These are my thoughts after five weeks… definitely not claiming I know everything, so please feel free to add to the points / disagree with them. Please do so respectfully. Whether you have lived on a boat for 30 years or you’re thinking about it and haven’t bought one yet… you’re allowed an opinion and it is welcome, as long as it is respectful.
Be very wary of jumping out of frying pan in to fire, it can be very miserable in winter, that is from November to mid March. So f you are depressed, get that sorted and only move on to a boat if you like this itinerant lifestyle. It suits me, but it took me a few YEARS to decide if I had made the right decision. COVID isolation is not much different, but if you cruise in London / Birmingham / Kennet and Avon etc, that's not going to be like Oop North!
If your a bit used to things been done for you and not very hands on. It can be an expensive and stressful life. Hands on approach, a love for water, outdoors and a bit of getting mucky almost regularly then its a dream, 4 years in. Love it
I'd also add that it's not only the dealing with your own waste etc, but also planning the whole loading/unloading thing - if you don't have the services on your mooring (or you're cruising), you need to plan ahead to know when you're going to need to take on water, get rid of your poo, refuel your diesel, gas, coal etc. And it will take most of a day to actually do it.... But, yes, slowing down is the most important lesson to learn!
This is perfect! Completely valid and potentially should be in the top 5. I might remake the video in a year’s time to see how my thoughts have changed.
I have been a vicarious boater for years 😂 costs me price of my WiFi and a lot of fun to watch others navigate the joys of boating. I think the two things that would bother me most are ultra muddy slippery towpaths in winter and fear of flooding if i owned a livaboard.
Iv just moved aboard my former hire boat and absolutely love it but I have two pump out toilets and I fully agree with you cassettes are much better in that their easier to empty it doesn't cost to empty and it's a lot simpler , and for me slowing down and solitude is the best thing about boat life just mooring up making a coffee and watching the world go by
@@CutSluice I also really don't like the idea of having a composting toilet on my boat , and I think everyone's in such a rush to get somewhere or get something done and I realised life's to short to waste it living like that
With elsan toilets you really need a car to transport them because elsan disposal points are few and far between. I've lived on my boat for 13yrs but as I get older I feel boat life getting harder and less enjoyable and am debating if I can afford to go back on dry land.
@@stevegoddard9756 this is a really interesting topic. I didn’t really want to mention mobility in this video because I know I’d end up getting backlash for it… however, the reason I have this boat is because the previous owner (and builder) is now in his 70s, wife in her 80s and their mobility is not what it used to be. In the Marina that I am moored, there are trolleys for transportation of cassettes etc. Maybe that could be an option?
Totally agree with these as main reasons to not or to do it on the flip side. Me and my partner have been on this journey for 3 months and have experienced multiple bad luck situations including 3 floods in that time which decimated our mooring and meant us moving and getting stuck due to flood closures and a 70ft narrowboat getting ripped from her mooring and wedging in the bridge (barrow upon soar). Despite all this we have not lost heart and can not wait for the summer trips! My job is very fast paced so coming back to slow paced life and beautiful surroundings balances my life perfectly. Great video, keep em coming.
I think you accidentally said that the weather was a problem when surely that would be a bonus? I love the wind and the rain so much. I love wearing a thick jumper and getting under a blanket whilst the rain lashes against the windows. I love coming in from the rain soaking wet and peeling off my clothes to get into my jim jams. I'm looking to make a change and start a life on a narrowboat. I used to work and live on a cruise ship (best sleep I ever had), so this feels like a reasonable alternative.
I like this. It's all about real matters. Honestly, me & my husband are learning everything about life & living on Narrowboat.. by watching this and understanding a full picture..
Good vlog, for us the slow pace of life, privacy and solitude were the main reasons we bought a narrowboat. 5 years later we still love the image and quiet. For us the slow pace of life and
Often dream of retirement on a narrowboat and yes, the solitude, the dirty DIY, the weather, the slowing down - happy with all of that. Privacy - I might struggle - I’d probably fit net curtains 😀
I think it’s just an adjustment in expectations. Different people deal with it in different ways. Do you have the potential opportunity to perhaps rent one for a few weeks?
Don't retire on a boat.... Do it now.. it's a fab way of life. I raised my son on a boat and still work full time and have a car and a continuous cruiser... It's all in the head....
Interesting to hear your first impressions, as it were. You'll find that the winter seems about a month longer at each end (than living ashore). Good luck and maybe it would also be interesting to make a similar video in say three years time.
The good news is, I am much more of a fan of winter and autumn than I am of summer generally… however, I do think the social aspect of canal life will come into its own along with the sun!
Fab video pal. I’m moving onto my boat full time in 2 weeks. I’ve been hiring and had shared boats for a few years now so not a total boat virgin. I know it had its issues and it’s not all roses and castles and gin and tonic on the well deck but loving in a house can also have issues too. Hope to see you out on the cut one day soon.
Everyone of those is no problem at all...live solitude, my loo I will empty it, diy ..love it.. weather? Love the winter & rain hits any window and can be heard. Personal? Close the curtains! I see no issues what so ever.
Which is fantastic! It’s great that everyone is different. I’m sure you can see that some other people wouldn’t enjoy those things. Hence the “not for everyone” style of video.
You will probably be able to make a fresh video on the same topic for every season and to cover your changing views after being onboard for longer. 50mph winds in many houses is a worry - people wondering how many roof tiles are being blown off and so forth. I see a number of newer narrow boats with good insulation and not only double glazing, but thermal break properties in the windows too (still trying to find out what that means). I also see a lot of older houses still using single glazing - especially if sash windows etc. where preservation orders can even prevent people putting more efficient windows in.
First time viewing your channel and I’ve subscribed. I thought of trying out boat life for a short vacation to see if I could do it. The points you bought up were good as I thought the opposite, that there were always people around to visit/socialize with. I still may give it a try, as I don’t need to be around people all the time. 🙂
Living on the cut, lonely, solitude, DEFINITELY NOT!!! like any walk of life its up to you, we CC and I've been on boats for 40 years, everywhere we go moor up chat to the neighbours, have a towpath gathering, meet ups at local pubs, so much going on, get stuck and there's ALWAYS someone who will make an effort to help. Having a cassette toilet is NOT a reason to not go boating, other options available. The noise, 😂😅😂 try sitting in a conservatory , or a house with large windows its just as noisey!! Yes people tend to look in the boat when moored, just shut the curtains on the towpath side enjoy the canal side view. Personally the only thing we agreed with was reason 5, slow down, yes that's what its all about, cruising along seeing the countryside at a snails pace, going to villages you'd probably never drive to, just pass through at 30mph. Here's my 1 reason. Dont buy a boat if you think it's a CHEAP way of life, especially if you have no DIY skills, maybe engineers are costly if you can't do your own repairs!!!
Fair play. Great points. Perhaps I’m just in a really quiet marina… or maybe my face says “don’t talk to him” 😂 On the “doing the dirty” I wasn’t just referring to the toilet side of things… I do know some people that just wouldn’t like some of the cleaning and dirty maintenance side of boats vs houses. These were just my observations from my experience early on… some of these points may be completely different in the warmer months… I expect the social aspect to be a major change.
