Whether you have decided to buy a widebeam boat or a narrowboat, it is always best to do your research before you part with your money. Boats come in various sizes and forms, so you need to choose the right boat to suit your lifestyle and requirements.
If the boat is going to be your permanent home, then it’s wise to choose a widebeam boat that offers a lot more living space, compared to a narrowboat that isn’t as spacious.
If you are planning on moving afloat, then be sure to chat with our friendly team at Collingwood Boat Builders; we’ll be able to advise you on which boat is best suited to your lifestyle choices. In the meantime, here are a few pros and cons of widebeam boats to help you decide.
Pros of Living on a Widebeam Boat
Spacious: One advantage you will always get with widebeam boats is the amount of space they offer. The additional living space is ideal for small families and allows a lot of options for storage. Plus, it comes in handy if you’re expecting guests who love playing various games.
Check out our Abode range of boats for scope, it’s one of our top specification designs and comes complete with a variety of technical design features.
Trendy Waterside Residence: Due to the ample space widebeam boats offer, you are able to use free-standing furniture, which can give the feel of a small apartment.
Steering: Some of the widebeam boats offer hydraulic steering, which allows you to keep the wheel in position, making it more manageable if you are on your own.
Interior Design: The added space provides more options for interior design, meaning more options to personalise your canal boating experience.
Stability: Widebeam boats have wider hulls that provide extra stability due to the reduced rocking created by water currents. This comes in handy if someone is susceptible to boat sickness!
Cons of Living on a Widebeam Boat
Maintenance Costs: Similar to owning a big home, buying a wider boat comes with higher maintenance and running costs, which is fairly expected by most people.
Mooring Space: With the larger boats, you would need to consider mooring spaces that could accommodate the size of your boat.
Mooring Costs: The costs of mooring larger boats are slightly higher compared to narrowboats, so it’s something to consider when budgeting.
Cruising: The sheer size of the boat may mean that you are unable to cruise across some of the narrower parts of the canals, but there are many paths to choose from where this would not be an issue.
No matter how big or small your boat is, there will be an overwhelming list of things you need to consider before you buy, to better suit your lifestyle. That’s why we are here with advice to help you make an informed decision on your purchase. As a result of this, you’ll have a blissful life waiting for you on the English waterways.
Contact us today if you’re considering purchasing a new widebeam boat.
Widebeam Boat Types We Manufacture
Collingwood Boat Builders are proud to be the largest manufacturer of canal boats in the UK. As the UK’s number one widebeam canal boat builders, we know exactly what it takes to make living on a canal boat a luxurious and relaxing experience.
We offer a variety of widebeam boats such as:
If you’re interested in a new widebeam boat, call us at 0151 433 4217 to receive your quote!
