5. Preparations ahead of relaunching my narrowboat

[@oldsteam3618]

I am now a time traveler. I found me a baby face David "I like Cheese" Johns. Just cannot get over how fast the years fly by. Go Well David.

[@chrishalstead4405]

Caught one of your later vlogs by random pop-up. Am now addicted and working through from number one. Sigh.......many lost hours beckon! 😀😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha pace yourself!

[@myhillslife27]

@@CruisingTheCut hahaha

[@howardclarke7631]

Same here! Got the bug, the vlogs are infectious

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Great, isn't it...?

[@donash3199]

{don}… I am hooked as well 🥴😵‍💫😀

[@ladyhawke1357]

After watching almost all your vlogs and enjoying every one, I decided to go around again. BTW Hammerite was an excellent choice and is my alltime favourite paint - has been since I first discovered it as a teenager 50 years ago.

[@thomaswilliams4543]

Some of the later videos came up in my recommended and really enjoyed them, now that I've subbed I might as well watch from the beginning. Love the vids

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome aboard!

[@mikegyver6265]

Same with me!

[@deltavee2]

@@mikegyver6265 And me!

[@naymyo5503]

I have been watching your videos for a while now, jumping on different episodes here and there . Now I am binge watching from No.1 . Thank you for making and sharing your journey with us. I am hooked 😀.

[@0HARE]

I find all this preliminary maintenance work to be very interesting and useful. Thanks for being so thorough in your explanation. Looking forward to the next one.

[@RightAscension]

To a very young looking David - I've just finished for my holidays and look forward to lounging around watching these beautifully made videos for Christmas! (I'm supposed to be writing my own stuff but hey ho!)

[@credenza1]

Me too. Thsi is going to be my binge watching for Christmas I love canals and canal boats me.

[@Haloweee]

I absolutely love your channel and it soothes me incredibly.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

“Bituminous” A fine word. Dare I say, a wonderful word? A word that’s fun to say. Although, so few legitimate and in context opportunities in which to say it. Bituminous bituminous bituminous. 🙂🐿🌈❤️ [sydney australia]

[@funkyfender1]

Hi, I'm another one of Sail Life's followers. Loving your adventure so far! Oh, and I live in Leicester and sail on Rutland Water (for now at least!). I think the noises and creaks you're experiencing are simply the metal hull and superstructure changing shape with temperature changes. She doesn't need to be afloat for that to happen. But you've probably figured that one out by now... anyway, I'll crack on with viewing your archive, on my big smart TV... much better than all the programmes on the telly! Fair winds (or in your case happy chugging!) ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you and cheers for tuning in. Rutland Water's lovely, as I recall.

[@hc3932]

I had a old Escort van painted with Hammerite, I think the paint was holding it together.

[@tezzathetracter2001]

Hi David. New to youtube and so new to the vlog. If I could just make a couple of observations. First you should include a health warning in your introduction. 'This vlog may become addictive viewing.' In the last 7 days I watched 167! Can't put it away. Good job we are in lockdown. Second; from early vlogs you stated you were 47. I later read you are now 50. Come on! I know reporters can be economical with the truth: but 50? I suspect that somewhere in your bilge or in a locker there is a painting that ages daily while you remain @ 35. Tell us the secret. Having said all that, 'thank you; for an informative, extremely interesting and entertaining vlog. Sorry, my third problem is that I have just discovered Vandemonium. I may be here for some time.

[@JoshyS656]

Being from the antipodes I never even knew there were canals in the UK... Glad I know now, getting jealous. Ohfor a wholesome quiet life on a boat.

[@toms4123]

And another referral from Mads.. and I am glad he did mention your channel. You are an excellent presenter of an interesting story. Rgds from Oz

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I'm very glad he mentioned it too ;-)

[@darinmbicknell]

Me too. Glad he suggest it. Great vids.

[@EezeeListen]

Ah! My question in a previous video has been answered - you will be a continuous cruiser once everything is sorted out. Am liking your style and presentation - all the best. Mike

[@betty-mariereid1852]

Have enjoyed watching several of your vlogs and I am now doing so in chronological order. Love the humor and presentation and the family gets a good laugh from your antics! We all live over the pond in Tennessee in The South, a.k.a. God's Country as we call it! Part of me and the family as well think it would be enjoyable to do as you are doing. However, more big and long rivers here in the States than lots of canals. Can't fight geography!

