A Case Study Of Liveaboard Narrowboat Adagio
Meet Sue and Barry enjoying early retirement on board their narrowboat with Duffy the lurcher living the dream (Barry and Sue – not Duffy). This is the first of the site’s liveaboard case studies. {{{0}}}
Who are you? (and your significant other and, of course, your dog if you have one)
Sue And Barry Horne Relaxing On Their Front Deck
Barry & Sue Horne and Duffy a 4 month old lurcher.
Tell me a little about yourself and why you decided to live a life afloat
After 29 years in the RAF followed by 8 years in industry we took early retirement, sold the house and everything in it and moved aboard the narrowboat. We had owned a 57 foot cruiser stern narrowboat for 5 years previously which we used for holidays and weekend getaways. We had also taken several narrowboat holidays when the children were younger. So this is something we have always wanted to do.
We are looking for a simpler, more relaxed way of life but have yet to find it! However, we have been live aboards for only 7 months so still finding our way.
What is your boat called and why did you decide on that name?
What is you boat length and style?
Liveaboard Narrowboat Adagio
How long have you been a narrowboat owner?
We have owned a narrowboat for just over 5 1/2 years.
How much time do you spend on your boat each year?
Are you still working? (If so, what do you do?)
Both retired
What do you like least about narrowboat life?
Winter! Especially when frozen in and unable to move anywhere. Kind of defeats the whole idea of an itinerant lifestyle.
What do you like most about narrowboat life?
Sense of freedom and visiting different places and meeting new people.
If you could change just one thing about your boat, what would it be?
Add an engine room, back cabin and more storage!!!
When you are cruising how do you resupply (How do you get to the supermarket without a car)?
Canalside and local farm shops. We use a supermarket if nearby town has one close to the canal. We try to buy diesel and coal from canal traders – there are plenty of working boats plying trade on the Cut.
How do you do your washing when you are cruising?
We have a washing machine. Adagio has some pretty beefy electrical power systems so appliances are not really an issue.
How do you connect to the internet when you are on your boat and are you happy with the service you receive?
Vodafone mobile broadband and, no, not satisfied with the service! Very patchy coverage away from major cities/towns or motorway corridors.
What is your favourite canal or section of canal?
Shroppie, especially around Audlem.
How do you generate electricity when you are cruising and how much do you use?
We have a 240v AC Travel Power set feeding a Victron combi invertor/charger which, together support a bank of AGM batteries for domestic power. In our opinion you cannot have too much power!
