235. The tiniest canal boats in the world?

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
For those on small or disconnected canals, who want a boat that can be taken out of the water easily and moved elsewhere, there is the Wilderness Trailboat; an incredibly cute, fibreglass (GRP) lightweight craft that you can practically put in your pocket!
Wilderness Boats: www.wildernessboats.co.uk/
Wildness Owners' Club: www.wilderness.org.uk/
Clearwater Boats: www.clearwaterboats.net/
Many thanks to Ruth and Jackson for arranging all the filming for me, and all the participants for their time on that very soggy day over the summer!
Curious about the video's title? It's a deliberately obscure (and somewhat geeky) reference, left as an exercise for the viewer to work out.
Got a question? Read this!
www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Boat & Filming gear I use:
www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
Twitter: / cruisingthecut
Instagram: / cruisingthecut
Facebook: / cruisingthecut
Web: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk
Tip jar at www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or / cruisingthecut
Get your Cruising the Cut mugs, t-shirts and other merch here: cruisingthecut.myspreadshop.c...
Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@fation.]

Those are amazing. Those little 4 stroke (honda/yamaha/etc) are bulletproof, cheap to run and last a long time. The 23' seems perfect.

[@taoliu2920]

it's amazing. you brought your skills as a journalist to full play to show and tell this little boat.

[@pr0zyon]

I noticed that especially with the interviews. Really well done.

[@daltonbedore8396]

it watches just like a classic piece of british tv (which ive seen only on youtube so maybe thats just my experience)

[@chimpaflimp]

@@daltonbedore8396 David used to be a presenter for ITV news before retiring to do the whole boating thing, and that certainly plays into his tv-like presentation and narration style.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Uhh the man, the legend!

[@nygarmik]

Yep, the skills are still there :)

[@Matthias9319]

As a Dutch skipper i must say i really love your videos, I love to see the canals in England and what types of unique boats you have. Thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@votethebulliesout2956]

12:25 'The ability to use it as a caravan wilst it's on the trailer...' Here I was the whole time, thinking; It's a floating caravan and then this got me. Brilliant.

[@canadian3684]

Greetings from Canada! I've been watching you for years now. This channel is the reason why I'm going to England next august to cruise for a month. Cheers mate!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent! I hope you have a great time

[@myview5840]

What canals are you planning on travelling. I use to live on Leeds Liverpool canal.

[@Josh_2976]

How did it go?

[@CoolHandLuke01]

How was it ?

[@barryroach1980]

"we had a little bit of cash left over"! That is a statement from a real entrepreneur, most of us would have kept the stash for a rainy day or practical matters. I'm impressed with Mr Graham considering he was not a boat builder! Thanks David for the intro.

[@twit_t9668]

I love your shooting, scripting and editing style. Streamlined and digestible, like an extended news report on TV

[@LordWillyGee]

When on the trailer it can be a camper to cook, sleep, and just relax in.

[@susanmarker2164]

Well now I'm in love....so might there be a few around the UK canals..I could live in one of these..😊..a tad bit smaller than my cabin in Idaho it was 400sg. ft. I loved it and made it home for about 22 yrs... Great volg it was fun. ..l loved the green boat...😊

[@Meat_Demon]

Your uploads are so relaxing. When I turn on one of your videos its like a detox from the craziness of modern living. Thank you!

[@peterstratton4075]

Yes I agree with You. The Rat race is awful, this kind of boat would be great for a retirement idea

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, thank you!

[@loughkb]

I hadn't thought about using it as a caravan while it's on the trailer. It's a completely amphibious mobile home. That is actually quite cool! I'd invest in this company if I were a business type. I imagine this will become very popular.

[@CannaCJ]

Nice to see The Old Tech Guy around. I often watch David's videos and think of the ham possibilities, and not just for those terribly...British...sandwiches he seems to enjoy eating.

[@douglaskerins6030]

i've been AWOL for awhile, it's good to see you are well and carrying on ;) We are hangin on in EL Paso ... say a prayer for us pls

[@wdhewson]

At my age that's just about the amount of property i aspire to care for.