[@Ryan6.022]

"if they're good they're busy" I feel like this should be on a plaque or something

[@markwilliamson1582]

Hi there, Mark hear, and my good lady and I are seriously thinking of tacking The plunge, and following your foot steps in getting a canalboat to liv abord, I have had my own body shop, and now revamp old lathes, milling Machines as well as use them, and I have found for best results dealing with rust is by using a Rotary wire brush on a hand grinder, it will eat threw paint so easily, and also take the pitted rust right out with out damaging our disfiguring the steelwork, then I apply a solution called ( Evaporust!! ) The instructions are on the side of the container, then ree Rotary wire brush, and the steel work will come up like Crome, then use Etch primer, 2 coats, then Cary on with your other colours, I have found that just sanding rust down always leaves rust in the pit holes for it to reappear at a later date, Best of luck to you in your very exciting adventure, keep the vids coming as they are also giving us wannabes a good insite to our future adventures, Best regards Mark.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, that is good advice. The problem I have is that I'm not able to get up to the boat on sufficient contiguous days to do the various coats of paint without leaving them for days between coats, which I don't like doing due to the recent rain. Hence my trying the shortcut of using paints that go straight onto rust and don't need primer. That said, when / if I try to do it properly next year, I'll certainly try to do it with the right amount of prep. Good luck in your search for a boat!

[@simonsargent9514]

Following your videos, really progressing my learning curve. Thank you, great videos, don't stop !

[@haroldsmith45302]

You requested suggestions regarding thorough repair of small areas of rust pits. I have a number of years of industrial and personal experience with repair of steel equipment. In my experience it is critical to remove every trace of rust and then use a good-quality primer intended for steel, before the colour top-coats. When I used the method described below, the repaired paint film lasted for years with no recurrence of corrosion, even though the painted surfaces were exposed to northern wintertime moist road salt and grit. I used an abrasive-spot-blast tool to abrasive-blast the corroded steel surface down to clean white metal (no visible traces of rust remaining), then immediately applied a first primer coat, followed after drying time by a second primer coat, then after drying time, colour top-coats as required. I ensured the spot-blasting and both primer coats were all performed in warm dry weather so that condensation did not form on the bare steel or in the primer itself. Be aware that as the organic solvents evaporate out of the wet primer, the primer surface itself will chill slightly due to evaporative cooling, and if there is too much moisture in the air, the evaporation-of-organic-solvents-cooling can attract water condensation into the still-wet primer which can interfere with the integrity of the primer film. I understand that the technical term for this is "blushing". So, I chose a period when the weather would be warm and dry for a few days. A spot-blaster has a rubber boot on the front that one pushes against the steel surface before pulling the trigger. The rubber boot constrains the egress of blast media. An attached filter bag collects the spent blast media for reuse / disposal. One needs a supply of compressed air which can be provided by a rented air compressor. A too-small compressor or air hose will not provide enough air flow. The compressed air must be dry and oil-free. In my experience even deep pitting can be blasted to clean white metal in a few seconds to a minute or so. The blasted area will only be about an inch in diameter but one just moves the tool over a bit and blasts the next areas in sequence. Repeat as required to cover entire corroded area. Apply first primer immediately, before the steel can corrode again due to atmospheric moisture. Do not use silica sand, due to risk of silicosis (permanent lung damage). Always wear eye and breathing protection. Spot blasters are not very expensive or bulky. Here is a picture of one: www.princessauto.com/en/detail/spot-type-abrasive-blaster-kit/A-p6320642e;jsessionid=cqZfZvEB3E0au446O7jqarBx.pal-prod-com1 I am not recommending for or against that particular model, it is just a picture for illustration of concept. If you decide to acquire one, consider also buying one or more replacement blast nozzles at same time; they wear out eventually. Your vlogs are great. Keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@akeman21]

Found your channel yesterday. I started on vid no 1. Great fun.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. Many more to watch, take your time :-)

[@Honest_Reviewer.]

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm new here, as are a lot of people (so it seems). I must say that this an absolutely enjoyable story/journey you have documented. Living on narrow boat is a dream of mine, and while I can't do that just yet--I'm learning so much from you. Please continue the videos as they are obviously making so many people/subscribers happy.

[@barbaralamson7450]

You are wonderful. I've just started your vlogs and I love them. You make them fun even out of water. Thank you.

[@indigoglyph]

David, thanks for making these videos. As a first-time boat-buyer, no level of detail is too much! They’ve been invaluable.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad to hear it! Cheers

[@marybarrett9902]

I have been randomly watching your videos, and have decided that I should watch them in order. To get a better feel of your experience. Well heck, I retired so I could do what I want, within the limits of my means. I do like watching you spend your money, and it’s not costing me a thing. 😜👍. Your doing great, keep up the good work. (J.B.)