PS… thank you for the way you have responded. Something I’ve noticed more and more is that people haven’t forgotten that you can disagree without being aggressive. I really appreciate that you have been informative without expressing hatred! Hope to bump into you some day… especially at a local pub meet up 🤘🍻
@@CutSluice I've spent 23 years at sea and 15 on my nb, 8 years at a boat yard refitting and refurbishing boats. Always available for help if needed, feel free to ask. Not sure where you are, feel free to let us know, and pub is always a good place to meet up. Stay safe, be happy
@@tonypetchey6024 I’m in Northamptonshire. You’ve spent longer on the water than on land! Very impressive! I had my first afternoon on a neighbour’s boat yesterday… was a great laugh. Welcomed my kids as well who I had over for the night. I’m already eating my words 😂
To be fair, I don't think anyone would choose to live on a boat to maintain a fast paced life. It's kind of obvious that the pace of life will be slower and that's a big reason why a lot of people choose boat life.
Thanks for making me feel better, living in my first floor flat in an ok regional town! I imagine living in a low down, bleak, cold corridor, with people walking by looking in, few local amenities and having to deal with one's turds twice.. One's got a probably old rickety energy supply and is always having to fix things to keep going. And unless one's got other assets, it's slowly losing financially -either by renting or owning a slowly depreciating asset. Maybe it's charming on a warm Sunday afternoon, or if you've got a nasty family to escape from? There must be appeals as you seem a nice sane fellow ..but really, I struggle to see the appeal of Canal boats myself!
There are certainly pluses and minuses… and escaping from family members certainly is not a reason I’ve found to be the case in anyone I’ve met so far. Perhaps you’ve met someone that has done. Power supply isn’t really an issue for me and I generally use the toilets in the toilet blocks or public ones if I’m out and about. Low down - accurate Bleak - not accurate, Cold - only when the heating broke and that’s a video in the making People looking in - I’m in a marina so not really but used to happen on the street I lived in Local amenities - less available than where I live but plenty within 10 minutes drive. I’ve only experienced it in winter so far, I think spring and autumn will be the best months and there will be plenty of videos for you to see if you wish.
That's an awfully negative take, but you get back what you bring to it, as with most things. We put on a bunch of solar, and an extra, 200Ah leisure battery. There's an inverter for 240VAC when the engine isn't running and you're not on shore power, and a "travel power" that gives you AC when the engine is running. We have a washing machine, shower, diesel-powered central heating, fridge/freezer, oven, stovetop, grill, microwave oven, TV, wireless broadband, and a laptop. It's quite cozy and all the "modcons". We can quite comfortably wild moor for a week to 10 days without any external support; the primary limiting factors are the water tank and toilet cassette capacities. We have no garden to take care of, sidewalks to clean, council taxes to pay, traffic problems, or any of that. And if we don't like the neighbors, it's a matter of about 15 minutes to be ready to move somewhere else!
I would put in the top five - electric and power! Having to watch your output all the time while on the cut - especially in winter .. if you don’t have solar it’s a nightmare! 😮 some people just wouldn’t cope with it!
I love watching these "Don't do this" video because it keeps me doing reality checks and I keep finding more reasons to do it. I tend to answer the key points people bring up as "it might not be fore you" and I am happy to still go and live on one. One point I can see will be Showering - Taking shorter showers, I tend to take LONG LONG showers because I can. I would have to be actively changing that behaviour. if you can't afford to cut down shower times because you have limited water supply until your next refill then maybe its not for you.
I'm surprised that nobody uses an incineration toilet. It cost a lot of money but there's no hassle to it other than propane. And most boats already have a supply of propane.
@@CutSluice@CutSluice The nice thing is that they are relatively maintenance-free; clean the ashtray area and check the vent pipe. The Cinderella Freedom would be a good fit. Likely the biggest issue would be cost and installation. To me, well worth the money. Of course, I would be the guy on the shortest narrowboat living like I live now in my farm cabin.
I’m currently living in my house & seriously considering buying a narrow boat/ wide beam for that little extra space. But before I do that I would like to know if anyone that is new to canal living has had any time learning beforehand the basic skills please, a pointer in the right direction would be very appreciative. Also when you stop overnight on the canal is there a fee to pay or is it only when yr stopping to hook up to electric. I would appreciate if someone could tell me what I need to know before I go ahead. I’m an outdoor person, love the adventure & enjoy walking & my own company. I’ve lived in my house for over 20yrs & now I’m feeling I need a change of life. Kind Regards Julie😊
Hi Julie, I didn’t have any training (I’m new) but I have a permanent mooring in a marina and take the boat out when I can (work and family commitments allowing). You pay a yearly licence (like a tax or permit) to use the canal system and that allows you to moor anywhere that is not designated otherwise for 14 days at a time, before you have to move on. I might do a video on that type of subject if that would be helpful?
Great question but one I don’t know the answer to unfortunately as I’ve not been down. Depending on whether you were wanting a permanent mooring or just a spot to moor for a few nights, the answer will probably differ. Perhaps get in contact with the Canal & River Trust for a bit of friendly advice.
Great video...good to know these things....lots of people i know feel they need to do a million things every day, makes me tired with them talking about it...
Hey Sue - I have another video all about toilets… short answer is that they are expensive to fix if they go wrong and if the canal freezes over, you can’t empty it!
I crave solitude. No poophobia. Don't get hysterical about privacy. Love all weather. Lightning tho, eeeek! I'm retired. It's dull. Nothing ever changes. Thiz would be a step up! Thanks for this wisdom. It helped to hear about these. The only thing I think would bother me would be the smells.
I have to say that many ppl live in huge cities in flats etc and are very isolated. Remember that case of a woman in London found in a flat deceased after a year with the tv still on…
I don't find it difficult to plan ahead, just find a wharf and have coal and logs delivered, that's once every winter month. Diesel is oncemonth. Water is every few weeks. I get shopping delivered every week.
Living at the top of a hill in windy Wales, weather isn't a problem. As long as I can have a decent hot shower, I could more than likely cope....it would be nice to try a narrow boat first....I'd be more worried about steering it!!
The Welsh version of "dreckly" is :- "I'll do it now in a minute!" A reasonable list, though thankfully wouldn't have a problem with any of them and like you could do with the last one in my life.
@@CutSluice thats completely fair I don't wanna go out on the rain to empty crap, compost mayne at a push... I'm thinking Cinderella toilet is a good option for me as well.. yes gas price but I'm not to worried about that to much. :) I'll check it out later man
Hey Dan. Bill and Matt on Pyxis just around the corner from you. I think it may have been Matt going by your window a couple of times in the video. 😮 We're just coming up on one year continuous boat living, along with our cats, mostly wild mooring (except the winter, because shore power and Amazon and grocery delivery to the marina is awfully handy!) and I mostly agree with your evaluation. I wasn't too keen on the whole cassette thing, and Matt had been taking care of it, but he visited his mother in London for a week, and needs must... It's right up there with my least favorite activities, but as they say... poo happens. You get used to it. I don't entirely agree about the lack of privacy. In our experience, you can have as much or as little as you like. With the curtains closed, it's like living in a submarine, and even wild moored near towns, once you get used to the foot (and bicycle, and motorcycle, and small car, and the occasional school kid stampede) it's actually still quiet private. If you go all crazy getting out of your boat and *gasp* talking to random strangers, then you may find yourself expected to be social now and then. But in our experience, people on the canals are more than happy with a wave, a smile, and maybe a joke, usually about the weather. As long as I don't isolate myself without realising it, it's fine. In a couple of weeks, we'll be setting sail on the canals again, and we're both looking forward to that. Fresh air, wildlife, scenery, pubs, gongoozlers, and all the rest!
