Great video! This time last year, as inexperienced boaters, my wife and I collected our narrowboat. The first locks on our maiden voyage were the Buckby flight. On lock 3 (No11), whilst I was in the lock waiting to be raised, my wife fell off the lock quadrant onto the towpath (3' drop) and, as a result, broke her leg! 8 hours later and two ambulance crews, two fire engine crews, an NHS manager, and a dose of morphine, she was finally taken to Northampton hospital. Next morning on the boat, I noticed my pot of tea was decidedly askew. Looked outside, and the boat was aground due to those leaking lock gates. Had to let a couple of lock loads of water in from next lock up to refloat the boat! Then, I had to single hand the rest of the voyage up to North Kilworth, having never operated a lock before! However, the sun was shining, the learning curve was near vertical, but had a great two days to the mooring. Buy a boat, they said..... One year on, leg healed and enjoying boating! 'What three words' for lock 11 on the Buckby - Smashes, Something, Clumped 😂
Wow! What a start to boating life. Thanks for sharing. My 'camera shy lock helper' did her ankle on a lock earlier in the year when we had a hire boat for three days. It is easy to do.
I've just bought a narrowboat from a marina and have to pick it up soon so I'll be in the same boat (excuse the pun). Your video has given me a little confidence boost as I've had no tuition. A great and honest video.
When we rented a narrow boat for a week boat yard gave us a quick introduction to the boat. The main gist was Canal boating is a contact sport and we did well. We hit most things from Nanton on the Hill to Oxford and back.
Yes, I agree. I wanted a shot from the bow, and I think I have now solved the problem. I am now on plan E. And plan E may be working.... (famous last words) Plan A: Leave the camera to run - the battery went flat in an hour. Plan B: Use an add-on battery pack - the files were too big to easily move to a computer and edit and were also difficult to edit. Plan C: Use a Bluetooth remote - the camera is 50 feet away, and the remote would not work over that distance. Plan D: Use a radio remote - I could turn the camera on, but not off. Weird. I guess different radio frequencies were being used for on and off, and the off couldn't get through. Plan E: Use an Internet-of-things (IoT) device - this seems to be working. I have trailed it on a stationary boat and success. If plan E is working, there will be shots from the front in future videos.
Thanks. I didn’t take it as a criticism but as an opportunity to explain what I wanted to do and how challenging it has been to set up. As I said, I may have cracked it now - so fingers crossed.
I just came across your first video now this one I think you are so brave you have just jumped in at the deep end with your lovely narrow boat sometimes it’s the best way learning as you go along 😁
Thanks for the comment. Yes, learning as you go along is always fun and challenging. I have also received great help and support from comments on the channel, with lots of useful advice and tips.
I think I was as relieved as you must have been to exit from that tunnel Nick!...Excellent first video and yes your helper (whose name I would have liked to have known to give her a shout out) did a sterling job.
We went through that tunnel and it was our first time we made sure to do it very very early in the morning we just did not want to pass another boat . Get ready to get wet anyone going through it's poors a fair bit in the middle
Absolutely loved the video, very impressed on how you took on the new challenge. That boat is LONG. Well shot, edited and narrated video, looking forward to the next one. Very relaxing and therapeutic, loved the scenery. Thanks for sharing!
Greetings Nick, from the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne. Congratulations on your first cruise in your new 57' narrowboat. I've no advice to give as I've never been near a narrowboat; but I follow a few narrowboat TH-camrs. It's a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable life you all lead, although not without its challenges, obviously. Thanks for the details on the journey, the maps etc. Like some others, I follow some journeys on the Open Canal app; I even have a couple of Nicholson Guides and Inland Waterways of the UK map on my study door! I look forward to seeing your journeys unfold. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Thanks. I went to Melbourne years ago, and apart from a scary taxi ride to the airport, I loved the place. Great city. I will be continuing with the maps in the vidoes because I like a good map!
If that absolutely was your first ever essay at moving a narrowboat then I must tell you, all things considered, you did a sterling job indeed getting her out of the marina like that! Methinks you are a natural! We launched our boat back in May - a 70 footer no less - and I had to back her out of Braunston marina with boats on either side. Talk about sweat! Never let any body tell you bow thrusters are worthless😅! We then trotted up to Crick and then came back down the Oxford. Nice marina Cropredy, and nice village too. Glad you’re having a blast!
