Not The Best Start Back To Narrowboat Life...

Our Italy road trip has come to an end! 🚐💨 We travel up through France to the ferry stopping off at Troyes on the way. We have LOVED this road trip but are super excited to get back to the boats...unfortunately our first day back to narrowboat life isn't all plain sailing!
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👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
Follow us along to see our adventures, ups, downs, mishaps and lots of boating about!

[@BenandEmily]

🎼 All music by @bennyjonesmusic Follow this link to discover his music, youtube, instagram, gigs and other happenings! linktr.ee/BennyJones

[@evelynsutton4411]

Dr. Who has two hearts!!

[@penelopecrichlow7238]

I didn’t see yr comment til I posted. Great minds think alike.what they now need is his sonic screwdriver x

[@evelynsutton4411]

@@penelopecrichlow7238 That would be a great help!

[@BenandEmily]

ah ha! 😀

[@v8makoshark]

At least Alans outboard is purring away !!🐱

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@jaredkelsey9964]

Best credit roll footage! Alan purring is the best

[@theubiquitusgastronaut8273]

I applaud both your happiness and frugality. Utter admiration.

[@AnIdiotWithaWhisk]

"Because beans on toast is illegal in mainland Europe" made me LOL! 🤣It must be so nice to be with purry little Alan again! 🥰 I hope you are able to fix all your engine problems soon and that it won't be too expensive! 🤞

[@sianwarwick633]

Because fagioli and pasta is unknown to them

[@bennyhill4228]

Massive shout out to Emily's Dad , great video guys, and journey for all, Thank you 🥰

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@dougquaid]

Octopus’s has three hearts , I’m amazed too.

[@philroberts7238]

Earthworms, I believe, are cardiacally over-endowed. Mind you, not everything I learnt all those decades ago at primary school have turned out to be true, so best not to take my word for it.

[@carycoombe3380]

Loved the sneaky cat paintings on the buildings in France.

[@flopsymopsy7088]

Yes, delightful and so well done!

[@BenandEmily]

They were so sweet 😻

[@rustyknight6190]

Time Lords have two hearts! Happy to see you back, enjoyed the trip, but nice to see Alan ... I mean the boats again 😂 Was disappointed that we didn't get any Alan updates while you were abroad, half expected her to start her own KZbin channel!

[@MelG-ut3hs]

Just love you two and your vlogs doesn't matter if you are travelling in the van or on the boats. The most important thing is that you made it safely back in the van. You can sort the other problems. Take care.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much! 🥰

[@gaiabreeze]

We are in Northern Michigan at the foot of Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City. We have an incredible French Canadian baker, Gilda. He makes such beautiful pastries. It was one of the reasons we wanted to move here. I have also commented that my only real trip abroad was barging in England. Some of the locks were very difficult to budge We remember Chester best. Britain was great in '98. I was also thrilled with our visit to Kew Gardens before we flew back home. Thank you for sharing your lovely life and give Alan a little nose bump from me

[@markd3250]

Alan purring at the end was the best lol! I thought your vacation to Italy was great. As much as I enjoy the boat, it's you two that are what keeps me coming back each week. You're both a lovely couple and lovely individuals. I enjoy your adventures, your cuisine (beans on toast never looked so good!) and just the general ambience of the way you are as people and with each other. That little village of Troyes looked like something out of a video game. Many of those towns in Italy looked like that too, although Italy seems to be in better shape. Half those buildings in Troyes looked about to fall down. Take us on some little side trips to English villages. Even though it's probably just home to you, to those of us in different countries, it's all very charming and interesting!

[@zoegodfrey2910]

Worms have multiple hearts too ;) 5 of them. :D

[@herbhook71]

Byebye I will miss seeing you all and sweet Allen 😻

[@Angryhippo9117]

We live in SW France where prices are much different to eastern France where you are close to The Côte d’Azur, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Fuel Prices are always more expensive on motorway services wherever you are. French would rather take the A roads (RN/N roads in France) to avoid motorway charges but although the journey takes longer, you do see much more of the countryside and beautiful towns and villages. Please come visit us… we have a B&B plus a large garden and field so plenty of space for your van! We’re only 1 hour from Spain and 2 hours from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas in a lovely farming area with views of the Pyrenees.

