Just found this channel over the weekend and have been binge watching since the beginning. Can’t believe that I’m finding mopping a bilge entertaining - but I am and I don’t even have a boat. Only another couple of hundred videos to go 😂
Part 2 could be the bit where I fit the remaining cable under the kitchen cabinet and up to the socket. Then I could stretch it to Part 3 for the connecting up! OK, that may be taking things too far...
Very interesting. Involuntarily laughed out loud (startling one of the cats), when you extended the torch - was not expecting that! What a great invention though. Congratulations on not being defeated with the threading of the new cable, especially the bed part, and i sincerely hope that you never discover if the claim that it is still pliable at -40C is true! When you panned across tour ukulele, it brought images of you sitting in a rather laid back fashion at the stern, one leg raised onto the tiller, steering your way along the canal, straw hat atop your head and strumming merrily away on your uke to the approval & enjoyment of a flotilla of ducks!
I love how many people in the comment section are absolutely astonished at finding a bilge mopping entertaining and engaging, honestly same. I've said it before and I'll say it again this is the most quality show 😤✊🏾
I know this is four plus years later, but the solution to the dripping diesel is a product called "pig mats." Specifically designed for absorption of oil drips. Hoping you may have already found them or something similar. Some guys use a tin foil baking pan strategically placed under the engine to avoid the bilge being soiled at all. The pig mat is used in the pan to avoid sloshing on removal. And if someone hasn't already said it, little old engines like that generally leak a bit. If they don't, that's a sure sign you need to add oil, LOL. I'm enjoying your adventure from the beginning. At some point I'll catch up!
Again,you have manage to prove yourself to handle the task.... Well Done ... I say....Give yourself a pat on the back... it is good to do some of the stuff on your own and leave the serious things to a qualified person just for safety....and the peace of mind...Till next time......Thanks for sharing.....
Regarding your oily bilge water, after cleaning it up, use a bit of liquid dish soap around where the water is most likely entering from (shaft perhaps?). The soap should break up the oil, making your next cleaning much easier.Great series, looking forward to watching the rest :)
Something you might consider for the bilge, is a silicone baking pan or rimmed baking sheet. Ideally, you can find one of the same basic dimensions or large enough fraction of the under engine bilge space. It is flexible and returns to shape, so can possibly be scrunched into place and then worked back into the shape of a good drain pan. It can tolerate anything that might drop into it and can be removed and cleaned well. You would still need the rags or mop to get the large puddles out, but it would keep the bilge bottom clean. You might also be able to prop one end up and direct the gunge to the accessible end. Just heard about your channel on Mads's, Sail Life and so am gradually working my way through the library. Keep up the good work. Very interesting series.
New subscriber, great videos, just got through watching(liking) all of them. Storing telling, humor and practical advice, all on the same show. Thanks.
So I live in Saint Augustine Florida and my wife is from Miami ... she is Cuban..believe me Cuban people in general are boat people .. and we are avid boaters... I have worked on shrimp boats and lobster boats before as a fisherman... although I am a carpenter being true ... I found your videos and have watched many of them and enjoy watching you discover and learn.. I think when we really enjoy something it becomes exiting and you seem to be a very interesting and adventurous man ... those long narrow boats seem very challenging ... I admire your spirit and courage to get out there and try the things in life that you want ... I like the fact that you are always improving your boat ... HA HA ... A never ending story ... And I love how you discribed in one episode calling it '" A boaters paranoia '" HA HA ... I can truly relate to that ... Experience is the best teacher in my book ... Thank you for all the effort ... I even let the commercials plat through so it will help you with beer money ... HA HA I have to get to work now ...
Nice job done and one that awaits me too. But first getting my engine/domestic charging system fixed next week! Finally! The boaty list of things that need fixing is never ending :) My DIY usually involves more do-it-via-someone else too, although I've learnt a few things by now
Today I was putting in new ducting under the dinette to take the extension cable out to the side; same again tomorrow under the sink! Exciting times ;-) Remind me what's up with your engine and charging system? Will you video the fix? (Go on!). I wish I had the confidence to do wiring and engineering stuff fully but apart from anything else I'm certain my insurance would prefer that I got a professional in!
Hilarious videos, we're really enjoying them. Started at the beginning so got a lot of catching up to do (1 year to be precise). This one is very entertaining but also informative - not in a 'how to do it', sort of way but more in a 'what to expect when owning a boat' sort of way. Brilliant!
Just normal DIY jitters, shucks I was nervous the first time I played with 240V and I'm still breathing. It will get easier in time, you've snaked your first wire and didn't fry yourself or the mains or your boat. Enjoying the videos.
Unless you have laws preventing the connection. DIY rule, turn off power, make connection and then turn on power. Show the electrical panel no fear. I'm frugal must be the Scot within me. Wired my houses, camp and boat.
I don't know if the BSS specifically prohibits me from DIY on the electrical a but I know my own commonsense does. If I wired it up I'd be permanently terrified the place was going to spark up in flames. And, I don't understand why the wire to the existing socket has an "in" and an "out" wire rather than just one wire bringing the power. All in all, best left to someone who knows their stuff.
