319. My boat - the FULL TOUR!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- At last! Here's the much-anticipated and very detailed tour of my 1975 Microplus 600 called "Twiggy" including all the many things I need to fix or intend to change and improve.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the TH-cam music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard
At last! Here's the much-anticipated and very detailed tour of my 1975 Microplus 600 called "Twiggy" including all the many things I need to fix or intend to change and improve.
#AD Get your Christmas gifts from www.holzkern.com/CruisingTheCut
If you have enjoyed the video, a tip can be left via
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or www.patreon.com/CruisingTheCut
For Info
Q&A: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Filming Gear: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
Contact Me
Twitter: twitter.com/CruisingTheCut
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Facebook: facebook.com/CruisingTheCut
Web: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk
Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the TH-cam music library
what happened to the Beaver plan?
I can see a couple of years of refit videos ahead. Very "boaty" indeed.
Is the boat youtube user "A little bit of alsorts" has, the doppelganger of your boat?
David, don’t fix cracking gel coat with epoxy. Even in the UK the Sun’s UV will cause epoxy to degrade and crumble. Use flow coat instead. Gel coat only cures properly in the absence of air. Flow coat is gel coat with wax added. The wax moves to the surface of the flow coat protecting it from air and allows it to cure.
If you need to add an extra coating to flow coat sand of the wax first.
You probably know all this and maybe when you mentioned gel epoxy you did not mean expect? Anyway hope this helps. 😊
These were hire boats originally, yes?
Those bow rails are stainless mate, not aluminium and so are the ones amidships and on the stern. A cute little jigger but that ancient Honda would drive me nuts. I think I'd get a small electric outboard (8 to 10 HP should do for the canals), a couple of 200ah AGM batteries and a Honda 4-stroke genset + Vitron 30 amp charger to keep them charged. The little 1000-watt one (EU10i) should do it and be enough for your induction hotplate and a small microwave (just not both at once). They use maybe half a litre an hour, fuel-wise. And yes, I know that lot will cost what that boat may have but it's all stuff that is very resaleable and doesn't lose much value wise.
For a water tank, get a flexible bladder as those will fit almost anywhere.
Yes, those batteries are somewhat unsuitable for purpose, you really need deep cycle AGMs or the more expensive Lithium (which last many times longer and are 1/3 of the weight). At least one of the current ones appears to be an automotive starting battery.
As Lorna will no doubt soon tell you, that fuel tank should not be in an enclosed cabin, that's a really bad idea as well as being against regulations. All petrol must be stored in a well-ventilated area and above deck level with a floor that does not drain to the bilge. If that does not apply to pleasure craft in the UK it damn well should (it most certainly does for commercial vessels.
David...you are one of the nicest, most-genuine & least pretentious youtubers that we all follow. The videos of you & Lorna Jane were totally heart-warming. That 2 people can just be OK with hanging-out, being themselves & how you supported & were such nice company for her in the vans, on the boat etc. Yes, you have to do adverts & cover all sorts of stuff but you do it in a way that's natural, fallible & very nice - reason being, you are also a very nice chap....an all-round good egg, but also...a talented film-maker in your own way. These videos take work, and yours come across as if they don't take any work; the sign of a good editor, camera-man & writer. You are a genius David, I meant what I said! Check out Roger Barns & his cruising dinghy videos, you kind of remind me of him....but you're also nothing like him!
That's extremely lovely of you to say; thank you :-)
One hundred per cent!!
He is wonderful and always a pleasure to watch. 👍
Amen to this
If the world was full of Davids....I suppose the price of tea and Cheddar might go up, but... what price peace?
David with a twinkle in his eye talking about repairing a boat. The order of life is restored.
Love your new adventure!
Lovely to hear those tones of outraged relish as you relate the numerous fixes she needs, and to see as well as hear your unalloyed joy that Twiggy's there for you. Your happiness makes us happy. Thanks for sharing it.
Many thanks!
