#77 - Why You SHOULDN'T Buy a Widebeam...And Why You Should

[@Lucysmom26]

Almost didn't watch this, and no idea why KZbin is recommending it to me but gave it a watch as bored af in lockdown and you two are frickin hilarious. Subbed.

[@WeirontheMove]

This might be the best comment we've ever had. So proud of it, we pinned it.

[@brigittedossor8167]

My son and I laughed so hard listening to Eric in the background that I need to watch it again for content. Great to hear your laughs too.

[@WeirontheMove]

Eric is the real star

[@markbodley4983]

Who is eric

[@doittoday1]

You guys are hilarious 😂so glad to see people living their best life. Much love from the US.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you so much

[@matty6848]

Amazing how many Americans watch British KZbin channels. You guys seem to love our narrow boats and canal system, which is great. Maybe it’s all the history behind the canals that many find fascinating. We take them for granted because their everywhere, but the history behind them is really interesting.

[@NewsThatMatterUsa]

@@matty6848i am also an American I wish I could see them first hand . The canals and the lifestyle seams like an amazing adventure. And your right the history is a huge part but it’s so much more then that .

[@barneyandrews3173]

We followed a family on a beautiful wide beam last year down the K and A. Interesting to watch. We were all squished in and they were sprawled out like royalty. Nice to watch guys, thanks!

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Barney. We were on the K and A last year too

[@Samantha-xr4mx]

😂😂 just found you guys .. love the information and giggles!! How much would you say approx per week or per month it is to run your boat in the winter time. Thanks you 2 and Eric 😊

[@WeirontheMove]

It's about £30 to £40 per week, Samantha

[@katherinekelly5380]

I love hearing Eric snoring - I’m watching this in 2023 and my dog is snoring as well - stereo sound puppy snores rule! And watch a great memory this vlog is of Eric

[@WeirontheMove]

We miss his snoring, but at least we can hear the TV now

[@sheryld1957]

Miss seeing your videos. Hope this finding you both well and happy. So sweet to hear Eric snoring in the background! I bet Bertie and Ernie are having the best times of their lives.

[@suecoo66]

Is that what that awful noise was!

[@waywed]

You two are a laugh a minute. Pure joy in a gloomy world. Thank you!

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you for the lovely comment

[@WidebeamandWellingtons]

Just re-watched this one, had completely forgotten about condensation in the fuel tank, we have a fuel leak, which we're waiting to be fixed, so have kept our fuel low on purpose as we don't want it leaking in to the water but guess this could give us more problems! So glad I watched again! ❤️

[@WeirontheMove]

You can always add an additive that guards against diesel bug while the tank is empty. Look in a chandlers or buy it on Amazon

[@nighttime64]

I laughed so hard over your calendar description that i choked on my tea, decided i have to subscribe, i watch a lot of the channels you mentioned, your my first wide beam channel. Hope you tube let me know a new video is up, used to get updates get nothing now i have no idea why

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks for subbing! We hope you enjoy all our other vlogs

[@islandwitt1]

Was having a sleepless stress morning so popped onto KZbin for a mental break and found this lovely funny video. Thank you so much for the laughs. Subscribed. 👍🏻❤️

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed the vlog and we helped you relieve some stress

[@carlamortlock]

This was such a great video so informative and absolutely too funny for words. I love the snoring in the background 🤣 thanks made my day

[@WeirontheMove]

You are welcome, Carla. Glad you enjoyed it

[@AndySjostrom]

Hi, from New Bern, North Carolina USA. I've been watching a lot of the narrows boat owners here on you tube for quite some time now as I'm planning to build an American version of your wide beam narrows boats of course my biggest problem is finding a place to build my boat from scratch as I live in an apartment complex with a massively large yard however when the complex owners found out what I wanted to do they promptly stipulated in my lease that there would be no boat building taking place on the property. So, for now I watch people like you that own their boats and dream of one day building my boat. Of course once I do find the place to build my boat construction from start to launch will take about 3 months. Using plywood and kevlar for the hull and cabin area of a 15'X80' Dutch midship helm design. once I have built the boat the plan is to launch and sale it around the great loop here in the states covering the Inter coastal waterway (ICW) up the Mississippi river to the great lakes over and down through New York and back out on to the ICW and south to North Carolina. Than spend the rest of my days using the boat as a charter boat for people that want a nice get away place to go to.

[@WeirontheMove]

Sounds like an interesting plan, Andy. 15 x 80 is a great size. You could even live on her

[@glevumguy7850]

Did you mention anywhere the size of your Widebeam ? We are looking at 12’ and also 10’ wide, would the latter allow access to more canals ? And your map, which seems to be dedicated to Widebeam boats, where is that available ?

[@WeirontheMove]

It's 65 x 11 feet. The map is available here: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/943775148/widebeam-map-boat-map-canals-and-rivers?ref=shop_home_active_43&frs=1www.etsy.com/uk/listing/943775148/widebeam-map-boat-map-canals-and-rivers?ref=shop_home_active_43&frs=1

[@AT-ld7kg]

how much can it cost to heat the boat in winter ? humidity on board can be managed, do you use special tricks? what is the maximum width to allow more mobility in narrow canals? do you have a dirty water tank? how often do you empty it? what is the average cost?