Hey! Hope you are well! In the space of a couple of months my opinions on some of these things are certainly changing already. I think a lot of things are just “different” so to speak and a matter of just getting used to. I’ve just done the cassette run, definitely still my least favourite job 😂 I think I’m going to the shop to grab some beers for when I’ve finished my work, more than welcome to pop by for a chin wag if you are about 😌
If you own the boat, you can technically travel any time you want. However, it is strongly recommended you have proper lighting, and don't travel in snow and ice. With hired canal boats, you are usually not permitted to take hired narrowboats out after dark. That’s the law as such but it’s a bit antisocial to be travelling at night, people sleeping. If you plan to travel at night, your boat should be equipped with port- and starboard-running lights (red and green) and a white light at front.
@@stealth1692 no problem. I’ve not tried it and I’m not sure I’d want to, personally… but yeah if it works for you - nothing in the law to stop you. Just be careful of the odd death stare 😂
Ive got a pump out with a portable backup,you can have double glazing. The weather effects everyone ive had weather issues in a house.i wouldnt bother doing another video in your position I'd sell up
Why sell up when I’m enjoying it? The points I raised were more questions for people to ask themselves. None of these things bother me, but they may bother other people.
Incinerator toilet? Then just a little bit of ash every 4 or 5 days ……..well its an expensive idea but they do have them Plus privacy film so you can see out but others can’t see in oh and a humidifier. One of biggest problems is how you get your power ie mooring and having electric on tap most comfortable certainly for newbies
Hi Dan great vlogs ,very interesting, looking forward to seeing your future vlogs ,all the best for boating in this new year Andy and Julie NB. Lady Jan (your neighbours)
You haven't even started on the limited power, limited heating, limited security..........😁, the muddy tow paths to get to anywhere for provisions...oh the list goes on!
Of course you have to adapt to a 12volt lifestyle, power has to be generated every day, I run the engine for an hour or so every day at the moment, and although i have a big battery bank i still need to replace what i have used, plus about ten percent for efficiency losses. If you want to use more power you might need to get a generator of some description else the batteries will die prematurely. Shore power has other costs, like marina berthing costs, which can be eye watering in the London area. Heating, well you need to have a system, or two systems, or like me three! If you don't have a multi fuel stove it might be best not to live on board all year round,
I understand security can be an issue, I am cc and usually moor up near to another boat. If it is obvious that there are security issues I would not moor there, it's rarely been an problem. I keep the boat well lit at night, and I always have a note in my log book of postcode and description of the locus. Any attempt at entry would generate noise, and require force.
Haha I think the toilet thing is not my thing and lived on a boat with a girl for a few months and felt there was no privacy..get out your boat and there’s people walking by wanting to talk..I think I’d have to crap at work most of the time and try a compost toilet and ignore the public if I’m a busy area (most boaters don’t even look at people walking by so I think privacy affects all boaters) and try to get out into the countryside every now and then for a barbecue
Great question. I’m not aware of this happening with a moored vessel. It does happen with people driving but not heard of anyone being fined whilst the boat is stationary.
It sounds like heaven to me well except the toilet bit but I was a nurse so it wouldn’t faze me. This Aussie may need to find a way to get myself over there after my kids are all adults 😄
At last, a realistic video more about the factors many don't consider before thinking 'yeah, let's jump on the '*trend* life' bandwagon!' - really short, sweet and concise, as well as why it works out for you, which is really good to see :) Nobody said any of it is easy to do, but that's part of the challenge that people forget to better themselves and to think outside the box about issues they face, which is really refreshing in today's 'I'm alright, Jack, Elon will do it all for me' society. There's been too many 'why I quit the '*trend* life' & why you should too, duuude' reactions recently that just appear on my feed, which is just a waste of video from those people as they clearly didn't think before they did what they did - if things went belly-up in this country, I don't think these same people would survive 5 minutes and would probably phone the police because their local KFC ran out of chicken 😅 Keep up the good work @Cut Sluice 🙂
Yeah the toilet would be my downfall. Maybe I’d get used to it and adapt but depending on any heath conditions or just an illness that would be an experience 😂😂
I would add.. the neighbours.. If you've been watching Timothy West and Prunella Scales, don't be tempted. I've watched narrowboat living for the past 20+ years. These days you're far more likely to be neighbours with people escaping from problems, often involving the law.. and be smelling the perfume of drifting pot.
Having a poor life on terra firma suits the majority. For the 4th time we are back living on a narrow boat. This time the hot and cold make a greater difference we did not plan to move back on board to be hit by the winter on set but it happened. What I can say for certain is that you are a prisoner on terra firma. Money is the key to life in this world and on a narrow boat money goes further than on terra firma. The point and greatest asset of narrow boating is the summer months. Sadly you have to suffer the winter to get there.
I'm 19 years aboard now. I moved on for the solitude. It's not a glamorous life. I still love it though. Check out my song 'Towpath blues' about boat life.
The main problem, and the only difficult one is having a fund for a major problem. £5K should cover it. I allow £1K per annum for maintenance, painting, etc. I am currently having a major internal upgrade which is non essential, but it will make life more aesthetically pleasant, that's a new galley excluding cooker, and it will be about £3K. The diner Wil have new upholstery and new table, it should come in about £1,500. These are things I can't do myself to professional standards.
I don't know what to say just watched the video and am left a bit befuddled by the fact that most people find all your negatives apart from toilet which a compost toilet is best way forward their positives If anyone want to live on a narrowboat the solid sound advice would be hire one for a week or two and see You could also have mentioned water tanks need filling leisure batteries running flat the list goes on but so what just get on with it
Yup, only pointing out something to consider. It’s just 5 reasons that it MIGHT not be for everyone… they can also be 5 reasons you will love it… that’s the joy of life, nobody is the same.
I would in a heartbeat if I didn’t have family commitments and the requirement to work in various places of the country, sometimes at the drop of a hat. One day, those things will change, and I can fully embrace the way of life .
Having been caravanning for about 10 years, i love sitting inside the van, listening to the wind and rain hitting the outside - I find it very relaxing! As for the toilet - well I am used to emptying the cassette, but we only use it for 'number ones'... 😳 and go to the toilet block for anything else! However I would love to spend some time on a narrowboat, but my wife doesn't like them. 😢
How depressing to hear you are very negative , what are doing living on a narrow boat , the world does not need your depressing thoughts ,there are hi-breds which you do not need coal or gas and pump out toilets , so you do not need to empty your own , the narrow boater's are very friendly , you will always meet friends , please do not spread negativity thank you, a narrow boat is cheaper than a flat , to be lonely sit in a flat all day thAnk you , alledegably
I think you’ve got me all wrong here… I love it on the boat. I’m just pointing out some bits that I’ve noticed in my first couple of weeks that might be a problem for some people. And with all due respect, everyone is allowed an opinion. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch it. Hope you have a great day, I’m certainly enjoying mine 🤘
Being in prison is basically the same lifestyle. You slop out your manurables and you dont have privacy but your living alone SO yes not for everyone 😂😂 i would love it tho
I have a cassette, and I add a bit of blue diluted with laundry liquid and water once a day, it's easy to empty once a week. Use gloves and a mask if the Elsan is dirty, which is rare. I get it non smelly. But for me ,age 77 it's a bit heavy!
