344. The most unusual canal boat design ever made!

[@woodenman1954]

Nobody on YT does canal videos as well as David. I am always pleased when a new video shows up.

[@Chappers.Gaming]

Basically feels like TV

[@thomasturner2279]

I am the person that runs the Sea Otters Owners Club website. It is a great to see you have done a video about them. I own a traditional 31ft Sea Otters Boat there a many similarities between all the styles of boats.

[@TheRealBelisariusCawl]

And what’s your excuse for not having a KZbin channel young man?

[@Matt.Willoughby]

I always liked the look of these, unusual and cool looking craft. Reminds me a bit of a Wavey Rider or those dawncraft broads cruisers with the sliding roof

[@robbmnro]

David, im watching your old videos again. You know what i love about them, no MUSIC!!, just you yakking on or the thum of the engine and the sounds of nature. You trust the silence, you don’t fill it with synthetic music. Also, the commentary you provide is first class. Anyways, just thought i would remind you of how good you actually are. Enjoy your yellow dingy. Rob

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@rosssharp9988]

Lovely episode on the sadly defunct Chesterfield firm, Sea Otter . I smiled when I saw the motto on the second boat, 'Home Is Where You Moor It' . Thank you, David!

[@Preske]

Otterly delightful little boat. I can see why you fancy it David.

[@AuntieSullivan]

Wonderful vlog. I was intrigued by Sea Otters when I first saw one. These are first class! It's sad that the company never made it.

[@colincox3324]

Oh I think they did, quite a few it seems. 😂

[@marvindebot3264]

@@colincox3324 /r whoosh :P

[@michaelhunt879]

What an unusual design but the best of both worlds and I kinda like it

[@daveh7720]

I wouldn't mind having a motor home laid out like that. Although driving from a mid cockpit would be a novel experience.

[@terencehammond8878]

Hi David another extremely interesting vlog some years ago as a lifting gear inspection engineer i used to visit the Sea Otter factory twice yearly where they were manufactured in Chesterfield ,from humble beginnings Ray & Cindi Shepherd built up a superb manufacturing company in two purpose built units where quality was the key word ,as an inspection engineer of they’re lifting equipment I could see first hand the quality of the boats they were producing at every stage of construction ,sadly they were badly affected by the economic recession that was affecting the whole country at the time and where the leisure producing industry suffered as a result . It was such a shame to see it go to the wall Terence Hammond

[@normanboyes4983]

Thank you David for your professional and thorough reviews. There are some great advantages with aluminium hull construction as you pointed out so well, but, there is always one of them - You have to be extremely careful as a boatbuilder and the owner to avoid electrolytic corrosion that will arise if you do not take special measures to isolate the aluminium from steel fastenings. Something as simple as dropping a steel washer into the engine room bilge and not retrieving it - could be enough to initiate a serious corrosion cell. I am not saying this as a negative just raising it for awareness. Keep up the good work.😀👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@kevinsummerley5399]

Thanks, David. That is a really interesting design and layout. It has given me ideas. I particularly like the fact that it can be trailered.

[@thelocodude01]

I used to do a bit of work at Sea Otter making odd shaped shower trays in situ. I remember that the hulls were MIG welded Aluminium & some of the boats were really nice.

[@KarenW-zs8vy]

Glad to see you have bought another canal boat....we love your videos! love the new little boat.

[@carlthor91]

David, another wonderful video. I'm surprised the company failed. Trying to get a new aluminum sailboat these days is a +2 year wait, at the best. Best wishes from Northern Canada.

[@mpersad]

Another charming video, of a very nice boat type, with really informative interviews with the owners. Really enjoyed the video, thank you.

[@timothygriffin1062]

Unique design and lower maintenance apparently Thanks for the video David.

[@dukebracton6077]

There is truly an infinite variety of canal boats. Thank you for showing another one. This is a nice variation :)

[@danhollifield]

As a Yank who has fallen in love with British canal boats, and not being hampered by tradition, I designed something very close to this! Thank you for letting me know that someone had made this possible. I wonder if there is a US company who could make one of these in a 55' x 12' widebeam format for my retirement years? Probably out of my budget, but it's nice to dream... --Dan

[@Martin-se3ij]

Saw a boat on the inter-coastal in Ft Lauderdale that was made out of an old aircraft fuselage.

