Welcome to the Residential Boat Owners' Association
Last Updated: 16th June, 2013
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. You can do this online. Or if you don't live on a boat yet, why not start with the Question and Answer section of this website?
POSTAL ADDRESS
The RBOA's address for all postal correspondence:
Residential Boat Owners' Association, P.O. Box 267, Ely, Cambs., 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 Canal & River Trust (formerly 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 secretary@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 July, 2013. 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 joining us, and would like to receive a free back copy of Soundings, please email secretary@rboa.org.uk or send an C4 (A4-sized) stamped self-addressed envelope (£1.10 stamp) with your request to: RBOA, PO Box 267, Ely CB7 9EP
NEXT MEETING
The next Meeting is Saturday, 22nd June, 2013 at the Rose & Crown, 6 Main Street, Zouch, Leices. LE12 5EQ. All members are welcome to come to this meeting. Please confirm details with the General Secretary (secretary@rboa.org.uk or 07710 0292470) before travelling.
Crick Boat Show - RBOA met many prospective new members on our Stand at the Crick Boat Show on Saturday 25th May - Monday 27th May inclusive. If you picked up a leaflet or Membership Form from our stand, and are considering joining the RBOA, why not do it now, whilst it is fresh in your mind? If yu don't have a boat yet, you can become an Associate Member, and then just transfer to Full Membersahip when you move on board.
WATERWAYS ISSUES
May 2013 - RBOA responds to request to the London Assembly Investigation into Waterway Moorings.
Read the full response here.
LEISURE WEAR
The RBOA has a supplier of leisure wear - See the RBOA Merchandise page for more details.