finally doing the project we’ve DREADED | off grid tiny home build

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks for watching! We’d love to know - what would your dream off grid home be? 😄 Boat, van, homestead, something else?!

[@danielwilliams603]

Boat for me would have to be a wide beam

[@annanadiajohnson6590]

Narrowboat, I've just bought one now ,and got a wonderfull carpenter doing it up,

[@danielwilliams603]

@@annanadiajohnson6590 good luck ☺️

[@mikejfranklin7000]

I used to dream about campervans, but now I dream about boats. Most of us out here are gonna be boat enthusiasts, I reckon.

[@peterlangley6355]

keep the good work very nice to see l will follow so dont give up peter l

[@user-kev-k5v]

I’m just along for the ride I hope you don’t mind ❤

[@user-kev-k5v]

Well they do say life begins at sixty I know because eleven years on and life still feels great so far

[@mikegettler8643]

Please get a few pairs of those disposable blue coveralls and a big bag of diapers to soak up all that engine compartment water etc. You're doing great job on this boat! 7:55

[@user-kev-k5v]

Oh come on no it’s getting there bit by bit don’t forget things take time and your boyfriend bless him he’s done a fantastic job so far ❤

[@pattysommers3566]

Happy birthday. You definitely look much younger.

[@shogun666able]

Knowing you were worried and upset before, its time to tell you any really good member of any team on a project, is the one that clears and tidies up happily. As that alone keeps the progress going more so than knowing all the tools or skills. Cup of coffee now and then speeds it up even more. Although any engine bay is small and at best a pain to work in, when done, close it up and know it's really done with a smile on your face. If you can spray the engine would be really impressive.

[@geedub2019]

Seriously thinking about this..keep up the good work

[@charles-ex3cs]

You have done a amazing job on engine bay. When boat is finished and you are living aboard you won't look back You will love it

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you! 🥰

[@tonysmith5713]

Dismiss the feeling of defeat Nesha, rise above it as we all stand behind you on this difficult worth while project. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍✊

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Tony!!! 🙌

[@philcudworth8491]

Lifting and blacking mine in 2 weeks. It's a minging job every 3 years! Oh the glamour.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Oh I do not envy you! All the best with it 👍

[@elaineheslip3647]

You need to invest in a wet and dry vac.......love the vlogs.....Martin.....

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I have one now, it’s fantastic

[@elaineheslip3647]

@@DriftwoodFolk brilliant.....good luck.....Martin.

[@craigberesford726]

When using the rust converter, put it in the small garden, spray and spray it gets in all the nooks and crannies lot easy to do

[@annanadiajohnson6590]

Hi Nisha and Mike, nothing comes easy ,so don't worry once it's finished you'll love it. I think it's a lovely boat. You both are lovely too. Anna xx

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you Anna! Yes it’ll be worth it I’m the end 😊

[@mikejfranklin7000]

*I'm 5 foot 5 and I'm not in there! Tomorrow, I'll be 74 (same as today!). *All being well🤭, your thirties will be great, because you'll be living the dream in your floating metal tube home. *"What a load of junk"? It was a perfectly good boat until you started to pull it apart!😊

[@colinnapier6662]

Cleaning out the engine bay

[@DriftwoodFolk]

You know it! Good guess 😄

[@johnpickering7983]

Coming on nicely bought a narrowboat myself back in September doing a complete rebuild only around the corner from you to

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Wow, all the best with it!

[@johnpickering7983]

@@DriftwoodFolk thanks yours in coming on nicely im at the insulation point with mine

[@Orxenhorf]

3:59 - That hand pump is for changing your engine oil. You can't get a pan under a boat or lift it up like a car to drain the oil, so you have to pump the old oil out.

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Thanks for this ... I didn't exactly know what it was and then I worked out it must be that for the same reasons ... But thanks for backing me up 💪🏽🤦🏻‍♂️😂 will be doing a service on it when we are all finished just to make sure it's all tip top

[@mark-nv3iw]

Hi liking the videos .had my boat 8 years now an one thing learnt is leave a little oil under the engine it's enclosed an won't go anywhere an the metal under neath won't. Ever rust .the oil will protect it . An once u gey the engine smell on u your a proper boater

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Yes our surveyor told us this about the oil too! And oh gosh even when we aren’t in the engine bay we somehow aaaaaaaalways smell of engine 😂 I’m glad to know it’s not just us!