[@lesleytagovailoa2256]

I am a fan of Weir on the move, where they mentioned you, so thought I would take a look, have watched a few boat vlogs, being an expat living in the states I am enjoying all the vlogs I have come a cross, and am enjoying your journey. Oh course I have to start at the beginning and watch them all so it will take me a while to catch up, but I love binge watching means you don’t have to wait for the next vlog. I am still binge watching Weir on the move still a year behind. So will add you to my binge list (yes I have a list it is getting quite long now). Sorry waffled on a bit…😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along!

[@dmtribaltyphoon5001]

Just discovered ur channel and now I want a narrow boat too bad Alberta has no canals lol but seriously if I ever get my life on track I might move to the uk just to live on a narrow boat.

[@matak99]

Ontario has a few charming and lengthy river/lock/canal systems

[@tronalpha2552]

I live on my boat fulltime and yes in an marina. The marina supplys the berth incudes power and water as well as the admenites. I pay my rent evary two weeks but its how you look at cost. When you live in an flat or house you got rates evry 3 months which can add up to quite a bit. living on the water weather in marina or on the anchour, well the diferance is a lot. in marina you have amenities, main power, in my marina theres security camras and magnectic gate locks. Easy walk on berth and most inprtanly, no wash from passing boats. as well an fixed address. Out on the ancour none and your boat is vornable to everything. and you have to not only find a place to leave your dingy but lock it up with the chain and pad lock best to run chain through some small holes in the paddles so they cant be pinced. yes it dose happen. No addrese so when i was on the anchour, i used my sisters and she would just phone ne when she had mail. water cacarried in ten liter containers easyer then an 20. I think you will start to see the picter. Sorry about my spelling sometimes, i am partly literit and mostly self thougt. happy holiday and new year. Gerard. on readybaron.

[@williamjordan811]

Love this love this love this!!!! Thank you for sharing your adventures, I am going to watch the "whole lot" as you folks say... hehe cheers from Texas!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Do we say that? Or, do you not say that?!! Glad you liked it. Cheers

[@Geoffr524]

Awesome narrowboat, and learning a lot from these videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for your kind comments. I'm actually typing this response from the boat, tied up at night on a canal bank somewhere in Northamptonshire on my first proper journey! More videos coming soon :-)

[@fredberk]

Started watching (from the beginning) last week from the Netherlands. We don't have narrowboats here, just because the canals are wide enough. Being a boater myself I love this blog/vlog/glog or whatever it's called. I think you're doeing a great job by videoing your Narrowboat live. Maybe, after Covid, we will come over and hire a narrowboat just to check it out. Thanks for your efforts making these nice video's.

[@ds7675]

I, too, am watching from the beginning and while I’m not that interested in the technical stuff, I am enjoying how your journey began. Plus you’re quite funny! I’m also interested in what cosmetic/interior upgrades you accomplish in five years (or maybe longer) because who knows how long it’ll take me to catch up. I’ll try and resist skipping ahead. Enjoying your channel a lot. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you; welcome along and I hope you enjoy the story :-)

[@contrafax]

I am liking your channel so far, JUST started watching this, I came here from Slim Potatohead :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along. Slim has an excellent channel.

[@mrenshaw]

Watching this vlog from Toronto and thoroughly enjoying its homely, "Midlands Today Special Report" feel. I am craving a narrow boat 'bolt-hole' back in Blighty myself and although have done quite a bit of research, your pointers are insightful, thanks! Keep it up and I'll keep watching!

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Michael Renshaw I holidayed in Toronto a year ago, had a lovely time. Glad you're finding it useful. Good luck with your search.

[@dgourdine50]

David, Just started following you by recommendation of Mads from "Sail life". I am very pleased and find your Vlog very refreshing and am learning boat loads ( sorry for the bad pun ). I shall be caught up with your posts in the next couple of weeks and I want to say, 'Thanks for the great work"!! Cheers! from the U.S.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello! Thanks for watching, I hope you'll enjoy them and chip in with any comments. Cheers

[@OCteahead]

Love the classic Shamrock Racing Green! Makes her look crazy fast!

[@steve.mollart.9462]

Many thanks for this fantastic channel and sharing your experiences of canal life. Whether you are into boats or not this is great T. V.

