Coventry by Narrowboat and the Costs of Living Aboard 1 Year - Episode 46

We spend three nights in Coventry and marvel at the Cathedrals there, climb 180 steps up the tower.
We add up the costs of living aboard Narrowboat Constanze in our first year aboard.
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[@joangilday1298]

I'm a U.S. subscriber from Massachusetts. Discovered your channel just a few days ago and have been watching your vlogs starting with #1 every day and night. I have to say, as a history lover, this one is my absolute favorite. I really enjoyed Rich's talking about Coventry Cathedral -- the stained glass windows in the new one are so beautiful. Also found the bit about the 100 flats which turned out to be 30 something very interesting. Keep cruising and giving history lessons!

[@steved8038]

I didn't realise how beautiful Coventry cathedral is.and that organ!!. beautifully videos and mixed with the wonderfull countryside made this outstanding . Wonderful to get out and about with you on your visits.Thank you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We were really surprised at how nice Coventry was and the cathedral was stunning

[@afringedweller]

You two are warm, open, thoughtful of your audience, (re: what you think we'd like to know) fun, attractive, have a good relationship, and are very, very brave; Ooooh, I'm thinkin' of that little 75 yard tunnel you went through, (the one with the red & white guide and you scraped by, ("It's ok, we're going to be painting anyway...) with one or two millimetres to spare. And you're poolers, ta boot! Love you, best wishes.

[@marionjohansson4235]

I just read up on my g.g.grandfather last night. He was born in Rugby. The family was spread over that area. Think I never knew that. I just love the pictures you are sending though. I can only imagine how they lived.

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

Just wanted you to know how much I love your channel! First of all, the music is so soothing. Second, your videography of the countryside is lovely. Third, the interaction between you is sweet (and sometimes also very amusing). You seem to have a wonderful outlook on life and really appreciate your daily adventures. It is such a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much Ann. It gets more and more difficult with every vlog to come up with original content. Your comment means so much to us both xx

[@meruliouslacrimens5154]

@@FloatingOurBoat You almost apologise for using wood, but I think it's brilliant that you do, not only do you get the satisfaction of getting free wood but also you are keeping the tow path clear, and stopping such obstructions getting round your prop, all the best to you both.

[@valeriesoley2232]

Ann Goodman 6

[@dougzirkle5951]

Thank you for the helpful information! I’m certain there are many of us who are contemplating the move to living on water that will find this useful. Hard to believe a year has passed since I started the journey with you. It’s been wonderful! Thank you for letting us tag along. 💌

[@anamarian8302]

Hi to both of you, I just love your vlogs, so much to learn about living on a narrowboat thank you for sharing! 🤗

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevecooney1361]

10/10 for your vlog. So nice to see off the canal bits.

[@jamessd7677]

"Thanks for watching", no, thanks for posting, these vids brighten my day up no end when you post, only wish you'd post more, thanks fellas...

[@lisapercywolf3392]

Wonderful to see bits of Coventry. I believe that I would have been moved to tears in the ruined cathedral, in fact I nearly was just watching the vlog. I read in your reply to a comment below that you two were having trouble "coming up with original content.". Well, rest assured, we're all enjoying just getting to see what YOU'RE seeing. We enjoy watching the doggums play on the tow path and in the fields. We enjoy listening to the two of you banter and plan. We LOVE to watch Constanze, her pretty little self, cruising (or pootling!) along the canal. You can rest assured that every vlog you post is "original content", even if it's just another 10 mile stretch, and different from the one before. Enjoy, be safe, and continued good luck on your cruising.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Lisa - we were so moved by the cathedral that we hardly spoke during or after our visit. Thanks for your lovely words, it really spurs us on, Rich xx

[@lisapercywolf3392]

@@FloatingOurBoat Thank YOU for taking the time to compose the vlogs for our pleasure. They are, truly, wonderful.

[@KatelynsAdventures707]

Interesting video, loved the church ruins etc. thx again 🙏🙋‍♀️💗💗

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You're welcome

[@pietrogazzera5733]

The more I watch you, the more I'm convinced you are very good people. Thanks a lot for sharing your adventures!

[@theonetempus]

Thank you for taking us inside both cathedrals.