David's trying his best to play the curmudgeon while pointing out all the things that need fixing, but we all know that inside he's rubbing his hands together excitedly in anticipation of all the DIY projects he gets to enjoy in bringing Twiggy up to CtC standards. Just as we're all rubbing our hands together excitedly in anticipation of all the videos he's going to make while engaging in said DIY projects. 🤣
You've got a great boat with a lot of potential, and we're looking forward to seeing your progress! Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely tour of your new spidercraft! Er I mean runabout. :D She's very pretty and quirky. Thanks for the in-depth look! I can see why you fell in love with Twiggy.
Thank you! 😊
“ The glass is there to catch and release spiders “ ……… before having a sneaky gin and tonic 🥃😉
Great tour of your lovely little boat. May you enjoy many a delightful cruise over the coming years. Please take us along with you. 👍😎
Thanks! 😃
You are the master of telling the way it is, in such a uplifting and inspiring way. Thanks for the promised tour, I could not help smiling carefully 😮😂
Thank you!
@@CruisingTheCutit’s a great little cruiser and you have some work to do which I’m sure you will prioritise and manage to fix perfectly well👍👍
I suggest you put the solar panel over the engine aft and hinge it so it can fold down or angle towards the sun. That would free up the hatch.
I just love your new boat and so happy that you’re enjoying the canals again.
Thanks so much!
I find it hard to believe that people would leave comments that border on being rude. How much the boat cost and whether @cruisingTheCut could have afforded something 'better' in their eyes is none of their business. I think Twiggy is lovely and will be even better with some thoughtful changes and titivating, and will suit very well for a recreational craft.
😀😀
Bad news: Boat needs a lot of work. Good news: Boat needs a lot of work. Look forward to the videos on it! Cheers!
If you are going to be doing any fiber glassing, you could raise the level of that area in front of the outboard by a 1/4 inch or so to make the water funnel out the drain hole better.
Buy a water bladder for the water supply. It will conform to the space that you have available, and you can fill it with a hose from a dockside tap. If you relocate the battery bank to the opposite side, they should counter balance one another.
David, you are absolutely correct- ‘it is a fun little boat’. It definitely has lots of potential, and with the TLC you are willing to give it, it will provide years of pleasurable boating. No doubt when you have completed most of the fixes, you’ll be grinning inwardly on the canals as you skim past all those naysayers. Cheers for now.
Definitely a surprising number of naysayers in the comments but thankfully well outweighed by those like yourself who can see the positives! Thank you :-)
Glad to see you get sponsorships!!! I'm more than happy to see an ad placement if it can push the channel forward with funding upgrades! I'm still hoping you can get one for an electric outboard! Great video, David. Thanks again!
Thank you, it's very gratifying to have someone appreciate the sponsorship which is money I'll need to re-do the boat! I suspect it'll have to be a petrol outboard though, for reasons of range.
@@CruisingTheCut If you are thinking of replacing the motor possibly a trolling motor would be better as they are tunned more for slow speeds.
glass boats condensate, heat and venting are essential
@@johnclapperton5556 Gosh, I was wracking my brain trying to remember the name of the motors built to run at slower speeds - thank you for filling in the blank ! 😄
@@CruisingTheCut
This is where you ("we") need the TV outfits, commercial for preference, to step in and offer you an eyewateringly ludicrous sum of cash to film you cobbling up the boat and advertising the products ... featuring yourself in the adverts as well as.
A marine Barry Bucknell if you will ... and on MSM to boot.
Perhaps you might consider/bite the arm off an approach from a supplier of lithium cells (the safe ones), together with an outboard trolling motor with control gear ... presuming you could get the range before recharging from shore power or topping up with solar.
You wouldn't be pushing 15+ tons of steel after all said and done.
And, possibly, a supplier of "stick on" solar panels which might not be affected by the heat of a hot tin roof sort of thing.
And possibly one of those mad car detailing outfits for whom matching the yellow would be but a moment's work.
And lets not forget an induction hob either.