[@WeirontheMove]

It depends how cold it is. For humidity, you need to keep heat and ventilation balanced. Open windows and in the winter, keep the fire stacked. One narrow canals the max width is 6 ft 10 inches. We have black water waste, and that costs about 18 to 20 quid to empty. They need emptying about every 2 to 3weeks depending on the size of the tank.

[@AT-ld7kg]

@@WeirontheMove thank you so much for answering me. I realized that you can make a lot of money with human excrement, in a year if you contain it you spend 324 pounds, I would say it's a good business! I would like to ask you one last thing: with a 12-footer it is not possible to reach The Wash, navigate it along the coast and slip into a canal that takes me to Wales? Thanks and be happy!

[@WeirontheMove]

@@AT-ld7kg The Welsh canals are narrow so you won't get a widebeam down there. Watch some of the KZbin vloggers who've been on narrowboats and you'll see what we mean

[@garethlewis3023]

How difficult is it to get from the GU to K&A? A barge on the Thames seems quite tricky. Is there a link to Gloucester from the GU? Looks like there’s one planned near Warwick. If you’re in Milton Keynes I recommend Campbell Park

[@WeirontheMove]

It's easy to get from the GU to the K and A. The Thames is a dream if you travel in the right season. The K and A is just off the Thames past Sonning if you come from the Henley end. We don't know of a link to Gloucester from the GU, Gareth

[@davejones5805]

My wife and I are considering selling up and buying a boat. My wife has a lot of the same concerns you've mentioned - we'd look at being around Cambridge (Great Ouse). You guys have given an great insight - thank you

[@WeirontheMove]

You are welcome, Dave. You should visit Crick Boat show this year

[@davejones5805]

@@WeirontheMove Brilliant advice - thank you

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

@@WeirontheMove Thank you for posting this insight into the practicalities of living on a widebeam boat. I am in the early stages of considering selling my house- a 1930 3 bedroom semi, and downsizing to a WB boat. It would enable me to be mortgage free- which would be a huge plus. What are the running costs like for a WB in terms of diesel, and heating the boat? How expensive are they to moor up for an extended period? I've never handled a canal boat previously, how difficult are they to handle? How much would it cost me to black the hull on a WB? Is it correct that it must be blacked every 4-5 years? I would be extremely grateful for your advice and guidance! Thank you! :)

[@WeirontheMove]

@@liverpoolscottish6430 We did a vlog about the running costs. You should take a helmsman's course on handling a boat. They are excellent. The blacking depends o what product you use. Some are every three years, while others every five to seven years. The price reflects the product, but it is cheaper if you do the blacking yourself. It also depends on where you get it done because it's more expensive down south. You can spend anything from £600 to £2000.

[@taber247]

After all that I had to Subscribe, despite the fact that all future vids will only be one of you holding divorce papers reminisscing about friends you use to have. Informative, amusing, enjoyable, and the dog snored through it all.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you for subscribing. And for the kind comments

[@Chappers.Gaming]

Do you think they will build a new canal for the wide beam? So they can enter North? They should really consider that, although I wanted at widebeam 12*70ft will this do locks? I'm afraid it won't navigate locks

[@WeirontheMove]

A 12 x 70 will do locks on the wide canals. The CRT publish maximum width and length on their website for each canal. There are plenty of similar boats on the GU and the Kind A

[@Chappers.Gaming]

@@WeirontheMove okay as I'm looking at getting into a boat and Im 25 I was looking at wide beams, seen some awesome boat builders is it worth buying new? And I wanted a 12*70 due to the size, I have accepted that I can't go far :( but I can still go grand union canal, and london / river thems thats still something, hopefully they build a Link canal for the bigger boats to go north.

[@WeirontheMove]

@@Chappers.Gaming It's a matter of choice with new or used. new boats depreciate faster, like new cars. If you buy nearly-new, you don't pay top dollar and the original owner takes the depreciation hit. Also, there are always snagging issues with new boats, whereas nearly-new boats have had all those issues ironed out, saving you a lot of hassle.

[@neilwelch7273]

Very entertaining, I’m thinking about getting afloat and if this is what it does to you I can’t wait. Happy cruising.

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed it, Neil

[@lynstoneham]

Looking at buying a wide beam boat enjoyed your video do you know of the best boat yard to build a new wide beam boat 70*14ft kind regards Lyn

[@WeirontheMove]

Lookup New Concept. They make nice boats. Also, Swan and Viking, plus ours is an Aqualine and they have an excellent reputation. Good luck

[@rowlandclark1015]

First boat was a 60’ Piper Wide, now I’m on a 45 narrow. Love both styles. Yes good and not so good with both. But still loving the life style.

[@WeirontheMove]

That's the thing, Rowland, it's all about the lifestyle that counts, not what mode of transport you use.

[@mikeboone4425]

You 2 are great glad we stumbled over you 2 love the the canal boats . I'm curious do you know of any one who has a narrow boat and a wide boat some one who does not need to worry about there bill's and loves the boating life.

[@WeirontheMove]

Not to our knowledge. We know plenty of narrow boaters and widebeame owners but not couples who have both

[@niklar55]

😊👍 You could get to the north canal system via the Kings Lyn to Boston link, across the Wash! .

