Acknowledging that you listen and process ideas and thoughts from the community is really wonderful, but of course at the end of the day it's your home! It's so generous of you to share your journey with all of us, and I'm looking forward to watching your progress! All the best!
All these months watching you tearing down & redoing the interior walls, etc. Now, today's plans made it all come together for me! I cannot wait to see what is next! I am glad you had so many people offering you ideas. It gave you the options you needed to move forward on your build.
James: Nice layout. One suggestion that I would recommend is to test your steps. I know you have mocked up your stairs, but t have you tried them with items in your arms. Try the the step with common item like bags of groceries and a suitcase. Walk in and out as well try them with you arms full in the dark. This will pay off and add more confidence in your design, because you know the worse case is arms full at night and in the rain will happen. Best Supporting f
Are you sure you mean 2 foot wide bunk beds? Surely 2’6” or 3 foot? A 2 foot upper bunk seems a bit risky and uncomfortable even for older children. The layout looks great though - can’t wait to see it come to life.
Great ideas. And looks like a nice flow through your boat. Bunks for growing children definitely! And they can grow faster than you expect. My young granddaughter doesn't fit the child's bed in my van. Advertised as up to 15years! She's 12 and tall! So needs a tent. Though I worry with her sleeping so young in a tent by herself. Sigh😔
Well done James that looks like a plan. Just one suggestion. 8ft is very generous for the dinette. You could grab a bit of space back from that. More importantly where is the guitar and amp going to live.
I know this is a narrow boat channel but keep the glasses ! As for the plans I like the walk through bathroom, lots of room for both you and the kids. Well done for laying it out so we can kind of see what you have envisioned . Now get a wriggle on and get it done ! The fun begins from now james !! X
Hi James, the layout looks good and the pocket doors is a great idea as they take up less space than swinging doors. For the pocket doors you might want to look at heavy duty er slides on the top and bottom of the door. It may mean that the door will have a space top and bottom unless the slides are recessed into the door. For the bunk bed space you may want to look at Murphy beds. I've seen a lot of them that do convert to workspaces when the bed is swung up in to its storage position. They may give you some ideas for that space and how you wish it to operate. Somethings to consider, and we are enjoying the build process.
2ft [24"] is very narrow for a bunk bed James.... Another 6" making them 30" wide would be much better and will allow for the kids growing up and out as they get older.... Apart from that it's looking good👍👍
Good idea, agree 100%! 24" is a standard cot measure, the military surplus cots campers use are 24" and those are used by full grown soldiers! (I'm a restless sleeper and find them too narrow, I have a 30" cot for car camping)
Hi James, layout looks good. My only concern is the size of the shower. Working in a bathroom showroom, 800 is minimum size for a quad unless you are getting it from a caravan supplier. Might be worth looking into a bit more. Cheers
Every narrowboat is a compromise (especially when you have to work with pre existing windows!) but looks like you've planned well to suite your priorities. I'm loving the companion way and the galley, and the bench / bunks will be very useful. How about squeezing a dishwasher under that long counter and adding overhead cupboards there? Also I think you will miss not really having a saloon as such. The stove is in a good place. Great to see you cracking on.
Nice plan, you can buy shower door rollers on line, quite cheaply. With the correct aluminum profile track and a lightweight door they should suit your pocket door.
Hi James like the plans this gives you something to work from with a few tweats no-gun wales has just recently built the sliding door or pop out door on his narrow boat have a look he explains how very thoroughly good luck 😊😊😊
Liking the layout very much and looking forward to the build. Another thought for this stage is keeping cool in the summer. I have seen portable air coolers at boat shows, but they are generally expensive or rubbish. Whatever the temperature outside, the canal water never gets hot, so that part of the boat in contact with the water stays cool. Have you considered using that under floor cool air by installing ducting and fans in the floor to distribute the air to where you need it. I don't know whether this has been done before.
Nicely done, that looks like a very comfortable layout! I do second the idea of including a wet locker near the companionway for jackets and muddy boots that @susyandersen suggested, it would really help keep the living area clean.
The bunk bed width is very narrow, make them 2’ 6” which is a fairly standard size for children’s beds and you will be able to buy off the shelf mattresses and bedding
The plans I was using put a small single as 2ft but I’m going to see if I can get them a tad wider. I wouldn’t buy mattresses - I’d cut mattress foam instead
Hey James The doors onto walls you were chasing of ,at end.. Will be easy enough to build ... there are straight fixed castor wheels you can buy ,with a u shape ,right angle ,formed bracket. Thst can be fixed to material of door .. Then just make channels ,top amd bottom to run wheels in .. simples .... just a bit of math to work out to measure correct size needed. Easy as pie .. you can do it !!
