17. Re-filling the water tank on a narrowboat

[@captainzeppos]

If there is one person in the whole of KZbin who can make an interesting and enjoyable presentation of filling up a water tank, without idiotic jokes, flashy videos, special effects and whatnot, well you just saw who is that one guy. Well done, sir. These videos will never grow old.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@sallerc]

"A bit like vogon poetry" love it :)

[@snidepete5700]

If you cut the line anywhere between your tank and your supply pump, and insert a vertical piece of clear plastic from it to a point higher than the highest possible tank level, you'll have a level gauge. Calibrate it with a piece of tape around it at the level shown by a full tank, and you'll have a lovely monitor for filling and for deciding when to fill next time. I can't believe this isn't a common dodge for narrowboaters; it's one I've used in all my motorhome conversions since my first - a '53 International schoolbus in 1971. Try it; you'll love it! 8-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Unfortunately there's no easy access to any of the pipe between the tank and pump, and it would have to come up in the living area :-(

[@shibanarchi]

@@CruisingTheCut Although I love this solution, it is beautifully simple. You can also get digital readers. Topargee do one, its about 100 quid and it just fits inline after the pump. It counts down the litres for you on a little digital display and if you don't want to hook it in to the 12v system they do a battery powered one as well. www.marinechandlery.com/topargee-water-tank-gauge Cheers for the great vids.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Original comment and reply are great tips. Thanks 🙂

[@jefff6167]

You really are a wonderful presenter.

[@jeffhess4650]

You may address this in some future vlog, but as a farm boy here in the former colonies we learned to deal with this problem on our tractors by attaching a small fishing float (or bobber) to the end of a stick and let the rising level of the fluid lift the bobber and stick up out of the fill-hole. A mark or piece of tape on the stick at the full level lets you know when to turn things off. (Small aircraft used a similar system back in the day.) You might also consider a putting a stop-cock near the boat-end of your fill-hose so that you can turn the water off without having to jump out to the shore connection. Cheers, Jeff Hess Have Coffee Will Write

[@michaelgreaves6974]

This Vlog reminded me of a story i heard from a hire yard of a crew out on their maiden voyage who tried topping the boats water tank from the galley tap and couldn't understand why the tank was taking so long to fill!

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's got to be apocryphal, surely?!

[@marklinzeit]

You can speed up the water fill by getting a larger diameter hose pipe, and not using the quick snap adapters. Any reduction in diameter reduces the speed of flow, especially under low pressure. Then you won't have to read the first chapter of that book over and over again like I did.

[@rocketrose2165]

Just what I was thinking, A 3/4 inch hose would cut the fill time in half if not more. Pricey but worth it when you're moving volumes of water.

[@lancemuller6864]

Really enjoyed that episode! It's the simple things in life that separates us from the animals, like water storage. Well done!

[@CruisingTheCut]

To be fair, I think animals largely have a grip on life that's a lot more sensible than we do...

[@lancemuller6864]

+CruisingTheCut Must agree with you there. They are so focused on what is important in... oh wait, one moment... I wanted to see this commercial again... Okay, back! Now where was I? Ah yes, what is important... well that entails, hello? I am getting a message... Oh bother, gotta go! Another frivolous KZbin video just was posted. Tally ho! Remember Focus!!!

[@63Eco]

Love the nod to Douglas Adams at the end.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@Budnbuf]

Excellent. Good to know about the stainless steel consideration. Thanks

[@judyshort38]

I thought you might be interested that the Erie Canal is about 30 miles from where I live in Perrysburg, OH. It no longer has boats on it, but sometimes you see kayakers or canoers. Also the Anthonty Wayne Trail near Toledo, OH used to be, from from I have been told, used to be a canal. Happy cruising! Enjoy you vlogs, etc., very entertaining! And your oast life reallly shows itself in your narrative and camera work!

[@suzyqc7607able]

I have recently begun watching your channel after KZbin suggested it. I have binge-watched a great many in November. I must say - I suppose - I am quite charmed. Your channel is refreshing & just what I needed to combat the fatigue accumulated from this entire year.. I'll be glad to watch anything you should post. Hooked - one might say.. lol..

