338. This canal boat has a surprise inside!

I visit a rather splendid canal narrowboat which has just been bought after sitting in a marina for three years. It's new owner, Matthew, is a specialist and enthusiast in the systems on board.
See the prior video with "Emily Anne" at • 269. Steam narrowboat ...
See the BCN Challenge videos at • 301. 24 hours of canal... and • 302. Racing to the fin...
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@stigg333]

What a lovely boat and thank god there are still people like this still around!!

[@faerie4eva]

Met Matthew and Tixall at Middlewich junction about a month ago (July). He was such a nice guy, who helped my father with the lock, and we returned the favour and helped Matthew. The sound of the boat was beautiful!

[@NoewerrATall]

I realize that this is an older video, but. . . That is a very, very cool narrowboat! Thank you very much to Matthew for inviting you (and by extension us) on board. Lovely boat!

[@Littlehornification]

What a wonderful boat. Matthew is a bit of a legend too. Good to see a young man maintaining the way of steam. Great vid, well done.

[@everestyeti]

Its part of our national heritage, well done for the young man for keeping it alive. 👍

[@winstonsmith8441]

My grandfather would have been in heaven on that boat! His father was a steam locomotive engineer, and he was a locomotive fireman for a time in his youth. He used to take me on steam train excursions when I was a kid. I think of him every time I see a steam engine.

[@kgrant3184]

This was absolutely BRILLIANT! I agree, there is a magic about steam travel. Your canal system in the UK is amazing. What a blessing, to be able to travel the countryside this way. TFS!

[@MartinEdwards26]

Matthew has rocked up to Tom's Tap and Brewhouse in Crewe in his traction engine (or steam powered car) on more than occasion. I had the pleasure of speaking to him and he is a very interesting bloke.

[@Ra-zor]

Keep that lovely engine running for as long as you can! Poetry in motion.🙂

[@vicmiller7191]

I do love the sound that engine makes as it chugs along. Thanks David for bringing us along.

[@peterbell6425]

Only one word to describe this narrowboat - 'magnificent'. Some of the freighters on the Manchester Ship Canal had tilting funnels back in the day.

[@BidsOutdoorAdventures]

Wonderful boat, but I had to laugh when he said "it's no problem to operate. Just fiddle with this, turn on that, flip this around, etc, etc, etc,". Clearly it IS a problem, but when you love the mechanics of it and are obviously passionate about it, then the 'problems' just melt away! Beautiful. Brought a smile to my heart!

[@sandyfields9933]

I’m very impressed with the cleanliness of the engine & surrounding area.

[@RetroRegan]

I love the "cold turkey" engine. Emily Ann has a disco beat to her engine 😂 Would love to see an update of Tixall after Matthew has been living aboard for a few months. And hopefully turning it into the home it deserves to be.

[@simonwalker8300]

That was a lovely episode, thank goodness that steam lovers are still around. A lot of work, but i see why it's worth it. A fine line between nature and mechanics, it's the elemental forces at work.

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

We cruised past Mathew in Gnosall and saw him again at Norbury Wharf. It was fantastic to see and Mathew was such a nice guy!

[@RVO3VOM]

Awesome! Bugger anyone who has an issue with this amazing narrowboat. Good on you, Matthew, for keeping this amazing piece of history alive in the 21st century. You have a vision that should be applauded by everyone upon the cut. You are a true inspiration for anyone who has an appreciation for the history of the waterways.

[@seanzealony9499]

100% agree. I bet all the moaners ride steam trains when on holiday near to Heritage railways. He owns steam traction engines also it said. I’ve been to loads of festivals and they are packed with likeminded people who enjoy the sight,sound & smell of steam. I’m off to the Severn Valley Railway later this month and that’ll be packed too. Not sure what the time frame of this vlog is, but he’s very near myself on local canal and would be nice to see this steamer.