That's the bottom line, you're (and kids?) happy with the results. ;-) My first thought regarding the expanding bed was 'pneumatics" (air actuators)? Then I had a crazy idea of using a modified "rack & pinion" steering unit that can be operated manually (flat valve wheel)? I'm sure, what ever you come up with for the upper bunk bed will be safe for the children.
Hi James, I’ve just seen a product online that might interest you. It’s the Daewoo mini washing machine which can be wall mounted and is a real space saver. I’ve also been thinking about your entrance steps and I would suggest a slight outward curve instead of the slight inward curve you’ve designed. I think this would be safer and more aesthetically pleasing. Maybe have a think. Best wishes
Hi James, nice process of working through ideas & options..after doing several improvement projects on narrowboats its so easy to overthink & over complicate design with limited space it's certainly fun!! Successful work of space management is so rewarding & looking forward to watching your successful refit. So gas free? You mentioned induction hob but did I miss oven idea? Oh & yea walk through bathroom definitely works. All inspirational stuff.. thank you
If you're still wanting the window to let through more light even when the upper bed is raised you could add in a slight relief to the frame like when you have double story windows and the floor has a space to allow light to both areas. You wouldn't need much space and if you add some sort of reflective material on the relief it should bounce light to both areas.
2' wide bunks? Recommend you add lee cloths. You'll probably have to make those yourself but they are very easy to do, very little cost, easy to use and will stop you falling-out when you turn-over in the night. And pocket doors? Good idea but will take-up space. What's wrong with just curtains?
I hate elbows in the toilet and especially elbows in small SHOWER spaces. Look at all the generous walk space and shove everything into it so you can have the biggest shower space a narrow boat has ever seen.
Have you ever been and looked how caravan manufacturers build there bunk beds. We have a Coachman 520 and down it’s a seat or a bed and up it’s a bunk bed , bedding is stored under the seat during the day.
Hello James, I like the way everything is working out. But, I’m concerned about the windows in front of and behind the toilet. Can you switch something or remove a window?
Aluminum frame with light weight inlay then run that into a ball bearing race top and bottom of the door. The ball bearings need to be stainless steel total with should come down to 40 mm.
If you want to save space and create more storage I don’t know what its like in merry old England but you could these days get rid of your oven. We Have a microwave that has four functions, microwave, air fryer, toaster/ griller and oven and I must say it cooks my stakes perfect every time once you know your timing we bake with it as well. We have saved around 200 dollars on our bills each quarterly buy not using our oven, It has been over a year since we have used our oven thats how good these microwaves are now any way all the best Dazz Aust.
Hey James … I know you want to achieve perfection on this narrow boat .. of course that would be everyone’s goal … but at this rate you will get it finished in your lifetime maybe !! Seems you preach more than practice … Think we got the general idea … James get on with it …😆
Have you seen this James in the local newspaper: Bins are being removed from all waterways in Watford and the surrounding areas despite warnings of it being "a recipe for disaster" for pollution - what could possibly go wrong !!
Hi mate They are made by the FITOUT PONTOON. Look at their website and you should be able to buy plans. There may be other narrowboat planning and designing tools you can download but that’s what I used. Hope that helps James
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt thanks James really doses. I’ve been following you since day 1….. we have just brought a 57 narrowboat With a completely empty interior… also looking for someone to foam insulation do you know anyone..? I’m a marine upholster and if you need any upholstery doing on your boat let me know I will do you a good deal 👍👍👍
Is the forward (double) bedroom going to be cold at winter (as will the bathroom). Can a ducting tube/fan be employed to take some warm air from above your heater? This might also help reduce condensation by havingair movement.
It is very exciting to better be able now to see what your new home will look like. To me it is astonishing the work you've completed. I am curious whether you know your exterior paint scheme and name. Take care and be well. Leigh
The pocket door void will allow for the pipes but the sink may have to be brought forward from the wall to allow for fittings if it’s really tight once built
hi James ive just caught up with your bulid on your boat i dont no if you will be interested but i have a quadrant shower for sale its a still in the box with a stone shower tray it cost 500 im looking for 150 for it
So your going to dump the washing-up water & washing machine water - with all the food greese, oil, detergent, softner, ect straight into the canal ?. Not exactly environmentally friendly is it ?. Do you not have to store your grey water & pump it out into a drain/sewer (like a caravan or motor home) ?. Do all the barges dump their dirty poluted water into the canal ?. What with all the rubbish & junk that gets dumped into the bushes & hedgerows along the tow paths - its no wonder the canals are in such a terrible state. Disgusting !. Unsubscribed.
