Ep20 DIY SOLAR PANEL installation on a NARROWBOAT

[@ril-eq3vp]

For future reference. Use a hss centre drill to start holes. Then use cobalt drill bits. Standard cobalt drills contain 5% cobalt. Those should be sufficient to drill through any steel. And they will last much longer than the cheap ones you are using. Personally l use "co8 drills" which contain 8% cobalt as l drill through stainless & titanium. You should also be using tapping oil with that tap. Although "any" oil is better than none. Oil makes tapping easier & prolongs the life of the tap. Again, same as the drills, only use hss taps. Many are cheap Chinese imports & are not hss (high speed steel). I have a full workshop with lathes & many years machining experience. So trust me l know. An old man now, but in the 80s l was a continuous cruiser. But when l retire in a couple of years l plan to sell a property, buy a boat & do it all again. Keep posting the uploads. Many of us enjoy watching. Jim (not Riley. Using the grandsons phone )

[@chris-cole]

I don't think I've ever come across a more dynamic duo! Vic is just so laid back he's nigh on horizontal, and Jo you're just amazing how you get stuck in with everything! The both of you are a credit to teamwork. I love how Jo must feed off Vic's quiet, confident, enigmatic persona. I liked him before the zoom in butt-shot Jo 🤪 Amazing team together, especially that shot at the end where you're both half drowned with rain. Nothing phases you. I love your outlook.

[@stevenginnever5343]

It's great to see a smile, when things aren't going to plan.

[@londonschoolofwigmaking5793]

I'm binge watching everything from the start at 01:37am the morning after Boxing Day, eating crackers and Pâté and drinking Prosecco in bed. Bliss! I started watching your channel with the "We're broke" video, so I've had a lot to catch up on.

[@OmarSher]

I am getting all of it. By watching previous episodes. While i cant find anything new on your channel. I like very much Vic s style of talking and behaving. You both are so adorable. Love from Omar.

[@darrielj1]

I have observed the love and the patience that you have for one another when working on Holly. You two are the big project, and Holly is a side project, albiet an important one, but one from which you can take a break.

[@gillywild]

I'm a professional and it takes me most of a day to fit a panel & the controller. You're doing fine guy's :) go easy on yourselves. Look at what you've achieved so far! Amazing!

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks for the encouragement Gillywild, that's good to know :-)

[@darrenfoster442]

Ah, the great British weather strikes again! Keep going guys. You'll get there in the end. When the going gets tough, I try to remember: “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” - Napoleon Hill.

[@stevemusgrave2000]

Guys. You are doing a fantastic job so far. It is a hill your climbing, the beauty about hills are, they have a lovely tendency of sloping the other side, for those who have toiled so fervently, to a base level, where coffee is served. Keep safe, keep going......

[@TheByard]

Plus the view from the top before descending.

[@ilox11]

I keep seeing snippets of Holly and I can't get over how good she looks and what a marvellous job you and your painting team have achieved. She really looks stunning. Well done all. That flooring looks good too. You might think you are going through some setbacks but really, you are making great progress. I can't recall any of my projects that haven't seen days or even weeks of delays and setbacks. Yes, even disappointments. Hang in there, the lovely Holly is coming out of her dilapidated retirement and putting on a whole new face to the world.

[@philelliott5327]

All big projects have times when you think it is not moving forward despite the hours you put in, dig deep and power on! 👊👊👊

[@phillipbateman2284]

Keep smiling you two, you can do anything. What's happening around us is making everything feel like an up hill battle. You always lift me up with your vlogs, so I dont want you to finish your projects too quickly. Once you're up and running, you'll be too busy making tea's, coffee's, cakes and sandwiches , to bother making vlogs for us. Takecare.

[@Smokeysbandit]

Just love you guys. Could watch you both all day long. Chins up you are on top of this project. Look how far you have come.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Paul! :-)

[@Smokeysbandit]

Holly - The Cafe Boat You are so welcome.

[@grahamethomas6018]

Don’t get bogged down by the uphillness (is that a word) as Vic said. You are both doing a Stirling job. It’s raining again, well it is England after all. If it was easy we would all be doing it. Keep up the good work. Gray.

[@philiproseel3506]

Love the way you're both always smiling, taking it in stride.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Construction, cooking & comedy. Connoisseurs of fine music & filming. Natural loving paddlers of canoes. Mother ducks & mother’s goose. Rainy days & smiles. You two are better than a Hawaiian vacation;)

[@sheryld1957]

2020 is a year I think no one wants to repeat. Keep your heads up. You can't control the weather. It has to get better. Just look at that beautiful paint on Holly and look at all the work you have gotten accomplished. Look at all the before pictures and you will see how far you truely have come!