[@ILike2PlayBass]

I'm only 30 and I heartily agree

[@DuckiestBoat959]

😪 yeah

[@andrewerickson6690]

Yeah I'm 41 and these are just what I need

[@jeffhgv]

“Spin around on a sixpence”, there’s an old saying the young ones probably wouldn’t know. ❤️

[@dennisporter753]

I love those little boats!.. I really enjoyed the 23 ft boats.. spacious enough to live in year round. So glad you did the vlog on them!.. Cheers David!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jojacobs305]

Please keep on delivering the reports on different canal boats 🤓 so interesting 😁

[@frofrofrofro900]

Hello and welcome from Tricity in Poland 🌊 😁 as always it is pleasure to have a possibility to watch your fine video 👏🤩 it give us warm feeling during this pandemic autumn ☔

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! 😃

[@majinojinn]

Thank you David for a unique look at the differences of narrow boating across the various canals. Your labor continues to bring joy and serenity to others.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@paulboden7850]

Definitely the way to go. GRP means no rust and easy maintenance! Easily repaired. Big cost saving with small outboard.

[@theotherstevesteve]

GRP tends not to be easy maintenance when being beaten against the stone walls of a narrow canal. It's ok if you have double width locks where you can keep the fenders down but narrow locks are too narrow for fenders. Additionally of course outboard mean no hot water heating so you will need to buy a hot water heater, and no leisure battery charging so you will need to buy a separate generator. In terms of running cost there is no discounted red diesel equivalent for petrol outboards so the fuel will be about twice the price, assuming you can find it. The benefit for these wee boats is that they can be trailered, but this is not a solution for anything larger.

[@t1n4444]

@@theotherstevesteve Hmm, it does appear tho' that the sides of the GRP boats are equipped with a continuous rubbing strip at the widest point. Therefore would expect some protection against lock sides. That said it might be possible to wallop the hull below said rubbing strip onto something unforgiving. If the gel coat is cracked then water could seep in and spread by osmosis/capillary action through the fibre glass. Now that is a right old malarkey to sort out.

[@philipp1767]

@@theotherstevesteve Steve its my understanding that the Yamaha outboard along with being electric start does have excess capacity in the alternator to provide at least 10 amps of charge current, admittedly it isn't a lot but can support a 100 ah leisure battery. So running two yes you'd need a supporting generator, but then again even the new suitcase or inverter generators are sub 1 kW @250 volt so only produce sub 15 amp at 12 volt. So in reality the viable option is solar.

[@eekee6034]

I once heard of a GRP boat hull being stripped of its outer layer, then baked for 2 weeks in a giant oven to dry the moisture out of it. I have no idea of what circumstances led up to this event, but I suspect the boat was just really special to someone and normally would be considered at the end of its life instead of having all that done.

[@terrycoles9079]

Hi, I absolutely loved this video, super idea to make a program on these boats. Thank you also to the owners of the boats who have allowed you to film. I'm getting more tempted to buy a narrowboat by the day.

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

Fascinating little thing, dual use as a caravan is genius! Floating like cork, I do wonder how stable they are, but the use of space is supreme. Nice film!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Surprisingly stable, I found. I was expecting a lot of wobble but the flat bottom seems to work!

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

@@CruisingTheCut It's the cutest keel I've ever seen - but it might do the job!

[@chocksaway100]

Mum and Son Ruth and Jackson stole the show come across as nice people who enjoy their Wilderness boat lifestyle.😀

[@laurabannatyne8201]

This episode could be subtitled "Cruising the Cute" 😍

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Great min-doc, David! Very professionally done, and both informative and enjoyable. Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BobBlarneystone]

This makes me want to waterproof the bottom of my 30' Airstream and launch it on the Erie Canal. ;)

[@notrackscntfndme6156]

Build quality is pretty good on those, pretty sure motor and just a bit of silicon......

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Great idea David.......low maintenance and cheap to run......stay safe.....thanks for sharing

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@Micds03]

Fab video! More unique boat tours please!!!

[@briandeaton3550]

Great video on a great idea for a tiny houseboat. We don't have anything like it in the US. With it being trailerable, it would be a great way to go camping in a state that has a lot of lakes.👍

[@benpreston3201]

Hi David. Love the videos even when you aren't cruising keep up the good work!

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

That little canal boat looks so cute. It looks so cozy inside. As always another wonderful video David. Your videos are always so relaxing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@btrowbridge8958]

WOW, I want one! I grow up and live and raised my kids on the Seneca River which is part of the Erie Canal System (New York USA). I always wanted what we call a Houseboat (a pontoon boat with a caravan on top) but they are too opulent and expensive. We Americans don't do small and simple. I just retired and my wife and I would love one of those! Thank you for showing us this.