[@dancarter482]

_HEAVEN!_

[@narrowboat-life]

Wood framed buildings Known as Colombage is the architectural style and the finish is called stucco, hope that helps. Welcome to rainy Oxfordshire

[@svenswwis436]

"I'm not sure". That is the notable quote of this episode🙃🙂.

[@BenandEmily]

😅

[@Roy66Nott]

Sorry to hear your troubles with the boats, but the good news is that the van got you all thd way there and back safely. So the problems you have now are easily fixed and you'll soon be on your way again ❤

[@BenandEmily]

🤗

[@rachaelfratczak1846]

Aww stay positive guys! It must have been so frustrating for you after such a lovely holiday (which was amazing to watch by the way) but you'll get sorted and at least Allan is contented and purring bless her. Great vlogs 👌

[@yorkienick_og]

What a loveley evening to take Rambler for a walk.........!!

[@BenandEmily]

It really was! 😄

[@islandgirl581]

Lovely to watch your "van adventure " but great to welcome you back home ❤ I was born n bred on the mainland but have lived on the Isle of Wight for nearly 40 years. When you talk about going "up norf" you have to put on a faux Yorkshire accent....its the law 😂😂😂 Said it before and i will continue to do so.....thank you for being such lovely people. I forget the world while watching you ❤

[@ciderman1950]

I am envious of your lifestyle. ❤

[@johandemondt8028]

Machines and things can be broken. Most important is that your health is good 👍

[@BenandEmily]

Very true 🤗

[@Rachellovescheese]

Aww , ALAN! ❤️❤️❤️ hope you got sorted guys. I loved watching your adventures, I look forward to more when you can xxx

[@user-ky4rz2sn8v]

Hi guys, and welcome home. Nice to see you both are back in the UK looking forward to your new video’s. Jon🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@davidgormley4419]

Best end to a video after all the hassle is always a contented Alan.

[@BenandEmily]

😺

[@suziefloozie3190]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again ….. you two (and Alan) are THE best! Thank you for sharing your travels with us - we’ve loved every second. ❤ So sorry you’re having problems with Rambler.

[@margaretwilliams3504]

Because they are built out of green oak (unseasoned oak) and as it dries it twists and changes shape. You can never poredict how. :-) xx

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks! 😊

[@johngrober6244]

Glad your back ,italy was great but we love the boat ✌️👍

[@elizabethcranswick2065]

Time Lords have 2 hearts..

[@YolaWells]

You did inspire me to now book a holiday for my son to Italy he always wanted to go and your vids really helped I personally enjoy anything you put out around this country or abroad not all of us can afford holidays so coming along with you is great and very educational a big thankyou love you both xand allan

[@BenandEmily]

Awww lovely! Hope he has a great time! Thank you so much for coming with us! 🤗

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Every day should be like paradise. Thank you for your adventure.

[@mommahil4323]

loved it all - and thought I was hearing the new engine for a minute at the end there! miss Purry Pants

[@Roo-s_Life]

Oh my goodness Alan looked so happy to have you back 😍 xx

[@BenandEmily]

😻

[@jameswallace7709]

Honda outboard mech here. They do make parts for it but still bin it. Don't leave the next engine in the water all the time. The gearbox is probably wrecked from this. Check that there isn't a blocker stopping it going in gear if the revs are up. Its been a few years since I've worked on this family of old honda's. Inboard engine you have is probably either a partially blocked fuel filter, or the idle needs turning up a smidge. Which if you look where the throttle cable operates the fuel pump, there will be a screw you can adjust to hold the idle speed higher. But change fuel filter first.

[@winstonsmith8441]

Genuinely curious. How would being in the water wreck the gearbox since the gearbox is sealed to retain the lubricant? We would always lift our outboard out of the water but that was because we were towing the boat. Even if you do raise the outboard when not in use, it does spend cumulative months in the water with use. I will sometimes go offshore fishing on commercial charters and they always have their outboards in the water when moored in the marina. Again, not criticizing. You are an expert so please educate me. Thanks.

[@jameswallace7709]

@@winstonsmith8441 corrosion. I accept it's fresh water use so its much reduced. Also, most lower end units the gearbox seals have gone and over time water gets in. Ive known very few not to have some form of emulsification in the gearbox oil. Theres also the weed growth. I know a boat that clocked up about 1500 - 2000 hrs a year salt water use, and theres almost no corrosion on it at all as its left trimmed up when not in use. Ive been messing about with outboards for 20 years and ive seen enough corroded gearboxes etc in my time so far.

