340. The most splendid little boat you ever will see!

[@NessiesEscapades]

Wow, thank you all so much for your lovely comments about Nessie!

[@MaggiePrather]

I love the brass and wood. Absolutely spectacular. Here in the US we have a saying "one man's trash in another man's treasure". You have definitely created a true treasure. Well done.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

You deserve them all. Well done!

[@bradbutcher3984]

That is a wonderful boat you built.

[@hillbillysceptic1982]

It’s beautiful and quaint. It has wonderful engineering that’s interesting. I find the BSS certification experience adds a great back story of cooperation and engineering solutions. I’m sure Nessie will be a family heirloom now.

[@Petriefied0246]

It's a beautiful little cruiser! I hope you get to take it out on Windermere or similar in the near future!

[@joanneelainebones]

This is my cousin’s creation! He is an absolute genius and the whole world needs to wave to this boat on the waters! It’s absolutely beautiful. Love you cuzzy xxx ❤

[@0xFEEDC0DE]

This is what the internet was created for.

[@cbeuck5024]

Pass on thank you from down under. Nessie is a special boat - the refurbishment work OMG. Jan Adelaide💙💙

[@Londonechoes]

Excellent!

[@mariolopez-oi2td]

he's a legend

[@olsmokey]

I was waving at the screen! What a marvelous little ship.

[@antking8847]

David, in an increasingly mad and somewhat depressing modern world, your content is a welcome relief. Thank you

[@johanswede8200]

Thanks. Now I know why I really watch this channel😊❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you ☺️

[@derickevans3025]

@@johanswede8200 defnitly agree... world is increasingly going mad wonderfull to watch and just get a sense of balance again and peace again

[@tadcobert1307]

I am amazed by the transformation of this beautiful creation, so well done

[@Дружбанавсегда-ц4ъ]

Супер!! Только следующий проект , думаю вы сами хотите настоящий паровой двигатель!!!

[@ElaineYates-y4w]

So proud of our so Talented son...He has been making and fixing things since he was about 9 yrs old ..always wanting to know how everything worked. . He has recently lost his Dad who would have been bursting at the seams with Pride ...love you, Jonathan. Carry on with your Dreams ❤❤❤❤xxxx

[@tomas5376]

He did one hell of a job turning a derelict vessel into a fine piece of unique art!👏👏👏👏👏

[@petermastenbroek7719]

I am most impressed, and can only say one thing :"LOVELY !"

[@spikespa5208]

I see this boat as the epitome of Water Rat's comment in _The Wind In The Willows_ about "messing about in boats."

[@bjornsvalling1066]

What an amazing boat! Great job!

[@michaelburroughs7494]

That gentleman did a great job restoring that old hull into a beautiful finished boat. That definitely took some talent and lots of time.

[@w8lvradio]

Johnny, my dad (WWII Merchant Mariner) used to build boats for Lyman here in the US when they still made wooden boats. He has since passed. I wish he was here to see your fine work, wow that's certainly a ring of beauty and he so would have enjoyed seeing that.

[@NessiesEscapades]

Oh thank you ever so much! That's very kind indeed ☺

[@petersimpson633]

Don't want to give Nessies owner any ideas, but when I saw the thumbnail I thought "what a cute little steam launch.. "

[@FrankStrickland-t7t]

I've GOTTA admit, that's a work of ART 👍

[@NessiesEscapades]

Oh thank you! 😃

[@markafrobarry4578]

So proud of my Brother Jonny, he's the most clever and talented person. I can vouch for this being the same boat and got plenty of updates as he went along, he's obsessed lol. I've even had a ride in it with my girlfriend and kids and it's so relaxing on the canal. I could tell you about some of his other inventions in the past but that would probably be another video! Well done Bro love ya x

[@IrlamChris]

Super proud of my brother he's a genius x

[@Stopcolonizinglebanon]

These kind of men built the world.