[@kn58657]

I know you prefer blue skies and sunshine when you're out cruising, but I have to say it's cosy to hear the rain pouring down in the background on this lovely video.

[@SLO-Ride]

Well...NOW we must see David cruise this Welsh canal, and show us the aforementioned loveliness of it! That small little bit already looks so serene, I for one, would love to see it all!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I was supposed to be cruising it last April but the pandemic put paid to that. Maybe next year...

[@SLO-Ride]

@@CruisingTheCut Can't wait!

[@per-olamjomark7452]

I can see why you fall in love with such a "peculiar craft" - as the inventor so aptly described the first prototype. Great video as always, Mr. Johns.

[@carolynevolpecurley547]

What nice, sweet people. I'm not used to such gentle personalities.

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Those cutouts at the end of the bunk where your feet go to increase the length of the bed are generally called 'Trotter Boxes' on yachts. Basically, because that is where your 'trotters' go. Lovely little boat. A fully electric one would be great.

[@eekee6034]

Lovely name! :D

[@chrishan6418]

Once again David you prove that you are a great entertainer, whether sailing or not, and a pleasure to listen to. I hope I could meet you when I am in England the next time - hopefully summer 2021. The "pitter-patter " of England's autumn rain is a feast to the ears.

[@rickbartley9255]

This would make a lovely 'Great Circle' boat here in the USA. The economy and utility of the living space footprint is brilliant.

[@jerrymiller276]

I was thinking the same thing. And with the added feature that you could putter around the interesting areas of the loop and trailer past the less attractive parts to keep up with the seasons.

[@wacholder5690]

@ 10:00 the notorious heron comes walking in the picture. Brilliant. Love the video !

[@philgray1023]

Thanks for the video David. Ewe wouldn't believe how much we enjoyed the ungulate intermission. Lovely little boats.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alanbower1193]

Those are neat little boats. Great for a weekend outing or vacation.

[@douglasharley2440]

great video about a COOL little boat! not the least fascinating aspect of boats is how efficiently space is utilized, and the attendant trade-offs and compromises that the designers have to make. personally, i'd kit it out with lithium batteries and good 24-48v solar system, a better bathroom in general and composting toilet in particular, and an electric motor. *sweet!*

[@lukedogwalker]

Most of these interior layouts will be very familiar to sailing yacht owners. I've often wondered why canal boats don't make use of them. Turns out one type of boat does! And I love the idea of also using it as a caravan.

[@shardlake]

Great little boats, nice to see a company is going to bring new ones back onto the water. Great vlog as ever always manage to find something interesting linked to canals :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@arthuralford]

One of your best episodes, David. They are probably perfect for their canals, and the owners seem like they love their boats. And with production restarted, another generation will be on the canals soon

[@Lurker1979]

23ft is lot of room. A lot of RVs come in around that size here in the US and other places.

[@brucefay5126]

Indeed; and smaller too.

[@simonclarke6970]

Fascinating David, love the fact that you can use it as a caravan. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@robertl6196]

Perfect for week-ending. I like how they get used on land as RVs.

[@garygerard4290]

great alternative to tie-ing up the King's ransom in a boat and you use the exact same waterway with the exact same scenery

[@barbaralamson7450]

The tiny boats seem absolutely perfect. Thank you.

[@stijnpaspont]

The mother and son mentioned they take theirs to france. Thats means there's a ferry carrying a car that towing a boat. Thats gotta be a fun sight.

[@donaldripper3354]

On the train?

[@Sierraomega1991]

Probly on eurostar

[@wayneroberts9704]

Also using it as a caravan when on the trailer..Just brilliant!!.Thanks for this excellent vlog David,5* again..

[@nigelspeller1850]

My favourite video or vlog on you tube , since I have been watching for two years

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PAULPINBALL]

Nice compact vessel and I love how the manufacturer filled a needed niche by taking a risk, now that’s life!

[@anthonytaylor8102]

I bought a wilderness boat 3 years ago for my wife and can honestly say it’s one of the best things I have ever purchased, we have had so much pleasure and new experiences, all I can say if you are thinking about buying a wilderness narrow boat just do it!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great to hear!

[@mikeysonlyvanspage]

I'm so glad you've done a video on these boats. I've been walking and cycling this canal towpath recently and fell in love with these boats too but knew nothing of their history.

