331. Stripping out an entire boat - and then rebuilding

You wait eight years to do a Dutch barge video then two come along at once... This time, I'm looking at the question of what do you do if you want a custom-designed boat to live on but don't have the budget to buy a new-build? Well, you buy an old but sound boat and tear out the interior for a refit and that's just what Gabs Heneghan has done. In this first episode following her progress, we see the boat she's bought as it is now before the refurb has begun!
Follow Gabs' progress on her Instagram channel at
/ gabs_afloatlondon
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@CruisingTheCut]

Follow Gabs' progress on her Instagram channel at instagram.com/gabs_afloatlondon

[@for.tax.reasons]

Followed!

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Nice one cheers 🍻

[@dennisbishop3842]

Followed.

[@AtomicOverdrive]

Cant wait to see her boat after the refit..

[@efrus66]

Followed

[@lordofhousestewart1821]

"Champagne taste with lemonade money"...i wish she was on YT.

[@christeague7596]

Same...character...great personality....love to follow her progress on you tube.....

[@paultrussy4243]

You beat me to it 👍

[@scottgordon1781]

kindred spirit .

[@stigg333]

What a breath of fresh air Gabs is, such an upbeat lovely lady and can't wait to see how it turns out. She should be on YT though.

[@HCProds1]

Gabs is one of the best characters we’ve had on the channel, looking forward to seeing some updates further down the line and how it all turns out

[@rosemary5531]

What a remarkable young lady! I wish her well. Look forward to seeing the results of her labours.

[@paulhaynes8045]

Phew! I had to have a lie down after that. So much energy and ideas pouring out! I need to rewatch you pulling the carpets out of Twiggy, just to calm down...

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks, as always, David. We look forward to regular updates on Gabs' awesome project!

[@metrickarma]

Loving how we're getting so many videos lately!! Thank you so much, David. I'm always excited whenever you post! Cheers, good sir!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@Project_Servotopia]

This is such an unusual boat! Can't wait to see what Gabs does with the place!

[@marksavage1108]

Why am I getting a Wigan Pier type vibe? Gabs Northern accent. No script, just a picture in her head and explained eloquently,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, without pause. I really miss that energy of youth Gab has.

[@Kiwionwing]

Lakes district

[@nabarnes]

Nice project. I'm absolutely in awe of anybody who can visualise a finished job like this. Looking forward to the regular updates!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Gaby was back aboard today grinding out a rather nasty old toilet tank in the floor!!

[@hughcarson6837]

Wishing this young women all the best for her projects.

[@Debba521]

That was fun! I really envy Gabs. She's got great energy and creative vision. I definitely would like to follow her progress on the boat. Sounds like it'll be amazing when done. Thanks!

[@englishmaninmarktredwitz2228]

My goodness what a wonderful person. So looking forward to seeing her progress. Thanks for introducing her to us.

[@leslielutz6140]

I prefer this size boat. And this little boat is stunning !!! Can't wait to see the end results.

[@MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg]

Fabulous vlog…I cannot imagine changing a plug let alone looking at that and visualising all the work and end result…it doesn’t seem possible…full of admiration for her.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A beautiful barge and a very wise and energetic skipper. Will watch progress with interest. Thank you.

[@jamesa7506]

What an awesome boat & captain! The wheelhouse setup is more my speed than the traditional open space and tiller. Gabs seems to be the right person for this project.👍⚓

[@Chuck59ish]

You gotta come back to this one David, just to help take off the cabin roof, she might even let you share the dog's bed for a few days, I like her, she's got a lot of energy.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yep, going back in June to see progress

[@misterflibble6601]

Love the Steam punk/Dr. Who aspects of the vessel. Obviously a challenge to operate the boat, but I hope Gabs keeps them. I certainly wish her all the best on her project!

[@Robutube1]

The energy! The energy! Oh for one tenth of what this impressive young woman has. I wish her well with this lovely project and eagerly await the next update.

[@for.tax.reasons]

I love how she said she wants it livable but mentioned she's ok without having electricity or water; my ideas of livable are very different from hers 😂 love her ideas for the boat excited to see what she'll do with it!

[@zapfanzapfan]

A serial renovator/refurbisher, you have met your match! 🙂 It'll be interesting to visit again when it's closer to being finished.

[@justhavinfun7467]

Another great documentary David...Im sure Gabs and her energy level will get that boat whipped into shape in no time....looking forward to seeing that progress and it'll happen fast....take care pal, nice job as always

[@Wkmor]

At the end where she talks about needing to be out on the water in nature, she is really saying that “blue space” (looking at water) is as therapeutic as green space. And she is definitely right.

[@eekee6034]

If I remember right, science says the therapeutic effect of green space is enhanced by water. I can believe it.

[@AsocialMelon]

Love her confidence and knowing exactly what she wants. More people should be as decisive as Gabs. Cannot wait to see the transformation.

[@familyw5661]

Thanks David great video. your one of the best and I love that you keep in touch with your fan base!

[@OldFloatingSeaman]

A very talented young Lady, hope i can call her that. She hit the nail on the head when she said "When i i am near water my body just relaxes", so so true.

