31. What's wrong now? A look back at my first year of boat ownership.

In this video I look back at my first year of boat ownership, having regard to things that have gone wrong or haven’t gone right. Whilst nothing major befell me, there were quite a number of smaller incidents throughout the year that kept me busy. I also ensured that the items recommended by the surveyor were attended to. I discuss the survey; the move to Yelvertoft Marina; renewing the side hatch door inserts; faults with the shower; the hot water supply; the electrics; getting the boat blacked; cleaning the water tank (not a very pleasant task); painting the boat; the weed hatch and much more.
I have illustrated throughout with pictures and video clips and hopefully given an insight into how to go about certain tasks. It should appeal to anyone interested in boating, particularly someone considering purchasing a narrowboat. It is longer than many of my videos at 32 minutes but has needed to be, to ensure everything is covered.
I have put links below to the videos mentioned:
Renewing Side Hatch Door Inserts
• 5. Renewing Narrowboat...
Blacking the Boat
• 11. Through Foxton Loc...
Water Tank Clean
• 19. Narrowboat Water T...
If you would like to buy me a cup of tea or make a one off donation, please click here: paypal.me/mynar...
My Facebook Channel: / mynarrowboatventure
My Instagram Channel: / my.narrowboat.venture
Thanks for watching and if you have enjoyed, please like, subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications of future videos and of course please comment!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

You've done quite a bit of DIY work Alan and that is to your credit. Several of the tasks you have handily taken on, many other Owners would have paid to have fixed, proving you are a most capable caretaker of your boat. I applaud your success as well as your endurance, well done you !

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Michael, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my boat and I'm happy to do jobs myself, if I feel capable. All the best Alan

[@andrewriley1664]

Always admire a guy who has a brake pipe clamp on him in case of emergencies😊

[@ccooper8785]

"Is that a Stilson in your pocket or are you pleased to see me ?"

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Think I should go and buy another one! 🤔

[@davidjulian8536]

Its not a thing you'd expect to get much use on a boat!

[@richie152]

Hi there dear Alan. What a fantastic upload. Very interesting and very informative. Keep your lovely smile it's so nice to see even in the difficult stages of boating, you always have a lovely smile. Fantastic! Kind regards Rich.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's very kind of you to say Rich, thank you yet again. Take care.

[@caligvla2066]

Hi Alan, maintenance of a boat represents a lot of work, which is essential for his long life , have a nice week 👋👋👋

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Very much so, thank you for your comment, cheers. You too have a great week ahead.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

You just take everything in your stride and deal with whatever needs doing. I've been keeping notes of all your info. So useful. Think I will have more knowledge when it comes to I buying my boat. Once again thankyou. 🙂

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I'm glad you found it useful Sheila, I have recocmmended in another reply to you, that you might like to watch epsiodes 112 and 114 about buying a boat. Cheers

[@colinwilkinson3648]

For goodness sake ,one leak after another it would nearly put someone off ever contemplating getting a narrowboat.yikes !!!on the plus side all the leaks appear to have been fairly minor and fixable .thanks for posting this saga of repairs.😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Colin. I was surprised when I looked back at how many issues there had been but it’s all a learning curve and good to get things sorted whilst in the Marina. As you say nothing major but still annoying when lesser events happen. Thanks for watching.

[@theoldhobbit3640]

An honest and open vlog on the ups and downs of boating life, thank you for a well balanced and informative vlog.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

The Old Hobbit That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you very much.

[@alistair_ie]

A very interesting video, good to see its not all cruising on sunny days. thank you for sharing and i really enjoy your channel. (just found you so busy watching all your back videos)

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Alistair sorry for delay in responding and welcome aboard. I’m presently publishing videos from my trip to the Ashby Canal, another today. Hope you enjoy watching. Cheers Alan.