I think you are negative with your video. Maybe you haven't prepared! We have lived aboard 11 years. We are happy and self sufficient with a generator and engine to provide our power, water heating to charge every appliance we need, including Internet 😄
The narrow boat slash canal living concept is way overrated. Chasing a dream of cheese 🧀 like a rat in a labyrinth on a never ending "due it all over again" is pretty much frustrating. On top the most shit weather, cold and rainy hours. Zero privacy extremely low safety all around. Glorified by hippie people still looking for the alternative style of living. Believing everything is cheaper than on mainland or even is for free. We have plenty of those delusional people around our coast lines. People who are trying to sell their nonsense on their "influencer" pages to others who don't know better. Fact is that boat life is at least triple the cost of the mainland. I can't imagine doing the Mouse 🐭 in the maze thing at all. Seems like ground hog day EVERY day.
@@ladygardener100 Captain since 1980 (YachtMaster). 9 Atlantic ❌ ings. 4 Trans Pacific. Should be enough for a opinion of truth. Anyone should do what makes them happy. For me it looks depressing running in circles all day long with 2 knots. That's all.
These are my thoughts after five weeks… definitely not claiming I know everything, so please feel free to add to the points / disagree with them. Please do so respectfully.
Whether you have lived on a boat for 30 years or you’re thinking about it and haven’t bought one yet… you’re allowed an opinion and it is welcome, as long as it is respectful.
Thanks for reminding me about all the things I love about living on a Narrowboat!
No problem at all, good sir!!!
For the majority of us who lead short disappointing "lives of quiet desperation", any alternative appeals.
Why not give it a try?
@@CutSluice seasickness. 😃
@@iananderson3799 yeah… that’ll do it
Be very wary of jumping out of frying pan in to fire, it can be very miserable in winter, that is from November to mid March. So f you are depressed, get that sorted and only move on to a boat if you like this itinerant lifestyle. It suits me, but it took me a few YEARS to decide if I had made the right decision. COVID isolation is not much different, but if you cruise in London / Birmingham / Kennet and Avon etc, that's not going to be like Oop North!
@@ladygardener100 very sage advice. I hadn’t really thought of it like that.
If your a bit used to things been done for you and not very hands on. It can be an expensive and stressful life. Hands on approach, a love for water, outdoors and a bit of getting mucky almost regularly then its a dream, 4 years in. Love it
Fully agree! If you are not hands on, then you will be in for a shock to the system or an empty wallet! 😂
I'd also add that it's not only the dealing with your own waste etc, but also planning the whole loading/unloading thing - if you don't have the services on your mooring (or you're cruising), you need to plan ahead to know when you're going to need to take on water, get rid of your poo, refuel your diesel, gas, coal etc. And it will take most of a day to actually do it.... But, yes, slowing down is the most important lesson to learn!
This is perfect! Completely valid and potentially should be in the top 5.
I might remake the video in a year’s time to see how my thoughts have changed.
And when you’ve planned every move the weather reminds you you’re on a boat!
Very enjoyable video. I believe I would be quite happy living aboard a narrowboat. Thanks to you and others here on TH-cam, I can do so vicariously.
Sneaky! Great tactic! Maybe rent one for a few weeks and see how you like it?
I have been a vicarious boater for years 😂 costs me price of my WiFi and a lot of fun to watch others navigate the joys of boating. I think the two things that would bother me most are ultra muddy slippery towpaths in winter and fear of flooding if i owned a livaboard.
Iv just moved aboard my former hire boat and absolutely love it but I have two pump out toilets and I fully agree with you cassettes are much better in that their easier to empty it doesn't cost to empty and it's a lot simpler , and for me slowing down and solitude is the best thing about boat life just mooring up making a coffee and watching the world go by
I sooooo agree! Coffee and relax time is just heaven!!!
@@CutSluice I also really don't like the idea of having a composting toilet on my boat , and I think everyone's in such a rush to get somewhere or get something done and I realised life's to short to waste it living like that
@@nathanberry4339 I don’t know… I think if I didn’t buy the boat with a porta potty on it, I’d choose compostable.
I am in a marina though.
With elsan toilets you really need a car to transport them because elsan disposal points are few and far between. I've lived on my boat for 13yrs but as I get older I feel boat life getting harder and less enjoyable and am debating if I can afford to go back on dry land.
@@stevegoddard9756 this is a really interesting topic.
I didn’t really want to mention mobility in this video because I know I’d end up getting backlash for it… however, the reason I have this boat is because the previous owner (and builder) is now in his 70s, wife in her 80s and their mobility is not what it used to be.
In the Marina that I am moored, there are trolleys for transportation of cassettes etc.
Maybe that could be an option?
Totally agree with these as main reasons to not or to do it on the flip side. Me and my partner have been on this journey for 3 months and have experienced multiple bad luck situations including 3 floods in that time which decimated our mooring and meant us moving and getting stuck due to flood closures and a 70ft narrowboat getting ripped from her mooring and wedging in the bridge (barrow upon soar). Despite all this we have not lost heart and can not wait for the summer trips! My job is very fast paced so coming back to slow paced life and beautiful surroundings balances my life perfectly. Great video, keep em coming.
Thanks Sean, glad it hasn’t put you off! Summer should be awesome!!!
I think you accidentally said that the weather was a problem when surely that would be a bonus?
I love the wind and the rain so much. I love wearing a thick jumper and getting under a blanket whilst the rain lashes against the windows. I love coming in from the rain soaking wet and peeling off my clothes to get into my jim jams.
I'm looking to make a change and start a life on a narrowboat. I used to work and live on a cruise ship (best sleep I ever had), so this feels like a reasonable alternative.
I am making points that it may be a problem for some point.
That is all.
Some people love it, some people hate it.
I actually listen to rain on my EarPods it helps me sleep. The sound of rain for me is very calming.
@ yup… absolutely it is for lots of people… for others it isn’t.
Just pointing out things that some people might not like.
I like this. It's all about real matters. Honestly, me & my husband are learning everything about life & living on Narrowboat.. by watching this and understanding a full picture..
Yup, no point in dressing it up! It’s not all rosy… but I still love it!
@@CutSluice .. I like your opinion, ideas 💡, straight facts 💯.. understood
@LordNathanMoore thank you 🫡
@@CutSluice your welcome 🫡
Good vlog, for us the slow pace of life, privacy and solitude were the main reasons we bought a narrowboat. 5 years later we still love the image and quiet.
For us the slow pace of life and
Thank you. The slowing down definitely has helped my soul!
Sounds like a wonderful way of life to me... 😊
Absolutely… not for everyone… but definitely for me also 🤘
Often dream of retirement on a narrowboat and yes, the solitude, the dirty DIY, the weather, the slowing down - happy with all of that. Privacy - I might struggle - I’d probably fit net curtains 😀
I think it’s just an adjustment in expectations. Different people deal with it in different ways.
