318. An unruly boat in a tiny canal... what could go wrong?!

My journey from Ashwood Marina down to Stourport continues in "Twiggy", the 20-foot long Microplus 600 cabin cruiser I just bought, and I might just be getting the hang of the steering. Maybe.
See Part 1 at • 317. I bought another ...
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@thomasbernecky2078]

I've missed seeing these green and pleasant canals; and of course David's commentary.

[@eastcoast4233]

It’s the breakfast description that always gets me. I’m awaiting the cheese sandwich with bated breath.

[@Iam_Yu627]

Agreed. Good to have you back where it started.

[@WestCoastWheelman]

Putting the cruising back into Cruising the Cut!

[@peter-pg5yc]

Same here. his comentary is fantastic. i missed his travels

[@YouTube]

there's something so zen about dave's content

[@CruisingTheCut]

Errrrr ... wait, this does actually appear to be KZbin itself. Blimey. Hello KZbin; thank you.

[@zapfanzapfan]

@@CruisingTheCut KZbin has become sentient, that can't be good 😉

[@jcderby129]

@@CruisingTheCut and familiar enough to call you Dave! It knows your every move 👀

[@sherrie-deejenkins6504]

I am so glad you are back on a boat. You make the best videos. Love your sense of humor.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much!

[@paulmurphy5648]

Just home from a crappy day and I find this little beauty to relax and brighten my day. Thank you, Dave...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Del-Lebo]

@@CruisingTheCut I did as well! A little struggle makes for a better day. In my opinion!

[@johncassels3475]

Agreed, but the secret is to get just enough struggle and not too much!@@Del-Lebo

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Your subscribers are going to have so much fun joining you not only on your journeys on “the cut”, but also seeing you carry out the “improvements” to Twiggy. Looking forward to all future episodes. 👏👏👍😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

A lot of improvements needed, it transpires

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@CruisingTheCut You know you can do it David. It’s no more than your campervan, but on water. Good luck and film all you can. 👏👏👍😀

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

Bring out another thousand @@CruisingTheCut

[@johng9399]

@@CruisingTheCut As I'm sure you know, a boat is just a hole in the water into which you throw money, the larger the hole the more money!😁

[@RaymondCore]

They will make for interesting videos, though. As long as they don't strain the budget.@@CruisingTheCut

[@strayhorse]

I don’t need therapy. I just need David’s canal boat videos. It’s great that you’re back in the saddle. Thank you for your peaceful, joyous and entertaining commentary.

[@donash3199]

You Sir are the BEST. You got me “hooked” on viewing narrow boats vlogs, during the pandemic. I viewed ALL your vlogs and was very disappointed when you sold your “home”. I viewed all your vlogs since the sale. BUT THER IS none better when it comes a relaxing cruise through the cut.

[@scottmclennan6114]

6:28 what a beautiful scene!!

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

That boat looks like so much fun. Glad to see you got a smaller boat.

[@twocorgimom]

Nothing like a challenge to keep the juices flowing. Your new boat has done what all boats do, which is present their owner with one project after another. Glad to see you back on the water.

[@peterolsen3797]

Ah yes, one project after another, Let's see "B.O.A.T." Break Out Another Thousand.

[@johnmcafee6835]

If you're bored with nothing to do get a boat.@@peterolsen3797

[@lenabreijer1311]

A kayak is hard to sleep in. At least with a canoe you can sleep under it. I am glad you got another boat to travel the canals in.

[@Tomthumb222]

Ah, that brings back so many happy memories of another life when I bought a 20ft craft, almost identical to this one. I replaced Two outboard motors, one complete steering system…which had to be fettled as it steered the wrong way… and completely stripped and rebuilt the interior. There was no charging system on the vessel, but a couple of decent lanterns an a galley full of spare batteries saw me through. As with your vessel, it was extremely unruly but after the installation of many window counterweights in the hull, I had a reasonable (if somewhat cramped) little hobby craft. Many hours ensued stopping at canal-side pubs and restaurants and mooring at night in secluded stretches of canal. I would heartily recommend this lifestyle to anyone, I really would. Thanks for this uplifting video, it made my day.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wonderful! 😀😀

[@Jagcycle]

I love this little boat. A new adventure and always a great opportunity to learn something different.

