280. The “working” narrowboat that hides a secret

A few weeks ago I went past the well-known historic narrowboat "Dover" on the Grand Union Canal but its looks belie its actual interior so I went back for a proper snoop around.
See Dover on Twitter at / maines_steve
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
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[@AutoTechWillC]

As a car obsessed 22-year-old living in America, I feel that I am not the typical audience for this channel. However, I’ve been watching for probably three or four years at this point and have to say that this has slowly become my absolute favorite channel on KZbin. He has to be one of the humblest most down to earth and enjoyable people to listen to on this platform.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Yes, very much not my main demographic but I'm very pleased to have you along and enjoying the videos. Cheers

[@Straitfever]

Totally agree. I always enjoy David.

[@naomi8097]

I watch when I want to relax

[@LewisH-lf3qs]

Nice to see my old mans restoration from 18 years ago 👍🏻

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

Well, nobody will ever say that you don't cover the entire spectrum of narrowboating! 🙃 Fascinating concept, thanks for sharing!

[@gardeninginthedesert]

The engine is beautiful but why is no one talking about that gorgeous range in the kitchen? Very interesting boat, great video.

[@doverstravels186]

The range is lovely. David was slightly incorrect though, being a heritage range, it works on blown air pressurised diesel heater units, which are turned on and off on demand, not like a conventional Aga which has the burner ticking over all of the time. I think that the love of the range is more of a female thing though.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

@@doverstravels186 Depends on whether one cooks.

[@greenspiritarts]

@ Janet: I totally agree!!!

[@greenspiritarts]

@@doverstravels186 Thank you for the clarification on how the range works. However, women can appreciate good engineering too and that range has that in spades! :-)

[@switchedon6530]

Lol no disrespect that's such a female comment 😉

[@ccooper8785]

2005 !!! Theat can't be right !!! I remember watching that the first time it was on tv ! I can't possibly be that old !!!! (sums, sums, more sums, + unladen weight of swallow, remember to carry the 1=) Bloody hell, I am old !!! That explains all the aches and pains then....

[@jamesnoonan7450]

Falling asleep in that boat in a rain storm would be my version of bliss

[@captainzeppos]

I pressed Like because it’s the least one can do when a fine gentleman offers to show you his home AND it is exceptionally well presented. Bravo.

[@stephenhayes6133]

It's hard to believe looking outside just looks like a normal work boat, but inside looks fab, the engine what a classic. Thank you David for showing us another great video.

[@marvindebot3264]

I so want the engine! I'd run her just to be lulled to sleep by it.

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

David so happy to see you pop up…, 12 minutes wasn’t enough … but simply the best

[@rogerstone3068]

"Home is where you moor it" - love that. It's the freedom you find in all the sailing channels, and I think it's what many of us view for. Vicarious armchair freedom, of course, but that means without all the hassles.

[@dontbesquare]

Thank you so much for all your videos over the years David. It brings me so much joy to see a new video of yours pop up in my feed. Thank you! Cheers from across the pond here in the USA.🥳

[@dorothydotson7154]

I presume the mesh window layer also works to prevent bugs getting in when the windows are open--so they are for light, privacy and as a bug repellant. I wondered about the light situation inside with all those tarps. I expected it to be cave like but it isn't. Very interesting.

[@marvindebot3264]

She is beautiful! And, she has a Harland and Wolff pedigree to boot (how incredibly cool is that?) what more could you want? That engine is music to my ears both inside and out where it sounds remarkably like a Lantz Bulldog tractor which is interesting considering a Bulldog is a much larger single-cylinder beast. Thank you Steve and Sue, very kind of you to share your beauty with us.

[@antking8847]

There is something decidedly 'old school' about your video style David - personally I find it charming and very comforting - BBC circa 1970s. Long may it last as I think modern TV has gone down the proverbial! Keep it up and good luck with the house hunt...

[@paulboden7850]

I could listen to Dover's exhaust all day. What a magnificent engine.

[@paulhaynes8045]

Fascinating! I'd never have guessed all that was inside - it's the first narrowboat I've seriously imagined living in. Not sure I'd want to try locks in it though! And if that wasn't difficult enough, he buys a second boat and has to start again from scratch!! Thanks David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Paul 😀

[@Rexal_The_Saltiest_Brit]

I can not even imagine the struggle it would take to get a 70ft+ narrowboat into a lock, and then somehow fit it's unpowered bretheren alongside! I remember your video when you were on the working boat that wasn't much more than 60ft if I recall, It was beautifully handled then but this? This must be like steering an aircraft carrier! Imagine the drifts on a windy day!