Will presume you won't be cruising with kids so the rear stateroom becomes a battery cupboard/utility room/"bathroom".
Seriously, what TV outfit could refuse that?!
Lastly, if Hugh FW can get Roku as a sponsor then yourself being an English Gentleman who practically baths in the stuff then it's practically a given you'll be the English Face of Roku amongst the salarymen!
I wouldn't be surprised if you were obliged to tour Japan swigging Roku at every opportunity.
I'd even go so far as to predict Twiggy will be Photo Shopped into the "Wave" together with a an obliging crane/heron on the side.
Altogether another excellent episode "David san".
Thanks again.
😆 I’ve started to notice a lot of ppl building out vans with the batteries in perilous proximity to the plumbing ! This new boat will be a fun water craft- can’t wait to see David’s boat improvement videos - here’s hoping a better spot can be found for the batteries
Those cabinet doors are something else- latches galore, I was half expecting a wild animal to pop out ! Personally, adding some insulation sounds like a great idea, also pretty curious to see what is lurking under the carpeting. Really looking forward to future boat improvement videos !
Hi David, take a look at RAL 1016 and RAL 1023. These are definitely close. I think Micro Plus Yellow is no longer made. You might need to take a small part of your boat into an automotive paint mixing company such as Ketts Auto Paints and ask them to match and mix the colour for you, in whatever finish you are looking for. Hope this helps and good luck. I can't wait to see more!
Good info, thank you!
The thing I like about this boat is that, while it is certainly a project, it is also perfectly functional: plenty of stuff that needs doing, but on days when you don’t feel like doing you can just go happily mess about in your boat!😊 Thank you for the lovely tour!
(On a side note, it is rather nice to occasionally see other people asking “but why” when they’re working on something old. I’ve been working on my old farmhouse for a number of years and I still come across things that make me wonder what the previous owners were thinking!)
You saved me organising my thoughts lol
Get that solar off straight away as that hatch maybe the only way out with a fire at the stern. Great video as always. Thank you.😀
a good point this.
Thanks, David, for your tour of "Twiggy." No repairs you can't handle, and it will be fun, as always, watching you fix it up and make it your own. Thanks again and keep smiling!
It's not only nice that you have a boat again, it's nice that you've got no end of things to tinker with now and set right. FUN!
That's the plan!
A tip on your water system - small, USB rechargeable water pumps designed to go on top of a standard 5-galon "water cooler" jug work just as well without the jug, and with a short extension to a tank of your choosing. They can be had for about $15 (US) online and work great as a retrofit for an old camper, or no doubt your boat. For the revamp of your electrical system, I'd seriously consider one of the modern "inverter generator" power stations. More expensive, but significantly lighter than your current Lead Acid batteries, and it should clean up your wiring significantly.
She's a beautiful little boat, and I'm looking forward to watching all of the improvements. I wish I had one myself.
interesting, have a link?
Imagine taking this little boat out across the wash like you did a narrow boat once. Now that would be an adventure 😁
Or even across the Channel, might need a bigger engine though !
@@garrymartin6474somebody has crossed to france in a 501 which is smaller. Easy enough if weather is ok.
@@garrymartin6474 Microplus have a reputation for being tough little boats and, given some judicious repairs and a reasonable forecast, I wouldn't discount the possibility of a Channel crossing though I'm not sure I would chance my life on a 40 year old outboard, even if it is a Honda 🙂
Now that’s commitment 👍
Just check that Honda over,
perhaps replace the impellor,
check the right prop is on it for higher speed work...
new spark plugs, oil and filter....
and away you go.
(It's a Honda mate!_)
@@jamesrichardson476
David, on your solar panel on the front. I would check into those flexible panels. You might be able to put one on the fabic or around the hatch. That hatch is an escape hatch if the boat is sinking & you can't get out any other way inbthe front. That should be fixed ASAP.
S/V Zatara got some flexible solar panels & you can walk on them & it does not hurt them. They got them @ a boat show about 2 months ago, but remember they are a month behind us, their showing November videos right now. They also got some cold finders too. They deflat & do not take up that much space on a crossing & have their name on them. There nice.