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Welcome along!

[@drewnos]

by mentioning the Vogon poetry you made my day!

[@Suho1004]

I thought that I couldn't possibly enjoy your videos any more than I already do... and then comes the Douglas Adams reference!

[@kathrynschauf1784]

Your shows have not been surpassed by anyone else's on the cut. I would assume this was because of your care in editing, and your experience with radio (and now TV.) Dad and I find your sense of humor to be droll and suitably dry for an Englishman, and you are blessed with consistency in many aspects of your life. I am charmed by this. You have sold us a boat, you know. Perhaps you are wasting your talent doing this show. Perhaps you are a salesman! (Sorry.) But- I would enjoy an afternoon swapping tales with you and providing you with tea or suitable refreshment in pay. Nonetheless, I understand your need for privacy, and right now with all the medical problems I (We) face at our ages, we don't know when, or even if we will see our dreams come true. But know this: You are more than appreciated. Many big hugs from Kansas! (Wichita)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much. Very pleased you enjoy them.

[@0HARE]

This was very interesting. I find it amazing that there are no gauges on the tanks. Oh, well, on you go. In the States, on our travel trailers and RVs (caravans), we use white safe drinking water hoses, and water filters. This video was actually quite humorous. Thanks for keeping it lighthearted. Happy Cruising!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Modern narrowboats tend to come with gauges, and then can be retro-fitted with a bit of effort but sometimes a stick dipped into the tank is an easier and cheaper solution!

[@peterhendry2154]

Empty tank to a suitable reserve level then drill a hole and fit a tank union. Attach a 90° elbow facing upwards and attach some clear hose and you have a gauge. If you want to you can fit a tank union at the top of the tank and an elbow pointing down then stick your clear pipe up it for a sealed gauge. Could the fresh water and foul water tanks be mounted lower in the boat and arranged so that they cancel each other out . As one empties the other must logically fill. However a bow water tank, and a pump to empty it, would get you off the mud if you got the nose well stuck.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The tank is inaccessible without an angle grinder (it's mounted under the well deck)... there is no foul tank!

[@johninokla2635]

Vogon poetry... please not that. I heard more than enough of that in the movie. A very informative vlog David. I'm amazed at the number of times you have to answer the same question over and over. I believe it was the last vlog I watched (or this one) where someone asked a question that had been answered just 2 months before and about 6 comments below of where they asked. I don't seem to have the patience you have. Oh well, it's all a part of having your own vlog. I do hope someone hasn't made the same observation and posted it before. 😀

[@Drebin2293]

Great little cubby hole to put some valuables.

[@rocketrose2165]

David, good on ya for going with the ukulele. I've been playing them for over 30 years now and they are probably the most versatile and tote able instruments know to man. I used to drive limos in Los Angeles and for a spell there I drove a famous guitarists. One day he breaks out his little Martin and played me a sweet version of his most famous song. Then he put it back in his bag and said, "Did I pass the audition?" Love and miss the guy. Your courage and determination in adopting this lifestyle is commendable. You have a flair for video logs so keep up the good work. There's nothing close to narrow boats here in the states except Recreational Vehicles, RVs. The wife and I gave it a thought but quickly realized we like destinations more than roads. All the bouncing around and such. Plus RVs are by three times more expensive, the fuel is too high priced, they are bad for the environment and stand out as a high ticket target to thieves. Summer after next we have a trip planned with another couple to boat around for a couple of weeks. We'll keep watching and you keep cruising the cut.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, glad you like the vlogs but the ukulele has been gathering dust for ages now, my fingers were too awkward to play it.

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

CruisingTheCut: You can use your ukulele as a paddle - Hawaii 5-0 style!

