Oh thank you Donna 😊. That makes me very happy. I do try my best to be courteous to other boaters. We took a Helmsman course before moving on to the boat. It was really invaluable and gave me a lot of confidence. Always take things slowly and don’t be rushed by others on a hurry seems to work. Thanks again 😊😊😊❤️
LOVE, LOVE ,LOVE your channel. Love the views as you go slowly about your day, or trip. Love Hamish and Poppy. Love Poppy's energy, but at 78 I identify more with Hamish. Thank you, I look forward to each new vlog.
That's wonderful to hear Lynn! We love that we can take you on our travels by the power of TH-cam. I am definitely with Hamish too, slow and steady wins the race! 😊
Great vlog Caroline you captured the blacking process and living aboard at the same time. Your music makes your vlogs outstanding thanks for sharing it with us
Poppy is really growing up and minding so well! Hamish is such a distinguished old gentleman. Thank you for sharing the boat upkeep so interesting for a land lubber!
Hi Caroline and Pete, Hamish and Poppy, great to see you both, always a worrying time when your boat comes out for blacking. Take care X X X 💋's for Hamish and Poppy X X X
Thanks for watching and commenting as always Susan. It means a lot! It’s worrying then reassuring once you know it’s all done for another couple of years isn’t it 😊
That was interesting seeing the boat lifted out and being able to have a good look underneath, I’m glad you had good weather, imagine if it was windy taking it out 😲. I love your dogs, every time my dog sees them she try’s to sniff and kiss the screen, I laughed when you said the boat had a lovely shiny bottom, I think we all love a shinny bottom 😂, stay safe and I look forward to your next post 🙂❤️🐶
It’s the best feeling having a shiny bottom, especially knowing it’s all done for another couple of years! We were so lucky with the absolutely perfect weather for the process. Your dog sounds just like our Poppy, who is fixated on the screen whenever there is a dog on TV! 😂 🐶
Glad it was helpful Howard! We thought it would be more expensive too, which is why we chose the having someone else do it option. Thanks for watching 😊
What a great informative vlog. Fancy blacking being there to protect the hull from rust and pitting, that does surprise me!! (yes I’m taking the mickey) 😂. That coffee shop looked lovely, especially the cakes. Not sure about your choice of sandwich filling though 😜. Pops and Hamish looked so cute waiting to get out of the boot of the car. One Day More looked like brand new as you left. Definitely a job well done. See you tomorrow xx
And fancy having blacking that isn't raptor 😂. It was lovely having her all sing and new looking again, although it doesn't last looking so new after a few weeks of cruising! That boat life though. That coffee shop was a wonderful find for sure, especially the prawn sandwich (your favourite 😂). See you very soon 😊
High praise Beth! After watching so many other videos of the process it was quite enlightening going through the process ourselves, especially seeing your home dangling there in the cradle! Lovely to see her all shiny and new looking again 😊
I started at the beginning and have now caught up. The journey has been lovely and I look forward to more gentle adventures to keep me sane in this mad world. The dogs fit so well with your life - they are lovely. My wife and I are really too old to cope with active dogs but we can share yours. Thank you.
That’s wonderful to hear David, we are happy we can take you along for the ride and the adventures by the power of TH-cam! Boat dog life really is the best life as you can see. We are glad Jasper had some time to experience it before we had to say goodbye. Just noticed you name, and thought you would be interested to know that I was a Clark and married a Clarke! Pete says with an E is the correct spelling but I beg to differ 😂
'Is that with an e sir?' I have endured that all my life! Even if it's written down people still get it wrong. Pete I'm sorry to say you are wrong. We Clarks must stick together. @@onedaymoreaboard
Hey Guys, bet you're glad to have that done. I can only imagine how it feels to have your entire home and possessions balanced in the air by just two straps. Thanks for another one. Take care.
It’s reassuring knowing it’s all done for another couple of years Roger. And yes, it’s an odd feeling watching your home dangling there! And even odder being onboard when it’s up on the blocks as nothing moves! 😊
I'd be nervous, too, if I saw my home dangling from a crane! I saw Wes & Amy's video on DIY blacking. It's quite a process. I also checked out your helmsman course video. You've come a long way in two years! Caroline's video skills were already in evidence. Well done guys; and thanks for sharing with us.