[@imyourvan9917]

Thank you for taking the time to share and explain so carefully the pitfalls you have experienced in your first year. I especially enjoyed hearing your triumphs in these adversities, how satisfying that must feel knowing you have achieved the results yourself. Congratulations! I do await the results of bouffant hairstyles with the hair dryer and pristine collars with the iron! Joy & Mart

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you both, your comments are very much appreciated. You’re quite right, it is most satisfying to be able to sort out the type of problems I’ve had. As for the hair dryer, I have no need of one. Surely my collars are always pristine or should that be pressed. Cheers. Alan

[@michaelpalmer8632]

You seem to have had more than your fair share of irritating problems all overcome with imagination and flair. I do congratulate you.Look forward to your next posting.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Michael, have you seen my 2019 Review? Cheers

[@walterfoott5105]

great narration and account of narrow boating lifestyle thank you so very much for this virtual experience five stars !!!!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's vey kind of you to say Walter, thank you very much. I hope if you haven't yet done so, you will subscribe to my channel. All the best Alan

[@normanboyes4983]

That was a very useful synopsis of the early part of your canal boat ownership. The state of the engine room is always a good proxy for how previous owners have looked after or neglected the boat- you have made an excellent start in restoring good husbandry standards.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks very much Norman, I’m working through all the items the surveyor recommended. Other issues have also cropped up which will be covered in future vlogs.

[@Kevin-rh5li]

Patience is a virtue glad you have plenty of it.

[@AZC1949]

Enjoyed your reflections on your first year. You touched on the thing most potential boat owners don't consider - the need to maintain your boat in a more diligent manner than you might your house. Usually, houses are not prone to sinking! (That is not true here in Florida, where entire city blocks have been swallowed by sinkholes in the limestone substrate caused by removal of water from the water table. Similar to Droitwich Spa.)

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Zach, glad you liked it. As you say maintenance is very important. The Florida scenario sounds horrendous but I believe it is an area beset by various problems.

[@andyjohnstone6867]

nice to see the nut and bolts of boating. it great to learn things .now my tool kit needs clamps a great idea .

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Andy. I’m glad you liked the video and found it useful. Cheers. Alan

[@lorrieromwalter1509]

I've never commented because l thought it would be difficult! It is not!! Love your blogs. You remind of David from crusing the cut. keep up the good work. L

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Greetings Lorrie and thank you for your lovely comment. David started off from Yelvertoft, where I’m moored. All the very best, take care Alan.

[@lewisgardner1660]

Brilliant video thank you It's nice to see the things that can go wrong on a narrowboat and how to sort them out.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Lewis, your comment is much appreciated. How are you getting on with your boat? Cheers Alan

[@lewisgardner1660]

We have had to put the boat hunting on hold at the moment due to my diabetes playing up.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I’m sorry to hear that and hope you are able to sort something out eventually. Best wishes. Alan

[@cherylburton3430]

Just watched this vlog and we are glad to know that it isn't just us that things go wrong with. Bought back lots of memories of embarrassing situations and things going wrong. But it's all an adventure eh!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Cheryl thanks for watching. As long as we can smile through it, all will be well. Cheers. Alan

[@colinwilkinson3648]

Nice too see you are still smiling

[@tammyjilly]

Just a thought. If your doing external painting, and knowing what British summer weather can be like, had you thought of mooring and doing it under a road or railway bridge. Noisy I know, but at least the weather won’t restrict your progress.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Mike, that's certainly the way it can be done but the nearest suitable road bridge for me is two hours cruising away, with a further hour to turn the boat and the closest railway bridge even further, with Watford Staircase Locks to be negotiated and even then I'm not sure that it's suitable. So yes, a good idea if one is nearby. Cheers Alan

[@johnmac6202]

Hi Alan, John here stuff I haven't seen. you mentioned your current boat at 52 footer, a bit later its a 45 footer. I may have got that wrong but that's why I wrote the sizes down. just checking. enjoy your break. Jm in NZ

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John, the boat is 45 feet long, I think it unlikely I would have said it was 52 feet in length but without watching again, I can't say if I made a mistake. Cheers

[@mickspain330]

Very nice video, very well explained and relaxing, thanks for sharing

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Mick, thanks for your comment.