+CruisingTheCut Not aware of your socket but, best bet is one wire goes in and stops, the one labeled out might be, it can accept another connection to feed more power to other circuits along the line. Just a thought from US. You work within your comfort level.
+CruisingTheCut Not 100% what you mean by in and out but all sockets are wired on a ring main so you will normally have two cables. basically it's wired as a circuit. from the mains board you have a wire going to socket 1, then a second cable then goes to socket 2 and again another cable to the next sockets etc etc the very last socket would have the second cable going back to the mains board so you have al ring main. You look as if you are planning to run a spur from an existing socket, basically 1 length of cable to a single socket it wouldn't be part of the ring main. Not up with the current regs but in terms of houses it's Ok to run 1 spur from a socket. do a search on ring mains and spurs on the internet
I would have been so stoked to see that blue cable I think I would have done a bit of a dance for joy. That is one cool little torch I think you should give it a name lol
Your videos are very interesting, David. Thanks for posting them. You make an otherwise tedious day at work interesting. I do learn some things here as well, even if they're not what what you intended to convey. For instance, since I'm in the USA, your terminology is different from what I'm used to hearing. I've heard the usual ones before - spanner, boot, Wellies, etc. But I had to look up "accumulator", "hob", and one or two others. Here, we call those a "pressure tank", and a "stove" or "cook top". As they say, we are two related countries separated by a common language. Also, congratulations on the DIY electrical work. It's a good feeling when these go well. I'm working my way through the vlogs in order, and I see many that follow, so I assume that this work at least didn't cause the boat to blow up. Well done!
while trying to replace a starter motor on one of my v8 engines on my 8 meter cruiser I got stuck in the engine bay while laying on my back with my feet stuck straight up in the air. My wife was in hysterics and threatened to call the fire dept to get me out. After about 30 minutes I finally had to cut my clothes off to get out, while my wife couldnt stop laughing.
I do enjoy watching just how pleased you were here with your purchases, especially your new bendable, extendable and magnetic torch. 👍🏼 P.s that was quite the stash of AA batteries that you had in your little cupboard. You weren’t exaggerating when you said that you had loads of them 🙂
As a side issue I noticed the plumbing is fitted with gate valves. Gate valves are notoriously unreliable and either leak, seize or do not shut off properly. It would be prudent to change these valves for ball valves. It would also be a good idea to fit isolation in line ball valves to each outlet such as under the sink, basin supply to the toilet, hot water tank and accumulator. The reason for this is that if it is required to service any of these items it can be achieved without turning off all the water to the boat. Another aspect is if there is a failure of any item, for instance the hot water tank, it can be isolated and you can continue to have water elsewhere in the boat.
I would think you could use PEX waterlines if needed that could run thru the original piping and be better . Your is the best narrow boating channel; IMO.
The biggest part of electrical work is getting the cable from......to..... so by doing it yourself it saves time money and you know where it runs. The connections and electrical protection( fuses or circuit breakers and) is the technical bit where you need a electrician. Let us not go down the approved.... certified...competent paperwork route. Looking at the work your electrician carried out on the solar cells he is neat tidy and knows what he’s at. If a job looks good the it is likely to be good. Good tradesmen are tidy by their work ethic. Although not a boat owner I enjoy your vlogs keep it up. Amacf
You too, zushiba. I worship at the altar of David Hewlett. Lol. Hubby is fully aware of my Dr Mackay fetish. He is only slightly amused. He hates Sci fi
Your nappy idea worked well as you can dispose of the soiled one as required hover reaching it was the problem, have a look at “easy reachers”, they were designed for disabled people but great for reaching in and grabbing in tight places, the best part no oily mop and bucket to store.
I'm guessing the reason you have only one socket on that side is it is next to the inverter, with the mains ducking down after that first socket under the steps, then running along one side of the boat. The 12v would continue down in that trunking you discovered. This would have been done originally to keep the 12v and 240v circuits as separate as possible. Not that what you have done is dangerous, just maybe not best practise. For others watching the video, they may want to consider running another piece of trunking dedicated to 240v, although this may not always be practical without major dismantling. Some stickers on the trunking for the next owners just to warn them that it's running both 12v/240v might be a good idea though.
I didn't mean to suggest it was, and hope it isn't for the foreseeable as I like watching your videos! ;) Maybe my second paragraph , second sentence, should have said: "For others watching this video looking for tips,.... " (My case actually ;) )
Honestly wouldn't say it's dangerous. At least it would be legal on a commercial boat coded to MCA standards. Using good quality cable is important and the artic outer ensures good insulation. There will be RCD protection if anyone decided to cut/prod it.
Keep an eye out for the watch batteries in your local pound store they seem to stock them from time to time. (Large card of various batteries all for £1)
Your videos are the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work. Thank you! I will definitely look out for one of those torches when I am next in Tesco. How are getting on with learning to play the ukulele?
Thank you. Ukulele playing has been boosted by a beginners' workshop that I attended a couple of weeks ago, so now I'm just doing practice when I can. Perhaps an update Vlog or I'll do it as "bonus content"!!
You've got me lusting after one of those torches, we don't have Tesco's in 'Straya so I'll have to wait 6 weeks for it to come on a slow boat. Whoops, I just read the comment below, oh well they're only A$4 !