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

I've recently discovered your vlogs and am now completely addicted... thanks so much, so interesting, funny and such fab scenery!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@alangarner4095]

I must admit that I love to see you and your antics on the canals. It is very interesting.thank you for this great set of videos. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@deevalkyrie]

Ohhh posh thingymejiggy for opening your tank! I use a 50p piece or whatever's in my pocket :D Waterpoints down my neck of the woods are busy in summer, as most of them are pub landings also, but you can always moor alongside. Good luck on the next vlog, nothing as hard to tackle as boaty potty talk ;)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I spent £3 on a brass thingymejig on eBay only to discover I already had the green plastic one aboard. So I have a spare. If ever we cross paths, you can have it :-) As regards the loo, oh my - it's a grim thing to refurb your toilet tank let me tell you. Marigolds on! Nose clenched!

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

There is something charming about these wonderful videos! Keep it up!

[@EezeeListen]

Nice video, very nifty water stopper opener! brought back memories of water poring out of the opening as "the one that was meant to be watching it", wasn't!! Also memories (not so pleasant) of having to have the toilets unblocked - very messy, very nasty, very smelly and an extra 20 quid to the poor man who had to do it! We had a pump out toilet system, were cassette ones around in my time? I have no idea - only in caravans. Glad to see "uke" are still enjoying yourself!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sounds horrid!!

[@CaveWyatt]

AH HA! That’s why I got an ad from a ukulele maker in CA before this episode!

[@jdjeep98]

I loved your reference to Vogon poetry! :)

[@Liofa73]

jdjeep98 --- You're just saying that so he doesn't throw you out of the airlock!

[@ssailes]

I too have been binge watching for a couple of days and am thoroughly enjoying your presentation style but am also enormously grateful for the level of details and knowledge you are sharing. I was going to ask you if you plan to do a Water part 2, or a supplemental vlog that touches on what happens to the water and how you then manage it once it has come out of the tank via taps, shower, loo, or other. Its obviously the grey water tank, but to complete your teachings, perhaps you could cover it with the loo stuff coming up in the future.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, everything about the toilet system will be coming up in future videos. Fear not, there'll be plenty of poo.

[@christianwolf68]

so is there a hitchhikers guide to cruising the cut ?

[@parris3142]

Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Crikey, that's extremely generous! Thank you so much 😀😀

[@JH-qv3xv]

Just incase, two suggestions to simplify the water spilling into the well. Add an inline shut off valve a couple of feet from the end of the hose you put into the tank. This saves you from that mad dash to turn off the water at the source. We later added a fitting at the water inlet with a quick release fitting for the hose so no water would spill out at all. I am assuming you have a air vent above deck, this is where the water overflow goes until you turn off the water. Our vent whistled like a tea kettle then stopped when full so no more having to sit a stare at the little water hole until it burped.

[@MrROOKIE49]

wow that was a fast reply. I really enjoy your blogs. I am watching them all again from the start.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! Glad you like them.

[@jeffebdy]

Watching you use the diesel dipstick reminded me of my primary school...they had huge diesel tank which must have been for heating the 3 classrooms...we took turns to check the diesel level with a brass handled dipstick. First time I've thought about that in 50 years!

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

Vogon poetry deserves a sub.

[@CruisingTheCut]

+John Smith You haven't heard my playing yet ;-) Cheers!

[@0HARE]

Playing stringed instruments is very therapeutic. I recommend you keep at the ukulele practice! Rock & Roll!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Alas, I stopped trying a long while ago. I just don't seem to have the resolve needed to practice regularly.

[@peterhendry2154]

Don't practice just look up "ukele tabs" and the name of a favourite song. Oh hang on I'll go find you one. I'll be your baby tonight ukelele tabs tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/b/burl_ives/ill_be_your_baby_tonight_ukulele_crd.htm

[@peterhendry2154]

Hover over the chords to see them.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers. I've actually been doing a little bit of practice this last week.

[@mm-tl5gc]

Great vlogs. I would suggest to always wipe clean and turn the water tap"on" and let run for a few seconds, preferably into a bucket or such like, to clear any debris / insects from the said tap to save contaminating your own store.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, yes I do do that these days.

[@supers54]

Would also suggest running some water through the hose before putting it in your tank. The water could be in there for a few weeks stagnating and getting infested with all types of life forms. I would use an RO system or similar for drinking water.

