162. After three years on a narrowboat, my thoughts on the pros and cons of boat styles

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
After three-plus years on my boat, did I choose the right one for me and if not, why not? These are the thoughts I've been having on that subject, prompted by an email from a viewer (thanks Chris Begbie!)
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@pamelarobinson1379]

I could listen to you all day. I hope you do get your second boat and take us along!!

[@alistairdunnclifd3356]

No boat ok.

[@terryboyer1342]

I have absolutely zero chance of ever getting a boat yet I watched the entire vid!

[@ramblingrob4693]

same here til I retire in 40 years .. by time government lets you you have to be past 80 in 2050

[@andidubya3840]

No interest in narrow boating non, zero, nada but just watched 36 minutes and five of this, now i'm watching the shopping forecast. Great channel, just fascinating

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha thank you ;-)

[@DJdefcon4]

These vlogs are like a comfort blanket following a stressful day. Not sure why, but they are for me. Thanks.

[@professordeb]

Same for me! They are a blissful retreat.

[@ncplantdoctor]

The length of the video was very fortunate because my coffee had been consumed prior to your Meerkat Mooring the Cut comment and demonstration. Had I still been trying to drink it, I likely would have had an accident.

[@jenniferpinkosz121]

I've spent this time sitting at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the U.S. Current wait time is approximately 2.5 hours.This video was a much needed distraction. Thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

I hope at least by the time you read this reply you have managed to exit the queue!!

[@surfearth1]

If you are looking for a second income while you’re aboard your narrow boat, I would think you would be fabulously successful at reading for Audible Books. Your voice is relaxing and a pleasure to listen to. I often pop one of your videos on and listen as I begin my to wind down for the night. Keep up the great work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

If Audible want to give me a call, they'd be very welcome indeed!

[@gudfarfar]

Excellent choice! I would love to listen to some audiobooks read by him.

[@spotlight_kid]

@@CruisingTheCut I keep hearing you as a bit of John Cleese, with an occasional visit from Oliver Postgate.

[@MrSheckstr]

So the thing about doing voice over work, whether narrating for audiobooks, animation voices, or general voice over work like for documentaries or televisions shows that have a narrator (wonder years or young Sheldon for an American example, can’t come up with a BBC version in the middle of the night with cold meds kicking in) standard contracts mean you are paid based upon the number of minutes your voice is in the final cut, not on how long it takes to record

[@slayanddecay6009]

As a Floridian who had no idea these locks even existed before your channel extremely randomly came up one night while I was drinking and browsing KZbin, I simply adore your content. Keep doing what you do man.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@suzannebudlong8376]

“Curtain twitcher”. What a fabulous description. That’s what i feel like when i sit on my front porch.

[@IEMTPractitioner]

Why am I watching this? Why have I watched hours of your videos and also your van ones too? I blame lockdown. I do think you are an excellent presenter and your subtle but consistent enthusiasm for living on a boat/in a van has kept me entertained during this rather strange year.

[@sim-sam]

Well, as long as you keep your very useful, relaxing, precise, informative, nice, etc vlog videos coming... well, count me in... many thanks.

[@SighDown]

David: “I’m not very social...” LOL! Love your droll humor on your fascinating videos!

[@matthewoliver6655]

You should do kore of these videos. They are great. You do a great job with the vlogs, but I like the ones when you do them in the boat. It gives us a sense of what it’s like living in it. Thx

[@gwenmassey7631]

Best tool for clearing condensation from windows in a caravan, motorhome or narrowboat is a Kärcher Window Vac, absolutely brilliant. We used one in our caravan for many, many years, we even lived in it for 3 years, at -15 degrees one winter, and it was invaluable. 💐💐

[@GeorgeWells00]

I have to say, I started (binge-watching) your videos just yesterday and have found myself really enjoying your videos! Your format and clarity, with the right mix of humour, is really wonderful! Thank you for your content!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@JasmineLindros]

A "boating" video with nearly zero actual boating, and yet one of the most interesting of your vlogs. Well done, sir.

[@scottrice5200]

Hi Dave, I live in Pennsylvania along the Monongahela River about 60 river miles south of Pittsburgh. I have thoroughly enjoyed your v-logs, and through them learned a lot about your Country and canals and narrowboats. Being a boater here, I have found it all very interesting. For all the time you've put into it, Thank you very much.