[@dannyboy2228]

I’ve only just discovered your channel and I would like to say I’m thoroughly looking forward to spending my Christmas break getting up to date on your videos, only 3 years to catch up on! Merry Christmas and all the best.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along!

[@randarkanan]

@@CruisingTheCut me too

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Me too! Despite the shudders at saying that. - so much has happened in three years.

[@kenallen9163]

Over the summer started watching odd episodes of your vlog and decided the only way to do this is start at number one .Great narration but trying to get your accent down . I moved from Sussex to Ottawa ,Canada back in 67 .We have a great canal system going from Ottawa to Kingston on lake Ontario but winter boating is out , minus 30 not good for boating . Keep up the good work Ken

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy them, cheers

[@nmr6988]

What accent? I'm from Texas and I understand him perfectly.

[@75ocs]

i really look forward to seeing your vlogs, between you and Dan Brown i'm a happy floater, you'll love lifestyle . i've been aboard a week tomorrow and even with the initial problems and steep learning curve its amazing , everyone is so friendly. Good luck..

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Paul! I can't wait (but I have to, dammit) Hope we'll cross paths on the cut sometime!

[@bryanscatchard8310]

Yeah! You said "like Billy-oh"! I thought I was on my own with that one!! Nice one. Off to celebrate with a nice cup of tea.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Not on your own 🙂 I tend to use it for emphasis when explaining an injury. For example - I bumped my shin in the edge of the bed frame and wow, it hit like billy-oh🙂

[@dlou3264]

You have such a good head on your shoulders. A+ thinking.

[@toekneekhwan9227]

I'm buying a narrow boat at the moment and am finding your blog very useful, thanks.....

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great! Hope you find a lovely boat.

[@doyoucomply8770]

Great channel only just subbed 😉you got a fantastic personality and wit and I can't wait to journey with you via KZbin 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching!

[@amosjsoma]

As someone who spent my entire working life in the paint application equipment business, I can tell there is an old saying, "You can't put a good finish on a poor surface." Since you're dealing with steel, the best thing to do is sand the rusted spot down to bare metal and immediately cover it with a proper primer. Your paint store can recommend one. The primer will protect it until you can put the color coat on. It must be done immediately though because you are in a damp atmosphere and moisture getting to the bare steel will start the rusting process all over again but you wont be able to see it. The paints like Rustoleum will cover the rust but won't solve the problem. You still have rust under that paint.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. They lie then? It says on the tin it can go straight on to rust. :-(

[@steve531109]

I am a retired painter .... I agree 100%

[@for.tax.reasons]

The hair is MAGNIFICENT

[@royrpatterson1759]

Morning David and congratulations on your new ride and home. I took your tour and it is real nice, but I like you would have to make some changes. But sorrow that you have to do so much to it get ready to cruse. So in short enjoy your self and keep up the fantastic Videos. As always keep safe and watch for those shallow spot, LOL Pat

[@brianrydzeski6108]

I'm new to your channel. I enjoy it so far. The use of a battery maintener for your starting battery is bang-on. I use them on my motorcycles, and they keep the batteries healthy. Cheers.

[@deltavee2]

I would think an investment in new battery tech to replace the lead-acid ones might be a worthy idea. Gel batteries are a leak-less and more powerful battery and there is an even better type which are mil-spec, meant for snowmobiles, boats, deep cycle and have no leak possibilities either. I've got the last type on my 1100cc motorcycle. Left it on the bike for a whole Canadian winter (inside, no heat) with no battery tender and it lost a mere .5 volt after sitting for 6 months. Ultra safe and you can install them on their side or upside down if you want.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The batteries on the boat when I bought it (when this video was made) were AGM so leakless etc already.

[@K2shadowfax]

Watching this series (from no. 1 vid) with great interest....thanks for sharing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's going to take some time.. hope you've got a flask of tea handy :-)

[@dianemorris6904]

Hi David, this information is so interesting to truck driving hubby. I will listen to your voice all day, and often do lol

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

What a great adventure!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@philbentleyguitar7175]

Again, a wonderful commentary of your new adventure in life. Excellent information which is always honest. Blessings to you. I will work through your videos sequentially

[@michaelpilling9659]

Moving forwards. Very interesting to hear how you are progressing. Mooring fees in a marina are excessive but maybe just this once you'll have to bite the bullet. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@Amileo350]

Michael Pilling you will enjoy them as he must be on well over 200 episodes now. Nice to see an old one now and again

[@myhillslife27]

I do love your funny titles.. haha creative

[@olarky1]

Rust inhibitors that you were talking about painting on , not that great . Next time you paint blast it down to metal and go back with two part epoxy primer , then a barrier coat then finish coat all two part epoxy . It's very tough and will protect the steal , and touch up is about the same as regular paint . You always wan't to inspect the anodes and replace them often , around other boats there is always stray voltage and other bizarre things going on in the water that promotes rust . Great boat , we have rivers and lakes around here [ Arkansas ] , good lucke .