Thanks for the comment. That was my first time on a 57-foot NB. A couple of years ago, I took a course on a 45-foot boat (good course, bad student) and spent three days on a 47-foot boat in the spring. As a kid, I spent a lot of time on boats on the Thames, but they were all dingy types. So, yes, first time on 57. And, I better you were sweating taking a new 70-foot boat out for the first time. And yes, lovely village.
Great job there Nick, I think you made that look easy. I did chuckle when you knocked the boost accidently, could of been a funny one that. I like the showing of your journey on the map too. Here for the whole journey with you. ;-))
It is a great pub and a great spot. The staff were very friendly and helpful. And it was great to talk to some of the other boaters in the pub, who were very friendly and helpful.
Great first day Nick. What I appreciate is you excellent route description map, distance traveled etc as I like to follow your journey on one of the waterway maps as I follow your vlog.
Ex live-aboard here. Your biggest mistake is steering the boat like a car. But a car turns from the front, a boat with a rudder turns from the back, So when you put the tiller to starboard the BACK of the boat moves to starboard, thus changing the way the boat is pointing. Just imagine you are steering a car whose REAR wheels do the steering. You can only ever turn the back of the boat. Best of Luck.
A boat actually pivots on its centre and has no resemblance to a car whatsoever. A rudder operates by deflecting the water pushed over its surface by the prop. It has no effect when the engine is in reverse because the water is being pushed forwards. To steer in reverse can only be achieved (with a single engine) by swinging the bow in forward gear and then immediately reversing until the bow has straightened up. Then repeat the forward, swing, reverse until you have completed the manoeuvre.
@@jimmartin4430 Sorry, mate. I never lived on dry land till I was 17, and solo-ed the Atlantic to Cuba at 20 on a Westerly 27 footer, so what would I know? Happy new year!
Nick, Are you aware of the Gongoozlers Co-efficient. Your ability to move the boat without any issues is inversely proportional to the number of gongoozlers watching! :)
Your comment made me laugh. As a scientist, I really like that... I will be plotting the graph later. (It also explains the coach load of people following me...)
Your doing sooooo well , iv been on the K&A for nearly a year and still not done a lock on my own , also if you go through double locks and you time it right you can do the poor me single boater routine if a crewed boat comes along and hitch a lift their very helpful to solo boaters
Additional , if your unsure because your a new boater the marina staff will help you get out of the marina safely and also there are plenty of RYA qualified trainers that will spend a couple of days with you in the boat and showing you the ropes etc 😊
@Nicks-Wanderings you'll be fine you'll be like me plodding along for a few months then have an epiphany and every thing will fall into place , we all have to start somewhere 😊😊
@Nicks-Wanderings oh also don't get an auto change over valve fitted to your gas bottles because you won't know you've run out of gas in one bottle until both bottles are empty and it will usually happen in the middle of nowhere when you can't get a gas bottle , I find it very handy knowing when one of my gas bottles have run out so I can get a new one straight away before the spare runs out
Thanks for the comment. The tunnel is 1.2 miles long and takes 35 - 40 minutes to complete. The worst part, which doesn't come across in the video, is all the water dripping off the ceiling. I got soaked. Thanks for the follow.
@ oh goodness! I guess you need to have some kind of rain gear in the future! Safe travels in your new home. From what I’ve seen on the TH-cam videos of the narrowboat community there are some really good people and very helpful if you need it.
Wow, what a brilliant video, and I'm looking forward to your future updates. i have, of course, subscribed . This is something I wouldn't love to do in a few years' time when I retire 👌🏻 thank you
Thanks for subscribing. And you need to give it a go. Taking on challenges in retirement is important, and retirement will hopefully offer you the time to try new things.
Well done mate, i lnow how scary it can be i bought my 43ft called no rush from Nantwich Marina. I may see you if you ever head north. The peak forrest is stunning if you ever fancy it. Good luck you are doing well so far.
