Bolinder To The Port Day 1

[@olivethrush7450]

As a long time boater since retired I feel able to comment on the altercation and some of the comments below:- The video does not record the start of the altercation so I don't know if the 'injured party' was aggressive from start or not. However if his pins were still in when Greyhound passed I would have done the same and passed. I only held back if the boat ahead was physically moving or actually shoving off. If you stop for every boat tied on the last 400 yards to a lock you would never get anywhere. There used to be markers set on the approaches that governed who 'had the lock' for conflicting traffic for just that reason, although it does apply to boats heading the same way. Paddle gear can be handed closed quite safely. I used to do it too. What I tried to avoid was doing it in front of possible 'novices' as they may try and emulate me and when it was too heavy for their tender hands they would let it go with obvious results. I too would retract the front fender if I thought the lock would be tight for length so that I could keep off the Cill. It was also sound practice in downhill locks as the fender was more likely hang up whereas the stem iron would simply slide down (you hope.) but I am guessing that Greyhound may have been preserving the newness for looking good at The Port. The only two comments against the steerer are:- 1. Show some better Lockside manners. I found a gentle explanation of my actions worked most of the time. "Sorry! I thought you were tied up so I passed." At first I thought the girl at the lock was from the yellow boat still taking on water but my comment was/is valid even though that was not the case. There is no need for a slanging match. "Never argue with a fool as onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” ― Mark Twain! Just smile and get on with the job in hand. 2. When driving a vintage craft, be it boat, plane or car it is up to the steerer, pilot or driver to make allowances for the crafts shortcomings. Do not rely on others to do it for you. If you have poor brakes, reverse, or whatever; plan to stop safely without them. Don't use 'the scenery' and artefacts to do this for you. (it does not do your boat any good either.) and it shows up "The Boss" in a poor light too. You get along just as quick by doing it right so why do it wrong? That's it. Enjoyed the video. My how the cut has changed. I hardly recognised places like Fazely.

[@steadynumber1]

I have a great respect for working boats. Greyhound impresses me in particular for its "whaddya mean you didn't see me ?" enormous steaming light up for'ard. Particularly useful in tunnels no doubt.😀

[@mulliedog1]

Always enjoy watching over here across the pond in the States!

[@tribsat100]

Another brilliant half an hour Mike. Thankyou so much. Absolutely impeccable editing. I cant imagine anyone invoking such atmosphere any better, the contrast shots between old and new technology stunning . Regards Stuart from the frozen north.👏🏻👍

[@jasonbrant6394]

Wonderful noise ,the past truly brought to life . Not sure I would have the patience to go through the starting routine every day but glad that somebody has .

[@yellownev]

A great video, very well shot. I like others am saddened by the way the owner behaved at the lock, there is no excuse he then seemed to have lost it with his abuse of the lock following the altercation that could and should have been avoided. I like to see the old restored boats on the cut but they should not expect to have any priority in passage or lock use apart from giving them the centre of the channel wherever possible. Credit to you for the warts and all video, I am sure the owner will have reflected on his actions, it did not look well.

[@rogerbond7811]

That's what a Narrowboat engine should sound like not like a silenced 4 cylinder. I bet the the bolinder will out last a good many modern engines. As for hand dropping paddles and nosing gates open the crews of working boats did it all the time in the sixties. Love the channel. Spent a lot of time at Uxbridge lock on the GU as a child..

[@steviembaker]

Engine sounds sick to me ?

[@kenchurchill5106]

@@steviembaker no the engine is ok, the so called skipper IS SICK.

[@pinkyman5155]

It’s not a working Boat it’s a showboat, so no excuse for abusing the locks, Because the old bargees used to do it doesn’t make it right. I think this is more of an ego issue for the camera.

[@chaswarren7239]

@@pinkyman5155 lowering the paddles using the friction of your hand is gentler & safer than using a winch handle. You need tough-ish hands & good grip of course. Opening gates with the boat can be very gentle done right. I do both when no one is around just because it is efficient.

[@savie62]

When can we have more bolinder videos 😊😊 everyone loves a bolinder 😎

[@QatarSandMan]

Nothing a punch in the teeth wouldn't fix. Watched it as far as he tried to trash the lock.

[@dalejones4184]

Considering their livelihood is dependent on the Canal and River system staying serviceable and open, they do not show much care about operating through the locks, ramming gates and free handing the paddles down. Maybe that is the difference between leisure and business use? Seems very angry and hope we never meet!

[@mykaskin]

Putting the paddles down by hand isn't a problem as you brake them with your hands and you do have a lot of control that way - better than having the windlass fall off like I see so many times and the paddle then just drops - far worse! Hitting the gates is classed as poor form, but he wasn't having a good day and huge amounts of canal infrastructure has disappeared or been placed incorrectly by the waterways authority due to mismanagement. The gates are actually far stronger than you would give credit for however and can cope with the odd bump so long as its in a place that its expected.

[@dalejones4184]

mykaskin Why then did they cruise with the Bow button fender raised? Engine sounds great though, wouldn’t want them passing me in the dark.

[@kenchurchill5106]

@@mykaskin what load of cods wallop. Seriously bad boat handling. In fact boat handling noted by its absence.Sadly a typical arrogant ‘ I have a bollinder in my false trading boat” bone head.