[@thomasfilion9064]

In the past four years my uncle's passed away in their 90s. Both were in the Navy in the war. I say it's striking to actually see the scars of war in your country. From what I understand that most everything has been rebuilt, but as a reminder that as you said " the futility of war" are important reminders of history and horror of war. It's really interesting to see, as well as the pillboxes and defense structures occasionally in videos.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

So true

[@lonestarlil]

Useless fact #27 - The sandstone for the 'new' Coventry cathedral was quarried across the valley from us, the sandstone, known as Hollington stone, came from a single seam of rock. That particular quarry was used just for that one building and is now landscaped and has a 70's build home in it. We're surrounded by small quarries but there are only 2 that still cut and dress stone now, the rest are disused. Happy travels!

[@cherryclark2572]

Loved this episode which seems a bit different from the earlier ones. Great mix of what you have seen in town, underway views of the canal, and a bit of nature at the end. Beautiful music mix, too. You give us such a great feel for life on a narrowboat, almost makes up for not having one ourselves!

[@mv4463]

Hello from Kentucky usa.i was a full time vanner for 4.5 years. it took a few weeks at a couple of hours of free time every 3 nights to get to ur last video .. now that im up to speed. I cant wait to see ur newest vids.. easy peasy. Ur a great couple.

[@revonda5204]

Beautiful in Coventry as well as very sad for the destruction. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the bit of of the organ. When I saw the beautiful stained glass I wondered if Fran were inspired for her weaving. Many years ago I did a needlepoint piece based on a stained glass design. I love seeing how people use color. Many of your shots along the canal are so inspiring especially early morning or sunsets. Thanks again for sharing your trip with us.

[@rachelmarshall3974]

Wow stunning cathedral ! And organ playing ! Lovely !

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We were so glad we made the effort - thanks for watching x

[@anthonymccabe8788]

Thanks for showing Coventry. I was born there in 1948 and my father talked about the bombing sometimes, he was ARP. I suppose you could say that my brother and I were lucky to be born at all, in one respect. We moved to Newcastle on Tyne, ( not to the city itself) shortly after I was born. I have visited Coventry once, many years ago, but the only part I remember was the cathedral, and climbing the stairs. Love your videos, take care.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Anthony - yes given the devastation of that night you certainly were lucky to be born. Was a very moving experience.

[@johnfineberg2112]

Hi Thanks so much for sharing your expenditure This has really helped me in terms of what to expect and plan for when I eventually get my own narrow boat. Thanks for you time and videos they are so appreciated. Cheers Jo

[@nanrod981]

Really like the way you decorated - super-channel!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@marynolan6627]

As always...thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@rolandpeters1]

Brilliant, and still so nice to be sharing your experiences as you go along , regards Mark

[@robertwilkes2415]

Hi Rich and Fran, great video, was good seeing Coventry Cathedral and hearing some of the organ. was interesting all your costs. Robert, Cambridge, New Zealand.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Robert.

[@sylviapage8572]

I loved the beginning of the video and Coventry Cathedral looked amazing. It’s was good to back at the cost of your continuous cruising especially for viewers considering buying a boat. I think your simple approach to boat life is right and probably much less stressful. We viewed a boat that had a back boiler on the stove and several wall mounted oil lamps. I thought it was too basic but then came to realise simple is best when it comes to boats. Thanks as always for another interesting video.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You're right Sylvia. All the extra 'comforts' and gadgets which people think they need just means more to go wrong. we love our simple life.

[@deanmills5106]

Congratulations on your first year. Your video was delightful, thank you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Dean

[@leedavies3629]

Good to c u both that is cheap 50 £ a week that is brilliant well cheaper than land life and out in the fresh air some were different everyday you can’t beat that nice one ✌️

[@algernon9324]

Thanks for another brilliant blog. Your series is really the ultimate guide on how to make the move from land to narrowboat a fantastic success. Liked your solution to the issue of charging batteries - if the engines is on you might as well cruise!

[@opathesecond5438]

I visited Coventry in 1992 and share your feelings about the cathedral. I enjoyed your pictures and wished you would have shared your times in Bath and London also both places I visited. Thanks for sharing your adventures. As y’all say in Britain, cheers!

[@clemclements999]

I live in Coventry and have seen the tapestry many many times. I never "got it". Then once I was there listening to a concert and WOW - I saw it! Absolutely amazing!

