Ep 87: POWER on a Narrowboat! How I use my engine, Bluetti solar, and stove to for Cost Of Living!

[@juliancurtis4071]

The dance moves while Maggie gets her wiggle on.... epic :)

[@timhmetal3499]

You have an old soul, with a young lovely face :). Doing all this the way you are doing it feels good, normal, because of that. I would dare say, you felt an irresistible urge pulling you to the road you have taken. Follow your heart and your soul will follow. Respect and love...

[@azzytwoz]

Wow, yes, Liz has an Old Soul, I have an Old Soul and, I'm guessing, you have an Old Soul, TimH. Liz, if you didn't know this, look into it because you'll understand yourself better. Happy Mind & Happy Christmas

[@J1mbo888]

That Engine has perfect "Rhythm". Just love those old engines 🙂

[@1roanstephen]

Many years ago my family and I visited my great grandmother's house. It had no running water or electricity. Lights were oil lamps, the kitchen sink had a well pump in it for water and hot water was made by the wood burning kitchen stove. It worked well, just like your boat. Jump on that flue heater for your hot water because you would be wasting the heat going up the flue otherwise. I admire what you are doing Lizbef. I love the artistry of your videos. Keep on keeping on, you are becoming a master at living in a narrow boat.

[@margaretknight8690]

I like the way you let us see your narrow boat life, warts and all. Admire the way you embrace the challenges and find the fun in your situation. I’m enjoying watching your journey.

[@jsmythib]

I felt like I stepped up to the fortune tellers window at the fair with that intro :) The minimalist setup is very educational, among other things. A valuable experience for your next step. Whatever that might be :)

[@jsmythib]

p.s. grab all the product plugs you can get. We understand! Cool tools.

[@DougVarble]

I have been a long time follower, no other KZbinr has as much Heart as you have, thanks for sharing 🎉

[@davidnaprstek1317]

You're awesome Liz, tough enough to make the challenges look easy, full of energy and always unpredictable. You're like a Molotov cocktail of fun crashing through the window. Banish the negative & miserable ppl from your mind, you're one of the creator's true masterpieces. Hope you and the dog are well (and warm). Thanks for the videos.

[@TillerQueen]

Just found your channel and, as a fellow boater, really enjoyed this video. Subscribed! 😊

[@Theritualkitchen]

I love the engine start up dance ha! What a cool sound she makes

[@EarleWrites]

Haha, she's my own DJ! 💃 boat meet up soon darling! X

[@markwilliamson9140]

I love that little dance you did. It was funny. I like your style. ✌️💃

[@socks349]

That's a big heart Liz...

[@chrismulvey49]

Just started following SV Delos recently, and I tracked you down to see what you are up too. You haven't had it easy but I admire your perseverance

[@mountaingoat3012]

OMG You are like no other KZbinr I've ever seen before. Keep up the quirky style :-)

[@Johnnoboy]

I'm one very jealous Aussie!!!! I love all of your content, if a mid life crisis happens to me, you've cemented in how and where to live

[@EarleWrites]

Haha, I'm glad to hear it, Johnno!

[@darrencoile]

Love that you are embracing the “simple life “ no matter how hard it may be.

[@EarleWrites]

Thank you, Darren!

[@gbayfan3]

Your buddy Brian on SV Delos would be a bottomless resource of info on power. Understood that you are limited in finances but still think he could help both short and long-term. Thanks for the great video!

[@EarleWrites]

So glad you enjoyed it, pal!

[@susansisk455]

LOVED the dance. Made me smile. I break out in a little dance sometimes to the music on TV. Just to get moving a bit I guess (and because its fun...). Enjoyed the vlog.

[@EarleWrites]

Hey Susan! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I do love to dance for any reason whatsoever. Keeps moral up!

[@JFANDHISPEOPLE]

Hey Lizbith!! Love ya! Dig ur "shorts from KZbin nite before wi that great version of a song, ! Still an inspiration, 33 1//2 Hunter 1988, still workimg on her after 5 years of a crazy life.. ❌⭕️

[@david_keating]

Well done and keep going girl, your a tough old boot, in the kindest of ways. Good on you for being so independent and determined and enjoying that beautiful way of life. You only live once. 👍✊️

[@cnobillbradley9673]

Ooh a 2 cylinder diesel dirvish dancer. Bravo

[@Bicyclehub]

Tough in the winter, but when you make it through to spring you'll have a wonderful time.