I looked back at that video too Neil and silently cringed but it also made me realise how far I’d come in the editing process. Those earlier videos were all edited using an app on my phone with my fat fingers instead of a mouse and I think how much our channel grew on that time, just with very basic tools! So relieved we invested in a laptop now as there’s no way I could have continued like that! 😊
That was a great help we would choose two lots of blacking also. We feel it would be a good idea to do a Helmans course too so will watch your vlog at the beginning ❤❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it! The helmsman course is definitely worth the investment to feel more confident at the tiller, plus some insurance companies give s discount of you have done it. See you soon we hope 😊
It was a fabulous find to kill a little time and have a delicious lunch. I am a bit of a prawn sandwich connoisseur and that was a good one! Thanks for watching 😊
Interesting work its just like painting the outside of the house for up keeping Thanks for sharing the process of course I know about it but had not seen it in action.
Always an anxious time lifting our homes out of the water 😮 never feels right out of the water, no rocking but my brain still expects it to move 😂 that cafe sounds like I should visit one day 😊 stay safe ❤❤
It really is an odd feeling isn’t it seeing it up there! Lovely to have it all shiny and new looking again if only for a short while until the inevitable scrapes and bumps happen again 😂
That's the kind of weather we're having here right now and it looks like it might be that way until the 22nd with some days at 89. I won't complain because soon it will be fall and chilly. I want to soak up all the warmth I can while I can. I don't know what to expect of winter because last year was so mild. Afraid we might end up "paying the piper". ❤
A few days in the 80s must be quite pleasant I think Dorothy. Low 80s please though! I remember some erratic Indiana weather days, when everyone thought that fall and winter was on its way and then it would trick you for a few days of 80s even! The day that Alex was born, December 7, 1998, I was sitting watching the Columbus, IN Christmas parade in shorts and a t shirt and went into labour that evening ! In December 😂😂
Thanks so much Keith! We do try to keep on top of it staying looking good although up close and personal a few of the war wounds of cruising are a little more visible! 😊
Hi Both, It took me back when I did my 2 days course, very enjoyable. Would love to do a engine maintenance course. Very enjoyable. Have a great week X🐰 x
Glad you enjoyed it Julie! The nerves were so real that day, but it was so enjoyable. We hadn’t even seen our boat when we did that course. An engine maintenance course would be very useful too. I am sure the Narrowboat Skills Centre at Debdale run them too actually. Hope you are well 😊 🐰
So glad you're enjoying the videos Elizabeth! Where are you in Central Texas? You're right, nothing anywhere even close in Texas, its a very different lifestyle to our 11 years in Houston that's for sure 😊
Interesting to know when you had your boat blacked last. The footage you showed, your hull didn't look like it needed to be blacked. #justasking xxxxxxx
Hi Lucy, a very valid question. This is the first time we have had the boat blacked, a couple of months before it turned 3 years old. It was coated with 2 pack epoxy from new, which tends to have a longer life span but when it came out of the water last year to replace the prop, we noticed there were a few areas where the coating had come away a little and just wanted to get it done sooner rather than later for our own reassurance really. Thanks for watching 😊
Nice one guys, good to see a bit of house maintenance now and again i see so many boats covered in rust, but you may have to call it 'dark pigmenting' or Barmy Starmer will have you arrested 👮👮♀️😂😂
Glad you enjoyed it Nigel. We really do try and keep on top of things with the maintenance of scratches etc, and it can so quickly turn to rusty spots. 😊
Interesting - blacking and the anodes just part of owning a boat. Lovely countryside shots, reminds me of our 'boonies' in NW IL. (About harvest time here - sweet corn is about done - sad face) Thank you for the video - hope the family / puppies and you are doing well. Take care / Be safe Spinner
Glad you found it interesting Spinner, a little different to our usual cruising vlogs, but all part of this different life of ours. I was always sad in Indiana when it was the end of corn season 🌽. Hope you are all well over the pond, and thank you so much for the 'coffees'. You know they are always, always appreciated 😊
@@onedaymoreaboard My pleasure to give back to you. Watched a few English Premier League games this weekend. Sadly our Hot Spurs lost to Arsenal. Been different to watch since Kane left. We do follow him at his new team. I would love to visit some of the smaller stadiums. So guess, Brentford and maybe some of the 2nd tier teams. But I have to hit the lottery first. LOL
Our son Alex’s team has always been Tottenham Hotspur since he was a little boy, and he finally got to go watch them play last year and they won thankfully! ⚽️
We looked at both options and decided it was worth the extra. Perhaps next time, now we know exactly what’s involved, we may go the DIY option. Ask us again is 2 years 😂. Thanks for watching 😊
Wow, that was really interesting. I loved your discussion as to who is the boss. Also it looked a tricky job to get the boat in the channel in the marina. The joys of boat like I assume. Thank you for this.
