Hi James, what an amazing solution, congrats! would you like some help sewing together the canopy? I’m a seamstress living on a 50ft Narrowboat and have helped make canopies for friends boats (I have an industrial sewing machine). I also do curtains and cushion covers for seating etc. and would appreciate a mention, so it would be free. Thanks, Rachael
Oh now, err yes please. Yes please, err have I already said that….. I’ll see how tomorrow goes but I know I want some clear vinyl windows on the back and sides. I’d also like access zips etc. what neck of the woods are you moored ? In fairness though I’d drive pretty much anywhere to find someone like you!!
You have the longest last bit of light 😂 You did all this in your first attempt…..by yourself!!!! I would say pretty darn impressive James. Hope you take up the very generous offer of the boater who sews. Zippers will be great. What a great feeling it must be to know that you have literally done everything on the boat by yourself. I can’t wait to see it up. Much roomier than I had envisioned, love the height! Hope you have a good night and will looking forward to the update. 😊🤗 Kathy
Hi James what a great job. No matter what you tackle you get there. Very good. Can’t wait to see finished article,hope the lady who offered to help will help you. Have great week 😊
Hi James just thought I might say you should make your pram cover as short as possible I had mine made 50mm taller then me and I'm pretty short but I can go from stoke bruerne to Berko with the pram cover up and get under every bridge great in this cold wet time of the year
You have a great eye and imagination for this work. I couldn’t see how it was going to come together until the final “reveal”. Well done, that was really enjoyable to watch.
I like how you are willing to change the design as you progress through a project, sign of a good engineer instead of staying with the original concept, plus I didn't have to travel to England with my bender for the week-end.
Fantastic video James. Been on my Springer for 6yrs and have always wanted to try doing this. Mine is exact dimension to yours. Looking forward to next episode. Great inspiration!
Very impressed with your efforts on the pram cover. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I have watched your vlog since day one and you have been an invaluable source of inspiration and knowledge for me. I am looking at getting a boat early next year so I look forward to my own adventure. Thanks for the insight. Chris
It's good to see the way you work on all that you do. You must be tired of me saying these things .😴. You have not mentioned work for a while but whoever you work for they are lucky to have you .
A roll of decent velcro will likely come in handy either stitched or possibly glued to the canvas roof at strategic points so you can wrap it around the tubular frame to keep the canvas roof tight.
Hi. Just been watching your vlog on making your canopy. Curious to what grade of Perspex your using for the windows as I’m needing to do mine too. Also…. Your canvas material looks very much like I used and if it is be warned…. It fades very quickly!! I thought I’d sewn mine inside out but it had faded. Maybe coat it with a fabric dye would help preserve it! 👍
Shame you did the flue before the hood frame. Denied me the chance to say "bender struggles with ring piece". However, your fearless ingenuity continues to impress. Great progress.
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt great vids aswell mate inspired me to start my own journey. Maybe see you on the cut one day keep up the good work. Or if I win the competition lol
That's a great effort , as iv done pipe bending loads I was shaking my head at your bend allowances 😃, but fair play it came out right 👍. Thought of a pipe tensioner? , In the middle between windscreen and main support ? . I use them on a pramhood tent , like a mini adjustable clothes prop that you slide out with cups on the end and lock to the length you want , supports and will stop any snag 👍 . Bending would have been easier if you lengthen the handle with a tube 🙂 ( formally Hatterbarbel followed you from episode 1)
Oh yeah I remember that handle!! Good to hear from ya. I might need to use strengtheners between the windscreen and mid possibly. We’ll sell what it looks like when the canvas is on
Hi James, Marcoman here (changed the moniker) did you get a certificate on the gas boiler? Corgi inspectors (as we used to call them) can be pretty fussy about structures near to flues.
Hi James. That came out better than I was expecting. Well done. I'm still not too sure about the design, but you seem to have a plan, so crack on. All the best, mate.
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt The monkey on your shoulder... 🐒 😁 No wonder you were struggling to bend that tube. 1.6mm wall is really pushing the limit of that bender, and your arms. A two foot length of scaffold pole is your friend on those occasions. 😉 I think I'd be inclined to ditch the forward support, and drop from the long one straight to the rear of the cabin, where the existing hooks are. Replace the boat's handrail at the front of the starboard side, and move the main support forward. It will help when you want to collapse it rearwards, and not overhanging the stern by two feet, like it is now. What do you think?
James; excellent job so far! Can't wait to see your next movements. Should you drill a small pilot hole in the tubing wherever the grub screws touch the aluminum tubing so that the grub screws are held in place and the amount of vibration is cut down so that the grub screws are harder to loose or come loose? Keep up the tremendous design work and excellent prototypinging.