[@HorshamSteve]

You’re lucky not to have split the cylinder top when tightening the immersion. You shouldn’t use tape on the thread, it’s a parallel thread and not designed to form the water-tight seal. The seal should be made by the fibre washer between the immersion and the top face of the cylinder, maybe with a slight smear of paste jointing compound just in case of flaws. However, job done, seems ok. I am really enjoying working through your vlogs, you have a great presence for this sort of thing, keep up the great work. Steve.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Steve for the advice, you will find in a later vlog that the cylinder was cracked and I had it replaced with a new cylinder inside the cabin. Cheers

[@martinduggan138]

Done a great job Alan looking good from my end.😀

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's great to hear, thank you for your appreciative comment.

[@martinduggan138]

Look forward 2 your vlogs Alan,very informative my wife and I will be looking for our own boat early next yyear.Happy cruising Alan.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Martin, very kind of you to say so. Cheers

[@stevehoare6378]

Really interesting to watch and listen to...! We will be approaching our first anniversary as boat owners this summer, and as complete novices it was really good to hear your experiences. Good luck with year 2 and happy cruising..🍷🍷

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Steve. I’m glad you found it useful, that is exactly what I was hoping for. I hope your second year goes well. Cheers👍

[@brianrees3697]

Its my first year as an owner, I have had some disasters, I have fallen in canal and ended up in hospital for 3 days, I have had my water tank split and flood back end of the boat, I have had a break in and they took just the wine. they do say the first year ia learning curve, but I have loved every minute of it

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Brian. So sorry to hear of your disasters but pleased that they haven’t put you off. You must be very resilient. Cheers Alan

[@paulthomas4556]

Excellent vlog

[@TheChrysler56]

It hasn’t put me off thinking about a new lifestyle change. 37 years this year pounding the tarmac in a fuel tanker has nearly sent me mad. Well done with all your narrowboating jobs. I dare say they’ll be plenty more. Glad to see you still smiling. Thought I’d subscribe this evening Saturday 16th March 2019. Just wish she who cracks the whip would change her mind and sell our bricks and mortar to be part of the narrowboating breed. Times running out. I’m 58 in May and Lynne’s 55 in December. Stay safe with all this windy weather. 👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Gary. There are certainly always jobs to be done. If it’s right for you both, I’m sure your time will come. Thanks for subscribing and I hope you enjoy viewing some of the earlier videos though some you might want to skip. Take care on the road. Cheers Alan

[@susanbrown2909]

I think you have to weigh up the pros n,cons. It seems a nice life style..but as or when you get older;you must ask the question could I deal with canal life as I age. The work,or constant hard strain of navigating locks ..the cold,the expense,loss of space ,health considerations etc. Possibly be better to try it out ,or get a smaller boat and do weekend cruising . But life is short...in my own mind is ,if it appeals ,go for it if you can.

[@janethartwig774]

Wonderful video. Gracious, your boat was a real fixer upper. Were you aware of the enormous amount of work the boat needed when you purchased it? You did a wonderful job bravely attacking and resolving each and every disaster. My hat is off to you.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Janet. I wouldn’t quite put it that way. The boat was surveyed and work done as part of the sale. Cleaning the water tank and blacking were recommendations. A few things have befallen me since purchase but it’s a tidy boat inside, not been hacked around like some. Thanks for watching.

[@TOECUTTER200]

I’m renaming you lucky the cat 🐱 lol. Sadly now most boat builders use faced MDF and it Absoloutley useless in the long term damp and expansion like you’re side doors looks great to start with

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I didn't think the fibre board used for the hatch doors was very dense, I was expecting them to have been marine ply - daft eh! Similar sort of faced mdf is used inside. Cheers

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you, that was very interesting, we enjoyed it a lot🙏🕊✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I’m pleased you found it of interest 😀

[@wateryblaze]

Could you make a nylon roller or two that you can fit temporarily or even permanently to the stern to protect your fasteners when going through the tunnels? Remember that nylon swells a little when it gets wet and if you can afford it, use stainless steel... no rust, no paint, for the shaft. I'm sure it could be done fairly economically. It just seems a pity to keep changing those clips when a roller could save the day. A fender is likely to snag on anything that sticks out of the tunnel walls where a roller does just that... rolls.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Pete - I think I understand what you’re suggesting but I don’t think it would work, as the rollers would have to stick out from the side of the boat and be quite substantial to prevent a 15 ton boat nudging up against a tunnel wall. Thanks for the idea. Cheers

[@garyrolf4723]

i have just started to watch your clips Alan. very enjoyable thanks you. keep up the good work.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Gary, that’s very nice of you to say so. Welcome aboard. Cheers

[@robelliott8061]

Thanks Alan,good insight to boat life.take care,rob.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Rob, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

[@davewhiteley2483]

Keep looking to say hi we bought our boat last year out of yelvertoft marina like your vlogs

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Dave, that’s much appreciated. Hope your boating life is going well.