Do you have the potential opportunity to perhaps rent one for a few weeks?
Don't retire on a boat.... Do it now.. it's a fab way of life. I raised my son on a boat and still work full time and have a car and a continuous cruiser... It's all in the head....
Well done, Captain Dan! ^5 Very important considerations. Bright blessings. 💖
And to you!
Really informative video, thanks. Looking to buy a narrowboat so always great to hear real world testimonies.
Very welcome! More to come with the good the bad and the ugly.
Absolutely
More like 5 reason you will Love it, Sounds like heaven.
Exactly! Everyone is different… some people will not enjoy it for those reasons, some people will absolutely love it for those reasons 🤘🤘🤘
Interesting to hear your first impressions, as it were. You'll find that the winter seems about a month longer at each end (than living ashore). Good luck and maybe it would also be interesting to make a similar video in say three years time.
I was thinking the exact same thing… I reckon it’ll be different every year!!!
The good news is, I am much more of a fan of winter and autumn than I am of summer generally… however, I do think the social aspect of canal life will come into its own along with the sun!
Fab video pal. I’m moving onto my boat full time in 2 weeks. I’ve been hiring and had shared boats for a few years now so not a total boat virgin. I know it had its issues and it’s not all roses and castles and gin and tonic on the well deck but loving in a house can also have issues too. Hope to see you out on the cut one day soon.
Amazing! Life would be boring if it was easy!
Where in the UK are you?
@@CutSluice I’ll be at Stone, Nr Stoke on Trent to start with then see where the canal takes me.
@@lockingthroughlife2587 I’m in Northamptonshire along the Grand Union Canal
@@CutSluice cool pal. Maybe our paths will cross one day. 👍
@@lockingthroughlife2587 you never know!!
Everyone of those is no problem at all...live solitude, my loo I will empty it, diy ..love it.. weather? Love the winter & rain hits any window and can be heard. Personal? Close the curtains!
I see no issues what so ever.
Which is fantastic! It’s great that everyone is different. I’m sure you can see that some other people wouldn’t enjoy those things. Hence the “not for everyone” style of video.
Thank you. ❤
For the video or is there something I am missing? 😂
I have just now discovered you videos and they are exactly what I need as I'm thinking of my first narrowboat purchase.
Thanks Hugo.
More to come!
Did you get one?
You will probably be able to make a fresh video on the same topic for every season and to cover your changing views after being onboard for longer.
50mph winds in many houses is a worry - people wondering how many roof tiles are being blown off and so forth.
I see a number of newer narrow boats with good insulation and not only double glazing, but thermal break properties in the windows too (still trying to find out what that means). I also see a lot of older houses still using single glazing - especially if sash windows etc. where preservation orders can even prevent people putting more efficient windows in.
Superb points!
I think you are right… I learn new stuff everyday and I am seriously considering double glazed windows as an install in the summer!
First time viewing your channel and I’ve subscribed. I thought of trying out boat life for a short vacation to see if I could do it. The points you bought up were good as I thought the opposite, that there were always people around to visit/socialize with. I still may give it a try, as I don’t need to be around people all the time. 🙂
Thank you! Much appreciated! I think it will be very different in the summer… only time will tell!
Miss living on my Narrowboat in Lincolnshire....beautiful sounds of rain and wind, cozy fire..now live in NYC, bit of a difference!
Oh my word! New York vs Narrowboat in Lincolnshire! Can’t get much different!!!
Oh my goodness, what a culture shock, where do you prefer being the most!
Thanks for sharing, often thought it would be a nice way to live, especially since life has become so expensive lately! Take care 👍
Absolutely. There are many wonderful part and some things that some people would love and some people would heavily dislike!
Living on the cut, lonely, solitude, DEFINITELY NOT!!! like any walk of life its up to you, we CC and I've been on boats for 40 years, everywhere we go moor up chat to the neighbours, have a towpath gathering, meet ups at local pubs, so much going on, get stuck and there's ALWAYS someone who will make an effort to help.
Having a cassette toilet is NOT a reason to not go boating, other options available.
The noise, 😂😅😂 try sitting in a conservatory , or a house with large windows its just as noisey!!
Yes people tend to look in the boat when moored, just shut the curtains on the towpath side enjoy the canal side view.
Personally the only thing we agreed with was reason 5, slow down, yes that's what its all about, cruising along seeing the countryside at a snails pace, going to villages you'd probably never drive to, just pass through at 30mph.
Here's my 1 reason.
Dont buy a boat if you think it's a CHEAP way of life, especially if you have no DIY skills, maybe engineers are costly if you can't do your own repairs!!!
Fair play. Great points. Perhaps I’m just in a really quiet marina… or maybe my face says “don’t talk to him” 😂
On the “doing the dirty” I wasn’t just referring to the toilet side of things… I do know some people that just wouldn’t like some of the cleaning and dirty maintenance side of boats vs houses.
These were just my observations from my experience early on… some of these points may be completely different in the warmer months… I expect the social aspect to be a major change.
PS… thank you for the way you have responded. Something I’ve noticed more and more is that people haven’t forgotten that you can disagree without being aggressive. I really appreciate that you have been informative without expressing hatred! Hope to bump into you some day… especially at a local pub meet up 🤘🍻
@@CutSluice I've spent 23 years at sea and 15 on my nb, 8 years at a boat yard refitting and refurbishing boats. Always available for help if needed, feel free to ask. Not sure where you are, feel free to let us know, and pub is always a good place to meet up. Stay safe, be happy
@@tonypetchey6024 I’m in Northamptonshire.
You’ve spent longer on the water than on land! Very impressive!
I had my first afternoon on a neighbour’s boat yesterday… was a great laugh. Welcomed my kids as well who I had over for the night.
I’m already eating my words 😂
To be fair, I don't think anyone would choose to live on a boat to maintain a fast paced life. It's kind of obvious that the pace of life will be slower and that's a big reason why a lot of people choose boat life.
Thanks for making me feel better, living in my first floor flat in an ok regional town!
I imagine living in a low down, bleak, cold corridor, with people walking by looking in, few local amenities and having to deal with one's turds twice.. One's got a probably old rickety energy supply and is always having to fix things to keep going. And unless one's got other assets, it's slowly losing financially -either by renting or owning a slowly depreciating asset.
Maybe it's charming on a warm Sunday afternoon, or if you've got a nasty family to escape from? There must be appeals as you seem a nice sane fellow ..but really, I struggle to see the appeal of Canal boats myself!
There are certainly pluses and minuses… and escaping from family members certainly is not a reason I’ve found to be the case in anyone I’ve met so far. Perhaps you’ve met someone that has done.
Power supply isn’t really an issue for me and I generally use the toilets in the toilet blocks or public ones if I’m out and about.
Low down - accurate
Bleak - not accurate,
Cold - only when the heating broke and that’s a video in the making
People looking in - I’m in a marina so not really but used to happen on the street I lived in
Local amenities - less available than where I live but plenty within 10 minutes drive.
I’ve only experienced it in winter so far, I think spring and autumn will be the best months and there will be plenty of videos for you to see if you wish.