[@winstonsmith8441]

@@daveide6396 I understood the problem was in the lower unit but I really appreciate your thorough response. Thanks.

[@winstonsmith8441]

@@jameswallace7709 Thanks James. I appreciate the explanation.

[@lizcleere]

Speaking as a marine (sailboat) liveaboard for 20 years, I agree. We never leave the outboard in the water if we're not using it, we hang it along with the dinghy from our davits. The commercial day-tripper power boats here (southeast Asia) always pull their outboards out of the water when not in use too. Even fishermen with outboards from the Dark Ages pull them out to dry! Mind you, seawater is bloody toxic...

[@raymondneale8414]

Good attitude stay calm❤❤❤

[@PippinInAction]

Loved seeing your van conversion and Italy trip - I don’t mind if it’s boat or van adventures, I really enjoy watching you guys 🙂

[@stephennowicki7158]

Good luck with the engines!

[@theseriousprepper4372]

Perhaps getting a retractable awning for the area so that you keep it down when it’s nice and put it up when it’s raining. Another great video thank you.

[@mastercraft5798]

Well that's a shame, but all is not lost, as long as you have the time and the finance to get things sorted. Thoroughly enjoyed the Italy vlogs, really picturesque and interesting. Best of luck with the engine's repair/replacement.

[@sallysmith155]

Love watching your vlogs.Alan look happy to see you both. I havyLove following you both on your avengers.And so looking forward to next week vlog.😊😊🐱

[@louiselage7740]

Awww...hope it all goes well! You know, these things always seem to just happen and you mustn't be disheartened! You had an incredible trip, brought back lovely memories (and pasta) that will be with both of you well into your golden years. I am so thrilled that you two wonderful people are traveling, learning, experiencing and growing! Much love and best wishes, Louise 🍁

[@robertcummins8990]

Thanks for your entertaining blog. Hope you get the engine change sorted . I like your upbeat but honest account of your experiences .

[@ianeglintine882]

Loved your van adventures guys but great to see yous back on the canal 😀

[@MotownJT]

Wasn’t able to see the end of the video but read the comments here. You two are strong and brave together and will see this through. Lots of people here have knowledge. Sending prayers.

[@petergeorgew6208]

Just stumbled upon this vlog. Albeit not ideal conditions for you, re the boat engine, you still were so happy, a lovely couple. Will be catching up on all your vlogs…👍🏻😊

[@dexterfitben]

They used to have those vending machines shops in the US in the 40s/50s...more recently been revived in places like Japan and Korea and re-adopted by western some countries. "Vending Food Automation and History" ...its a thesis waiting to be written kids!

[@daveffs1935]

When you get your engine, order an impeller kit and change the oil, they've usually been sat for a while and the impeller cracks up

[@conniechurches5831]

Love the little van excursion such beautiful filming! Very sorry for the tough restart of boat life, Sending love and support that all goes smoothly 💞

[@user-rk4to3fe8i]

I loved your trip in the van, a nice break and holiday for you but back to boat life now yeah

[@PnwChillin]

Alan looked so happy ❤

[@brightstar586]

Loved your Italian road trip and the interesting tours around places I had no idea existed, it was thoroughly enjoyable. So sorry you're having engine problems with both boats, that's really bad luck! Hope you get it sorted soon x

[@jeanniehyde8090]

Welcome 🥳🎉🥂🇬🇧 back 👏🏾☕️great to see Alan again 💕🎉🥳💕Watching 👀 all the ads to help you guys out xx 💋 hopefully 🙏🏽the boats will be sorted soon 🥰🤗🤗💕really enjoyed your overseas travel xx

[@gavlarrrrr]

I’ve been to trois 3 times. Lovely place

[@christinemcintosh1450]

I just bought a boat. I hope I get to meet you both and Allen. So excited

[@user-we1qm9sl3i]

Very enjoyable. Love the hat matey. Style

[@janistotham-davies4300]

I so loved your road trip, it was so interesting as I have never done that though always wanted to. Troyes was utterly fabulous, what awesome buildings there were, wow weesickles!

[@lynmoore8355]

omg how awesome is this buildings and statues in france.....oh no poor rambler... but hey stay strong there is an engine for you just around the next bend in the canal.... at least you have the other boat and you have Alan.....

