269. Steam narrowboat on the British canals

On a sunny day at the Anderton Boat Lift, I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Katherine Hutchinson who operates the steam-powered narrowboat Emily Anne.
My prior video about the Anderton Boat Lift can be seen here:
• 99. Visiting the Ander...
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[@MonicaandMervyn]

What a character Katherine is, and very knowledgeable about her unique craft. Dedicated too. Long may her and her family cruise and care for this wonderful machine. Absolutely charming.

[@oceana9294]

You said it just right! Thanks, and thank you to Cruising the Cut for producing this interesting video.

[@ronnronn55]

Gotta love her!

[@JK360noscope]

Haha anyone owning a boat ends up having to refinish every inch. You'll know every damn thing

[@williamtacey7770]

The barge look like Ragdolls boat we’ll remembered him on children’s old VHS

[@pswanberg1]

Doesn't matter the subject, passionate people make the best interviews.

[@tobyCornish]

That was an extremely well-produced video, and Katherine is a gem!

[@GugsGunny]

I like how Katherine described how the steam engine works, so knowledgable and enthusiastic. She sounds like someone I want to learn steam power from.

[@RickMunday]

I don't know why, but seeing a steam powered narrow boat just made me smile from ear to ear! This totally made my day.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

I enjoyed every second of Katherine's dissertation on steam engine narrow-boating. She's great! Thanks, David, for sharing her with all of us!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@parapilot09]

Loved the enthusiasm of this woman as well as her 'Britishness' ❤️

[@hanshendriksen72]

I feel the strong need to turn that engine noise in the beginning into something musical. What a groove! Many thanks David, and so well timed. I was just having tea and sandwiches.

[@SamSitar]

your should do that.

[@Falcrist]

Never mind turning it into a song. I'd love to get an hour recording of that lovely sound.

[@keykeypr8292]

Yes! That opening couple of seconds was absolutely ear candy!

[@andyrbush]

Keith Moon came to mind when I heard that beat.

[@spikespa5208]

Make a great ring tone

[@paulgar8]

Thank you for introducing us to Katherine Hutchinson, she seems wonderful. Also, I am a Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer here in the States and she (and you) gave a great entry-level explanation of how her steam engine worked. Long may the Emily Anne (and Katherine) sail.

[@veronicaroach3667]

Tickled me when she said 'you only have to pay attention to it about every 5 minutes' - OMG that means you cannot leave it to sit down with a cup of tea, or 'heavens to Betsy' doze off for even a second ! Altho maybe you would get woken up by severe venting whistles if you did that. Sounds horribly dangerous to me ! I love the sounds tho - reminded me of my childhood days in West London sitting on top of our shed watching the steam trains go by on their way to Scotland, and shunting the wagons in the big railyard nearby (late 1940's !).

[@andyrbush]

Worked with steam al my life, yes a great explanation. Retired Mech Eng.

[@allangibson2408]

@@veronicaroach3667 A cup of tea would be entirely appropriate with a small boiler… You just don’t leave an attended boiler like this unattended.

[@dhutch2000]

​​@@veronicaroach3667it certainly takes up plenty of your time and attention, however there is always plenty of time for a cup of tea!! And cake, if your lucky. The control and safety systems are very robust so you don't need to worry, just keep a good eye on balancing steam production and consumption.

[@grayfool]

What a great thing. If Fred Dibnah had a narrowboat, this would have been it. Katherine is wonderful too. Excellent video, thanks so much.

[@richardzehrung9776]

As a retired Naval Steam Engineer I approve of this boat!

[@rosssharp9988]

What a joy Emily Anne is ! I am sure that Richard Trevithick would be delighted with this lovely craft. Congratulations on another 'Grand Day Out' on the canal.

[@theblackbear211]

Retired Marine Steam Engineer here. Lovely boat and a fine crew. A well-loved Vessel. Listening to Katherine did my heart good.

[@geordieal]

The rhythm of that engine is glorious! I felt like Tyres from Spaced….as soon as that rhythm kicked in my head was nodding and my hands were pumping the air!

[@donneal1352]

Love the old steamer. Thank you for your time.

[@dhutch2000]

Less of the old.... New in 1991!

[@martykitson3442]

This is the kind of content that got me interested in narrow boats

[@dhutch2000]

There are two steam narrowboats currently for sale if you are interested! Tixal and Adamant.