Nice one James, that’s brilliant. Definitely make sure to double stitch all the seams and use waterproof tape over the seams, it’s a shame you couldnt rent a sewing machine to help fine tune your cover. It’s the perfect colour too! Can’t wait to see how fantastic it will be, it will really help keep you and slow patrol dryer and hopefully warmer for your late night beers with Rob this winter 😄
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt I wouldn’t risk it with the weather we have during winter, if you heat bond the seams without stitching it, the cold temps can ruin the adhesive and can become brittle. I would definitely reinforce every seam with two rows of stitching and then add waterproofing tape over every seam. Trust me it’s definitely worth it, after spending good money on the fabric and all the fittings. This could be your new side hustle 😉 im sure other narrowboat owners would order one 🤗
Hi James I love watching the videos. I may be missing something but in the video. You said you wanted the aft hood frame to fall forward. On days when your cruising. Won't the height of the frame make it awkward to get on and off the boat. To do locks etc. It looked to me it went over the 2 exits.
To be honest, given the amount I move the boat, this has been designed to work in its upright position. For cruising I’ll just make do - the frame does however provide a barrier for kids falling out
I thought those were going to be mounted on the outside of the railing, to the gunnel? ;-) I presume you're planning to drop it when cruising? That's an excellent first effort, congrats.
You need to attach the front frame to the middle frame so the whole thing can fold down to the rear of the stern, with the front frame attached to the roof of the boat you won't be able to fold down the canopy and still operate the boat.
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt If you consider the tarpaulin is going to be connected across to all 3 frames, you won't be able to stand in your normal position to operate the boat with that front frame connected to the roof of the boat, and you are going to have all kinds of problems, when you approach a low bridge or tunnel, by having the canopy only clipped to the roof you can easily unclip the canopy and fold the whole thing down, a little bit like the canopy on a convertible car.
Hi James, what an amazing solution, congrats! would you like some help sewing together the canopy? I’m a seamstress living on a 50ft Narrowboat and have helped make canopies for friends boats (I have an industrial sewing machine). I also do curtains and cushion covers for seating etc. and would appreciate a mention, so it would be free. Thanks, Rachael
Oh now, err yes please. Yes please, err have I already said that…..
I’ll see how tomorrow goes but I know I want some clear vinyl windows on the back and sides. I’d also like access zips etc. what neck of the woods are you moored ? In fairness though I’d drive pretty much anywhere to find someone like you!!
What a nice offer!! 😊
This woman will be worth her weight in gold. Her knowledge and experience will help tremendously.
Hey Rachael - Please also note I'd be interested in this as I was considering the challenges of sewing this together :D
Your tenacity and perseverance is admirable, well done 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You have the longest last bit of light 😂 You did all this in your first attempt…..by yourself!!!! I would say pretty darn impressive James. Hope you take up the very generous offer of the boater who sews. Zippers will be great. What a great feeling it must be to know that you have literally done everything on the boat by yourself. I can’t wait to see it up. Much roomier than I had envisioned, love the height! Hope you have a good night and will looking forward to the update. 😊🤗 Kathy
Hi James what a great job. No matter what you tackle you get there. Very good. Can’t wait to see finished article,hope the lady who offered to help will help you. Have great week 😊
Admire your tenacity James. Have a good weekend. Take care.
Thanks Christine
Hi James just thought I might say you should make your pram cover as short as possible I had mine made 50mm taller then me and I'm pretty short but I can go from stoke bruerne to Berko with the pram cover up and get under every bridge great in this cold wet time of the year
You have a great eye and imagination for this work. I couldn’t see how it was going to come together until the final “reveal”. Well done, that was really enjoyable to watch.
Well I'm impressed . looking forward to the next episode. I would 100% take the offer up of the seamstress person.
It's looking good James, you are doing a great job. Best wishes Christine x
Cheers Christine as always
I like how you are willing to change the design as you progress through a project, sign of a good engineer instead of staying with the original concept, plus I didn't have to travel to England with my bender for the week-end.
Yep / I sure saved you that journey
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt lol
it is really taking shape James. well done for all your efforts
Smashed it James 😁your a feckin legend 😁👌⭐️😎👍
Wow cheers pal
Ingenious as ever James - impressed again !!
Cheers bud
Such an undertaking and nary a word of discouragement. Bravo, James. You set your sights and crack on. Nice job!
Like so many things, when broken down, it’s all quite straight forward. Bit of fun too,
James I was waiting for you to snap off the gate beam LOL. Great job, the boat looks better every day.