[@MrCptjohn]

Great to see you both back ❤

[@susannahwhitaker994]

I feel something went wrong and I fully understand you not involving us, Just take care two really fun and watchable people. Glad you are back ,but oh! I enjoyed your trip 🤗

[@Marg-nt7qm]

what went wrong then??

[@islandgirl581]

What? What's makes you feel that x?x

[@BarbaraInSunnyQld]

I have so enjoyed all of your Italian trip with all of your adventures. How great for you to be back on the boats, although sad for your engine problems. So, back to boating with a vengeance! I really look forward to your vlogs. Thank you for sharing your lives.🎉😊

[@scotthunterTD]

@@Marg-nt7qmthe engine problems

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@KarenBell-hr7gk]

Love your video look forward to them . Love benny music .

[@simonmills2375]

You guys are mechanical geniuses. OMG. But also funny😊

[@andreaPat70]

Sorry you have returned to problems with the boats. I hope that they get sorted soon. I don’t usually enjoy travel vlogs but you are so good at finding really interesting places. I have never thought of Italy as somewhere I was keen to travel to but you have definitely changed my mind. They should hire you to promote tourism to different countries as you are so good at it.

[@dougquaid]

Mountains of light.

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@patriciahealey3924]

Green wood was used when buildings were put up in a hurry and as it dried it bowed, hence the shape of some buildings. Hope all is well with you now youre home. Thoroughly enjoyed the Italian trip and well jealous xx

[@ethelmini]

Not so sure. Trees don't grow straight, especially not the hardwoods they'll have used. It would have been very wasteful & expensive to cut them square & you'd be cutting through the grain in a way that'd make it more likely to warp. Expect the best straights they could cut are facing out of the wall to make the walls as flat as possible. Some irregularities inside the wall would help to lock the filler in, If they were flat, parallel, sides it'd be easier for it to fall out & slide about

[@samwright8599]

I loved watching you holiday, I can't understand people not watching. Emilys trousers were fantastic ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️

[@yvonnebailey9973]

I also loved watching the Italian holiday. Also love watching boat life. I'm also subscribed to Benny's channel. It's nice to see people enjoying and having a variety in their life.

[@joannefildew9092]

Panzanella could be a good use for that stale bread! Right will carry on watching!😊

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I'd love staying in France for a bit. All the incredible history, is why. Also have some French family. I was raised on our hundreds of lakes, and rivers, in Oakland County Michigan. We've had a bunch of small boats over the years. My dad used to have several trolling motors. A couple electric, and a few petrol. With your solar collection, and a big battery, you could use a good sized electric trolling motor, and run it off the sun.

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Benny and Emily, the French definitely do the best pastries they taught the Vietnamese how to bake bread and pastries that’s why they’re so yummy. Keep up the good work love the videos. Hope the band was working good for you if it’s rocking don’t bother knocking LOL

[@jackiejones1684]

Well I'm sad the van trip is over. Another interesting town, you certainly know how to find them! So sorry to hear about the engine troubles. Hope you get them resolved quickly and with not too much expense.

[@sandrakent8049]

Lovely to see your journey and see you back in swing of things always enjoyable!

[@gracens5548]

Time Lords (Dr. Who) have two hearts haha, cows have two stomachs ; ) Loving your channel💛

[@judymurphy3842]

Ben & Emily, thank you so much for taking us on your trip. We have thoroughly enjoyed every video. Wasn't Ellen so pleased to see you. Love from New Zealand.

[@jasondudley7523]

Been a brilliant journey travelling with you guys,looking forward to youre next adventure...

[@franteague4555]

The Doctor has 2 hearts.

[@sparsh415]

Emily`s Dad would make a good Dr Who..

[@ronaldhornsey7453]

Glad to see you back I stopped following you in van as I only like your boat trips and look forward to your trip up north where I live 😊

[@nataliehirstflores4376]

Loved watching your trip to Italy! 🇮🇹 Thank you ☺️ We were looking for a van around the same time as you and visited base vans too! Your conversion is fab - wishing many more happy travels! 🚐🌍❤️

[@carole3734]

I'm sure all will be well. You two always find ways to sort even the most awkward of things. Hope you got your bedding back to the boat OK. Take it steady both and give Alan a cwtch ( a welsh cuddle with 50% more!) from us!