[@carolinehorne6505]

You two work great as a team, great job.x

[@delboy01424]

Try and get some RDT tapping compound it is like a grease but will help drill holes and cut threads just a little bit on the tap or drill will help things go better and prolong the life of the drill or tap

[@mervynrudgley1335]

Absolutely. Never drill or tap metal dry. Any oil is better than dry. Faster, easier, and tools last much longer.

[@derrionroberts2780]

Guys dont lose focus now, home stretch is in sight and you’ve come sooooo far... Great couple and great vlog content, stay positive and remain your happy selves, It’ll all be worth it in the end 👍🏻

[@paulayala4816]

It always seems like it is taking longer than expected, but a job rushed is a job done twice. Vic, feeding the swans and ducks hummus again, no doubt conjuring up another narrowboat build. How come when it rains in the U.K it looks like a beautiful event, over here it is just madness?

[@stevepursglove1224]

Not sure if you have tapped all of your solar panel holes, but there is a lubricant called tuff cut that will help with the tapping of the holes. Steve

[@paisleyjane9606]

What I want to know is how I'll find Holly when I eventually get to Britain and want a great cup of coffee!

[@Aindriuh]

The cygnets are getting big! The inside is starting to take shape and it looks good.

[@johnedwards1685]

Two gentle people.

[@DianeRichRhea]

You guys are doing great! We appreciate your mutual kindness to each other. We are tired of watching couples that are very snarky at each other. Keep on keeping on! You are in the home stretch!

[@yeoldfart8762]

After moving to Alaska with my parents in 76 we bought some land in the woods outside of Fairbanks. Built a log cabin. First clearing with chainsaw and axe for the cabin.with help from my sisters friends we got the logs we cut to the cabin site.( food and playing music as pay) then it was maybe one log a day, stacked trimmed and notched. Good work can’t be rushed. I notice folks told you about thread cutting oil. A good pointed steel punch and hammer helps get the drilling started without the drill dancing across the roof.

[@marcusallum2743]

As others have said use a little oil on the drill and the tap, any oil will do but RTD is the best, Also try and use a stub drill, they are not expensive and being half the length they are much more robust.

[@mjallenuk]

Nowt like a moist ending with a smile ... keep it cheery folks 😁

[@mylifeandwhatitbrings9972]

Eventually I've got to your recent vlog and look forward to the next ones. Don't be hard on yourselves, we all hit a wall when doing anything, tomorrow's another day. Xx

[@Curve2Theatre]

Better Weather on the way this week. Take your Time , Im sure it will all turn out just fine. You have worked wonders on Holly, over the past Months . Looking forward to the next Video.

[@josecorreia8280]

hi there solar panel fit into a frame like TV Wall Bracket so can be raised turn and tilt because your panels will produce a maximum of energy when the sun is directly perpendicular to them

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

You were wiping down the bench top and I was thinking - oh, you missed a spot. But when you wiped that area.....twice, and it didn’t go away. That’s weird 🤔 Ah-hem (embarrassed face) It was only then that she realised, the dirt was on her own phone screen 😳 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@erinsmith1620]

Holly is looking GREAT. You two are doing a fabulous job❣ I can't wait to see her when your all finished. Thanks for sharing your lives with us. ☮❤😁 from the 🇺🇸 💞💞💞💞💞

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks Erin :-)

[@chrismears4937]

Keep going. If it was easy, you won't have the same feeling when all is finished. The only thing I can suggest, is to get some dancing lessons Vic!

[@lesleysilverstone2868]

Patience and humour...you'll get there. Be kind and calm with each other and when it seems to be really uphill then take some time for yourselves....Rome, as they say, was not built in a day...and neither will the lovely Holly. Love and hugs as always.

[@iansmith5601]

Great video. Loved the music and swans! Remember that the pleasure is in the journey.

[@TimVirnig]

After the uphills comes the coast down!

[@johnmac6202]

Hi jo and vic, every time I look I can see big changes in what you have done, Holly is looking real brilliant. well done. see you next time. john in New Zealand Kai-ora.

[@mickb6285]

I think you are doing a cracking job, when you go back home at the end of the day think of what you have done, not whats still to do, that's for tomorrow. And you know what take a break from the filming, editing and posting videos for a while, us lot will still be here. Most importantly be kind to each other. Take care.

[@mytransitselfbuildcamper1496]

When your drilling and taping a little oil will help a lot and slow and steady . When Tapping 1/4 turn at a time and don’t force it .

