouch and performs identically with consistent fuel consumption between 12-19 knots.
Grand Banks 42 - £299,000
Grand Banks motor yachts are beautiful and this listing ‘Mr Toad’ shows off the classic look perfectly. Built in late 2003 she has had three owners since then, with the current owner taking her on in 2012 and undergoing the expert level of care she deserves. Lovely living spaces inside and out make these type of boats the perfect home from home and have been known to hold their value.
Collingwood 65’ Widebeam Euro Cruiser Stern ‘Hoxton’ - £139,950
A modern widebeam had to feature and this new build has to be one of the most contemporary canalboats listed on site. Currently under offer, this vessel has the size and high spec to compete with a dream luxury apartment. At 65 feet in length and 12’6 feet wide you enter a spacious sitting room onto the galley where you could easily entertain the whole family without feeling boxed in.
Lagoon 40 - £375,000
Any Lagoon would do, or most new catamarans for that matter but this model has a straightforward, manageable nature that is well-thought out. The helm station is ergonomic and safely designed with good visibility but not closed off from the rest of the cockpit. The interior has masses of light from the panoramic views that make the living spaces bearable to spend extended amounts of time in. These boats have also been proven to be fast under sail in comfort, with the functionality to hold everything you could need to hunker down. This particular boat can be bought for £375,000 or boaters can now be proud part owners by taking advantage of Ancasta’s Shared Ownership Program.