For a few quid you can get some thin rods that fix together rather like drain rods, you thread the rods through the conduit/gap starting from your destination back towards your start point, tie on your cable and then pull the rods back out the way they came, bringing the cable with them. Do it one section at a time.
I am only this far along on a "binge-watch" of your channel but thought I would mention that your boat seem to use what we call here in the states Qest water pipe. It is prone to freeze damage and when used with hand-twisted fittings such as I seee in your video... prone to leakage. If you ever have the need to repair your piping...you might consider another material and replace whatever has failed. Of course if your pipes are not Qest piping...forget everything I have said. Thanks for the videos!
I don't know what that pipe is but the stuff on mine is extremely common on narrowboats. As I live aboard, the pipe remains warm in winter; boaters who leave their craft unattended tend to drain down the water system to avoid freeze damage.
If you don't have any are looking for an excellent "small" torch which is extremely powerful I highly recommend a Nitecore MH20GT. Its USB rechargeable, waterproof, shockproof and an amazing beam of 200m+
Great bit of escapism by proxy .. really enjoying the vlogs. Have you really done what we all daydream of doing and sold house / quit job? How will you fund the fuel / food outgoings long term? Not meaning to be nosy, just intrigued, as bar the lottery win or theft, I have not yet worked this hurdle out.
Yes, I really have! And the funds came from selling the house. Long term I'm buying a flat (with the balance of the money) which I'll rent out, that should cover fuel and food. Plus the occasional bit of freelance work should keep me ticking over. Certainly no millionaire and it'll be a very basic life but if it all goes wrong I sell the boat and move into the flat myself then take things from there.
Amazon/Ebay are your friends on the batteries. Order them in bulk. You'll always end up going to an average of three stores to find them, otherwise. Each time. That is quite the light; someone really thought that through. In the US, they're all weaponized so that you can clock someone with one when traveling in "gun free" zones.
Haha, you present the amazing torch and later use some night light to show the ducting. However, you put up a great video. I would like to see how you manage to wash your clothes till now if you can't operate a washing machine. Or was that half sized plastic thingy some manual camping version? I'd say that's worth an episode.
The torch gives more of a spotlight whereas the camera light throws a wide general beam so it's better for filming. Yes, washing will be another Vlog and your eyes do not deceive you, the plastic thing is a twin-tub washer which I'll explain when the time comes!
We do get static wide houseboats on rivers here too, plus there are widebeam narrowboats (contradiction in terms!) which go on the wide canals and rivers.
@@CruisingTheCut CR11108 battery is a non-rechargeable lithium battery featuring physical dimensions of 11.6 x 10.8 mm, a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts. CR11108 battery is also known as CR-1/3N battery, but also as a 2LR44 battery, because two LR44 batteries stacked on top of each other feature the exact required height of 10.8 mm. Hence, the CR11108 battery can be replaced with a pair of LR44 or a pair of SR44 batteries - of course, a lithium CR11108 battery is usually a preferred choice.
I hate to repeat myself but you really should try and find the sources of the oil leak. If only to cut down on the number of mop heads that you will go through :-) Can i recommend that the next time you have clean out the bilge sprinkle some talcum powder down into the bilge. Hopefully that should make it obvious as to the starting point of the leak.
There is a product available in the US for boats, called "bilge Buddy". It's an absorbent tube, that comes in various lengths. They absorb oil only, not water. They are made of the same material as the oil booms that are deployed in an oil spill. They work great for cleaning up the oil.
The oil pick up pad that Nor'easter describes are excellent. Used to put several in the bilge of our boat and then throw them away in a plastic bag carefully every so often. Hands never get dirty. AND should not be a lot of oil in your bilge, water from packing gland, yes.
@CruisingTheCut. Saw what looks like old water leaks under bed? We've lived in 2 different RV's in US over 12 years. We used Kilz in all areas that had old leak marks. We so enjoy your vlog and are hooked.
Me wife is officially hook on your vlog. She heard your voice and turned up the volume on our desktop. I am not saying this in a mocking manner David..but as Americans we are intrigued by your verbage. Words Brits use that are so different than here. She brought me a notebook to write them down...and i asked her... what for?...Response was"if/when we go there narrow boating we will be advised on proper English"...Which means i am winning the battle to get her there in the UK for our 25th anniversary vacation...ER AH holiday! Keep up the great videos sir. Fans from America
I am with your wife. David's voice is addictive. Can't quite narrow down why. Both you and David miss Aussie speak so we have to translate both isms. No wonder people who are new to the English language panic. Lol
@5:12 When you were talking about how you can't have any electronics in the cupboard under the TV because the door would have to be open. Well, you could knock out the center panel to that door and get some speaker mesh, they do make some that look like wood, and fit that to the door frame instead of finding some odd place to electronics. You could also just get an infrared eye extension and route it through the TV port and then you have to just use your remote.
Addendum - I use a number of LR44 (AG13) regularly, so I do have stash of LR44 batteries :D . I bought 100 cells from Ebay and it worked out nice and cheap and now I never run out!