[@YellowPinkie]

@@dalejones4184 so it fits in the locks...

[@YellowPinkie]

@@kenchurchill5106 You know a Bolinder doesn't have a reverse gear, so it has to be stopped at top dead centre and then rotated the 'wrong' way to get reverse. Tat's why he was stopping the boat with the rope as would be normal. He can't be blamed for a badly placed and rotten bollard can he?

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Sounds really great. But I definitely wouldn't want to stay in all those Diesel fumes/smoke nor hearing that loud noise the whole day. Cannot be healthy at all! Nevertheless: Thanks a lot for keeping this fantastic boat running. Also for making recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you.

[@ramseybarber8312]

Hi Mike good vlog , abit of canal rage there, Don't know if you know but there is a ship on Lake Titicaca in Peru the Yavari with a 1912 4cyl Bolinder overhauled 4 years ago by The man from Bolinder ther was a 2cyl in the Museum at stoke bruerne don't know where it is now.Cheers

[@narrowboatclips4116]

Nothing like the sound of a vintage engine!!

[@boatingbaldy9211]

He’s certainly keeping CRT’s lock repair gang busy! Use the lock gates to stop and just drop the paddles, none of that winding them down business! 😣

[@chaswarren7239]

The only way to stop with a Bollinder is to stop the engine & start it in reverse - hardly practical, so instead you use strategecally placed bollards & a string to stop them, But if the wooden post is rotten that is CRTs fault, not the steerers. Keeping heritage boats alive is about how they are used & were used as well as the sound of the engine & shiny brass.

[@pinkyman5155]

No wonder my boat license is so expensive, the canal and river trust must spend most of it repairing broken locks that have been rammed 😡

[@duffmcbaine4865]

Good job it’s not windy, could be a ‘hairy’ experience 😂

[@mgoulet58]

Think he’s breathing to much diesel fumes

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Me too!

[@mjallenuk]

OK is there a Day 2 coming... it would be smashing if there was fella!

[@mykaskin]

Yep. Make sure you're subscribed!

[@mjallenuk]

@@mykaskin I have been for a few years now chap! Ever since Dan and Keri introduced you to me, not that you'll remember that!

[@kenchurchill5106]

Lord help us what damage he will do on day 2.

[@mjallenuk]

@@kenchurchill5106 All of it ... he'll do all the damage.

[@kenchurchill5106]

DITTO

[@robbysteele]

brilliant video thank you

[@devinhaisma]

That engine isn't quite running right

[@aib0160]

That engine isn't running right, my guess is the governor isn't set up correctly.

[@mykaskin]

The engine is spot on and doing what it should. It's a hit and miss governor, but the clutch is slipping so there isn't much go!

[@workingboat]

Why do Bolinders sound like they are about to conk out

[@mykaskin]

Usually because they are but the hit and miss governor gives it that unique beat. Have a look at my starting a bollinder video which explains the workings of the engine.

[@johnpollard4998]

The demeanour and boat handling within locks is CRAP. The counter on boat is out of water and from my experience of narrowboats the propeller does not bite the water , meaning it will not stop easily in reverse. Hope I never have the misfortune to meet you people.

[@jucemaber]

fantastic. thank you. desde Argentina

[@iivaridark6850]

Great video! at 23:30 vey enlightening too... Thinking how the mankind might have gone a little wrong on developing engines after that one was designed!

[@C...G...]

:-) looking forward to watching more!

[@kenchurchill5106]

What more ignorance, arrogance and accidents banging into bottom gates and snapping off bollards. He needs reporting and billed for damage caused.

[@C...G...]

@@kenchurchill5106 the wooden post of the bollard that snapped was clearly rotten and not fit for purpose. when the boat came up against the bottom gates, there was no damage caused. how can you say that he needs reporting and billed for damage caused? why don't you go ahead and report him yourself, seeing as you feel so strongly about it?

[@rapido2962]

The meek shall not inherit the earth - only the bits the strong don’t want!

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

And that is why my friends the locks and paddles of our beautiful canal network are in such a bad condition - there is NO EXCUSE to crash Into them like he did - bad boat handling skills 😠😠

[@mykaskin]

I think you misunderstand, the infrastructure has been removed or put in the wrong place for many years by CRT and their predecessors thus moving boating difficult or dangerous for boats like this. I don't any issue with paddles?

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Lovely historical boat. Sorry push button for me.

[@davidbutler4363]

😁👍👏👏👏

[@iancox1070]

A one man environmental disaster doing more for people that dislike canal boats than any other cause I can think of. Think that poor Bolinder could do with someone that cares about it. And God knows how much it costs the Authorities to repair the damage he causes.

[@rubbberrobbie]

A real pleasure to watch 👍

[@nicevans6827]

jumps in front of someone who is clearly setting the lock for their boat, then proceeds to smash the crap out of the lock doors by driving into them. Classic entitled, elderly narrowboat owner. If you're in a rush, don't take a narrowboat.

[@julianswinden4413]

This video is a shame.

[@terryhall8096]

i think he is obnoxious

[@anthonycrook-rumsey6189]

what an arrogant man ,very poor lock work thinks he is king because he has an old boat