That's an awfully negative take, but you get back what you bring to it, as with most things. We put on a bunch of solar, and an extra, 200Ah leisure battery. There's an inverter for 240VAC when the engine isn't running and you're not on shore power, and a "travel power" that gives you AC when the engine is running. We have a washing machine, shower, diesel-powered central heating, fridge/freezer, oven, stovetop, grill, microwave oven, TV, wireless broadband, and a laptop. It's quite cozy and all the "modcons". We can quite comfortably wild moor for a week to 10 days without any external support; the primary limiting factors are the water tank and toilet cassette capacities. We have no garden to take care of, sidewalks to clean, council taxes to pay, traffic problems, or any of that. And if we don't like the neighbors, it's a matter of about 15 minutes to be ready to move somewhere else!
@@Culturedropout absolutely! Perfectly put.
I would put in the top five - electric and power! Having to watch your output all the time while on the cut - especially in winter .. if you don’t have solar it’s a nightmare! 😮 some people just wouldn’t cope with it!
This is one I’m yet to learn as I’m in a marina. It’s all convenient at the moment in terms of power and fuel
Thanks Dan
Thanks for watching, Debbie 😌
I love watching these "Don't do this" video because it keeps me doing reality checks and I keep finding more reasons to do it.
I tend to answer the key points people bring up as "it might not be fore you" and I am happy to still go and live on one.
One point I can see will be Showering - Taking shorter showers, I tend to take LONG LONG showers because I can. I would have to be actively changing that behaviour.
if you can't afford to cut down shower times because you have limited water supply until your next refill then maybe its not for you.
This is sooooo true! I love long showers too. Thankfully not a problem in the marina but out and about, different story!
I spent the entire time admiring your flaming red beard.
I’m really not sure what to say 😂
I know, right!? Awesome.
@@NotMolly-jf2rh 😂😂😂🙈🙈🙈
I'm surprised that nobody uses an incineration toilet. It cost a lot of money but there's no hassle to it other than propane. And most boats already have a supply of propane.
It’s certainly an option, but I like to keep things simple - if it breaks, it’s easier to fix.
@@CutSluice@CutSluice The nice thing is that they are relatively maintenance-free; clean the ashtray area and check the vent pipe. The Cinderella Freedom would be a good fit. Likely the biggest issue would be cost and installation. To me, well worth the money. Of course, I would be the guy on the shortest narrowboat living like I live now in my farm cabin.
@ fair play to you!
I’m currently living in my house & seriously considering buying a narrow boat/ wide beam for that little extra space. But before I do that I would like to know if anyone that is new to canal living has had any time learning beforehand the basic skills please, a pointer in the right direction would be very appreciative.
Also when you stop overnight on the canal is there a fee to pay or is it only when yr stopping to hook up to electric. I would appreciate if someone could tell me what I need to know before I go ahead.
I’m an outdoor person, love the adventure & enjoy walking & my own company. I’ve lived in my house for over 20yrs & now I’m feeling I need a change of life.
Kind Regards
Julie😊
Hi Julie,
I didn’t have any training (I’m new) but I have a permanent mooring in a marina and take the boat out when I can (work and family commitments allowing).
You pay a yearly licence (like a tax or permit) to use the canal system and that allows you to moor anywhere that is not designated otherwise for 14 days at a time, before you have to move on.
I might do a video on that type of subject if that would be helpful?
@ ohh yes please & thankyou so much for your reply, where in the country are you located, only answer if your happy too😊
Northamptonshire, how about yourself?
Been on my for boat many many years.... Everything you said I love and more.... Even the pump out toilet.... Those that love it, those that hate it 😂.
Absolutely! Different strokes for different folks. It’s not for everybody, but absolutely is for you and I 🤘
All great points....that unspire me further to give it a go. 😂 thank you
That’s the spirit!!!
where would be the safest place to moor in London? are there guided unwritten rules on how to find a safe spot?
Great question but one I don’t know the answer to unfortunately as I’ve not been down.
Depending on whether you were wanting a permanent mooring or just a spot to moor for a few nights, the answer will probably differ.
Perhaps get in contact with the Canal & River Trust for a bit of friendly advice.
Great video...good to know these things....lots of people i know feel they need to do a million things every day, makes me tired with them talking about it...
There are some things… maybe not as many as some make it out to be.
What's the issue with pump outs? We are used to cassettes as we have a van.
Hey Sue - I have another video all about toilets… short answer is that they are expensive to fix if they go wrong and if the canal freezes over, you can’t empty it!
@@CutSluiceoh OK didn't realise that. Will have to watch the toilet video!
@@suecoo66 no problem at all hope you enjoy ☺️
I crave solitude.
No poophobia.
Don't get hysterical about privacy.
Love all weather. Lightning tho, eeeek!
I'm retired. It's dull. Nothing ever changes. Thiz would be a step up!
Thanks for this wisdom. It helped to hear about these.
The only thing I think would bother me would be the smells.
What smells? I fell in the canal today… smelled better than some things I’ve encountered 😂
I have to say that many ppl live in huge cities in flats etc and are very isolated. Remember that case of a woman in London found in a flat deceased after a year with the tv still on…
This is very true. Good point.
I don't find it difficult to plan ahead, just find a wharf and have coal and logs delivered, that's once every winter month. Diesel is oncemonth. Water is every few weeks. I get shopping delivered every week.
Currently, as I’m moored at a Marina, I don’t need to plan much. I might neglect the planning in the summer if I’m out and about a lot.
Living at the top of a hill in windy Wales, weather isn't a problem. As long as I can have a decent hot shower, I could more than likely cope....it would be nice to try a narrow boat first....I'd be more worried about steering it!!
You get used to the steering. I reckon you’d be fine.
Try hiring one for a week and see how you get on.
Not so many people around??? I love it 😀
Yup… some people love it, some people don’t!
The Welsh version of "dreckly" is :-
"I'll do it now in a minute!"
A reasonable list, though thankfully wouldn't have a problem with any of them and like you could do with the last one in my life.
Absolutely! It’s just the best! I didn’t know there was a Welsh dreckly! Amazing! Every day is a school day!
Why not pump out? Im looks into boats i dont want compost or caset. Pump out seems a nice option?
th-cam.com/video/HM31xQHpzVQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=SDNxT9AKSBFmBeGU
Check out my video on toilets. Link above 🤘
Pump out has its plus points, but not for me.
@@CutSluice thats completely fair I don't wanna go out on the rain to empty crap, compost mayne at a push... I'm thinking Cinderella toilet is a good option for me as well.. yes gas price but I'm not to worried about that to much. :) I'll check it out later man
Hey Dan. Bill and Matt on Pyxis just around the corner from you. I think it may have been Matt going by your window a couple of times in the video. 😮
We're just coming up on one year continuous boat living, along with our cats, mostly wild mooring (except the winter, because shore power and Amazon and grocery delivery to the marina is awfully handy!) and I mostly agree with your evaluation. I wasn't too keen on the whole cassette thing, and Matt had been taking care of it, but he visited his mother in London for a week, and needs must... It's right up there with my least favorite activities, but as they say... poo happens. You get used to it.
