BOAT LIFE Q&A | Why live on a boat? What's our story? Is it cold? Worst & best things?... | EP14

EPISODE 14 - Q&A
This week we answer YOUR questions about living full time on a narrowboat. You'll find out things you never knew you needed to know about us, Alan's vow of silence finally comes to an end and Ben discusses alternative ways to power a narrowboat....
Thanks to everyone who sent us a question, we were a bit overwhelmed but answered as many as we could without making an hour long video 😆 Thanks so much for watching!
🎼 All music by Benny Jones @bennyjonesmusic
Follow this link to discover his music, youtube, instagram, gigs and other happenings! linktr.ee/Benn...
🪕GET BENNY'S NEW CD HERE- bennyjones.ban...
Find the Pet Fruit, Veg and Beans here - www.etsy.com/u... 😁
If you would like to support our channel please like, subscribe, comment and share! ☕ If you would like to buy us a coffee to help support our channel, you can do that here - www.buymeacoff... Thank you!
All music by Benny Jones aka Bingo Harry.
You can find us on instagram here - / ben.and.emily
If you are new here, hello! We're Ben (aka Benny) 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!

[@apollo11guy]

Enjoyed how you mixed up the recording locations rather than just sitting at the table for the entire show; much more interesting, including the costume changes.

[@atir4u]

I love your interior of this video. The wood colour, the yellow paint, the ceiling is exquisite, the dinnet that you can put down and make a cozy space. And your q&a is good 😊

[@headshunter]

Thank you, much love to you both, I told you I was an amputee stuck in a wheelchair, well, some good news, I took my first steps with a training leg last week and hope to be up and about soon xx

[@BenandEmily]

Hi Steve, that's brilliant news so happy to hear it! 😊 All the best and positive powers being sent your way 😊

[@irenedavo3768]

How are you doing?

[@jewelrussell8288]

Fantastic news!

[@sharoncampbell206]

Watching it, again, and again, (LOL), I love the nature you can see and hear, daily, and love the decor of the boat, and love the little stove so much, and I do wish I had one, and love the places you visit...love the people, pets and farm animals..and you and Alan!

[@charleselswick5404]

It's great to learn more about you guys! Awesome couple, & can't wait to see more. 😀 Good luck on your continuous adventure!

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Charles, thank you! We've had a pause on moving so we can get work and chores done. But will be moving again soon : )

[@MuddyHuddy259]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Change of scene for each question was inspired.

[@andrewnorris5415]

They are a creative couple, and soul-inspiring.

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you Lisa 😊

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks Andrew, you are very kind to say so 😊

[@BoatTime]

Didn’t know Alan was American 😂 Loved learning more about you all 🥰 thanks for the mention too!

[@BenandEmily]

Her accent seems to change every time she speaks, I think that was a bit accidental on our part 😂 Hey no worries, you are experienced when it comes to the care of super fluffy friends 😊

[@NarrowboatNogginTheNog]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Q&A. Informative and refreshingly open and honest. Alan should have her own channel!

[@BenandEmily]

Don't put ideas in her head (or ours!) hehe Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@jennachniel4789]

I thought this was Alan's channel????

[@shirleydaras6355]

Thanks for all the info, loved, loved when you were chatting for Allen 😺❣️ you both are lovely,❤️🦋🌺💙

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Shirley, so glad you enjoyed it, yes we had a bit of fun with that, and ALna can be quite chatty sometimes... take care, Ben and Emily 😊

[@simonbiggs9102]

What a wonderful episode. Hopefully 1 day I would like to meet you both.

[@wharfedalehome]

Ben & Emily - I loved this, it made me smile and laugh too. You both came alive. I was particularly impressed by Alan's comments as well - a very thoughtful cat - Tim

[@BenandEmily]

She can actually be quite chatty!