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. The anodes are going to be replaced later this year and new blacking applied as well. Cheers.

[@L1vR-1948]

Thanks for this video :-) 👍

[@whotknots]

You mentioned your battery 'fizzing' and so forth which is a normal occurrence for lead acid batteries under some circumstances but as you say it can be a 'bad thing'. While you are upgrading anyway and it will probably not be an issue in this case but for future reference a bit of additional information might not go astray. When 'wet' or lead acid batteries charge they produce hydrogen gas which if you are familiar with the 'Hindenberg disaster' of the early 20th century, is a particularly volatile substance. The smallest spark can cause hydrogen to detonate in a confined space with considerable violence. This happened to me with an 1800 amp 24 volt starting system when I allowed someone to borrow a battery and they did not adequately tighten the terminals when they returned it. I unwisely attempted to start my 270hp turbocharged 3306 Caterpillar diesel without checking everything beforehand resulting in an audible electrical arc at the terminal. I earnestly assure you the detonation of the battery was a tremendous, stunning bang as if a grenade had gone off! Fortunately only one of the batteries exploded and both are contained in a protective, ventilated checkerplate steel locker which contained the spray of acid and battery fragments, but I hope you get the picture. I don't know how the long boat community traditionally view such things but as a consequence of this particular hazard and others like it I have since learned that precautions against them are considered essential in the oceanic maritime community. Most well set up ocean going vessels have specially ventilated compartments for their batteries, engines and other fuel storage and propane tanks in particular, even where diesel fuel is concerned. This practice extends to blowers fitted with non-sparking electric motors being fitted which are activated for a few minutes prior to starting in order to vent any potentially volatile gases. Forewarned is forearmed and may you have many safe, happy and carefree voyages on your boat which you may well come to feel for like family.

[@torquemadax9507]

Your voice helps me to sleep.

[@paulkelleway8032]

I'd recommend treating any rust, then priming with at least 3 or 4 coats and then a couple of coats of undercoat. You may as well do it right otherwise it will simply come back and bite you on the arse later!I recommend looking up John Barnard Ltd's video series called "How to paint your narrow boat" on youtube before you embark on any DIY paint repairs. His videos are very informative I found.

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Paul Kelleway I sat one night and watched that entire series, it was excellent. My trouble is I've only got brief visits to the boat at the moment and don't want to leave it half done while it rains on it. So yes, I'm trying to look for a short cut! Anyway, I'll see what I can get done this week and report back when it starts bubbling through again :-(

[@zapfanzapfan]

Hammerite sounds familiar. I think I painted my rims with that 10+ years ago. Still looks good.

[@hondaposted922]

Now Akeman your yesterday was 3 days ago so I may not catch you but we will see.. As for this, well it is sort of nice to go through all the twists and turns of the chase. Trouble with a new country is we have not gotten around to building any canals as yet but one lives in hope. Tony in Australia

[@hondaposted922]

ps.eposide4 did not work

[@CruisingTheCut]

In what sense??

[@gavanwhatever8196]

Well, we'd have to have water before we start building canals....

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Yep! About to point out that fact, too. Australians only need surfboards...... and a paddle to wack the shark's nose when it gets too close.

[@sarahpengilley5394]

While restoring a motorcycle I found a product called Deox-C which is a gel you spread onto rust and later you can just scrub it all away, back to steel. Really does work! ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. I'll take a look.

[@anthonyprice2867]

hi its allways very good to get battery pack tools l fine it best is 18v drill sanders grinder torches all run off battery packs and can be recharged of a solar panal 200w love your vogs well done, best wishes anthony

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nice one; thanks for the recommendation. I must get down to Homebase and have a good browse of the shelves.

[@FishWaterBrewery]

On steel a good rust product is OSPHO, sand the rust away as best you can, paint of OSPHO, phosphoric acid, leave it to dry. It will convert any rust to a paint able surface It is widely used in the marine industry.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I've been using Fertan to good effect and am about to try Vactan in the bilge.