[@andrewfyakim525]

This is wonderful! Thank you David for posting this. It's an awesome boat, and I love the beautiful steam engine! I'm actually nostalgic for the aroma of burning coal. I was born/raised in and around Pittsburgh, USA. We played in the coal mines and boney dumps as kids. Many homes had coal chutes and coal bins in the basements. (most coal furnaces were later replaced and/or converted to natural gas). I remember always taking a few big lumps of coal on our Boy Scout camping trips. There is no warmer campfire than one with a couple large lumps of coal in the center.... My best to Matthew for his knowledge, and carrying on a great tradition.....

[@CaptApril123]

I grew up in the north of England and we had a coal fireplace until I was around 10 years old. Since I was 5 my job in the morning was to fill the coal bucket and get the fire started. We got an immersion heater when I was around 13 for hot water, before then I'm not sure what we did. Does a coal fireplace provide hot water?

[@paulbennett274]

@@CaptApril123 Yes, if fitted with a 'back boiler', typically made by Baxi who still manufacture gas fired boilers!

[@markattardo]

Any running steam engine being used is so awesome to see. Tixall the boxes indeed!

[@beckytourian]

Thank you for showing us this invaluable piece of history!! And as always, done like the pro you are : )

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!

[@Pete_Bucks]

Absolutey magical and thoroughly enjoyable to watch! Back in my own days cruising the cut with our trusty Lister clanking away I often dreamt of having a modern interpretation of a steam powered narrowboat pretty much like this wonderful example. Nice to see someone else shared the same passion for keeping steam alive and on a liveaboard boat!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brockshields9336]

Your own lack of a narrowboat has not diminished your content. I still very much enjoy your content! I hope the first part was not insulting.

[@vikeng21]

Too many moving parts here not for the faint hearted. Hats off to the guy to get it working and keeping the boat in running mode. As always amazing to watch.

[@xander1052]

I am very glad that traditional steaming is still possible on the canals.

[@jeffmorris739]

I love anything steam, but this was exceptional. Dead simple mechanical engines like this are so rare these days. Thanks David.

[@fat_tommo_goes_boating]

Lovely David, wonderful to hear your dulcet tones again

[@CaptApril123]

Matthew is fantastic. I could ramble on about steam engines for hours. What a great video!

[@M1Tommy]

Thank you for sharing this, lovely boat, engine and owner. The sounds of the engine, drive, and whistle are wonderful.

[@nesleinf]

You just know how to find the best stories on the cut 🙂

[@jw1548]

Videos like this are why I love you, David.

[@elmorefamily9370]

YES YES YES Thank you David for posting this I so enjoy seeing steam engines on narrowboats........

[@JackNance22]

This episode tixall the boxes, another masterpiece, David. I wish Matthew a long and adventure packed life with that wonderful steam dream machine. You know we want a follow up, of course:)

[@WidleyWesident]

And after a lovely electric boat trip on our local canal (Wey and Arun canal) all I can say is ‘give me the steam!’ 😀 Lovely ❤️

[@dingnextstop]

Fantastic…. I love steam in whatever guise… the guy needs a medal for keeping it alive on the canal…👏🏻👏🏻

[@onedaymoreaboard]

I haven’t watched yet but just admiring you for making this public immediately after the football finished 😂✔️

[@CruisingTheCut]

😂I sat there poised with my hand over the 'publish' button.

[@jimshoe402]

@@CruisingTheCut If u have a Battery for the TV could the engine recharge it ???

[@WimJilf]

@@CruisingTheCutback of the net!!! ⚽️ 🥅

[@IceColdGeico]

@@jimshoe402 Sure it could. You'd need to rig up a generator of some sort, like a car alternator, add a pulley or two....and only be able to charge while in gear, but, yes, it could be done. In this day an age though, a simpler thing would be to use a solar panel, which he has on the roof.

[@genespell4340]

​@@IceColdGeicobut it would be nice during cloudy, rainy and snowy days. And that happens quite often in England.

[@tommarshall1660]

David you have surpassed yourself this time. " Tixall the boxes". In a way the engine noise reminded me of the Royal Navy ship I was on in 1966. Great video as usual. Keep up the good work.