[@motorv8N]

We rented an RV last summer for a week (a caravan for you Brits I think? 😉). Similar water and waste issues to content with. One day while filling the water tank, a helpful old pro said to give the public tap threads a quick wipe with disinfectant before hooking up just in case the previous user had fouled it in some manner. Seemed reasonable advice?...

[@CruisingTheCut]

I've never seen anyone do that, maybe people just run the tap for a few seconds first.

[@53Peterbilt]

Yes. It's advisable to 'purge' the line for a bit before actually using the water. Helps it to clear itself of anything unwanted in your system. I'm a longtime RV'er, and we've always used this process. We also stick with the 'white hose' rule for potable water. (easy way to make sure your drinking water is as clean as possible.)

[@toddtomaszewski6820]

love your video's. life on the water sounds so tranquil and fun. keep up the fine work sir.

[@tinab1976]

Thank you I am really enjoying discovering more about the daily reality of living on a narrow boat through watching your vlogs. Good luck with the ukulele playing. I've just started learning to play the hammered dulcimer but I think it's going to need quite a bit of practice before I can play a recognisable tune!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm embarrassed to admit I have no idea what a "hammered dulcimer" is but sure as eggs is eggs I'm about to Google it ;-)

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

I’ve never understood the absence of fuel and water gauges on narrowboats. I’d understand if you were going for a traditional aesthetic, but it seems to be the same on newer builds too.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I have to disagree on that, most new builds I see definitely have gauges now.

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

Love the hitchhikers guide reference.

[@rameshkandadai]

always wondered about these things. A wonderful alternate life style all available on TAP thanks to your vlogs.

[@samarmstrong4160]

Thanks a lot! You learn something new every day

[@warrenoelofse613]

Really enjoy your vlog! Greetings from Zimbabwe.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! Greetings back to Zimbabwe :-)

[@yellownev]

Hi, My preference is to flush the hose through by turning the tap on with the hose exiting the boat into the canal. After all the old water and air has been discharged I then put it in the tank filler..... maybe does nothing other than slow me down but it just feels the right thing to do... better than having a hose full of static water into your tank - good video by the way. Nev NB Percy

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's a damn good idea; I hadn't even considered the hose full of "old" water from last time being the first to go in the tank. Think I'll follow your lead with my next fill. Cheers!

[@CaptainBee100]

It helps to wash the spiders out too! :-)

[@funkyfender1]

Vogon poetry... brilliant! So looking forward to your ukulele playing... yahoo!

[@mischef18]

Awesome they have those water and rubbish points along the way.

[@ezralord4901]

You could put an inline water flowmeter on the output of the pump, that way you would know how much water you have used at any time. Then use a hose bib flowmeter when filling the tank (they are cheap), and you would know when to turn off the hose when filling. I imagine there has to be boaters already doing this. That being said, I would probably use the stick just like you are doing :) Loving the videos :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

No space by the pump for anything, sadly. The stick seems to be working!

[@anthonybelcher8569]

You have a fantastic narrowboat

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@KlunkerRider]

Oh freddled gruntbuggly..... LOL love the reference

[@CardiganBear]

Nice video. Water gauges are available - we recently had to replace our water tank and had a small LCD water level indicator fitted at the same time. It's one of the most useful improvements we have ever made to the boat!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I wish I had gauges! Can they be retrofitted without having to have a whole new tank though?

[@frozenoem1]

+CruisingTheCut Some gauges attach to the exterior on sides. Some can be floater similar to auto tanks, and some can be similar to water line level gauges.

[@jackmedcalf6254]

Your videos are funny and very informative. Thanks for posting.