The reason for that hole under the engine is to let the water drain out when your backing up. Water goes into that basin then drains the water thur the hole. If it didn't have a whole the water would back up & then into the cabin. It's made like that so don't touch it.
It might have a small hairline crack that you can not see letting water into the basin then into the cabin. The way you can tell is to put some color water & see where the water is coming in at. Just a thought to think about.
Hope I've been helpful. Have a nice week, a nice holiday, & God bless,
Chris from Missouri
Cheers Chris!
@@CruisingTheCut also Nikki & Jason, S/V Curiosity, Winn's put those flexible solar panels on their new boat boat all over it too. I look stick too, check it out when you get a chance too.
Yeah, those things are so neat too, have a great weekend & God bless you,
Chris from Missouri
I think the boat is great and with this boat you sort of illustrate what's possible for most of us. Absolutely brilliant
A disaster waiting to happen!!
@@CruisingTheCutNoooo a wonderful little project that puts you comfortably back on the water, whenever you wish 😊
Ooo I just realised, you could hire a trailer and tow this little one around to rivers and canals as well.
@@Sally-nse2top suggestion !
Looking good, David. Looking forward to seeing the journey and all the upgrades.
I believe the fibreglass colour is "Thunderbird 4 Yellow" 😂
I'll take that info to the paint store ;-)
@@CruisingTheCut SIG!
Hang on - that stands for Spectrum is GREEN which is not only the wrong colour but the wrong series... Try FAB
Yes its a good colour match with Thunderbird 4 but I hope that is the only thing it as in common as T4 was meant to go underwater
A bit rough around the edges but Twiggy is full of potential.
Obviously you’re going to relocate the electrics under the hob and fit a water tank under the sink. As for matching the color after repairs I wouldn’t sweat that and just have the entire boat repainted which would cover a multitude of sins. Enough advice, you enjoy a challenge and you’re quite good at fashioning solutions so have at it and enjoy your new boat.
Yes, that's exactly what I'll do with the electrics and water!
Hi David
I have been watching from Episode 1. It’s fantastic that you are back on the water! You have got that look back again😀. I think this will be a superb series to watch as Twiggy is lovely. We viewers could always donate to Operation Twiggy! Looking forward to future episodes that will warm us all up through the winter months.
Kind Regards
Simon.
I might wait til Spring when it's warmer so we'll have to warm some other way 🤣🤣🤣
Yes probably a good idea. You could do more book readings! 😊
Hi David. It is very good to see you back on the water. A place you are meant to be - especially with a boat needing quite a bit of handymanning. We always enjoy your videos showing how you overcome all problems with a bit of thought, a few materials and stuff you buy from Amazon. It's DIY as an art form!! That combined with your excellent storytelling, great use of video and deadpan humour makes our day. Thank you.
Thanks 👍😀
Thanks for the tour of the boat David 😊 I'm so glad that you're back on the water and I look forward to more canal stories and updates on your improvements to the boat . Thanks for sharing, keep the videos coming and safe travels 🙏
I'm just hoping for warmish weather so I can get on with refurbishment without freezing!
The electrical system is under the sink? Sorry for laughing out loud there! 🤣 On the plus side, you now have a year of content with DIY-videos. Looking forward to following along with the journey! 🙂
Brilliant commentary - love the dry humour mixed with being so informative. You are such a professional David - you should really do this full time. Love your boat too. I’m not surprised you smoke - zingy yellow, cute and does everything you need. Can’t wait to see what you do with the renovations.
Thanks 👍 😀😀
You couldn't stay away from the life on the ocean wave.
Plus that looks like it will keep you busy for ages. Yellow is a strange colour for a Stick Insect.
Congratulations to you and all who sail in her.
You finally closing statement about finding yourself smiling as you return to your boat, and the pleasure it’s giving you just to be on and about your boat. And your boat is just chock full of projects to keep you busy. And the good thing about them are, most of them don’t necessarily require a time table, or a priority listing.