Acknowledging that you listen and process ideas and thoughts from the community is really wonderful, but of course at the end of the day it's your home! It's so generous of you to share your journey with all of us, and I'm looking forward to watching your progress! All the best!
I’d be miles back if it weren’t for all the help and guidance. I’m excited to build this and share it with you all
I love that you always include your kids in your decisions. You’re a good father. (Father #1)
It’s in my interest that the kids sleep well and are comfy moving around the boat
That looks a very nice layout James, I'm looking forward to watching it become a reality
It's going to be wonderful James--a great plan with lots of contingencies allowed for.Well done!
Well done on the lay out James like other the two foot bunks is to narrow go the extra six inches at least but well done tc the oldies 👍👍👍
All these months watching you tearing down & redoing the interior walls, etc. Now, today's plans made it all come together for me! I cannot wait to see what is next! I am glad you had so many people offering you ideas. It gave you the options you needed to move forward on your build.
I was always quite sure on a lot of it but needed some major shifts and ideas which I got in droves !!!
James: Nice layout. One suggestion that I would recommend is to test your steps. I know you have mocked up your stairs, but t have you tried them with items in your arms. Try the the step with common item like bags of groceries and a suitcase. Walk in and out as well try them with you arms full in the dark. This will pay off and add more confidence in your design, because you know the worse case is arms full at night and in the rain will happen. Best Supporting f
Looks like a nice plan - It will be a lovely narrowboat when done , plus all built by your own hand , that makes your boat very special .
Looks good, James, apart from the stairs. ;o)
Crack on!
Knew you’d think that. Glad you like most of it though mate
Looking forward to watching this transformation
Are you sure you mean 2 foot wide bunk beds? Surely 2’6” or 3 foot? A 2 foot upper bunk seems a bit risky and uncomfortable even for older children. The layout looks great though - can’t wait to see it come to life.
Great ideas. And looks like a nice flow through your boat. Bunks for growing children definitely! And they can grow faster than you expect.
My young granddaughter doesn't fit the child's bed in my van. Advertised as up to 15years! She's 12 and tall! So needs a tent. Though I worry with her sleeping so young in a tent by herself. Sigh😔
You'd surely wind up sleeping in the tent with her, don't you think?
Looks great, James, nice job.
Great work James. You had some great input from your subscribers to compliment your ideas. Loved that you are able to share it with us. 😊🤗 Kathy
Well done James that looks like a plan. Just one suggestion. 8ft is very generous for the dinette. You could grab a bit of space back from that. More importantly where is the guitar and amp going to live.
I agree with others that a 2' bed is too narrow, the kids will very soon outgrow that (if they haven't already) - make it 2'6" at least
The lower bunk will be around 2’6 but the upper one will need to be narrower - I’ll try to max though
Thanks
I know this is a narrow boat channel but keep the glasses !
As for the plans I like the walk through bathroom, lots of room for both you and the kids. Well done for laying it out so we can kind of see what you have envisioned . Now get a wriggle on and get it done ! The fun begins from now james !! X
Hello james i love the plan you have for the layout looks practical enough keep up the good work and keep them vlogs coming
Hi James, the layout looks good and the pocket doors is a great idea as they take up less space than swinging doors. For the pocket doors you might want to look at heavy duty er slides on the top and bottom of the door. It may mean that the door will have a space top and bottom unless the slides are recessed into the door.
For the bunk bed space you may want to look at Murphy beds. I've seen a lot of them that do convert to workspaces when the bed is swung up in to its storage position. They may give you some ideas for that space and how you wish it to operate. Somethings to consider, and we are enjoying the build process.
2ft [24"] is very narrow for a bunk bed James.... Another 6" making them 30" wide would be much better and will allow for the kids growing up and out as they get older.... Apart from that it's looking good👍👍
Good idea, agree 100%! 24" is a standard cot measure, the military surplus cots campers use are 24" and those are used by full grown soldiers! (I'm a restless sleeper and find them too narrow, I have a 30" cot for car camping)
Yeah ok - I’ll try to make them wider - I have some room to play with there
Thanks pal
Great layout!
Hi James, layout looks good. My only concern is the size of the shower. Working in a bathroom showroom, 800 is minimum size for a quad unless you are getting it from a caravan supplier. Might be worth looking into a bit more. Cheers
OK. The visualization helped a lot. I now have an idea of how things will actually be set up. I couldn't see it before.