[@grooveyman]

Now almost 6 years later... How did the ukulele go? Are you still playing it David? I am really enjoying watching your early vlogs right from the beginning again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I gave up and it's gathering dust

[@MichaelsMustang]

Another brick in my education thank you

[@jayfmiller]

Excellent video series. I enjoyed each one. I restored a river going houseboat with a good friend and he moves the craft south beyond the ice points every winter. Maintenance, maintenance, acquaintance. I got a kick out of seeing than you finally put a little tub under the prop shaft gland. Did you ever exchange the original caps on the fuel and potable water tanks with the capacity style level gauges? The ones with integral batteries and remote Bluetooth monitors are nice and can be ordered with long probes and even bent slightly to reach the bottom of tanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No, I still use a stick for both!

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Ahoy mate! I just discovered your blog. Fascinating. I live outside Chicago and of course Lake Michigan has a boating community. I own a small fishing boat, but I love all kinds of boats. The Narrow Boat lifestyle is very appealing. I see why you fell in love head over heals, apparently! I will do my due diligence to watch and learn. Very well done and wish you well. I loved the one with your dad and friend. By the way, I play a little ukulele ( no pun intended). I started when I was about 55, 5 years ago. How hard could 4 strings be? I took about a year before my fingers would listen to my brain. I'm not a musician. Learn some chords, keep practicing, and have fun. I watched McCartney, Ringo, and Harrison play Ain't She Sweet, and was hooked! Ok enough, Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello, thanks for tuning in! Alas, my Uke is largely unplayed and sits as a boat ornament :-(

[@SailorAllan]

Also from Chicago, U.S.A.---saw a couple of random vids and had to subscribe and start from #1. Love anything to do with water and boats.

[@trevorrobinson8577]

If you are able to access the top of your water and diesel tank, I am fairly certain it would be possible to fit level gauges based on the same system used in motor vehicles, ie a sender unit. It would take some careful thought and skills which are probably beyond the average DIY'er. BUT not impossible. Love these vlogs, thank you.

[@TheTeufelhunden68]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@seaeagle8458]

With this type of garden hose equipment, in summertime especially when heated by the sun, you have to flow some water overboard until you get the cold clean water from shore before you fill the tank.

[@BillAndersonNS]

I must have missed the video that explains what exactly "The Cut" is and why it is called the Cut. Could you give a brief explanation I have started at VLOG#01 and made it to #17 so far. I am in Canada where to my knowledge we have canals but no canal boats that I know of. We do have House Boats on the canal system in the province of Ontario, but houseboats are squarish rather like a travel trailer (caravan?) plopped on top of a hull. Enjoying your channel and looking forward to binge watching the other 200 odd videos during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The canals are referred to as the cut because they were cut out of the land (by a massive army of manual labourers, using only picks, shovels and wheelbarrows in the mid-1700s to mid 1800s)

[@shannonboat2082]

Very informative, and so true about lack of gauges on boats. What gives?! My boat has DIY gauges for water and diesel, made by previous owner. They just consist of clear plastic tubing that I suppose 'siphon' the fluid for an approximate level. I'll follow up with pics or even a video when I next get to be on board. Without them I'd have no clue of levels - the tanks are in the centre of the boat so the whole boat sinks lower in the water when full! Thanks again for entertaining video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ooh yes, video them. Love it.

[@aliboy7046]

Hi, really appreciate your videos. Please keep up.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks!

[@pamelasmith9784]

Just love watching your vloggs .😂

[@plummz]

Hi, just 'binge watched' all your videos. I'd love to sell up & do this. Hopefully if I watch enough other people doing it I may get around to it myself someday! Keep up the excellent videos, very entertaining

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed them. Go on - buy a boat, you know you want to ;-)

[@zapfanzapfan]

Ha, ha, probably a lot less painful than Vogon poetry :-) No unwanted hitchhikers hiding behind that little hatch. I guess that is the spray foam on the walls in there?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, spray foam

[@joopjansen9102]

Vogon Poetry... yeah... it's an acquired taste

[@jdhinckley1954]

Just re-watching this video and spotted one of my favorite books by Cleveland Amory! That speaks well for you David...:)

[@andrewp634]

From your other video went you bought the boat and had the oily water in the bilge, your tip about using nappies is brilliant. I used them in my front bilge, water and an oil leak from the bow thruster reservoir GONE. One the best boating tips ever !