[@Pjotor-uy9pv]

I have been sick for almost a year now and i found your videos in the last few months. Your videos have been panacea for my soul. Very calm and fun to watch. With kind regards from Northern Norway.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm glad the videos have helped and I hope you are getting (and feeling) better.

[@johnyoungieyoung123]

An ingenious use of space. those small boats, surprisingly, pack a lot of features, less could be more in this case. I would think maintenance would be easier but I would see it more for weekends than a live-aboard. I am not really in to canal boats to be honest but the thing about your vlogs are that they are excellently presented, concise, factual and to the point with a splash of humour. I actually find them quite relaxing and they are a good length. If I want to watch something enjoyable and quick I don't want to sit for 40 minutes. Really enjoy your content. When I come back to the UK I may actually try a rental for a bit of fun. I could see living on one except for British weather. Keep up the good work.

[@azlansharom7011]

Dave’s prior life as a television-person sure does make his videos a pleasure to watch - so well produced! Likewise, I’m tempted to have a go at a Canal Boat holiday... now... to convince the missus and the kids... 😄

[@danielburgin28]

The bigger things get, the less efficient they are.

[@johnyoungieyoung123]

@@danielburgin28 my wife says otherwise

[@horstszibulski19]

Great documentation! Your past trade is still visible... :-D And these tiny boats are really nice, like a micro camper! :-D Thx for the vid!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gikar1948]

Thanks David, great video about such pretty small boats.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pamelaranney9932]

I love these could you do more videos about them ? Showing different interior & exterior designs ..tours & interviews? Showing on your site pages you've come across with them.. I so very much love your whole series !!! I Do Thank You !!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers but I'm unlikely to do more about them as I showed several different ones in this video

[@daviddirom7429]

Funny how when I first came across your vlogs I was really into the thought of moving back to the UK and buying a narrow boat. The lock system put that out of my mind due to my injuries. But the little beaver sure is about the size I would have been interested in buying.

[@nigelspeller1850]

Delightful and well presented quaint and inspiring video , thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carterbentley9030]

Fascinating little things. I, too, can imagine many spots in the US where these would be ideal. Lovely that they work for trailering.

[@FordS-O-S]

Hello David, always await your videos, I don't always leave a post. I do watch them all!. and those tiny boats are so adorable.. they look like little tug boats for ones that are your size :)

[@davidoliver1169]

David. Another well made video. Once again such a joy to watch and a great escape from all the dreadful goings on around the world. Thank you for making these excellent and highly entertaining films. David

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@alc7926]

I had no idea these little boats were so roomy, to the point that I disregarded them before. I completely changed my mind about them now. Thanks 🙏 for this vlog, it was very informative

[@americaspastortravels7536]

What a great story, thanks for sharing. Those vessels are really cool. Safe travels 🙏

[@markholroyde9412]

No clattering diesel, lovely, very nice, wonder what the price of a new one would be?.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Around £35k, see link in video description

[@markholroyde9412]

@@CruisingTheCut Cheers, thats not bad, how much is an outboard these days?, I worked narrow boats for Shire cruisers with my Father in the mid/late 70's, still thrives today in the same Canal basin @ lock #1.

[@lucanspittle8213]

I’ve got to say I’ve actually spoke to Ian! What a nice guy! These originals are rare! Check out tiny wee boat ! One day I’d love a newer version by clear water boats! Your videos are so good! So calming and well put together

[@TheGarryModder]

hahaha all the times you tried to film herons and having them fly off halfway through and then at 10:00 one of the cheeky sods just nips into the background on it's own! Love the video as always thanks!

[@InfernalPasquale]

Excellent video again. Would love to see more interviews, illuminating and human

[@deltas4114]

I watched this 6 days ago, had to come back, subscribed, and now I'm enjoying all your vlogs from Peoria, Arizona, USA where I'm I'm truly landlocked, lol. Thank you

[@kauske]

Surprisingly, I have seen 1-2 of these on Canals here in Canada too, so the overseas claim definitely holds. I cannot imagine how you'd get one shipped here, maybe on a car-carrier, or specially packed in a shipping crate. I would never have imagined they were an import before seeing this.

[@edwiser3547]

A small, economical cruiser with an electric outboard. Sounds like there is a market for that. I wish Clearwater every success.

[@msulemanf]

The thoroughness, production values and good spirit in your videos is a joy. You really bring the subject to the fore, patiently explore it, and let others speak without interruption.