[@NessiesEscapades]

That's very kind indeed, I wish I were as skilled as the real engineers of old. Thank you for your lovely comment ☺️.

[@mikem201]

Craftsmanship! Thank you for a delightful 17 minutes sir.

[@bob_._.]

I'm American. I think it's great that Britain has maintained its functioning canal system; the remnants of ours exist only in short historically-preserved photo opportunities. And I love how it's maintained a 150 year old esthetic along the canal corridors.

[@derickevans3025]

defnitly agrees with you

[@lordgarion514]

America has 4,000 miles of canals, double what England has. Some of them are used for irrigation and transportation, but there are some for recreation.

[@paulbriggs3072]

New York State's entire canal system is over 500 miles still in operation including the Erie Canal over 360 miles. Most of the Inland Waterway Loop is made possible because of it. The NY Canal System connects the Hudson River with Lake Champlain up to the St Lawrence, also over to Lake Erie clear across the state, also to Lake Ontario via the Oswego Canal, also to the southern tips of Cayuga Lake, and Seneca Lake in the Southern Tier of the state via the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Also to Syracuse via Onondaga Lake, also to Rochester via the Genesee River.

[@jabbertwardy]

As pointed out in the video, the handrails are a brilliant touch. As I imagine maneuvering oneself about the boat while on the water, those handrails are vital. Just reinforces what a perfectionist the owner/builder is!

[@EmptyGlass99]

The fake steam is a great idea! What a superb little boat.

[@Wextopher]

Now if only generating steam also generated hot water for tea.

[@ytzpilot]

Steam Inspired 😅

[@n5uge12]

If you could come up with a horn that sounds like a steam whistle, the illusion would be complete. Well done. A very impressive creation.

[@derickevans3025]

clever that smoke

[@SteamWolf320]

I feel like I need to see a timelapse or something just to prove that this is the same boat. The work Jonny and Denis put into this is simply incredible. Looks completely different!

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! I plan to make some in depth videos about the build using all the photos and footage that I have from the start to present 😃👍

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Every perfectionist needs a tea and spanner man, for support.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

I didn't think I'd ever see a motorised boat that makes a regular narrowboat look like a behemoth. 😁 I really do love the wood and brass aesthetic, it's classic beauty and no mistake.

[@NessiesEscapades]

When we pass a wide beam... Wow! It's like the end of days! 😂 Thank you!

[@eddielewis2588]

Perhaps the best 17 minutes that I have spent on KZbin. Brilliant

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@esox56]

Wow, simply great, excellent craftsmanship, and in result simply a dream

[@davidwelch6796]

I don't particularly want to own a boat, but if I ever change my mind then I will definitely want something akin to Nessie. Beautiful craftsmanship and elegance allied to the hugely amusing 'fake' steam engine. I bow in awe to Jonny Bowker.

[@NessiesEscapades]

That's very kind, thank you! ☺️

[@cinccave5459]

What a perfect example of a labor of love.

[@davehollingworth5537]

My face hurts from smiling from ear to ear for the full duration of this vlog. Absolutely brilliant stuff! I am so full of admiration for Jonny…I’m really not sure what words to use. 💯 ❤ It’s that old maxim isn’t it: “if the job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly”. Just marvellous ❤️

[@NessiesEscapades]

Aw, thank you! 😊

[@raymondmuench3266]

Nessie looks terrific, though my favorite element (maybe as model railroader) was the smoke generator. Buon divertimento!

[@rankenfile]

Nessie is a fine craft! Thanks for showing her off to us.

[@esquad5406]

First, I must say I have Alway's loved your video's. I spent the first 40 years of my life on and around the lakes and water ways of Kentucky. Hunting fishing water skiing camping on the shores on hunting trips. As a Marina police officer for 14 years. Running rescues and a shootout or two. And lot's of on water patrolling. I haven't been in a boat in 15 year and miss it so.

