One of the first questions people ask when considering life afloat is simple. Is it cheaper? The honest answer is that narrowboat living in the UK can be cheaper than a house, but it depends entirely on how you live and where you moor. We were recently featured in Metro discussing whether narrowboat living really […]
How Much Does It Cost to Live on a Narrowboat in the UK? Read More »
Your solar panels might be perfect. Your battery bank might be well sized. But if your MPPT settings are wrong, your system will never perform properly. The solar charge controller is the brain of your narrowboat power system. It decides how and when your batteries are charged. Poor settings can shorten battery life, reduce usable
MPPT Settings Explained for Narrowboats: Get the Most from Your Solar Read More »
If you are installing more than one solar panel on a narrowboat, you will quickly face a technical decision. Should you wire them in series or parallel? There is a lot of confusion around this topic. Some say series is always better. Others insist parallel is safer. The reality is more nuanced. This guide explains
Series vs Parallel Solar on a Narrowboat: What Actually Works? Read More »
If your internet slows down as soon as you step inside your cabin, the problem may not be your router. Steel narrowboats naturally block signal. Even with good network coverage outside, performance inside the cabin can drop significantly. An external antenna is often the single most effective upgrade for improving narrowboat WiFi in the UK.
Best External Antennas for a Narrowboat 4G and 5G Setup Read More »
Satellite internet used to be unrealistic for narrowboat living. Starlink changed that. It offers high speed internet in areas where mobile coverage can be weak or inconsistent. But it is not a simple decision for liveaboards. This guide looks at whether Starlink makes sense for narrowboat use in the UK. How Starlink Works Starlink connects
Starlink on a Narrowboat UK: Is It Worth It? Read More »
If you want reliable internet on a narrowboat, your router matters more than your SIM card. Many people start with phone hotspots. It works for a while. Then the connection drops during a video call, speeds fluctuate and frustration builds. A dedicated 4G or 5G router is one of the most important upgrades you can
Best 4G and 5G Routers for a Narrowboat in the UK Read More »
One of the biggest concerns for anyone considering narrowboat living in the UK is internet access. Can you work remotely?Can you stream reliably?What happens in rural moorings? The good news is that reliable narrowboat WiFi in the UK is entirely possible. The bad news is that it requires planning. This guide explains how internet on
How to Get Reliable WiFi on a Narrowboat in the UK Read More »
On most narrowboats, the inverter is one of the biggest hidden drains on the battery bank. Even when you are not actively using 230V appliances, the inverter may still be consuming power. Reducing inverter usage is one of the simplest ways to improve narrowboat energy efficiency. Why Inverter Usage Matters An inverter converts 12V DC
How to Reduce Inverter Usage on a Narrowboat Read More »
One of the most common debates in narrowboat power systems is whether to use 12V appliances or standard 230V household equipment. The answer is not always straightforward. The key difference lies in conversion losses and how often you run your inverter. Understanding this properly can significantly improve narrowboat energy efficiency. How Power Conversion Works Your
12V vs 230V Appliances on a Narrowboat: Which Is More Efficient? Read More »
Living on a narrowboat teaches you one thing quickly. Power is not unlimited. Every amp hour matters. Every unnecessary inverter cycle costs you. Every inefficient appliance shortens the time between charges. Narrowboat energy efficiency is not about deprivation. It is about making smarter choices so your system works with you instead of against you. If
How to Make Your Narrowboat More Energy Efficient Read More »