[@kensherwin4544]

Not 'noise'. 'Music'!

[@alanjackson4646]

Which ship were you on ?

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I canal boat with “mood swings”, now that’s a boat to enjoy. Such a delightful video of a most wonderful steam canal boat and engaging owner. Thank you David. 👏👏👍😀

[@Dominik-yb1yh]

I am from Germany and have just, through this channel, discovered narrowboating and the canal system (which of both i had never head before) looks very relaxed.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along!

[@BeeLZBeeb]

It is addictive. I was lucky to enjoy the canals and waterways of England as a child and it never leaves you. Especially narrowboats. I will find my way back one day, somehow.

[@hughking66]

Magic! and what a lovely attitude.

[@davidwelch6796]

Matthew has unusual ambition and I am so pleased that he has followed his dream. Three cheers for this gentleman.

[@sidneybowerman558]

Top Dead Centre, that's a term I haven't heard, or used in many a year. Another gem of a video David, thankyou.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Wow. Amazing chap and boat. He obviously has a great passion for steam. He reminds me of Fred Dibnah. A lot of work involved but keeping history alive. Unique and rewarding . Thank you for inviting us to see into Mathew’s life for a day.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀

[@EmmaBakesCakes]

I love it. Nothing beats the sound and smell of the good old steam engine. Marvellous

[@stevewoodard527]

An interesting, delightful & peaceful interlude -- thanks.

[@Loreleifury]

I must take my hat off to you and your video clips. Had it not been for the one about the canal trust and their needs I would have not spotted their tea! I gave up on teas in the USA and for the YORKSHIRE TEA to be sitting there in plain sight, I gave it a try. Thank you! That tea is smooth and not bitter at all. Nothing like the teas here. I am now a two cup of hot tea a day now!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀😀

[@ashleyfearon4121]

Without taking anything away from the beauty, character and historical provenance of this gorgeous narrow boat David, I have enjoyed this particular video immensely. Yet again, the standard of filming, narration and editing is absolutely top quality and makes for utterly compulsive watching. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks indeed!

[@quarlow1215]

That is very cool. I've had an interest in steam for many years now. Always wanted to build the steam powered multifueled generator. For times when the power goes out for extended periods of time.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

It video was fantastic. I love how quiet this steam narrow boat is compared to a diesel. It is wonderful that people are willing to restore, maintain, and keep history alive when it comes to steam power

[@ashodgkin]

Great video. What a treat to see something of this vintage still working and chugging along our lovely waterways. You didn’t mention the smell though, which surprised me. All steam engines, whatever they are powering, have that unique aroma which is a large part of their appeal.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I didn't notice any smell.

[@dougle03]

Excellent, nice to see the boat in use. Matt seems wonderful, and cute! too 🎈

[@dougwilson4537]

Wonderful video, and I must say, that your closing shot was beautifully composed. The stern of the boat going by, with the gate closing in time with its passing.... and the wildflower hitching a ride on the gate. Absolutely beautiful. The artist within you, coming out, in these little details. 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

😊

[@v1rotait23]

Wow, a steam powered narrow boat. This "Tixall" the boxes for a guy that also loves steam engines and model steam locomotive engineering! I can smell the engine from here. That whistle sounded delightful, and I bet many boaters look around for the steam train when it sounds! Another superbly done production David. Cheers from another David down in New Zealand. 😄

[@terencejay8845]

I lived close to a Steam Heritage Railway and that whistle brought a smile. At weekends, the village was packed with people from all over taking 20-mile trips up the valley and back. You could tell where it was from the whistle.

[@timothybearne147]

I was on the Staffs & Worcs recently and wondered where those steam whistle sounds were coming from that woke me up. Now I know.

[@barrieking5939]

Nice to see you back on the 'cut' David. Many thanks for a slice of nostalgia. Cheers.