[@petitebiogeek]

Yay, collaborations, yay tiny boats… great to see!

[@thejerseylady1]

Oh wow, what a cutie! Thanks for sharing. Gloria

[@yachtman45inc]

from an old retired sailor over here in the colonies, thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@philb2085]

The sound of water lapping around the prow is SOOO relaxing 🥱

[@kevinkohler2750]

Just delightful!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Isn't it?!!

[@annabodhi38]

This was so much fun. I love these little side quests. Thanks for the video, and for all of your hard work. Everything is greatly appreciated.

[@murrayspiffy2815]

I sat back to watch - and promptly fell asleep in my chair. That's how comforting this little video was. It was like a hug from me grand-ma ma.

[@Dogtagnan]

17 minutes of viewing pleasure with a nice cup of afternoon tea. Thank you for this video of engineering brilliance and English eccentricity.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

Old Mahogany and brass in a fashionable boat from the deep past. I wish I had one just to look at in my living room.

[@urbanrider429]

Well done David for highlighting great British ‘man in shed’ engineers.

[@chicobicalho5621]

What a perfectly beautiful little boat! Impeccable in every aspect, and the type of boat that makes grown people feel enchantement, as if they were children.

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you, that's so very kind 😊.

[@thomasfrench2012]

"It looks for all the world as if it's a steam launch...." Then a jet flies over making it sound like it is jet powered. Hilarious edit there David, hilarious!

[@mare2971]

Thought the same and was looking if someone else noticed it. 😂

[@domsusefulstuff]

It was wonderful seeing how proud Bowker's friend Flatters is of him and his work along with the lovely messages from Bowker's family in the comments. It sounds like he is as kind as he is diligent. Nessie is beautifully designed and executed. I think you did a wonderful job capturing the details, showing the whole picture and leaving space for us to enjoy this stunning craft. I always appreciate your choices with regard to filming and editing.

[@dillinpicklesworth5698]

The smile on his face talking about the smoke generator, was worth the entire build, 👌😁💯👍

[@MultiSkyman1]

How charming! I love watching these UK canal boat adventures. (from California).

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀

[@peterweingartner4364]

This had me smiling for the whole video. Thank you!

[@kevinberger9854]

I’ve worked on old boats here in the states and I’d love to shake your hand You Sir are to be commended !

[@jonnybonks]

Thank you very much!

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Marvellous!! Blessed are the eccentrics and the visionaries who see something in an old and tired boat and give it a second glorious life. Well done David. This gentleman and his faithful helper absolutely deserve to be featured in the continuing story of Britain's canals and the diversity of boats that cruise upon them. 👋🇬🇧🇪🇺🇺🇦

[@MarkWinnicki]

my good friend ol chap my hats off great job and craftsmanship love the imitation smoke generator steam pipe now all that's left is a full length canopy to get some shade on a hot day or a swim in the canal love it completely what a dandy of a little boat so cute nice and slow I say Mayybe 10mph at full throttle but I just adore and love it ❤

[@TheMikemedia]

Nessie - A man's work that illustrates, where there's a will, there's a way. What a delightful video.

[@jamesa7506]

A most gorgeous boat! Certainly my cup of tea for sure. The pride of the fleet she is. Well done! 👍

[@dodoxasaurus6904]

haha the smoke generator is fantastic and what a lovely little boat! Bloody good handcrafted boat!

[@for.tax.reasons]

We're gonna get a video of Twiggy like this one day, with people being amazed at the transformation :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahahaha I wish!!

[@pixie706]

Twiggy will be worth waiting for 😊

[@nickgiles7568]

@@pixie706 No his head has been turned. See David's comments on Lorna's latest vlog. Twiggy has been replaced in his affections ( not by Lorna I hasten to add).

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Give Twiggy a chance! She'll be marvelous!

