National Boat Count figures point to drop in number, especially in London and South East

London and the South East is experiencing a drop in boat numbers according to the latest data from the Canal & River Trust – down by 7.1 per cent on last year. And, that area has the lowest figure of compliance – only 82.1 per cent of boaters have the appropriate licence. That’s being put down to the caseload and backlog in the legal system that has been exacerbated by vacancies in the local team.

The trust’s released its latest National Boat Count figures. The count is conducted each spring and this year’s data shows there’s a 1.4 per cent drop in boat numbers on its network across England and Wales. Last December the trust announced a 6 per cent increase for boat licence fees from 1 April 2024 for both private boat owners and boating businesses.

Nationally, 32,602 boats were recorded on the trust’s enforceable waters, down by 479, the first reduction recorded since the formation of the trust.

However, the count is done by eye and the trust points out that where boat numbers have changed nationally, it means that these boats are no longer on the trust’s waters. Where boat numbers have changed in a region, it could also mean that a boat has cruised out of one region into another.

That said, the trust is also reporting a 1.2 per cent increase in unlicensed boats, meaning licence compliance now stands at 91.8 per cent. The West Midlands is most compliant – 95.6 per cent have licences in place.

“Boating remains popular, but our national count paints a picture of the challenges facing many on the water,” says Matthew Symonds, head of customer service support at the trust. “The overall drop in licence compliance continues the post-pandemic trend, with the cost-of-living increases being a challenge for many in society.”

Across the network, the total number of boats with a home mooring has decreased by 3.7 per cent while the total number of continuously cruising boats has increased by 4.9 per cent.

“The reduction in home moorers and increase in continuous cruisers may also point towards the wider economic environment,” says Symonds.

“We do everything we can to support boaters who are struggling to stay on the water, and our boat licence customer support team and dedicated boater welfare team work with boaters to find solutions, including accessing available benefits for those living afloat on low incomes. We urge boaters who are struggling to talk to us as soon as possible.

“The income from licence fees represents about 11 per cent of the income we have each year to invest in keeping the canal network open and navigable. I’d like to thank boaters for their continued support as we face up to the challenges of an ageing canal network exposed to ever more damaging effects of extreme weather bought about by climate change.”

In the last financial year, 106 unlicensed boats (including many which were abandoned), were removed from the network by the trust.

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