[@455constable]

Forget the smoke - it's our heritage being preserved. Good show young man.😊😊

[@sIightIybored]

For the sake of what steam stuff is left running, there should probably be some kind of prohibition on non-low-smoke coal

[@greentravels2850]

The low-pressure cylinder and condenser notwithstanding, I think Trevithick would be proud of this engine in this canal boat. Really cool video!!

[@chrislaunders8283]

I know what he means about rubbish coal, as an ex miner I get a coal allowance and have a solid fuel boiler at home, when we used to get UK coal there was very little ash and the flues wouldn't need cleaning out all winter, with the rubbish we get now from various countries the flues need cleaning about every three weeks, there is probably three times as much ash and it uses about 50% more coal to keep the house warm, and that's with the mild winters we're having.

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

I was shocked when he said a thousand pounds a tonne!! Damn expensive nowadays

[@davidpettitt4712]

David, my love of the British countryside and my passion for steam engines coupled with your attention to detail made for a wonderful lunchtime viewing experience. Your sound recording skills are excellent too. Each sound clear and distinct as the boat travelled along the canal. Brilliant.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! 😀

[@floydbertagnolli944]

What a lot of work to make it go!!! It’s nice of him to keep the antique thing running. It shows people a little bit of the past.

[@seanzealony9499]

Brilliant to see a Steamer on the Cut. We have the odd Steam train on our local Staffs/Shrops line and loads of people turn out on all the bridges & stations to see these pass through. It’s heritage and superb to see. We all moan about pollution & the environment but what harm can one little steam canal boat do? Embrace the experience of seeing history. I’ll keep an eye for Tixhall as it very local to me from this video.

[@AaronCarterHD13]

yup so the general consensus is "Wonderful" I agree with that. 😀👍 Wonderful.

[@haraldclark6206]

I'm glad to see there are still some narrowboats like this around! With just nine of them around, I think we can manage to burn a little bit of coal for these nine boats!

[@zapfanzapfan]

What a fantastic boat and lovely preservation of history, I think we can forgive a few shovels of coal in historic steam engines 🚂 And what a gem of a guy, steam boat, steam traction engine... you have found the spiritual successor to Fred Dibnah 🙂

[@Fr99763]

Fantastic and cheers to Mathew for maintaining our industrial heritage. He should get a subsidy to get welch coal cheaper

[@davidrumbelow]

A most informative, enjoyable video on a cold wet winter afternoon in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. Worst winter weather in years. Your video took me to a far nice mental place. Thank you gentlemen. Am a steam enthusiast.

[@FrogmanAnime]

That was a very lovely story. Glad to see that there’s still some of the older boats that are still plying the canal network. And for once, it’s a steamboat that someone’s actually living on. Wishing him all the best. Ben from Australia 🇦🇺

[@terrycoles461]

One of your best episodes to date. The steam narrowboat is absolutely amazing, pure genius. Thanks for finding this glorious boat and thank you to the owner for giving up his time. Enjoy your boating future.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Stoker58]

I wouldn’t have thought people would make such a big deal about a bit of coal smoke from a historic narrow boat in Great Britain the country that pioneered such great steam advancements. That aside, this was amazing to see thanks for filling it. Cheers from a steam locomotive engineer in the states.

[@Durbintwist-wu4oc]

Hello 👋 David, great video, my Brother from the Canels 😂 lol,,From America..keep them my friend... 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, I will

[@ShirleyTimms-zc5bp]

How wonderful, what a lovely boat, and steam, fantastic..well done young man !

[@TerryW696]

Fantastic Video & Story behind how Canal Working & Living used to be. Thank You David. 👍🏻

[@randyw2539]

Wonderful boat! I should think that 9 steam powered narrowboats on the entire canal system is the least of the world's environmental concerns. So glad this piece of history is still living. Hope Matthew has settled in nicely to his life on the cut.

[@sparkybluefox]

When I was a boy my parents used to take one of the “Boblo Boats” down the Detroit river to “Boblo Island”. It was an amusement park on the Canadian side of the river. When most boys were busy running around and looking out at the river, I would be riveted to watching the open frame triple expansion steam engine running. Railings around the engine room allowed viewing from all angles ! It was fantastic ! Steam and Steam engines will always fascinate me so watching this video was great fun. Thank you David.

