BEFORE AND AFTER NARROWBOAT RENOVATIONS

Hi,
In this video we are showing the full renovation of our 37ft narrowboat Grayswood to date. These upgrades have been carried out during August 2019 and May 2020. Our boat isnt yet complete as we still have a couple of jobs still to do.
We hope you enjoy this video.
Kayleigh & Stephen.
We’re Stephen and Kayleigh an English/ Scottish couple and along with our two dogs Hugo and Coco we will full time on board our 37ft narrowboat Grayswood. After living nearly two years in our self-converted campervan we decided we needed more space. So, as a compromise (Ste wanted a boat, I was happy in the van) we decided we would purchase a boat after spending some time on our friend’s narrowboat. Grayswood was conveniently located less that 5 minutes from my work and was found kind of by accident. I was visiting a friend who was staying in Aston Marina and whilst we were out walking the dogs, I seen the advert for Grayswood. I said to my friend “that looks a nice boat” and as I said it the marina manager appeared and asked if we would like a look inside. Naturally we did. After looking inside, the boat I texted Ste and told him I’d found us a boat. We made an offer after going back for a second viewing, after some negotiations within a week she was ours pending a survey. She was hauled out the following week and the survey went well. We kept her out on the hard standing for a further six weeks whilst we renovated the insides including fitting a new kitchen and bathroom.
Subscribe and welcome aboard - follow us on our narrowboat journey, where we will show what its really like living on the English waterways.
New video released every Monday.
Instagram - @liveaboard_lifestyle

[@cherylburton3430]

When we bought our boat, 18 months ago. We bought it because we liked the look of the interior and it needed very little work doing. Since then we have literally ripped everything out and started again. The list of jobs is never ending.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

The joys of boat ownership, always something to do 😉

[@rabbit_scribe]

I love the painted interior. The traditional look is OK, but I like the lighter, more home-like look.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

I agree with you, it feels much more homely 😊

[@PeterBlackwood]

Very impressive. You have rejuvenated a tired looking boat into a sharp home.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@kingkongsballsful]

like your boat, the cockles are mussels, as cockles live in the sand. give me a giggle, stay safe and happy boating

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

😂😂 thank you for clarifying

[@boboman67]

Ohhhh i envy you that lovely boat, so cosy and nice atmosphere.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@osborn93]

What a fantastic job. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Paul 😊

[@paulsedman7876]

Love it Love it Love it, you two are fantastic,right attitude and just blend together so well. Keep it up. x

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Paul 😊

[@nikkiboyd9498]

Great job. Looks cheerier

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Nikki 😊

[@Silkendrum]

Dear Sir: You start a topic at a high volume, but then drop lower and lower, until by the end you are almost inaudible. Please keep your volume up. We really do want to hear what you say. You both have done a beautiful job on the boat, by the way. It 's so bright and even looks larger.

[@user-kd7fs6lr3z]

Looks so good!!!

[@sirfrydryk360]

Good job on the engine bay, its always a pet-peeve with me to see dirt/rust under the engine and someone say it looks clean. And the color is very nice in the galley and solon. I really have to say again I love the engine bay, just love it.

[@suegurney4666]

Well done you two!

[@thomasmackenzie7811]

Wooooooowwwwweeeeezzzzzr, You Guys did a lot of work!!!!!! ...... Outrageous Outstanding Awesomeness is The Result!!!!! Cheers 🥂!

[@janeingram7331]

You really did a fabulous job and the boat looks light and airy. Best to you both, Jane, Philadelphia

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Jane, thank you so much 😊 we’re really pleased with how the boat turned out!

[@johnswimcat]

Definitely one of the most useful canal boat videos I've seen. Liked, saved and you have a new subscriber!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

John Melville glad you enjoyed! 😊Thank you for subscribing 👍🏻

[@simpletruths5322]

What a lovely couple, thank you for the video!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@andrewhilton8142]

I love what you’ve done, the boat looks great.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@sirfrydryk360]

You both did a nice job of refitting her. I like the color.

[@BulldozersTravel]

Great job on the bathroom guys :) Classy upgrade

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@AndreasDuessca]

Hi from Canada. We have a Nature’s Head in our Vintage Airstream, could not be happier with it. I’ve also seen them on sailboats, no tanks are so much better than having to pump out. You guys have done an amazing job on that boat, it looks fantastic.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi thanks for commenting and subscribing! It’s awesome our videos have reached you in Canada! How cool you have a vintage airstream! We’re really pleased with our nature’s head it allows us to go off grid for a while (when we’re off work) that was of of the main reasons we chose it. We’re really pleased with how the boat has turned out, it’s not finished yet but it’s nearly there! 😊

[@richardanderson6874]

Nice work, great plan, fantastic solutions!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Richard!