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks for the tip!

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

with the current housing prices that seam to be unattractive to so many Brits i think one of the best solutions to the problem of housing in England may be to build a few canals that will allow all the networks (i see there are 3 major seperate networks) to be directly connected to each other with "wide beam" canals. By directly connected i mean they won't have to meander threw several different canals/rivers/streams. This will make buying a narrow boat (traditional or widebeam) far more attractive and make living in England far easier and less expensive. It also could create a far more dynamic economy if done right because by building a system to the latest standard (with 2 way traffic locks) for boats so large it may be feasable to build canal side infrustructure for better harbnours and maybey even a reinterduction to industry/buissness.

[@WeirontheMove]

We're all for building more canals, Cliff, but they are struggling to maintain the ones they already have

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

@@WeirontheMove I know - thats why they should have never stopped upgrading them. If they built them in the most modern way (like "highspeed rail") goods could be moved far cheaper and with less pollution than rail or road. But that will never happen. Just thoughts from someone who likes the idea of industrial canals as i know they are the best way to transport goods for many reasons.

[@rosemary5531]

A lovely video. Thank you. Your pooch has obviously heard it all before so took the opportunity to snooze all the way through! Lovely. Thank you again.

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@madcapjourneys9014]

Hi we got a 40ft narrowboat we prefer narrowboat to widebeam we can go anywhere on the network and yes thames and bristol channel and on narrow canal with narrow locks

[@WeirontheMove]

Different strokes for different folks, Simon. Thank you for watching the vlog

[@kevinhowlett4097]

Oh I know that 90 degree bend well. going north out of Fenny Stratford on GU. We are living on a 60 x 10 and cruise the 15 miles of Grand Union, lock free as often as we can. Currently based in Milton Keynes Marina. Loving your videos BTW.

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Kevin, is that the marina by Woughton on the Green? If so, we moored outside when we came through in the late autumn/early winter. Glad you like the videos. Stay safe

[@kevinhowlett4097]

@@WeirontheMove Hi guys. Peartree Bridge which is the one you are thinking about! We were complete newbies (never driven a boat in our lives) and sold up.... bought our widebeam and navigated 58 miles and 69 locks from Alperton to Milton Keynes in 8 days. Your videos (55ish to 70 something) take us back to the time we did this in November 2017. We remember so many locks, pubs, cafes etc... absolutely brilliant. I was corresponding with you when you launched your first video as the similarities were uncanny and I completely related to your exploits. I just wish I had the nerve to video myself and make brilliant vlogs like you have done... but we had no video camera and I was absolutely petrified whilst driving the boat and it was cold, frosty, wet and windy... (the best cruising weather). Again, loving your footage, take care and hope to correspond soon. Kevin

[@andreaamer1183]

Absolutely brilliant vlog! My husband and i are used to living off grid in the wilderness up North Ontario, Canada. We have loved living the life but we are moving back to the UK this year and we would really love to live on a widebeam. We don't mind whereabouts we live in the UK. We want 2 bedrooms for the same reasons as you both. We have 3 gorgeous grown up children ,30, 2 x 23yr Olds. We all miss eachother too much and of course we have a beautiful 2.5yr old grandson so we want to be the base when they can come for the wkend, drop in for the night ect. I know prices will have changed since 3yrs ago but it still offers us a cheaper and a lifestyle that we can move our scenery or our home at any time. Going to have a look at your lovely home now and more up-to-date vlogs . Keep the dry sense of humour going and your dog is gorge 😂

[@WeirontheMove]

Good luck with your floating dream. See you on the cut

[@kathrynschauf1784]

Hi, Dear ones. Sorry I haven't said much, but now I need to. Where did you get the lovely curtains beside Julie? They are driving me crazy, I love them so much!

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Kathryn, they came with the boat. We don't know what make or design they are

[@nigelppowell]

re tree managment. i was told by a c.r.t worker, that any tree overhanging the cut or within a certain distance of the water can be cut and used as firewood by boaters.

[@WeirontheMove]

That's a lot of firewood, Nigel. I'm not sure there are enough boaters and boats to sort that problem. Plus, if we started now, we'd be carting unseasoned wood for the next year before we could use it

[@jamesdraycott]

Tree management I do plenty of that using nb john varley although we are on the DCC part of Chesterfield canal at tapton. Once the canal is restored fully I'm sure CRT will take this end over.

[@for.tax.reasons]

Absolutely do take the boat to France I've been watching a few canal boattubers all threatening to go France but no one's done it yet! Pandemic permitting and with all safety precautions it would be awesome to see you guys in France :)

[@WeirontheMove]

We'd love too, but it won't be for a while yet and Brexit has scuppered long-stay plans

[@redfox05nl]

Really interested in hearing more about this. Why is it so scary and is it a matter of skill? If so, can that skill be learned and practiced?

[@Idle-Days]

An entertaining and informative episode; very welcome on this rather dire winters day.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it

[@koitorob]

I notice you only mentioned canals for navigating. Are there no rivers that you could use to link the south to the north? Is that the 'dinner bell' in the corner next to the sink at 9:58? lol

[@WeirontheMove]

The only link is by going up the Bristol channel. There are no other links to the north.