[@petehalford5425]

Yes, alas, I fear Twiggy's days may be numbered. Having been swayed by Nessie's fluttering eyelashes, David will never see Twiggy in the same light again. She'll end up as another derelict hulk, semi submerged, adorning the banks of the cut.😂

[@mountainclawoutdoors]

Very nice looking boat I did like the sound of the jet engine as the boat was flying past 😂

[@rtreadwell7887]

Why am I reminded of Fred Dibnah? There's a BBC series beckoning! Well done indeed.

[@danmichaud580]

Being a French Canadian, I'm impressed. Reminded me of the African Queen. All I can say is "Spot On" (I think that's right).

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! 😃

[@Chris_Carini]

Not just a boat, a work of art. Love it. 😊

[@Rottingboards]

So much fun! I was surprised they didn't have Navy deck mate and captain's hats on. Maybe next time.

[@waltersnowdon1243]

superb. As my old dad used to say - "Blessed are the cracked for they let in the light for the rest of us". Absolutely brilliant. Walter.

[@janeabbotts]

There is no doubt about it, if I lived in the UK I would have to live on or walking distance to a canal so I could be a gongoozler. I imagine many a fine sunny day could be enjoyed sitting on the towpath watching all the different modes of transport go by. Another fabulous vlog, as always. Thank you. Cheers.

[@near--zero]

Such a beautiful machine, excellent care and craftsmanship. Elegant!

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! That's very kind!

[@joeltalbot1546]

How cute, I like it. Do to it's size it looks like it's moving faster than it really is. Fun video, thanks for sharing your adventure

[@NessiesEscapades]

Cheers! Nessie usually cruises at between 2 and 3 mph 😃👍

[@NoelBarlau]

Really a nifty little boat, thanks for sharing! I'm glad we got a tour of the engine compartment - I'm all about seeing what mechanical bits are included (and left out) in a completely custom build such as this. Great choice on the Kubota engine, it's going to last like no other. Kudos to Jonny on his amazing creation!

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! I'll be making a video about all the gubbins underneath the woodwork at some point 😃👍

[@Lando62]

That is just the most fantastic little boat! Thank you for sharing! Sad that all that bureaucracy made you do it over. Hooray from the USA.

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you so much! To be honest I'm glad about it. As it was my first boat build, the BSS regulations highlighted some safety requirements I wouldn't have even thought of. Knowing my luck, without the BSS I probably would have blown myself and Nessie up 🤣👍.

[@mv4463]

That's a nice new project.a entire section.. the tiny boats of great Britain 🇬🇧

[@davidjones8680]

Yet another delightful and very interesting episode David. What lovely vessels and pleasant people you always seem to seek out for us all to enjoy. Ten out of ten yet again! Many thanks David in Dudley.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

What a beautiful little craft. As Rattie said there is nothing finer than simply messing around in boats

[@terminalpsychosis8022]

The fuel tank design is absolutely brilliant. I mean, the whole boat is gorgeouuus, but its technology, under the oldtimer good looks is incredible. Open up that motor! Can do more rpm than that (if needed).

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

Nice boat, clever and hard working chap. But a friend with a hole in the t-shirt on top of the shoulder is priceless! In the end, it is all about the people.

[@321ozzy]

What a treasure this small boat, it is made taking every small detail into account. I wish I had half the patience to reach perfection as Jonny, I love DIY projects, though Jonny is at a whole different level. You are a great example of a true leader, you make other people shine making short documentaries like this one and your channel keeps growing along the way. Warm regards from Mexico

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you ☺️

[@cliff8680]

Thanks David. You always find the most interesting canal boats. Appreciate you taking us along for a ride.

[@nannag5801]

Very nice David. Yes Nellie is a lovely little boat..but I am looking forward to seeing more about Twiggy! Lovely video!! Thank you!!😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

More to come!

[@nannag5801]

Awesome! Looking forward to them!😊

[@jasonlee5317]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful little boat with us. Even over here in America we can appreciate how unique this is. Absolutely stunning.