I don't entirely agree about the lack of privacy. In our experience, you can have as much or as little as you like. With the curtains closed, it's like living in a submarine, and even wild moored near towns, once you get used to the foot (and bicycle, and motorcycle, and small car, and the occasional school kid stampede) it's actually still quiet private. If you go all crazy getting out of your boat and *gasp* talking to random strangers, then you may find yourself expected to be social now and then. But in our experience, people on the canals are more than happy with a wave, a smile, and maybe a joke, usually about the weather. As long as I don't isolate myself without realising it, it's fine.
In a couple of weeks, we'll be setting sail on the canals again, and we're both looking forward to that. Fresh air, wildlife, scenery, pubs, gongoozlers, and all the rest!
Hey! Hope you are well!
In the space of a couple of months my opinions on some of these things are certainly changing already.
I think a lot of things are just “different” so to speak and a matter of just getting used to.
I’ve just done the cassette run, definitely still my least favourite job 😂
I think I’m going to the shop to grab some beers for when I’ve finished my work, more than welcome to pop by for a chin wag if you are about 😌
What’s the dating scene like on a narrow boat ? Nice and cosy with the wood burner going and bottle of wine 🍷
No idea! I’ll let other people answer that one 😂
Can you move your boat in the night? Or are you only allowed to do it in the day
If you own the boat, you can technically travel any time you want. However, it is strongly recommended you have proper lighting, and don't travel in snow and ice. With hired canal boats, you are usually not permitted to take hired narrowboats out after dark.
That’s the law as such but it’s a bit antisocial to be travelling at night, people sleeping.
If you plan to travel at night, your boat should be equipped with port- and starboard-running lights (red and green) and a white light at front.
@@CutSluice thanks for replying 👍 I’m more of a night owl so if I was moving I would do it in the evening but I wanted to make sure I could
@@stealth1692 no problem.
I’ve not tried it and I’m not sure I’d want to, personally… but yeah if it works for you - nothing in the law to stop you.
Just be careful of the odd death stare 😂
@@CutSluice 😂 I will probably get used to that lol
@@stealth1692 someone will make a name for themselves 😂
Ive got a pump out with a portable backup,you can have double glazing. The weather effects everyone ive had weather issues in a house.i wouldnt bother doing another video in your position I'd sell up
Why sell up when I’m enjoying it? The points I raised were more questions for people to ask themselves. None of these things bother me, but they may bother other people.
Great video, enjoyed it. I'm a tall person, so I wonder if the height of the ceiling in a narrowboat would make my top 5.
Mine is 6ft 5 internal clearance… some are not 😂
@@CutSluice Being 6'4", that would leave me 1" of clearance, better than nothing. LOL
@@JackNance22 a short guy then? 😂😂😂
@@CutSluice LOL
Incinerator toilet? Then just a little bit of ash every 4 or 5 days ……..well its an expensive idea but they do have them
Plus privacy film so you can see out but others can’t see in oh and a humidifier. One of biggest problems is how you get your power ie mooring and having electric on tap most comfortable certainly for newbies
I’ve heard of a macerator toilet… I’d never considered burning my… well… waste 😂
They don’t work on narrowboats. Use too much electricity or gas to incinerate the waste. Gutted when I worked that out.
You mean dehumidifier surely ? Anyway that’s what I have !
I`ve just subscribed mate, Good Luck and Am Looking forward to more Vids...
Thanks Denis, really appreciate it 🤘
Hi Dan great vlogs ,very interesting, looking forward to seeing your future vlogs ,all the best for boating in this new year Andy and Julie NB. Lady Jan (your neighbours)
Amazing!!! Your boat is gorgeous by the way!
Feel free to come and knock on the door when you are next about. Hope you are both well 🤘
@@CutSluice Thanks Dan we thought the same about yours ,lovely paint job mate 😎 we are down tomorrow afternoon hopefully see then . Take care mate 👍
@@andrewbates6568 hopefully. I’ll be out and about on the canal but will be back at some point 🤘 be good 😉
@@CutSluice enjoy mate ,we love the peace and quiet ,weather looks good this weekend 🌞🌞
@@andrewbates6568 can’t be much worse than we’ve had!!!
You haven't even started on the limited power, limited heating, limited security..........😁, the muddy tow paths to get to anywhere for provisions...oh the list goes on!
This is confirmation as to why I should repeat this video every 6 months 😂😂😂
Of course you have to adapt to a 12volt lifestyle, power has to be generated every day, I run the engine for an hour or so every day at the moment, and although i have a big battery bank i still need to replace what i have used, plus about ten percent for efficiency losses.
If you want to use more power you might need to get a generator of some description else the batteries will die prematurely.
Shore power has other costs, like marina berthing costs, which can be eye watering in the London area.
Heating, well you need to have a system, or two systems, or like me three!
If you don't have a multi fuel stove it might be best not to live on board all year round,
I take the boat to a nice clean wharf and have my groceries delivered by road, if towpath is muddy I wear my boots!
I understand security can be an issue, I am cc and usually moor up near to another boat. If it is obvious that there are security issues I would not moor there, it's rarely been an problem. I keep the boat well lit at night, and I always have a note in my log book of postcode and description of the locus. Any attempt at entry would generate noise, and require force.
That depends where you moor , if your in London it’s nit surprising.
Absolutely… I’ll re do this video soon now I’ve been living on the boat longer
Haha I think the toilet thing is not my thing and lived on a boat with a girl for a few months and felt there was no privacy..get out your boat and there’s people walking by wanting to talk..I think I’d have to crap at work most of the time and try a compost toilet and ignore the public if I’m a busy area (most boaters don’t even look at people walking by so I think privacy affects all boaters) and try to get out into the countryside every now and then for a barbecue
The toilet thing is absolutely my least favourite part 😂😂😂
I've watched this and thought "he's just given me 4 reasons to buy a boat" 😂
Perfect! See you on the waters!!!!
Does anyone ever get done for drinking in charge of a moored canal boat ?
Great question. I’m not aware of this happening with a moored vessel. It does happen with people driving but not heard of anyone being fined whilst the boat is stationary.
It sounds like heaven to me well except the toilet bit but I was a nurse so it wouldn’t faze me. This Aussie may need to find a way to get myself over there after my kids are all adults 😄
One thing you may want to check is the difference in weather 😂
At last, a realistic video more about the factors many don't consider before thinking 'yeah, let's jump on the '*trend* life' bandwagon!' - really short, sweet and concise, as well as why it works out for you, which is really good to see :) Nobody said any of it is easy to do, but that's part of the challenge that people forget to better themselves and to think outside the box about issues they face, which is really refreshing in today's 'I'm alright, Jack, Elon will do it all for me' society.
There's been too many 'why I quit the '*trend* life' & why you should too, duuude' reactions recently that just appear on my feed, which is just a waste of video from those people as they clearly didn't think before they did what they did - if things went belly-up in this country, I don't think these same people would survive 5 minutes and would probably phone the police because their local KFC ran out of chicken 😅
Keep up the good work @Cut Sluice 🙂
Thank you! I heard about people ringing the police when KFC ran out of chicken 😂😂🙈
Too old now, but really liked this vid.
Thank you. Never too old!