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks for the tip!

[@wsatnutter9674]

keep smiling and all will come good

[@henrywilliam8506]

When tapping holes it’s suggested you use a lubricant, I used to use Brocol but that was 50yrs ago. I’m sure there’s others available now. It helps the tap cut through the metal and reduces the chance of breaking the tap.

[@t.h.o.r.]

its a bit late now, but I fit panels to RVs and we just urathene them down with 6 pads. not even tree branches take them off! and no holes in the roof!

[@didnot6961]

Great video guys, I know how you feel but you have to keep going 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇵🇦🇵🇦👍👍

[@stevepursglove1224]

Looking really good, Holly is taking shape nicely. Steve.

[@nw3803]

Looking good. Just as some help, if you intend to mount anymore solar panels, just stick the brackets down with "3M VHB tape" I have 3 panels (610 watts) on our motorhome done like that and there has never been an issue even at 70MPH, if anyone tries to rip them off they would break the panel before the tape would let go, this is a fast and easy method, no drilling, tapping or caulk needed. Cheers, Nigel

[@robmoss3501]

Just a friendly tip. If you use a circular saw you can clamp a straight edge to the ply and use it as a guide so you get straight cuts. Just make sure you place the material face down so you don’t get split out.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Despite all, you're both doing so well! And it was so good to see you smiling at the end! :-) Stay safe! :-)

[@rogergibson6382]

Just found your channel I love it xx

[@kevinlloyd3000]

Had a lovely walk Thursday and managed to see the Cafe boat in the flesh. It’s As lovely in real life as the videos. Didn’t see any work being done though lol. No one to be seen 😂😂

[@rogermcd9918]

Jo and Vic you are doing brilliantly. Out on my boat at the moment and weather is awful, every time l try and Moor up l go aground, CRT PLEASE do some dredging on GU South. Just came through lock 76 and nearly capsized, something in the lock, could find what but reported it, omg, my heart nearly stopped. Always be aware.

[@spacepodstudio]

Vic does a great Julian Clary impersonation!

[@timothyquinntully881]

You both are so lovely when your wet. ☔☔☔

[@motorhomenarrowboat1]

You both doing brilliant job.

[@edappi8172]

Hi Guys, another great video, if I can stick my 2 cents worth in ( or should that be my penny in ) take a day off, no office work, no editing, no planning, and go somewhere else, a day at the beach walking in a park anything, just have a break. you will come back refreshed and with new energy ( even though seeing both of you hop on and off the Holly's roof you have plenty of energy! ) for your project. Vic, you most likely won't have to drill and tap any more holes into Holly's roof but if you do, buy yourself a machine tap, ( RDG Tools have a 6mm one for 7.04 pounds + 3.30 pounds postage on ebayUK ) it chucks into your drill and it will tap a hole in < 10 seconds, easy. Stay safe and keep at it, you are on the home run now.

[@dave64340]

You got this! Almost there.

[@blahblah14u]

Love the music. And im impressed by the progress you two have done.

[@lindasteventon1752]

Keep going: you’ll make it! You’re a good team 😊

[@tomwragg1016]

Really enjoyed that guys

[@albertpartridge6716]

hiya flower still a cracking looking lass soaking wet haha, it will all work out takes time, you can not trust the weather any time of year you live in England dont forget, surounded by water Atlantic mainley, take care keep well keep safe .

[@missinglink7709]

You guys are awesome, all things worth doing are hard for some reason. So dig deep I have my order mostly ready for when you open. :) ( mostly ready because I have not seen your menu)

[@djmarine4499]

Looks like a productive session you know anything with it won't take long on a boat signals a couple of days graft but keep plugging away it's all about little wins and keep moving forward, I'm not so bad at snapping drill bits but I'm very good at snapping M4 taps usually followed by some industrial language but always sorted after a brew and look at it again with fresh eyes and less red mist 😂

[@comonsensai]

15:58 that's the spirit. Keep going!

[@exfiremanstan]

What ever you do don't stop it will take so long to get motivated again and I'm dying of thirst already 😂

[@garrystacey7018]

Boat is looking great keep up the good work both and keep safe 👍

[@roberttyler6454]

Hello there, very interesting viewing, slow but sure, coming on your getting there?, doing great , Thank you for sharing your video cheers take care see you soon

[@stecosgrove3779]

Don't get despondent, you're doing great. Nearly there!

[@nicothechihuahua3167]

Love you 2 no fear of anything that life throws at you even the uphillnesess. is that even a word lol.