[@rocketrose2165]

I was thinking a small wet/dry vacuum but diapers are a pretty smart alternative.

[@AndyB59]

Vogon poetry; I know now why I like your sense of humour. Your ukelele playing though................

[@CruisingTheCut]

I've given up the ukulele :-(

[@johnthorogood6601]

I've the same problem of no gauge on my water tank on my yacht (although my diesel tank does have one). Alas my water ran dry yesterday, today will be my first time filling it (new boat you see). You're note about needing a tap adapter is well timed, of to the hardware store before going to the boat as don't want to be caught with a bit of equipment missing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent!

[@domciancibelli]

Didn’t scroll all the way down but....how about an in line shutoff valve just near the end of the hose? Similar to a hose nozzle but a foot or two from the end.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, got one now. Cheers!

[@firesurfer]

I'm sure you could rig up a floating bobber with a stick that has lines you put on to indicate when it is full. As the stick rises you could see progress. Maybe even a thin tube-like straw to reduce weight on the bobber. Use a cap with different holes to guide the stick and one for the hose. Any piece of plastic or wood will suffice.

[@otterspocket2826]

I thought that too - several plastic straws (if you can still find them) with the bottom one threaded through a couple of wine bottle corks would be ideal.

[@njcaveexplorer]

Bit of advice, you really should have an inline water filter as you fill, it will slow the fill a bit but will keep little things out of your tank... also you should FLUSH the hose overboard before putting old water in your tank. Do you treat your drinking water at all or filter at point of use? If you get another cap you can put a filler inlet on one side and a bit of tubing. Run a wood rod with float up the tube. At filling remove and replace cap with filling cap,attach hose and watch rod rise, mark rod according to tank level.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The water from the taps along the canal is fully potable and doesn’t need filtering or treatment. I do flush the old water from the hose each time.

[@philwheeler7054]

Whenever you take on water, I would strongly suggest you run it through the hose and then TASTE it before putting any in your tank. A few years back we stopped at Great Heywood for a top up and ended up with a complete tank of foul tasting over-chlorinated water. Of course this was only discovered several hours later when the next "brew" was made. It is quite astonishing how long it takes to completely empty a tank with every available tap open fully - several hours - a valuable lesson learned. Always Taste first!

[@GartWilliamsColorado]

You certainly have an innate ability to take a mundane task and turn it into something interesting for your viewers. Very much looking forward to the crapper maintenance episode. So, this episode we see you don the now iconic red jacket! This keeps getting better and better! From the other side of the pond I say, "tally-ho!"

[@jackneff179]

To quiet those water pumps put 3/4 to one ince backing of closed cell foam run the screws through the form and reattach. It will quiiet them quite a bit. Jack

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, good idea.

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m just going through your back catalogue from the very start. Interesting to see the early videos 😃 I noticed that your water filter next to the pump was upside down? The clear bulb should hang below the pipe and not be on top. That way debris in the water will fall into the filter by gravity and generally remain there. Also they do have a tendency to create an airlock in the upright position and you’ll see it will have air trapped in it. Simple job to flip it over 👍🏼😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Greg. The original water pump was replaced early on and then again some years later so all changed now

[@GregVirgoe]

@@CruisingTheCut I just thought you sold the boat now too.. DOH 🙄 😂

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, there is that as well! 🤣

[@kjmill1986]

Hi great videos and good luck with the trip. Is there any chance you could do a video explaining hot water on a narrowboat?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Maybe! I'll add it to the list. It's not terribly interesting though :-)

[@davidoickle1778]

How about a small buoyant float attached to a light weight stick. Drop it in the tank beside the water-fill hose, and as the tank fills, the stick will rise and rise. A mark on the stick will indicate when the water tank is full. Just an idea. Store it in a cylindrical mailing tube to keep it clean.

[@Andrew_Lemon]

You should invent that and sell it I’m sure the narrow boat community would love that.

[@seskylighter]

:30 how I'd love to have them here in the US. I think the closest I can get here on the east coast is the ICW and renting a proper cruising boat.