[@mjashurst]

Just loving the startup dance Lizbef. (I've put a secondary glazing up with bubblewrap, makes a hell of a difference over winter, I've closed my vents too)

[@lynngatlin4469]

Not sure what it is but I've been binge watching these narrow boat videos. I live in Tennessee near the Tennessee river quite different from anything like narrowboats. But I find it so interesting an I'd have to say if I lived there I'd have to get me one of these boats cause I wouldn't have it no other way. You enjoy your journey in this life I think it's absolutely beautiful.

[@sandiemable]

You could use one of those pull carts from Walmart or your equivalent. Having one would make your life so much easier; fill it with groceries, wood, or whatever you need to haul, and it folds up when not in use. The one you need is called Grocery Cart with wheels, a collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon with all-terrain wheels, it is blue and holds up to 150 pounds and is $82.00 here in the states.

[@EarleWrites]

I absolutely have been for the hunt of one of these since this message!

[@sandiemable]

@@EarleWrites Sweet! Let me know if you find one; I will try to get one to you if the shipping doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get it to you.

[@sandiemable]

@@EarleWrites It's me again! I found it on Amazon.

[@sicchuckie]

The way you described carting the wood; reminded me of the Led Zeppelin album cover of the guy carrying sticks on his back. Summer is better.

[@danhall8948]

I'm in love with your dog awesome

[@jannepeltonen2036]

That water heater on the flue sounds great. One word of warning though - if you have the stove going all the time, the water in the heater might start boiling, and you end up with *a* *lot* of moisture inside the boat.

[@EarleWrites]

Good point... Hmmm... Maybe if it starts over boiling that will make me be productive and do some washing to get rid of the 20litres?

[@koborkutya7338]

another thought - when you have something cooling your chimney (like that water heater with cold water in it) make sure to check if the smoke still leaves the chimney alright. I know some blokes who "overcooled" their chimney and smoke started to prefer indoors, which is a quick way to die without a warning. This is not an issue with the stove running "full steam" but if you want to keep it burning at a slow rate for long time the cooling may be too strong and the draft is gone. An idea (I know your holds are full of ideas): there is a company called Aspen Aerogel. They produce and distribute hightech insulation materials (like 4-5 better than expanded polystyrene) which are expensive like hell but are used to heat insulate when there is very limited space. You may ask them if they are interested to add some heat insulation to the inside of your boat as a sponsorship, with you giving honest review on that. I believe insulating boats may be a business they may or may not have explored so your application may give them sales. And if they are not interested, your not not any worse off than today, are you? :) Keep it up, good stuff

[@Jividen83]

Adding hot water turns to your burner or your flue and a cheap pump you could probably hook into you boiler and move heat around the boat

[@EarleWrites]

That is something I'll definitely be looking into for next winter!

[@alchik1]

You have to pick and choose your upgrades when funds are short. Maybe a tankless water heater and a couple of the Chinese diesel heaters (I hear they are very efficient and one or two couple possible heat your entire boat.). If you're patient, all these things will come and you'll have all you need.

[@EarleWrites]

I'd love to get something connected to my stove for water heating but I think, financially, that's going to be a next winter jobby...

[@melanieandbookstacks]

Hi. New subscriber. Loving your work here on KZbin.

[@claremaidofthewave251]

Loving your “shorts”, stroking Leila while she was watching out the window was so lovely.

[@EarleWrites]

Awww I'm so glad you enjoyed it! She's my world. ❤️

[@claremaidofthewave251]

@@EarleWrites 🤗

[@neilgower2558]

Thanks

[@neilgower2558]

Your most welcome it will get you a bag of Cole

[@jannepeltonen2036]

About power - you can find universal 12 V car chargers for laptops, and you can also install a 12V car cigarette lighter style socket in the boat's 12V system (unless you already have them). I use those on my sailing boat, and have no need for an inverter (the fridge is also a 12V unit). Especially if your inverter drains the main battery quickly, that might be a way to use less power. Also I suspect that car socket on your power pack is bidirectional, so you could also use that and maybe get a little bit more juice out from the power pack, too, not having to use the internal inverter in there. There's always some loss in inverting and raising the voltage to grid standards and then rectifying and lowering the voltage; using a DC-DC converter such as found in the car chargers for laptops means less loss.