[@malcolmjames1866]

Keep going, Guys. You'll get there! And when me and my missus are on our Covid deferred month on the Oxford and Grand Unions next June, I'll have a double shot americano with cold milk on the side and she'll have a lemon and ginger tea! Sending positive vibes.

[@johnsharman7614]

Who does the sign writing its wonderful and lush. Got to give you 11out of 10👍😁

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks John, it was Terry Ashby that did the sign writing, you can see her painting it on in an earlier episode :-)

[@johnallen148]

Hi guys ,looks like you are getting there,what wattage is you solar panels,sure look big ones ,pity the weather not on your side ,you both are doing a great job well done ,take care keep safe,John 🌹🌹🥃🥃🥂

[@chevyimp5857]

Delightful... Is this real time give a week or so?

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Yeah pretty much real time now!

[@Deb_Downes]

That boat is looking gorgeous - all that hard work paid off. I’m confused as to why you’re tapping a thread in the holes for those PV panel brackets. Why can’t you use self tapping screws for metal? Cheers :)

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Thanks South Aussie! Yeah I questioned that decision myself to be honest, but the self tapping screws are a bit long and I didn't want them coming through the ceiling underneath. Probably would have been a lot easier, but once I get an idea like "tapping all the holes" into your head, I tend not to question it until I'm half way through!

[@chevyimp5857]

If it helps, the most demanding element of my own self build narrowboat project was not giving up.... steel works, engineering, electrics, cabinets, fit out, design and paint ...non of it was as tough or difficult as maintaining momentum over the long haul and seeing the job through to a high standard... looking back it was really more of mental test of strength... you can do it.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Totally agree! So many mistakes and so much to learn :-) Congrats on your self-build!

[@DavidLasoff]

Twelve steps forward and one step...not back just uphill-ish...keep your umbrella handy...into every life a little rain must fall but hey, nice floor and you're doing great!

[@janetbayliss2117]

David Lasoff in my case it’s torrential at the moment!

[@DavidLasoff]

@@janetbayliss2117 Stay dry!

[@snapagog1]

Nah, you’ve totally got this. ❤️❤️

[@waynewaring]

Great Vlog guys 😁

[@margaretsmith8169]

I love watching 👀you to keep it up ☝

[@drawbridgep]

I said to wife, "how does he cut such a straight line with a jigsaw!?" Then the next thing you said was "it's a bit wonky" which made me feel infinitely better about my cutting skills.

[@TheByard]

To get a straight cut with a jig saw, clamp an off set batten onto the to be sawn timber. Now you have a guide to rub the saw against.

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

haha yeah there's no such thing as a straight line on this boat :-)

[@whiskymacable]

If it would have been me I think I would have glued some battens down first and then fit the panels to the battens :)

[@snortyhog]

14:05 was that Aslan chugging by?

[@MarkSteelePhotography]

Just spotted your boats while out for a walk. My wife and I would have said hello, but you weren't at home. Next time?

[@borderreiver3288]

next time you tap screw holes use a bit of grease or such to help the cutter.....

[@sandygall8651]

A little worrying on that lovely new paint. Are you on a Marina or a private landing?

[@marvinehicks1463]

You need to use wax on the tap.

[@iMcWatch]

Will you be fixing the slat in the ceiling of the fore well 😁

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

Someday we will :-D

[@23Feanor]

You guys are so sweet!

[@Bicyclehub]

Ah, I really feel your pain. Installing solar panels is not that easy and everything takes longer than you think. When I did mine, I snapped the tap off in the roof and had a devil of a job getting it out again.

[@mikesmith2401]

My Doctor recommends two days in bed, two days rest, then have a look again💕💕💕😊👍👀

[@prof2bobajob.klonded5]

Hi 👋 when you work on holly are you on a private mooring thanks

[@MrFroglips69]

I have an unrelated to Holly question for you two. I can't seem to quite get your accents down. If it wouldn't be to personal, where do you two originally hail from. i.e., what part(s) of the UK are you from?

[@realamerican6101]

After so much rain it has to stop .

[@nkiey]

I imagine a sprit level is pretty much useless on a boat...

[@t.h.o.r.]

There's nowt so flat as water int cut

[@ghost307]

Just remember that the first 90% of any big job takes the first 90% of the time...and the last 10% takes the other 90%.

[@22SOS22]

Do you have a Patreon account? I am sure there are more than me that want to see you succeed.

[@redjacc7581]

hang tough you 2 !! :P

[@3970paulmason]

jo are you from hull

[@arthurraymond6239]

😊🌟

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌🇨🇦❤,,