[@WoksAndPansCafe]

Man, I’ve missed cruising with you so much, really happy to see you back on the water. Whilst I do enjoy other narrowboaters channels, none of them give me such a relaxing sense of “being there” as your content and commentary does. Thank you!

[@eveb446]

What a beautiful journey this was: plenty of birdsong, ducks and a Heron!!!! Glad you arrived safely.

[@wideawake914]

Yes so glad you did not sink in that big lock. Dave used to live in a yellow submarine.

[@nancythomas-wardm.b.a2993]

mY BLOOD PRESSURE .......VANISHED....OHHH JUST LOVELY dAVID XX n

[@dexterfitben]

Ahh..that morning face. Welcome back!

[@robertteap8052]

A few well places bags of sand / ballast, underneath the flooring /seating should give you a much more manageable boat.. You need to get some draft, especially near the bow, for your motor to "steer" off.

[@randymagnum143]

A little hatz diesel would make very relaxing racket! 😂

[@mattwruff]

On the positive side, your repair video can be quite funny and very entertaining. That will push you past a whopping 250k subscribers. I'm glad to have you back on the cut!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ummm.... videos. Definitely plural. It's going to need a LOT of work...

[@CrypidLore]

I'm extremely happy to see you with a new boat, well done!

[@chrisrand5185]

Interesting comments about the use of fenders. When we started boating in the mid 60s, narrowboats did not have fenders, but timber and fibreglass cruisers did. They were essential to protect the lighter craft from damage and were permanently down. Fenders didn't really start appearing on narrowboats until the early 80s and were provided primarily for comfort when moored against piled or hard edges (still useless on the Shroppie shelf). They are lifted to stop a boat jamming in a lock. As for indicators on a BMW, spare a thought for the poor soul on the production line who fits them knowing they will never be used - complete lack of job satisfaction!

[@wmason1961]

What is a "shroppie shelf"?

[@chrisrand5185]

Along much of the Shropshire Union Canal where the bank has a concrete edge, there is a projection below the waterline which is below the reach of fenders. This is known as the Shroppie shelf.

[@blinzohagen]

My understanding is the side of the canal isn’t vertical but either slopes down or there is a shallow section so you can’t moor conveniently against the armco.

[@lukedaniel7669]

I was taught that you put your fenders down when they'll be needed, ie when you're alongside something or in a confined space. The rest of the time you have them up as if another boat is going to hit you the chances are it won't be where the fender happens to be.

[@randymagnum143]

Everything is a project, I've been told!

[@01jvb]

Good to see that you got the hang of the boat on the second day. Your boat does look like it's been well maintained by its previous owners - there's not many of this type in such good condition these days. I hope you are going to take advantage of its trailability to visit the unconnected waterways you weren't able to visit by narrowboat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank. ON close inspection it's actually got a lot that needs sorting, sadly (the tour video, coming soon, will show) but that just means lots of interesting DIY projects for me!

[@NiallWardrop]

Second this, I don't know if you got a trailer with the boat but if you did your van will tow it easily which opens up all sorts of different options.

[@joline2730]

​​@@CruisingTheCut oh looking forward to your twitching and tweaking, and those great 'fast forward' mickey mouse ramblings 😂😂😂

[@paca_bill4863]

@@CruisingTheCut From the great work you've done on the van, along with very informative videos, I'm guessing that showing the projects for Twiggy may inspire others to look at some of the older boats for some renovations.

[@sianwarwick633]

​@@joline2730😂😂😂

[@CJNine]

David, your commentary as captain of a canal boat has been missed. I really enjoy these instructive 'tours.'

[@Stealthhunter44]

I had forgotten how relaxing your cruising vlogs are with the beautiful scenery and your matter-of-fact commentary. I’m very glad you have your own boat again and have resumed cruising the canals of Britain. Thank you for sharing!

[@jazziered142]

It's just so ridiculously picturesque. 😊

[@pierQRzt180]

the boat and the quiet canals are great

[@MikeBootle]

Good to see you back where you belong. Very much enjoyed. Banksia Beach Australia

[@danburrill8716]

I remember a quote from the late Phil Bolger, one of my favourite naval architects: "The best boat for anyone, is the smallest, most simple boat that does everything they want it to."