[@doverstravels186]

Wind drift isn’t as bad as you would think because of the deep draft and sloping sides, modern slab sided shallow draft boats are much more tricky in the wind.

[@grayfool]

You really are producing some great content for us David. Thanks to Steve and Sue for letting us have a look at the wonderful old boat.

[@danieltaylor5231]

David in his natural environment, someone else's narrowboat!😇😇

[@chrislaarman7532]

;-) I agree, Daniel - but David really looked quite at home in (or on or next to) his own narrowboat.

[@hamshackleton]

I love that old boat engine sound - but wouldn't fancy the nightmare of keeping one going!

[@doverstravels186]

The engine is generally fairly well behaved. It needs servicing every 250 hours of running.

[@timothybearne147]

Clever idea using a butty as a fender. And kudos for not cutting a doorway through the bulkhead.

[@cdgt1]

Steve's boat is awesome. It's just incredible how beautiful the engine look's.

[@knobby2knobby]

Have had the pleasure of meeting the owners (and their dog) a few times such lovely people. Fantastic boat but too big for me I'll stick with my 'normal' sized one with metal sides 😋

[@markattardo]

Wow, that's quite a boat without the butty! Thanks to Steve for allowing the tour of his fascinating home. Enjoyed the video tour and info David!👍👍

[@stephenlittle7534]

That's a brilliant way of doing the solar cell collecting sun. Very clever.

[@sidneybowerman558]

I always enjoy a jolly good snoop, whether it's in person or by a brilliant video. I must say though I thought your narrowboat was sometimes hard work, 'Dover' must be a real handful.

[@doverstravels186]

You get used to it, I was asked to move a 30ft narrowboat for someone not long back. I was all over the place as everything happened far more quickly than I was used to.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Love the biographies of all these old boats. Thanks for another interesting film.

[@Innerspace100]

Lots of nifty solutions on that boat. The system with the tarp covers and the solar panels especially. Also loved the diesel range!

[@navigator902]

Excellent content David, I really like these type local historical blends of people and things snooping is learning.

[@joebroke76]

As a yankee, even had lived in England for two years, I've never heard the phrase "odds and sods", had to look that one up. Great Video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm very pleased you enjoyed it 🙏

[@paulhaynes8045]

After the last video, I think that might have been deliberate!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha 😉😉

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@tomdomenico I hope the OP comes up with a Yankee saying that YOU have to look up....

[@rickkearn7100]

Splendid, David, and thank you! Cheers.

[@duncangrainge]

Excellent production. Excellent boats.

[@rwm2986]

Thanks David. The owners obviously like a challenge. I was pleased to hear some time-honoured technical terms such as 'odds and sods'!

[@naomi8097]

Just finished watching your 4 seasons of cruising the cut, to my children’s dismay I might add. I live in America but UK born and had no idea about the canals. I’d like to see more daily life in the narrow boat

[@CruisingTheCut]

As you have discovered, the series continues here on KZbin (and where Prime ends is roughly vlog 201 here)

[@TinMan0555]

That is a very interesting craft. The engine looks like a real gem.👍🏻

[@vadmal5210]

Your research to find interesting object is remarkable

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha cheers - I just happened to go past it one day!

[@vadmal5210]

​@@CruisingTheCut Just as they say about a good goalkeeper; they must have luck a little bit now and then

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Smashing vlog, always wondered about the layout under those forbidding canvas covers. Cheers 🍻. 👋

[@tompinnef6331]

Nice old girl changed over to another job. She is sure a long thing. Thank you for the video. Take care - be safe and always God Bless

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@daviemaclean61]

I really like "sleepers" like this living boat in disguise. I should think lugging another nearly the same size about with you IS a steep learning curve. Cheers

[@youaregodspursuit-47]

I have ignored your site for one year. It warms my heart to hear your voice again. I am so glad you waited for me to return. I am 75 and live in the deserts of Nevada. I shall always treasure my time on the canals. Were it possible and I could live one more time it would be there Cruising the Cut! Your gift is my treasure.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Very interesting. So kind of Steve and Sue letting us see their beautiful home. What a great life. Thank you David.

[@Grantly]

That solar strap setup 😘 *chefs kiss* really good solution.

[@mjallenuk]

Nice to see what happened to Dover... obviously in good hands. Enjoy Success as well!