[@jamesgarvey8402]

This is the most British video I’ve ever seen. And it was wonderful!

[@derb_]

Please dont stop bringing us canal content!

[@CruisingTheCut]

That’s the idea!

[@moto3463]

Your content is very uplifting thank you beautiful craftmanship God bless all you lovely people.

[@grahammonk8013]

Perfect. Just perfect! Absolutely stunning work. The design and detail engineering is top drawer.

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! ☺️

[@jamesellsworth9673]

This is a fun little launch for canal work! Getting the Pimms and cucumber sandwiches from bow to stern may not be easy!

[@maryjnorwood3962]

A photo opportunity, for certain. She suits you, David. Simply lovely! ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️😎

[@MCP53]

Lovely! It's inspired me to actually make the tender that I already registered for my narrowboat! It won't be as fancy as Nessie of course 🙂

[@bosse641]

What a lovely little boat. ...he must be so proud and happy with his build. Well done!

[@kenbrown2808]

it's a brilliant bit of work, and the modern engine is a smart decision, but I do love the sound of the old slow turning marine engines.

[@suesun7072]

What a fun little boat put together with such perfection! The smoke machine had me cracking up with laughter! Very well done Mr. Bowker!

[@here_we_go_again2571]

😊 What a sweet little boat! Thank you for sharing. Looks like something from the film, "The African Queen" (Bogart/Hepburn).

[@brianmatthews9697]

"Pimm's and little cakes for afternoon tea" Gotta love the British. Great boat and video.

[@junk_rig_81]

Nothing but smiles on this video ! How pleasingly intense, the feeling of receiving greetings and positive appreciations from everyone you encounter. More than a beautiful boat, you have invented a Happiness Generator !

[@TheClBlues]

When dreamers believe in their dreams, they can achieve such a perfect thing ! This man is brilliant and really deserves this lovely moment of poetry ! Greetings from France !

[@johnsonslawnserviceministr4038]

What a cool little boat I love the smoke machine for the smoke stack the Kabota engine is a great choice

[@markthomas808]

That, Sir, is a thing of beauty! 🤩

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! ☺️

[@swilliams0929]

Congratulations from a very old mariner - spent many a day in the San Juan Islands admiring beautiful wood boats. Job well done, sir! She's a real beauty.

[@jonnybonks]

Thank you!

[@donotwantahandle1111]

Great little boat to be enjoyed with cucumber sandwiches and lashings of tea!

[@vicmiller7191]

What a cute little vessel. Thanks for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching!

[@betacam235]

That was lovely. I was immediately transported back 60 years (more!) to my primary school years in Cambridge, where Mr Leach, one of the masters, had a beautiful Victorian steam launch.He would often take it out with a selection of pals and some of the pupils, though not me, as I wasn't in his class. He would arrive to school and roll across the playground on an ancient motorcycle with belt drive and acetylene headlight. It seemed to fire maybe three or four times as it chugged across the tarmac... I recall the boat having a splendid brass funnel.....a thing of beauty

[@PeterLorimer-ji5ut]

Beautifully made. You must be very proud.

[@NessiesEscapades]

Thank you! 😊

[@littlechris5656]

What a beautiful little boat, the love these two men have for it comes across very clearly. It's a joy to the eyes to see it. 🙂

[@jeffhoward9186]

Beautiful job on the build of the boat. I actually would like to have one like it myself.

[@_spartan11796]

Gorgeous boat!

[@trapspamalot]

Great job ! congrats to Jonathan. And, good job on the video David. Thanks for all you do !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching!

[@arthuralford]

From derelict to beauty, Jonny should be proud of Nessie

[@barbarataylor1535]

Beautiful and wonderful, thank you David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@christeague7596]

Can't tell you how much I enjoyed that....just amazing...

[@robsin2810]

What a grand wee boat. David, you must have canal water in your veins. Now! On with the Yellow Pearl.🇦🇺👍🙏