Is our NARROWBOAT home SINKING? | EP 009
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- Is our #narrowboat is sinking?
It all gets a little emotional in this week's episode. Josh has a HEART TO HEART on camera, we discover WATER coming up INTO the boat, we test out our on-board washing machine and try our hardest to keep optimistic after a CHALLENGING few weeks..
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Enjoy!
Ula and Josh x
We are 2 years in, and I’d love to say the jobs list gets shorter, but it doesn’t! But over time you will gain the ability to be at ease with it and just laugh things off more! And **that** does make it easier! 😊
BoatLife has a steep learning curve, and it hits you like a tonne of bricks! But keep at it. Summer is just around the corner 😊☀️
Drop us a message if you need anything, always happy to help!
100% this. It never gets any easier, but you will get better.
I've dumped my entire watertank into my bilges, not been able to use my washing machine without the generator and even had to fix that after dropping it in the cut. But these experiences have just made me realise how much I can do. I love my boating life, don't let these experiences get you down
We have a saying over here in the States, (Boat) Break Out Another Thousand. No matter a home on land or one on the water, something is always going to go wrong. Chin up high, you will overcome these problems.
You guys are so patient with everything that's happening, I truly admire that.
Thank you so much ❤️✨❤️
wow - what an episode!
I was a bit of a rollercoaster !!
Hope your boat will be OK fingers crossed crossed
She will be ok :) thanks for the kind words
you guys 😭❤ wishing u all the best on your boat journey
huh?
Thank you xx
Your both amazing keep the faith
Thanks Ross 👍 😊 🥰
Blessings!
✨✨✨
So disheartening to see the beginning of this video after all your hard work. Im no sentimentalist, but your reaction to each others stress was so lovely to watch that I thought; “ you know what, this lovely couple can face anything. I was made up to see that the water problem was something you could easily find and rectify. Great video guys. Thank you.
All the very best to you guys 👍👍👍
Thanks Andy x
Hey guys, power wise check the eco flow, portable units for power maybe be handy
Thanks Simon!! I’ll look into this :)
One of the main reasons why you can have water in a bilge, especially during winter, is you yourself.
You are constantly breathing out water, and it condenses and ends up in the bilge. In addition, there's cooking (propane releases water when burned) cooking vapours and other water sources. Narrowboats are crap for ventilation, very few have extractor fans over the stove and this causes these kinds of issues. You may also have a leaking pipe somewhere, but again if the bilge was recently dry and there's water now that you live in the boat with cold outside temps then this is most likely a simple vapour and condensation collection.
If that's all it is, it will improve as the outside temps increase.
I've moved to a much colder climate 2 winters ago. The first winter I was cold 🥶 most of the time. Then all of my pipes froze up. The pipe connecting to the sewer got plugged & I had to call someone twice to clean it out. The second attempt worked. The toilet worked on & off for a few months. I had to haul water for dishes, cooking, cleaning & drinking! No water for showers. I had no washer or dryer. This winter I figured out how to keep most of the pipes from freezing, my toilet is in full working order. I have a working washer & dryer & I've made leaps & bounds in staying warm. Bottom line, I think there's an adjustment period. So, by next winter, I think you'll both be masters at narrow boat living! Hugs to you both for all your patience & progress xoxo
Keep your chins up, it will get better I’m sure. The love you have for each other will make it come good in the end. Xxx
Another fab video guys xx
Thank you x
The love you both have for each other will overcome all obstacales and fill your boat with pure beautiful energy. Don't be too disheartened , it's the awesome journey of a new boat life, ups and downs. There is a great boat community out there of high vibrational people willing to help. You are an awesome couple, i love watching the videos. Sending you both love and light 😊🙏❤
Thank you Pete, we feel very lucky indeed! What a lovely adventure we are on! We are learning and growing every single day :)
@@UlaandJosh ☺
I love watching you guys... washing is some you will have to get used to, I lost everything during lockdown to to my other halves mental illness, all 3 of my children are now in their 20s, I now live in a caravan, so wish I could have bought a narrow boat, so envious, after 24 years being in a relationship, big house, I lost everything, now working part time, but will never have the option of a washing machine, all my clothes, bedding and dogs bedding done by hand with a bar of soap, thats life im afraid
I am sorry for the hardships that hit during lockdown, It was a horrid time for so many of us. We considered living in a caravan for a time, but then discovered canalboating. Have you visited the canals before? Sending much love your way xx
I felt really sorry for you both when the boat leaking, but really pleased when you got it sorted.
