130. Maiden voyage on the Narrowboat

[@keithweybury5212]

Hi James we are dso pleased for you and see that your hard work has created the dream. She will be a lovely home for you and the Kids will enjoy and love the adventure. The maiden voyage was the best and excitement for you and us. Keith & Helen Melbourne Auzz

[@ronwilliams729]

Hi James. I’ve been watching your vlogs from the beginning. I’m loving it. Your work ethic is impeccable, energy is amazing, and personality is a joy to be around. I’m just watched vlog 130, your maiden voyage, and the expression on your face was won of sheer joy! Grinning from ear to ear. Loved it. And I was smiling along with you. Your a great person, son, and most important a fantastic father. I will continuing watching and looking forward to future vlogs. Enjoy it, mate! RW

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hey Ron Thanks so much for watching and for that lovely comment. I’m trying to remember back to vlog130 - yep that’s a while ago and there’s a few twists to follow for you. I won’t spoil it for you though. I hope you enjoy the next 100 videos as much as the first lot Thanks and stay safe James

[@richardholmwood1468]

Fantastic James, the grin say's it all, happy days.

[@philneale3358]

I loved the look of total focus/fear on your face James. Great milestone

[@Amused2death]

You look happy and terrified in equal measure.... Well done James. Needs more "keystone cops" type stuff involving the little boat.....

[@ianlaw6410]

The look on your face...priceless. Well done mate, the hard work is paying off. Best is still to come.

[@pauloutdoorsandmore8502]

Great video James and exciting adventure, congratulations on the maiden voyage, all the best, Paul

[@bigglesball5954]

A Cat that got the cream. Well done James, well done.

[@randalcooper1942]

Most Cool James. Really Happy for you. You earned it.

[@garybennett1879]

Great to see the boat out on the cut, your face was a picture cruising her! A mixture of fear and pride, well done James keep going, love the videos 👍

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

98% fear 2% pride

[@Alan_AB]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt - and then afterwards, 100% pride and the fear was only a memory.

[@garydwyer3470]

Well chuffed for you James... you look mega happy keep up the bloody good videos coming. Great sounding engine. 👍👍

[@dianezavitz2895]

Well done James, it’s like opening the biggest present under the tree and getting something even better than you hoped for 😂. My dad use to build boats for a hobby, whenever he built a new one, he would want to race with me, new against old. I always got the older one of course. One year, we were evenly matched but I managed to outwit him, took him where he couldn’t pass and I won, he was mad at me for the rest of the vacation. That was in Pointe Au Baril Ontario out by the lighthouse to Georgian Bay. The bigger the waves, the more fun I had. I hope your journeys give you a great deal of happiness and to your kids as well, so they can look back and smile.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I loved that story. Now I’m looking on maps to see where you were! Sounds amazing

[@jamcamcam-webecruising2329]

haha your grin when you got the boat moving made me grin at the screen. Great stuff

[@greghilton7797]

I was waiting for the dingy to skid out from under your feet when you were turning back to the wharf. That was too funny. Cheers

[@grahamlewis6062]

That’s just absolutely terrific !! 🌟😆👏.

[@greggtilghman6349]

First brew on your maiden voyage, what a site to see!!!! So glad to see you underway.

[@janetbayliss2117]

James your expression says it all, well done all the hard work is worth it ! Your happy fantastic!

[@glynnisross7974]

Fantastic vlog. Had it all. Comedy, drama and a sea-faring trip. What a day!

[@gary.lee.galbusera.butcher]

Absolutely brilliant James. After the Keystone Cops style cargo transfer with you break dancing in the dinghy instead of rowing I couldn't stop grinning! Only you could go on a maiden voyage with half a tiller, no engine deck and performing a fuel consumption test of how many bottles of beer are required per mile! The cherry on the cake though is the bling on the stern railing! I'm chuffed for you. Well done indeed because you have a totally unique style that no one could copy!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Your comment had me laughing out loud. Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@brianinbrisbane6632]

Grinning like a grinning thing there on the 1st voyage. Well done. I've just noticed the door design and steps down and no sliding hatch.

[@stevefridley4120]

I loved seeing the smile on your face - a lot of hard work behind you and still in front of you - and the smile said it’s all worth it. Cheers!