Glad you found it interesting Jill, a little different from our regular cruising videos. That was not the easiest manoeuvre at all to do that 180° turn into that channel, and I’m glad Pete was at the tiller! 😊
Oh yes that first lock! We had a woman who had been boating for 40 years and kept telling us we were doing it wrong and too slowly and Pete just stuck his ground and said we are on a course and we are doing what our instructor has told us! That was our very first chance to take the advice that we always give other people, it’s your lock and you do it as slow as you want and don’t let anyone hurry you! 😊
That was great - very informative - also seemed to be very reasonably priced. As usual excellent helming from Pete - one does wonder why the marina makes it so difficult to get in and out of the dock and why no fendering on the dock sides?? I’d be pissed off if they scrapped the sides when putting her back in. Cheers till next time, Swanny
Glad you enjoyed it Swanny! A little different from the regular cruising videos but it’s part of this boating life and I know we wanted to see everything, and still do as there are stop a lot of narrowboat vloggers that we watch! You could see how quickly Pete jumped in to help as they were lowering it back into the water, and you’re right, some sort of rubber edging along edges in marinas as we often see would be a good idea 😊
Great one, guys! Now this was very interesting to learn about. And it looks stunning after that job was done, like new again. Great facilities as well, but it must be weird staying on the boat five feet in the air. Would the time in between repeating the blacking be longer if you stayed moored up for longer? ❤
Glad you enjoyed it Eric! It’s lovely when she’s looking all shiny and new again and reassuring that’s it’s another 2 years until it all needs doing again. It really makes no difference if you’re continuously cruising or in a marina as to how often you black your boat, and it’s still in the water. But I guess we have far more bumps and scrapes to cover up from our adventures! 😊
love the videos, we are now seriously thinking of doing the same thing ! i noticed that you have a car, how do you move your car when you are full time cruisers on a boat ?
Thanks so much Terry! We can highly recommended it. Three years in and no regrets, and we haven’t even explored half of the network yet! We use a folding electric bike, and public transport, and sometimes plain old walking, to go back to get the car and research where to park using Google maps and zooming in to bridges over the canal looking for lay-bys. We are thinking of doing a video dedicated to how we move the car and the boat as it’s a question we are often asked 😊
With the regular bitumen or Hempel Pro blacking (like we used) it is recommended to redo it every 2 years or so. There are other treatments, such as 2 pack epoxy, that last longer but are more expensive. You can do it yourself and Debdale Wharf Marina offer that option, lifting you in and out and using their facilities. Wes and Amy from TH-cam channel Boat Time did this. You can see their video here th-cam.com/video/mwJuiaZ0f4E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=N2SlEmxutLWbGJcH
That's so good to hear Marcia! We just about made it into Iowa when we were living in the US, with a day out to Dubuque when we were in Illinois to watch our son in a play! We made sure we went so we could cross it off our list! 😊
Hi Leigh! Hope you are well, and the weather is cooling down somewhat now! Glad you should the video. Yes, this is the first time we took we out for blacking, as she was approaching her third birthday. The original black at launch was 2 pack epoxy which tends to last longer so we weren’t in too much of a rush for that expense, but always wanted the reassurance of getting her out to make sure everything looked as it should for her age 😊
Yep, we do have a bit of ‘prop singing’ when we’re on tickover. It started after we had a new prop fitted. Apparently the prop is too well balanced and we’re hoping in time with some fouling it will quieten down. We don’t tend to notice it, it seems to be more pronounced on the audio than in real life.
I understand traditions but with today’s technology there should be tougher and stronger coatings than the traditional blacking,and I imagine the new coatings to be colored black to uphold tradition. Or is this a “this is what’s been done in the past and why change things “kind of thing? Reason I was asking is after watching Cruising the cut and David was featuring the aluminum hulled Otter .Not a metallurgist but one would think that the coatings would be slightly different since the metals are dissimilar.
2 pack epoxy paint is the usual alternative coating which is a lot longer lasting than bitumen blacking but also a lot more expensive and requires the boat to be shotblasted down to the steel in the first instance..
@@narrowboatersatlarge I was just thinking if there’s something that lasted longer,say 5 years instead of 2 ,if the offset would justify the price and hopefully better protection from scratches barring operator error. Let’s face it nothing is sadder than those half sunken boats that are on the cut.