[@LauraHenderson-wx6xy]

Wow, can’t wait to see this project unfold. I love her energy, both Butterbusk and young Gabs. And David, you are right, this boat is like the TARDIS, it does seem much larger on the inside than the outside. 🤣 That’s a lot of boat for 40 feet. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to updates on your own vessel. Love from Florida, 🧡🤗🧡

[@bradleybolton3843]

Great vlog David. Looking forward to seeing updates on how she gets on. Admire people who take a risk and has vision. Good luck to her

[@The_Arby]

She's cool and exactly knows what she's going to do...Shame she isn't on KZbin, would be great seeing her new build...Nice one David 🙂

[@EcosseZA]

Oh man, I am getting so excited about this build as if it were my own! Wish she was on YT. Best of lucks Gabs and I look forward to seeing your progress on this channel!

[@billyslide7645]

Oh this is going to be grand fun! Can’t wait for more.

[@FrogmanAnime]

I look forward to seeing the transformation in the future. Ben from Australia 🇦🇺

[@garrettswoodworx1873]

What a delightful young woman! Looking forward to your updates.

[@ljandrews1030]

Thanks for introducing us to Gabs. I am so eager to follow her refurbishment!

[@umbertoyltp]

Champagne taste and lemon money, haha! Amazing plans, for a boat that is definitely something else! I am looking forward to the next episode of this sequel. ❤

[@TheUffeess]

What a wonderful person, full of energy, creativity and sunshine! And I agree about steampunk, so cool! Looking forward to seeing more of this build!

[@rboston33]

She is absolutely delightful

[@CruisingTheCut]

The smiliest person I've ever interviewed!

[@paulhaynes8045]

I don't think she needs to be 'interviewed' - you could just ask her to talk about her new boat, switch the camera on and have a cup of tea!

[@cachecow]

Can't wait for part deux!

[@siamesesin4143]

This was lovely! I hope you're able to visit with her when she's finished!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

She knows what she wants and am pretty sure she will get it or build it. Love her attitude and personality.

[@steveowens398]

David, I love the boat, especially the WWII destroyer control fittings, but it is hard for any novelty to overwhelm the person and personality of its new owner. I'm looking forward to your updates on her progress and am seriously considering signing up for Instagram to follow.

[@0xDEAFF00D]

That young lady is a delight. I wish her well, and hope she finds her watery adventures.

[@susanlambert8164]

Look forward to the updates. What a lovely young lady she knows what she needs good on her👍

[@pollyfoofoo8703]

What a great boat! Looking forward to seeing what Gabs does with it.

[@lilbatz]

Jelly h8tr here. Gorgeous boat even before the redo. Can’t wait to see it finished 💕

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Thank you for showing what this young lady has planned for her “new” boat. It will definitely be interesting to see how she realises her vision. I hope we eventually see the boat take to water. I am intrigued by those controls. 👏👏👍😀

[@hymek7017]

I cannot wait to see the progress on this project. Gabs' vision being translated into reality will be great to see. From the way she speaks you can just tell it's going to happen and be done right, this is no pipe dream. Good luck Gabs and see you back on Cruising the Cut soon.

[@d14551]

Thoughtful, skilled, charming young person, I look forward to seeing more of the renovation.

[@user-ug2wk7db2g]

Definitely a revisit. A unique craft with a signature fitout.

[@dereksmith6126]

Gabs so reminds me of Jane Horrocks. And there's nothing wrong with that!

[@uytteb]

She does sound a bit like Bubble indeed!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Will love to see the end result. Sounds amazing

[@robsin2810]

Well done David. Looking forward to the updates. Hopefully this will give you the incentive to get on with the yellow peril.😂😂😂🇦🇺

[@MrLangDog]

Charming person you found to follow! Well done.

[@johnnemo6509]

What an inspiration!. Wish her all the best, and look forward to seeing the end result. So refreshing to see people chasing their dreams.....rather than sit in gloom complaining......get out and do something. It's all down to your state of mind and if you take control of that you can achieve anything!.

[@TheParronators]

What an incredible woman, please stop in more I would love to see the progress! Also... No KZbin channel?! Please mention she should make one

[@maryjnorwood3962]

You have quite the knack for finding very cool boats and wonderful people! Well done. 😎❤️🥰❤️😎❤️🥰❤️😎

[@rickkearn7100]

Without knowing, initially, what channel this was when I spotted it in my YT feed, I knew immediately that it was CTC. Only David could title a thumbnail like that! Excellent adventure, CTC, and done superbly as usual. Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣🤣

[@richardwhipple3522]

I don't do Instagram - please keep up with this delightful young woman! I love it. (Becky and Richard)

[@brianlopez8855]

I'm already looking forward to your regular returns to this Grand Design to offer your "McCloud Style Sneer" at the problems and budget overruns. (Best practice these off camera, at home, and in the bathroom mirror David)

[@GrahamRead101]

Wow. I’m exhausted just listening to the stream of ideas. Who needs VR when there’s a Gabs to describe the vision. Interested to see the progress.