[@jeffreyflatley6045]

isn’t 60 miles south of pittsburgh west virginia ?

[@richH1625]

approx m:ss 1:57 how long 3:35 4:02 stern 6:50 8:33 saloon 10:35 dinette 11:20 side hatch 12:30 13:00 bathroom 14:20 14:40 galley 16:35 solar 18:35 wind turbines 18:49 water tank 19:45 galley \ underfloor storage 20:40 rear hatch 21:33 workshop\utility 23:22 alternators 25:05 engine 26:55 coal storage 28:45 welldeck roof 31:45 curtain twitching 32:03 dogbox\hatches\windows\condensation 34:18 summary

[@gyrojomo]

Curtain twitcher; priceless. Rock on dude, 10/9. And 11/9 for presentation.

[@johnb4183]

gyrojomo LOL reminded me of a monty python skit

[@Solstice4MNM]

The passion with which you address the alternative stern alone makes it clear that you absolutely do need a new boat with that option!

[@buss8009]

My adventure life, I live thru these vlogs, and I mean that in the most positive way! Love it!

[@johnrogers2826]

Well, with the popularity of your channel, I would have to imagine a bidding war if your boat went on the market. Cha-ching!💲!

[@welanded1]

David, I hope, you win the lottery. Having a boat built, they way you wanted, would be outstanding! "Carry On, Win The Lottery"

[@peterodonnell5820]

I am just coming up to one year living on my 59 foot traditional stern boat so this discussion was very interesting. I have a Beta 43 engine with two alternators and a Travelpower 230v generator and yes a 35-38 hp engine would be fine. The travelpower is great for doing the laundry in my washing machine while travelling but I wouldn't pay the serious cost to have one fitted. The engine room is great for storing my folding bike but I do appreciate the appeal of a semi-trad stern. I have a utility area in front of the engine room for the washing machine and storage cupboard above and it is really useful. I had a 'pointy' cratch and had a new one made, widening the point from 5" to 16" and the difference in usable space is amazing. I saw many boats on the Shropshire Union canal last summer with the extended steel roof line over the well deck and they looked very nice and practical. I could go on but I'll just mention one more thing, I have a centre-mounted fridge/freezer with an eye level oven and grill above. When I face it the 4 ring gas hob is on my left and the kitchen sink is on the right - and it works really well. I have done three course roast dinners with that layout (as long as you wash up as you go). I hope this and your video helps any aspiring boaters out there ☺

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great info! Cheers

[@notsure2101]

Your narration is very peaceful. I put your video on and listen while I work a dream of narrow boats

[@mroberts2738]

Agree!

[@oceanbrzzz]

I can’t sleep. OMG, I’m laughing at 4:52 AM. “Meer cat”! “Curtain twitcher”! You are not only educational, but hilarious. Good morning (or good night) from Minnesota, USA.

[@ramblingrob4693]

Very funny I thought too

[@dharma2648]

I find you entirely delightful and I so enjoy riding along with you on the canals. Thank you 😁

[@markpowers4351]

You are such a nice person who has given me a whole new way of looking at life and planning my future. See you on the cut.

[@douwey]

I've never seen a narrow boat in my life but somehow I love your channel! even if it's just talking about the best boat layout. Also i really liked the vlog about lock gates and the one with the boat lift. It's good to see there's more than 200 vlogs now, lot of catching up to do.

[@matthewoliver6655]

Can you do another ‘Thoughts’ vlog again? I don’t know why, but it’s enjoyable listening to your thoughts sitting next to the fire. What a life!

[@CruisingTheCut]

One day!

[@cliveargyle5237]

Just love your honesty, insight and journalist touch, fantastic to watch!!

[@googleboughtmee]

Every year or two, I come across a channel that initially is just mildly interesting - but then I get hooked and end up having to go back and binge-watch every single video from the very beginning. Here we go again...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha welcome along

[@mignondaymond7038]

I agree with so many of your points, I have a list of likes and dislikes from all the boats look at online. I have a dream boat all planned out. Of course I have no clue really I'm in Australia, never even been on a narrow boat but a girl can dream! But first things first I believe I will need to get my hands on some Jaffa Cakes...