Hi Norman, you are right, there are quite a few modern alternatives available. Options range from a basic bitumen blacking, to more modern sinthetic blacking, 2 pack and now there are options for zinc spraying. Prices for the zinc can be around £10k for a boat our size. In our case, the hull was coated in 2 pack when new which is supposed to be good for circa 5 years. The problem is you can scratch through that coating and rust will happen where it’s scratched, I personally really don’t trust it to be able to leave it for 5 years and then find major problems so we decided to take ours out early and go over the 2 pack with a modern blacking (Hempel Pro) which is harder wearing than bitumen. I’m happy to repeat every few years so I can at least stay on top of things and keep an eye on the hull condition. I can’t imagine leaving it 5-10 years without taking out of the water and then finding a major problem that is then harder to repair. There are options though. Hope this helps. Pete
This is all my neck of the woods, having been brought up in Gumley, Foxton and Debdale et al was my "hunting ground" so to speak. I also worked at the Foxton museum for a number of years.
How wonderful! It's an area we have travelled though many times now, and it's definitely a favourite on the network, especially the Foxton Locks area 😊
And of course we know that many, many of the boats on the canals never see the maintenance that this boat is getting - and if anyone imagines this is a 'cheap' way to live this should scare them straight !!! Have to wonder how many boats are actually rusting away under the water - scary stuff !!! If I was having any silly thoughts of joining this lifestyle, this just confirmed it as a 'no' in my brain ! Way too much fiddling around for my tastes !
Yes there are some boats that don’t get the same attention, but many that do. When you spread the cost of blacking over the 2 years and other maintenance costs it still works out less than our costs of living in a house. We have no regrets of our choice so far and it’s all part of the adventure really. Thanks for watching 😊
There was boat builder in the 2000s that used aluminium to build their Sea Otter boats which don’t need the same protective blacking process, but steel remains as the preferred material for building narrowboats as it has done for hundreds of years now 👍
Pete you are the best driver of your Narrowboat that I have ever watched on Utube. Your number 1.
Oh thank you Donna 😊. That makes me very happy. I do try my best to be courteous to other boaters. We took a Helmsman course before moving on to the boat. It was really invaluable and gave me a lot of confidence. Always take things slowly and don’t be rushed by others on a hurry seems to work. Thanks again 😊😊😊❤️
LOVE, LOVE ,LOVE your channel. Love the views as you go slowly about your day, or trip. Love Hamish and Poppy. Love Poppy's energy, but at 78 I identify more with Hamish. Thank you, I look forward to each new vlog.
That's wonderful to hear Lynn! We love that we can take you on our travels by the power of TH-cam. I am definitely with Hamish too, slow and steady wins the race! 😊
Great vlog Caroline you captured the blacking process and living aboard at the same time. Your music makes your vlogs outstanding thanks for sharing it with us
Thanks for the wonderful praise David and Ruth, it means a lot and like I told you, it's very reassuring that we are doing something right. 😊
Absolutely love the transitions to black and white stills xx
Thank you so much Laura! Some photos are just perfect for that transition 😊
Poppy is really growing up and minding so well! Hamish is such a distinguished old gentleman. Thank you for sharing the boat upkeep so interesting for a land lubber!
Bedankt
Heel erg bedankt voor je steun Ben! Het betekent veel 😊
Fresh blacking looks so satisfying on a narrowboat!😍
It really does doesn’t it! All new again for a few days until you get the inevitable scrapes 😂
Hi Caroline and Pete, Hamish and Poppy, great to see you both, always a worrying time when your boat comes out for blacking.
Take care X X X
💋's for Hamish and Poppy X X X
Thanks for watching and commenting as always Susan. It means a lot! It’s worrying then reassuring once you know it’s all done for another couple of years isn’t it 😊
@@onedaymoreaboard
Yes, but sooo expensive, we have to save all our pennies don't we X X X
That was interesting seeing the boat lifted out and being able to have a good look underneath, I’m glad you had good weather, imagine if it was windy taking it out 😲.
I love your dogs, every time my dog sees them she try’s to sniff and kiss the screen, I laughed when you said the boat had a lovely shiny bottom, I think we all love a shinny bottom 😂, stay safe and I look forward to your next post 🙂❤️🐶
It’s the best feeling having a shiny bottom, especially knowing it’s all done for another couple of years! We were so lucky with the absolutely perfect weather for the process. Your dog sounds just like our Poppy, who is fixated on the screen whenever there is a dog on TV! 😂 🐶
Great vlog guys, very interesting and yes it's always nice to have a shiny bottom. Stay safe 🙏.