The new sofa looks great, what a lovely colour.
Hope you both have a great week.
Thanks so much Jayne :) xx
Loved this one! had the whole family cracking up laughing in the funny bits. And we had to keep pausing and rewatching to explain all the dramatic moments to the littler family members who wanted to understand EVERY SINGLE DETAIL!
Plumbers tape wrapped tightly on the thread, check any thread isn't cracked, plus add 'collets' added to the plumbing fittings.
Looks like John Guest plumbing system.
Oh, expansion vessels don't need drip trays. The drip tray is for the leak!
Keep on smiling..good follows bad..follows good..
I just love how supportive you both are to each other anytime one of you gets a bit down about things as what you said is so true, when you are trying to live off grid more you have to slow down, somethings just take more time to get done. Give yourself grace that everything will not be easy and that’s ok to feel tired of it. Always love your videos. ~Jen
Hang in there, you are lovely together
Thank you ❤️❤️
As you find leaking pipes replace them with PEX and Sharkbite fittings. With Sharkbite you can remove and add as you expand the repairs.
I have sobbed through most of EP 9.
....and then you saw a magnificent Heron... and drank a pre blended smoothie on a romantic picnic.
Keep the belief in your boat. You will all be happy in the end.
Thanks buddy! We love our boat ✨✨✨
@@UlaandJosh it was a dream I never fulfilled. Used to live in Reading and wanted to try a canal boat
Im a plumber and I would recommend getting a sparkie to check your electrics
Thanks Alf!! On it!
The time to panic is not at first finding a problem, it's at the end when there's nothing you can do.
Boats, leaks, dramas are all the same thing 👍☺
Well said Steve!!! Hope you managed to catch this evenings video :) x
I just love the bit where you skip to you both sitting in the launderette laughing... what a totally rubbish day, but honestly the way you pull it back is just great..
Still sending good vibes your way.. truly hope you have a good week 😊👍
Boating life is hard work and in everything in life it throws up challenges. Stay positive
Thanks Paul !! Plenty of positivity on this boat 🙂✨
It may be just as simple as the propellor gland allowing small amounts of water to pass from the engine drive! The gland just needs tightening? Or repacking? Or it’s leaking from the weed hatch when the engine is driving the prop at high speeds? That what happened to us and we flooded the carper in the t
Kitchen!! I hope you are able to sort it ! Good luck !
Keep going guys! I live on a boat and absolutely love it. X
We are chugging along buddy!! Loving this life! We are very lucky :)
There's a lot of life and living that you are gaining with your new adventure on the water. Freedom, the beauty of nature at your literal doorstep, independence, exploration, and new wonderful experiences! But having bought an old boat, it's best to approach this early time as a "trial and error" time. You're going to be testing all the things that work, all the things that don't, and everything in between, as you get this old gal shining and purring like a dream. It'll take some time to get there. But every job done right will be a job that's complete! Good luck to you both! I really hope we get to see some renovations, that's my favorite thing to watch! :D
Been watching from your 1st episode and how I wish Australia had these canals…. What a life 🥰😊Fingers crossed next week’s episode is a lot smoother for you both ❤️🇦🇺
Oh Lord- We all have those days guys
Sometimes it feels like A LOT !!!!