[@altepost3805]

Finally I found some information on which canals are navigable for a boat larger than 2m - thank you! Are there any plans to close the gap near Northampton, to make it possible to go from South to North? My boat is 2,70m wide....

[@WeirontheMove]

There are several plans afoot but zero chance of them becoming a reality

[@josephinehemingwaysa3071]

loved you two ! what a fresh breath of river air! I'm a newbie and a girl on me own.....how difficultis it to manage a Widebeam on your own - i e when cruising do people help with locks etc and what woud you recommend one does to get some boat- know how. I want to move about a bit and wondering if, for a first boat, would you recommend a wide beam or a dutch barge. i am not a sissy and not afraid to paddle my own canoe but dont want to take out the nearest narrowboat the first time I go through a lock. whats the ideal size of a widebeam if you want space and manoeuvrability. could you think of doing a programme on pros and cons of different mooring options. ie constant cruise v permanent mooring v leisure mooring. costs and practicalities. that would be great !

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Josephine. We know many continuous cruisers that are both female and solo boaters. I think for your first boat you should go with your own preference but size wise, we preferred an 11 x 65 to give us more room in locks and narrow parts of the canal. We have done a costs of living on a boat episode, but the comparisons between the different types of moorings is an interesting idea.

[@bpdarragh]

Hi, I am considering a new build widebeam (no wider than 3m), but I am looking to get a taller boat. I play the viola, and have to sit down on my current dutch barge, basically a lot of builders have said you can get standing room of upto 7 or even 8 ft. are the canals in the south limited in terms of the height of the boat? I live on a marina off the thames in London, and can get onto all of the canals you mention but bridge height is something which concerns me.

[@WeirontheMove]

The K and A has a super low bridge at Reading, the same for the entrance to the Oxford canal off the Thames. Most canal bridges are not that tall, so you will struggle with a boat with an excessive air draft. If you stay on the Thames, this is not an issue, but on the canals, it's a different story

[@bpdarragh]

@@WeirontheMove Thanks ever so much for ansering, so I guess search for "air draft canals" for the canals I may go up. Having said that I suspect I will really only be going west along the Thames in the summer, and avoiding the canals generally. Also, as you guys boat is a liveabord, and a widebeam, what are your thoughts on Cruiser vs trad sterns? I always feel that whilst the engine is in the interior on a trad stern, can be covered with steps, and does add some extra space inside, albeit not as much as I may think. Yours is a cruiser stern of course, how long is your boat overall?

[@WeirontheMove]

@@bpdarragh If you stick to the Thames, you'll be fine. We wanted a cruiser stern for the summer months as our place to sit and enjoy the world. It gives you another room, especially with a pram cover and it also gives you somewhere to take off wet coats and muddy boots. Our boat is 65 ft.

[@bpdarragh]

@@WeirontheMove ​ @Weir on the Move Thanks for the reply, reckon going trad, as limited to a 43" widebeam with my mooring. And the general consensus is that that trads to give extra interior space, albeit not as much as people think in a narrowboat, but can see how it does in a widebeam.

[@sharonrozier4984]

The pantry and the size is great! Love it!!!! And hiding from family doesn't always work but you guys have mastered it. You guys must be great navigators giving the size of the bridges i have seen. Keep us informed! Love ya!

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks so much!! We will always take you along for the ride, Sharon

[@RobertShennan]

Enjoying the relaxed presentation . What was the "woodpecker" noise?

[@WeirontheMove]

It's the dog snoring

[@jaquigreenlees]

On saltwater boats they actually recommend completely draining the fuel tank once every 2 years. Empty, open the inspection hatch, clean out any muck ( wet-dry shop vacuum )and inspect the tank for any developing problems ( rust ). This is considered basic maintenance for diesel powered salt water boats. ( include sail boats with a diesel inboard engine in that )

[@WeirontheMove]

I don't think it is necessary on the canals. I suppose saltwater does more damage, Jaqui

[@jaquigreenlees]

@@WeirontheMove yes, the sea air is harder on everything exposed to it. like driving 365 days a year on salted roads as in winter driving hard. It might not be recommended for the canal boats ( wide or narrow ) but the occasional check wouldn't hurt anything. :)

[@MarkWadsworthYPP]

The map and pointer were educational and informative. What we need is an MK to Wellingborough link.

[@WeirontheMove]

Absolutely!

[@holliemolliekins3514]

Hiya, we are currently look at purchasing a widebeam and wanted to know what your general costs are, what size is yours? We are planning to set up residential mooring near London. I would be keen to know if you got a sailaway boat and how much it costed in general to set it up. Ta Hollie

[@tara1971able]

You two are really funny.. and the information was useful! Thank you and best wishes on your travels.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks so much!

[@ollvebranch]

Great to watch. Informative and funny. Thanks guys!

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@colomacountry]

It looks like the river Medway is a no go zone, I couldn't imagine taking a wide beam there, also it would have to be towed. I can't find any videos on R. Medway via boat.

[@WeirontheMove]

We can't get there because we're too big

[@MrSheckstr]

So I just saw the cruising the cut video you speak of, and am working my way through this one. From what I’ve research these boats are taken out of the water every couple of years for routine hull serving, so how much of an inconvenience would it be to transfer to a rental narrow boat during this time and meet up with your wide beam in the other canal system?