You can’t beat a shiny bottom Billy! Thanks for watching and for your lovely comment as always 😊
Very reasonable, I thought it would cost a lot more. Great vlog. Thanks
Glad it was helpful Howard! We thought it would be more expensive too, which is why we chose the having someone else do it option. Thanks for watching 😊
What a great informative vlog. Fancy blacking being there to protect the hull from rust and pitting, that does surprise me!! (yes I’m taking the mickey) 😂.
That coffee shop looked lovely, especially the cakes. Not sure about your choice of sandwich filling though 😜.
Pops and Hamish looked so cute waiting to get out of the boot of the car.
One Day More looked like brand new as you left. Definitely a job well done. See you tomorrow xx
And fancy having blacking that isn't raptor 😂. It was lovely having her all sing and new looking again, although it doesn't last looking so new after a few weeks of cruising! That boat life though. That coffee shop was a wonderful find for sure, especially the prawn sandwich (your favourite 😂). See you very soon 😊
That was an experience we never have as a share boater- thank you. Once again, the prettiest boat on the canals!❤
High praise Beth! After watching so many other videos of the process it was quite enlightening going through the process ourselves, especially seeing your home dangling there in the cradle! Lovely to see her all shiny and new looking again 😊
I started at the beginning and have now caught up. The journey has been lovely and I look forward to more gentle adventures to keep me sane in this mad world. The dogs fit so well with your life - they are lovely. My wife and I are really too old to cope with active dogs but we can share yours. Thank you.
That’s wonderful to hear David, we are happy we can take you along for the ride and the adventures by the power of TH-cam! Boat dog life really is the best life as you can see. We are glad Jasper had some time to experience it before we had to say goodbye. Just noticed you name, and thought you would be interested to know that I was a Clark and married a Clarke! Pete says with an E is the correct spelling but I beg to differ 😂
'Is that with an e sir?' I have endured that all my life! Even if it's written down people still get it wrong. Pete I'm sorry to say you are wrong. We Clarks must stick together. @@onedaymoreaboard
You are so right 😂
Hey Guys, bet you're glad to have that done. I can only imagine how it feels to have your entire home and possessions balanced in the air by just two straps. Thanks for another one. Take care.
It’s reassuring knowing it’s all done for another couple of years Roger. And yes, it’s an odd feeling watching your home dangling there! And even odder being onboard when it’s up on the blocks as nothing moves! 😊
I'd be nervous, too, if I saw my home dangling from a crane! I saw Wes & Amy's video on DIY blacking. It's quite a process. I also checked out your helmsman course video. You've come a long way in two years! Caroline's video skills were already in evidence. Well done guys; and thanks for sharing with us.
I looked back at that video too Neil and silently cringed but it also made me realise how far I’d come in the editing process. Those earlier videos were all edited using an app on my phone with my fat fingers instead of a mouse and I think how much our channel grew on that time, just with very basic tools! So relieved we invested in a laptop now as there’s no way I could have continued like that! 😊
That was a great help we would choose two lots of blacking also. We feel it would be a good idea to do a Helmans course too so will watch your vlog at the beginning ❤❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it! The helmsman course is definitely worth the investment to feel more confident at the tiller, plus some insurance companies give s discount of you have done it. See you soon we hope 😊
That snapshot of lunch at 17:35 looks delicious!
It was a fabulous find to kill a little time and have a delicious lunch. I am a bit of a prawn sandwich connoisseur and that was a good one! Thanks for watching 😊
Interesting work its just like painting the outside of the house for up keeping Thanks for sharing the process of course I know about it but had not seen it in action.
You’re so welcome! Glad you found it interesting as it was a little different from our usual cruising videos 😊
Stunning countryside 😊 love Hamish and Poppy ❤
Always an anxious time lifting our homes out of the water 😮 never feels right out of the water, no rocking but my brain still expects it to move 😂 that cafe sounds like I should visit one day 😊 stay safe ❤❤
It really is an odd feeling isn’t it seeing it up there! Lovely to have it all shiny and new looking again if only for a short while until the inevitable scrapes and bumps happen again 😂
Beautiful boat absolutely mint painting. Great video love them pooches to. Happy chugging.