[@bartsblog7705]

This was interesting to hear how much it’s cost for your first year - and great to see around Coventry - me and Paul want to make sure we do lots of exploring 😀

[@jengaryadventurers4603]

Thank you for this journey. I deeply appreciated seeing the original Coventry Cathedral. I like the old architecture.

[@bonnytiler2119]

Once again another lovely vlog. A little bit of everything. Some history , a nice visit to Coventry Cathedral , wonderful scenery along the cut , and some great practical information on living costs on your boat.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Bonny.

[@andymurch1057]

Thank you for your latest vlog. It’s really good to hear a breakdown of costs for your first year on the boat. What a great alternative way of life and pretty cheap too. Well done and safe cruising.

[@Jackyl82334]

That was an absolutely beautiful and stunning video of Coventry, thank you, profoundly. Thank you for the actual numbers, it’s amazing to think that for us to hire a narrowboat for 10 days, most firms want close to £2400, and that often doesn’t include fuel or damage waiver. Thank you again for sharing so much detail with us.

[@tonyrobinson362]

Try lancaster boat company, Lovely couple prices very reasonable.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Hi guys! It's looking a lot brighter in there. Loved the woodpecker at the end. Sounded really close. All the best.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Cheers Sarky.

[@annie2950]

Interesting vlog Guys. Love seeing a bit of the places off the Canal as well. Thanks

[@philradnor7701]

After yet another chaotic Brexit day, how refreshing to see the peace and quiet of Coventry Cathedral, you handled it so well. The futility war and of Politicians ! Well done.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Phil. We've been keeping one eye on the Brexit goings on and it just makes us incensed so we're trying to ignore it - fat chance though. Thanks for watching.

[@alanjackson4646]

Another great video, many thanks. AJ

[@marktate460]

Thanks for this folks , very helpful to hear your yearly costings , happy cruising

[@bonniehall9551]

Breath-taking side tour☺️

[@lisasmith2065]

That was moving. Thank you so much for sharing ☺️

[@galeblair7371]

I loved “our” walk. I’ve never been to Coventry. Thank you. Much appreciated. ❤️ The white walls of your boat make such a difference. So bright (I’m a fan 👍🏻 a perfect backdrop for artworks). See you next time 🙂

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Gail, glad you like it x

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Great insight to the costs for the year. We had all good intentions of keeping a detailed record of expenses but all receipts for fuels etc have been stuffed in various draws so we will have to do a bit of digging out so at the end of the year it will be a good comparison. Interior is coming on nice, looking brighter already Mark & Deb

[@tonyrigger]

Thanks for sharing, very enlightening.

[@beckyholmes8519]

Another wonderful video and very interesting sharing your monthly expenses it seems to me it's very reasonable especially for all the lovely country side, the living close to nature the entire life style. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into making these videos your channel is one of the best.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Becky. The pleasure we get from travelling the country and the sights we see surrounded by nature has no price.

[@beckyholmes8519]

Absolutely

[@briandufty1609]

30 years ago i remeber . Blomin sluggin my way up dem stairs. Im not good on higts.thxs.xxoo

[@Artimus128]

Cheap as chips , well organised , you should be in Westminster running the show 😂😂, keep up the informative interesting vlogs 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@narrowboatawyeganna447]

Hi Folks , we also live aboard or narrowboat and our gas is for cooking only like yours and we use around 1 1/2 13kg bottles a year at a cost of around 35 quid a year , have you ever checked for leaks i the gas locker , soapy water in a squirty bottle is a good way to test the joints , thanks for another great vlog as usual 😀

[@francesmccarty1544]

Thanks for that but we have no leaks. We do a lot of cooking and bake our own bread most days. Fran

[@edmundsmith151]

Hi Great info on cathedral been to Coventry many times but never to the cathedral plus all the side views were great plus interesting info on cost of boat. see you next blog Ed

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Ed. Next time you're there, treat yourself to a visit to the cathedral, it's breathtaking.

[@garrystacey7018]

Great and interesting video thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@iansmith956]

Love your life style , wish I had the money to buy the boat , maybe once I retire . I work in a boat yard so working on the boat not a problem, keep up the videos love them :)

[@eaglevp]

What a great life you live beautifully filmed

[@terrybenson7182]

Hey Richard, your Vlog appeared on my home page. Good to see you're enjoying your camel boating. You'd love over here there's water everywhere 😂 good to see you're happy. Take care Terry and Elisabeth. 👍

[@iancox6673]

My home town...!!!