Me neither 😂
Great layout James , love seeing it unfolding, 👊
Every narrowboat is a compromise (especially when you have to work with pre existing windows!) but looks like you've planned well to suite your priorities. I'm loving the companion way and the galley, and the bench / bunks will be very useful. How about squeezing a dishwasher under that long counter and adding overhead cupboards there? Also I think you will miss not really having a saloon as such. The stove is in a good place. Great to see you cracking on.
I think you've got a great layout planned. Really looking forward to watching you put all of this together.
Thank you
Nice plan, you can buy shower door rollers on line, quite cheaply. With the correct aluminum profile track and a lightweight door they should suit your pocket door.
Hi James like the plans this gives you something to work from with a few tweats no-gun wales has just recently built the sliding door or pop out door on his narrow boat have a look he explains how very thoroughly good luck 😊😊😊
Lovely layout and design it’s going to be a nice boat 😊
Great Stuff James
Looks great 👍
Liking the layout very much and looking forward to the build. Another thought for this stage is keeping cool in the summer. I have seen portable air coolers at boat shows, but they are generally expensive or rubbish. Whatever the temperature outside, the canal water never gets hot, so that part of the boat in contact with the water stays cool. Have you considered using that under floor cool air by installing ducting and fans in the floor to distribute the air to where you need it. I don't know whether this has been done before.
Nicely done, that looks like a very comfortable layout!
I do second the idea of including a wet locker near the companionway for jackets and muddy boots that @susyandersen suggested, it would really help keep the living area clean.
There will be an area for that stuff inside the pram hood
The bunk bed width is very narrow, make them 2’ 6” which is a fairly standard size for children’s beds and you will be able to buy off the shelf mattresses and bedding
The plans I was using put a small single as 2ft but I’m going to see if I can get them a tad wider. I wouldn’t buy mattresses - I’d cut mattress foam instead
2' 6" is ok when the children are small but I would go for a standard single 3ft if it fits .
I built a 2'6" bed for a teenager having found 2' too uncomfortable.
Maybe consider wardrobe door mechanisms for the sliding doors …slimmer and lighter but still as effective.
You've drawn the shower 60x60 rather than the 70x70 you mentioned - worth getting that fixed!
You should put a matching hatch opposite the one you had added you would get great cross ventilation and balance out the way it looks
Great layout James. Don’t think you could have done it any better. Maybe a pop up tv hidden opposite the galley haha. Great work
I was thinking of a TV on the bulkhead by the dinette
Thanks bud
Cool video thanks lee
The position of the hob, sink and oven, from a cooking perspective, are best as they are shown as they form 'the golden triangle'... apparently.
That was quite low on my list of priorities but I did give it some thought and I agree it does actually work
Hi James a fridge next to a heat source will mean the fridge will have to work harder to keep cold
Very functional. 6 p's...
Hey James
The doors onto walls you were chasing of ,at end..
Will be easy enough to build ... there are straight fixed castor wheels you can buy ,with a u shape ,right angle ,formed bracket.
Thst can be fixed to material of door ..
Then just make channels ,top amd bottom to run wheels in
.. simples .... just a bit of math to work out to measure correct size needed.
Easy as pie .. you can do it !!
That's the bottom line, you're (and kids?) happy with the results. ;-)
My first thought regarding the expanding bed was 'pneumatics" (air actuators)?
Then I had a crazy idea of using a modified "rack & pinion" steering unit that can be operated manually (flat valve wheel)?
I'm sure, what ever you come up with for the upper bunk bed will be safe for the children.
I’m thinking the kids will also like to sleep in bunk beds - adds to the fun element of staying on board
Hi James, I’ve just seen a product online that might interest you. It’s the Daewoo mini washing machine which can be wall mounted and is a real space saver.
I’ve also been thinking about your entrance steps and I would suggest a slight outward curve instead of the slight inward curve you’ve designed. I think this would be safer and more aesthetically pleasing. Maybe have a think. Best wishes
Hi James, nice process of working through ideas & options..after doing several improvement projects on narrowboats its so easy to overthink & over complicate design with limited space it's certainly fun!!
Successful work of space management is so rewarding & looking forward to watching your successful refit.
So gas free? You mentioned induction hob but did I miss oven idea?
Oh & yea walk through bathroom definitely works.
All inspirational stuff.. thank you
What about a wet / mud area for shoes and jackets?
For your pocket doors, think about wardrobe door track /rail systems then just frame a sheet of plywood to suit.
If you're still wanting the window to let through more light even when the upper bed is raised you could add in a slight relief to the frame like when you have double story windows and the floor has a space to allow light to both areas. You wouldn't need much space and if you add some sort of reflective material on the relief it should bounce light to both areas.