LR44 battery is an alkaline battery, with the most common equivalent batteries being: AG13, G13, A76, L1154, LR1154, 157 etc. However, these alkaline batteries can be replaced with silver-oxide batteries, with the most common equivalent batteries: SR44, SR44W, SR44SW, 303, 357, SB-B9 etc. lr44 batteries can be replace by a 357 battery? The 357 battery is a silver oxide battery, while the LR44 is an alkaline battery. The 357 battery has a longer useful life and provides a more consistent voltage level than the LR44 over time. 1) Silver oxide batteries have a 50% - 100% greater capacity, meaning they last up to twice as long as alkaline batteries. 2) Silver oxide has a relatively slow declining voltage during discharge compared to alkaline, which is preferable for light meters used in cameras and digital calipers. ~~~OK this is the good bit, it's a HACK!~~~ 12v A23 batteries are in fact a 8 x LR44 batteries in a pack which makes up one 12V battery. By carefully removing the outer (plastic film )casing you will release 8 x LR44 batteries ( 8 x 1.5v = 12v ). This makes buying LR44 batteries nice and cheap!
Just found this channel over the weekend and have been binge watching since the beginning. Can’t believe that I’m finding mopping a bilge entertaining - but I am and I don’t even have a boat. Only another couple of hundred videos to go 😂
I just found it a couple of months and I'm binging it as we speak.
Another great video. You have kept us in suspense for part 2 where you get it all connected up.
Part 2 could be the bit where I fit the remaining cable under the kitchen cabinet and up to the socket. Then I could stretch it to Part 3 for the connecting up! OK, that may be taking things too far...
What have I unleashed?! :D
brilliant.. once again my wife doesn't understand why i find your channel so addictive but she has wine I have 'cruising the cut'
You are very wise but your wife must be made to see reason and convert to the cut :-)
Oh my. I was laughing so hard because I know exactly the frustration you went through. Misery not only loves company it provides comedy. Good job!
Very interesting. Involuntarily laughed out loud (startling one of the cats), when you extended the torch - was not expecting that! What a great invention though. Congratulations on not being defeated with the threading of the new cable, especially the bed part, and i sincerely hope that you never discover if the claim that it is still pliable at -40C is true!
When you panned across tour ukulele, it brought images of you sitting in a rather laid back fashion at the stern, one leg raised onto the tiller, steering your way along the canal, straw hat atop your head and strumming merrily away on your uke to the approval & enjoyment of a flotilla of ducks!
That's *exactly* how I play the ukulele, how did you know?!!
+CruisingTheCut OK, I have to admit - I AM a duck! You can easily spot me as I am the one who goes "quack"!
As always....great documentary. I look forward to seeing each and every new video. Thank you for sharing your adventures on a narrow boat.
Cheers Mike
Stargate Atlantis, HELLS YEAH!!!
On VHS if I'm not mistaken!
DVD!
I love watching your videos as they show all the ups and downs of living aboard, at even with all the jobs to do we still want to do it.
+Drew Nield Great! Thanks for watching.
I love how many people in the comment section are absolutely astonished at finding a bilge mopping entertaining and engaging, honestly same. I've said it before and I'll say it again this is the most quality show 😤✊🏾
The extendible torch/magnet would be even better with a camera on the end of it!
I like your thinking!
I know this is four plus years later, but the solution to the dripping diesel is a product called "pig mats." Specifically designed for absorption of oil drips. Hoping you may have already found them or something similar. Some guys use a tin foil baking pan strategically placed under the engine to avoid the bilge being soiled at all. The pig mat is used in the pan to avoid sloshing on removal. And if someone hasn't already said it, little old engines like that generally leak a bit. If they don't, that's a sure sign you need to add oil, LOL.
I'm enjoying your adventure from the beginning. At some point I'll catch up!
Oh my gosh that torch is epic! Glorious video as always. Enjoying your adventures.
Ta :-)
Again,you have manage to prove yourself to handle the task.... Well Done ... I say....Give yourself a pat on the back... it is good to do some of the stuff on your own and leave the serious things to a qualified person just for safety....and the peace of mind...Till next time......Thanks for sharing.....
Regarding your oily bilge water, after cleaning it up, use a bit of liquid dish soap around where the water is most likely entering from (shaft perhaps?). The soap should break up the oil, making your next cleaning much easier.Great series, looking forward to watching the rest :)
Thanks! It's not coming from the prop shaft, there's a bowl under that to catch drips.
I love when the English get stuff sorted! GET IT SORTED!!!! :) Love your videos!
Haha, thanks :-)
Something you might consider for the bilge, is a silicone baking pan or rimmed baking sheet. Ideally, you can find one of the same basic dimensions or large enough fraction of the under engine bilge space. It is flexible and returns to shape, so can possibly be scrunched into place and then worked back into the shape of a good drain pan. It can tolerate anything that might drop into it and can be removed and cleaned well. You would still need the rags or mop to get the large puddles out, but it would keep the bilge bottom clean. You might also be able to prop one end up and direct the gunge to the accessible end. Just heard about your channel on Mads's, Sail Life and so am gradually working my way through the library. Keep up the good work. Very interesting series.
Good idea and thanks for popping over on Mads' recommendation. Cheers!
New subscriber, great videos, just got through watching(liking) all of them. Storing telling, humor and practical advice, all on the same show. Thanks.