[@WeirontheMove]

You can stay on the boat while the work is done. We will do the blacking ourselves when the time comes.

[@MrSheckstr]

@@WeirontheMove ah ok, thought it was more specialized than than, taking more time. It’s a pity someone haven’t come up with a more efficient system of getting between the systems. I’m a bit envious, we have nothing like this in the states

[@mauramason6273]

Thank you for the festive tips. We want to retire, leave the US and travel throughout Europe mostly inland. We are pretty sold on a wide beam, but I wonder about going across the Channel in it. We have a lot to learn, glad we found your site, you two are such fun! ☮️🌞

[@WeirontheMove]

Crossing the channel would probably invalidate your insurance unless you got a pilot and had your fuel tank cleaned. Good luck, Maura

[@redfox05nl]

Can you use a widebeam on the canals in Europe? I heard it's much more restrictive? New to it, so hopefully I heard wrong?

[@alicewilson1874]

Catching up on older ones but, too funny. When I purchased my motor home, the pull out (automated) bedroom a must, to WALK AROUND THE BED lol

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoy the vlogs, Alice

[@debbiewhitman7699]

Very helpful looking forward to seeing your calendar

[@WeirontheMove]

Debbie, no one wants to see that. The world is not ready

[@alistairmoffat1307]

If you had a 9 ft wide boat could you get from north to south on the network? Thanks Paul Moffat

[@WeirontheMove]

No. The north and the south are linked by narrow canals that only allow passage of a boat no wider than about 6'10" or 6'11"

[@juliecrossingham7187]

We loved your vlog & agree with everything you said about pro’s & con,s of wide beams, we have now joined the wide beam lovers as we took delivery of our Canterbury yesterday, 27 February, it’s amazing we waited 2 years to get it , look forward to seeing you on the cut guys.

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Julie, you are lucky. The new Canterbury's are amazing. See you on the cut.

[@Dstew57A]

I know living in a house vs boat...they each have there pros and cons but overall...do you like living on a boat more than living in a House? It seems like it is much cheaper with more enjoyment living on a boat..finally whats the cost of your gas to fill up and how long does it last..you say you run it in the winter all the time? To heat your boat and cruise. Thank you. Lovely home you have.

[@WeirontheMove]

It is cheaper than a house. We couldn't go back to living in a house. Our gas is about £150 every three/four months. Thats about half a tank full.

[@maxheadroom7687]

Just found your channel....really great fun and lots of useful observations! As an ex Pom living in Australia it’s great to get a taste of canal life from two fun people...subscribed!👍🇦🇺😎

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Stephen. Glad you found us

[@philelliott5327]

Even on many wide canals modern wide beams are a poor fit, the arched bridges were never designed for boats with upright sides near the gunnels. They would originally be wide boats with low tapered tarps for cargo. A few other cons are they cost more to build, licence and maintain than a narrowboat. I would like the extra space but not at the expense of missing some of the best canals in the country. Different strokes for different folks.

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Phil, like you say, each to their own and all that.

[@nesleinf]

Now I have tried to watch this video 10 times, but the relaxed snoring in the background makes med fall asleep halfway through. I suppose it probably is a good video so I give it a thumbs up anyway 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love from Denmark

[@WeirontheMove]

Excellent comment. Made us laugh out loud

[@femalism1715]

Thank you for this video! Excellent advice.

[@WeirontheMove]

You are so welcome!

[@Tjw1]

France, get it round Cape Horn, go hard or go home 😂 Thinking of living on the water, I'm a keen angler and hate being indoors so I think I will love it. Thanks for the video 👍

[@WeirontheMove]

Bo problem, Ty. You are welcome

[@theguvnor7467]

Terry Darlington, author of Narrow Dog to Carcassonne took his Narrowboat across the English Channel!! You advise your Wide beam is on the southern canal system. As a potential wide beam purchaser, is coastline hugging something you might consider to reach the northern system?

[@WeirontheMove]

We probably wouldn't advise coast hugging because it probably invalidates your boat insurance. To do the Bristol Channel, you need a qualified pilot.

[@andrewhaig4818]

What a fantastic video a real genuine happy couple Thoroughly enjoyed this video couldn’t stop laughing with you looking forward to the next one

[@WeirontheMove]

Than you, Andrew. We try our best

[@ainsliejones3764]

Answered a lot of questions thank you. Very interesting.

[@WeirontheMove]

Your welcome

[@EASYTIGER10]

I they build a widelock bypass for the Watford locks on the Leicester bit of the Grand Union and rebuilt the Foxton inclined plane would that unite the north and south of the network for widebeams? In the scheme of things it wouldn't cost that much - less than some canal restorations, and arguably more useful. Or is the Canal south of Leicester just not wide enough?

[@WeirontheMove]

I'm not sure there is any money or willingness to join the two ends. Unfortunately, there is very little love for wide beams. We still have plenty of water to cruise in the south.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Hi love your vlogs. Currently live in a Gosport with my two dogs. Really do want to move onto a boat. Narrowboat I like due to access of whole canal network but realise the rock more. How practical is a Widebeam 9 or 10 foot wide for a single person to operate ie through locks etc. Anything on how a single person would cope would be appreciated. Keep safe. Thankies.