[@EarleWrites]

Ooooo I'll have a look into that, Janne! Thanks for the tip!

[@classiccars1994]

Enjoying your video's brings back good memories. I appreciate funds maybe an issue but a couple of good mods, upgrade your alternator for a higher amperage which in turn means running your engine for shorter periods, providing your batteries are good. Another good piece of kit inverter charger, Victron do some good kit , intelligent charger/battery conditioner is also a good move. Is your current hot water via a calorifier ? Not sure if you are aware Armstrong Siddeley use to make aircraft engines, gearboxes for tanks and quality cars, the company got absorbed by Rolls Royce.

[@johncampbell4256]

Absolutely brilliant video Liz it's great to know what's needed on a classic narrow boat thank you x

[@pope1089]

Could you connect the old range up to your rads and hot water, back boiler. Could cook on it too. No gas. I'm no expert but I'd say that could be done. Thanks for the tour really interesting

[@rebeccadanaher1065]

Brilliant dancing made me laugh. Thanks for the vlog x

[@danhall8948]

Your awesome a great start but only a start , smart , cute , got all kinds of skills

[@tinxmeadley5418]

maybe you might want to look in to a back boiler, it could run your radiators ? Keep warm girl. ;) Tinx

[@derrickjohnston7181]

Bless you got this...

[@taniajackson9603]

We have a 1936 Ricky Butty, no engine, so at the mo, reliant on solar, need a 400w wind turbine, love the rave sound and dance xxx so generally keep low use, radio, lights and bilge pumps.

[@EarleWrites]

Oooo let me know how the wind turbine treats you! I've been curious about those! No engine?? Is she stationary right now or are you hoping for an electric engine, hand haulage? I'll keep dancing in your honour. Here's to historic boats! ❤️

[@markgilbey1742]

Brilliant liz I think I love you

[@petejolly865]

I used to use 240volt but now have everything on 12 volt. Solar gives all the power we need from March-november

[@EarleWrites]

Solar will make a big difference I think. It will be a next year thing for me to obtain as the budget is very tight!

[@simon-nb-Betsyray]

Great vlog but doesn't it made u realise how lucky u are to still be in control even if ur life is simpler, l live in a house but also cook on my wood burner and have solar to run my lights and power a few things. With the cost of energy l have cut back on things and listen to the radio watching the flickering flames of the fire, l feel happier living like this without 2days technology pushed in your face. Keep the vlogs coming there really so enjoyable 👍

[@EarleWrites]

Absolutely, Simon, I feel the same way. I don't have a TV either, so I read or listen to audiobooks on the go. This life really does make you appreciate the little things. Glad you're enjoying the videos and thank you for the kind words ❤️

[@mikefellows3901]

Just stumbled upon your channel and so pleased I have :o) What amazing content and banter ! Would love a narrowboat, always look so Bohemian. Well you've got a new subscriber and look forward to catching up on all your content ! Take care and thank you so much fot the vlogs :o) All the best Mike

[@jimdiamond8246]

😃 just seen you on MJ sailing .great to see you having fun 👍.

[@EarleWrites]

I loved it! I miss those guys so much ❤️

[@stewartrogers494]

liz have you given any thought to operating power tools with you blue bad boy or even a small ceramic heater as well as an eclectic blanket ....... You, Mary, Pirate are similar in your indevers.......we the north.....S

[@pope1089]

Your on a soul journey. I wonder what the connection is to the water

[@pumacat1637]

Your making me hungry watching u cook

[@kylecarter7928]

The EB70 is an ok power station, I just wish it charged faster.

[@paulhulse1975]

Hi way not try potable solar panels like I do in the camper van look on Eby or try wind power or a generator x good look

[@kevinkanak1380]

Lizbef! So you said the boat had radiators. Do they circulate warm water through them? If so, how hard would it be to pipe the water through your stove and heat it while heating the boat? I thought of this idea when I had my houseboat, but had to sell due to other circumstances. I have seen people wrap a copper coil around the stove or the chimney to take that wasted heat and use it to heat water.