No, in fairness, they were excellent. The video was me capturing my first reaction to it all - an unboxing before I RTFM. Whilton did do a handover briefing a couple of days later.
I see you did engage a buddy for your first trip, she was a trooper, you made great headway, thats about as good as it gets for travel distance imo! Well done 👏 one thing for me i would have stayed at Wilton Marina rather than Cropredy!
Really interesting. I watched your first video and was impressed with the boat. Looks stunning. I am looking forward to following your adventures, Good luck and you are a brave man to attempt this alone.
For tunnels I have been taught the trick of putting all the internal lights on the boat with the curtains open, this way the light from your windows goes out onto the tunnel walls so you can judge how far you are from each wall by the lights up the length of the boat, as others have mentioned tunnel light should be slightly offset so you dont blind oncoming boaters.
Thanks for the comment and the tip on lights. After the other comment on the tunnel light, I had a look at my tunnel light, and it is very securely fixed in place. There is limited movement up and down,
I got cut off…. And none left to right. When I get time, I will see if I can put some washers behind the right hand bolt (as looking at the light) to push it right.
@@Nicks-Wanderings I looked at your tunnel light and its mostly shining up on the ceiling of the tunnel so thats not an issue I would say, if its sort of horizontal pointing down the tunnel thats bad idea but slightly up and to one side is the usual format, some tunnel lights have a bit of rotation in the stand or bracket that they are mounted on depending on the design.
The only advice I can give you comes care of David Johns spectacular series of "Cruising the Cut" in which he advises always have an ample supply of cheese sandwiches and hot beverage to hand! Good luck.
Love your videos sir and a great looking boat. Politely I’d suggest when turning is to “pump” your tiller from normal straight to which ever way your going. Will get more water over prop and help turning. I’m 70ft and really helps me. Just push the tiller away and back say 2 seconds a few times you’ll see bow turn quicker and easier. Love your videos.
Thanks for the comment and the tip. Several people have suggested 'pumping', and at least one person called it 'rowing', the tiller, and I will give it a go. Thanks again.
Great video and narration. If nobody else had mentioned it, I was going to say the same thing about how to use the tiller when turning in a tight area. It really does work. I used to challenge myself whilst driving a 73ft hire boat. By using the tiller in this way, I could enter a lock, with only inches of clearance on each side, without scraping once. 73ft is, or was at the time, the longest boat on the canals due to the length of the locks we were going to encounter. I had to contend with staying away from the cills as well when going down in a lock. This was also my first ever time on a narrow boat. Don't ask why a 73ft boat was hired for this holiday. It wasn't my choice, I can assure you, but I learned a lot about handling a narrowboat in a short space of time. The boatyard instruction was very good and we had a great holiday. So much so we have done several since, on smaller boats, I must add. My wife and I did consider buying a boat , but not for living on and decided hiring made more sense for the way we wanted to travel on the canals. Sorry for going on a bit, but envy you on your travels. I am reliving my holidays through you. I have subscribed and rung the bell. Stay safe and enjoy your retirement. Barry from Essex.
@@landbk5015 Thanks for the comment. OK, so you found that pumping works best; that is good to know (and a good workout!). 73 ft is a huge boat - I certainly wouldn't want to drive one that size (yet). Thanks for subscribing.
An interesting video and thank you for sharing. I don't know what your speed was, but appeared to be "slow & steady". With hindsight, what could have been better for you (as you continue to "learn the ropes") ? Thankfully the engine appears in good order and your narrowboat with the boatsman cabin seems to be "cosy". Q: before you made this purchase, what kind of narrowboat were you looking for ? Thank you once again for sharing your video.
I had been looking at narrowboats for about four, maybe five, years. In that time I had looked at everything. I like technology, and I like history. At one point, I was going to for an all-electric boat - a tech approach. But they were far too expensive. Then, I decided to go in the direction of history and get a boat with an engine room. I signed up for all the marina mailing lists I could find, and spent far to much time on sites selling boats. I have looked at hundreds (1000s?) of boats. When I saw the Grey Wagtail, she ticked so many boxes, I decided I had to buy it.
You done well for first time cruising, when you film your trip could you have camera facing the front so we can see what you are seeking rather than just a video of you talking? You can still talk and explain what’s happening.