Very pleased you like it, cheers :-)
So I live in Saint Augustine Florida and my wife is from Miami ... she is Cuban..believe me Cuban people in general are boat people .. and we are avid boaters... I have worked on shrimp boats and lobster boats before as a fisherman... although I am a carpenter being true ... I found your videos and have watched many of them and enjoy watching you discover and learn.. I think when we really enjoy something it becomes exiting and you seem to be a very interesting and adventurous man ... those long narrow boats seem very challenging ... I admire your spirit and courage to get out there and try the things in life that you want ... I like the fact that you are always improving your boat ... HA HA ... A never ending story ... And I love how you discribed in one episode calling it '" A boaters paranoia '" HA HA ... I can truly relate to that ... Experience is the best teacher in my book ... Thank you for all the effort ... I even let the commercials plat through so it will help you with beer money ... HA HA I have to get to work now ...
I'm glad you enjoy them, thank you.
Nice job done and one that awaits me too. But first getting my engine/domestic charging system fixed next week! Finally! The boaty list of things that need fixing is never ending :) My DIY usually involves more do-it-via-someone else too, although I've learnt a few things by now
Today I was putting in new ducting under the dinette to take the extension cable out to the side; same again tomorrow under the sink! Exciting times ;-)
Remind me what's up with your engine and charging system? Will you video the fix? (Go on!).
I wish I had the confidence to do wiring and engineering stuff fully but apart from anything else I'm certain my insurance would prefer that I got a professional in!
Big thumbs up for the Stargate Atlantis collection.
Great video. I actually watched your later videos first, but now I'm enjoying catching up on the earlier ones!
@10:12 If only you had a telescoping articulated light you could use to better illuminate that space... ;)
Gosh, if only :-( !!
Hilarious videos, we're really enjoying them. Started at the beginning so got a lot of catching up to do (1 year to be precise). This one is very entertaining but also informative - not in a 'how to do it', sort of way but more in a 'what to expect when owning a boat' sort of way. Brilliant!
Thanks Wendy! Really glad you like them. Cheers.
Wendy Mattelaer I too have just discovered this series and am really enjoying them.
Thanks
Swearing whilst doing menial tasks does help! It really does.
just catching up on some of your videos and you have cheered me up no end. looking forward to seeing the fitted sockets :)
Keep watching! (Pssst: vlog 25 shows the new sockets)
Just normal DIY jitters, shucks I was nervous the first time I played with 240V and I'm still breathing. It will get easier in time, you've snaked your first wire and didn't fry yourself or the mains or your boat. Enjoying the videos.
Thanks. I'm going to leave the final connecting up to a professional :-)
Unless you have laws preventing the connection. DIY rule, turn off power, make connection and then turn on power. Show the electrical panel no fear. I'm frugal must be the Scot within me. Wired my houses, camp and boat.
I don't know if the BSS specifically prohibits me from DIY on the electrical a but I know my own commonsense does. If I wired it up I'd be permanently terrified the place was going to spark up in flames. And, I don't understand why the wire to the existing socket has an "in" and an "out" wire rather than just one wire bringing the power. All in all, best left to someone who knows their stuff.
+CruisingTheCut Not aware of your socket but, best bet is one wire goes in and stops, the one labeled out might be, it can accept another connection to feed more power to other circuits along the line.
Just a thought from US. You work within your comfort level.
+CruisingTheCut Not 100% what you mean by in and out but all sockets are wired on a ring main so you will normally have two cables. basically it's wired as a circuit. from the mains board you have a wire going to socket 1, then a second cable then goes to socket 2 and again another cable to the next sockets etc etc the very last socket would have the second cable going back to the mains board so you have al ring main. You look as if you are planning to run a spur from an existing socket, basically 1 length of cable to a single socket it wouldn't be part of the ring main. Not up with the current regs but in terms of houses it's Ok to run 1 spur from a socket. do a search on ring mains and spurs on the internet
So excellent oil absorption and lighting resolutions.
I would have been so stoked to see that blue cable I think I would have done a bit of a dance for joy. That is one cool little torch I think you should give it a name lol
I call it "torch" :-)
Let me say from experience with such things that you indeed were very fortunate to be able to push that cable the entire way, I seldom get that lucky.
I see your a Stargate fan. Nice collection, and a great way to spend a cold winter evening.
Hiya You really do cheer me up watching your videos, looking forward to the next one !
Thanks Joanna, I'm cheered by having loyal and positive viewers :-)
Your videos are very interesting, David. Thanks for posting them. You make an otherwise tedious day at work interesting.
I do learn some things here as well, even if they're not what what you intended to convey. For instance, since I'm in the USA, your terminology is different from what I'm used to hearing. I've heard the usual ones before - spanner, boot, Wellies, etc. But I had to look up "accumulator", "hob", and one or two others. Here, we call those a "pressure tank", and a "stove" or "cook top". As they say, we are two related countries separated by a common language.
Also, congratulations on the DIY electrical work. It's a good feeling when these go well. I'm working my way through the vlogs in order, and I see many that follow, so I assume that this work at least didn't cause the boat to blow up. Well done!
Another interesting video. I must get one of those torches!
Thanks. It's a great little torch!