I appears that you are satisfied with the jaunty yellow gel coat color. Good. I like that.
Yes, curtains will spruce up the cabin greatly. And each little project puts a bit more of your personal stamp on the boat.
I look forward to the future episodes on your updates and upgrades to Twiggy. (Are going to keep the name or rename it?)
Keep it!
I think that your lovely little boat was once owned by a rather famous skipper; Barnacle 'Bodger' Bill, the scourge of all waters, both coastal and inland. Many of us have come across him over the years, feverishly thrashing away at one poor vessel or another, his triumphant calls of 'That'll do for now' or 'That should hold it' echoing down dock and ditch. I think that little boat has been very lucky to find you David, and I look forward to watching your progress.
Cheers
Thank you for your welcome aboard Twiggy and tour of the projected project projects. Enjoy the challenge and the cruises and that 'walking toward my boat' smile will never wane. Also, thanks for the Holzkern link. Will be very useful. All those batteries and electrics under the sink?? Hmm...words fail me.
It's a bit baffling, isn't it?!
She looks much better now than when you picked her up. And I love that name! I can't wait to see your improvements. At least those leads are stuck on with color coordinated yellow tape. What more could a civilized yachtsman want? The weird windows benefit from Velcro dots applied to the frame or wall and custom fit curtains popped on or off easily, no need for lots of extra fabric catching bugs and spiders. You have excellent ideas but please promise you will BURN all the mucked up doors on this poor little boat. Please provide video of the cremation so I can cheer along. Someday soon Lemony will be a very pretty, happy little boat.
Regarding checking the fuel in the fuel tank, try holding a torch directly up against the tank (so that it's touching). If the plastic is not too thick then you should be able to see the fuel level.
I remember bobbing about in a microplus in the 70s,71 to 3, i had a lovely time then, some of my fondess memories, nice to see, you've got me thinking now iam on my tod.
We get so excited when there’s a new David video… thanks for the absolutely informative, genuine, amusing, watchable vlogs! 🥰
Awwww thank you 😊
It is hilarious to hear you describe the condition of the boat. Great when a type A meets some chaos. :D
She's very cute and lovely and I hope she treats you well, but I'm also excited to see what all you do to spruce her up! I love the color she reminds me of the Third Doctor's car so I hope you find a proper color match for the paint 🎨
Day late and dollar short, but a couple of thoughts.
1. Getting new chairs for the front. The chairs were a modification with the idea of you standing and steering the boat to reduce the need for head room. It would also explain the small wind screen. If you had a chair that could be adjustable with its own platform for your feet, it may give you some more flexibility to help banging your head in tunnels and hiding from bad weather.
2. Can you move your solar panel over or off the transom off you boat? Maybe hinge it to the back or onside or another to allow access to the motor. This is down here in the US coast on sail boats to keep deck space free. Also, there are some solar panels used by the van folks here that are flexible and can be applied to surfaces. Something like that could be applied to the front hatch. To be honest I am not sure of power output and effectiveness in the UK vs Georgia in the US.
3. Maybe use the back cabin as a mechanical/storage/potty area and give up the got of cramming small children in there. Open more space up front.
4. Would a electric motor be more effective in the lock areas with a small generator as a back up source if the fable UK weather would lesson the effectiveness of solar panels and batteries.
5. In the forward cabin, can you put the small fridge under the new acquired stove? Plus if you move you electric to the back cabin, you could install a small water tank. Keep the V birth with a table that can be lowered to make it a larger sleeping area if so desirable.
Best of luck with your new passion project.
Looks like quite a big project. This is exactly the sort of project my late father used to like taking on. I can see that to do it properly it will need 6 months out of the water in a shed and someone talented and enthusiastic at DIY to get it all working properly. Ideally those CO alarms should be mounted as high as possible. 👍
Cheers. Yes, it's going to come out of the water and be worked on. Just a note though, CO alarms don't need to be placed high.
