Jen’s story of living on a self-built boat is a captivating journey filled with unique experiences and challenges.
For over two and a half years, she has embraced the beauty and simplicity of life on the water.
Living on a boat offers an unparalleled connection with nature, providing fresh air and stunning views.
Jen’s boat, Ad Shakti, is not just her home but proof of her ingenuity and love for the cruising lifestyle.
Located in England, Jen is a continual cruiser, meaning her boat is always on the move.
This nomadic lifestyle requires her to navigate the waterways.
She moves every two weeks and covers at least 32 kilometers in one direction each year to maintain her cruising license.
The constant travel offers a sense of adventure and freedom, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially during the winter when the canals can freeze over, allowing boaters to stay put to avoid damaging other boats.
Ad Shakti is a marvel of compact and efficient design.
The boat measures 65 feet long and 12.5 feet wide, providing ample space for living.
At the front, there’s a storage compartment for logs and a water tank that holds 1,000 liters, lasting about two weeks.
The roof serves multiple purposes, from a place to practice yoga and relax to dining under the open sky, effectively functioning as their garden.
Powering the boat’s essential electronics, such as the fridge and LED lights, are four solar panels.
In the summer, electricity is free thanks to solar power, while in winter, Jen runs the engine for two hours a day, which costs about £50 a month in diesel.
This balance of renewable energy and engine power ensures that Jen can maintain a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle year-round.
The boat’s kitchen is a standard custom-fit from IKEA, offering ample workspace and storage.
This well-organized area makes meal preparation and daily living convenient and efficient.
Jen also uses gas bottles for cooking, which cost £50 and last about ten weeks.
For heating, she primarily relies on a stove with coal during the winter, although the boat is equipped with a diesel heating system.
One of the unique aspects of Jen’s life on Ad Shakti is her ability to grow herbs like basil and lettuce on the boat.
She plans to expand her garden on the roof next year, adding another layer of sustainability and freshness to her lifestyle.
This small garden not only provides fresh ingredients for her meals but also brings a touch of nature to her floating home.
The children’s bedrooms are cleverly designed with cabin beds and integrated storage, making the most of the limited space.
These cozy and functional rooms provide the kids with their own personal space, which is essential for a harmonious living environment.
The master bedroom features a full-size double bed, ample storage, and a sitting area, ensuring comfort and relaxation.
The bathroom on Ad Shakti is surprisingly spacious, featuring a double shower with a rainfall head.
The compost toilet is a more efficient and less smelly alternative to traditional boat toilets, highlighting Jen’s commitment to sustainability.
This modern and practical bathroom setup adds a touch of luxury to the otherwise minimalist lifestyle.
Jen’s journey has resonated with many, as evidenced by the video showcasing her boat, which has garnered 5.5 million views.
One viewer commented,
“She seems like such a kind and humble person who appreciates her lovely home on the water. Looks so amazing on the inside! Awesome job! Love her….. <3.”
Jen’s story is proof of the beauty of living simply and sustainably, and her boat, Ad Shakti, is a perfect reflection of her resourcefulness and appreciation for the waterborne life.
Watch the video below to get a full tour of Jen’s home on the water!
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