[@Theandyaston]

You pilot the boat well James. So pleased for you 👍🏻

[@MsBluemoth]

Really pleased for you James!! Well done and congrats on the maiden voyage!! Engine sounds great, ticking over nicely. You look well pleased which is lovely to see. I hope that the rest of the build goes well. You've worked hard and I wish you all the best 👍

[@stephaniewilson3955]

Taking a driving course is a very good idea. They only take a day but give you lots of useful advice, including what knots to use!

[@michaeldubuisson3181]

Best small boat handling I've ever seen!!!!

[@garym518]

How exciting and just as I was thinking that tiller must be heavy you sad it nicely done on your first winding.

[@garym518]

Spoke to soon!😀

[@robmoss3501]

Watching you with a big smile on your face, I realise I’ve got a big grin on my face. Why have I got a big grin on my face? I’m not doing anything lol. Happy for you buddy. One day hopefully I will join you on the cut.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Bless you mate !! Make it happen

[@eviec259]

Hi James.. We have watched from your first vlog! Fantastic to see you finally getting out on the cut... equal measures of terrified and huge excitement on your face! Fantastic, well done xx

[@billbrydon3725]

Belated congratulations on your first jaunt.

[@AndyBilham]

James, you have every right to look so chuffed, anxious and happy in equal measure. I can't tell you this video make me feel, you have put so many hours of hard graft into this boat, and thoroughly deserved a little pootle up the cut. Power to your elbow!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Morning James. That was so funny delivering that wood on the little boat 🤣 I really thought one or both were going in the drink 🙈 Your face was a real picture out on your boat too 😀 Take real care now your on the canal lots of new hazards 🤔

[@dotmenziesholden1251]

Well done! You have every right to look so proud!

[@scooter13uk]

It's great and nerve racking first trip but all starting to come together now. Especially the commentary from Micky Flanagan!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

LOL - I know what you mean 🤣

[@DoItWithPaulie]

Lol 🙌🙌

[@haroldhorseposture9435]

Aye....pride and trepidation in equal measure ! Great stuff ! Just a quickie about bilge paint for the engine room ,if I may. If you do it with blacking, a diesel leak may act as a solvent , thereby removing it. Think the special bilge paint best. Well done, Sir.

[@simongadsby8436]

Your face was beaming when you was out on your maiden voyage, but the classic moment was the trip bringing the timber i was rolling up 🤣🤣🤣 Good on ya keep up the good work mate

[@jeffquigley715]

I was very happy to see you on the water finally! Well done.

[@bobmclaughlin8633]

Thanks for taking us with you on the 1st trip.

[@ianwharton7012]

Congratulations

[@DEmma1972]

Face was beaming, like a boy with a new toy. So what did you crash into? The transfer of wood was really funny and its up there with the bathroom ceiling caper.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I have so far crashed in to: The pontoon The bank by the workshop The bank opposite the workshop Paul’s dingy The bank opposite the marina entrance The marina entrance I think that’s it

[@DEmma1972]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt not bad for 30 mins cruising.

[@johnb7644]

Evening James That was so much fun, your smile couldn’t be bigger, waited a long time to see the first cruise and the boat handles really well , especially turning, when you were passed a beer I got myself one so cheers well done 🍺

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Oh mate - that’s brilliant - cheers

[@J1mbo888]

Top Day. Top Maiden Trip. Top Look of Horror occasionally ! Well done Young James :-)

[@timhewitt1976]

a whole vlog of you smiling !!!! good job sir! onward to adventure

[@mauricewatts2380]

Boatyard banter , brilliant.

[@thundermeowz2714]

That was so great to watch, congratulations on a job well done. Your smile said it all.

[@pauldixon9327]

There we are James, your first trip, now on with the build! Some boards now to shut that motor up, bye, good luck.

[@havemotorhomewilltravel1154]

Awesome well done 👍

[@mranthonye]

Well happy for you James. ON THE CUT!!!!! I thought the engine deck was the next job. I like the fairy lights too. MAN OVERBOARD Ha Ha. Stay safe

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Deck boards are a massive priority now

[@aussiechickonaboat4187]

Oh man, that was so much fun to watch! Reminded me of the mixture of fear, excitement and pride I felt when I first got on my boat. The dinghy experience is definitely up there with the bathroom ceiling episode for hilarity 🤣🤣

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Haha good - glad you liked it. There was lots and lots of fear - I vaguely remember some excitement !! Thanks as always

[@martinboagey2422]

Well done James great to see it go you look so proud 👍

[@chrisabbott7458]

The engine may be noisy but those Listers will go for ever. All you need is boards, and plenty of sound deadening. It looks as if you have plenty of room to put some on the inside of the Hull and that will help,quite a lot. Very sensible to get drinking water grade hose. So many boaters use ordinary garden hose and it is not good enough for drinking purposes. People spend a fortune on new boats but how many do you see with blue drinking water grade hose, very few. Have fun and I bet you'll go for another cruise soon. How about a baptism of fire down Foxton Locks then you can go to Screwfix in Harborough!!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Foxton - now that is a baptism of fire. I think I’ll need a few more hours in me before that one!! I’m certainly going to max out on sound deadening and try to reduce that noise -

[@daveoneill332]

I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much. Happy for you.