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the tunnel. I was hoping to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed (flat battery). I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works (I think this will be plan C, and I have a plan D if plan C fails).
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera pointing front - it was on the bow - but I had no way of operating it. I now have a cunning plan to film from the front. Hence, future videos will contain forward-facing footage.
Well done Nick,just a quick courtesy note your tunnel light should be directed to the right in order not blind any oncoming boater you may meet.Very nice boat have a safe trip.
Thanks for the info on the tunnel light. I’ll have a look at it. However, if you watch a later video you will find, thanks to a bridge, it ends up pointing slightly more upwards and more the left. Whoops!
I have some thoughts regarding the tunnel passage. What about carbon monoxide poisoning in high season when multiple boats are in the tunnel simultaneously?
The tunnel I went through was well ventilated with three air shafts. I believe there are tunnels on the canals that do have extractor fans installed to clear the exhaust fumes.
I think you did amazing, I’m sure I would have found it far more challenging, I certainly didn’t like the tunnel, even watching on video it seemed disorienting. Do you pay the lock helpers, I wonder, as I’m still not sure how you operate the locks single handed,
The tunnels are amazing. Particularly when you think about their history and how they were made. Remarkable. The lock helpers encountered were volunteers, so I don’t pay them. So far, I have not had to do a lock solo. There have always been other people around. Thanks for the comment.
Great video! This time last year, as inexperienced boaters, my wife and I collected our narrowboat. The first locks on our maiden voyage were the Buckby flight. On lock 3 (No11), whilst I was in the lock waiting to be raised, my wife fell off the lock quadrant onto the towpath (3' drop) and, as a result, broke her leg! 8 hours later and two ambulance crews, two fire engine crews, an NHS manager, and a dose of morphine, she was finally taken to Northampton hospital. Next morning on the boat, I noticed my pot of tea was decidedly askew. Looked outside, and the boat was aground due to those leaking lock gates. Had to let a couple of lock loads of water in from next lock up to refloat the boat! Then, I had to single hand the rest of the voyage up to North Kilworth, having never operated a lock before! However, the sun was shining, the learning curve was near vertical, but had a great two days to the mooring. Buy a boat, they said..... One year on, leg healed and enjoying boating! 'What three words' for lock 11 on the Buckby - Smashes, Something, Clumped 😂
Wow! What a start to boating life. Thanks for sharing. My 'camera shy lock helper' did her ankle on a lock earlier in the year when we had a hire boat for three days. It is easy to do.
Really like your unfettered, raw footage. Thank you.
Thanks - I think.... You get what you see. There are a few outtakes, but most of it is one-off, captured in the moment
Apologies if there was ambiguity, compliments of course. 😊
@@williamjust5427 Thanks.
I've just bought a narrowboat from a marina and have to pick it up soon so I'll be in the same boat (excuse the pun). Your video has given me a little confidence boost as I've had no tuition. A great and honest video.
Thanks. Congrats on getting the boat, and good luck!
When we rented a narrow boat for a week boat yard gave us a quick introduction to the boat. The main gist was Canal boating is a contact sport and we did well. We hit most things from Nanton on the Hill to Oxford and back.
That made me laugh. I hadn't thought of it as a contact sport. Bumper cars but on water.
@@Nicks-Wanderingsprop walk going astern! 😊
@@associatedblacksheepandmisfits It does seem rather extreme....
I bet full time liveaboards must of loved you guys 🤣
@@Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living I'm sure they do......
Great. Might help a bit to see a forward view as well.
Yes, I agree. I wanted a shot from the bow, and I think I have now solved the problem. I am now on plan E. And plan E may be working.... (famous last words)
Plan A: Leave the camera to run - the battery went flat in an hour.
Plan B: Use an add-on battery pack - the files were too big to easily move to a computer and edit and were also difficult to edit.
Plan C: Use a Bluetooth remote - the camera is 50 feet away, and the remote would not work over that distance.
Plan D: Use a radio remote - I could turn the camera on, but not off. Weird. I guess different radio frequencies were being used for on and off, and the off couldn't get through.