Thanks so much! As you can see, they love their boat dog life! 😊
That's the kind of weather we're having here right now and it looks like it might be that way until the 22nd with some days at 89. I won't complain because soon it will be fall and chilly. I want to soak up all the warmth I can while I can. I don't know what to expect of winter because last year was so mild. Afraid we might end up "paying the piper". ❤
A few days in the 80s must be quite pleasant I think Dorothy. Low 80s please though! I remember some erratic Indiana weather days, when everyone thought that fall and winter was on its way and then it would trick you for a few days of 80s even! The day that Alex was born, December 7, 1998, I was sitting watching the Columbus, IN Christmas parade in shorts and a t shirt and went into labour that evening ! In December 😂😂
@@onedaymoreaboard Yes, IN is definitely erratic and changeable. I was at the Edinburgh outlet mall on a Christmas Eve day in short sleeves one year.
Oh I lioved the Edinburgh Outlets! And my parents would love to visit there too for so many bargains when they came over from the UK 😊
I love your boat! It always looks neat and clean! It looks brand new!
Thanks so much Keith! We do try to keep on top of it staying looking good although up close and personal a few of the war wounds of cruising are a little more visible! 😊
Hi Both, It took me back when I did my 2 days course, very enjoyable. Would love to do a engine maintenance course. Very enjoyable. Have a great week X🐰 x
Glad you enjoyed it Julie! The nerves were so real that day, but it was so enjoyable. We hadn’t even seen our boat when we did that course. An engine maintenance course would be very useful too. I am sure the Narrowboat Skills Centre at Debdale run them too actually. Hope you are well 😊 🐰
Fascinating to see how the blacking was done. I enjoy watching your videos; we have nothing like this in central Texas (not enough water!! )
So glad you're enjoying the videos Elizabeth! Where are you in Central Texas? You're right, nothing anywhere even close in Texas, its a very different lifestyle to our 11 years in Houston that's for sure 😊
Very interesting, can’t believe it’s been three years.
Good to hear Pat! And we can’t belive it either. The years have flown by and we haven’t even seen half of the waterways network yet! 😊
Great video. Not as expensive as I thought to black a boat!
Glad you enjoyed it Jayne! It was cheaper than we expected too, hence the decision to have someone else do the work for us 😊
Interesting to know when you had your boat blacked last. The footage you showed, your hull didn't look like it needed to be blacked. #justasking xxxxxxx
Hi Lucy, a very valid question. This is the first time we have had the boat blacked, a couple of months before it turned 3 years old. It was coated with 2 pack epoxy from new, which tends to have a longer life span but when it came out of the water last year to replace the prop, we noticed there were a few areas where the coating had come away a little and just wanted to get it done sooner rather than later for our own reassurance really. Thanks for watching 😊
Exactly what I was thinking
Great video, thanks for sharing ❣️🇨🇦
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching 😊
Nice one guys, good to see a bit of house maintenance now and again i see so many boats covered in rust, but you may have to call it 'dark pigmenting' or Barmy Starmer will have you arrested 👮👮♀️😂😂
Glad you enjoyed it Nigel. We really do try and keep on top of things with the maintenance of scratches etc, and it can so quickly turn to rusty spots. 😊
Good video, thank you for sharing your experience n knowledge
You’re so welcome. Thanks for watching 😊
Interesting - blacking and the anodes just part of owning a boat. Lovely countryside shots, reminds me of our 'boonies' in NW IL. (About harvest time here - sweet corn is about done - sad face) Thank you for the video - hope the family / puppies and you are doing well. Take care / Be safe Spinner
Glad you found it interesting Spinner, a little different to our usual cruising vlogs, but all part of this different life of ours. I was always sad in Indiana when it was the end of corn season 🌽. Hope you are all well over the pond, and thank you so much for the 'coffees'. You know they are always, always appreciated 😊
@@onedaymoreaboard My pleasure to give back to you. Watched a few English Premier League games this weekend. Sadly our Hot Spurs lost to Arsenal. Been different to watch since Kane left. We do follow him at his new team. I would love to visit some of the smaller stadiums. So guess, Brentford and maybe some of the 2nd tier teams. But I have to hit the lottery first. LOL
Our son Alex’s team has always been Tottenham Hotspur since he was a little boy, and he finally got to go watch them play last year and they won thankfully! ⚽️
It would have been around half the price doing it yourself but then again you have to account for your own labour etc. Nice video
We looked at both options and decided it was worth the extra. Perhaps next time, now we know exactly what’s involved, we may go the DIY option. Ask us again is 2 years 😂. Thanks for watching 😊
Wow, that was really interesting. I loved your discussion as to who is the boss. Also it looked a tricky job to get the boat in the channel in the marina. The joys of boat like I assume. Thank you for this.
