Maxine chats with Jen, who lives on a 65ft widebeam with her two children and runs holistic therapies while navigating the realities of off-grid boat life.

They cover continuous cruising, finding a mooring, winter challenges, solar power, family routines, and Jen’s YouTube channel Whole Again that shares honest, practical insights into living slowly and connected to nature.

Host Maxine chats with Amy and Will about leaving rented life to live on a 36ft narrowboat while building a custom 55ft hull. They share stories of cruising, marina life, wildlife encounters, and the freedom of life on the water.

The episode covers DIY refit work, electrics and solar plans, choosing diesel, painting challenges, documenting the build on social media, and practical tips like getting a survey and asking for help.

Listeners get a candid glimpse of the highs, lows, and community spirit of canal living, plus advice for anyone thinking of making the move.

Maxine chats with Andy — known as Four Boys on a Boat — about life aboard a 50ft narrowboat with his three sons. He describes the transition after the boys moved on board, how the family copes in a small space, and the strong canal-community support that helps them thrive.

Andy also covers homeschooling decisions, earning a living through photography and social media, the boat’s solar and lithium power setup, and why the nomadic freedom of canal living has been transformative for their family.

Instagram profile. @4boysonaboat