[@greenspiritarts]

Love the juxtaposition of roll-down tarpaulins that look like they belong to the previous century and the solar panels… which obviously do not! Great video David! Always thrilled to see your notification of another video…then I know it’s “cuppa time”. 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's always cuppa time here! 🤣🤣

[@Straitfever]

Thank you David, and thanks folks for letting us step aboard and see your grand "Dover.". Ah the stories of the canal I bet she could tell. That was very interesting, and I do love the sound of that engine. - Cheers, take care, from Texas.

[@veganvocalist4782]

BEAUTIFUL presenting / narration 🥰 such a lovely voice , it actually relaxed me so much , clear , well spoken English accent . it lulled me to sleep. The Americans would looooove this , just for your voice alone , thank you , Subbed for the mesmerising voice 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much! And welcome along.

[@WoodenBoatBen]

New favorite word: miscellany. I do appreciate your excellent use of vocabulary.

[@customfreak81]

I remember watching the series on the original conversion of Dover, great to see that it's still in great shape, the current interior looks perfect, the idea of a floating workshop in the butty is genius!

[@susanmarker2164]

So very interesting...everytime I see an abandoned boat on the various vloggers I watch ..I think ..hey if you dont want it il gladly take it..ill get it back to what its made for it would be well loved...🙄♥️ Very interesting ive often wondered what it might look like under those canopies..I see on occasion. ..thank you!

[@randynovick7972]

Very nice. I was very curious about how liveable this boat was. Thanks for letting us peer beneath the tarpaulin!

[@tombowers3681]

great video what an amazing boat! That will always be what I think of when somebody says "narrowboat"

[@randyw2539]

It's amazing how light and airy the boat felt inside. Before getting that far in the tour I assumed it would be dark and closed in feeling. And that kitchen range and sink! I'd love to have either in my stationary home. Sounds like a bit of a headache for cruising, but swings and roundabouts. Thank you, Steve and Sue for letting us virtually have a nose through your home.

[@layalabi1667]

Very different! Thanks!!

[@quarlow1215]

Beautiful old beasts.

[@markgruenberg6277]

Nice to see an old boat being refurbished. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. Be well and stay safe.

[@steveweave2797]

Very interesting! Would love to see the buddy boat's interior and watch him operating both on the canals... Thank you David.

[@andyrbush]

Always nice to see your videos and listen to your narrations, thank you. Those boats today look like a lot of work has gone into them.

[@steveallen5087]

Super!! I truly enjoy seeing the older boats still in some form of service even if it’s just putting around!! Good on him. ❤

[@ronfeldman4386]

David, As always you show everyone every aspect of canal boats and living on the Canals.

[@SLO-Ride]

Such a quiet, intelligent gentleman. Remodeling one boat wasn't enough, so let's do another...but without an engine this time! How I envy those with the skills and mechanical acuity for problem solving!

[@doverstravels186]

I can’t take credit for the interior of Dover, I bought her in the condition you see her, the butty is a different matter. However it’s still work in progress.

[@eveb446]

Interesting story about the build of this narrowboat. I love the idea of the solar panels being able to be operated from both sides. Thank you for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevehhadley]

Great Vlog David! Been a bit busy as of late! And just catching up! Having a vodka an tonic! Greatly enjoyed this! Nice Old Diesel Engine! My Dad would have loved to see that! As always Aloha from Honolulu!

[@aghauler1964]

Such a joy, David you always put the people your documenting at ease, Always interesting and entertaining. I'm a huge fan of boatmans cabins. Safe travels

[@34136TS]

Superb, I remember the TV series well, some cracking joinery for those sliding window frames. Funny how few liked the original interior refit.

[@joemelton7023]

Hello David, I often wondered what is going on inside a converted working boat. There are some benefits compared to normal narrowboats. But the length, no thanks. Great job, hope your enjoying your new home. See you next time

[@JeghedderThomas]

Blimey! That's a bit of a beast to maneuver no doubt. I'm personally keener on the short little modern numbers - but it's fascinating to see how you can design a cozy home in this huge boat. As always, a pleasure to spend a little internet time with you and the cut.

[@hans2406]

Very nice boat. The engine sound alone makes me want one.

[@bruceyoung1343]

I’ll have to admit that I didn’t think I’d like the type stories you told us you would make after the sale of your boat. But surprise to me. I’ve enjoyed these just as much. The old wooden boats. And the work boat converted. Just GRAND. THANK YOU. CHEERS DAVID

[@jennifergreenwood5154]

Slow cooker recipes

[@harveysmith100]

A certain irony to the shaving mirror in the bathroom

[@leswallace2426]

Brilliant again David!!!