[@bartvanderveere7592]

I'm in the middle of a similar process. Bought a sail/motor boat. Batteries, mooring, antifouling, solar panels, heating and so on. Looking with a lot of interest to your initial proceedings.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

I see that others are also still catching up! The choice is random, mostly, according to the KZbin logarithms. Only 15 dislikes! That's not bad, particularly compared with the 3,6K's likes! The thought occurred as you were rambling along about canals and Winter and moorings, I wonder if there is anything such as a Narrowboat Icebreaker? I suppose there must be. Somehow I never imagined England's canals freezing over!

[@unclegreybeard3969]

Oh yes, when I was a child we often went skating on them, and got chased away by the water bailiffs of course

[@ceeceety2320]

@@unclegreybeard3969 What fun you must have had!

[@snidepete5700]

Rust_101: Oxygen exists as a free element in our atmosphere at about 20%, and can also be found dissolved in the water you're floating in. It's chemically quite active, wanting to combine with just about anything else, especially and including steel, such as your hull. The resulting chemical compound, called rust by the unwashed, is actually Iron Oxide, ferrous or ferric, Fe2O3 or Fe3O2. That reaction was called Oxidation - combining with the dread Oxygen, creating an entirely new compound, neither iron nor oxygen, which wants to keep going until your whole hull has joined the club. Fortunately, the reaction is somewhat reversible, called then Reduction, or De-oxidation, getting the O2 out of the Iron Oxide, leaving the steel behind, although now a little thinner. The reduction reaction happens when you add a reducing agent to the mix, such as phosphoric acid, which will essentially pull the oxygen out of the iron oxide, getting you back to some simple iron/steel again. For awhile. Treat it according to the instructions for your particular choice of reducing agent (mine is called Rustmort(TM), but your mileage may vary),. Buff it up with an angle grinder or some such, brush or spray on the deox, rinse it off (with what? Water, no less!) let it dry well, and apply proper paint, which should protect from the incursion of more O2 in surrounding air or water. That's the thinking behind rust treatment. It's an ongoing process, since rust never sleeps. But simply shining up the iron oxide and then covering it up with some paint is not the best solution. 'welcome! 8-)

[@carlstineman274]

Hull Maintenance. Do you scrape and paint the bottom (bottom plate) as well as the sides? If so, how do you do that - crawl under with the boat up on chocks or when it is suspended from a crane? Do Narrow boats use anti-fouling paint (usually copper-based) or just the bitumen-based paint? Are anti-fouling paints allowed on canal boats? Looks like the anodes could use a bit of refreshing as well. Did you say they are made of magnesium? Here in the states we mostly use zinc anodes on pleasure boats - mostly GRP; very few steel hulls, but you still need to protect the propeller, shaft, and any metal through-hull fittings.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many boaters don't bother with the baseplate (theory is that the main rust is at the waterline so that's where you need to concentrate your attention) but a few do, in which case it's a question of putting it on chocks as you say. Anti-foul is not used, just bitumen or two-pack epoxy treatments. The anodes are OK for the moment (at the time of that recording) but will be renewed this year. Magnesium ones for fresh water, if I recall correctly.

[@jordbrow2756]

Well, I'm at episode 5 and I'm already hooked! I'm not a KZbinr so I don't know how easy it would be for you to make a play list of every episode (oldest to newest)? If it's a simple task however you'll be helping me out (and others who want to see your channels media from the beginning!). Then we can binge without going back to your channel to select the next episode 😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

I used to have a playlist of everything but it became too unwieldy. The videos are in order on my website though, in groups of five, that may help?

[@jordbrow2756]

@@CruisingTheCut perfect, thank you!

[@stephenhunter70]

Modern alternators have electronic control circuits built into them. Alternators built 30 years ago used relay based control circuits. All alternators wear out sooner or later so if you have an older alternator the best thing to do would be to replace it.

[@chippedham]

Any chance you can create a playlist with all videos? I didn't see one so youtube keeps hopping me around to different videos out of order as I'm trying to watch them all from the beginning. Thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

If you go to my channel, click Videos then sort by Oldest First, you can click through them in order. It's hopeless relying on KZbin, it only ever suggests things, it doesn't know you're trying to watch in sequence.

[@chippedham]

Got it! Thank you. @@CruisingTheCut

[@nickyvw_]

If you're still watching and have not yet caught up, there are some playlists on youtube that play the videos in order and you don't have to manually click every video

[@greeneye3907]

Stumbled across you as we are doing the same. Had an offer accepted and now waiting on survey

[@CruisingTheCut]

Fingers crossed for you

[@greeneye3907]

@@CruisingTheCut survey being done today 😍

[@simonjtaylor212]

Apologies if you've already answered this in another comment, but roughly how much were the marinas charging?