[@charliewhitledge3207]

My smile might be a big as yours buddy! Happy days.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thank you mate - very kind

[@TairnKA]

I'd call that a successful Maiden Voyage, Congratulations. ;-)

[@christinegibbins6105]

Your face was a picture, a mixture of fear and joy, then the escapade in the dingy. just amazed you did not get wet!!! Brilliant vlog, Thank you James. Take care.

[@thedecliningcyclist3321]

She looks nice and responsive on the tiller, seems to turn really well. Don’t worry you’ll get the hang of it really quickly and a tiller arm will make things much easier 👍🏻 those little 2 pot listers are great engines but pretty noisy, when you get the rear deck boards cut some high density foam sheet glued to the underneath might help the noise a bit.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Good shout

[@keithmarr8759]

Nice to see her on the water james. Continue with the good work. have Injoyed every vlog look forward to watching you getting her finished good luck mate 👍👍

[@nathanberry4339]

you seem soooo much happier now your on the water and im glad to see your out on the cut cruising also carrying all the timber across on your dinghy reminds me of carrying big heavy loads on my motorbike we do what we do to get the job done

[@ds3591]

I don't think you could smile any bigger on the boat. congrats.

[@stephenpotter9083]

Wow, I was so excited with your maiden voyage!! I actually felt like I was there!!

[@lesbrewer8431]

Fantastic! Great to see you out on the water the first time. I’ve just bought my own boat from Braunston (45ft, reverse layout) but can’t go out on her yet due to lockdown. 👍😁

[@jimspencer8642]

Lockdown didn't stop James from making unnecessary trip!!!!

[@alipuk]

Absolutely stoked for you James, the looks from pure glee to pure terror has made it all worth it :) Nice to see the "chuckle brothers" giving you some support!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

LOL 😂

[@krazykat4349]

Wow glorious day...one happy boat and one extremely happy man...awesome job James..xx

[@kwattsMacavity]

Moving the gear lever with the foot is a must. I designed my set up so I had a small step to get up to the seating on the back of the boat and the gear lever just where my foot could nudge it forwards and backwards. Helps to be surreptitious when you forget to slow down passing moored boats. (They can't hear my engine noise change either because it has an hospital silencer and sound deadening under the deck boards). To be fair I don't travel that fast I have been overtaken by a man with a limp on the towpath before now which was slightly embarrassing. My boat has a trad stern therefore I am sitting forward of the tiller arm so not in danger of being knocked into the cut by an underwater obstruction. I have had a log caught in the prop such that the tiller arm was swept out of my hands with incredible force. It stopped the engine dead. Be careful.

[@doncollins9331]

Great to see you excited and enjoying yourself, you certainly have earned it. Cheers from down under.

[@thwangsworld1123]

You've done well James with that big smile on your face it reminds me of my first cruise

[@chriscastaldo3596]

Congratulations. Great to see you on the water. What a large smile you have

[@MrOVERANOUT]

So good to see the old girl/boy/it moving along the canal with you at the helm.

[@suecox2308]

It's great to see the excitement on your face, James--wonderful maiden voyage! Relaxing!

[@mungmungie]

Congrats on your first "sea trials." Once she bears a name, be sure to wet her hull with a bit of your choice of beverage, a drop in the water for the river deities--and of course you get the rest in recognotion of a job well done--or at least in (endless?) process!

[@terrydecarteret4871]

You look like you are enjoying your self engine sounds sweet

[@alphabetaone970]

Absolutely bloody awesome mate. Well done geeza. 🖖🏻

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hey thanks

[@stevemumbling7720]

I'll bet you just wanted to keep going. I reckon the guy that sold you that boat thought the only place it was going was the scrap yard. Amazing job James.

