Episode Details

Ian Kinvig, a self-taught boatbuilder from Old Swan, turned his knack for hands-on work into a luxury canal boat empire. Starting with nothing but ambition, he now runs Swan Boat Builders — a thriving 14-person operation crafting bespoke, high-end narrowboats and wide-beam cruisers that cost up to $200,000. What began as a chance job after school exploded into a pandemic-fueled boom, as global travelers turned to UK canals for their dream floating homes. Ian reinvests every penny, builds everything in-house — from welding to chandeliers — and even manages quirky requests like American fridges. With clients from Australia to the U.S., his workshop’s fame on Channel 4 has brought international buzz. For Ian, the real reward? Seeing customers’ eyes light up when they finally step aboard their custom-built sanctuary — proof that mastering a trade still delivers unmatched satisfaction.

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