[@pauloost59]

What an amazing little steamer! Having grown up on a ship with a man-high 1 cilinder Bronze diesel I can appreciate the preparations in priming, greasing and topping stuff up. And the quarter hour dive into the engine room for oiling and checks is quite familiar ☺️ Lovely!

[@patriley9449]

What a lovely lady. She is a gem. As she said, it is only for those who like fiddling with things. I am glad that there are some people left who like to do such things.

[@brianjrichman]

"There's always something to fiddle with on Emily Anne." That closing line could have come directly from my English schoolboy days, or even from the bar at Uni in the early 1970's. Oh we were a terrible lot back then. And then we have YOU young David for the inclusion of such innuendo in one of your videos. Secrets of the "cut", eh?

[@carbonnieferrous2689]

You beat me to it BR. I spat out my Henry Westons Vintage Cider following that remark. Having said that I found the video fascinating having worked on steam boilers for many years.

[@rainbirdknits8716]

My immature brain immediately screamed Thats what she sai.... Oh wait not appropriate 😂😂

[@ianmyhill5156]

Carry On Up The Cut? .... Ooh Matron!

[@Galerak1]

I thought you had a new opening jingle then realised it was the sound of the engine. I could listen to that all day 🙂

[@Vixduffield]

I would like one, just for the whistle.. 😍 Fab vid!

[@dhutch2000]

It's a good whistle. A4 locomotive copy.

[@Consequator]

Neat, that steam engine is actually producing quite some power going by how much water flow there was behind the boat.

[@WilliamCooper2005]

Very knowledgable owner, and interesting boat. Fred Dibnah would approve!

[@alanbrown9178]

As a long-retired steam marine engineer, I can well understand this lady's pleasure. :-)

[@alanjackson4646]

More of a vocation than a vacation. Looks like a labour of love. Great vlog, many thanks.

[@MrSheckstr]

As a family project my grandfather and his many sons (including my father) built a steam powered “land train” they would take out on small community parades and festivals with a steam powered kettle corn making caboose to hand our hot bags of the sweet treat as they went past ….. THIS brings back memories of that

[@naughtysquirrellyndatee96]

Thx for sharing that wonderful boat…. the skipper seems to have everything under control. 💜

[@robertkirby3158]

Love Katherine's presentation, even cross skating over railway locomotives horizontal cylinders as opposed to this boats vertical cylinders and the rigid piston rod on one side that is the cause of the reduced piston area only made her sound more practical and highlighted the clarity of every word she said. A perfect lady to be the subject of a Cruising the Cut video. Sorry did I mean Emily or Katherine? Both of course.

[@shirleylynch7529]

What a clever knowledgeable lady. Hard work. What an interesting film. Thank you. We live and learn.

[@BlueShankPEI]

Great video! And that lady certainly is knowlegable and charming, what a great guest and an interesting boat.

[@zapfanzapfan]

I like things electrified and convenient, turn the key and go or flip a switch and something is on, but there is something romantic and hypnotic about a steam engine. Wonderful reporting!

[@kleincamper]

Although I am very much in favor of modern technology, It is hard to resist the charm of this beautiful machine.

[@SpottoBotto]

What's more British than a steam driven canal boat - one wearing a top hat 🎩 🇬🇧

[@RebaKennedy]

What a lovely video -- I love that chugga-chugga sound ... and how Katherine explained everything. You do such good work, David. Thank you!

[@grayeagleswolves]

That was amazing David thank you sir for filming

[@garyneilson1833]

I have to admit I could listen to the noises from a steam engine all day, they are so relaxing

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Thrilled to see a steam narrowboat featured. Thank you!

[@chrisdaniel1339]

I love how quiet steam is. Wonderful boat

[@randyw2539]

I'm glad there are people out there keeping the old ways alive for future generations, even if it's much more work than turning over an ingnition switch. The ones still using real horsepower, steam, and the classic engine boats, my hat's off to them. A well spoken, knowlegable lady, you can tell she loves what she's doing on the canal. And it sounds very much like a family project. Again, thank you for another docu-vlog well worth watching.

[@Nicko30able]

what a lovely and knowledgeable young lady Ms. Katherine is! Well done!

[@debbiegardner8317]

Thanks David for a smashing vlog again, what a wonderful lady and a lovely boat.

[@boele0707]

no idea why the algorithm showed me this, but LOOOOOOOOVED IT!! This is so beautiful.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers 👍😀

[@dhutch2000]

Like and subscribe..... 😂

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A wonderful portrait of unique narrowboat, Emily Ann, and Katherine, its very knowledgeable owner. Wonderful video.