[@WeirontheMove]

We know several boaters who single-hand a widebeam. And most of them are women. You will see lots of people on the canals in wide beams single-handed. They are heavier, but you soon get the technique

[@mulch1973]

Hello there I'm late to finding your channel so going back to the start and watching all your vlogs. Now I love what I've seen so far but in your early ones you said that you were going to re paint the boat. I saw you blacked it but the rest looks the same or am I missing something????

[@WeirontheMove]

No, you are bang on. We said we were going to paint the boat because we hated the colour. And guess what? We grew to love it, and had so many nice comments that it was different from the other canal boats that we decided to keep it. I apologise for our early vlogging efforts. They get better...I hope?

[@mulch1973]

@@WeirontheMove we'll I'll let you know 😂 the look is very much an individual thing and if you like it that's all that matters. It's absolutely stunning inside. I think I would definitely go wide beam given the choice. Also lastly the art work is beautiful hope to buy a piece at some point. Keep up vlogging. PS love the snoring too.

[@russellknight8935]

Hi what is the annual cost of running a wide beam?

[@WeirontheMove]

We do a how much does it cost video. Check it out

[@stevewebber5966]

Regarding your suggestion of keeping the fuel tank topped up. I always thought that it was good practice to get at least down to a quarter fuel or less, reason? Apparently, fuel degrades over time. Is the additive you say gets added to the fuel on top-up workerd out on what is being added at the time or is it added to enhance all of the fuel in your tank? I only ask as apart from running my car to nearly empty before filling, my ride on mower has an additive put in at the end of the season to keep the fuel fresh and to stop the fuel lines from gumming up.

[@WeirontheMove]

The additive is added by the fuel boat to stop diesel bug. The tank should always be full to reduce condensation, which is the main cause of diesel bug. You Don't get it in your car because you aren't on water

[@daveslife9486]

Loved the video and especially the cavalier snoring in the background. I lost my Blenheim cavalier last year and I miss not being able to hear the TV ☺️

[@WeirontheMove]

Sorry to hear that, Dave. We lost Eric in May this year

[@daveslife9486]

@@WeirontheMove I am sorry to hear that, I had no idea I've just started to follow you. They leave a big hole when they go don't they 😔

[@rickandersen2284]

So when does the calendar come out?

[@WeirontheMove]

Still working on it

[@WideW0lf]

First time viewer, directed to the you from cruising the cut, loved the video, will be watching more

[@WeirontheMove]

Welcome aboard! Glad to have you, Robbie.

[@colmornane5684]

Hi Julie and Mark, Great job another great video! Julie, I think you have shown great restraint, I would have at least given mark an elbow. I do have a question though, as the wide beam is a much bigger boat than a narrow boat, do you have a bigger engine to push the extra mass along or are they all the same? Regards a Fan from Aus.

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Col, we have a 75 horsepower engine. Narrowboats have around 30 to 40 HP

[@grizzlygamer8891]

I don't know about your boat in particular, but a lot of wider barges are sea worthy for short trips. You could probably get to France, and also make the trip up to the Humber to access the Northern network.

[@WeirontheMove]

We have seen vlogs of boats crossing the channel

[@ilox11]

Thanks, Weirs (3). Loved your look at the Pros and Cons of Widebeams. You missed a couple of what might be big Cons to getting a Widebeam. I am told that there is a considerable Cost difference in equivalent levels of fittings and layout. I have also been told that now you have to pay more Licence Fee to C&RT because you don't just pay by the length of your boat, there is a calculation for the width of your boat. Is there a big difference in License Fees? When talking about Pros there is always the Pro of being able to make it over the Channel to the Canals of Europe which are apparently all set up to cater for Widebeams. I have again been told that some Narrowboats have made it across but only under very calm conditions and with an experienced Pilot aboard etc. Have you heard things like that? And Mark, please share why you think Julie shouldn't give you a thump for saying such awful things about her? If I said things like that to my wife I would be asking Eric to move over and sleeping in the doghouse instead of the lovely King-size bed LOL

[@WeirontheMove]

I've heard that as well. I would like to do the French canals. There is a cost difference but we wanted it to be more lifestyle based. Besides, the CRT license changes are well documented and have been done to death.

[@petermastenbroek5264]

@@WeirontheMove In France the licence fee used to be based on the surface, but they changed that a long time ago to just the lenghts. So a narrowboat of the same lenght than your WB has to pay exactly the same rate for it's cruising licence..

[@Pmjs]

I've had 3 Blenheim Cavalier's. It was nice to see your wee Eric.

[@WeirontheMove]

We wish he was still with us

[@Pmjs]

@@WeirontheMove I feel the same with my Skye&Prince.

[@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie]

Ive just bought a 34 ft dutch cruiser widebeam, moving on tomorrow down in Bathmpton on the Kennet and Avon

[@WeirontheMove]

That sounds interesting, Jon. We didn't get as far as Bathampton. We got to Bradford on Avon

[@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie]

@@WeirontheMove thanks guys. I was considering doing a youtube channel too but seems like everyone on the cut is at it 😅 I'm no sheep or hipster 🙈🤷‍♂️ My boat is called Polly Anna. Hopefully see you soon.

