I work full-time at Microsoft from my narrowboat and I’m happier than when I lived in a three-bedroom house, despite the downsides of living on the water.

I work full-time at Microsoft from my narrowboat and I'm happier than when I lived in a three-bedroom house, despite the downsides of living on the water.

Living on a Canal Boat: A Slow and Deliberate Lifestyle

Image source: Marius Blaauw

This is the story of Marius Blaauw, a 51-year-old canal boater, as he shares his experience of fulfilling his dream of living on a canal boat after his divorce. Marius, who works as a partner manager at Microsoft, found solace and happiness in the slow pace of life on the water. However, living on a narrowboat comes with its own set of challenges, as he describes the planning and maintenance that are necessary for a comfortable life onboard.

“I’d always harbored a dream of living on a canal boat. I liked the idea of not paying rent, and living on a boat sounded like a fun adventure,” Marius reflects. His dream became a reality after his divorce in June 2021 when he traded his 3-bedroom house with a garage for 391.5 square feet of floating living space.

Remote Work Made Easy

Working full-time for Microsoft as a partner manager, Marius supports the Nordic region. Interestingly, many of his Nordic colleagues also have boats, making it a good talking point. Luckily, his job is 99% remote, with only two meetings a year held in Reading or London. Most of the time, Marius has a stable wifi connection on his boat, allowing him to work without any disruptions. Occasionally, he voluntarily visits the office to interact with colleagues in person.

“I have 4G and 5G network connections, and if there’s a strong signal, then it’s a good place to work. If it’s the weekend, I don’t have to worry about any of that,” Marius explains.

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The Perfect Boat as an Investment

Marius purchased his boat for £35,000 and considers it an investment. While boats require regular maintenance, they can appreciate in value if well taken care of. His boat measures 6 feet 9 inches wide and 58 feet long, designed to fit within the canal locks. Marius carefully chose this size to ensure maximum navigability across the UK’s extensive canal system.

“Canal boats can be as long as 72 feet, but not all locks can accommodate that size, which restricts where you could travel. I wanted to see as much of the UK as possible, most of which is connected by navigable canals,” Marius explains.

Costs of Living on a Canal Boat

Living on a canal boat comes with its own set of expenses. Marius opted for a permanent mooring in Northampton, which costs £3,000 per year. Additionally, he pays £1,200 annually for the boating license and £400 for boat insurance. Despite these costs, Marius affirms that living on the water is still cheaper than living on land.

The Slower Pace of Life

Traveling on a canal boat is significantly slower compared to traditional vehicles. For example, a 30-minute car journey from Northampton to the village of Crick takes at least three days by narrowboat because the canals follow the contours of the land. However, Marius takes joy in this slow and deliberate way of travel – a process that he describes as simple, yet rewarding.

“I like the flexibility of boating. I can cruise and decide as I go where to spend the night. In some spots, boats moor together, and a group of us might have beers and a chat. If I don’t like my neighbors, I can untie and find a new spot. One of my favorite things is to overnight in the middle of nowhere with no people in sight,” Marius shares with enthusiasm.

The Ups and Downs of Boat Life

While living on a canal boat brings a sense of relaxation and happiness, there are also challenges to consider. Planning becomes crucial when cruising for a few days, as the boat needs enough gas, fuel, wood, and coal for heating during colder months. Handling waste is another aspect that requires attention, as bodily waste goes into a tank that needs to be flushed every two weeks. Not all marinas have pump-out facilities or bath and toilet houses, which can pose challenges when it comes to sewage disposal.

Reflecting on his boat life, Marius admits, “Every day I wonder if I am doing the right thing by living on a boat. My friends all say that I seem much more relaxed now, but I keep questioning: ‘Can I pull this off? Can I adjust to this in the long term?’ All I know is that right now, I am really happy.”

Living on a canal boat offers a unique perspective on life, blending work and leisure in a slow and deliberate manner. Marius Blaauw has truly embraced this lifestyle, finding solace, happiness, and a strong sense of community. While there are challenges and planning involved, Marius’s adventurous spirit and positive outlook shine through, making living on a canal boat a captivating and enriching experience.

Image sources: Marius Blaauw

• as told to
• contributor 2023
• Freelancer UK