Ula and Josh, a couple seeking a more affordable and adventurous lifestyle, traded their seaside home in Hastings for a 60-foot narrowboat in December 2022. Joining a community of thousands living on the UK’s waterways, they chronicled their experiences on their popular YouTube channel, offering viewers a glimpse into the realities of canal boat living. Before selling their beloved boat, named Inca, they documented a comprehensive tour showcasing the ingenious use of space, including a multi-functional diesel heater for warmth and boiling water, cleverly integrated storage solutions, and comfortable living quarters complete with a modern kitchen, cozy bed space, and a surprisingly spacious bathroom. Their journey even included an unexpected six-day “freeze-in” during a cold snap, a testament to the resilience and adaptability required for this unique lifestyle.
The couple’s decision to embrace off-grid living significantly reduced their expenses. By investing in solar panels, lithium batteries, and other power management systems, they achieved energy independence, eliminating the burden of traditional utility bills. This upgrade, completed six months after their initial move, allowed them to power essential electronics like laptops and cameras, critical for their work and online content creation. The significant financial relief of being free from electricity costs was a considerable advantage, especially considering the typical annual combined fuel and energy expenses for narrowboats can reach around £1,000. This self-sufficiency afforded them greater freedom and control over their living expenses, a key motivator for their lifestyle change.
Navigating the regulations surrounding canal boat living presents unique challenges. While short-term mooring is generally permitted along towpaths, restrictions on duration apply, varying from a few days to a maximum of two weeks depending on the location. Long-term moorings, while offering a more permanent location, often restrict liveaboard stays to a few days per week. For those wishing to make their boat a full-time residence, residential moorings are necessary, but availability can be limited, especially in popular urban areas. The alternative is continuous cruising, requiring boaters to keep moving and adhere to specific guidelines to avoid simply shuffling between nearby short-term moorings.
Continuous cruising, despite its nomadic nature, offers a significant cost advantage compared to traditional housing. While the annual cost of a continuous cruising license can exceed £1,000, it still represents substantial savings compared to average rental prices. The initial investment in a canal boat itself also offers a significant advantage, with the average price around £57,000 – roughly five times cheaper than the average UK home. This affordability, coupled with the significantly lower monthly running costs, makes canal boat living an attractive option for those seeking financial freedom. Ula and Josh’s boat, with its capacity to sleep four adults and ample storage, exemplified the practicality and affordability of this lifestyle choice.
The overall cost-effectiveness of canal boat living is striking. Estimated monthly expenses, including licensing, mooring fees, maintenance, and energy (before their off-grid upgrade), total around £714.66, a stark contrast to the average UK household’s monthly expenses, which are almost four times higher. This substantial difference highlights the potential for significant savings by embracing this alternative lifestyle. The lower cost of living frees up financial resources for other pursuits, creating opportunities for travel, investment, or simply enjoying a less financially burdened life.
Despite the joys and cost savings of their canal boat adventure, Ula and Josh ultimately decided to sell their 1989 cruiser stern for £57,000. Their time on Inca, while filled with valuable lessons about boating and self-discovery, eventually led them to a new chapter. Their YouTube videos, documenting the highs and lows of canal boat life, offered an invaluable resource for those considering a similar lifestyle change, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges and rewards of life on the water. Their experience serves as an inspiring example of how embracing alternative living can lead to both financial freedom and personal growth.