I was gritting my teeth and keeping my fingers crossed for the two of you during this episode. So glad that it doesn’t seem to be canal water coming into the boat! Love the positivity of you both and the scenery and wildlife from your narrowboat is so lovely to watch 😊❤
Spark plugs can be cleaned using sandpaper to remove excess carbon build-up. Not a permanent solution but can add a little life to the plugs.
You guys are just great. In spite of challenges I can see the love you have for one another will get you thru any obstacle. Hold tight, things will get better, and Spring is coming! ❤
maybe give the twintub a run with no washing first off to rinse through any old water? then just very small amount of washing at a time if it ever does work, and possibly lighter things than jeans, etc - fingers crossed. good to still be smiling at the end!
So useful tip, we can only run our washing machine if the engine is running when we are on the cut and that is despite having a good solar set up with decent batteries. The power of the washing machine is just too great. So it goes on once we are cruising. It does impact th engine slightly but nothing major and it gets the washing clean!! Great video guys you always make us laugh.
We have just updated our power set up (more on that in our next video)… but not sure we have space for the washing machine anymore haha!! It may be back to the laundromats for us 🤪🤪
@@UlaandJosh ah yes I saw Josh advertising your old panels. We recently updated our system, now got over 1000w, sold our old panels and mppt on marketplace within a day!! Bought by people building camper vans. Looking forward to the next video. X
You two are just so wonderful together: loving and supportive of one another. Also, can we please recognize Josh's adorable George Michael impression? It was all that!
I really like your vw bus planter.
Thanks Gary xx Hope you managed to catch this evenings video :) x
This was a great episode. Too often on social media, only the good parts are shown, and I think it's important to show the reality that it's not always the sunshine and rainbows that is portrayed.
Even though you were having problems, I did laugh at the opening shot of you two in the launderette. 😂
Thank you Jack! We always said we would keep it real! Too much of the internet is fake… but we had to throw some laughs in! You have to slow down enough to see the comedy in life 🤪🤪 hehe! Thanks for being here buddy x
That cut to you both in the launderette was comedy gold! Brilliant editing. Sorry for the stress and sending all the love for you both. Really loving coming along with you.See you next week xx
Thanks so much :) hehe it was a funny cut!!! Thanks for being here x see you next week
wow a lovely life, throw out that generator, more power to you guys, from Melbourne Australia.
It’s a big power week this week!! Serious upgrades are happening and we are looking forward to sharing it with you guys xx
Power to you.
I don’t know how folk do this and van life here in England.I find it too cold and damp here even in summertime for this kind of living.
Thanks Peter!! It is not the easiest way to live but it is definitely the most fulfilling i have experienced :)
Josh is lovely, very supportive partner. We women's getting stressed out quickly as we have this motherly instinct ☺ we need security for ourselves and our offspring ☺
Ohhh Anna, you are lovely!! Thank you for the kind words. Women are incredibly strong and caring xxx
@@UlaandJosh yes our heartfelt desire is to have a cosy home and care for others especially our loved one's
Not all women though. I have no motherly instinct whatsoever and have never been maternal. I prefer motorbikes to kids 😂
@@sugarpuff2978 sure I don't have it now either so don't have my own children but raised my siblings.
What I meant is we still have some part of it as if something is distressing we can panic as is that kind of instinct deep inside of us, which makes us different from men
@@sugarpuff2978 since menopause my ' caring ' instincts have declined significantly 😂
Guys you’ve become my Sunday night treat! Those shots with the morning frosts are amazing! ❤
They really have! I'm always looking forward to their new video!
13:40 amazing how you both just slowed down and talked to one another… really special and exactly what me and my partner do when things get on top 🙏🏻
Hello and welcome to boat life! Using electricity is a learning curve. Look at all your different electrical items and see what they draw. Low watt items can usually run off your house bank. High watt appliances can only use one at a time with another power source, ie generator, diesel, or shore power. And yes, it's the same on EVERY boat...even newer break all day, every day. We live "simpler" because the basic things are a never ending effort. Boat life is fixing things and hauling things. Acceptance is what we call "Island time" where I live. It's not "you", the experience you're having is normal!