[@mitchellholifield9001]

There are a few custom boat builders near Morgan city, la

[@rotinkerbell]

It was a sadness that Sea Otter folded, it seemed to always be a profitable company with an excellent product. Thanks for this David, joyous as always. x

[@layalabi1667]

Gosh! What a great design! Thanks for the video! 😊😊😊

[@steveowens398]

Another slightly abnormal narrowboat video. These are really quite nice with the split cabins. Keep them coming David!

[@thomastrout9997]

My oldest and still best subscription. Absolutely delightful once again!

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Mine too! Agree 100%

[@CruisingTheCut]

You are most kind, as ever 😀

[@jaynecopland]

That is a cool little boat! Thanks David. So interesting.

[@xIDarkSideIx]

😍love these little boats they look so cosy !!

[@dougwright111]

For the casual canal boater, this seems like a great option!

[@USAMontanan]

Nice boat! I could live in one but then I could live in any canal boat. Who doesn’t love a nice boat?!

[@TechyBen]

OMG! You finally did a tour of one of the mid cockpit models! I had a look at one once. I *really* should have got it. I was crazy to walk away. XD

[@CruisingTheCut]

They are both peculiar and charming at the same time!

[@judithmatthews8460]

I rather liked the long sloping bow but I suppose all traditional canal lovers would reel back in horror. So sad the company couldn’t prosper but maybe not enough people prepared to be unhistoric!!

[@gordonchapman222]

I like always enjoy your 'alternative' canal boat videos, makes a nice change. Thanks for sharing

[@Buck1954]

I'm in the states. I love the boat and designed one for myself for river excursions. I love the center cockpit design. My head was nearer the cockpit, easily available to all. I got the idea from Wooden Boat that used a tunnel drive system.

[@carycoombe3380]

I am laughing at the title of the video.😂 Heidi could elaborate, I am sure.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😂

[@sonorasky3982]

Quirky cute! 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

I think so too!

[@JeghedderThomas]

Those are briliant, charming and practical. Aluminium is a wonderful material, I quite fancy one of these.

[@geoffcampbell7846]

I always hankered after a Sea Otter Dutch barge and a life exploring the French and other European systems, but I couldn't afford one at the time of one of my life's great crossroads, and now when I could afford one I'm enmeshed in a life that is not compatible with those dreams. Thanks for another great video. Cheers 👋

[@MarkDaniels1517]

This is a really interesting craft. It seems quite practical.

[@horstszibulski19]

You always hav some surprise up your sleeve, always surprise with a new attraction. These aluminium narrowboat clones are pretty interesting, as well as the layout goes and the technology also! Too bad that they are that rare...seems like a nice idea! 👍👍👍

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David: This is a lovely midweek surprise. Thank you.

[@urbanrider429]

That must have been one hell of a captain Scarlett drunken night that was designed,we’ve all been there David,Chris

[@trapshooter594]

What could be better, cup of coffee, cheese sandwich and David doing another video 😂, I like the mid steering with a wheel. Interesting flooding the bottom part for ballast 🤔, maybe if you haven’t fixed the back end of your boat properly you could be using water as ballast 😂, well until your next upload 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

😳

[@kevinmartin3859]

Thank you David i think a sea otter would be one of my wish for boats loved it

[@russchapman2281]

Another great video David, thanks for popping down the island again, ill have to see what else weve got, we do have an all electric boat on its way and a lovely dutch barge style narrowboat that i think you saw when you were first down. Take care .Russ

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Russ 😀

[@marvindebot3264]

I like the general idea and the layout. I think with a bit of design work and a stretch to around 45 to 48 feet, diesel-electric hybrid propulsion and a few other improvements you could build something exceptional here that may get more people into narrowboating. I have a few design ideas I must commit to paper one day, not that I am likely to be able to afford to build any of them mind you.

[@slartybartfast6868]

I've always liked this boat, having seen it in one of your older vids, just in passing. I would like to see also that boat you went up with on the Anderton boatlift. I think it was that episode. It was similar to this one, kind of. with the steering in the middle. but larger. Anyway, Great Video, really hoped you would do a vid on it. Brilliant!