[@onefunnyoldman]

Thank you David, Very nice to see Dover again. I remember watching Alan Herd, buying and fitting it out back in the day. Best wishes

[@switchedon6530]

Really enjoyed that buddy, thanx for sharing. As we get older we want and need less, off the grid simple life calms the soul 👍🇺🇸

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

I absolutely love the sound of an old diesel! The mechanics are other worldly compared to modern engines but i would rather deal with the issues that come with that old beauty than have something more modern any day just because of its history and the mechanical marvel it once was.

[@stephenhinds4216]

I ve got the series on dvd of this boat being restored fantastic job

[@devilschild]

It's always nice to see you, David.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

I would never have guessed it was so delightful and interesting inside.

[@curtissorg4687]

Another great video david

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan USA Great video Brother thank you for sharing your adventure with us

[@paulsj9245]

Lovely indeed! My introduction to narrowboats was your report "Coalfinger", #209, which includes a fuel boat and butty in action. I am stuck with you and the subject ever since!

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀

[@Valentijnzz]

Can't say anything about the video yet, but I know I will enjoy it. Thanks! Great work

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha I hope so!

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David, splendid story-telling, as always, thank you. Last night, I was wondering, when the next episode was arriving. Take care.

[@gafrers]

Quality as always. 👍👍 A revelation on the insides; roomy and light.

[@davidapp3730]

I kind of like the layout of Dover. Very different. Thank you for the Interesting video. The range almost looked like a Rayburn stove. My parents hade one in Ireland that was fired with turf/peat.

[@craigrschulz]

Thank you David! Very interesting. God bless you!

[@machinist5828]

Nice look about of a neat old boat! Cheers from South Carolina USA

[@billstevens3796]

It's good to see that Jerry Garcia is alive and well in the UK!

[@philcarkagis2351]

Just love the sound of that Russell Newbury gem!

[@mitchellminer9597]

Always fascinating. Always excellent. Thanks for posting awesomeness.

[@paulmurphy5648]

In the nicest possible way, I have missed you Dave, hope you have settled in to your house ok. Loving these short documentaries. Looking forward to the next one. Best wishes, Paul.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers. No need to miss me though, I've been churning out videos regularly!!

[@paulmurphy5648]

@@CruisingTheCut And they are good. I just miss the regular days out on the canals where the days were busy doing nothing...and then the camper van vlogs...I binge watched them all again earlier this year for a bit of peace and quiet!! Keep up the fantastic work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There'll be a new van vlog probably on Sunday night! (Although it's essentially half an hour of my legs sticking out from under the van while I mutter incoherently)

[@paulmurphy5648]

@@CruisingTheCut Brilliant!!!!

[@smilysun8358]

@@CruisingTheCut 😂

[@craigbowie8925]

Thank you David! I love this episode. I really would love to see the video about towing. I’d also love an update on the butty

[@johngregory662]

What a interesting boat. Beautiful engine. Interesting stove/heater thing. I have never seen something like that before. Live confidently and peacefully

[@arthurverheijen6682]

Very very nice. Thanks!

[@msamour]

Thanks David! I'm guessing people are willing to sit down with you for interviews because of your extensive experience in Media communications. Also, it seems like the narrow boating community seems like good people all around. My wife already knows that when we visit the UK, we will only spend a few hours in London, the we will hightail it to the Midlands to visit the canal system.

[@nicholassummerfield1295]

Great video loved the Russel Newberry

[@mellissadalby1402]

Hi David! That IS an interesting one, I agree.

[@andrewriley1664]

Hi, I watched the series with Alan Herd restoring Dover so was a bit confused when the current owner said it had always had engine problems from when it was a working boat…from memory a new engine was fitted during the restoration so not sure why that was relevant to be honest..non the less a great vlog of a ‘historic’ new boat😊

[@doverstravels186]

The comment was slightly out of context, I had just explained to David about when the engine had popped an inlet valve sleeve out when we were cruising on the Kennet and Avon, and that Dover had had two different engines during its working life from 1937 to 1959, when she was de-engined. The current engine was indeed new in 2005.

[@nannag5801]

Very nice video! They did a great job making their boat into a home!!

[@tomokra]

Thanks, David.

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

Thanks again for this nice coverage. I can't wait until you finish the video about the narrowboat towing.

[@williamSmith-fv5hi]

Well, that was most interesting and inviting to experience. Watching in Mechanicsville, Virginia USA.