[@stephanieokkay]

This was so interesting! I've never seen a narrow boat and I never plan to live in one, but I am enjoying learning about them. I'm in the US. Here we have hoses you can buy that are safe for drinking water - they're usually labeled as RV hoses. I wonder if you have the same thing over there? But you did say you weren't worried about it. Your narration skills are really excellent and your videos are so well done. Please keep us updated as you learn to play the ukulele! I've been playing for a while now, although I'd still classify myself as a beginner. :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! Glad you like the videos. Yes I think (if I could be bothered) there are hoses specifically marked as "food grade" but since every day there seems to be some new dreadful scare about everything we eat / drink / touch (which months later turns out to be wrong) I prefer to ignore it all! :-)

[@generybarczyk6993]

+CruisingTheCut - I'm also an American RVer, and full-timed (our dry land equivalent of continuous cruising) for almost nine years. If the time filling the tank is a serious consideration, a larger diameter (inside-diameter) hose will make a _very_ significant difference, depending on the water pressure at the canal-side spigot. The RV hoses +bookish refers to are usually ½ inch/12.7mm id but common garden hoses are available in larger sizes, at least in the US, up to about ¾in/19mm id. There's a trade-off, though, in that a larger hose is bulkier to store, so it's a question of priorities. In the interest of full disclosure, I do not play the ukulele.

[@janetcreasman6441]

Am still waiting for that Vorgon poetry...

[@marekpaul6110]

Vogon poetry .. do you have many lumps of green putty then ?

[@ludecom-cz1wz]

Don't Panic!

[@livingladolcevita7318]

love the high tec weighing down system best anthracite? tap on the hose near the filler hole? use a temporary meter to measure how much water used to fill empty tank then if there is a single pipe feeding all your outlets put a meter in line somewhere to measure how much water used take one from the other equals water used or needed

[@JBishman]

We actually just let the water flow up over the top of the filler when it is full. The well decks all have holes to allow water to escape otherwise they would fill up when it rained, so its no issue if it gets wet and you don't need to sit and watch it! Also If you attach the hose to the pipe first you won't need to put a heavy weight on the end as you reel the hose to the boat. Nice vids.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. There are drain holes but I still get a certain amount of small puddles just sitting there that don't drain unless I sweep them out. Call me ultra paranoid, I just want as little water in the boat as possible ;-) And the first time I filled the boat, turning the tap on jet-propelled the end of the hose out of the hole, spraying the well deck - hence the weight!!

[@johnataylor3616]

by the way you are persuading me to buy a narrow boat, i had booked to hire one in june but now looks doubtful, i want the pubs and shops open in order to enjoy the cut fully.

[@colesantos]

Love the ukulele. Lots of us in Hawaii watching. Come visit i got an RV camper for you.

[@ratdog3055]

Brass fittings can corrode over time and be hard to open. I l always put a light coat of petroleum jelly on the threads when I fill up. This does not affect the water and makes taking the cap on and off much easier.

[@peterdavidbrennan2580]

Vlog 17...where's the 'new' sofa ??? Will it ever show itself ? Very interesting vids.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Carry on, plenty more to watch :-)

[@zapfanzapfan]

Oh, I'm sure it's much better than Vogon poetry. I'm sure it hasn't driven anyone to tear their ears off or jump in the canal to escape the sound :-)

[@markdarlington9914]

first off happy new year ,i personally think the tv people could do with a few lessons from your goodself,why short sweet and to the point No bull exactly what is required once again thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much! And happy new year to you too.

[@shellyskye527]

Oddly enough I haven't heard you speak about grey water and how you deal with sink and shower water draining. Is there a tank that needs to be pumped out as on an RV? Thanks again for your fun and informative vlog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No, grey water goes straight into the canal. Cheers.