[@robsin2810]

Me thought for one moment, you were going to buy one.🤪🤪🇦🇺👍🙏

[@artlife6210]

I always wondered when things would shift this way, there’s always some room for flair lol especially after an extra pot of coffee!😂

[@CruisingTheCut]

Exactly!

[@davidhanson2351]

Hello from Florida. Thanks again for another wonderful and informative video. Always look forward to one of your videos David.

[@japrods1]

Wow. Fascinating. What an unusual craft. So many good points and flexible layouts but the weed hatch looked tricky!! I wonder if they could be electrified?? Thanks again for your report. C&Lx

[@mikecrawford7352]

That is a very unusual design. I rather like it. I like the idea that you are midway thru the boat with the helm. The canopy and windscreen gives you options. I would add a backup camera and a forward facing one as well. I do like the layout with the engine in the rear and captains quarters in the forward deck. Another great video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@bosse641]

Lovely boats. ....but I like the second one more. 🙂 I could live in that full time.

[@marvindebot3264]

It's large enough for one and a dog or two, yes.

[@MishMash22]

Have been watching this channel since the lockdown and even though I've never been on the canal, I always come back. Brilliant video and the presenter has a great sense of humour! Thanks for the wonderful content.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much indeed!

[@Random-rt5ec]

Pretty cool, “for those occasional sunny British days” that made me laugh, years ago I worked in Britain for a couple of months and recall so many roofs being covered with green moss/mold from all the rain.

[@glencrandall7051]

Great review, as always. Interesting boat. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi guys, wow I think these are fantastic. I love the idea of two cabins wonderful few other half wants to go to bed early and you want to sit up watching TV you can without annoying the crap out of each other wonderful. Keep up the good work always enjoy the videos., Cliff from Australia

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I really like this design of narrowboat. Thanks for the video!

[@barbarataylor1535]

Thank you David, this was very interesting.

[@MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg]

Lovely vlog and yet again very interesting little boat. For its age looked great and very versatile. Keep them coming

[@robertcorradi8573]

Really innovative design ..... liked it a lot .

[@zimpon]

Great, I've been looking for one of these for a while, and now, thanks to this vid, it'll be even more difficult to get a good one

[@CruisingTheCut]

They only made 7, a video isn't going to make any difference.

[@MaggiePrather]

I was wondering how you would get one of those boats into some of the canal tunnels! Now I know. Very interesting. And lets all give David 3 cheers for saying "aluminum" several times in the intro! David, you're a true broadcaster!

[@muffinhydra]

omg I love the design!

[@PKWeaver74]

Wow, really!? Each to their own I guess 🫣😉

[@swiftmatic]

VERY cool design!

[@for.tax.reasons]

I love learning about these unique types of boats you always nose out for us! Thank u for sharing :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure!

[@sandbridgekid4121]

I can't tell you, David, how I look forward to these videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@McRocket]

These are the best looking narrow boats (to me, obviously) that I recall seeing. And I love that they are aluminium. Thank you for this. ☮

[@Turleyswheels]

wow very beautiful and interesting you really know how to pick your stuff love it ❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@frankquevedo6001]

Like Mr. Wooden’1954 commented, Mr. John’s I never tire of your vlogs! They’re GREAT FUN TO WATCH!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks!

[@welcomedtragic]

I love this boat!! I saw it on the narrow boat pirate and it's so cool.

[@badfairy9554]

I think it's wonderful.

[@nannag5801]

What lovely boats! Thank you for such a nice video! Blessings

[@kentcostello5286]

She is a sharp looking narrow boat .

[@Rovinman]

You find the most UNUSUAL boats, David ! Well done on another GREAT find ! I was disappointed at the end though, when you were describing, another one ""FOR SALE", I was convinced you were going to say, ......... ""WELL I BOUGHT IT !"" My hopes were DASHED, as you offered it to the viewers ! Ah Well, Never mind, ........ I'll still follow you in Twiggy ! Stay Afloat ! Stu xx

[@hamshackleton]

Haven't seen those before. Nice boats.