Plan E: Use an Internet-of-things (IoT) device - this seems to be working. I have trailed it on a stationary boat and success.
If plan E is working, there will be shots from the front in future videos.
@Nicks-Wanderings great tks. It was not a criticism . I find your videos fascinating and have learned so much. Good luck.
Thanks. I didn’t take it as a criticism but as an opportunity to explain what I wanted to do and how challenging it has been to set up. As I said, I may have cracked it now - so fingers crossed.
I just came across your first video now this one I think you are so brave you have just jumped in at the deep end with your lovely narrow boat sometimes it’s the best way learning as you go along 😁
Thanks for the comment. Yes, learning as you go along is always fun and challenging. I have also received great help and support from comments on the channel, with lots of useful advice and tips.
Congratulations! You done incredibly well for a Novice and I can imagine it was quite a daunting exercise.
Thanks for the comment. It was a challenge and I couldn't believe how tired I was at the end of each day.
*You DID, not "done". Basic grammar. 🤣
@@raybeer5213 No getting away from the grammar Police, basically boring individuals.
This is fun watching you starting out on this lifestyle!
Thanks. I’m having a blast.
A crow flies '25 to 32mph" , only a Brit could come up with that!
I should add that the speed assumes it is not carrying a coconut.
@@Nicks-Wanderings 😀😃😄
I think I was as relieved as you must have been to exit from that tunnel Nick!...Excellent first video and yes your helper (whose name I would have liked to have known to give her a shout out) did a sterling job.
My camera-shy helper did an excellent job. I will pass on the 'shout out'.
You’re obviously very courageous, love the sound of your engine.
Thanks. I also love the sound - relaxing and yet strangely danceable.
@ have you done a video about the engine? I’m asking as I’ve only got to day 3 so far. Would really like to know details.
@@keithbuckler4295 I have not done a video yet. It is on the list. The engine is a Beta Marine JD3. It is a converted three-cylinder tractor engine.
We went through that tunnel and it was our first time we made sure to do it very very early in the morning we just did not want to pass another boat . Get ready to get wet anyone going through it's poors a fair bit in the middle
Thanks for the comment. The amount of water raining down from the roof surprised me.
Absolutely loved the video, very impressed on how you took on the new challenge. That boat is LONG. Well shot, edited and narrated video, looking forward to the next one. Very relaxing and therapeutic, loved the scenery. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, and thanks for the comment.
Glad you decided to chronicle this from the start 👍🏻
Thanks. My thinking is to share everything - warts and all...
Greetings Nick, from the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne. Congratulations on your first cruise in your new 57' narrowboat. I've no advice to give as I've never been near a narrowboat; but I follow a few narrowboat TH-camrs. It's a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable life you all lead, although not without its challenges, obviously. Thanks for the details on the journey, the maps etc. Like some others, I follow some journeys on the Open Canal app; I even have a couple of Nicholson Guides and Inland Waterways of the UK map on my study door! I look forward to seeing your journeys unfold. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Thanks. I went to Melbourne years ago, and apart from a scary taxi ride to the airport, I loved the place. Great city. I will be continuing with the maps in the vidoes because I like a good map!
If that absolutely was your first ever essay at moving a narrowboat then I must tell you, all things considered, you did a sterling job indeed getting her out of the marina like that! Methinks you are a natural! We launched our boat back in May - a 70 footer no less - and I had to back her out of Braunston marina with boats on either side. Talk about sweat! Never let any body tell you bow thrusters are worthless😅!
We then trotted up to Crick and then came back down the Oxford. Nice marina Cropredy, and nice village too. Glad you’re having a blast!
Thanks for the comment. That was my first time on a 57-foot NB. A couple of years ago, I took a course on a 45-foot boat (good course, bad student) and spent three days on a 47-foot boat in the spring. As a kid, I spent a lot of time on boats on the Thames, but they were all dingy types. So, yes, first time on 57. And, I better you were sweating taking a new 70-foot boat out for the first time. And yes, lovely village.
Great job there Nick, I think you made that look easy. I did chuckle when you knocked the boost accidently, could of been a funny one that. I like the showing of your journey on the map too. Here for the whole journey with you. ;-))
Yes, me and that gear selector are having some problems. I am now getting better at not knocking it, but every so often....