Keep hanging in there. Things will get better and easier. I've watched many narrow boat TH-camrs. You aren't the first to have glitches, and you won't be the last. Stay positive. It will be worth it! All the best from Missouri.
Josh seems a good lad
Thanks John boy ;) appreciate that buddy. I do try haha
Aw gosh what a week this week... your doing fab with every bump you both are going through... and I just love watching how much yall love one another .. with every smile and every sparkle in your eyes when you look at one another❤❤ I hope you fix the washing machine xx
You could doo with getting the narrow boat out the water and die penetrat all the welds down the side and under of the boat to see if there's a little pin hole or crack on the boat and a good way to clean up a spark is use a wire brush if it fouled.
Hello You Two - greetings from Poland
I'm so sorry that so many things are going wrong. I hope everything sorts itself out in the long run and the stresses and starins you are currently suffering come to an end.
I love being able to join you in your adventures. Your approach to life is an inspiration. See you next weekend. Stay safe and take care please
Thank you so much Michael!!! It did feel like it was one thing after another! But we are doing well over here. Thanks for the support buddy :)
Well I came across your Chanel this evening and have thoroughly enjoyed this first video. I am so looking forward to watching your story from the very beginning. Of course I am now subscribed with notifications on yay😂I just hope you get that washing machine up and running will sure make life easier 😊
So pleased you found us Paul ✨✨✨ hope you’re enjoying the journey so far x
Sorry to see you’re having problems. The Nomadic Crobot TH-cam channel has had similar bilge problems. It took them ages to locate the leak.
Thank you :) we are getting there slowly… will check out their videos!! Thanks x
When you said the boat was built in 1986 so its an old boat and bound to have problems I felt personally attacked 😆 that's my birth year ( I'm old 😢) I'm glad it wasn't a a huge leak I can't imagine the stress of possibly losing everything.
Haha don’t be offended Carl… we are pretty much the same age … but in terms of boats this narrowboat ain’t the youngest 🤪
loved this one too, its great that you show the lows as well as the highs. I cant believe how many subscribers you have now, well done and hope at least some of them buy you coffees, off to do so myself.
What an episode! For so much drama, I also thought is was full of laughs too! Life's highs and lows! Well done to you both! I look forward to you two every week! 😍🛥
Hey guys, you have done so well so far. ALWAYS remember that you never own your home; your home owns you.
🤣🤣🤣
A bit of sand paper on thoes spark plugs to expose the shiny metal and they should be alright for a bit longer 👍
Nice one Garath, that's a great idea, appreciate the advice x
Yeah fun time
Always a laugh on this boat :)
600amp lithium batteries you’ll have no problems For power. Love the show guys!❤️ we’re traveling Australia in our caravan while your traveling the canals in your beautiful boat!
For a generator if you can afford it get a Honda EU 2200i absolutely brilliant and super light, reliable and super powerful.
Hang in there guys you are doing brilliantly! Once all the niggly jobs are done you wont look back! Xxxx
You're doing great things. When things are sorted, you'll look back on these days and smile/laugh. Issues in the present aren't tied to anything, they're just items in life that can be unraveled. Peace and love guys.
My mate had a 52-footer on the Coventry/Oxford Canal and he said people only see the happy side of boating, sunny days, wildlife and countryside, they never see having to walk over a mile for water and fuel in winter they never see being frozen in, in winter or the other countless jobs house owners never have to do.
He stuck it for about five or so years then got rid.
Good luck.
There are many things that crop up whilst living on a boat, but the good always outweighs the bad... we are loving it!!!
Have ppl forgotten about "hand wash"??, a bucket of warm water and a bit of washing powder, my grandmother taught both ways, how to use a washing machine, and how to hand wash, when the washing machines up the creek lol!.
We've watched your vlogs from the start and enjoy them highly.