[@WeirontheMove]

@@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie There are over 200 now. We think we are the only wiidebeam channel

[@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie]

@@WeirontheMove well yours is my favourite so far. Really well edited and shot. Arebyoubguys still down this way?

[@WeirontheMove]

@@JonathanShawTheCulturedBrummie We are in Hungerford at the moment

[@richardfoote4518]

Eric is precious and our Yorke snores like him. Enjoyed it.

[@WeirontheMove]

Unfortunately Eric passed away in May, Richard. He is sorely missed

[@silvanamarceca170]

Hello..I am new ..it's so interesting your channel....I would like to buy a boat and I am trying to understand as much as possible about narrow boat.....I would like to ask you if you have a special sewer for you..for your used water...I mean a sewer for people with you that live on the boat ..a depurator ...thank you

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Silvana, we pump the great water into the canal and the black waste water (toilets) stays in a holding tank that gets pumped out.

[@robertashton7940]

Great video had me chuckling away : ) one thing you din't mention is costs . The CRT now charge you for your licence by length and width , and you will also have a bigger engine . I am in the process of deciding to commission a Canterbury or a Madison , love your boat by the way , it's stunning : ) . I will be a solo boater and I don't have family to cater for , but I do like my space and my freedom , but after watching your video , I think , it's going to be a narrow boat for me : )

[@WeirontheMove]

We didn't mention the licence because it's been done to death and common knowledge. We wanted to focus on the physical differences mostly. We are glad we've helped you reach a decision. Hopefully, we'll see you out on the cut one day.

[@ronsmith6662]

Considering the bridges, tunnels, and other navigation challenges, I'm puzzled that all the boats on the canals have not embraced radio communications. It would seem to be the answer especially approaching blind curves and the like to be able to radio other boats of your intentions or be aware of theirs.

[@WeirontheMove]

It's an idea. There's a lot about the canal system that still feels last century. We suppose the boats are going so slow, the risks are low too

[@MrSheckstr]

Had the resurgence in living on the canals happened during the height of CB prior to cellular phones becoming more practical, affordable, and with smart phones, more versatile you might have seen CBs more prevalent on the canals as well as having CRT employees monitoring certain bandwidths. But in order to make that more practical on the canals I feel like you would need a lot more location markers than what I’ve seen. Barring that and the slow speed these boats are going on ringing the ships bell when making a blind turn is all you really need to do most of the time

[@robbiehewitt5772]

Nice video. You guys are a hoot! Wow, great boat. What a lifestyle. I only seen these canals on a tv show recently in Australia. Boats that go across water bridges, incredible engineering. Thanks, enjoyed and got a laugh. I'll be watching more for sure! Best wishes

[@WeirontheMove]

Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed them, Robbie

[@DarenMagness]

Can you run out on the Thames and then up the coast and around to River Welland to join the northern canals?

[@WeirontheMove]

I suppose it's possible but for insurance purposes, we would need a pilot I think

[@gordonclark7632]

Interesting video and following on your (joke?) about sailing to France, can these canal boats travel anywhere other than on canals?

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Gordon, there are KZbin videos of canal boats crossing the channel and travelling out of the Thames towards the north. IT's not recommended that they go on the sea, but a few have done it.

[@Duececoupe]

Love the video....most excellent! Fair few chuckles....😆😂 Had to like and subscribe, how could I not! Greetings from a Swede up in Glasgow! 🍻

[@WeirontheMove]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@beasmith1]

I thought my cat was malfunctioning, paused the video & the noise stopped. Thank goodness you said Eric was snoring lol Doing the narrow boat rounds & came across this video.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you for checking out our channel. Poor old Eric is no longer with us, so the videos are a lot quieter, but we still call it snoring dog productions as a tribute to him.

[@beasmith1]

@@WeirontheMove Aww no, sorry to hear that :(

[@jacobsalihu4721]

Awesome episode, totally enjoyed it 🙌👍

[@WeirontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mattkeene1188]

Great vid guys! Lmao. Quick question; how easy is it to pass eachother when another wide beam is coming the other way toward you on the canal?

[@WeirontheMove]

We have passed few wide boats and I some places it's pretty tight, but we always manage. Because you go so slow, you always have time to work it out

[@mickd6942]

Love the banter between you two

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Mick, who says it's banter...

[@thedogsinnfamilyadventures4914]

ive never cruised a widebeam or any boat I have 3 dogs that have never been on a boat and widebeam I'm thinking will be big enough for us 4 what is your advise for me to learn before getting one as I've been saving for a house but I'm always out with my dogs they love water and swimming we love to explore and thought to get everything we love then a boat was my outcome how did u get your dog use to boat living too as my boy will jump in the river if he got any chance then my youngest will follow don't want to be jumping in constantly

[@WeirontheMove]

We were lucky that he took to the life on a boat easily. We would advise taking them on a boat holiday for a week and see how they cope. this works for them and for you. Almost every boater we know has a pet dog or cat, so it seems they are naturals at boat life. You also see lots of dogs swimming in the canal. As long as they are out of harm's way, it's fine.

