You definitely want to try an English narrowboat before you start. I know people that have done this; it's romantic, but at its least romantic you're living in a not very well insulated damp trailer.
I'm on board mine now! I guess the theoretical benefit of the seagoing version is your roof space isn't constrained by the size of English locks so you might actually be able to fit enough solar to power the vessel. That and find good weather...
There's a couple living on a cheap ass floating tent/home (it literally uses barrels to float) in Sweden I think. Pretty cool. Also narrow boats in England are cheap and rather nice. Could start there.
