An MMC Associate, Traci Lewis, has written this blog about living and running a business from her houseboat on the Bristol Avon River in southwest England.
Living on a boat can be both beautiful and challenging. Here, I share my experiences living on a boat with my partner, including the difficulties of running a business from it remotely. To succeed and thrive, you must be prepared for unexpected events and find ways to adapt to the unique challenges running your business from a boat can bring.
From the Beginning
I couldn’t have been more delighted to move in with my partner on his boat, which has a permanent mooring on the Avon between Bristol and Bath in southwest England. This was in October 2022, just after my daughter had moved to London to start University.
However, when the Wi-Fi doesn’t work, or flood waters rise, as they have often been during the past year, it’s easy to forget the beauty of our surroundings—a tranquil spot surrounded by otters, herons, kingfishers, and cormorants.
Living in Nature
During my lunch hour, I cherish being able to step out of my front door for an invigorating short walk into the woodlands and fields alive with diverse wildlife and birds. Recently, I stumbled upon the Merlin phone app—a free and user-friendly tool that aids bird identification by simply pointing your phone in their general direction. I’m thrilled by the app’s capability to swiftly and accurately identify various bird songs, which enriches my daily life with the delightful melodies of robins, blackbirds, thrushes, and wrens, to name but a few.
Rain & Flooding
However, despite the serene days, there are challenges, especially during the winter. The Avon flooded twice this year, reaching unprecedented levels in early January, which were higher than at any point since records began. The danger for the boat during floods is real, as it could capsize if the boat rises too high and then catches the bank on the way back down, which could cause it to sink. So, during the floods, we must remain vigilant, checking the ropes and adjusting them to accommodate changing water levels. During the worst flood, I couldn’t leave the boat for days because I didn’t have rubber chest waders to navigate the flooded terrain safely.
Energy & internet
Keeping warm is a key consideration, and it has just been a very long, cold winter. We have 400 watts of solar panels on the roof, providing enough for our hot water. As soon as the battery is charged first thing in the morning, it heats the water. However, for warmth, we rely mainly on a log burner, which uses a mix of logs and coal for maximum efficiency. We also have a backup diesel heater but prefer not to use it due to its high energy consumption.
Working from the boat initially gave me concerns about stable Wi-Fi access. While the connection was sometimes unstable with 3G, recently upgrading to a 5G smart hub with EE has improved reliability. Occasional instability still occurs, although this can also still happen when I use co-working spaces in Bristol. Which I sometimes do for more significant meetings to minimize the risk of that happening.
Life Afloat and Beyond
Despite these challenges, living on a boat has many perks. Of course, it is much cheaper than private house or office rentals in the expensive cities of Bristol and Bath and their surrounding localities. Also, it is lovely not to have close neighbours all around me—including above and below—as I did while living in the city.
It is also an excellent conversation starter! Which can add an intriguing and interesting aspect to my business branding and storytelling.
Van life, too!
While we don’t move around much on the boat, occasionally, we take short trips nearby and to Bristol. Last autumn, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to Provence with our camper van. I was delighted to be able to continue working and running my business during this trip. Maintaining a reliable internet connection wasn’t a significant issue. Hot-spotting my laptop via my phone was faster and more efficient in the French Alps than in the middle of Bristol! Although wi-fi access and power sockets aren’t common in French rural cafes.
Next steps
Looking ahead, I aim for a blend of boat and van living and working, with plenty of flexibility and travel! I aim to find a balance that can accommodate my work life while enabling many opportunities for travel and adventure.
Thinking of boat life?
While living on a boat hasn’t posed significant problems, maintenance is a crucial consideration. Fortunately, my partner’s expertise in boat maintenance has been invaluable. However, if you are considering this lifestyle, you must possess some general handy person skills. Plumbing, electrics, and carpentry are all essential. Or, at the very least, make sure you invest in a boat that is either new or requires minimal upkeep. I’d be happy to chat if you have any questions.
Want to connect?
I offer coaching for women in sustainability, empower young women through Catalyse Change CIC, and engage in third-sector consultancy projects focusing on sustainability change management. If you’re interested in learning more about me and my journey, connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more. Traci Lewis, traci@sustainlive.org