[@krzysztofgoscinski7244]

I love her enthusiasm and charming smile! 😍

[@DougPalumbo]

What a lovely lady! Her passion and involvement with her boat is inspiring! Great video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@michaelshelton462]

Such a lovely lady Katherine is. Like one of your favorite school teachers. Thanks David for another great video!

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Wonderful to see a working A steam-driven narrowboat.

[@adamnorris8006]

What a delightful video. She makes steam power seem so romantic:)

[@oldsmokeeater7075]

Katherine is soo up beat and comes across so genuine and enthusiastic it's compelling not to miss any part of the story. she is an exceptional Lady! Thank You "Youngman" for filming this and sharing it.

[@cousinjack2841]

Nothing like the sound of a steam engine running, and sounding, like clockwork. Thanks David; very interesting.

[@mrpetit2]

What a beautifully made piece of technology that engineroom. Imagine building such a boat as your retirement project that also gives enjoyment to your kids and grandkids long after you're gone.

[@kathyowens9901]

So glad you were there to get a chance to do this interview

[@myhillslife27]

Absolutely LOVE HER! I like to fiddle and have things to do.. I like both relaxing with a G&T and fiddle ahaha

[@SLO-Ride]

Simply the finest noise of any engine, ever. And best of all, and unlike ANY other horsepower producing device, you get to "WOOP WOOOOOOOOP" the big brass whistles amid a tremendous cloud of steam and showmanship!

[@ianlove3]

Wounder vlog thank you so much for sharing your love all your last few vlogs.

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure 😊

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Oh I loved the ladies comment about it being just such fun talking about the tinkering that the boat needs. Brilliant 👍

[@ilox11]

What an absolutely lovely boat, and such a lovely person as the Owner. Oh My. All of that work and maintenance. 2 hours to build up Steam? But as she says, a lot of fun. Thank you David for this interesting look at what makes a steam-powered narrowboat. A very interesting vlog indeed. Cheers, stay safe and well.

[@aghauler1964]

Simply brilliant, going to watch repeatedly to gather all her knowledge. Thank you David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andrewburbury2261]

An absolutely superb, outline of Steam Narrow Boating. presented by Katherine, clearly a passionate, and enthusiastic , Owner, with sound knowledge of her craft and capabilities, as well as what is required. Very Informative, thank you!.

[@jamesmetzler745]

What a fascinating video! And Katherine was not only very knowledgeable, but also very interesting to listen to. I took notes! I find the older I get, the more I admire and love to learn about the old ways of doing things.

[@evelynsutton4411]

What fascinating things steam engines are, beautiful as well. Such a lot of work though. l guess you have to have it in your blood! All power to Katherine and her co-horts!

[@7Cherubim]

What a fascinating video. I really do admire Kathrine, she is an inspiration with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Well done her and her family.

[@seanjamescameron]

Beautiful to watch and lovely to see on the water but 2 hrs, then check every 10 mins!! Phew. I'll stick with electric if I ever get a narrowboat. Hope she got to answer those text messages, maybe its the boiler asking for more coal ;-)

[@stevenorton3671]

Rewatching after two years, what excellent content.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you 😀

[@peterengel7885]

As a retired steamfitter this was a enjoyable video. A very interesting and knowledgeable Lady. 😄

[@Pytre1]

Your videos are always such a joy to watch. So well made and produced. It's like a nice breath of fresh air watching them. Gives you a little hope! :)

[@brianrobertson2853]

My first 4+ years at sea I was a cable engineer on a twin screw triple expansion steam engine submarine cable repair ship. I found this ladies narrative fascinating. Thank you.

[@kevinmartin3859]

Brilliant video David a very descriptive talk fron the owner Elizabeth a very proud woman of her heritage and Emilia

[@rkeith4442]

I steamed a 1200 PSI US naval ship and this norrow boat looks so much more efficient! Brings back good memories. Thank you. 🇺🇸😃

[@mort298]

Great video David! You are a national treasure for keeping us informed and up to date on all that's happening in and around the canals. Keep them coming and thank you.

[@Bjornontour]

This remarkable lady reminds me so much of my mum.So interested in the usually male department of things.

[@misamsung6191]

There is just something about the sound of a steam powered engine that will always bring a smile to my face. We've had some steam fairs where I live and I've always enjoyed seeing the various engines at work. Thanks for the video David and thanks to Katherine for keeping the boat alive and presenting it.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you David for introducing us to a very lovely and interesting lady and her wonderful boat. Have a great weekend.