Where's the lounge with TV
is there a reason why the hob has to be on starboard, would it not be better if the hob is above the oven on the port side?
2' wide bunks? Recommend you add lee cloths. You'll probably have to make those yourself but they are very easy to do, very little cost, easy to use and will stop you falling-out when you turn-over in the night. And pocket doors? Good idea but will take-up space. What's wrong with just curtains?
I hate elbows in the toilet and especially elbows in small SHOWER spaces. Look at all the generous walk space and shove everything into it so you can have the biggest shower space a narrow boat has ever seen.
Plan look good but are you missing storage areas especially not having wall cupboards in the galley.
have you thought of something like a "Murphy Bed"?
Have you ever been and looked how caravan manufacturers build there bunk beds. We have a Coachman 520 and down it’s a seat or a bed and up it’s a bunk bed , bedding is stored under the seat during the day.
What size inverter are fitting to run all of your appliances?
Hello James, I like the way everything is working out. But, I’m concerned about the windows in front of and behind the toilet. Can you switch something or remove a window?
He could install window film - there all sorts available online, or curtains.
Aluminum frame with light weight inlay then run that into a ball bearing race top and bottom of the door. The ball bearings need to be stainless steel total with should come down to 40 mm.
Just watching the plans for your bedroom. Be careful, when your bed is extended can you still get out to the toilet? Just something I notice😊.
💜💙💚
👍
If you want to save space and create more storage I don’t know what its like in merry old England but you could these days get rid of your oven.
We Have a microwave that has four functions, microwave, air fryer, toaster/ griller and oven and I must say it cooks my stakes perfect every time once you know your timing we bake with it as well.
We have saved around 200 dollars on our bills each quarterly buy not using our oven, It has been over a year since we have used our oven thats how good these microwaves are now any way all the best Dazz Aust.
I love my combination convection / microwave oven / air fryer, it definitely is a space saver.
Lounge/sofa TV area? Does dinette area serve that function.
Hey James … I know you want to achieve perfection on this narrow boat .. of course that would be everyone’s goal … but at this rate you will get it finished in your lifetime maybe !!
Seems you preach more than practice …
Think we got the general idea … James get on with it …😆
Have you seen this James in the local newspaper: Bins are being removed from all waterways in Watford and the surrounding areas despite warnings of it being "a recipe for disaster" for pollution - what could possibly go wrong !!
Hi James can you tell me how I can get a plan like you got please..?
Thanks
Colin
Hi mate
They are made by the FITOUT PONTOON. Look at their website and you should be able to buy plans. There may be other narrowboat planning and designing tools you can download but that’s what I used. Hope that helps
James
@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt thanks James really doses. I’ve been following you since day 1….. we have just brought a 57 narrowboat
With a completely empty interior… also looking for someone to foam insulation do you know anyone..?
I’m a marine upholster and if you need any upholstery doing on your boat let me know I will do you a good deal 👍👍👍
Is the forward (double) bedroom going to be cold at winter (as will the bathroom). Can a ducting tube/fan be employed to take some warm air from above your heater? This might also help reduce condensation by havingair movement.
James said both areas would have radiators.
👍👌❤️🇨🇦,
can i ask what height the gunwales are? i think it looks standard on modern narrowboats but could be higher on the very old working boats.
I reckon you may miss a saloon, especially in the future if it comes to selling?
It is very exciting to better be able now to see what your new home will look like. To me it is astonishing the work you've completed. I am curious whether you know your exterior paint scheme and name. Take care and be well. Leigh
I’m nearly there with external colours but that won’t be until the spring now. Yes she is named and I’ll tell you that soon x
Will the pocket door clear the plumbing for the basin or are you having the pipes on the outside of the wall under the basin.?
The pocket door void will allow for the pipes but the sink may have to be brought forward from the wall to allow for fittings if it’s really tight once built
hi James ive just caught up with your bulid on your boat i dont no if you will be interested but i have a quadrant shower for sale its a still in the box with a stone shower tray it cost 500 im looking for 150 for it
It’s going to be very cold, sleeping right next to a window that open….think of the condensation….
James, did you forget a dishwasher? I thought you mentioned wanting one..
So your going to dump the washing-up water & washing machine water - with all the food greese, oil, detergent, softner, ect straight into the canal ?. Not exactly environmentally friendly is it ?. Do you not have to store your grey water & pump it out into a drain/sewer (like a caravan or motor home) ?. Do all the barges dump their dirty poluted water into the canal ?. What with all the rubbish & junk that gets dumped into the bushes & hedgerows along the tow paths - its no wonder the canals are in such a terrible state. Disgusting !. Unsubscribed.