[@Craving_nature]

I dream of being able to live on these beautiful wonders of simplistic society and surroundings of narrowboating but it wasn’t until today that this video got me to become hooked like a fish to a line to steam travel what an amazing invention love it!👍

[@ozziepilot2899]

Oh fantastic, despite the smoke / pollution it's great to see the olde tech/traditions are kept alive with enthusiasm, these should never be lost, thank you David for sharing. 👏

[@Chimera262]

beautiful boat and funny narrationn you both made me smile. I needed some joy

[@jmshrrsn]

Terrific film. You're such a great storyteller! Despite my reservations of smokey narrow boating per se, I don't mind seeing this one belching its beautiful cokey smoke!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A unique experience - and way of life. No day is the same, it seems, with steam propulsion. Very interesting video. Thank you.

[@Turleyswheels]

that was amazing what a wonderful boat ❤well done you for showing us ❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Thank you for posting another feature on another lovely steam Narrowboat. Like others have said, theyre like tending to living, breathing creatures. You're not crazy either... We're always hearing our engines talk to us at different RPMs and loads. Part of the fun!

[@stevegoodier1241]

Im sure this is the bloke who I had a good chat with the other month at Anderton lift steam festival, really nice guy who is passionate and very knowledgeable about these steam engines... I could have spoke a lot more and hung around with him and his crew if I had chance 😁

[@catmandoodoo7903]

My late father trained as a steam engineer. He always said that each engine had their own phrase. Tixall’s just happened to be Cold Turkey.

[@AppalachianMountaineer1863]

Yep. Each are unique and have their own temperament. Of course the steam turbines don’t have a voice they have a starting “whistle” that is unique.

[@Nick-e8k]

One word........ Heaven............. I once saw a steam boat on the Leeds Liverpool, up past Chorley back some 20 years ago

[@Smannellites]

Fascinating boat ! Thanks for sharing, David. 🙂

[@Peterpss]

I really enjoyed watching this. It's great to see people keeping old machinery alive. 🙂

[@tweaker1968]

What a beautiful piece of machinery!... Thanks for sharing... Good luck Matthew !

[@gary4983]

Bravo, David! A friendly young man obviously taking great joy in using his special knowledge and skill to operate this unique boat! Your thoughtful videos are so enlightening and never disappoint!

[@century2298]

Loved this one. A unique find. Congrats to that young man for keeping it going. He must have a good head on his shoulders to know and understand the many differences in steam engines and how to deal with it's operation.

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

I saw a mining video, where the nearby mill had a non-working steam engine. Your video was great - showing what the oiling cups were actually used for... and then showing the engine functioning. You've answered a few questions I've had in my head for a few years now - and showed some interesting old tech - along with someone passionate in keeping it running. Nice!

[@davelawrence6777]

Thanks yet again for such another fascinating post. But then it's what we've come to wxpect from you. Cheers from across the pond

[@Dinki-Di]

What a fabulous episode! Beautiful boat and his dedication is inspiring. I wish him well.

[@kathlucy603]

What a wonderful experience. Bravo to keeping Tixal alive & well.

[@Thomas_M_1963]

I have to pay you a compliment. Your videos are simply professional. Great job 👍😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@alanjackson4646]

Just lovely, I could smell the smoke, great sounding whistle.

[@TheExplorativeArtist]

That video was a real treat, thanks! 👍

[@alisonlee3314]

How wonderful that such a young man has such an interest in steam! Gives me hope for the future 🙂

[@donwp]

Lovely shot to end it with. Very skillful and artistic.

[@lucindawilson5510]

always something of interest many thanks David

[@davearmstrong2296]

Fantastic to know and see that this is still working. We must keep our heritage going. Great video as usual.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@andrewschmidt5312]

Regardless of the always fascinating topics you present, you deserve some sort of award for the creative and descriptive titles of all the video!