[@cornishhh]

A wise man, Bolger. Not afraid to try new ideas either,.

[@DavidWilliams-rn6uq]

She is a cute little thing, I can see how you (and the lady on the path) were charmed by her.

[@julesstone7990]

The more I see your Banana Mobile (Twiggy) the more I want to buy one! She is lovely and thank you for taking us along for your journey x

[@alastairgordon-forbes3139]

My goodness, England really is beautiful in summer.

[@stifledvoice]

You'll need to put some power trim tabs on the transom to stabilize the ride, really handy when towing water skiers through the canal...😊 Seriously, make sure to get your bottom hull sealed/expoxied, you don't want a soggy bottomed fiberglass hull

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for the tip!

[@carolinebutcher8160]

How lovely to see you back on the water! Twiggyy is rather cute! X

[@christaylor8325]

Good to see you back on the water. My suggestions are 1) get the engine and control cables serviced, a blocked jet is possibly the cause of difficulty with slow running. If that doesn't work you may need a different propellor. Also, add a rudder blade behind the prop, will improve steering!

[@normanboyes4983]

Agree engine control cables.👍

[@dee2251]

Can’t wait to see all your alterations and adventures on Twiggy.

[@Saluno375]

Your narrative voice talent can make even a bland breakfast interesting ;D I'm amazed you don't have a BBC commission for a documentary or something like it yet!

[@daveharvey4627]

Nice to see you back in your natural habitat on the water.

[@DougPalumbo]

A cheerful little boat indeed!

[@nesanesa9547]

Lovely jubbly.....what tranquility..BP down...xx

[@henryvanveen5365]

Whether by narrowboat or cabin cruiser the views are just as good.

[@CruisingTheCut]

True!

[@_instabil]

I am looking forward to the next fire chat a lot! A fire extinguisher should be handy.

[@leedavis5958]

Nice to see you back on the water again, In your own boat.👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@alfsphone]

Its great to have you back on the water.

[@Vlogsoup]

I am so happy to see you owning a boat again. I know that Twiggy needs some love, but those projects will just allow you to make her yours and put your personal stamp on her. You went past some absolutely stunning spots and I love seeing the cottages.❤

[@jdknbw]

nice to see that you are getting the hang of the steering--and i do love the plaque that is on the boat. forgot how much i have missed all the great scenery. thanks

[@barbarataylor1535]

Happy to hear you are enjoying the new boat. See you next time.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@hectorshouse7348]

What a little beauty…I can’t wait for the adventures to begin😃

[@jpaulrice]

A cool morning we had here today in northern Florida, so as I waited for the sun to warm us up a bit I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with you on the canal. Terrific size boat, I think.

[@joysedgwick812]

Perfect, you even provided a heron, thank you David for a sunny cruise when we are now freezing 🥶.

[@shirleylynch7529]

What a truly beautiful canal. Scenery delightful. So good to be cruising again with you. Thank you.

[@philnbspook6446]

Happy days once more matey. Welcome back.

[@JamesAdam100]

David, I can't wait to watch all the DIY jobs you'll have to do in depth, I find them and the commentary hilarious!

[@davidvanhooton5790]

Lovely to see you back on the cut in your own vessel. Happy sailing. David

[@charlesjordan8364]

Can't wait for part 3!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Part 3 will be the tour

[@tessapetters3936]

Great to see you back on water. We are sympathetic, as started life many moons ago with an adorable Norman 23 , which never let us down and we had her on and off till 2019, BUT sold her in 2016 and bought our first narrowboat. She was unreliable, costly and although beautiful inside, she had engine issues and we also had a fire onboard in electrical wiring. Wew sold her and shortly our dear little Norman came back on market and we bought her back. Sterring all over the place, but so handy to turn, moor up etc, there are pros and cons for both boats, but i miss her every day. Have fun and your little boat is very pretty.