[@jdsfairlinetarga3790]

What is it with that comment from Gabby about our being on water, the love for water and being on it that relaxes us so much. No matter how bad the jobs the issues and most of the time the cost of always rather be on the boat than anywhere else. Good luck to you Gabby

[@kevinsummerley5399]

I am looking forward to this series. Personally, I would also go with the barge configuration. Go, Gabs!!

[@graham6229]

Good luck with the project. Love your guard dog !

[@4437RR]

Is there the British equivalent of a "California Valley Girl"? If so, she's one😂. The mannerisms, the cadence, the "like, like, like". But it seems like she has the vision and the get-up-and-go to make her vision a reality so it will be fun to watch her progress.

[@lauralake7430]

Californian agreeing with you!

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

I like that she made "boat" a three-syllable word at one point. "Boh-oh-o". 😅

[@briannamyo]

Looking forward to an update on the transformation, although if it were me I'd simply clean it up a bit and have done.

[@k.prentice8525]

This young woman needs a YT channel!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

See my pinned post for her Instagram which will have regular updates.

[@TheDervMan]

Really looking forward to seeing your return visit to this refurb.

[@BoatTime]

Met Gabs a few times and she’s great! So inspiring and can’t wait to see what she does with this amazing boat! 🙌🏻🤩

[@christineprice5463]

Thanks, David. I look forward to updates on her boat renovation!

[@saffieification]

awesome boat

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

Another point of view of how to improve a good vevessel ❤❤❤

[@thejerseylady1]

You find the most interesting people. Thank you!

[@normanboyes4983]

David, Thank you for sharing this very interesting video. An interesting boat, super project and an impressive, determined young woman. I look forward to the follow up.😀👍⛵️

[@stellamcwick8455]

Wow, that was………. a lot to take in. She definitely has a plan. A very detailed, and extensive plan.

[@for.tax.reasons]

Butterbusk is such a cute name for a boat oh my goodness

[@gabethet8458]

My head just spinned just imagining the long paper list of things that need to be done. Good luck.

[@hamshackleton]

She sounds like a very determined young lady who knows exactly where she's going. Good luck to her. I know the feeling she was trying to describe when she stepped aboard - that feeling of "Ah, I'm home" even though you aren't! Shame she's not on the 'tube, as I don't use instagram.

[@craigfoulkes]

She is on youtube. I have just subscribed

[@sparkybluefox]

BRAVO ! GABS IS TOTALLY AWESOME !!!!! David, Please keep tabs on this wonderful girls progress on her dream boat ! sbf

[@trevormegson7583]

Wonderful Person. Thank You both.

[@derekmills5394]

Born, Bred and named afterwards - Gabs will fly through this remodelling given her past experience. Delightful young lady too! That Gardner will have a wonderful sound - brings back working boat memories from my childhood in the 60's

[@donotwantahandle1111]

A good project and I can’t wait to see the progress! Now for a cup of tea and a cheese sandwich. Mustn’t overdo it.

[@conedoff]

Gabs is great, hope to bump in to her 😊

[@nigelw512]

What a remarkable energetic young woman. Im exhausted just watching her and wish her well.

[@jlo2816]

Oh,, I'm in love,, what a little firecracker. Best of luck to her.

[@fullpulse2000]

Great project for Gabs, looking for a review come June.

[@shirleydaras6355]

This lovely young soul is adorable, she will live a long lush life forsure.⚘⚘⚘⚘😊 Thanks for sharing. Love the Naturess in her.👍😊⚘

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

This has been a super interesting vlog. David. Thank Gabby for the entertainment... Lifting the roof off... This is going to an endeavor. The boat is getting a facelift. I'll be there for future installments, IF KZbin NOTIFIES ME !!!!!! 😡

[@CruisingTheCut]

KZbin is so infuriating. Best just to check the Subscriptions tab on the app manually, I find.

[@xastephen03]

Brilliant! Can't wait to see the finished project

[@StaK_1980]

I would really keep that sink and that kitchen board. They really look fine and just needs a bit of polish. Also: I'd probably go and lean into with the steampunk feel you mentioned. This boat could be a cute, plucky thing on the canals.

[@mauricewatts2380]

Does anybody know the history of this seemingly unique boat? Can't wait to see the end result.

[@leedsleedsleeds1747]

What an amazing lady and can't wait to see the finish result

[@glencrandall7051]

Quite a lady. Wow, all that energy. On my best day I would have found it tough keeping up with her. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@lellymills]

Absolutely loved this! Very much looking forward to updates and seeing the finished boat - sounds amazing! 👍 ❤

[@buxtonianvilla]

After watching Gabs positive can do attitude….it left me feeling…..I could do that 👍🏻

[@switchedon6530]

Cheers buddy it's been a while for me on this site. very interesting start to finish story. Glad you're still doing this David, you're a natural with obvious passion 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you.

[@eekee6034]

I think I'm in love with her style! 😂Industrial with just enough softness and warmth; matt black fittings on a bright but not too strong color; these are my styles but done right.

[@rotechs]

"There were two portable toilets. One of which was still full!"😂

[@jeanpeuplu5570]

Thank you for the details David, it's really appreciated...

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

Great video!