A big day! Your helper was worth her weight in gold. Can you imagine how hard it would have been without her.
I know! She was a star and sadly camera shy. I think I would still be on the cruise if she hadn't come along.
We met you outside Whilton cafe top lock when you bought your boat.
Ah! Nice to meet you again. Was I on the boat making a hash of things or on the towpath looking confused?
The Admiral Nelson (behind you at the end of the video) is my favorite pub! Great selection of beers, lovely spot.
It is a great pub and a great spot. The staff were very friendly and helpful. And it was great to talk to some of the other boaters in the pub, who were very friendly and helpful.
Great first day Nick. What I appreciate is you excellent route description map, distance traveled etc as I like to follow your journey on one of the waterway maps as I follow your vlog.
Great. Thanks for the comment about the map. I like a good map, so you will be seeing plenty.
Great second video quick learning curve on the grey wagtail, an what an achievement well done 👍😎🏍️😊
Thanks 👍 It's a lot of fun.
Thank our lucky star was shining imagine a night passage. ie. No light at the end of the tunnel.
True. Good point.
Ex live-aboard here. Your biggest mistake is steering the boat like a car. But a car turns from the front, a boat with a rudder turns from the back, So when you put the tiller to starboard the BACK of the boat moves to starboard, thus changing the way the boat is pointing. Just imagine you are steering a car whose REAR wheels do the steering. You can only ever turn the back of the boat. Best of Luck.
Thanks. I never could do that. I used to work in a shop with one of those trolleys that steered from the rear. I was a nightmare with it.
A boat actually pivots on its centre and has no resemblance to a car whatsoever. A rudder operates by deflecting the water pushed over its surface by the prop. It has no effect when the engine is in reverse because the water is being pushed forwards. To steer in reverse can only be achieved (with a single engine) by swinging the bow in forward gear and then immediately reversing until the bow has straightened up. Then repeat the forward, swing, reverse until you have completed the manoeuvre.
@@jimmartin4430 OK, thanks. I must admit that in reverse, I would like a bow thruster....
@@jimmartin4430 Sorry, mate. I never lived on dry land till I was 17, and solo-ed the Atlantic to Cuba at 20 on a Westerly 27 footer, so what would I know? Happy new year!
Very good for your first day, you got cajones of steel my man 👍😜
Thanks!
Nick, Are you aware of the Gongoozlers Co-efficient. Your ability to move the boat without any issues is inversely proportional to the number of gongoozlers watching! :)
Your comment made me laugh. As a scientist, I really like that... I will be plotting the graph later. (It also explains the coach load of people following me...)
Your doing sooooo well , iv been on the K&A for nearly a year and still not done a lock on my own , also if you go through double locks and you time it right you can do the poor me single boater routine if a crewed boat comes along and hitch a lift their very helpful to solo boaters
Additional , if your unsure because your a new boater the marina staff will help you get out of the marina safely and also there are plenty of RYA qualified trainers that will spend a couple of days with you in the boat and showing you the ropes etc 😊
Thanks - a good tip. KnA is on my list of canals to do - plus another 2,000 miles of waterways.
Thanks. I did a very good RYA course last year and I suspect it was a case of good course, poor student....
@Nicks-Wanderings you'll be fine you'll be like me plodding along for a few months then have an epiphany and every thing will fall into place , we all have to start somewhere 😊😊
@Nicks-Wanderings oh also don't get an auto change over valve fitted to your gas bottles because you won't know you've run out of gas in one bottle until both bottles are empty and it will usually happen in the middle of nowhere when you can't get a gas bottle , I find it very handy knowing when one of my gas bottles have run out so I can get a new one straight away before the spare runs out
Many new adventures on the horizon too 👍.
Yes, I can't wait.
Huge day. Well done.
Thanks.
That tunnel is spooky and claustrophobic 🤦♀️! Good lord how long was that tunnel??? Will be following your journey.
Thanks for the comment. The tunnel is 1.2 miles long and takes 35 - 40 minutes to complete. The worst part, which doesn't come across in the video, is all the water dripping off the ceiling. I got soaked. Thanks for the follow.