[@ChrisandShell]

Coventry! Who new?.... loved the cathedral space. A pleasure to watch as always 👌❤️😊👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It's a city with no apparent focus. But we loved the cathedral x

[@rogermcd9918]

Great vudeo guys, love Coventry, beautiful city. Talking of costs, I'm stuck in a marina on a residential mooring at nearly 9k a year, just a rip off. Would love to constant cruise but my daughter is at school, so that wont happen for a few years. But what u spent a month is so liveable, brilluant. Hope to see you out there someday, all the best and keep up the videos, love watching you guys

[@FloatingOurBoat]

9k!!? Ouch! Thanks Roger.

[@rontanser9369]

Hi guys just watched your video on the cost of living on a boat very informative and interesting

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Ron. Lots of people claim it is more for them, so it is obviously a personal matter, but that is how it has been for us, and is still the same this year.

[@clemclements999]

The "Top Shops" were very well lit rooms that were used for many purposes - watch making being one of them.

[@MrVinnyh]

Enjoyed watching your videos, I am thinking of purchasing a 30/40 boat found your costings helpful. Coventry a bit of a surprise to me, never thought of the city having beautiful buildings.

[@martinwatson7358]

Fantastic video we are looking at doing exactly what you guys are doing just makes me want to do it more now👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Good luck. we haven't looked back once.

Hi Fran and Richard thanks for the update and sharing this video 🤔 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚙🚙🚙

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Denis x

[@MartyLJ57]

Your paint job looks great. Much brighter.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Congratulations a whole year living aboard your boat!!! Greetings,, Kitty

[@andypatt1971]

congratulations to you both Love your blogs

[@bryancoventry3673]

Hello just found you and will look in again regularly. At the point I am writing I am unsure of your toilet system, but it sounds expensive. On my first boat I had a macerating loo into a holding tank. I then had a second macerating lifting pump into a skin fitting. I put my emptying fitting into this and the other end into jerry cans at first. I then found heavy duty plastic containers to the size of three jerry cans. This was a weight easy for one to handle. With a plug in connection on the deck and a push button in my hand. I was easily able to control the flow into the container. I then removed them to the sanitation station and self disposed. A bit smelly at first, but with a swimmers nose clip on it was easy. Having been macerated twice you are dealing with liquid only. A quick clean up and the job was done. Without the ever increasing cost of pumping out. The frequency you need to do this is dependant of course on your holding tank. Good planning is required of course so you don't list to the side of the holding tank as it fills.

[@francesmccarty1544]

Bryan Coventry That's really interesting. I think we have decided that if we get round to changing the toilet we will definitely get a compost toilet, but at the moment we have other stuff to concentrate on. Thanks for your comment. Fran x

[@camplinpb]

Another great video from the best narrowboat channel on youtube 😊 keep them coming , ATB Paul

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks Paul - we enjoy watching your videos too. Izzy's a lovely dog :)

[@altacat9702]

Thank You for the perfect run down of expenses !! : ) ...its just one of those things to consider

[@bwghall1]

Very nice you two, thanks for the vlog.

[@APRAPR-nq2wn]

that's incredible , an amazing history there

[@raymondparr1]

such a lovely place to visit ive been there lots of times now but never been in that church, looks fab so ill have to pop in there next time im there. also its so good how you have worked out what it cast you both for the year ... like it.... well don't to you both keep up the good work. x

[@francesmccarty1544]

ray 1 thank you. The cathedral is definitely worth a quite hour or so of your time.

[@PaulBaird]

Thank-you for those figures ! Very helpful.

[@Motorhomelife_Adventures]

Hey, love your channel and find it and the both of you fun to watch. I'm seriously considering what we can do for our next adventure, we are currently enjoying our motorhome at the moment. Living on a Narrow Boat sounds and looks very interesting. I have floated the idea with my other half to look at the possibility of buying a new boat when we retire or before if possible, not sure about the Rochdale 9 though, looks a little rough! hahah

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you. It is a wonderful life and if you like motorhoming I'm sure you will like narrowboating. It will show you the country from a different view.

[@peterrussell8334]

Thanks for the information on cost and Bio liquid.