[@bsimpson6204]

What a smashing design, I'm suprised they wern't more popular, 40 or 50ft would be amazing

[@maryjnorwood3962]

I think it’s pretty cool. Thank you, David. ❤️🥰😎

[@puttputt357]

Hit the like before the ad ended because i know i'm going to like it just like all other Videos on this channel

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀

[@tomtruesdale6901]

What a very interesting boat design. Really like the facts it is trailer able and water ballasted

[@MikeH-sg2ue]

Nice boat! Like it, I do! Thanks for sharing!

[@Dyfhi]

Nice 1 David…

[@mid-niteryders5523]

Very interest sting, thanks David.

[@robertsaunders9997]

Thank you David yet another interesting video.

[@johnshaw4140]

Thanks David , another very interesting video

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@shirleylynch7529]

That was delightful. Thank you. Great boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tuvia4082]

Cool boat, thanks for sharing this David.

[@Valkyrien04]

Such a cute design, I'd had it in my head that if I ever had the chance to get a narrowboat built I'd want something with a dutch barge style center mount cockpit, offset to allow a passage down one side of the boat, and a covered "patio" space on either end similar to this. Though I'd probably go for a reverse layout so I don't have the engine bits in the bedroom

[@mountainclawoutdoors]

Haven't had Cheerios in a while Thanks for the suggestion

[@MaxfromKs]

Hello David this video was very interesting.Cearyo have a good day.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

I could really fancy one of those!

[@Boating_David]

I was about to comment on there's two in my area but you found one right at the end !

[@derickevans3025]

always enjoy his videos

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@MrFroglips69]

Groovy episode.

[@kevintwine8443]

I absolutely love your videos I have been binge watching them for the 4th time but sneakily watched this one lol

[@CruisingTheCut]

You're the best!

[@kevintwine8443]

Honestly you wouldn't believe me how much I want a narrow boat but prices will unfortunately stop me 😔 all the best David​@@CruisingTheCut

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you. Again great story telling

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@RobMartin1ds]

Another pleasant interlude..... Otterly fascinating. I do wonder how different that might feel when under way. Probably not as finicky as the new yellow machine!!

[@Chuck59ish]

Another design added to the list.

[@dhroman4564]

Another fabulous informative video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GaryCSchade]

Super 👌 I'd like to have one of these on the Kenai River and Cook Inlet 💜🐻‍❄️💜

[@patbloomfield888]

Better looking than other canal boats, appear more practical.

[@omvaren]

As always; interesting and very well-made! Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@GoldwingNorway]

A good video of rare boats. Aluminum is a good material to build from, but it is expensive, the reward is minimal maintenance over time. We use boats here in Norway made of aluminium, everything from small rowing boats to fast police boats/SAR etc.

[@t1n4444]

Recently a narrowboat was constructed of some sort of "polyplastic" as an experiment. I can't recall if it was constructed of recycled plastics so as to be as green as possible. I can't recall if it was to be electrically powered either. I gather the hull was a few inches thick and acted as self insulation. No need for blacking of course as hull was black plastic through and through so wouldn't corrode but would presume it would need anodes to protect prop and gear. No idea how plastic would cope with bumps and scrapes through locks in freezing weather, say. So, David, if ever you run out of projects (I jest of course) that plastic boat might be something to consider for a future episode. And, out of scholarly interest, the now resident engineer on the arm you used to moor at was nattering about hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. The quest for ever greener narrowboats continues slowly but surely. Another possible for future episodes ... should you find yourself looking for projects to cover ...

[@gregorykennedy6869]

Hoped I might prompt some interest when I posted about the seeming dearth of aluminium canal boats a number of weeks ago. Thanks David for a very interesting exploration of some of these examples, I think the most surprising thing about these particular craft, for the average cruiser, is that they are trailerable (to some extent). I think that the one with a small rear cockpit would benefit from a back rail around the wooden seats to prevent the obvious. Cheers from Oz

[@CruisingTheCut]

I hate to break it to you but this video was already in the works 🤣🤣

[@christopherbutler7588]

What a very interesting video Love the aluminum boats, Think one of those would suit me down to the ground.😊