@@CruisingTheCut
Glad you pointed out that the gas alarms do not need to be placed high. CO is heavier than air and will settle in the lower area first.
No, it isn't - it's almost exactly the same density as air and floats around just mixed in with air. You're likely thinking of propane / butane which are certainly heavier and need their alarms at the lowest point.
@@CruisingTheCut
My mistake ,I was thinking of CO2, which is 53% denser than air. Or have I got that wrong as well?😃
Is it your “rescue” boat? You’ve so kindly saved this little yellow gem
Great video David, what you have is a typical example of previous owners attempts at upgrades. All done by the well intending ameteur, who should have been told to leave well alone.
I love your tale about buying Christmas gifts, resulting in buying things for yourself, i did a similar thing myself a week ago. I went to our local Triumph motorcycle dealer to buy my brother a Triumph T shirt. They did`nt have one in his size, so i bought myself a new bike?.
Once again, a great vid, and i will be watching to see how you improve things.
If you don`t post up a vid before, Have a lovely Christmas, and a very happy new year.
Hahahahahaha that's exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of!!
I know your shipwright, his name is Primitive Pete. He has worked on every boat I ever bought. :(
Not too bad for 48 years old. A few projects, but serviceable. Looking forward to seeing the progress! Cheers!
awesome video of a man in touch with reality and the passing of time!
You did a breathtaking job on the narrowboat. So this will give you a project for many yrs to come. It’s quite the project. Best wishes.
I think the plank of wood at the hatch is to keep the tops of the doors clear of water. And, YES, smiling as you go to your boat is g-o-o-d! If your hobby is not giving you joy, then why do it? Glad to hear yours is giving you joy. The headaches as you do your renovations will happen, but the JOY will win in the end. :-)
Its so good to hear from you again and know you are enjoying your new boat. I look forward to your improvements and renovations. Stay safe. All the best from Missouri.
Thank you very much!
Well you've got some work to do but it is manageable. Looking forward to the journey!
You and me both!
"The two best days in a boat owner's life are when he buy's it and when he sells it..." (Love the boat name)
My compliments sir, as you work towards improvements & quality surroundings. Great attitude! 👍
Wheeeee! I love watching (and learning from!) your projects almost as much as I do mine! It looks like you'll be quite busy, too. I'm always surprised at how much room is actually inside a boat - always larger inside than it looks from the outside. ❤
There's so much to do! But you're right, it feels cosy but not cramped inside.
How nice! A traditional "ship's wheel" with spindles would look smart in. place of the automotive style wheel there now.
Very interesting tour. Despite it's 48 years, your boat looks in sound condition; requiring a moderate amount of work and money, to bring it up to scratch. Great stuff!
It was good to hear you rant about things. It reminded me of your rant about your old dinette cushions, before you had them replaced! (Definitely a fan boy here 🤣🤣)
Hahaha now that is going back a long way!!!
when can i come on a boat trip 🚤
When I've refurbished it. I reckon that'll be some time in 2026 given the current list of jobs 🤣
Your boat's still nicer than my.... Non-existent boat
Thank you David for the grand tour of your new boat. I'm glad to see there are no major problems, just several that you can address at your leisure. Once you get the higher priority items addressed and make it "your boat", I think you will once again enjoy that special pleasure that cruising the canals provides. I wish you all the best!
Been waiting for this video, ever since you got this wonderful little boat.
I foresee David learning how to do proper fiberglass repairs and modifications in his future. Not to fret, David. It's really not that difficult. Don't forget to look into flock and microballoons that can be mixed into the resin for small repairs. And the expanding foam can be your friend for larger ones.
You wouldn't believe the number of TH-cam videos about fibreglassing I've been watching recently!! Still can't quite understand the difference between epoxy and fibreglass resin. Or exactly what kind of gel coat I will need...
@@CruisingTheCut Epoxy is a glue that happens to work well with fibreglass. Polyester and vinyl-ester are cheaper but don't really stick to things, so are only really good for using in a mould to make a new part.
