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How to earn money as a liveaboard

From our Guide to living on a narrowboat

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Funding everyday life on the canals

Even simple living needs to be funded, and narrowboaters have come up with all sorts of ways to earn a living from, or on, their boat. Here are some ideas of ways to make money when continuous cruising.

Creative work

If you’ve got a talent, skill or hobby, it can often be turned into a portable income stream.

Examples

Selling artwork, weaving, jewellery, or clothing online (e.g. Etsy, your own website).
Photography or writing (e.g. travel blogs, guides, ebooks).
YouTube content (as Fran and Rich do).
Selling digital downloads (patterns, prints, music).

Rich creates and sells paintings, while Fran weaves scarves – both from the comfort of their boat.

Pros

Totally mobile.
Flexible hours.

Considerations

Reliable internet access is essential – use a MiFi device with a strong mobile signal.
You’ll need a CRT trader’s license – Apply via CRT (see: canalrivertrust.org.uk).
Self-employment admin: keep records, register with HMRC, file tax returns.

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Remote freelance or remote employment

If you’ve got a career in a field like IT, graphic design, customer service, or copywriting, remote work is ideal for narrowboat life.

Common freelance jobs

Copywriting & content creation.
Web design / development.
Bookkeeping or virtual assistance.
Online customer service.
Digital marketing.
Teaching or tutoring online.

Considerations

You’ll need a quiet, dedicated workspace – dinette or desk setups work well.
Prioritise data allowance and mobile coverage.

Fran and Rich use a simple MiFi dongle and manage their uploads from wherever they moor, occasionally moving the boat to find signal.

Roving canal trader

If you’re selling physical goods or services from your boat, you need a Roving Trader Licence from the Canal & River Trust.

Common examples

Floating cafés.
Art, pottery, or crafts sold directly from your boat.
Boat-based bookshops, secondhand stalls, plant sellers.
Canine grooming, beauty therapy (yes, really!).

Key requirements

Roving Trader Licence – Apply via CRT (see: canalrivertrust.org.uk).
Public Liability Insurance – Speak to our colleagues at Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial for more information.
Safe access – You must moor where it’s safe and lawful to trade.

Pros

No need for a fixed mooring.
Engage directly with the boating and towpath community.

Considerations

Weather-dependent income.
Seasonal variation in football.
CRT approval process and fees.

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A hand holding a paintbrush with a drop of liquid, ready for festive activities and creative fun.

Boat-Related Trades & Services

Boaters are often highly practical – and there’s demand for:

Boat painting and blacking.
Signwriting.
Plumbing and engine repair.
Solar panel installation.
Chimney sweeping
Upholstery.

Legal/insurance note: If you operate as a tradesperson, you’ll likely need Public Liability insurance. Speak to our colleagues at Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial for help.

Letting out a boat or providing accommodation

Some boaters earn income through letting their boat out (as a holiday rental). This comes with a host of legal, licensing and insurance implications and is not allowed under a standard CRT licence. You may need:

Hire Boat Licence.
Commercial insurance.
Gas and electrical compliance to hire- boat standards.
Local authority approval in many cases.
Only pursue this if you have a permanent mooring, full understanding of hire boat rules, and professional insurance.

Things to consider before starting any boating business

Licensing

Licence Type	When You Need It	Issue By
Standard CRT Licence	For private residential cruising	CRT
Roving Trader Licence	For selling goods/services from your boat	CRT
Business Boat Licence	For operating a trade or hire boat	CRT

Insurance

Standard narrowboat insurance will not cover commercial activity.

If you:

Sell goods from your boat.
Operate as a tradesperson.
Run a floating café.
Offer any paid service…

…you must upgrade to commercial boat insurance with public liability (typically £5 million cover). Contact our colleagues at Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, who are specialist in marine trade insurance.

Address & admin

Even if you’re a continuous cruiser, you’ll need a correspondence address for:

HMRC self-employment registration.
Banking and invoicing.
Licensing and and insurance.

Two people holding hands stand beside a speech bubble about festive activities and the simple, affordable narrowboat lifestyle.

Internet & tech setup

Mobile broadband (MiFi) with external antenna.
Solar panel setup to charge devices.
Backup mobile device with hotspot ability.
Laptop or tablet for invoicing, marketing, or editing.

The joy of earning afloat is that you don’t have to earn a fortune. Fran and Rich describe themselves as frugal.

Earning a small, sustainable income doing something you enjoy, from a home that floats through beautiful countryside? That’s the dream, and with the right setup, it’s well within reach.

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