Glad you found it interesting Jill, a little different from our regular cruising videos. That was not the easiest manoeuvre at all to do that 180° turn into that channel, and I’m glad Pete was at the tiller! 😊
Looking good. I did the helmsman course there earlier this year. It was great fun and really beneficial xx
Thanks Debbie! It’s a really editable couple of days isn’t it, and so much fun, although a little nerve racking at times, especially the tunnel! 😊
Yes, the tunnel!...and driving into a lock for the first time with another boat and on lookers 😂❤
Oh yes that first lock! We had a woman who had been boating for 40 years and kept telling us we were doing it wrong and too slowly and Pete just stuck his ground and said we are on a course and we are doing what our instructor has told us! That was our very first chance to take the advice that we always give other people, it’s your lock and you do it as slow as you want and don’t let anyone hurry you! 😊
Great advice xxx
That was great - very informative - also seemed to be very reasonably priced. As usual excellent helming from Pete - one does wonder why the marina makes it so difficult to get in and out of the dock and why no fendering on the dock sides?? I’d be pissed off if they scrapped the sides when putting her back in. Cheers till next time, Swanny
Glad you enjoyed it Swanny! A little different from the regular cruising videos but it’s part of this boating life and I know we wanted to see everything, and still do as there are stop a lot of narrowboat vloggers that we watch! You could see how quickly Pete jumped in to help as they were lowering it back into the water, and you’re right, some sort of rubber edging along edges in marinas as we often see would be a good idea 😊
great vlog cranking it on the cut thanks lee
Thanks so much Lee 😊
Great video. just found your channel and subscribed.
Welcome aboard Phil! Glad you found us and even better to hear you enjoyed the video 😊
Great one, guys! Now this was very interesting to learn about. And it looks stunning after that job was done, like new again. Great facilities as well, but it must be weird staying on the boat five feet in the air. Would the time in between repeating the blacking be longer if you stayed moored up for longer? ❤
Glad you enjoyed it Eric! It’s lovely when she’s looking all shiny and new again and reassuring that’s it’s another 2 years until it all needs doing again. It really makes no difference if you’re continuously cruising or in a marina as to how often you black your boat, and it’s still in the water. But I guess we have far more bumps and scrapes to cover up from our adventures! 😊
@@onedaymoreaboard guess you guys need a rubber bumper! Lol, a biggun! 🥂
Bubble wrap all around the boat when I’m at the tiller I think 😂
I would love the job of pressure washing 😊. Thanks for another lovely vlog.
Oh I thought exactly the same as you Gabriele! What a satisfying job! Thanks for watching 😊
love the videos, we are now seriously thinking of doing the same thing ! i noticed that you have a car, how do you move your car when you are full time cruisers on a boat ?
Thanks so much Terry! We can highly recommended it. Three years in and no regrets, and we haven’t even explored half of the network yet! We use a folding electric bike, and public transport, and sometimes plain old walking, to go back to get the car and research where to park using Google maps and zooming in to bridges over the canal looking for lay-bys. We are thinking of doing a video dedicated to how we move the car and the boat as it’s a question we are often asked 😊
pressurewasch the antifouling in the canal 🙈
Thanks for watching 👍
Great job! Was that the first time you've had the boat blacked since you put her on the water?
Yes it was! She had been in the water almost 3 years so it was time. Thanks for watching 😊
Hi there. How often do you need to black the hull? Also, could you have done the painting yourselves at a yard? Do they allow that? Cheers!
With the regular bitumen or Hempel Pro blacking (like we used) it is recommended to redo it every 2 years or so. There are other treatments, such as 2 pack epoxy, that last longer but are more expensive. You can do it yourself and Debdale Wharf Marina offer that option, lifting you in and out and using their facilities. Wes and Amy from TH-cam channel Boat Time did this. You can see their video here
th-cam.com/video/mwJuiaZ0f4E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=N2SlEmxutLWbGJcH
Lovely Vlog, when was this actually filmed👍
Thanks so much Gary. This was the end of June 2024 👍
Went in there a couple of years ago, definitely not the easiest to get in & I'm a few feet longer than you. I did the same maneuver as you.
It really is quite tricky isn't it! Thanks for watching 😊
How long does this take? Loving your YT videos. Happy travels from Iowa.