Cheers
Fantastic video James. Been on my Springer for 6yrs and have always wanted to try doing this. Mine is exact dimension to yours. Looking forward to next episode. Great inspiration!
ingenious stuff, nice one!
Love the burgundy - it's going to look really good!
More Top Bending and Top Canopying Young James. Looking forward to the finished product. 🙂
Oh you and I both Sir
well done bro
Brilliant James looking forward to tomorrow
Very impressed with your efforts on the pram cover. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I have watched your vlog since day one and you have been an invaluable source of inspiration and knowledge for me. I am looking at getting a boat early next year so I look forward to my own adventure. Thanks for the insight. Chris
It's good to see the way you work on all that you do. You must be tired of me saying these things .😴. You have not mentioned work for a while but whoever you work for they are lucky to have you .
I’m pretty sure my bosses would disagree. All is fine at work thanks. Pram hood is occupying my weekend thoughts though
A roll of decent velcro will likely come in handy either stitched or possibly glued to the canvas roof at strategic points so you can wrap it around the tubular frame to keep the canvas roof tight.
I’ve spent a mere fortune on Velcro. All set
Fantastic job sir James
Cheers bud. Does yours have a pram hood ?
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt no mate my boats a trad starn. I want one though just to stand in while cruising. This vlogs really helpful James
Hi. Just been watching your vlog on making your canopy. Curious to what grade of Perspex your using for the windows as I’m needing to do mine too. Also…. Your canvas material looks very much like I used and if it is be warned…. It fades very quickly!! I thought I’d sewn mine inside out but it had faded. Maybe coat it with a fabric dye would help preserve it! 👍
Well done, very, very impressive
I am impressed with all your self taught skills you have learned James but you are very brave to tackle the pram hood, good luck 🤞
It’s quite straight forward really and I’d rather not spend £4k on a great one when this may just do the trick with a few tweaks
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt makes sense 👍
That's one job I don't think I would have attempted. I'll be very interested to see what the finished hood looks like. Great stuff.
Shame you did the flue before the hood frame. Denied me the chance to say "bender struggles with ring piece". However, your fearless ingenuity continues to impress. Great progress.
I know mate, I was hoping for that gem too
Good job brother . Had me pissing. That should go about there !!!
Haha! Cheers
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt great vids aswell mate inspired me to start my own journey. Maybe see you on the cut one day keep up the good work. Or if I win the competition lol
Did you stay at a Holiday Inn? You look like you know what you are doing. Everything looks good. Nice job James.
That's a great effort , as iv done pipe bending loads I was shaking my head at your bend allowances 😃, but fair play it came out right 👍. Thought of a pipe tensioner? , In the middle between windscreen and main support ? . I use them on a pramhood tent , like a mini adjustable clothes prop that you slide out with cups on the end and lock to the length you want , supports and will stop any snag 👍 . Bending would have been easier if you lengthen the handle with a tube 🙂 ( formally Hatterbarbel followed you from episode 1)
Oh yeah I remember that handle!! Good to hear from ya. I might need to use strengtheners between the windscreen and mid possibly. We’ll sell what it looks like when the canvas is on
Fabulous job. Well done. Looking forward to seeing your progress tomorrow 😊
Indeed you will see progress. Thanks
Hi James, Marcoman here (changed the moniker) did you get a certificate on the gas boiler? Corgi inspectors (as we used to call them) can be pretty fussy about structures near to flues.
Gas man comes next week fingers crossed
Fantastic job there James! It definitely shows that it can be done ✅ Really looking forward to watching the creation of the hood now!
It most certainly can be done. I’m excited to see how the cover comes out
Great video James. The frame looks great. Amazed that’s your first time. Well done mate
Cheers pal
Looks good James…
It's taking shape james, well done!
I’m hoping it really will tomorrow with the fabric
Turned out okay, what a bender!
What a bender indeed. Ta
Looking good it's going to be a beast of a hood 💪
Yes bro it’s gonna be a beast alright
Hi James.
That came out better than I was expecting. Well done.
I'm still not too sure about the design, but you seem to have a plan, so crack on.
All the best, mate.
I knew you were expecting me to balls that up. Actually you were in my head at points today - making sure I got those angles right
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt The monkey on your shoulder... 🐒 😁
No wonder you were struggling to bend that tube. 1.6mm wall is really pushing the limit of that bender, and your arms. A two foot length of scaffold pole is your friend on those occasions. 😉
I think I'd be inclined to ditch the forward support, and drop from the long one straight to the rear of the cabin, where the existing hooks are. Replace the boat's handrail at the front of the starboard side, and move the main support forward. It will help when you want to collapse it rearwards, and not overhanging the stern by two feet, like it is now.
What do you think?