[@jamesdraycott]

Only just found your channel so will be watching your vlogs. I'm sure you can come on the Chesterfield canal with a widebeam not sure how far you can before it goes to narrow locks.

[@WeirontheMove]

Welcome aboard, James. Not sure about the Chesterfield. We shall consulate map

[@peterstathus8079]

Well done, really shows off your personalies! Hello Eric!

[@WeirontheMove]

Thank you, Peter

[@keithwright4921]

Yes,France,fab,I live hear,and just down the Road,ther is the River oust,Redon.xx

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Keith. We will do it one day

[@Charlienmeg]

I'm watching this at 3.45am with my headphones on because my husband is snoring and he's driving me crazy. I may as well have stayed in bed 😂

[@WeirontheMove]

Did the snoring synchronize in a cacophony of noise, like Phil Spector's famous wall of sound?

[@quest2outdoors]

I think it’s the dog snoring🤣🤣🤣

[@jeremybrambles7992]

You commented that how often you moved was dictated by water tank size & you also said you could go three weeks without moving but if you are continuous cruisers as far as i understand it you cant stop in one place for more than fourteen days.

[@WeirontheMove]

That's correct, Jeremy, but water points are few and far between, so when we move after 14 days, there may not be a water point at the new location

[@michaelhearmon9965]

Just as a question, can you not go onto the River Severn to avoid the canal restriction ?

[@WeirontheMove]

Unfortunately not, Michael.

[@tanyamaxwell-stewart7928]

I am a new vlog watcher have really enjoyed your banter and the sound effect (Eric) Wonderful

[@WeirontheMove]

Good to have you onboard, Tanya

[@stewartjohnson242]

Thanks for your thoughtful video. I am a believer but my wife is a hard lady to convince. And the snoring dog! So funny.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Stewart. She'll come round, I hope

[@edh0011]

Very funny ! , well done both of you , I am convinced on a widebeam , just got to get the cash together 👌

[@WeirontheMove]

Best of luck, Eddie. Glad you like the vlog

[@NewsThatMatterUsa]

Very cool I live in the USA up in upstate New York but I am fascinated with narrowboats and wide beams . Now I am a boater of many sorts I’ve had jet boats and in boards, I/o , fast boats and camper boats a like . Needless to say I absolutely love the water from boating to also sports but there’s just something about narrow boats and the canals and the lifestyle you guys have I just love it . I was laughing last night I told the wife I said it’s kind of like a cozy live in trailer on the water . She mentioned we have had camper type boats never a yacht but any ways I had to mention they can be very long 40 50 60’ if not more idk and they are so cozy looking . But it is the only type of boat I can truly say I’ve never seen in person or rode in . I wonder could I use one in more wide open waters and large rivers… tho I’d be loosing half the experience if I could .

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi Michael, you can take them on inland waterways but they have flat bottoms, so aren't great in tidal sections. We are on the Thames at the moment and that can get pretty rough when rising. They are super cosy, especially in winter with the fire lit.

[@redwolf7929]

Really good you English have a canal system.and your allowed to live on it.We don't have many big rivers in Australia and you can't live on them legally.we don't have canal systems either

[@WeirontheMove]

But you do have the highest numbers of deadly insects, which is a bonus

[@redwolf7929]

It's spring, there all coming out!

[@ceeceety2320]

Definitely thumbs up! You two are fabulous together! My wife and i rib one another constantly! Out of good fun of course! Actually, it's our dream to experience a trip on the canals. Probably on a narrowboat rather than wide. If we could, we would consider retiring there, but we are from the US and would need to really study on how to make that happen. Thanks for the great video! We thought it was great! Love the dog!!!!!

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Tim. You should come here for a canal boat holiday and experience what it's like. Glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for supporting the channel

[@timmy5521]

Hi Guys, thank you for the video it was brilliant. I'm currently looking into living on a boat full time. The Mrs isn't fully sold yet, the issue is we have 2 children. Penelope 3 and Emily 6, we have a canal half a mile from our rented property and wa Ted to stay as local as possible. I see you can stop upto 2 weeks in one spot near us but wondered how far you would have to move after the 2 weeks and how long until you could return? Best of luck Liam

[@WeirontheMove]

Hi, it depends on the area. Typically, you have to move about a mile each time, and the CRT say it has to be meaningful travel, so 1 mile then another and so on. You can return to the same spot, but the CRT spotter needs to log that you have moved, so it's best to get spotted in each location. Generally there is a non-return for 2 week policy, but that does differ on each stretch. Some mooring have signs saying no return for 28 days.

[@timmy5521]

@@WeirontheMove Thanks I can maybe make that work. I've actually just started volunteering for the CRT as a lock keeper. Maybe they will let it slip slightly 😂. Safe travels 👍

[@JCDiamond]

The best part of this video was Eric! I thought this was a great and informative video. The one thing you didn't mention that I thought of was that with a widebeam you have issues at tunnels sometimes because obviously someone can't pass you. I watched David's video - your home seems to well laid out and cozy! Thanks for sharing - especially the adorable pictures at the end.

[@WeirontheMove]

Thanks, Justine. We have to book passage trough some, and others are short enough to see to the end. Some operate on a traffic light system too.