[@24rschmidt24]

Well done 👍. You definitely are a professional in front of the camera. You are most enjoyable.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much 😊

[@xsbuilder1]

Thank you, that was VERY HELPFUL. You just answered all the questions I have been generating in the months since I discovered narrowboats.

[@Ryan6.022]

To help with your dust problem use a spray bottle of water to dampen the ash before you move it. This is what we would do during the winter when we had a wood stove in the house.

[@jeremymitchell995]

Exceptionally clear and concise as usual....great job.

[@adrianheywood9234]

You are a new find for me David. Your channel is my new happy place! It brings about a feeling of lightness. And this vlog - in particular - is blooming brilliant. I’m not a boater (yet) and it answers so many questions that I already had, as well as a few I’d not even thought about. Thank you for sharing your journey - and wisdom/reflections - with us. :)

[@MKelly5967]

Exciting times ahead! I look forward to seeing how things develop. Great video.

[@samanthamawditt9965]

I haven't got a river boat, don't plan to live in one but I have just spent 36 min listening to your experiences about living in one!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha thank you

[@hankystang1]

Thank you for taking me to the other side of the world with class. Needed the amazing informative vlog. Super interesting. Very well done. And Yes. You are sociable.

[@CP140405]

I've just watched this (for a second or perhaps more time). We (my much better half and I) are toying with the idea of buying a narrowboat to be able to spend a few months every year exploring the network. Because of residency and taxation rules, it would have to be a "six months less a day" boat. We've been surfing the various brokerage sites but not finding anything that ticks most of the boxes. The whole COVID-19 nightmare is another story. I have taken to drawing out rough sketches (my artistic skills are several levels below your canal route planning maps) of what I (think) I would like...and this video of yours has been quite helpful... So... moving from stern forwards... 57 foot(ish) semi trad with lockers/seats either side... Pullman dinette (elevated) at the stern with 90 degree steps down from stern.Big windows either side U-shaped galley... oh yes... under floor wine cooler and food cool storage panels! Big windows either side Bathroom (walk through with lav and hand basin behind a sliding door). I'm still torn between pump out and cassette. (portholes either side) Bedroom... cross bed or fixed double....hmmm... (portholes either side) Saloon... enough space for a couple of chairs and a diesel fired stove.(Big windows either side) Maximum use throughout of under gunwale storage/shelves/cupboards. Bow thruster... had a 42 foot hire boat and really like the idea of being able to turn the bow around. Now all I have to do is fully retire and sell the house and find somewhere to live for six months a year and figure out how/where to store a narrowboat for six months and.....

[@0HARE]

Thanks for an interesting discussion of the various design components of a narrowboat. Your observations about your ideal boat are right in line with my thinking. Wishing you well, and happy cruising.

[@TheTeufelhunden68]

Wouldn't you just know it. It wasn't until I left a part of the country with nice rivers and streams and moved to the Mojave desert that I found your channel. Well, I still greatly enjoy it, and always look forward to watching a few of your episodes a day. Thanks.

[@craigbaker6382]

I tease myself with the idea of canal boat living. This was great as it answered many of the simple questions. Even alone I think I too would be a fan of an off corridor loo.

[@LisaMarli]

I'm American, and it's been 35C, now down to 20C, so I'm drinking iced tea and eating Cheddar Pringles. I could snag some Jammie Dodgers... But I do like the discussion of narrowboats. The layouts have things in common and different from RVs. Popping up to check things out of prairie dogging here, because they pop up from their holes to check things out. I do look forward to your new vlogs and occasionally visiting the old ones.

[@DJdefcon4]

Semi Trad prices now go up... lol I live a stressful life and your vids help me relax and enhance my wellbeing. Educated rambling on a subject I know noting about and probably will never get a chance to live.

[@richardcolgate7243]

Hello bud, I been following you from the start, ur vids are fantastic, honest and real, 👍👍👍👍👍 Cheers for making them 👍

[@Mad194]

I am new to this chanel but say i realy enjoy it. Being a Swede living in London i been look at the narrowboats and your chanel got me to dream :) This video was realy nice to understand some of the diffrences of the layouts. Been looking at alot of boats latley on the net. One day i can get my own. Ps Sorry about the spelling. Ds /A viking in London

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome aboard!

[@stevenhorne5089]

Before you go to take the ash out of the stove, spray the tops of the ash with a simple water bottle. Works great.

[@brookingsbeachcomber]

congrats on the 3 year anniversary, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the future and what may come.