[@cababness]

Such a lovely entertaining Q and A! You guys are such lovely people and I loved Alan's bit in the spotlight! Keep doing what you are doing, it's great and it works. I hope you also get some quality downtime amongst all the busy boaty stuff.😊

[@gloriawaters1455]

I really admire your attitude towards your canal journey I follow you as I'm 85 and I would have loved to do what you both are experiencing take care and stay safe x

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you Gloria 😊

[@mjallenuk]

Huge thanks for the honesty ... I hope you both got as much from the questions as the folk that asked them x

[@martinabcbeers]

I was a chef on a couple of five star , gastronomic cruises in Holland/ Belgium and Alsace and Burgundy , as you say , it's never ever the same, change is constant , it was a lovely 6km an hour , locks, bridges , some of the bridges in Holland have some wonderful copies of great works of art , l can understand your worries about sinking we had a gash under the waterline , even came down to " abandon ship " was on TV in the states 😂😂 our boat was a Lux Motor 33mtr , Dutch built ' MS Margariet 'ahh the good old day's

[@kikithecrocheter74]

Awe, thank you for answering my question! Lovely answers 🤗 & I hope that helped you two (& Alan 😉) see how you really appreciate each other. Great job on all the responses! Stay safe & well! 🧶

[@BenandEmily]

It was a lovely question, thank you! sharing a small space can be challenging, but we do a good job of being grateful for each other 😊

[@slidersadventures2979]

Hello again from the foothills of Mt Rainer, Washington state. Always lovely to see you 3 and listening to the Q and A today was awesome. Sending a ton of love and positive thoughts and prayers dear family. ❤️❤️❤️

[@BenandEmily]

Hello! Thank you so much for watching it, and thanks for the positive words 😊 We send them them to you, and hopefully our positivity comes through our videos 😊

[@slidersadventures2979]

@@BenandEmily I feel like I am living on the canals through you. Although I enjoy living in the national forest of the mountains. I am enjoying your vlog's. I have been watching "Holly Cafe boat" since they created their channel, and once I saw that you started a vlog I have been watching and enjoying your lifestyle. Do you see them often? I was wondering if something happened to them, they haven't posted any vlog's in 2 weeks. Blessings and please give Allen hugs too ❤️💐🤝

[@valeriebaxter2354]

Alan is such a star over your shoulder - her face says it all.... she's sooooo cute. You have a lovely home and such a lovely couple, I'm off now to Etsy and look fwd to the Album x.

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Valerie, ah thank you! Yes Alan is a special one isn't she 😊

[@robertschetlick8946]

Diesel engines can be run on filtered used cooking oil. Collecting such from restaurants is cheap/free. Emissions smell great. It may be a viable green option for you.

[@Daytona2]

Good idea - I know someone who runs their old Land Rover on it 👍

[@BenandEmily]

A possiblitiy! I did do that on my old merc for a bit...

[@mikeboone4425]

Anything worth while you have to make an effort as these 3 have madea great success. happy trails

[@pathickman9271]

Hi Ben, hi Emily and hi Alan 🙋 I've been subscribed and watching your vlogs (from the beginning) for a couple of weeks and just wanted to let you know, that this is the best Q&A vlog I have watched (of many) 😊. I'm glad I found you as loving you content ❤

[@BrassLock]

Cheers from tropical Chiang Mai, always delighted to hear your latest stories. Enjoyed the Q's & A's, especially with the different locations and the contributions from Alan.

[@notjoeking5370]

Love Chiang Mai man!! Hope you've been hitting Doi Sutep or Inthanon if you've got the time. Some good by Mr O at Imm Aim Restaurant, enjoy,

[@BenandEmily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@craigholyoake3683]

You three are great viewing,so down to earth,myself and my wife are artisan paint makers ,we love everything you make,even bennys music,so glad I found you on KZbin.

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you Craig 😊

[@jamesedwardson605]

Keep up the good work...you two are going to make it on if you post every week... the money will come if you put in the work... very good audio work by the way...

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks James 😊

[@jewelrussell8288]

and brilliant editing😊

[@shirleydaras6355]

Benny, you answered the question properly of”how many fingers do you have? Many say 10 fingers, yet you answered correctly. 👍👍😺😺

[@BenandEmily]

hahaha glad I got it right 😊

[@Mrs.S-uk]

Lovely couple, not forgetting Alan...really enjoying your channel xx

[@jaybee8547]

Great album cover.

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Jay, thanks so much!

[@stevegething6936]

You guys are bloody great, lovely people , so chilled and natural i love your vids, and wish you both all the success you deserve...much love

[@greggtilghman6349]

Thank you Benny for putting your link tree up, I didn’t know Bingo Harry had a channel, I do now and I’m subscribed!

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Gregg, thanks, yes I do have a channel, though I need to post more often, which I plan to do! 😊

[@bigcmoore]

Nice video. If it was an option in my corner of the world I would move onto a narrow boat in a heartbeat. Living the dream!

