Welcome to the Residential Boat Owners' Association
Last Updated: 4th February 2010
Established in 1963 the Residential Boat Owners' Association is the only national organisation which exclusively represents and promotes the interests of people living on boats in the British Isles. We represent all those who have chosen to make a boat their home – whether that boat is static or cruises; is based inland or on the coast; has a permanent or temporary mooring (whether residential or not) or continuously cruises – all are residential boaters. We also welcome as Associate members those not yet living afloat, but who are considering doing so. If you live on a boat, you should definitely consider becoming a member. Or if you don't live on a boat yet, why not start with the Question and Answer section of this website?
NEW POSTAL ADDRESS
The RBOA's current address for all postal correspondence:
RBOA, PO Box 267, Ely, CB7 9EP
LIVING AFLOAT
Written by RBOA members, our book about life afloat, with 96 pages, including numerous colour photographs, contains pretty much everything you'd want to know about living on a boat. Members describe a variety of personal experiences, including raising a family, getting healthcare, and keeping pets on board. There is a wealth of advice, from deciding on the size and type of craft, whether to buy new or secondhand, and what you are looking for inside the boat.
See the RBOA Merchandise page for details of how to order, online with Paypal or by post.
FREE LEAFLET - So you want to live on a boat?
In conjunction with British Waterways and the Environment Agency, the RBOA has produced an introductory leaflet for those thinking of living on a boat. If you would like a copy, please send a stamped, self-addressed C5 envelope (i.e. to take a folded A4 sheet) to the RBOA at the address above. Any businesses requiring multiple copies can obtain these by emailing vicechairman@rboa.org.uk
SOUNDINGS
Soundings is the RBOA's bi-monthly magazine, which is circulated free to all members. It contains a mix of updates on national and local issues specific to residential boating, and letters and articles from members on a range of matters about life aboard.
Copy deadline for the next issue of Soundings is 1st March 2010
Please email submissions for Soundings to soundings@rboa.org.uk (or by post to Beryl McDowall, Editor: Soundings, Narrowboat "Wasp", Off Barons Way, Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7EA)
If you are considering joing us, and would like to receive a free back copy of Soundings, please send an C4 (A4-sized) stamped self-addressed envelope (76p stamp) with your request to:
RBOA, PO Box 267, Ely CB7 9EP
NEXT MEETING
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday, 27th February 2010, at The Moorhen Pub, Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QS. Committee business commences at 11.00a.m., with a break for lunch at 1.00 p.m., followed by a more open forum in the afternoon.
You are advised to check details with the Secretary (07970 652199) before travelling.
WATERWAYS ISSUES
BW Consultation on Moorings Policies
British Waterways have recently published a formal public consultation on moorings policies. See www.britishwaterways.co.uk/listening-to-you/consultations-and-reviews/current-consultations for information and the supporting documents. Responses must be made by 31st January 2010.
Latest update on Red Diesel: For a copy of our new spreadsheet to help with calculating diesel costs for any propulsion/domestic split, email membership@rboa.org.uk Go to our Red Diesel Page to find out about how the RBOA fought for and won the right for those who live on boats to purchase diesel at the rebated rate for domestic use.
Several consulation responses on other matters, including our response to the British Waterways' announcement on Auctioning of Moorings and BW Boat Licences, can now be found here in the consultation responses section.
LEISURE WEAR
The RBOA has a supplier of leisure wear - and what is more, the couple who run the business are RBOA members! See the RBOA Merchandise page for more details.
PRIZE DRAW WINNER ANNOUNCED
The RBOA recently held a draw for a free fleece, kindly donated by our leisure wear suppliers, Smudgeonline. Numerous members completed an entry form at the Crick Boat Show and/or IWA National Festival at Redhill. These were all put in one large container, and the winner drawn soon after the close of the IWA Festival. The lucky winner was Mrs Anne Carter, off N.B. Mole, who will receive her RBOA fleece, complete with RBOA logo and her boat name, in the near future.