[@jodie5238]

ALAN❤ your back on KZbin 🎉🎉🎉

[@BenandEmily]

😻

[@user-nt6zd8ny3w]

Oh no. Definitely not the first journey for boatlife you needed. You're always so positive and chilled. A lesson for us all. No good stressing over things. Life's too short. Great to see Alan again. I'm sure she's had lots of cuddles to make up for lost time. Good luck with the boat engines. Xx

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

Loved your Italy/France adventures. Alan glad to see you both and fingers crossed you get engines sorted xx

[@MyBohemianDreams]

You could get a pony to pull Rambler. Then Alan could ride on the pony's back.

[@richardjensen6753]

Now I'd pay good money to see that!!! Maybe sell tickets?

[@philroberts7238]

Die Musikanten von Bremen!

[@bennyjonesmusic]

I highly approve of this option...! Though someone told me that you aren't allowed horses on the tow path. I hope it isn't true...😢

[@BenandEmily]

😅What a great idea!

[@manonchampagne7846]

The big rooster and the UFO like building reminds me of Benny 's album cover 😁

[@brendanschuierer4678]

Enjoyed your trip through your eye's & video. I actually felt like I was there. Only wish I could have experienced the amazing food. Good luck with your engine problems. Kindest regards from Florida USA.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for following along! We ate too much pizza 😅 It was good though!!

[@damianbutterworth2434]

Alan looks like she been eating like a land lover. :)

[@PickingPaul1]

I cruised up the south Oxford over a month ago and spotted rambler and saw Allen prowling about, I was trying to call her 😅 but she paid me no attention. Welcome back! Great vlog

[@orchidhouse297]

Loved the Italy and Europe footage. Point of interest - a lot of houses in America are wood frame construction, insulated and covered with boards/planks/shingles/clapper board, or in America - sidings. I am loving the mixture of footage, boat, music, food, scenery, building, - in any order of importance. I expect you get a lot of 'helpful suggestions' about the engine. My pennyworth - how clean is the fuel - water, sludge, beetles. Have fun. Hope you get it sorted soon.

[@kjh789az]

Summer boat life to look forward to! What's private stays private. Fair enough!

[@dwansbo]

The problem with the diesel stalling could be in the transmission. Depending on the make there is usually 2 clutches, one for ahead and one for astern. When you change gear from one direction to the other the first clutch is not releasing properly, causing drag when you engage the second gear. This can be caused by incorrect adjustment, wear, loss of hydraulic pressure or the incorrect oil. Many times I have encountered boaters who, because they call the reversing transmission a "gearbox" fill it with gear oil. This can cause the clutches to drag stalling the engine. Use either ATF or dngine oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

[@darlenemiller847]

YOU TWO ARE SO DELIGHTFUL. THANKS FOR TAKING ME ALONG. BE SAFE! BLESSINGS 🙏🐾🩵

[@FireStormintheTARDIS]

I actually really enjoyed your Italy trip. Yes, I found you because of the boat thing, but really, your adventures are fun to watch and it's nice to see different parts of the world when you travel. I have been to the Amalfi coast and Pompeii but never made it around the whole country. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@yvonnebailey9973]

I totally agree.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much for watching and following along with our travels! 🤗Loved the Amalfi coast and Pompeii when I went a few years ago!

[@denisefreeman2123]

So there is an I Ching number that says……difficulty at the beginning bodes well for the enterprise….. You’re starting a new chapter and upgrading for your next adventures! All is well!❤

[@joschmidt7621]

YEEEES!!! you gotta buy all the good pasta!!!!

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

goode vid on channel on you van trip now on your way to the boat cranking it liveing the dream hope get the boat fixed thanks four thew vids

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another ace video guys ❤

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Loved your journey into France & Italy. 💖

[@stevenginnever5343]

Welcome back to Blighty guys. Hope you sort your problems without to big a financial hit. Will be nice to see you up north.

[@peakybean]

You two bring so much joy, good luck up North 🥰

[@user-pq1zb7gt2x]

Hi nice to see you back on your boat. Enjoyed your tours in your motorhome. How old is Alan. Looking forward to more of your boating videos.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for watching! 😊Alan is about 9 or 10 , she's a rescue so not 100% sure

[@lauriepearce8266]

My little Moggy refused to have anything to do with me after we spent 4 weeks in Spain. Two days before she declined to snuggle and purr for me.