That's so good to hear Marcia! We just about made it into Iowa when we were living in the US, with a day out to Dubuque when we were in Illinois to watch our son in a play! We made sure we went so we could cross it off our list! 😊
Hi there. Was this the first time you blacked the boat since you launched? I do find it interesting to know how much things cost, so thank you. Leigh
Hi Leigh! Hope you are well, and the weather is cooling down somewhat now! Glad you should the video. Yes, this is the first time we took we out for blacking, as she was approaching her third birthday. The original black at launch was 2 pack epoxy which tends to last longer so we weren’t in too much of a rush for that expense, but always wanted the reassurance of getting her out to make sure everything looked as it should for her age 😊
Apparently the helmsman can feel the new blacking by the reduced resistance to gliding through the water.
I checked with the chief helmsman and he says he couldn't feel a different, but he was a little worried about scratching our new shiny bottom! 😂😊
How do you cope with that awful whistling noise ?
Yep, we do have a bit of ‘prop singing’ when we’re on tickover. It started after we had a new prop fitted. Apparently the prop is too well balanced and we’re hoping in time with some fouling it will quieten down. We don’t tend to notice it, it seems to be more pronounced on the audio than in real life.
I understand traditions but with today’s technology there should be tougher and stronger coatings than the traditional blacking,and I imagine the new coatings to be colored black to uphold tradition. Or is this a “this is what’s been done in the past and why change things “kind of thing? Reason I was asking is after watching Cruising the cut and David was featuring the aluminum hulled Otter .Not a metallurgist but one would think that the coatings would be slightly different since the metals are dissimilar.
2 pack epoxy paint is the usual alternative coating which is a lot longer lasting than bitumen blacking but also a lot more expensive and requires the boat to be shotblasted down to the steel in the first instance..
@@narrowboatersatlarge I was just thinking if there’s something that lasted longer,say 5 years instead of 2 ,if the offset would justify the price and hopefully better protection from scratches barring operator error. Let’s face it nothing is sadder than those half sunken boats that are on the cut.
@@normanshute7162 average for 2 pack seems to range from 5 to 9 years depending on your cruising pattern.
Hi Norman, you are right, there are quite a few modern alternatives available. Options range from a basic bitumen blacking, to more modern sinthetic blacking, 2 pack and now there are options for zinc spraying. Prices for the zinc can be around £10k for a boat our size. In our case, the hull was coated in 2 pack when new which is supposed to be good for circa 5 years. The problem is you can scratch through that coating and rust will happen where it’s scratched, I personally really don’t trust it to be able to leave it for 5 years and then find major problems so we decided to take ours out early and go over the 2 pack with a modern blacking (Hempel Pro) which is harder wearing than bitumen. I’m happy to repeat every few years so I can at least stay on top of things and keep an eye on the hull condition. I can’t imagine leaving it 5-10 years without taking out of the water and then finding a major problem that is then harder to repair. There are options though. Hope this helps. Pete
2 part epoxy is meant to last 5 years, although it costs almost double you can save on lift out costs
Ar 23:00, I would have bet money she wasn't going to fit back in the water!
Oh we said exactly the same! The angle especially makes it look like there’s no way she would fit! Thanks for watching 😊
lovely vlog. It's nice to see you have a shiny bottom 😆😆😆🤣
And we were happy to show it off 😂. Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Bad bearing?
Are you referring to our singing prop?
More boat, less dogs.
Sorry the boat dogs come with the package in our vlogs! Thanks for watching 😊
This is all my neck of the woods, having been brought up in Gumley, Foxton and Debdale et al was my "hunting ground" so to speak. I also worked at the Foxton museum for a number of years.
How wonderful! It's an area we have travelled though many times now, and it's definitely a favourite on the network, especially the Foxton Locks area 😊
@@onedaymoreaboard It's a beautiful part of the country. But obviously I'm biased lol
Doesn’t she look spiffing!!!!!!
She really does! That’s a great word to describe her 😊
And of course we know that many, many of the boats on the canals never see the maintenance that this boat is getting - and if anyone imagines this is a 'cheap' way to live this should scare them straight !!! Have to wonder how many boats are actually rusting away under the water - scary stuff !!! If I was having any silly thoughts of joining this lifestyle, this just confirmed it as a 'no' in my brain ! Way too much fiddling around for my tastes !
I wonder why there is no plastic or other non-metal covering that could make these boats less prone to underwater issues ?
Yes there are some boats that don’t get the same attention, but many that do. When you spread the cost of blacking over the 2 years and other maintenance costs it still works out less than our costs of living in a house. We have no regrets of our choice so far and it’s all part of the adventure really. Thanks for watching 😊
There was boat builder in the 2000s that used aluminium to build their Sea Otter boats which don’t need the same protective blacking process, but steel remains as the preferred material for building narrowboats as it has done for hundreds of years now 👍