[@cackieart]

Done a great job there Guys, oh and Dad lol, will follow with interest now I've found you

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊 we look forward to having you on board!

[@cams534]

Wow! You have done an amazing job with your interior design and renovations, really stunning.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@simoncooper8272]

Made a massive difference with some paint! Well done it's quite a transformation 👍👍

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@NicoLesageMenen]

WOW great job guys thanks for the video

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you! 😊

[@jackmedcalf6254]

You guys did a fantastic job!!!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Jack 😊

[@raybuck8199]

Well done !

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Ray 😊

[@donnamurray4675]

Oh happy day!!! I just found your vlog and I’m loving it!!! I doubt I’ll accomplish much today, I feel a marathon coming on😂

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Donna, so glad your enjoying them 😊

[@barb4255]

Lovely job!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Barbara 😊

[@justplainlaser]

Greetings from South Africa... You guys are doing an awesome job on your lovely boat... Thanks for sharing and keep safe out there...

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hey, thank you so much for your comment, next week we will have a cruising video 😀

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Awesome work guy's, your hard work has really paid off !

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Michael 😀

[@stacyrebecca]

Kayleigh, it looks fab. You guys have done a really good job. Love your space for the dogs ❤️

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Stacy! They’re so cute aren’t they 😁🐶

[@stacyrebecca]

Liveaboard Lifestyle so cute ❤️

[@davidbutler4363]

Loved it guys thanks 😁👍👏👏👏

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@laptopsid]

You’re doing a great job.👍

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@ingersynnveisaksen801]

Love what you have done to the boat. Beautifull

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Inger 😊

[@bobgriffiths6600]

Really impressed with the results of all your work on the boat. Looking forward to more vlogs about future changes. Well done to you both.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@GeorgeStephen1959]

Just binge watched your vlogs, great work on all the reno's so far certainly makes the boat more bright, airy and cozy too, give a feeling that its bigger than it actually is, Cheers :-)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much! It’s been a lot of work but so worth it! 😁

[@davidenglish6233]

Esoteric video. We are looking to get our own boat at the end of the year once the present restrictions have calmed down so thanks for showing us what is achievable with hard work and a bit of imagination. Look forward to reports on future projects

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi David, thank you so much for your comment. Good luck with purchasing your boat. 😊

[@chrisstokie2361]

Great video guys. You should be proud of yourselves.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks Chris!

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

What you have done really maximized the visual space..job well done.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@RAFFIREMAN2]

Congratulations its looking super now love it

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@lesgill8490]

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you, we will do! 😊

[@Daydreameruk]

Not watched your channel before, but this was super useful.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you, glad you found it helpful!

[@jillosler9353]

Steve sounds like he's from my neck of the UK - Norfolk??? Doing/done a great renovation job 👏👏

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

He is from Telford 😊 thank you!

[@janetn246]

Light, bright and modern looking, Well done. I imagine a 37 foot boat is easy to take most anywhere and economical if you can make it comfortable for yourselves. Wish you well. Nice video.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you! 😊 You can take it most places, it’s very responsive and easy to turn and manoeuvre. Also cheaper license and marina fees because it’s smaller so it’s a win win!

[@russozard2626]

Well done your boat looks great keep up the good work 👍

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Russ 😊

[@MattsPlotAllotmentchannel]

Great video and channel, just starting my own boat so your info is awesome

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Matt. Good luck with your boat :)

[@christineprice5463]

Good job! I like the more modern look.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@johnallen148]

Hi guys,great video loved what you have done so far time you have finished your home it will look lovely and cosy well done ,take care keep safe,John xx

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi John thank for your lovely feedback 😊

[@kaymax7031]

Nice renovation choices.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@borderreiver3288]

You have done a great job and smartened the boat up...well done...especially with the bath room...which looks great...cannot believe someone wired the plugs wrong....you have made a cracking job of the upgrades.....

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you for your lovely comment 😊

[@suegurney4666]

Good decision with the bed ! It can never be too big . We had such problems with space on our boat with he one and a half size bed!

[@roberttyler6454]

Brilliant really good job n very nice n interesting viewing thanks for sharing your photo cheers take care see you soon, big bad Bob

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Bob 😊

[@somersetsue]

Amazing x

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@valerieburnett8930]

Great job. I’ve just seen a boat that is perfect but it’s all dark wood which I don’t like so it’s nice to see how it could look. Great idea for your little dogs beds.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Valerie 😊 I know a lot of people like the dark wood look but I’m with you I think it’s too dark.