[@mrwilsonwilson9599]

Thanks for going to the effort of sharing .... happy boating

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks very much, hope you found it interesting.

[@simonwilkinson4032]

As usual...brilliant vlog, love your enthusiasm and all the experiences and knowledge you pass on I'm sure is useful...not got a boat myself but would love to get one...been to whilton myself a few times to tease myself and seen a few likely candidates. Hopefully one day. Keep up the good work 😉

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Simon your comment is much appreciated. I’m sure if you really want a boat you will get one eventually, just need to patient until the time is right for you. Cheers

[@davidc3312]

Very informative I live in the states (no narrow boats) but a lot of the same problems with boats.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks David I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnneal7832]

I think that Saturday is what you would call a baptism of fire lol probably can't get much worse eh lol Its much better to keep on top of things like painting as it will stop rust getting set in. Have you thought about putting a pinstripe on the boat, iv watched a professional on here do it and it looks easy enough, the hardest bit looks like getting the tape on straight

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John. The advantage of having the boat one colour makes it easier for me to paint it. I have thought about coloured flashes on the bow but not any stripes. I do need to sort out a name panel so there is a chance that could have a box around it.

[@johnneal7832]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Hi, yes I see what you mean, and she does look nice doesn't she, I do like those pram covers, I watch a few like yourself on here who say how cold it can be on the stern,because let's face it as one said you are really just stood out in the cold, you can't walk up and down to keep warm so I bet they are great for keeping the cold wind, or as your first Saturday the rain and wind off you lol

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

We don’t usually travel with the pram cover up though mine is quite low compared to some. It has to be down for tunnels and some low bridges and more importantly for filming. It can though be useful in the rain but mine is on or off, it is not designed to fold down unfortunately.

[@johnneal7832]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Oh yes I never thought about filming, that would be hard wouldn't it

[@MemawsMatters]

Loved this video and watched it for the second time! Keep up the great vlogs 😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Debbie, you might enjoy watching this Sunday's video - Narrowboat Novice, which is in a similar style. Cheers

[@KeithGordon]

Excellent review of the trials of naturalist ownership.

[@petemay2791]

Just found your channel can’t wait to watch all your vlogs Cheers Pete Lucy & Evie

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Pete Lucy and Evie. That’s very kind of you to say so. I’ll be uploading a recent cruise at the weekend. All the best Alan

[@norbertboge3391]

Reminds me of The Flanders and Swann son "When the gasman came to call"

[@johnmac1960]

Spot on ...that's how I'm reminded

[@johnmac1960]

Who had the beard?

[@johnmac6202]

PS. you have a great memory or do you read from a script some times, I am kicking of my POD-cast in a few wees and its not easy remembering all the stuff, 2 hours of recording I have to do to make the program, (mental health) is the subject..John

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John, I do make notes and sometimes sketch out a narrative, as a reminder, but I try to be as natural as possible. If you're doing a podcast then a script sounds a good idea. 2 hours is a long time though.

[@ronbearman4661]

Hi At least you are still smiling hope your language wasn't to bad when doing some fiddly jobs let's hope 2019 goes without to many hitches

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Ron. I use a special language when something goes wrong! Thanks also for your good wishes for the coming year.

[@davidwilkinson4799]

Well done. Great video.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks David. This has proved to be my most popular video far outweighing anything else. I thought it was unlikely to have much appeal but I have been proved very wrong!

[@davieimrie2407]

Hi, am watching all ur videos now, following tip from Floating ... Boat's Rich & Fran thnk u for sharing , Davie x

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Davie. That’s great to hear, hope you get lots of enjoyment from watching them. Cheers.