@ oh goodness! I guess you need to have some kind of rain gear in the future! Safe travels in your new home. From what I’ve seen on the TH-cam videos of the narrowboat community there are some really good people and very helpful if you need it.
Love this x
Thanks.....
As you realised, there will be no steering going in reverse. :) Only 30 foot here, with drives and not the rudder, that is much more controlable
Drives? Yes, no steering in reverse. That is when I would like a bow thruster.
Wow, what a brilliant video, and I'm looking forward to your future updates. i have, of course, subscribed . This is something I wouldn't love to do in a few years' time when I retire 👌🏻 thank you
Thanks for subscribing. And you need to give it a go. Taking on challenges in retirement is important, and retirement will hopefully offer you the time to try new things.
Nice video. Doing well with the boat. I prolly spent weeks doing that stretch :)
I would have preferred to have spent a week doing it as I feel I missed out. Unfortunately, time was tight.
Well done mate, i lnow how scary it can be i bought my 43ft called no rush from Nantwich Marina. I may see you if you ever head north. The peak forrest is stunning if you ever fancy it. Good luck you are doing well so far.
Thanks for the comment. I have heard the PF is stunning. It’s on my list, along with about 2,000 other miles.
You did ok 👍
Thanks.
No, in fairness, they were excellent. The video was me capturing my first reaction to it all - an unboxing before I RTFM. Whilton did do a handover briefing a couple of days later.
I see you did engage a buddy for your first trip, she was a trooper, you made great headway, thats about as good as it gets for travel distance imo! Well done 👏 one thing for me i would have stayed at Wilton Marina rather than Cropredy!
Thanks. Yes, I was very grateful to my camera-shy lock helper. I would have struggled to have made the progress I did without her.
Really interesting. I watched your first video and was impressed with the boat. Looks stunning. I am looking forward to following your adventures, Good luck and you are a brave man to attempt this alone.
Thanks for the comment. So far, things are going well, and I’m looking forward to spending more time on the boat and the canals.
Great vid, great first journey. Get yourself a head 😊torch so so handy
Thanks. I did have a head torch, I had it ready and then went into 'startled' mode as I entered the tunnel and forgot to put it on.
Good luck with your adventures.
Thanks.
For tunnels I have been taught the trick of putting all the internal lights on the boat with the curtains open, this way the light from your windows goes out onto the tunnel walls so you can judge how far you are from each wall by the lights up the length of the boat, as others have mentioned tunnel light should be slightly offset so you dont blind oncoming boaters.
Thanks for the comment and the tip on lights. After the other comment on the tunnel light, I had a look at my tunnel light, and it is very securely fixed in place. There is limited movement up and down,
I got cut off…. And none left to right. When I get time, I will see if I can put some washers behind the right hand bolt (as looking at the light) to push it right.
@@Nicks-Wanderings I looked at your tunnel light and its mostly shining up on the ceiling of the tunnel so thats not an issue I would say, if its sort of horizontal pointing down the tunnel thats bad idea but slightly up and to one side is the usual format, some tunnel lights have a bit of rotation in the stand or bracket that they are mounted on depending on the design.
good job, looking forward to your adventures ....
Me too.... adventures await.
Lovely vid mate
Thanks.
Well done , 👏 👏
Thank you! 😃
The only advice I can give you comes care of David Johns spectacular series of "Cruising the Cut" in which he advises always have an ample supply of cheese sandwiches and hot beverage to hand! Good luck.
Thanks. My camera-shy lock helper (days 1, 3 and 4), kept me well supplied in tea and snacks.
Can you get L plates for narrow boats? Hope all goes well and you have a long and happy ownership🤗
That's what a friend said.... They were horrified that there was no test. They also suggested L plates.
Love your videos sir and a great looking boat. Politely I’d suggest when turning is to “pump” your tiller from normal straight to which ever way your going. Will get more water over prop and help turning. I’m 70ft and really helps me. Just push the tiller away and back say 2 seconds a few times you’ll see bow turn quicker and easier. Love your videos.
Thanks for the comment and the tip. Several people have suggested 'pumping', and at least one person called it 'rowing', the tiller, and I will give it a go. Thanks again.