All the jobs you mentioned would be best with epoxy. I'd order a litre of west system, with fast hardener in the winter, slow in summer. It's worth experimenting with the various additives. Silica turns it into a nice thick, non-slumping paste for glue. Micro-balloons give a paste you can spread very smoothly to minimise sanding when fairing a rough surface. Flock/chopped strands add strength when you're making a thick fillet. All the fillers are very light, so order the minimum quantity.
I recommend lots of gloves, lollipop sticks with the end cut square for mixing sticks, in cups with a flat bottom so you can scrape up the last bit, plastic cards for spreaders and digital scales to get the proportions right. You won't be using enough to need the pumps.
You will probably find paint easier than gel coat. Gel coat self-smooth like paint, and needs extensive sanding and polishing to look as good as it does when used in a mould.
BTW, the gel coat may have faded from new. You might be best to take a sample somewhere that can scan it.
Thank you!! 😊😊
Interesting tour and proof that small projects do need periodical attention ❤❤❤
I so loved the narrowboat you were cruising on but we'll get used to where this one takes you
That was fun.
There’s plenty of work to be done but it looks like a great project. We started discussing what should be done but look forward to seeing what solutions you come up with.
And like you the wee yellow boat makes us smile. On a grey day here the vlog brightened it. Thanks. C&Lx
Definitely a project hahaha!!
At 2:08 you have two flat surfaces that could accommodate solar panels. At that angle they'll produce well at any time of day if facing the sun, and can also gather reflected light off the water. If you get a motor with electric start you'll likely be wanting the batteries in the same vicinity.
When on-board you could supplement your solar production with an easily stowable "solar blanket".
Great look around Twiggy. If you can remove a small sample of the coloured fibreglass, take it to B&Q, Dulux Decorator Centre or Crown Decorating Centre (many others available) and they should be able to match and mix you the paint you require.
You have taken on quite a project my very distant video friend. But what you have shown to me about you, you will make it just fine and very ship shape. I do like the color and the size of the vessel. Thanks for sharing.
The smile, on the way to your boat. Priceless...
I think I'd look into relocating the electrics to the port side and fitting the water tank below the sink. It would also make the plumbing much simpler.
On further thought since making this video, I agree with that suggestion and it's what I intend to do!
Nice video, that boat has loads of potential - can't wait to see your journey with her.
Hint number 4...
For small jobs I use the epoxy glue that you buy in the twin tube syringe style packaging. This is a lot cheaper than buying a half litre repair kit. It is just a bit thicker than the standard epoxy. It is the same stuff but with an addition additive to stop it running to freely. It can be thinned with epoxy thinners. I have used it with fibreglass mat for more substantial repairs, just buy more tubes...
Everyone needs a pet project, you're sitting in yours.
Many project videos in our future👏👏. Have a safe and healthy holiday season.
At least there was an attempt to color-match the solar cable tape.
True!
Glad to see your back on the water!
Regarding the hatch and solar panel. If you are replacing the solar panel brackets perhaps you can make it hinged on one side (back side), with toggle-bolt on the other? That way you can swing it up for when you want/need to use the hatch.
Edit: Sloped window curtain, will a tab of velcro on the lower corner help secure it to the wall? Is that fabric on the wall "grippy" enough for velco hooks?
Edit2: About the "rain catchment area". I would place a solid piece of foam back there, cut at an angle to direct water to the drain hole then fiberglass or membrane over it. Like a insulated flat roof directing water to the drain.
I think that's certainly a good possibility...
Escape hatch should be easily opened in case of fire
Oh, it's an escape hatch 🤦♂️
That makes sense
With time, filler, and your talent for wiring things, this little, cute and adorable little boat will be a doll baby amidst the usual ones. GOOD LUCK!
How much did they pay you to take that boat of their hands.?
Thanks for sharing!!! I hope you can grow to enjoy the view forward as you travel, and relish in the smiles your little yellow boat will produce. The holes, cracking gel coat, ugly hardware, are exactly the things that give your boat “character” !!! The warts are expected and needed to help you tell the story of its life.