Are you aware that a "travel pack" is available that is fitted to and driven by the engine. Its basically a 240v high output generator and enables the use of washing machines etc whilst cruising. Not cheap I believe but then nothing in the boating world is.😊
My boat was built in 1976 and just had it over plated. Keep smiling you got the best life ever 😁🙏🏻
How much did it cost you lovely? (If you don't mind sharing?!) We may have to go down that route soon
Hi have you checked the pressure in your expansion vessels the 2 red tanks. The black caps on top prise off below them you will find schraider valves as on your car tyres.with no pressure in your system you should have air pressure at the schraider valves about 1 bar or 15 psi this is to allow expansion of the water in the system worth checking just use a foot pump to recharge the vessels with air remember to check these once a year as with tyres they can go flat.
The nomadic crobot channel, Chris and Becca on whistling wombat have dealt with loads of water ingress and leaks, may be worth chatting to them.
Yessss, I have seen their videos!!! Seem like a great couple :)
I love Josh's expression when he said "It's working." I also love how you two support each other with laughter and encouragement. This will take you through many difficult circumstances and make your partnership stronger. I'm well into my 5th decade with my husband and we still laugh and encourage each other through the difficulties of life. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Lord I don't know how you are coping with all of this... I pray for you too be able to sort everything out and continue living your dream as my dear DAD always used to say "" THERE'S BOUND TO BE SNAGS "" YOU JUST GOT TO KEEP BUGGERING ON""😂❤️🙏❤️🤗
If your battery's are not fully charged guy's and you plug your inverter in and the voltage drop is big the inverter will not work thats why your washer stopped as for the water ingress at the rear of the boat its normally the gland seal round your prop gone hard or dry , hope you get it sorted 😎😎👍👍
You two really have had a lot to deal with.
We had an excellent survey and are eternally grateful that it flagged potential issues.
Not that we haven’t had stuff to fix - that’s just boat life.
Always something.
Possibly the same living in a bricks and mortar home but we forget that.
Good luck!
It's a steep learning curve, but eventually you will get the hang of things. In the meantime it's challenging but an adventure, and sharing it with us - the ups and downs - keeps us engaged and interested! LOL. Keep going!
Thanks Janina, lots of highs and lows, but it is all totally worth it :) x
Most inverters are 2000w at best with healthy batteries...try to do washing when you have a shore line available.
We getting a proper upgrade soon so will be no worries 🙌🙌 we don’t have access to shore power!
If there’s a leak on the jg speedfit. They’re simple to undo. They may need undoing and pushing in then retighten. Check they’ve used super seal inserts on the pipe ends (just research jg speedfit). Good luck.
Every so often you come across something that you look twice at. I used to watch on the tube a couple of canal boaters,but they are now doing something else. Clocked you a couple of weeks ago. Subscribed and I hope you all the best. Ps. Pleased your not sinking. 😊
So pleased to have you along for the journey. xx
I absolutely love your blog. Y’all are def the cutest couple. I finally saw all 9 episodes and now I am hooked. Don’t stop and don’t ever give up. I love the beautiful smiles you always give each other and the camera.
Thank you Lucia for taking the time to write such a lovely message. We are very happy you found us :) see you Sunday at 6pm xx
I feel your pain. Our power went when we tried our washing machine and we had a load of wet washing. We’re a year in just, and the list never decreases but we love boat life. It has its challenges and NES - nothing’s ever simple 😅
Hiya Alyson, lovely to connect here. Where shouts are you on the canals? Did you manage to fuse the wires together when you tried your washing machine? And did you have to upgrade your system? xx
@@UlaandJosh We're just starting through London for the first time having been on the Hertford / Essex area of the River Lea. It was an isolator switch that had melted so Tim fixed that. Only tried again yesterday as we were moving but the washing machine was dead so will try again with the generator tomorrow to see if it's a power issue as in not enough, coming from the engine. It's been back to launderettes in the meantime :)
I have a van, although i dont live in it, it's a process of learning to go backwards. Wr become used to 'labour saving' devices without giving much thought to the labour saving part.