[@nosay2930]

I restore classic cars. There is no substitute for sanding out the rust back to bare metal and starting again. Yes, there are chemicals that can change the chemical structure of the rust and some that even stop it dead. However, it is never as good.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Oh reading all these comments is exhausting but it IS informative and sometimes amusing. I now know a lot about combatting rust but at this rate I'll be catching up still when( and if) "Cruising the Cut" is cut off or cut out.

[@glenbaker5311]

Ha,, like you I don't have any plans to fix a older boat,,but if I did I could probably tell the wife how,,, I really thxs this guy for the knowledge,,and a well put together video ,,gb

[@davidgaylord2035]

they are making some really nice solar panels now that the sun does not have to be out to produce power

[@hanskniezand2049]

How much power will they generate during a typical night?

[@stevengunter4990]

@@hanskniezand2049 a minimal amount but they generate quite a bit on a cloady day

[@MadMonk_]

I used Tayna for my bike battery when that died - they definately are worth going back to - and saved me half price in a "named" battery make !

[@raymondrynehart]

what is the length of your boat, and what is the max length of most of the locks on the canal network, love your vids

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mine’s 56 feet. There is no “most”, but the maximum boat length to travel most of the network is 57 feet. Even then you can get away with 60 feet for a huge proportion of it.

[@23rdjune]

@@CruisingTheCut I think I remember that I hired a 70 footer on the South Oxford canal and it just about fitted in a lock from end to end! Lovely canal, so pretty!

[@glenhuysamer]

Please talk more about the actual costs as you go along. How much did the battery cost and how much for the cost of the marina, slip way, even the paint. Great 'vlog'

[@CruisingTheCut]

Starter battery was £100. I'm fairly sure I covered the costs in another of the videos, can't remember which one though!!

[@glenhuysamer]

+CruisingTheCut Great, I have watched all your videos, and I like the details, so please leave nothing out.....which I know is a bit much, of course, but it is the small details that just makes your vlog. I am really considering coming to England and having a go at a canal holiday.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Do it! But wait til the summer ;-)

[@nilodrallub7812]

On to number six !

[@captainzeppos]

Ah, those were the years... ❤

[@talderson1]

Did they do the bottom? How? That's one narrow little painter that gets under there.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Weirdly, the bottom is rarely painted. I know it seems odd. My boat survey still measured it as around 10mm thick (from original 10mm) with just a few 2mm pits :-)

[@carper1325]

hi yep I could c them being a pain thru tunnels etc but could be used for wen stationary and if

[@johnbow100]

Would a small petrol scooter be practical to stow on a narrowboat for getting around/shopping once docked or perhaps an electric bike? I've only just discovered your channel whilst researching the costs of buying and maintaining a narrowboat. Thank you for numbering your videos, I'm now in the process of following your journey from the beginning and I'm looking forward to learning the ins and outs of living on a narrowboat full time. Excellent job sir, you have a new subscriber!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, I've seen some boats with them; they need to have an appropriate back deck of course.

[@AKUJIVALDO]

Folding electric bike is the best choice...

[@kieranholloway9518]

I would sand the rust back, not to bare metal tho and then apply some of that chemical stuff you were talking about (Its called 'krust', well the stuff i use) then put a primer over it and then your paint.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I think that's the stuff I used to use on my first car some 30 years ago! There was a tin of it in that locker so maybe I'll give it a try.

[@kieranholloway9518]

CruisingTheCut Yeah, i use that stuff on my car, should work the same on a narrow boat. Only use it if it a surface rust (You may know that anyway)

[@CruisingTheCut]

+kieran holloway Yeah, any more substantial rust will have to be sanded back properly I suppose. I don't think it's too bad but then I've only peered at it so far. Goodness, I hope it doesn't just turn into a big gaping hole in the boat :-(

[@paulkelleway8032]

I meant treating rust only after you have taken the paint back to the bare metal, not simply just treating it as is.

[@soco13466]

A good coating for raw steel is zinc chromate. I've seen it survive acid environments, and properly done, it is hard to scrape off. Then paint over it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, there are marinas such as Debdale that offer a zinc coating prior to blacking but if you’ve had standard blacking before, it all needs to be shotblasted off first so it’s not a cheap process. Generally a two-pack epoxy coating would be used over the top, which again is not cheap.

