Maxine chats with Michelle, who left a 14-year rented home to live on a 35ft converted fishing boat at Denton Island near Brighton. Permanently moored and mains-plumbed, Michelle describes the cosy setup with a wood burner, shower, shed with appliances, and a close-knit community of liveaboards. She still works part-time delivering, enjoys the relaxed lifestyle, and plans to bring a smaller cruiser for occasional trips. Her advice: research your options and go for it — it saved money, brought freedom, and feels like the right next chapter.

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.