[@sheilah4525]

We LOVE Twiggy, know you’ll fine tune it to perfection and are glad to see your return to the water, Admiral Johns! Now we look forwards to a Twiggy (possibly available in “Twiggy yellow”?) T shirt!

[@meatpiman224]

Good to see you back on the water again

[@tobolulo]

Like her model namesake: Twiggy is a stunner.

[@layalabi1667]

Thank you for a lovely day on the canal!!😊😊

[@davidpiper3652]

Don't get despondent with your 'project' boat. It's not what's wrong with it, it's all about what works. She looks fabulous!

[@billbwks]

nice to be back on the canal!! thank you!

[@andrewfyakim525]

It's a shame we're given only one life to live. If we had multiple lives I would use up one of my allotments living on, and cruising the canals of the England. I wonder why the UK doesn't have you heading up the public-relations/tourist department! Thank you for all these videos, and it's great to see you back on the water....

[@johnkowalkowski4269]

David, as you are finding out, fiberglass boats are light and prone to be easily pushed by light winds. The planing style semi V hull also tends to wander at slow speeds. One possible solution would be 2 small outboards spread as far apart as they can on the transom and use throttles and F/R to steer. With electric outboards, you could electrify and not worry about pulling the starter cord ever again!

[@bccanoe]

For a tiny boat with limited facilities dehydrated meals might be a good option. I make my own for wilderness camping, it's a very easy process; cook up a big pot of food, spread it out on dehydrator trays to dry overnight, then bag up individual servings in resealable plastic bags in the morning. 'Cooking' the meals in the field is also easy; add the dried food and some water to a pot, bring it to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. The dehydrated food is shelf stable and very compact.

[@YaaLFH]

It has more space inside than a van and people cook proper meals in those. Plenty of space for tinned food that will not look like slop after reheating, or even fresh food once he gets a bit more organised. Could easily have a small fridge in there.

[@bumblebee-mygt867]

Nice to see that you are back on the water again..I've missed your video commentaries

[@eekee6034]

I hope Twiggy doesn't get to be too much trouble, David. I'm starting to take on more projects myself, on a 'bit at a time' basis. Things get too much for me awfully easily, and I don't want that to happen with the things I enjoy. The hard part is remembering that many things aren't urgent, they can wait.

[@SteveAReno237]

I have missed seeing your boating videos. I have found you to be, by far, the best narrowboat vlogger. I have now subscribed and hope to see much more boating content.

[@Old-bold-pilot]

All boats are a series of projects but like how to eat an elephant, one bite at a time. Cheers! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Very true!

[@davidharris-jj6qe]

As always fantastic listening to the master. Well done David

[@MartinAhlman]

That looks lovely! Imagine, autumnal colours while I have two feet of snow...

[@sianwarwick633]

Where you, may I ask ? Here Eastern Canada, snow coming and going

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Loving the adventures on your iconic little yellow boat, thank you x

[@philipdodd2836]

Don’t know if it’s the same with outboards but I’ve driven a fair few river cruisers & when steering, you have to kind of find the rudder, if that makes sense. You get a feel for how many & the kind of steering inputs you need in order to pilot it smoothly, otherwise you end up ‘crabbing’ down the river (canal in your case) constantly twirling the wheel. You’ll get used to it, I’m sure.

[@alexwoods1094]

Great relaxing vid and what a lovely little boat Twiggy is. The foibles just add character!

[@5464348643]

Glad you're back on the water. 😊

[@Idle-Days]

I now better understand the antics of some of the drivers of small craft I pass on the cut. Thanks for the insight.

[@sextant1222]

Add a few sand bags under floor if you can, that will help your steering

[@curtbonnell4308]

You had a beautiful morning to go on day 2 of your trip. I do so love seeing the English countryside, it's so pretty. Thanks for letting us tag along. Till next time, cheers.

[@codingbloke]

A really nice stretch of canal. Its a great walk from Kinver to Stourport. (Good pubs along the way too). Got me thinking its time to do that again when the weather gets better.

[@georgelewis8904]

Quality commentary makes the video. Thanks.

[@andrewpoloni4197]

All is right in the world .... David Johns is back on the canal network! :) I'm excited for you, and I look forward to seeing how you tweak out the boat going forward.