[@suethomson6013]

Very interesting once again. I have had caravan experience and feel quite a few ideas could be adapted to the narrowboat. You are so easy to listen to, and have a great 'style'. Happy deciding.

[@garyabc]

Very well thought out and very interesting. I have my imaginary narrow boat constructed in my mind with just the right set of features and the perfect layout. Now I'm just waiting for our government to construct a network of canals here in the US.

[@farmwife7944]

garyabc we have some nice canals here in NY and then you have access to the entire gorgeous upstate from NYC to the Great Lakes. I taught my kids to fish on the locks of the historic Erie Canal and there are such lovely picnic areas along most of the locks. Summer finds many festivals along both the Hudson and the Mohawk Rivers as well as some of the feeder canals including the Tugboat Festival in the fall. While I do not recall seeing narrowboats here, there are every other sort and many folks living on them for the season. Obviously, the rivers are iced over in the winter and boats either go south or into dry dock.

[@rareairvideos3070]

Same here. What congressperson do we have to lobby?

[@garyabc]

@@farmwife7944 Yes, I see that there is a marina in Macedon, NY that rents narrowboats on the Erie canal. On the Erie canal boaters just call on the radio and the staff operates the lock for you. Also, as you know, there's are connected lakes with clean water for swimming and fishing, some without speed limits. But somehow the UK canal network is calling me. We may try a few weeks with a hire boat this summer. Looks like the cost for us would be about the same NY or UK.

[@garyabc]

@@rareairvideos3070 It's a shame. There used to be a canal and aqueduct near us in Connecticut but they are long gone. Replaced first by the railroad and now "rails to trails" paved bike and hiking path.

[@7000bass]

Wow...well done for answering all those questions. So informative and very interesting and so beautifully presented. Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KarlFarbman]

VERY excited to watch the new boat search and build out!

[@suffolksettler5106]

for a couple considering moving to narrowboat later on this is a very useful video - thanks very much

[@century2298]

Informative video David. I did follow all the way through.

[@mjallenuk]

The important thing I took from all of that was that it's best not to proffer custard creams when jaffa cakes have already been theoretically accepted. It took me a full minute before I was able to pay full attention again...

[@bill45colt]

Thanks again David, for a great insight into boat features you personally would like different than what you now have. You have educated us once more on the particulars and advantages of each of these. But moreover, you have opened up David a bit to us, to see personality particulars that we had not know of you previously....i know im rambling,,but im from alabama!! A great video from many directions and thanks for the work and thought put into it. Its not easy to do these things, with all the content, and editing. You make each of them smooooth and seamless as the surface of your beautiful canals!! regards!!

[@RichardReikowsky9005]

Just have been watching your Episode 162. It's quite the life. If I were alone, I'd come to the UK and at least take on a narrow boat for a couple of summer months. I cannot do that at this time and we Americans don't have such lovely waterways to cruise on. Thanks for sharing your life and your home with us.

[@Wishwader]

There was a big oversight with this video David. You recommend Jaffa Cakes but did not adjust the duration of the video to account for the reduction in total Jaffa Cakes found in a standard box. I spent the final 5 minutes of the video craving for more Jaffa Cakes.

[@sunriseseven4366]

Final 5 minutes????........the first box would have been gone in the first minute ;)

[@tunamaniak]

This is the vlog I have been looking forward to. I am a big fan and appreciate your hard work and the way you involve your viewers. I look forward to a new chapter in your vlog.

[@Tex1947]

It has been an amazing three years. Thank you for all of your VLOGs and "not" a VLOG videos. Looking forward to many more.

[@jamesshanks2614]

Engine space? Old school shipyard design the living spaces at the rear of the boat with the traditional stove to keep the tiller man warm, remember how many times in the old canal films the tiller man is standing just inside the hatch letting the warm air easily keep you comfy. In the engine room is anybody still building a two or three cylinder diesel but with modern updates? The large over square design allows it to create gobs of torque, plenty of power to run two alternators and provide more than sufficient hot water to heat your domestic hot water and then use a large storage tank so you could turn on the cast iron/steel radiators to warm up the boats interior. Open two thermostatic valves to prevent the water from getting too hot and overheating the engine. Manually open the two valves for summer operations. Food for thought. Cheers!!!!