[@nmr6988]

Love the Mother & Son who plan to sail to France in their little boat.

[@karinvankersen3521]

Hi David, thanks so much for a great video. We really love these little boats, you can even leave it on the trailer and use it as a caravan 😊!! Keep up the good work. XXX

[@edinnorthcarolina--ovelhog5786]

Where I am from in the U.S. we called these "House Boats." Folks "camp" on them on rivers during weekends and vacations. I actually had an Grand-Aunt who lived on an actual House Boat a little over 100 years ago. Her version--I have seen old photos--had no motor, they were moored permanently to the river bank. There was a potbelly coal fired stove and water was taken from the river. Despite this, she lived to be well into her 80's.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks David. How very interesting. Especially the idea of boat/caravan. Brilliant.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christinehammell6365]

Love these wee boats. Always nice to see them when they visit our canals here in Scotland.

[@dewservices]

So it's a floating tiny RV. Not Bad. Seems to be about the size of a Winnebago Mini with about the same amenities. Also, while towing to the next water source, you could still use it like a RV trailer in tow.

[@koffibanan3099]

Such a pleasant video. I couldn't help but smile, with Clive in the picture. Reminds me of my grandfather. And hahaha at the heron sneaking in at 10:00

[@rogerunderhill4267]

And when it’s on a trailer, it’s a caravan. Brilliant!

[@TinyWeeBoat]

Thank you for making this video! It's because of you that we learned that the wilderness beavers existed and we managed (after a long search) to buy one of our own! It's a 1979 model with lot's of renovation to do but we fell in love with them as soon as we clicked play on your vlog. We're documenting our renovation journey too all inspired by you - you're more than welcome to come and see it once finished!! :D

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad I could help!

[@gbzl3691]

I'm not even the owner of a canal boat but I love crusing the cut 🙂

[@fellipec]

You're very professional in video making. There is a huge abyss between the regular youtuber and a professional that happens to have a youtube channel

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@HiroNguy]

Quite brilliant! I love how these are practically amphibious camping trailers.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

What a wonderful line of little boats. Wish we had something like those on this side of the pond

[@7000bass]

Thanks David for sharing this, probably like many here, this is a whole new world. I’m an ex-live aboard at 68 with health issues (but no way giving in). Over the years I converted many vessels, mainly Dutch barges. My last conversion was the Viceroy, a 1901 ex steam driven iron hull Gosport to Isle of Wight ferry, now a houseboat on the Medway. It was converted to a Gardiner 6xl diesel double steel decked tourist by day, disco boat by night on the Thames. Missing being on the water, these little cuties are more than manageable to get back to the taste for the breaks. Thanks for including the people with the links, I’ll be following those up. Totally love your vids, the most interesting and educational but also the most entertaining. Thanks again.

[@TheAtma50]

A boat that doubles as a caravan... Now that's genius !! Stay Safe David !!

[@WillN2Go1]

They look perfect for vacation rentals to eager Americans (like me!) The small size is delightfully cozy, and not big enough to be able to cause much chaos, harm anything, or startle any of Her Majesty's swans. I can just see me trying to explain to the Life Boat Rescue crew in mid Channel. "But the young man on David's video very clearly said 'you could take it to France."

[@teenaramsay2469]

If Top Gear can take a Toyota Hilux to France...why not a real watercraft? Probably might take more than a 15hp outboard though....

[@davidpiper3652]

Cute; with a reference to the original Mini car. I want one.

[@BoggWeasel]

There would be a market for these in the USA, esp as it can be used as a camper too. Great little boat.

[@longisland4210]

Just when you thought narrowboats couldn't get any cuter along comes this tiny one.

[@eawaivan3115]

My beaver is one of the first six built in 1978. It's still going strong, we've had it for 15 years, and I love ever minute's pleasure it gives.

[@travelsoutsidethebun4356]

ahhh I love the smaller ones too,, incredible video, thank you!

[@jamalimohamedali9925]

Truly enjoyed your tiny boat segment. Always looking forward to the next edition of "CruisingTheCut". Keep it up, Bro. Love from Singapore.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!

[@christinae30]

23 feet ~ 7 m 17.5 feet ~ 5.3 m (according to google) - Goes on damp grass; perfect! 🛀🚣‍♀️

[@sionnachog894]

Amazing what they got to fit into a 17-foot boat. I had a couple of 17-foot sailing boats and would never have thought them livable on.