Its a cute little boat and a bit of work will soon sort out the gritty bits and you will soon have it to your liking , whenever we buy a boat there is always something we want to change to our own ideas .
I'd paint it black and gold like the old JPS Lotus F1 cars, it's the right age too.
I like that plan
Yes. The best kind of boating.
That table looks like its a collapsible bed deal.
Basically you can lift it up, pull out the leg and put the table top in the hole flat on it.
Making the two single berths one big one.
Its a common set up here in the States for Truck campers and smaller cabin boats like this. And they do have a habit of wearing out and becoming lose like that after a few years.
The newer ones are a twist snap deal while the older ones have a wing nut or five to secure it.
Suggest looking around the base and top bit for any thing that look like a latch to pop it apart.
Yes, i's definitely the case that the table forms part of the bed infill. I've seen those twist ones you mention, I'll try to get one.
Thankyou David for another amusing and entertaining video. Looks as though you have lots of repair work on your new project, we look forward to the next update.
Thanks 👍
Have to say, a lot of the work done on this boat is one of someone doing things as cheap as possible.
I'm currently having to fix a list of issues with my house cause the previous owner refused to do anything properly and skimmed on basics which left some dangerous situations with the electrics.
Would highly recommend investing in some harness tape from Tesa and browsing RS components for cable trunking and clips to tidy up the battery harnessing.
Glad you're enjoying yourself ❤
Love ya David… Love your channel… Boy is it interesting how different UK boats look (even the old ones)
It's true, the presents I bought under the tree are all for me !!
Yes, such a vintage needs a little TLC in places. We know you like tinkering with that stuff that needs work. I was surprised at some of the previous work done looks like temporary but I'm sure you will make a fine job of a permanent solution. It will take time but one thing at a time but also enjoying what happiness it brings you when you go out on it. Does that make sense? Because I'm sure we all would like to see how you accomplish it. It will never be finished. So never ending videos I hope. Don't be like the Crobots.
i am looking at the neighbors boats I was a Primary Norman Dealer, as well as Birchwood and Dawn Craft. I worked with all the manufactures help in stream line delivery. As one of my duties, i was a supervisor at Blue Bird Boat Building for Steel New Const and traditional repair. How do you like my Braunston Junction Marina. When i got there in '69 there was Block building on a gravel lot next to a Wier Pond
That was priceless, thank you. I laughed out loud on several occasions, and I'm still grinning now.
Thanks for taking us on a tour of your little boat. I can see there's a certain amount of botching you'll want to put right, but it's a smashing little boat, and I look forwards to your adventures !
I hope you surveyed the boat as thoroughly as this prior to purchasing and used each and every fault to knock the price down.
Solar panel: If there is no other place to locate it, how about making a set of mounts to fix it to the hatch cover instead of the rails, then you can open the hatch together with the panel. Not perfect, but if it is the only location for the panel it is better than nothing.
Insulation: Is there really any advantage to taking the existing lining out to add foam and a new carpet? Depending on space and ability to fix it in, why not add the foam on top of the carpet, then the new carpet - the different density of each layer does wonders for sound attenuation and vibration suppression.
It looks like you will have more jobs on your hands to get this one shipshape than you ever did on your old boat. I hope you enjoy the tinkering and that you take us along for the ride. Let the projects begin!
Cheers
Thanks for the tour. Glad you get to enjoy your new boat. There is always something that can be improved on a boat, in a house, in a camper van, etc. Looking forward to the videos to come. Enjoy. 👍
Very true!
Lots to occupy you (and us) David. You can really get stuck into these jobs in the Spring when it's a little milder. I love Twiggy already, she looks great fun. You'll soon have it nice and cosy in the living quarters.
So glad this little yellow boat has put a smile on your face!
Thanks 👍
Well its a labour of love you have brought. best of luck and look forward to the changes in each vid. Cheers for Christmas and all the best.