[@ceeceety2320]

Sounds very logical. We've only just found narrowboats maybe a year or more ago and fell in love with them and the canals. Hope to visit one day and never leave!

[@2KXMKR]

How I like my boats; Stern. Big open deck for company while cruising. Bow. Private veranda for morning tea. (Bedroom at front) I got chatting to a nice boater on the tow path and asked the age-old question; "What size boat would you recommend for a new boater?" His answer was "Ten foot longer than however far your wife can shout. That's why mine is 60ft!" After the laughter subsided I told him I was in fact single and he said "Oh well 30ft would do." Shortly after that he showed me his moonshine still! You meet some folk on the canals, I tell you!

[@matteand]

Thanks for great vlog! Look forward to following your pursuit of a new boat! :)

[@nickhall8466]

Have loved both this, and Vandemonium, VLOGs. Am more than a little envious of your lifestyle. Keep up the great work.

[@kdp66]

Stove dust mitigation - Mist the ashes with water from a spray bottle.

[@richardwallinger1683]

Fascinating presentation . I almost followed your thinking .. my friend Pete Emerson had a lovely narrowboat with a fully equipped workshop in the front 1/3 .. Keep up the enthusiasm . and drive / steer responsibly . His single bed served as the couch . The mooring he was at in Brownhills was well served with full workshops for hull blasting and mechanical servicing .. the owner of the moorings had a full sized Jet Ranger helicopter . There was even a side lock where the boats could be floated onto trestles allowing for hull servicing and any under waterline servicing . Enjoy .. Best regards Richard and Jane in Portugal ..Previously . Hinckley Leicestershire UK.

[@urbanrider7981]

Interesting Q &A David,we need to see one of your famous sketches of your new ideal boat,Chris

[@fiatunonewsletter6782]

I have watched every second of this video! One thing I realized from the video... the need for outside sitting area with friends.... or day guests. You don't want them going through your bedroom! I'll consider just a little mod of the engine room "compartment". Maybe cut away some sides and refit a new "rear" wall.... and in the bookshelf area have a second cassette toilet for guests. I watched video No 1 - 20 today and from last to this one. Awesome stuff! Great Q&A video production and very informative! Well done!

[@henna696]

I WISH YOU A BRAND NEW BOAT WITH EVERYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES.

[@edtuckerartist]

I came prepared with a full on cooked dinner (ok a chicken pie and mixed baked veg, not a joint of meat) but now I don't half fancy a Jaffa cake.

[@markherefordtaylor8439]

That was a extremely interesting video...givern me a better insight of what to look out for when I go boat hunting

[@nizguy]

Thank you for doing your show. I live in Orlando, Florida USA and find what your do great.

[@howlin_mad5946]

My Dad has a Semi Trad boat with removable benches and a cover for when it is moored. Seats 4 people over the engine cover plus the driver doing their - stuff tillering. Very sociable.

[@MajPickles]

Who needs delta waves, mindfulness meditation when you have this channel.

[@michelepaglia9603]

Very informative and interesting. I love your humor, very enjoyable to watch as well as listen to. Thanks for sharing

[@michaelmoney9445]

Very interesting 36 minutes. I'm not a boat owner, just sitting in my chair daydreaming, but I really enjoy your vlogs. Keep up the good work!!

[@garyabc]

Me too

[@edwiser3547]

Ahoy David, I am a marine electrician in Port Charlotte, Florida. The concept of two alternators on one diesel is evidently unique to Europe. I have never seen it in a US boat. It is something I would tend to discourage because of added complexity in the system, \another add-on restricting access to the block, the need to isolate house and starting battery systems, and the added expense of sheaves, mounts, and the extra alternator. I think it would be better to simply increase the size of the original alternator. Take special care - an increase in current places a heavier load on wiring and it is almost always necessary to increase wiring size and add circuit protection.

[@spencerwilton5831]

Ed Wiser I would disagree that two alternators are more complex than a single one. Yes, you have another belt to worry about, but keeping the starter and domestic electrics simplifies wiring greatly. How would you manage charging two battery banks with one alternator? Possible yes, but complex. With two alternators and two systems you can at least jump the engine off the domestic system in an emergency. You are also unlikely to deplete your starter battery to the extent that it won't start the engine. The space taken up is hardly a consideration, alternators are not big and generally mounted above or to the side of the engine which is usually centrally located in the engine bay, so there is empty space to both sides.