[@BenandEmily]

Hello, ahh cheers, hey maybe there is an alternative way go you can go instead!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Great to listen to you....two drifters out to see the World...sounds like a song to me, stay safe....

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks David 😊

[@davidcharleston1314]

Lol hanging out with Emily she let you off lightly with that one 🤣

[@suzie5772]

Thank you for sharing your life ❤ You are both beautiful souls x Alan is so chilled x Love and blessings to all three of you 🙏

[@paulsee2037]

Alan is nothing like the character Hans Gruber

[@duncanwyer2460]

Great video from an ex Norwich guy

[@citroeno]

I lived in norwich never again

[@gary4983]

Charming Q and A! I really think that your being "nonlinear" is the best! Cheers!

[@BenandEmily]

Hehe thank you, I think so too 😊

[@DetroitMicroSound]

You lot are going places! Literally, and figuratively.

[@BenandEmily]

Heya, ahh thanks!!

[@DetroitMicroSound]

@@BenandEmily For sure! This channel of yours, has become one of my favorite things on all of KZbin. ❤

[@robertjamesleyland9606]

Benny,you are a top bloke. Your confidence has come on since your earlier vlogs. I'm well jell, Emily is stunning and You are both so lucky to have such a great life. My time has gone but I live my life vicariously through you two. Look forward to more of your adventures. Will be getting the album for sure.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much Robert, yes I got more used to the camera speech I guess 😊 Yes she is a lovely lady I feel grateful to have her in my life 😊 Take care, Ben and Emily

[@dougquaid]

Loved that, thanks for answering my question, so funny.

[@dewithistle910]

I absolutely love you pair! Quirky, funny, engaging and entertaining! I so look forward to your vlogs! Thanks for letting us all come along and join in the madness! 🙏🥰 Btw… I’m sure you’ve heard this before and prob don’t need to hear it again but I’m gonna repeat it anyway (😂)… I’m a Scottish lass (I use the term loosely, as my days of being a “lass” fled a wee while ago 🤣)… In Scotland we pronounce Dubh as “Doo”. Take care lovely people! 🤗😊🌻

[@BenandEmily]

Hi Dewi, cheers for watching and so glad you are enjoying our weirdness hehe.. Ahh yes I see, thank you! That will go on the list of pronunciations hehe 😊

[@bettywales3631]

Really have enjoyed your journeys. We are from the states so we have no canals or narrowboats. You and Kevin (Country Gentleman) are our very favorites to watch. Keep journeying and stay warm and safe!

[@BenandEmily]

Awesome, thank you!

[@johnmaguire9305]

Great video - love the variations in scenery. Stay true to yourselves; do what you enjoy - enjoy what you do.

[@BenandEmily]

Good advice, thanks John 😊

[@brendanschuierer4678]

Would you two lovely people consider yourselves as modern day hippies? I love you guy's, & Alan too.

[@Phil_Cleaver]

Can you do a rock video as an episode and play one of your raucous guitar tracks from being to end? Please

[@jewelrussell8288]

And absolutely love your veggies

[@willduckworth4789]

Thank you for sharing so much.

[@jraphael7044]

Loved this Q&A, your videos are great, individual and enjoyable 😊👍🎉

[@steveparkes1266]

The best question and answer vlog ever 😃 thanks for sharing 👍

[@BenandEmily]

Glad you enjoyed it! :D

[@anthonytaylor4345]

I’ve recently started following you guys and I fully understand why you love it so much,I have a German shepherd and walking him allows me to fully love our wonderful countryside,I have really enjoyed yourq&as

[@Jillslater2024]

Really enjoyed the Q and A so interesting to hear about your lives so far. ❤

[@geoffclarke8934]

Great video. Hope you both continue to enjoy life on the boat. My parents owned a boat they kept initially on the Thames in Surrey and later on on the Norfolk Broads which was cheaper and no lochs to negotiate. Have many happy memories of that boat.