Take tea, at home fill kettle from tap, turn kettle on, make tea, drink tea, put cup in dishwasher. In van, fetch water, get gas burner out, fill kettle, boil water, make tea, boil kettle again, put hot water in bowl, wash up mug, put gas burner away before you drive off, empty grey water.
With time you'll find where you need power and invest money in more solar, better and more lithium batteries, a big invertor: a better generator, all the niggley repairs will get done and all these things will become easier.
You've got this! X
Great seeing the way you support each other, It's a constant battle but I'm sure you'll win through.
Thank you John! ✨✨
Very pleased about generator. I was wrong about half-cocking it. Ok. Hope the rest of your week is ok
Thanks Sian :) wishing you a lovely week also x
You are both so incredibly positive and full of energy. Love your channel, you’re doing great xx
Don't give up; you are an inspirational couple, yes you will have lots of problems and you will find there is always a leak somewhere; it is part of a learning process. Yes, you are committed now and am sure all things are repairable. The benefits of living on a boat outweigh living on land; once you get it fixed you will have a beautiful summer.
Thank you Sandra, that is so sweet of you to say :) things are looking up! We are excited for the warmer weather x
U guys will get there as ur positive thinking u got each other for support please don’t give up please if u can keep the boat as long as u can I love that bird he so chilled and u guys make the world feel so peaceful sitting up on ur boat chilling bring on the spring and lighter nights I do hope ur boat be okay feel for u two sending virtual hugs and love xxxx❤❤
So so sorry to see you both with the stressful things going on with your beautiful house boat .
Really hope you get the problem done soon 🙏🙏
Thanks so much Susan !! Hope you managed to catch this evenings video :) x
Look into get a battery powered pack . Can be recharged on mains or solar and will power everything on your canal boat. I wouldn't waste any money fixing the hyundai generator.
Also a good decent dehumidifier.
Hi guys. Only discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago but was hooked instantly and binge watched each episode. Seems a long wait between Sundays now 😁 Sorry that you seem to be going two steps forward and one back at the moment but unfortunately life has the knack of doing that. I love how you cover the good and the bad and are honest in your approach while maintaining a great sense of humour too.
Hello mick from Hull i really like your boat 🛥 and I you get your washing machine fixed xx
Condensation ula don't panic gal josh will sort it
Eh eh eh !!! We have a window vacuum now :) it works a great!
Those push fit connectors always need to be tightened. Worth checking all of them just in case as they will leak.
Despite the pressure you both make it work .Hopefully all problems will settle and you can enjoy your life on the water
Thank you buddy that means so much to us xx
Lots of new things to learn about when you move onto a boat! Looking at your power setup I’d say it might be a good idea to get someone who specialises in off grid boating set ups to have a look at it and see if they can’t make it more efficient.
Jack and Gabby at this tiny life here on YT are building an off grid electric narrow boat including motor, so they might be able to point you in the direction of a few things you could try.
I’d probably still sell that washing machine and get a front loader instead so you can use the space on top on a permanent basis. Plus you can store dirty laundry in it between washes without it getting in the way!
Thanks Claire, all great info! We are working with an amazing electrician to upgrade our setup so not long now and it will be a completely different story :) xxx
hi guys, nice to see a couple of laid back people enjoying themselves, life will get easier when your battery system gets upgraded.
your washer might work on cold settings, heating the water is what trips the inverter and your generator, its like turning on 12 kettles at once.
keep smiling and keep up your problem solving, there's always people out there to help, :) Tinx
If you’re changing batteries consider replacing the monobloc style batteries with 2v traction cells. More capacity and longer life but more expensive… also check the gap on the spark plug, sounds like the gap is too large which is why it won’t start. Is there a priming bubble?
The main thing is you've got each other, sometimes you have to accept you can only do what you can do,you'll get there I'm sure.shit happens ,it's not personal just life,look after each other the rest is incidental.
Love from Chester! While my husband is battling with our dishwasher I'm enjoying your video. 😁