[@sjfnj420]

I enjoy your show. It would be nice to see you spec out your own narrow boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'd enjoy that too!

[@unionbear62]

I love your blog, no doubt a part of it is the desire in me to do the same - would love to live on a long boat. But a big part is that your wit and manner make this such a fun vlog to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@darrenblois8495]

This is a comment on your whole series, not just this video (as I have just finished watching your entire series ... to date). David, I have really enjoyed your videos. I am from Canada and spent parts of two summers narrowboating in England (2002: Milton Keynes - Braunston - return; and 2004 Market Harborough - Napton - return). I loved the pace of vacationing at 3 mph. In Canada 3 mph would be boring (and would take forever to get anywhere), but in England there is a village (and pub) about every 3 miles so I felt like I was seeing a lot of England that one would not get a chance to see any other way. I am nostalgic for those trips and would love to do it again, even to retire to England's canals at least part time. Your videos are informative, entertaining and feed my nostalgia for the canals. Thank you. Please keep the videos coming.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm glad you have such marvellous memories and that you've enjoyed the videos. Cheers!

[@Mike-fj2ln]

I'm with you, keep the head SEPARATE from the rest of the boat.

[@nygarmik]

Very thorough, as usual.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@jamesc264]

Thankyou to the questioner for the excellent questions Thanks David for your answers/opinions. This has just firmed up the design of the boat I want to have made/buy in the next couple of years. Although I am thinking of a slightly longer boat 60-62 feet

[@outwiththechances2421]

Thank you so much for your reflections over the passed 3 years which my wife and I have enjoyed and so grateful to you. We have been reviewing so many designs of boat layouts, did enjoy ticking the box which we are sold on and interesting are yours. The only item you we also care about is having a cross bed to enjoy the extra width. Thank you so much for providing the reality of life aboard including raising the bar of a washing machine that actually is fit for purpose. Thank you Dave

[@dadafan5921]

Meerkat? Meerkat? You've revealed to me why these charming creatures have always disturbed me. I must have a snippet of meerkat DNA because I have that same 'twitchy' curiosity.

[@fastsetinthewest]

Grazing. Looking at your past videos. A lot of fabulous information. Just so Fascinating. From near Fort Worth, Texas. Eaglegards...

[@rkelsey3341]

Go Frogs!

[@matthewoliver6655]

You come across as a very genuine, down to earth nice person. I have enjoyed your videos. I appreciate the approach you take. The best video so far has been the one on the river Avon.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. That was my favourite journey so far too.

[@jeanrutka4517]

Glad to see you are still blogging through the winter, sure helps me ignore all the snow and ice we have here in Montreal.

[@nmr6988]

I found your two seasons on a streaming channel and loved it. You're a wonderful storyteller and your voice is lovely. I would want a shorter boat, around 40 feet. I admire your ability to manage a 57-footer.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. It's honestly no harder to manage a 57-footer than a 40-footer. PS Season Three is coming soon then I'll start on Season 4 ;-)

[@nmr6988]

@@CruisingTheCut , that's fantastic and I'll be watching. I'll bet the collection blood pressure of your viewers goes down whenever they watch one of your videos.

[@sidneybowerman558]

I stumbled across these video's a few months ago, and find them absolutely fascinating. They have turned my time in lockdown to almost a pleasure. I have now started viewing them from the start, but often cheat when I see a clever title on a newer one that intrigues me.

[@suedolly7081]

Another great video. Loved the curtain twitcher/ Meerkat reference! Good luck with your search.

[@UKRailsandMore]

Interesting insight sir, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sounds like the benefits more than outweigh the cons! All the best, Paul

[@yta6765]