Great video and narration. If nobody else had mentioned it, I was going to say the same thing about how to use the tiller when turning in a tight area. It really does work. I used to challenge myself whilst driving a 73ft hire boat. By using the tiller in this way, I could enter a lock, with only inches of clearance on each side, without scraping once. 73ft is, or was at the time, the longest boat on the canals due to the length of the locks we were going to encounter. I had to contend with staying away from the cills as well when going down in a lock. This was also my first ever time on a narrow boat. Don't ask why a 73ft boat was hired for this holiday. It wasn't my choice, I can assure you, but I learned a lot about handling a narrowboat in a short space of time. The boatyard instruction was very good and we had a great holiday. So much so we have done several since, on smaller boats, I must add. My wife and I did consider buying a boat , but not for living on and decided hiring made more sense for the way we wanted to travel on the canals.
Sorry for going on a bit, but envy you on your travels. I am reliving my holidays through you. I have subscribed and rung the bell. Stay safe and enjoy your retirement.
Barry from Essex.
@@landbk5015 Thanks for the comment. OK, so you found that pumping works best; that is good to know (and a good workout!). 73 ft is a huge boat - I certainly wouldn't want to drive one that size (yet). Thanks for subscribing.
An interesting video and thank you for sharing. I don't know what your speed was, but appeared to be "slow & steady". With hindsight, what could have been better for you (as you continue to "learn the ropes") ? Thankfully the engine appears in good order and your narrowboat with the boatsman cabin seems to be "cosy". Q: before you made this purchase, what kind of narrowboat were you looking for ? Thank you once again for sharing your video.
I had been looking at narrowboats for about four, maybe five, years. In that time I had looked at everything. I like technology, and I like history. At one point, I was going to for an all-electric boat - a tech approach. But they were far too expensive. Then, I decided to go in the direction of history and get a boat with an engine room. I signed up for all the marina mailing lists I could find, and spent far to much time on sites selling boats. I have looked at hundreds (1000s?) of boats. When I saw the Grey Wagtail, she ticked so many boxes, I decided I had to buy it.
@@Nicks-Wanderings Thank you for your reply
@@barringtonofmorpeth No problem....
You done well for first time cruising, when you film your trip could you have camera facing the front so we can see what you are seeking rather than just a video of you talking? You can still talk and explain what’s happening.
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the tunnel. I was hoping to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed (flat battery). I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works (I think this will be plan C, and I have a plan D if plan C fails).
I wished you pointed the camera forward more.
Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera pointing front - it was on the bow - but I had no way of operating it. I now have a cunning plan to film from the front. Hence, future videos will contain forward-facing footage.
Well done Nick,just a quick courtesy note your tunnel light should be directed to the right in order not blind any oncoming boater you may meet.Very nice boat have a safe trip.
Thanks for the info on the tunnel light. I’ll have a look at it. However, if you watch a later video you will find, thanks to a bridge, it ends up pointing slightly more upwards and more the left. Whoops!
Your video work is great, is the engine a Beta JD3?
Yes, it is. It’s a tractor engine made by John Deere.
I have some thoughts regarding the tunnel passage. What about carbon monoxide poisoning in high season when multiple boats are in the tunnel simultaneously?
The tunnel I went through was well ventilated with three air shafts. I believe there are tunnels on the canals that do have extractor fans installed to clear the exhaust fumes.
@
I saw that in a later video🙂
I think you did amazing, I’m sure I would have found it far more challenging, I certainly didn’t like the tunnel, even watching on video it seemed disorienting. Do you pay the lock helpers, I wonder, as I’m still not sure how you operate the locks single handed,
The tunnels are amazing. Particularly when you think about their history and how they were made. Remarkable. The lock helpers encountered were volunteers, so I don’t pay them. So far, I have not had to do a lock solo. There have always been other people around. Thanks for the comment.
Rick steves bought a Narrowboat…
I had to look up Rick Steves as he is not on TV in the UK.... I can see what you mean.
I thought this was supposed to be fun, not stressful.
So did I.....
Congratulations must have been a bit hair raising
There were moments! Thanks for the comment.