[@harrymoyes5069]

@@CruisingTheCut Zinc coating is presumably hot sprayed metallic zinc. Somewhat similar to galvanizing, which is immersing in molten zinc. Zinc chromate is a solution that is painted on to steel as a passivization layer prior to painting, its not the same process, and does not provide the same protection as zinc coating/galvanizing, but its a lot better than no passivization. There are also "cold galvanizing paints" that contain powdered zinc and give some of the benefits of galvanizing. All the metallic zinc based treatments are providing electrochemical protection in addition to the mechanical protection and moisture exclusion that paint coatings provide.

[@WoodlandsArchive]

Probably a daft question you will answer in another video. What about your mail? Do you send it to a friends house or do you intend to use a "postbox"? Getting back to a postbox in busy summer with regular intervalls...

[@CruisingTheCut]

cruisingthecut.co.uk/f-a-q/

[@deevalkyrie]

Have a look into online/ canalside moorings. It's a shame CaRT have changed the wintermoorings scheme this year as that made for a great "first winter afloat introduction"

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yeah, I've been looking at the CRT's scheme; not really any useful locations for me at least not with any semblance of facilities (Worcestershire, ideally). I may have a spot at a Club mooring but I have to be approved to join the club first ... waiting to hear!

[@deevalkyrie]

+CruisingTheCut Fingers crossed!

[@jamesbabbage1049]

Great stuff love canal boats have you ever been to Hertford

[@CruisingTheCut]

No, not been there.

[@glensavory11]

How is the hull blacked underneath with such a small space for access, and where the blocks support the boat?

[@CruisingTheCut]

See the of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIulkKeJh5yVo5Y

[@glensavory11]

@@CruisingTheCut Thank you.

[@ianhenderson8222]

thinking of taking the splash as it were,what I would like to know is how much space above your solar panels is there under tunnels,why I ask this is would it be feasible to have a slimline storage box purpose built to include a solar panel integrated into the lid for storage of spare lines ,coal,tools etc not needed for every day use

[@CruisingTheCut]

It depends on the tunnel, and don't forget low bridges. Sometimes there's very little but a lot of people do have solar on top of a storage box.

[@TheVexinator]

How has your paint held up over the last 4 years? Maybe a good topic, update on how all these repairs went and what the current status of the boat is?

[@CruisingTheCut]

It barely lasted but I've reblacked and repainted more than once since then!

[@derekcarroll7524]

Really fancy giving this narrow boat living a go myself all sounds good fun. Looking forward to seeing your next vid..is vid to old fashioned?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, narrowboats are old fashioned so it's fine!

[@danielledykgraaf6483]

Keep it maintained David...keep it painted....so you can keep it on the water......so you can keep making videos on You tube for us yanks you got hooked on UK narrow boating. Just have to admitt. You are living MY dream...Who is Reilley? You mentioned him in a previous video. I am sure it is a British thing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Google "Life of Riley" :-)

[@WelshRabbit]

@@CruisingTheCut "Life of Riley" -- "What a revoltin' development this is."

[@forgetfuldullahan5468]

well i wish i found this sooner into the pandemic, would have been a good thing to binge while waiting for everything to ease up, but alas, will just have to binge on my days off. do have one question for you though, you mention the many costs, but im curious as to what you were doing for income at this point? im assuming you were able to work from home, as most anything else would be fairly impractical, but what kind of work was it?

[@CruisingTheCut]

At this point I was still working, I left my job later. Then I used savings and some writing for magazines and bits of corporate filming work. Eventually the KZbin income grew and I could use more of that.

[@ellenvasey9166]

Love it

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@jengaryadventurers4603]

Why would anyone dislike it? Why not just move on.....just our observation as a couple here.

[@jeremymitchell995]

I've never understood that either guys...if you don't like a video then move on fer chrissakes!

[@nmr6988]

The dislikes are probably from jealous narrowboat channels.

[@grancito2]

Hi, I'm all over the place watching all of your videos, very well done. A question, is the bottom of the boat unpainted, and the zincs protect it?

[@CruisingTheCut]

"All over the place"? They're numbered and there is a playlist of the lot on my channel, if that helps. A lot of boats are unpainted on the bottom, yes, though the sides are always blacked. And yes, the "zincs" (actually magnesium for canal boats / fresh water) are designed to get corroded in preference to the hull.

[@grancito2]

Thank you for for your reply, I started looking at your videos and went back to see all of them, Thank you for your explanation of the corrosion protection.