James; excellent job so far! Can't wait to see your next movements. Should you drill a small pilot hole in the tubing wherever the grub screws touch the aluminum tubing so that the grub screws are held in place and the amount of vibration is cut down so that the grub screws are harder to loose or come loose? Keep up the tremendous design work and excellent prototypinging.
That’s a good call. I’ve lost one of the grubs already so I’ve replaced it with a 50mm m6 bolt - can barely see it !!!
Nice one get it on before the winds come next week!!! looks good
That’ll be it’s first test
You are a fookin genius 👏
Hell yeah
Nice one James, that’s brilliant. Definitely make sure to double stitch all the seams and use waterproof tape over the seams, it’s a shame you couldnt rent a sewing machine to help fine tune your cover. It’s the perfect colour too! Can’t wait to see how fantastic it will be, it will really help keep you and slow patrol dryer and hopefully warmer for your late night beers with Rob this winter 😄
Let’s hope so. I’m also hoping to get away with zero stitching. That’s the plan anyway
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt I wouldn’t risk it with the weather we have during winter, if you heat bond the seams without stitching it, the cold temps can ruin the adhesive and can become brittle. I would definitely reinforce every seam with two rows of stitching and then add waterproofing tape over every seam. Trust me it’s definitely worth it, after spending good money on the fabric and all the fittings. This could be your new side hustle 😉 im sure other narrowboat owners would order one 🤗
Nice job done
Amazing job James!
Thanks so much
Can always get waterproof spray for added protection we spray
Our tent we camp rain or shine oregon
Hi James I love watching the videos. I may be missing something but in the video. You said you wanted the aft hood frame to fall forward. On days when your cruising. Won't the height of the frame make it awkward to get on and off the boat. To do locks etc. It looked to me it went over the 2 exits.
To be honest, given the amount I move the boat, this has been designed to work in its upright position. For cruising I’ll just make do - the frame does however provide a barrier for kids falling out
He he, Mr. Magnet is back! :D
Indeed - a bag of em
I thought those were going to be mounted on the outside of the railing, to the gunnel? ;-)
I presume you're planning to drop it when cruising?
That's an excellent first effort, congrats.
Thanks - that was the original plan but I played with angles a bit more and went for a thicker wall thickness tube for added strength
good job
Would a 8x4 sheet of thin ply to offer up as a template. Bs Any help .so you could trace your angles and measure ments .just a thought .
😊
Set your self a good challenge mate
Why not eh
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Just watching today’s video Saturday one to you.
Shame your not around Ricky/Watford way could have give you a hand fitting the cover! Good work tho mate good work!! 👍🏻
Cheers anyway fella
I'd be well pleased with myself if I was you bud :)
Well I’ve stopped hitting my head on that wooden beam now so yeah that’s a bonus
Coming on well, how does it come down to go under a bridge?
F@&k knows😂
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt 🤣😂🤣 Great answer, I admire your confidence and looking forward to the next part.
I’m confused as to how you’ll fold it down when not in use. Or am I being dense?
Certainly deserve a pat on the back. Good job.
Cheers
Bender in the bedroom?
tenacity...
Hi how much did you save doing it yourself as to getting a professional to do it,,,,,did you get a qout from a company......
I had 3 quotes. One at £4k, one at £3.5k and the other budget one at £2k. I reckon in total I’ll spend £400
good vid on chaNNEL THANK LEE
what are the chances crt would object to misusing the lock gate?
I hardly call that misusing a lock gate. There was absolutely no boats using the lock. I was in no-ones way. I didn’t leave a mark.
👍👌❤🇨🇦
Why do you want to drop all that water on the boat and not off the back
Do you mean the overall pitch of the roof ? I’m looking into that now
When your working farther from Mic we can not get hear most of what your saying. Sorry not trying to be critical, but hope it helps.
Err yeah but today was a bit tricky for setting up mics
A bit embarrassing at 8:26, would you say, James??
OK OK OK these are Tesco jeans. I don’t think they use the best zips
Well that's guaranteed to ensure we all go back to see what we've missed! 😊
You need to attach the front frame to the middle frame so the whole thing can fold down to the rear of the stern, with the front frame attached to the roof of the boat you won't be able to fold down the canopy and still operate the boat.
The whole will be able to fold down so I can move the boat - but it’s all work in progress so I might use your suggestion
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt If you consider the tarpaulin is going to be connected across to all 3 frames, you won't be able to stand in your normal position to operate the boat with that front frame connected to the roof of the boat, and you are going to have all kinds of problems, when you approach a low bridge or tunnel, by having the canopy only clipped to the roof you can easily unclip the canopy and fold the whole thing down, a little bit like the canopy on a convertible car.