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you Geoff 😊

[@edwardkrarup8816]

That was a look that you got when you said you came from another planet😅

[@leedavies3629]

Nice one am from Manchester and live in Bmouth just by the Uni ..Ben when’s ya Album out well now I know don’t do a comment till the end am going to check it out Top turns what av herd on here cheers look after each other and Alan 😺🙂✌️

[@BenandEmily]

Hey Lee, ah nice, cheers!😊

[@paulsee2037]

That was lovely and so reassuring that others speak cat, our two do the same, one very polite but the other swears and hurls insults every time I pass. What I see and hear from you is a calm tempo and pace, listening to each other and being mindful, such great skills that in this crazy world it would be good for others to copy. I am a CAMHS clinician and in my everyday work I see fractured and troubled relationships so hear you both chatting away would be a perfect template for those I see and observe. I am also so impressed with your openness with perhaps passed struggles and how brave to share to an unknown audience, but I think that is alright because of kindness of those posting. I look forward to the next episode, oh and our 16 year old daughter loved your clothes style Best wishes Paul

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks Paul , it's lovely to hear your thoughtful response to our video. We are lucky to have a great dynamic and have struggled through less understanding relationships to get to where we are now. And yes Alan has several voices and accents, the one in the video was actually a new one. I think Garfield inspires her though.. Glad she likes our slightly random style! All the best Ben and Emily

[@anniemac3075]

Thanks for the video, really enjoyed hearing your story. Big hugs to you all x

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you so much!

[@moxon2313]

Great Video - I really enjoy watching your Narrowboat Channel as well as it reminds me of when I was at College in Stourbridge as they let me drive their Boat - Plus I love seeing your Pet Cat "Furry Friend" Alan - She is very cute!

[@mikeboone4425]

You clod she is your love . happy trails

[@martinbonham1469]

Looooooovvvvved it.... brilliant..👍👍👍

[@kirstyleith391]

Thanks for answering my questions, i will let the guinea pigs know they have nothing to fear 😀 (and will check out boat life)

[@wendyjones4777]

Really enjoyed this Q&A thanks for sharing this with us.

[@jeanniehyde8090]

Love the interview with Alan 😆👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@andrewnorris5415]

Ben makes me laugh. His low key comedy is lovely.

[@Retire444]

Hi Both, It's a pleasure to follow you both (and Allan) on your adventure. I lost my youngest son just over two years ago and you remind me of his free spirit and love of life. Where can I buy your music, in a digital format which I enjoy listening too.Also, how can I buy you a coffee or sumething online. Take care and god bless.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks David, and so sorry to hear of your loss... Can't imagine how hard that must be. If you want to listen to my music, you can find it on Spotify or band camp. You can buy my new album in a digital format here bingo-harry.bandcamp.com/ . Also if you like you can get us a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/benandemily . Thanks again for watching, all the best, Ben and Emily 😊

[@jewelrussell8288]

You are an inspiring couple and are beautiful together

[@me-ti4xd]

Great work, thanks guys.😊 me and Susan the cat loved it!

[@BenandEmily]

Glad you enjoyed it! x

[@johnworboys6435]

Cauliflower cheese the best meal ever 😎😎😎

[@RAFFIREMAN2]

Really enjoyed this Q+A guys and the music is great as well see you next week?

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you, yes we have more vlogging coming next week 😊

[@Dave64track]

Loved the Q and A very informative knowing why you got into buying a boat in the first place and life with the boat brilliant.

[@Robert-ts5ze]

Very interesting and informative . Refreshingly informative and down to earth . Kudos to the 3 of you .

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks Robert 😊

[@iBrad.]

A very good insight into who you both are and how you live. Man, I love your lifestyle. Wish I had the balls to have done it when I was younger (OAP now). Keep going, you are both doing great. All the best.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying it, I don't know, I would say it's never too late, we meet plenty of older people who have gone full time. All the best, Ben and Emily😊

[@marcusmessenger4523]

Made me laugh so much!😊love watching your adventures

[@Mossywoodland]

Knockengorrach is a beautiful festie 🙂 It's the 25th anniversary this year but I only went once back in mid 00s.

[@1955mrjim]

Ben and Emily, I love watching your relaxing videos! Ben, I am a banjo guy, so I was wondering what is the make of your banjo. Also, I know there are Old Time banjo and fiddle musicians in England. Do you play any clawhammer style banjo tunes?