[@mitchpilchuk7916]

Damn you narrow boaters! I've become addicted. Drat! Love watching and following along on with a map app on my iPhone. It is amazing how many times I have been able to follow you (and other narrowboaters) as you move on the canals.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Sorry Mitch. That is just how we started, watching everyone else!

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

Great video. I have found that very useful for planning my expenditure requirements once I get my Boat

[@larrycounce4509]

Did the organist pull all the stops while y'all were there, its a beautiful thing.

[@dereknicol5284]

LOL.. Ha Ha.. Sort your sound levels out!.. i think my whole street just heard those Cathedral Bells :-) Love your videos, you always manage to put a smile on my face.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I thought viewers should hear it how we did 😊

[@MartyLJ57]

Some beautiful birds.

[@patrickbrigham]

Very interesting

[@johnswimcat]

Very helpful, thank you

[@markbutton3886]

Such useful facts and figures thanks a bunch for that info. Hope your both heading to Crick. Flying back for the event can't wait for that smell of fresh built Narrowboat in the morning. Spring is in the air....happy cruising.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Wow, flying back for Crick! We will be there with big brother Bob, so look out for the two shiny heads, it shouldn't be difficult to find us!!!

[@ronbearman4661]

Hi rich/Fran Really enjoyed video cathedral look a nice place to visit I wish I could live in house for what it cost you for year be very happy man Look forward to next video.

[@pilgrimspassage8834]

Thank you for another great episode in FOB

[@colinstewart173]

Coventry actually looks quite nice. I always understood it was a bit of a dive.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It's not the prettiest of cities but we were quite surprised. Thanks again Colin 👍

[@davidbell2056]

Another great video thanks

[@francesmccarty1544]

david bell thank you Fran

[@stephenyates6651]

great vlog

[@briandufty1609]

Iv been watcing... love you both..keep going.. boys jobs$$$.

[@FlashGormless]

Happy aniversary Rach & Rich! Blimey it's a year already? As always look forward to your vlogs . I think you two have the balance about right, you see so many boaters in a hurry to get somewhere they miss out on so much, Carry on boating! (Should of made a film on that theme?) lol :)

[@roblloyd1879]

Great video, lots of useful information on the costs of live-aboard. Think my council tax bill is nearly as much as your total boat running costs.

[@live2skide1]

Thanks for sharing your "year end totals". I often wondered what the expenses would add up to and if it was a savings overall. It seems as though you have found an affordable lifestyle while you wait on those pensions. I enjoy all your videos. You have an eye for nature and light. (Catching up on your first year while locked down in the US during the pandemic - Sept 2020. Having a bit of a virtual vacation on your narrowboat since I can't go cruise on the big ships.)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Mary, So glad you're enjoying them

[@eastcoast4233]

This is really interesting and helpful. Would be great if you could do an update once you have blacking, servicing, etc fees to share. All the best :)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We still think boat costs are about £250/month for us although we do live a very basic lifestyle

[@gailalbers1430]

beautifull beautiful church indeed.

[@eastcoast4233]

Hope you do an updated, 2020 costs vlog.

[@TorbayTimberTwirler]

Nice vid guys, never done the Coventry stretch, might give it a go this year.

[@francesmccarty1544]

Torbay Timber Twirler we loved it, well worthwhile but moor up in the basin

[@tothemoonandbackbrettsharo934]

Hi rich and Fran. Great to watch your jerney this year and look forward to your next year's video's. I see you use washing detergent in your pump out we also have the same loo with a pong. Daft question but how much do you put down the loo. That's detergent (not pee and poo ) cheers brett

[@johnhartley3596]

first time viewer and know subscribed. I really enjoyed your video.

[@brodie2711]

I think the extortionate price for the river licence is designed in order to keep the riff-raff off the rich man's leisure areas.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

It looks as though you’ve got on well with the decorating. I last visited the centre of Coventry when I was about 10 and as I’m close by, I should make the effort to revisit. I volunteered for some offside veg cutting for CRT and was surprised at how filthy the canal was, whereas the basin looked very pleasant. Take care x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Alan. The canal leading up to the basin isn't pretty but we've seen worse in London. You should take the journey and see the cathedral and The Herbert Gallery.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Fran and Rich. I must try and get along, probably easier by road, if I can get parked. Too many height barriers around!

[@davidbutler4363]

😁👍👏👏👏loved it,thanks.