[@EarleWrites]

It will definitely be something I look into for next Winter! All about money right now I'm afraid. But that would be fantastic!

[@suehall3298]

Brilliant video 💐☕🍰 Love Sue❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤

[@taniajackson9603]

You know it! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@richmorpurgo5554]

You are amazing. Good thing I’m not 20 years younger!

[@EarleWrites]

Aww thank you!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Great vlog but aren’t you worried about the power box and solar panels getting stolen? Everything is going up in price, great that you’ve got free logs chopped by your lovely dad. Take care, stay safe. xxxxx

[@EarleWrites]

I do get worried sometimes but if someone took just one step on my boat, I'd feel it. Then I'd let Leela loose. ❤️

[@KerryBBalcom]

Can you section off some of the boat with heavy curtains to keep the main area warm

[@EarleWrites]

It's a future plan to do that. It's getting colder and colder so going to have to think of something!

[@reeu5five534]

ol engine is music to our ears!!! and you can dance! haha.

[@EarleWrites]

I've got the moves! 💃

[@alcatrazrider]

a trimbike that fits in connected to battery over dynamo can charge as well the batteries.... 😉

[@EarleWrites]

I'd love to be able to charge my batteries via bike!

[@mattgoodchild8215]

Fantastic ....best way to live

[@iinventedinternet2591]

It would have been better if it had an accessory port where I could attach an extra battery.

[@richcolgate8929]

Love ya vlog and words,,, u go for it,, Simple life,,, nowt wrong with that,,, Bliss x

[@ianmcfadden4709]

you may be interested in a couple more batteries and an inverter which will give you a certain amount of ac (220v) from your dc 12v ) batteries

[@EarleWrites]

It will have to be a next year thing I'm afraid. Budget is quite tight this winter!

[@paulhulse1975]

I can see now you have portable solar panels I have seen people using wind power too like on sale boats

[@EarleWrites]

I have thought about this!

[@paulhulse1975]

Great engine I love the sound move more and keep batteries charged up and see move of the 2000 miles of canals good luck 😉

[@stimpsonjcat67]

some curtains might let you heat a smaller area more efficiently.

[@EarleWrites]

I've been thinking of making my bedroom a bit more medieval to suit this purpose!

[@claremaidofthewave251]

@@EarleWrites 🤗yes

[@taniajackson9603]

Water heater yes please

[@EarleWrites]

I think it's essential at this point! 😂

[@garywinters2282]

How much do new batteries cost?

[@EarleWrites]

About £150 each and I need 3, so it's a next year job really. Making do as much as I can until I save up some pennies!

[@garywinters2282]

@@EarleWrites well maybe we subscriber's can pitch in a few dollars & pounds to help out.

[@cnobillbradley9673]

Damn the Torpedoes Captain! Full tip toes ahead!

[@EarleWrites]

Full speed at 3mpr!! 🚀

[@markphillips2076]

Using an invertor to convert from 12v to 240v and then back down to 9v for a laptop is so inefficient because you lose power with each step of voltage conversion. You can get 12v laptop power supplies. With only one step they are more efficient. Also a 12v fridge is more efficient for the same reason.

[@danhall8948]

Start a go fund I would love to help

[@ericmiller12]

Now I'm hungry Elizabeth. 😀

[@pope1089]

I'd be bringing wood from the woods home all the time. Probably smokeless fuel laws

[@1986garage]

Hi I buy 20 kilo bags of smokeless fuel for multi fuel stove called ovoids from local coal yard £11.50 last longer than coal burns hotter best wishes from Wales martin.

[@EarleWrites]

I'll have a look to see if there's a local coal yard to me or find when the next coal boat is due my way!

[@lowellirish]

Hun- you need to be more wood dependent. Start your fire, then add 4 or 5 coal ...keep adding a 3-1 mixture. wood to coal. Buyba hand held saw. Amazon $109. Electic. Charge on the Jackery. Its a mini chainsaw. Also, get yourself a sponsor! ;)

[@originalpickaxe]

I wouldnt leave that outside lest some light fingered dodgepot wanders along and makes off with it.