[@enriqueal0822]

Simply amazing how she does know the full operation of the engine! All the best for you two David and Katherine

[@davehollingworth5537]

She's a marvel. And here I refer to both Katherine and Emily Anne! Great vlog, thank you

[@joncasler5191]

With the higher bow and steering wheel, seems like a good candidate for going on open water, like across the wash. And that steam whistle sounds so nice!

[@dhutch2000]

She was designed with a channel crossing in mind, although as yet she has only ventured on tidal rivers linked the inland waterways.

[@jeremyshepard8241]

Thank you so much for the informative and entertaining video. My life has been mixed-up with steam power (and boating) for more than 50 years and I am content to say that Ms. Katherine is an excellent narrator on the subject..

[@pitsnipe5559]

Oh, how I loved this video. That lady is a real, true, Pit Snipe. She knows how to steam!

[@onefunnyoldman]

Loved that vlog David. Thank you very much. Best wishes

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@nigelw512]

What a fantastic video and so informative. I could listen to that steam engine all day and Katherine great interview

[@iamsteviedee]

You’re doing so much for the canal showing these slice of life stories so thank you. I do love the sound of the honk it makes, same as a train!

[@markphillips2076]

Back in the very early 80s at one of the IWA festivals I remember a freshly restored steam powered NB President being there. Being a kid I was naturally fascinated by my first steam powered narrowboat experience.

[@ramseybarber8312]

Hi Mark NB President is still going strong on the canal system.

[@srfurley]

@@ramseybarber8312 Was based at the Black Country Museum in Dudley, probably still is. The boiler, engine and coal bunker take up a lot of valuable cargo space compared to a horse boat.

[@dhutch2000]

Absolutely. There are around ten steam narrowboats on the system.

[@colinhinsley9388]

Fantastic stuff. A steam powered narrowboat. I love it. I did a lot of training and many shifts on steam powered ships. Katherine obviously knows her stuff. Thanks for highlighting her boat.

[@courierdog1941]

David, you always bring something new to the Channel, This was just an excellent VLOG with just enough to wet the appetite to those interested and sufficient to interest the casual viewer. Cheers

[@WickedTRX]

Thank you, to you and to Katherine, this one had me smiling all the way through!

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀👍

[@Onemattressatatime]

I love this channel! Never gave steam engines a thought. Learned more today than I have in the last 56 years. I absolutely loved the knowledge about the sound of the engine makes the chug-a-chug

[@informationwarlord]

The craft is art and poetry in motion. Thank you for sharing.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

Now this is the kind of stuff I love. I absolutely love the mechanical action of a steam engine all the popping and hissing of the engine and watching the mechanisms go round. That whistle was music to my ears. Another wonderful video David!

[@christinae30]

Interesting! And the best is all the "steam sounds"!

[@stevep5408]

That was an awesome interview with someone who is passionate about their hobby/lifestyle! Very knowledgeable and intelligent boater with a mechanical bent and a font of knowledge. Great stuff David. well done interview getting the conversation rolling and letting her expound on the boat

[@harrypenn611]

As a traction engine owner I found this one to be my new favourite vlog , great stuff !

[@PercyPruneMHDOIFandBars]

What a fantastic boat! I've always loved steam power, the sounds, the smells all of it! So beautiful.

[@rick67hou]

Another quality video. Love your reports.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@rgarlinyc]

Delightful - and so too the very articulate, informative and technically adept Ms. K Hutchinson! (Aside, imagine the patience required to wait 2 hours for lift--off! )

[@janeabbotts]

I enjoyed finally learning why the different "chuff" noises from trains, something that has always intrigued me. Excellent information...Katherine was/is a wealth of knowledge, very enjoyable to listen to and learn from her. Thank you. Cheers.

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Nice to see a working steam canal boat. Thank you for including the whistle - absolutely required with a subject like this lol.

[@lotharschiese8559]

Most delightful! Fiddling with things

[@christinegibbins6105]

Thank you David, what a delight, just love Emily Anne and her skipper.

[@leslieshergold5002]

Love the noise and rhythm the engine produces...reminds of the backbeat for Last Boat to Cairo by Madness!

[@juliemeanor6531]

The rhythm of that engine is infectious. 👍🎉

[@gwydionball4114]

David, I love dipping into your programs from time to time - wonderful thank you. Trust your new(ish) domestic arrangements are working well.