Book excerpt: The UK has over 1000 miles of navigable canals and rivers which are home to an estimated over 70,000 boats. To the untrained eye canal boats can look much the same, but there are some very important distinctions and a new buyer has some very important choices to make. This book discusses those choices, taking into consideration the various boating profiles. From those choosing to live on board permanently, to constant cruisers, and weekend boaters to fair-weather cruisers, each will require a different type of boat if they are to fully enjoy their new vessel. The book covers finding and buying a boat, the legalities of purchase, the different features and utilities, finding a mooring, boating health and safety, the cost of boating, boat maintenance, boating etiquette and many other frequently asked questions.