This vlog was very informative and aligns very much with how I would design a narrow boat, namely a cruiser stern (preferably squared off), reverse layout and with bow area roofed (and kept to a minimum since the larger area at the stern would render that redundant.) I think I'd dispense with the dinette in favour of more space in the galley, saloon and bedroom, but use a gate leg table with captains chairs like yours. 4 smaller folding dining chairs would do for when visitors are round for a meal - just push the captains chairs out of the way on such occasions. I also feel an inflatable mattress should cover the odd occasion people stay over (in lieu of a sofa bed or convertible dinette). I hate the idea of a sofa staring at the side of the boat. If sat talking to someone you are either talking without looking at them or you are twisted awkwardly to see each other. I also like the idea of a Houdini Hatch or skylights. I'm 6 feet tall and it looks like the light tends to be better for shorter people in a narrow boat. Now for the questions (and sorry they are so long): 1. I note the Norfolk Broads boats often have lower gunnels so when seated inside you can see out horizontally, not just the sky Great for watching water birds and passing boats. I have also seen one narrow boat on another vlog (merely as they passed it by) with a lowered gunnel roughly where I expect the saloon to be. Do you think that could catch on? Is there a reason against it? 2. Motive power. I know you have been asked this but the vlogs you refer back to are now some years old and since electric power, or more importantly battery and charging tech have progressed so far so fast. Would you think that a boat with a soundproofed genset plus loads of solar and electric propulsion is feasible yet? I hate the sound of diesels chugging and also note that it is necessary to only run at about 1,300 to 1,500 rpm which is way below the peak efficiency for these engines. It seems to me that a generator that is only used when necessary that when running is at it's peak designed efficiency could be a good option. If you are alone perhaps a chugging diesel is okay but for couples/families/groups not having to shout when communicating from galley to helm seems good, as does the ability to listen to the sounds of nature while on the move. I do wonder about the initial cost difference and then the running costs. As a bonus, using the generator at the right times to replenish the traction batteries could give heating for the boat via a heat exchanger and also offer electric heating perhaps. Lots of maths involved there to work out practicalities. I could do the number crunching but I don't have the parameters to work with. 3. Water tanks size. I see all manner of choices here but then also so many people running out of water. What is the maximum tank size you feel should be considered for a narrow boat? Especially if a pump out is being chosen (since I believe that would mean extra water usage). Also, have you encountered anyone using canal water for flushing the toilet on a pump out? (Canal as the source, not the destination). 4. Water source. Sailing yachts often have water makers onboard. I've heard of them being installed on wide beams. They are very compact. Have you looked into the practicalities, cost and running cost for a narrow boat? Sailing boats often run them off solar, but more so in warner climates. It could potentially save the size of the volume of the water tank to offer extra storage, though I expect a small tank would still be needed depending on the speed the unit can 'make' clean water from canal water. 5. While other vessels have evolved over time to have better rudder designs the narrow boat appears to have a rudder that James Brindley would recognise. I note tugs often have a cowling round the propeller - provides more efficient power but is not suitable for high speeds - not an issue on a narrow boat. This is sometimes made to double as the rudder by joining the cowling to the tiller so it turns as a normal rudder but with the propeller there inside - almost acting as a directional nozzle, perhaps the forerunner to waterjet propulsion. This means the rudder is a little further forward being round the propeller rather than behind it. I could imagine that being a good thing in locks - easier to keep clear of the sill. I'm just not sure whether it would help or hinder with weeds. It would protect the propeller from solid objects like supermarket trolleys thrown in the cut. Something to ponder now the evenings have drawn in and the weather has cooled down in UK.

[@joeltalbot1546]

Nice video, David. My vote is for diesel heating, but then I’m not you. No mention of bow thrusters, too expensive? Glad to hear your weather is nice. Looking forward to your next post. Take care my friend

[@CruisingTheCut]

There are very few occasions when a bow thruster would be needed, I think. All the navigations on the canal, even the tight corners can be easily turned by using the tiller, as can most maneouvres such as mooring. A thruster could come in handy for tight spots in some marinas but generally it's not a necessary item but a luxury so it's not on my "must have" list.

[@andyrbush]

My wife and I lived three years on our Carver 380 Santego. It was as near perfect as we could wish for. We moored in Kemah in Texas which is near Houston. We loved cruising at night in Galveston Bay, it was amazing how well you can see at night on the open water. It was never too cold there.

[@loukama218]

Its like listening to those old cassette audio books. Love your vlogs. Would go for tea and biscuit about now. Cheers

[@steveash9636]

To reduce dust when emptying the dustpan of the stove use a household plant water spray. We have a stove in our kitchen and dampening down the ashes will help reduce dust.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I tried that and while it soaked the top layer of ash, all the rest still made a mess as I tipped it into the dustbin :-(

[@stupidminotaur9735]

wrote something similar then looked down at comments see your comment third/fourth down. lul