[@paulhill3065]

you did great in the dingy and the boat and so happy to be on the water keep going you are doing wonders

[@keithwilliams5015]

Well done on your maiden voyage 👏

[@BEAR_UK]

Couldn’t be more pleased for you mate. She sings loud and proud.

[@davetomlinson8944]

The smile on your face says it all well done James..

[@judithmallinson5178]

Great video! Thought you were going to end up in the cut 😱. You obviously enjoyed yourself on your maiden voyage - glad you had a fun day 😁 and definitely a day to remember xxx

[@paulinegrace3215]

I'm not sure who was grinning more, you or me watching you lol Well done matey 🤗 hope to be able to get on the cut myself within the next couple of months. I blame it all on you!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Aww thanks - Happy to take the blame for someone else enjoying the canals!!

[@floatingfreedom6091]

Brilliant!

[@narrowboatfreya5623]

The maiden voyage will always be a fond memory well done lad ☺️ enjoy getting to know how she behaves they all have their own characters

[@aarjordan]

Brilliant loved the concentration 😂😂

[@bw_digitalphotography]

that engine certainly sounds good! job well done to all involved! the adventure begins from here :D

[@leedryden4502]

Just amazing, I could see how chuffed you were to be cruising the cut I was feeling just as chuffed for you watching, I cannot wait to see the next faze of the build

[@aj_bovangles_adventures4430]

Looks great captain James .. your smile going out for your first journey out .. priceless. Great vlog ...stay out the water 🙏

[@boblawrence5011]

Things will get easier James, once you get all the controls sorted, really pleased for you.

[@chazzyb8660]

I have seen broader grins, but - well deserved - righteous even. Lovely stuff.

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Ahoy there, captain James! I was half expecting John and Paul to shout timber as the wood fell in the cut!!! Nice maiden voyage… all you need now is a maiden! BTW, if you get a spare one, can you send her my way please?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Sure thing

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt Does anybody know a Rosie who's going free?

[@divetechltd2731]

Awesome mate, the smile on your face made our day watching you, happy days as "captain" James says !!

[@ianlindsay8557]

Nice to see you so happy mate .well done once again.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

That will be you guys soon - hopefully with a better laid out set of controls, a deck floor and a few less crashes !!!

[@ianlindsay8557]

Hopefully mate .look at your email mate ,our house is up for sale.

[@iang1119]

Fantastic. You send me some of your canal scenery and I will send you some of my Bangkok skies. (I don't miss those white/gray skies. I do miss tow paths and British mud.)

[@RelaxingsoothingMusic]

Boat reacting great James! Next, a nice brass tiller arm!😁

[@quebot1111]

You look so happy 😁 and I’m happy for you

[@steveroperfilms]

A superb study of satisfaction. Cheers.

[@grahamwoollam4038]

I think i have to have my two pence worth on how proud i was watching you through gritted teeth. But safety first young James. The clothing you wear will suck up water like a sponge and if god forbid water and James have a coming together !!! so no heroics please i am to old to loose you at this stage. As you mentioned a handling course, that will be good as you had your first bump. boats don't stop like cars do they and things will soon dislodge indoors . slow, very slow, then even slower and think well ahead. There that is my thoughts of the day. Oh and i won't mention the drink driving lol. :-}

[@cherylb.7598]

It was so cool to see you pop through those doors!! Congrats & enjoy "phase 2" - I know we all will!!! 🤩

[@chrissmith9929]

Hi James Doing a good job so far, and I don't wish to rain on your parade. But now the real cost of boating rears its head. Canal licence, insurance. boat safety certificate etc etc. Some people think boating is cheap, take a look at foxes afloats latest vlog and see the costs mount up. Again all the best with every thing you do.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Hey thanks but luckily those costs really aren’t bad compared to what’s gone. I saw that vlog and they’re spot on - although my personal allowance will be way higher than theirs - god knows how they survive on that !!!

[@jonnyisgood]

Yeah nice 1 James good to see you on the cut, Brilliant.

[@geoffcollyer8948]

Hi Hi Captain, your now on a lifetime voyage.

[@larrynoe6162]

Enjoyed the maiden voyage James. Good job and god idea on getting some schooling on be a boat pilot.

[@mranthonye]

ALSO, the look on your face on the cut looks terrified James LOL

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I was terrified - twice I had crashed my home into the bank !!!

[@Alan_AB]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt, I wouldn't be throwing the tin of bitumen paint away just yet, mate.

[@kwattsMacavity]

He looked like a Meercat I thought. Thoroughly enjoyed it.