I am really enjoying your video series.
All the practical knowledge you impart with genuine good humor is very refreshing.
Happy Cruising
Thanks Allen
Wow you really have patience. We could not believe you got it all the way through. Good on you. Well done.
'The paranoia of owning a boat' - I can completely relate to that. But it's so worth it.
:-)
while trying to replace a starter motor on one of my v8 engines on my 8 meter cruiser I got stuck in the engine bay while laying on my back with my feet stuck straight up in the air. My wife was in hysterics and threatened to call the fire dept to get me out. After about 30 minutes I finally had to cut my clothes off to get out, while my wife couldnt stop laughing.
Your wife left you like that for 30 minutes?!?!
love of my life:)
I do enjoy watching just how pleased you were here with your purchases, especially your new bendable, extendable and magnetic torch.
👍🏼
P.s that was quite the stash of AA batteries that you had in your little cupboard.
You weren’t exaggerating when you said that you had loads of them 🙂
I paused on your dvd/cd collection. Pink Floyd... Good taste sir :)
That torch is practically a sonic screwdriver.
Oh, what a wealth of information. Thankyou. And it's amusingly presented, as always.
I love your bendable torch. Well, I have one and love it.
Me too, they are fantastic
Great job mate for never having done that type of thing before 👍
As a side issue I noticed the plumbing is fitted with gate valves. Gate valves are notoriously unreliable and either leak, seize or do not shut off properly. It would be prudent to change these valves for ball valves. It would also be a good idea to fit isolation in line ball valves to each outlet such as under the sink, basin supply to the toilet, hot water tank and accumulator.
The reason for this is that if it is required to service any of these items it can be achieved without turning off all the water to the boat. Another aspect is if there is a failure of any item, for instance the hot water tank, it can be isolated and you can continue to have water elsewhere in the boat.
+Patricia Brooks Thanks Patricia. The taps etc do indeed have individual shut-off valves for such work. Cheers.
Great video. Reminds me of the first two rules of Engineering, F=MA and don't push a rope!
Haha, I like that second one a lot!
The joy of fishing, ...inside the boat.
I would think you could use PEX waterlines if needed that could run thru the original piping and be better . Your is the best narrow boating channel; IMO.
The biggest part of electrical work is getting the cable from......to..... so by doing it yourself it saves time money and you know where it runs. The connections and electrical protection( fuses or circuit breakers and) is the technical bit where you need a electrician. Let us not go down the approved.... certified...competent paperwork route. Looking at the work your electrician carried out on the solar cells he is neat tidy and knows what he’s at. If a job looks good the it is likely to be good. Good tradesmen are tidy by their work ethic.
Although not a boat owner I enjoy your vlogs keep it up. Amacf
I see you're a Stargate fan, excellent taste in entertainment.
You too, zushiba. I worship at the altar of David Hewlett. Lol. Hubby is fully aware of my Dr Mackay fetish. He is only slightly amused. He hates Sci fi
David, a stargate Atlantis cupboard! ! No stargate though, I see.
@@dianemorris6904 Underneath.
Holly Hanna, I knew there was some reason I liked you when I saw one of your vlogs. Then I see your a Stargate fan and now know why!!!
Star Gate fan! You are too cool! Hope to see you on the canal one day!!
First time I've ever been called cool ;-)
It would also be on my list to "keep" when moving on to a boat those DVD's. Thanks for the vlogs, realy enjoying them!
Your nappy idea worked well as you can dispose of the soiled one as required hover reaching it was the problem, have a look at “easy reachers”, they were designed for disabled people but great for reaching in and grabbing in tight places, the best part no oily mop and bucket to store.
looking forward to seeing the end results :)
I'm guessing the reason you have only one socket on that side is it is next to the inverter, with the mains ducking down after that first socket under the steps, then running along one side of the boat. The 12v would continue down in that trunking you discovered. This would have been done originally to keep the 12v and 240v circuits as separate as possible.
Not that what you have done is dangerous, just maybe not best practise. For others watching the video, they may want to consider running another piece of trunking dedicated to 240v, although this may not always be practical without major dismantling.
Some stickers on the trunking for the next owners just to warn them that it's running both 12v/240v might be a good idea though.
It's not for sale and no plans to be.
I didn't mean to suggest it was, and hope it isn't for the foreseeable as I like watching your videos! ;)
Maybe my second paragraph , second sentence, should have said:
"For others watching this video looking for tips,.... " (My case actually ;) )
Ah. Fair enough!
Honestly wouldn't say it's dangerous. At least it would be legal on a commercial boat coded to MCA standards. Using good quality cable is important and the artic outer ensures good insulation. There will be RCD protection if anyone decided to cut/prod it.
That's reassuring to know!
Never seen an extendabendable torchlight before!
and bendable! that´s really cool XD
Brilliant work for a numpty 👍👌 Cheers from the U.S.!
Keep an eye out for the watch batteries in your local pound store they seem to stock them from time to time. (Large card of various batteries all for £1)
But are they any good?
nope;)
great vid mate but can we have a video tour of the boat. and the storage you have???? keep the vids coming...
Thanks. I did a tour ages ago, look back through my channel.