[@danzak44]

You two did an amazing refitting of your beautiful narrowboat! Excellent job! I removed the modern look!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Danni 😊

[@ralphwood9865]

Hi Guys it appears that you've done a magnificent renovation job so far and as a cottage owner I well know that projects and renovations go on from year to year and never really end .Consequently I will add you to the vloggers I currently follow. Good luck and take care.*Cheers from my corner of Canada*

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Ralph, thank you for commenting and following our adventure. We’re happy to have you with us 😊

[@tonystanney3804]

Loving that 'foreign' accent from the far north! LOL You've done really well with your refurb so far cos a boat is ALWAYS gonna be a WIP. Wishing you both good health and happiness (and your 2 smaller ships-crew too)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Haha foreign accent. Thank you for your lovely comment 😊

[@StonemasonPaulMaggs]

Just found your channel. Good luck with your future projects. I owned a boat the same size as yours and went through all the same jobs.I will follow your projects with interest.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Paul. Glad to have you along for the journey 😊

[@lovelyskull3483]

You have a beautiful home.☮️🇨🇦

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@oldgrunger5]

Great video amd channel !!!.... helping me with my learning curve as I plan on doing the same come October

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊 Glad you find the videos helpful!

[@oldgrunger5]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle 100% my how to Haynes manual for boating lol

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Lol thanks! Good luck with your boating adventure!

[@markfairfield1552]

very cool and informative, maintenance is my worry if I every take the plunge because maintenance is so not my bag :)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you! You will learn as you go along , if not there’s lots of helpful engineers and more experienced boaters to help. Don’t let maintenance worries hold you back 😊

[@valeriebaxter2354]

It would be nice to see a walk through tour with before/after pics to get the overall picture now.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks for your comment. We have filmed a tour video, it’s available on our page 😊

[@Mark-ct5dh]

I thought it was great that you made the boat your own. I thought it looked much better than it did.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks Mark! We’re pretty happy with it 😊

[@davidbagley1783]

Aloha.. good job

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you David 😊

[@davidenglish6233]

First word should have read Awesome

[@glennoc8585]

Would it be easier to out a plastic water tank in place of the metal one? With the radiators, do you plumb it as a single pass it a bypass? Looks really good after the update guys😀

[@pauljohnson9347]

Hi can you please show how you made the bed bigger, thanks in advance. PJ 👋

[@gratombinnie4183]

first time ive seen this and renovations of the top class its a mazon what touch of paint can do also what Dads are good for too good luck i will enjoy your viewing if you dont mind. god bless

[@johnshepherd9025]

Hi guys just come across your video and I'm very impressed. I love the smaller boats. I'm 79 y.o. and an ex bargee (water gypsy) you have done a good job so keep the vids coming. Regards Shep.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊 we will do!

[@oye175]

Wow!! So modern 😱 where did you get the blind from? You know windows are at a slight angle on narrowboats what do you use to help keep the blinds flat against the window? 🧐

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊 they are from IKEA we fitted a small screw at the bottom which they hook into . That keeps them flat.

[@mwoo8158]

never enough cruising, minimalist, cruising the cut, journey with Jono all great video's on you tube re batteries & tilting panels The Narrow Boat To The Deep North interview with a battery salesman., scan the video section on the major vlogs there's lots there. (MWoo's name is less a few letters)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks for your comment, we will check them out! Our next video is a cruising one 😁

[@ameliacamarero685]

Ohhh wowww! Congrats to you both!!! I love the change, you’ve worked hard and it definitely paid off ! I really want to buy one as a project as an investment, I cannot afford a house and I love the life in the water. Could you let me know how much this boat cost you to buy? I’ve seen you replied to someone about the cost of the renovation already, thanks for that. Also, when buying what should I make sure it is in good condition? Obviously it has to float 😹 if you live in London and would like to help as consultants, I’ll be happy to pay you for some help/details on the whole process! Thanks for all the info and congrats again!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Wow, thank you for your lovely comment. I would be happy to answer your questions in a more private space. Please email me at [e-mail]. Thank you 😊

[@567891100]

Why dont you use fibreglass to extend the front living area, looks like you could get 6 or 7 feet out of that out door area.

[@thomasolsson8816]

Beautiful work you have done. Looks beautiful.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@thomasolsson8816]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle. Your welcome

[@billyb37]

Nice job hope youll be happy in your new home . May i just say one thing about the sound when the guy is talking he faids away by the end of his sentence so you cant make out the end ,please keep the voice volume up. Best wishes and stay safe!!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately we are unable to recreate the sound issue on our devices. We will try to ensure sound quality is improved for future vlogs.