[@MandalorianFanboy]

Not sure if you cover this in a later episode..but since it's water related I'll ask anyway...How do you plan to deal with washing your clothes when you are away from the marina and out cruising for extended periods? I do not believe I saw a wash machine on your initial tour. I love your videos and have great respect and admiration for what you are doing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Thanks. Yes, there's a later episode all about how to do laundry on a narrowboat. Cheers

[@mikeskelly2356]

There must surely be a market for a water tank version of the 'Float on a spiral' lawn mower fuel gauge, that can be screwed in place of the standard bung and displays the level with an arrow on top beneath a perspex dome. You have my permission to manufacture my brilliant idea and never have to worry about patreon again!...

[@supers54]

There's lot's of options available, www.google.com/search?q=canal+narrow+boat+water+gauge&rlz=1C1CHBD_enTW758TW758&oq=canal+narrow+boat+water+gauge&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i64.9266j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[@janaylsworth4375]

Had forgotten you ever displayed a ukelele. Am caught up on your videos but don't remember a recital.

[@daveslow84]

Older general aviation planes have fuel gauges but... nobody trusts them, a dipstick is used before every flight :D why not get a nice aluminium rod, insert it in your watertank and cut a notch at the full point. Add another halfway down and half those two lengths again! Voila, a watertank dipstick in 25% increments (or however exact you want I guess) Love your series btw, it is giving me ideas for retirement!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I have such a stick, albeit wooden!

[@mjallenuk]

I've always wondered about the water supply on the go. I have never wondered about playing the ukulele or suffering the learning of another but I guess there's a price to every You Tube experience... ;o)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Never considered the ukulele? Oh, you must!

[@mxh5647]

I considered a uke once…for the bonfire. Now I try to play the guitar. Played my wife Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - she didnt recognise it :( . I'm from Vancouver Canada and I've rented a narrowboat in the UK three times. Great fun. Im recognising a lot of the issues I've seen so far in this series. I'm new come to the channel and am thoroughly loving it, btw. Nicely done Mr. CtC. The 3 of us (2 adults and 1 teen) seemed to go through water quite quickly and we filled up every couple of days. Finding a water hole was never a problem on the Thames as there was a tap at every lock and on the Oxford Canal it only required a bit of planning s they were indicated on the chart. So far as the toilet is concerned we pumped that out once a week. Fortunately it wasn't my problem :).

[@mjallenuk]

I have several guitars non of which I can play with even the remotest hint of skill... still they look nice... I think there'd be a distinct threat of insertion somewhere if I suggested buying a Uke!

[@mxh5647]

:)

[@krashinfinix1128]

🤣😂🤣, Fuel and water gauges...a stick!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ultra reliable!

[@ssailes]

Really enjoy your vlogs. Thank you. Could you talk a bit more about water sometime, such as ideal tank size, is bigger better, what happens to water thats used in sinks, showers, washing machines (if on board), water for central heating, is it sealed system, water that falls on the decks, goes in the bilges, how to check on it, what happens if you spill a load inside the boat, where does it go, how do you get it out, etc etc. What rules are there about discharge into the canal. Must you use a certain soap, shampoo, dishwashing liquid etc. Sorry lots of questions, but all about water, and as its been a few weeks and you've been on the cut for a bit, how is your water now lasting. Slainte Sean

[@CruisingTheCut]

Maybe. I don't want to do just "talking to camera" videos, they're better written as blog posts or something. Video should be about the pictures, that's what it's there for and just showing water and tanks would be a bit dull. I might write something instead.

[@OPHYCLIDE]

Nice little secret hatch. Could be useful for hiding a little safe or lock box?

[@brendancorrigan5038]

hello, enjoying your blog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello! Thank you.

[@nickjames9051]

Thanks for the reply. You certainly do have a pretty "built in" tank there. A small trained ferret might be the best solution. Alternatively, (and after this suggestion, I promise I'll shut up), at 3 mins 21 secs on video 17, you show the pump. there looks to be a couple of inches of pipe on the feed side that you can get to, (which is all you need). Could you place the gauge sensor there? That's what I did, and it works well. Nick

[@CruisingTheCut]

The pump's since changed albeit still in the same spot. I've gone for the cheap (30p) low-tech solution of a stick to dip in the tank!