Your videos are the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work. Thank you! I will definitely look out for one of those torches when I am next in Tesco. How are getting on with learning to play the ukulele?
Thank you. Ukulele playing has been boosted by a beginners' workshop that I attended a couple of weeks ago, so now I'm just doing practice when I can. Perhaps an update Vlog or I'll do it as "bonus content"!!
I spy a box set of sgu and it looks like sg1. Very jealous!!
The complete SG1 inc the two movies, plus Atlantis :-)
Very nice set! Should be nice enjoying it after a long day on the canal,
As a ex sparky I'd gladly do the job of fitting a couple of sockets without running the cable. You did 90% of his job
I’ve got one of those flexible/extendible magnetic torches and it’s such a fantastic thing to have around.
Loving the torch!
You've got me lusting after one of those torches, we don't have Tesco's in 'Straya so I'll have to wait 6 weeks for it to come on a slow boat.
Whoops, I just read the comment below, oh well they're only A$4 !
yea £3 on ebay
For a few quid you can get some thin rods that fix together rather like drain rods, you thread the rods through the conduit/gap starting from your destination back towards your start point, tie on your cable and then pull the rods back out the way they came, bringing the cable with them. Do it one section at a time.
oh the joys of retro fitting
I am only this far along on a "binge-watch" of your channel but thought I would mention that your boat seem to use what we call here in the states Qest water pipe. It is prone to freeze damage and when used with hand-twisted fittings such as I seee in your video... prone to leakage. If you ever have the need to repair your piping...you might consider another material and replace whatever has failed. Of course if your pipes are not Qest piping...forget everything I have said. Thanks for the videos!
I don't know what that pipe is but the stuff on mine is extremely common on narrowboats. As I live aboard, the pipe remains warm in winter; boaters who leave their craft unattended tend to drain down the water system to avoid freeze damage.
Love your Videos and dedication to keeping up maintenance ! Good Show old Bean! LoL
I'm a bit disappointed, after the purchase of the new torch... it wasn't used in the "what's under my bed" scene, a prime opportunity missed!!
If you don't have any are looking for an excellent "small" torch which is extremely powerful I highly recommend a Nitecore MH20GT. Its USB rechargeable, waterproof, shockproof and an amazing beam of 200m+
4:58 Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh stargate atlantis.... i love it ;)
Great bit of escapism by proxy .. really enjoying the vlogs. Have you really done what we all daydream of doing and sold house / quit job? How will you fund the fuel / food outgoings long term? Not meaning to be nosy, just intrigued, as bar the lottery win or theft, I have not yet worked this hurdle out.
Yes, I really have! And the funds came from selling the house. Long term I'm buying a flat (with the balance of the money) which I'll rent out, that should cover fuel and food. Plus the occasional bit of freelance work should keep me ticking over. Certainly no millionaire and it'll be a very basic life but if it all goes wrong I sell the boat and move into the flat myself then take things from there.
Hats off to you, good plan. Keep the vlogs up to help the rest of us through .
Cheers, will do!
nice stargate collection 👽
Amazon/Ebay are your friends on the batteries. Order them in bulk. You'll always end up going to an average of three stores to find them, otherwise. Each time. That is quite the light; someone really thought that through. In the US, they're all weaponized so that you can clock someone with one when traveling in "gun free" zones.
How very American.
CruisingTheCut We even have a name for the category: Tactical Lights. Rabbit hole is deep;)
Oh my :-(
I keep lots of LR44 batteries around for old cameras. They are cheap if you buy in lots from Amazon or ebay.
Love the torch I’ve got blue one in my tool box
In order to run say a sander outside I see were it would be good to have a few outlets in easy access from hatches and door ways
I can’t imagine the amount of batteries you go through every 5 to 6 months. Thanks for sharing.
Surprisingly few!
CruisingTheCut Ahh, only because you lost it 😀
Haha, you present the amazing torch and later use some night light to show the ducting. However, you put up a great video. I would like to see how you manage to wash your clothes till now if you can't operate a washing machine. Or was that half sized plastic thingy some manual camping version? I'd say that's worth an episode.
The torch gives more of a spotlight whereas the camera light throws a wide general beam so it's better for filming. Yes, washing will be another Vlog and your eyes do not deceive you, the plastic thing is a twin-tub washer which I'll explain when the time comes!
Master electrician but a service call from Texas would be more than a arm and a leg ,but you was quit lucky to push it by hand good job !!
In Australia our narrowboats are wider and generally known as houseboats. And in place of canals, we have rivers.
We do get static wide houseboats on rivers here too, plus there are widebeam narrowboats (contradiction in terms!) which go on the wide canals and rivers.
Just want to point out at 5:00 Stargate Atlantis!
And underneath the full box set of Stargate.
You should have a reacher-grabber tool for that bilge. Comes in incredibly handy in many places.
A job well jobbed! The electrician will do the rest. Looking forward to seeing the end result.
They are Listers they have oil they will weep, and yes they are a great torch
So, you get worried when it *stops* leaking??? 😎
If you cut the end of the cable in an arrow shape, it will pass through the trunking, a lot easier!
A bit of PVC tape creates a smooth rounded end, which also overcomes snags.
Thats an absolute find that torch
Another excellent video, well done.