[@Stuart-ef6rw]

Always enjoy watching you one of my favourite on you tube

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Cheers Stuart your comment is much appreciated. Are you the Stuart moored near me?

[@Stuart-ef6rw]

No not me 😆

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Aha thanks Stuart

[@hsbc2468]

Very interesting, thank you. I am curious as why steel hulls appear to be more popular then fiberglass?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Bob. Traditionally Narrowboats were of timber and later steel. I imagine fibre glass isn’t suited to Narrowboat design. It can become brittle and may not be suited to freezing winter temperatures. Also there are loading considerations. And whilst not intentionally, Narrowboats do get knocked about so need to withstand that.

[@davidbutler4363]

Loved this,very informative and interesting.will sub and look forward to more.thanks👍😁👏👏👏

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I’m really glad you liked it David. Many thanks for subscribing.

[@MrCampbell633]

loved it - great job and much thks

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Mark, I’m really glad you liked it 👍

[@manwithapan9481]

I enjoyed your video very relaxing :)

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks very much I’m glad you liked it. Cheers. Alan

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Hi Alan,question,how many locks could you come across in one days cruising,on your monumental adventures on the canal, If so,it must be a mammoth task,working those locks by your self

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Anthony. There’s no real answer to that as every Canal is different. The Ashby has 20 miles of Lock free cruising as does the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union. Some lock flights have 20 or more locks in a short distance. Although solo, other boaters often help, either in sharing double locks or doing part of the task for you whilst they wait to go in. It is handy when there are other boaters about, as it makes life much easier. Cheers

[@weatherdevil9029]

Try looking into the camera lens for a more personal viewing experience :o) really enjoying your content

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for the advice. I am aware of this and it would probably help if I turn the monitor away. Glad you like the content.

[@norbertboge3391]

Did the surveyor use a white stick?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

The surveyor did a very good job, he found all manner of things that needed sorting, that were attended to by the marina where I bought the boat from. Cheers

[@graycunningham8916]

hi my name is Graeme I have looked at many youtube videos and you are the only one to be realistic in the full out look of ownership I am looking for a canal boat at the moment my only problem is know one can give me advice about mail and a mail address as I will be on the move all the time on the canals so if you could help me out here with a link or any advice in this mater I wood be happy

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Graeme. I do understand the issue but it's not a problem for me as I'm marina based. I am aware there are companies who offer a mailing service/mail forwarding service, so you would need to research online to see if you can find one that would suit your needs. Some of the other boat tubers, who are continuous cruisers might be able to help but I expect many use a relative's address for post. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@graycunningham8916]

thank you for replying my problem will be that I will be a mover on the canals at the moment I am living in France and I do not have any family or an uk address any way thank you for reply have a nice weekend

[@colinbailey5273]

hi do u think wilto marine offer fairly priced nbs im looking and have been for a while but they all differ so much in price etc colinb

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi. Whilton sell boats under brokerage and their own boats. You’ll hear good and bad. My experience was good. The condition of the boats is down to the owners who are selling them. Many are not well presented but Whilton give you the keys and you can spend as long as you like browsing. Some places watch you like a hawk. As to price, the more boats you see, the better attuned you will be as to their value. Hope that helps.

[@colinbailey5273]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture thanx for that we r In Cornwall so nearest for us is Hilperton trowbridge Kennet and Avon so we've got a motorhome and should be able to cover some distance and sorce a nb hopefully good luck on your voyages Colin

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Colin. Good luck with the search, I hope you find what you want and when you want it. Cheers

[@colinbailey5273]

ps di u negotiate price on completion of survey

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

There was no renegotiation of price, as Whilton undertook to do the work identified by the surveyor and they did more than they said they would. Cheers

[@colinbailey5273]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture hi that is good of them thanx happy sailing

[@johnmac1960]

Like the vlogs but why do you cover the same old ground? Make shorter vlogs on single topics. Too much repetition of old vlogs !

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John, it's a review, so there has to be repetition, because I'm looking back over the last year. I try and give a variation in my vlogs, as different aspects appeal to different people. Cheers