[@lowellirish]

Hell no. No heavy loads for me anymore! Im getting an electric bike and a cart for me an 100 lb labrottweiller Amy! Plus, I need to transport my instruments...lmao...shit. Ill need a car, right? Damnnnn...Uber? Busses? Trains? How about the dogs in pubs and venues ? Can I perform at Festivals? Theres a lot right?

[@Ieatfridays]

You are 1 very funny lady😂😂

[@EarleWrites]

You're a darling ♥️

[@CanadianGrenadian]

I love you Lizbef

[@rickstevens1479]

You could put a muffler on it the neighbors would dig it ....

[@sh4969]

'home bio gas' make your own

[@briandale8386]

Try living in a house in Missouri in America and burning wood to stay warm . It gets shit crazy cold . You have to be prepared . You’d definitely would need a old bloke or a chainsaw.

[@CanadianGrenadian]

You look marvellous

[@Regencyexpress1769]

You know what’s ironic about what your doing ? I work for an energy supplier and the amount of customers that live in houses and are doing the exact same thing you are . Your doing this as an adventure , many of them are just stuck lol 😮

[@EarleWrites]

Hey pal! I can understand that. I think I'm a bit of a sadist and have always created a make believe scenario about anything to make something tedious seem exciting. Going for a run? Imagine you're escaping a bounty hunter in medieval ages. Cooking above a fire? Imagine I'm living in the 1920s 😂 Thanks for the good vibes 🖤

[@SuperDaveyoutube]

Do you have a full time "Carer"?😂😂😂

[@EarleWrites]

They quit. Just can't get the staff nowadays.

[@markbernier8434]

70 quid for a bottle of gas? I thought I was being robbed. Talking about water heaters, back in the day every farm kitchen had a hot water tank at the back of the hob. What you are doing is very much 20's & 30's Be well.

[@fredziener3589]

😎😊💋😍😍

[@Saha-j2u]

Hello . I ask you for help. We have no war in Ukraine light. My family needs such a device. My family does not have the money to buy such a device. The cold has come to Ukraine. In our house, heating depends on the light. We freeze. I ask you if there is an opportunity to help my family to acquire such a device. Please help me. Excuse me for the brazen request. Please help.

[@kifla7al]

Why the struggle of living in a boat? cant you just live in normal house like everyone else

[@EarleWrites]

Why the struggle of living in a house? I may have obstacles on this boat, but she's mine and I can go wherever I want. I'm in the middle of glorious countryside, appreciating the hard work that my ancestors put into this life. The idea of being stuck in a flat that I can barely afford, just to pay off someone else's mortgage makes me feel sick. I'd rather have open skies and rolling hills. Even if it means being covered in oil and smelling like smoke.

[@dereks2642]

Sometimes it's the satisfaction of being self sufficient and the pride of having earned what you have, even if it's not what other's may aspire to. A house is an anchor, it cannot be relocated like a boat can be moved and the view from a house is always the same. Liz is able to wander in nature, wake up to the sounds of birds, the rustle of trees and smell of fresh cut hay. In a house you wake up to dogs barking, car engines and the confines of your yard. Ok, maybe the boat isn't all that romantic, but it represents freedom, pride of having earned it and adventure.

[@tim040]

Sold out to an advert , so sad, unsubscribed.

[@np939427a]

1, Ditch the Wood & Coal & get Peat, Its cleaner and way warmer and takes up half the space, 2, Free Power? Use an inverter and run a marine capacitor bank instead, It can take well over 1 million + charges and charges up in 30 seconds to full power off an inverter, And then you can use washing machine tumble dryer, 240v cooker ect, They fit them into Gin Cruisers, But in winter No sweaping snow off solar panels that are only 32% efficent or the use of a noisy wind turbine. Just a few idea's Petal..

[@EarleWrites]

Oooo I had heard about peat! Is it expensive? I'll look into the marine capacitor bank. Do you know what costs I'm looking at? Thanks for the tips!

[@claremaidofthewave251]

Ooh I want a marine capacitor bank, and I don’t even have a boat!😂

[@Bicyclehub]

Peat doesn't sound very environmentally friendly. It has been completely phased out of compost. Sorry to pour cold water on your idea.

[@zulustu8214]

Thanks