There is definitely something Pythonesque about this one.
Wait until you see the one about the dinette.
NOT.... .(ominous music) . . . THE COMFY CHAIR !?
The dinette cushions!
They do make a lithium battery for replacing those lr44 battery. You need 2 for replacing 4 of the lR44 battery.
Thank you :-)
@@CruisingTheCut CR11108 battery is a non-rechargeable lithium battery featuring physical dimensions of 11.6 x 10.8 mm, a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts, and a cutoff voltage of 2.0 volts.
CR11108 battery is also known as CR-1/3N battery, but also as a 2LR44 battery, because two LR44 batteries stacked on top of each other feature the exact required height of 10.8 mm.
Hence, the CR11108 battery can be replaced with a pair of LR44 or a pair of SR44 batteries - of course, a lithium CR11108 battery is usually a preferred choice.
I hate to repeat myself but you really should try and find the sources of the oil leak. If only to cut down on the number of mop heads that you will go through :-) Can i recommend that the next time you have clean out the bilge sprinkle some talcum powder down into the bilge. Hopefully that should make it obvious as to the starting point of the leak.
Good idea. And you're right, I know.
There is a product available in the US for boats, called "bilge Buddy". It's an absorbent tube, that comes in various lengths. They absorb oil only, not water. They are made of the same material as the oil booms that are deployed in an oil spill. They work great for cleaning up the oil.
Thank you.
US Coast Gaurd requires water crafts to have oil absorbent pads onboard. www.amazon.com/dp/B003XU7UHA
Not so on the UK inland waterways, although you are required not to put oil into the canal.
The oil pick up pad that Nor'easter describes are excellent. Used to put several in the bilge of our boat and then throw them away in a plastic bag carefully every so often. Hands never get dirty. AND should not be a lot of oil in your bilge, water from packing gland, yes.
I catch the packing glad water, don't want it sitting in the bilge.
@CruisingTheCut. Saw what looks like old water leaks under bed? We've lived in 2 different RV's in US over 12 years. We used Kilz in all areas that had old leak marks. We so enjoy your vlog and are hooked.
Thank you
I've got the same flashlight (torch) in blue. Big surprise on the batteries!! I buy in bulk from Amazon.
Those dang batteries don't last long, sigh.
My first reaction seeing the unexpected telescoping action was "oh crap, where are the batteries then...?"
if it were easy the job satisfaction would have been meager.
Well done.
You make a good point!
Me wife is officially hook on your vlog. She heard your voice and turned up the volume on our desktop. I am not saying this in a mocking manner David..but as Americans we are intrigued by your verbage. Words Brits use that are so different than here. She brought me a notebook to write them down...and i asked her... what for?...Response was"if/when we go there narrow boating we will be advised on proper English"...Which means i am winning the battle to get her there in the UK for our 25th anniversary vacation...ER AH holiday! Keep up the great videos sir. Fans from America
Hahaha good luck!
Won't make much difference to you.. Hood is bonnet.. trunk is boot. Freeway is motorway. Sidewalk is pavement. ETC... you'll be fine.. SWELL.
I am with your wife. David's voice is addictive. Can't quite narrow down why. Both you and David miss Aussie speak so we have to translate both isms. No wonder people who are new to the English language panic. Lol
@5:12 When you were talking about how you can't have any electronics in the cupboard under the TV because the door would have to be open. Well, you could knock out the center panel to that door and get some speaker mesh, they do make some that look like wood, and fit that to the door frame instead of finding some odd place to electronics. You could also just get an infrared eye extension and route it through the TV port and then you have to just use your remote.
should have used a wire pull...a flexible thin wire - fish tape.....you could push down the trunking then tape the wire to it and gently pull back....
Never fails; anytime I’m working in an engine bay I will drop a nut, bolt or tool someplace out of reach.
Serious torch envy!
Addendum - I use a number of LR44 (AG13) regularly, so I do have stash of LR44 batteries :D . I bought 100 cells from Ebay and it worked out nice and cheap and now I never run out!
Too bad most of them will die of old age before being used. That flashlight is a pain. I gave up using it. Gobbles batteries.
LR44 battery is an alkaline battery, with the most common equivalent batteries being: AG13, G13, A76, L1154, LR1154, 157 etc. However, these alkaline batteries can be replaced with silver-oxide batteries, with the most common equivalent batteries: SR44, SR44W, SR44SW, 303, 357, SB-B9 etc.
lr44 batteries can be replace by a 357 battery?
The 357 battery is a silver oxide battery, while the LR44 is an alkaline battery. The 357 battery has a longer useful life and provides a more consistent voltage level than the LR44 over time.
1) Silver oxide batteries have a 50% - 100% greater capacity, meaning they last up to twice as long as alkaline batteries. 2) Silver oxide has a relatively slow declining voltage during discharge compared to alkaline, which is preferable for light meters used in cameras and digital calipers.
~~~OK this is the good bit, it's a HACK!~~~
12v A23 batteries are in fact a 8 x LR44 batteries in a pack which makes up one 12V battery. By carefully removing the outer (plastic film )casing you will release 8 x LR44 batteries ( 8 x 1.5v = 12v ). This makes buying LR44 batteries nice and cheap!