[@barrysmale8060]

Well done guys, can you give an idea of costs? For the boat and all spent on the boat? Cheers

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks Barry. Boat cost £22,500 around £10,000 was spent on repairs not including time 😊

[@barrysmale8060]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle thanks for that. Where did our buy the boat and is it based in Scotland?

[@CN-ft1ck]

Thanks to you both, I do like the presentation it has given us ideas...question regarding the inspector, and how did you find the inspector? (can we donate?)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thanks for your comment. I’m not sure what you mean regarding the inspector?

[@morriscorreia7282]

Looks comfortable what marina are you in that hauled you out ?

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

I’m this vlog it was Aston Marina 😊

[@manwithapan9481]

So venetian marina wired your plugs the wrong way round ?...interesting was thinking about getting a boat of them...maybe not now :/

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi we can’t say that it was them, there has been two different owners which we have owned the boat before us since she was built in 2001. What we can say about Venetian is the quality of build and wood is excellent and the layout design great. I wouldn’t be put off with our plugs as there were a lot of people who could have worked on the electrics since the boat was commissioned. I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please get in touch. Good luck with finding your boat! 😊

[@billjohnson3284]

I'm 6ft 6 and have been considering living on a boat but thinking realistically would I find one with enough headroom for me because it'd have to be one with a good few inches higher than my height for me to be comfortable

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

There is a few boats with higher head height, I wish you luck finding a boat 😊

[@winnit54]

Hi Keyliegh , i have just helped my daughter out by buying her first narrowboat which is exactly the same sort of boat as yours. i enjoyed watching the video of the renovation you have done so far and it looks great. Her boat lacks a rear pram cover, was yours already fitted, and do you have any details of the particular pram cover.? Iam thinking of building one for her, Good look Thanks

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi thank you for your comment. The boat came with covers on the front and back. I will check who made them and make another comment below. Kayleigh.

[@winnit54]

Hi Kayleigh, Many thanks for your reply reference the boat cover any info you give me would be helpfull, also measurements of the pram frame should you find the time would be gladly appreciated , thanks again, Tony

[@johnmac6202]

Sorry didn't get your names but mine is john and I live in new Zealand, on the other side of the world. You can take pride in what you have done, it looks great. How long to get this far? As soon as the virus is done I am heading back to the uk and buying a Narrow boat. cheers for now.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi John that’s exciting. Do you have a type/ size of narrowboat in mind? Thank you the project took just short of 8 weeks to make the boat liveable since then it’s just been bits and bobs. I don’t think a boat is ever finished. Kayleigh.

[@felbrook]

Hi well done on what you have done so far have you been out on it yet? Can l ask how much you paid for it and when as this is something my husband and l are thinking of doing next year

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Debbie. Yes I am a continuous cruiser now I live on my boat full time. The boat was valued at £27,500 when I bought it 18 months ago and have since spent around £10,000 doing it up. It was definitely a project boat when purchased. Good luck if you decided to go for it, it’s a brilliant way of life!

[@melmarsh3247]

id love to live on a longboat, does anyone know how much the couple paid for the boat/ makeover?. How much is a good solid 2nd hand boat like their one? ... any tips gratefull

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi the boat was listed at £27,500 when we purchased it. We have since spent around £10,000 on renovations 😊

[@betpatpatten3840]

Will you be keeping the boat? Or will you be putting it up for sale? Might be fun after you fix it all up would be to turn it around and sell it and get another project of fix up. Doing this to her three times would give you plenty of money to reinvest in the next project with the goal of a completely paid for both with a savings account built up for repairs in the future (like new blocking or fixing broken pump, cooker, fridge whatever!!! Boat is really looking great kiddos! Hopefully you only payment free at this point!!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Yes the plan is to keep the boat and make it an off grid home. Hoping to start cruising the network in early spring next year. 😊

[@fernandadegio1111]

How much did cost you to do all the upgrades/jobs please?xx

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi it cost around £8000 😊

[@WalsallHypnotherapy]

Can you tell me about the blind behind your head while your talking please

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi they are ikea black our blinds. We have fitted them throughout the boat.

[@zaraharris1902]

How much does it cost to take the boat out of the water? :)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Zara it costs around £400 depending on how it is taken out. If you go into a dry dock it’s much cheaper 😊

[@betpatpatten3840]

What kind of full-time jobs do you to have? What is your education level?

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi, it’s just me now. University level education. I’m an operations manager for a software company. Kayleigh

[@joesoy9185]

The inane background music is a turn-off.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Sorry you didn’t enjoy it. We felt it was a good fit to the video.

[@michaelfowler8174]

The music didn't bother me at all. Must just be your ears.🤣

[@AndreasDuessca]

Rude people are a far bigger turn-off.

[@vadmal5210]

Well done!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