[@keithweybury5212]

Welcome back to the UK waterways David. Great to see you where you belong. Love Twiggy. Cheers Keith from Australia0

[@danieldook9602]

So nice to see you back on the water I love watching your videos I love the commentary you have a very calming voice and your knowledge of the history of where you are I find brilliant.

[@bruceperry6315]

It is nice to see views again, and enjoy your commentary. 😁 Thank you.

[@debbiea3890]

Cruising The Cut out cruising again and I couldn’t be happier. Love your ever so slightly occasional snarkiness. You’re a gem David, thanks for bringing us along.

[@drsadventures]

Very relaxing watching the water ways and narration!😀

[@Innerspace100]

Here in Norway, the Never-Use-Your-Indicators-Even-If-Your-Very-Existance-Depended-Upon-It- rule, used to apply to all drivers of black examples of either the BMW 5- series or the Audi A6. They have now long since switched those out with a Tesla Model S. With Ludicrous Mode (a very important bragging point, apparently...). And, before you ask: Yes, the preferred colour is still black.

[@randywilson6869]

Used to have a switch on the floor for bright and dem lights I got pulled over the other night for bright lights on and I don’t ever drive at night so I told the chap my car doesn’t have a switch he looked confused and ask is it broke or what and I told no it doesn’t have 1 and told him to look for his self

[@Innerspace100]

@@randywilson6869 My father once had a car with the dim switch on the floor. It was back in the sixties, before I was born. No European or Japanese car during the last half century has had them on the floor, to put it that way...

[@bunker0129]

Great video as always! Funnily enough, KZbin decided to recommend me a short from someone who bought Twiggy back in January of 2022. The world (of UK canal KZbin videos) is small... :D

[@christopherestrada8576]

It looks like interesting times are in the offing and I couldn’t be more thrilled for you! Once again by your handy work I find myself in the thrall of the incredible English countryside, absolutely captivating. Even though you mentioned you’re feeling overwhelmed I have full confidence that it’s just a temporary state and you’ll soon make Twiggy another beloved character in the storybook of your travels. My Father and I just purchased a “home built” off-road camper-trailer in need of tweaking & personalization, so we feel a certain kinship with you! We have felt moments of being overwhelmed as well. However the more we dig into the project the more we see what an amazing canvas we have to make our own little dream come to life. By Van or Boat I always appreciate you sharing your adventures and taking the time to show us a bit of that world most wonderful. Much love and respect!

[@charliestevenson1029]

What a lovely section of canal. Lots of interesting bits, just looking at all that makes me want to get a boat ...

[@robsin2810]

So good to have you back on the water🙏🇦🇺👍

[@colscopters]

Iam so glad that you are back on the water and I don't know about you but it makes a freshing change your new videos on the boat twiggy I love it these are the best videos you have ever made as people can afford a smaller boat a lot easier that a narrow boat thanks I love this .

[@xaviergarrak]

Having watched your Narrowboat videos it looked like you were absolutely tearing down the canal in Twiggy! It's wonderful to see you back on the cut and enjoying yourself.

[@lordofhousestewart1821]

This is better David back out on the canal...nice scenery and dry wit.

[@BarneyLeith]

What a beautiful day! I used to live in Kidderminster in the early 1970s - I taught at a boys' grammar school. Some years later my wife and I and our children cruised through Kidderminster as we did the Stourport Ring. We moored in Kidderminster to do some shopping and I did the classicc towpath splits (one foot on the boat and one on the towpath) much to the kids' amusement and my wife's concern that I might get Weil's disease. I remained healthy, thank goodness!

[@geraldmorson4522]

Beautiful countryside

[@raitchison]

If not for the pesky distance problem you could do a collaboration project with Dangar Marine. Stu knows a think or two about rehabbing old boats.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I always misread that as "Danger"!

[@andreadavis1745]

Great to see you back and doing what you love. Congrats!

[@vickiefay7287]

So glad you are back and taking us along your adventures with Twiggy ❤

[@robertmacdonald4878]

David, please don't worry about the interior. I'm sure you will put your skills forward soon enough. Looking forward to seeing your adventures. Robert of Canada 🇨🇦