Yeah the toilet would be my downfall. Maybe I’d get used to it and adapt but depending on any heath conditions or just an illness that would be an experience 😂😂
It’s definitely not my favourite bit 😂😂😂
I would add.. the neighbours.. If you've been watching Timothy West and Prunella Scales, don't be tempted. I've watched narrowboat living for the past 20+ years. These days you're far more likely to be neighbours with people escaping from problems, often involving the law.. and be smelling the perfume of drifting pot.
I’ve not experienced it yet. I am in a marina though. They are apparently very strict on those sorts of activities.
Having a poor life on terra firma suits the majority.
For the 4th time we are back living on a narrow boat.
This time the hot and cold make a greater difference we did not plan to move back on board to be hit by the winter on set but it happened.
What I can say for certain is that you are a prisoner on terra firma.
Money is the key to life in this world and on a narrow boat money goes further than on terra firma.
The point and greatest asset of narrow boating is the summer months. Sadly you have to suffer the winter to get there.
I agree. I think my view will be very different in the summer.
I'm 19 years aboard now. I moved on for the solitude. It's not a glamorous life. I still love it though. Check out my song 'Towpath blues' about boat life.
Hey Phil, I’ll check it out. Thank you.
The locks!
That’s part of the fun!!! But I absolutely see your point 😫
The main problem, and the only difficult one is having a fund for a major problem. £5K should cover it.
I allow £1K per annum for maintenance, painting, etc.
I am currently having a major internal upgrade which is non essential, but it will make life more aesthetically pleasant, that's a new galley excluding cooker, and it will be about £3K. The diner Wil have new upholstery and new table, it should come in about £1,500.
These are things I can't do myself to professional standards.
Love these points… I think I’ll make a video covering financials outside of the actual purchase of the boat.
I don't know what to say just watched the video and am left a bit befuddled by the fact that most people find all your negatives apart from toilet which a compost toilet is best way forward their positives
If anyone want to live on a narrowboat the solid sound advice would be hire one for a week or two and see
You could also have mentioned water tanks need filling leisure batteries running flat the list goes on but so what just get on with it
Yup, only pointing out something to consider. It’s just 5 reasons that it MIGHT not be for everyone… they can also be 5 reasons you will love it… that’s the joy of life, nobody is the same.
Video that could have been a paragraph or list.
But you were passionate enough to comment about it. Thanks. Have a great day.
Facing a £30k overplating bill at some point when you have no income or savings .
Again a really odd comment… do you know the process I went through? Do you know something I don’t about the boat I bought?
Living in a marina is the same as living in a flat with a landlord. Leave and be free and experience actual boat life and travelling imho bro
I would in a heartbeat if I didn’t have family commitments and the requirement to work in various places of the country, sometimes at the drop of a hat.
One day, those things will change, and I can fully embrace the way of life .
I do agree with you… I think I’ll love it when that time comes 🤘
Narrowboat life - it's Manana, without the urgency...
😂😂😂 love that! Absolutely stealing it!
It's yours, sir!! @@CutSluice
@@richardwall2692 too kind! Too kind!
Yep, I agree with all of that. You do not belong on a narrowboat.
You’ve misunderstood the video and that’s fine. Have a great day 👍
If you like camping, you’ve got a chance😂
I actually never thought of it like that 😂😂😂
Having been caravanning for about 10 years, i love sitting inside the van, listening to the wind and rain hitting the outside - I find it very relaxing! As for the toilet - well I am used to emptying the cassette, but we only use it for 'number ones'... 😳 and go to the toilet block for anything else! However I would love to spend some time on a narrowboat, but my wife doesn't like them. 😢
Just blindfold surprise her, she’ll never know 😂
@CutSluice 🤔🤣🤣
How depressing to hear you are very negative , what are doing living on a narrow boat , the world does not need your depressing thoughts ,there are hi-breds which you do not need coal or gas and pump out toilets , so you do not need to empty your own , the narrow boater's are very friendly , you will always meet friends , please do not spread negativity thank you, a narrow boat is cheaper than a flat , to be lonely sit in a flat all day thAnk you , alledegably
I think you’ve got me all wrong here… I love it on the boat. I’m just pointing out some bits that I’ve noticed in my first couple of weeks that might be a problem for some people.
And with all due respect, everyone is allowed an opinion. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch it.
Hope you have a great day, I’m certainly enjoying mine 🤘
It’s my your sons freind
Good afternoon! Hope you are well. I’ll let him know you commented 🤘
@@CutSluice remember at the school Christmas thing I bought pizza
@@RandomGTplayer1 absolutely… and you shared it. 🤘
Being in prison is basically the same lifestyle. You slop out your manurables and you dont have privacy but your living alone SO yes not for everyone 😂😂 i would love it tho
Water prison… but you can drive to the pub and back again after a few 😂
Can we get a poop cleaning vlog?
If you really want one 😂
I have a cassette, and I add a bit of blue diluted with laundry liquid and water once a day, it's easy to empty once a week. Use gloves and a mask if the Elsan is dirty, which is rare. I get it non smelly. But for me ,age 77 it's a bit heavy!
@@ladygardener100 yup… definitely on the heavy side!!!
Using your life savings on a dream you havent researched further than some random TH-cam clips.
Seems an odd comment… is that aimed at me or someone you know?
All the negative points he's said are positives to me.. it's a narrow boat life for me!!.🤣🤣
Absolutely agree… as I said… isn’t for everyone, but I love it! 🤘🤘🤘
I think you are negative with your video. Maybe you haven't prepared!
We have lived aboard 11 years.
We are happy and self sufficient with a generator and engine to provide our power, water heating to charge every appliance we need, including Internet
😄
Hi Jan… you may be misunderstanding the video.
These things don’t bother me, but they might bother some people.
Not being negative at all.
The narrow boat slash canal living concept is way overrated.
Chasing a dream of cheese 🧀 like a rat in a labyrinth on a never ending "due it all over again" is pretty much frustrating. On top the most shit weather, cold and rainy hours. Zero privacy extremely low safety all around.
Glorified by hippie people still looking for the alternative style of living. Believing everything is cheaper than on mainland or even is for free.
We have plenty of those delusional people around our coast lines. People who are trying to sell their nonsense on their "influencer" pages to others who don't know better.
Fact is that boat life is at least triple the cost of the mainland.
I can't imagine doing the Mouse 🐭 in the maze thing at all. Seems like ground hog day EVERY day.
But who doesn’t like cheese? 😉😂
I'm not sure I'd take advice from a trimaran sailor, kinda niche.
Everyone is allowed their opinion. Please can we be civil? I definitely don’t want people fighting it out to the death 😂
@@ladygardener100
Captain since 1980 (YachtMaster).
9 Atlantic ❌ ings.
4 Trans Pacific.
Should be enough for a opinion of truth.
Anyone should do what makes them happy. For me it looks depressing running in circles all day long with 2 knots.
That's all.
Be Interesting to hear your opinion on pump outs.
I was thinking of doing a video on toilet types
@@CutSluice Be great if you did.
@@spumemonk11 then I will!
@@CutSluice Excellent! Looking forward to it.
love my boat love my solitude
Same here!
I would gladly live on a narrow boat, but the option to move every two weeks would disrupt me. I like to keep my feet in the same place.
Same… I have a permanent mooring in a marina