[@julieblackstock8650]

Refreshing honesty, Really appreciate that

[@BenandEmily]

Glad you enjoyed it Julie! :)

[@trevorpoxon401]

Hi Guys really enjoyed you sharing part of your lives with us. So nice to see 2 free spirited people enjoying their lives together. Enjoy life and live for each other xx

[@BenandEmily]

That's lovely to say thanks Trevor 😊

[@rayterry3936]

Love your blog, it has everything to cheer me up after watching Doom and Gloom on tele. What I like to ask is Have you always have that Orra, spelling unsure, about you. both of you have this peace surrounding both of you. Could it be Alan causing it ? , maybe you star signs are perfectly matched. Would love to visit but to far to travel from Southampton. Keep it up great viewing. Ray Terry

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you Ray 😊 Well we do our best to have a positive outlook and enjoying life so that must come across. And we don't watch the news that helps hehe. I think we get on well, which is important when you share such a small place with some one! All the best, Ben and Emily😊

[@andrewnorris5415]

Loved that.

[@sharoncampbell206]

I love this. Really, I do. Watching makes me feel better!

[@investigativeresearchcounc8388]

Very nice to meet you two! Following from the west coast of canada. sail on!

[@shanehumberstone5262]

That was fab,weekend happiness achieved,thanks guys

[@BenandEmily]

😊 Thanks so much Shane

[@martinosborne5715]

Nice video guys thanks for sharing. When you in Warwickshire let us know and I pop down to say hello. Thanks again. Martin 👍👋

[@fuxkthetories]

Loved the video and the imagination behind each answer. I think you two make such wonderful couple :)

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much Paul , you are very kind to say so 😊

[@CheGypsyWay]

Great Q& A 🎉✨💖

[@veesimmons2464]

Fun and informative! Thanks for sharing with us. Happy travels!

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great Q/A. You both just suit boat life, lovely people enjoying freedom that travel brings. Benny your music is Ace. 💚

[@BenandEmily]

That's very kind of you to say Sheila 😊

[@Barbarellacapsule]

Awww great answers & you re a true inspiration😘🐾🐈‍⬛

[@thehealthjunkie8996]

Loved it when Benny spoke..lol. He is very funny you're right Emily :)

[@kingsfurneaux6313]

Thank you so much for answering my question, I think that you are right about the impact being lower due to the size of a narrowboat. But, of course, I love the idea to just source a horse!

[@BenandEmily]

That's ok, thanks for watching. That is a good rhyme isn't it 😊

[@VanillaSquilla]

Allen, hitting us with the wisest of words.

[@Rollynarrowboattales]

What a Great episode love you both absolutely love bennys music will be getting on Vynal when out, I have lots ideas for my boat, hopefully might bump into you both, Luv Alan’s accsent and Emily’s work, will looking forward to more Vlogs, well Done you 3, John,

[@JonAl1966]

Ahh what lovely things you’ve said about each other. Great stuff guys. Still want to know why Alan is called Alan???

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

Best Q&A Vlog ever. The questions and you answers were great. You were both so open. Also loved Alan’s responses. The filming and editing was superb. You three definitely put a smile on my face as well as so many others. Nice of you to mention Boat Time also, with Dupes the rabbit. Looking forward to more adventures with you as well as Benny’s music. Have a good week. 🙏😊🤗 Kathy

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much, very kind of you to say 😊

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

No wonder Benny has a sense of style...you are an interesting couple with a different take on doing vlogs..love it.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much Marjorie 😊

[@yapyapdotcom7774]

A very interestig QnA, I envy your lifestyle, free of town or city life, which is becoming more and more disturbing regarding safety and unsociable behaviour, It`s a pleasure to see your videos and look forward to seeing many more.

[@BenandEmily]

Heya, thanks so much for watching! We do have the odd moment on the canal with strange characters, but on the whole it is peaceful. All the best, Ben and Emily

[@guygfm4243]

Good video just love the cat talking. Thanks for sharing

[@PinkLittleElephant]

Loved the format for the Q&A. What do you do about registering with GP (doctor) without a permanent land address?

[@BenandEmily]

Hiya! We are registered with the last GP we had when we did have an address 😊

[@leoparadis8036]

Thanks for the great video. Good honest and funny answers.

[@sylviawright5181]

Well done Benny ,Congratulations ,I thought you were a Yorkshire lad ,was'nt sure with Amy " Keep on moving "

[@dreamofstorms]

Lovely vlog. Thanks very much.

[@hobbiecomics]

Your Store items Look Interesting!!! I am definitely going to check it out !!!

[@juliefarnworth9172]

Nice to watch this.you are both lovely.alan is cute and you have a life that I wish I could have.keep going.love this channel.xxx

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you so much! Means a lot that you think so 😊

[@maureengilbert5063]

Thank you nice to listen to you ❤