[@markdoble736]

On the other hand, removing all trace of oil and loose rust then painting with a direct to rust white paint, such as Hammerite produce, and laying oil absorbent mats underneath the engine will produce a much better result without the need of smelling like an old diesel engine.

[@chevyimp5857]

You haven't failed until you stop trying..large scale projects are tough physically and mentally sometimes you've just got keep going and dig deep.. Building my boat was the best decision I ever made..but it didn't always feel like it especially when the finishing line seems far in the distance..I kept a diary of the build and in tricky times I would look back to remind myself of how far I'd come.. good luck... incidentally Boat life Rocks!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Wise words and encouragement, thank you! This vlog is like our diary so sometimes I watch old vids to remind myself of the progress we have made 😄

[@yeoldfart8762]

Since Jan. 21 I’m on my last year of the 60’s. Enjoy the 30’s. It’s a good time. A nasty job indeed. I understand why some boats have the engine in a room. Easy to get at and clean regularly. You both are doing well.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I will try, wishing you all the best in the last year of your 60’s! Yeah I envy engine rooms. Must be much easier!

[@thevigarfeeling]

Well done, such a big project !! Well done. We bought a motorhome 6 months ago to go off grid and travel. We really understand how things can be pretty stressful. It is all worth it in the end 😊

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Sounds like an amazing adventure 😄 And yes I’m sure it will be!

[@davidcook380]

Your getting their girl well done the pair of you . Dave

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Dave! 🥹😄

[@stevecam724]

Happy birthday 💖💖💖

[@DEmma1972]

Happy birthday to you. Cheap nappies is a good way to remove dirty oily bilge water. Dont forget to degrease. Looks so much brighter in the bilge now.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Yes I used nappies and degreaser last year so we’ll use them again this year! But we won’t be cleaning until after Mike fixes the diesel leak 😊

[@markdoble736]

With that amount of fluid, loads of cat litter (or proper oil absorbent granules if you can obtain them) would be more effective, then just vacuum them all out.

[@johnallen148]

Hi Nesha Mike ,have left you a message on instagram,just found your channel on KZbin so will be following you as from now you look a great couple keep at it never give up there is other narrowboat users out there who might be able to help take care keep safe,John 😊😅😮

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Hey John really appreciate that. There are lots your right ha we've met & spoken to a few who have been extremely helpful. Welcome aboard 💪🏽

[@user-kev-k5v]

It’s such a small space for everything that you have in your engine bay, and I know it’s so wet rusty and filthy but once your fairy god mother has sprinkled her magic on it things will get better 😮

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Doing amazing job. Wow what a contrast in the engine bay. Impressive ! Best wishes

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you! Cheers! 😊

[@simon4525]

Keep going guys, you are both doing a great job, it will be worth it.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you Simon! 🥰

[@modestadventurers]

You’ve both got this as long as you have each other. 🤗

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thanks 🥰

[@shirleygreaves9650]

You’re doing a great job you two. One day you will be living onboard and it will all seem like a distant dream. You are doing a really thorough job and that takes time, don’t let it get you down, just think of your future life onboard. X

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks! It will all be worth it 😊

[@helenhall3705]

Hi Nesha & Mike Greetings from an old lady in Australia. I feel for your generation, you’ve been sold the instagram lie. Let me let you into a secret : life is not perfect, it’s rarely lots of fun but what it is is mostly boring interspersed with moments of great joy. Resilience and grit will bring you those moments of pure unadulterated joy!😊 Keep smiling

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I think every generation was sold lies in some form or another, not just my generation. Generations ago it was the lie that success looks only one way: a picket fenced house, marriage and kids. I agree, I’ve never believed life should be perfect. We post these moments in videos to show that. Thanks so much for watching & sharing your thoughts 😊

[@paulplant6486]

It's a lot of dirty hard work but it will be worth it in the end

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Yes it will be!

[@timfenton5153]

Stay positive and keep going, thanks

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you!

[@MrDanceswithsheep]

You’ve achieved so much, you should be proud, will all be worth the hard slog in the end. And I for one am enjoying watching your journey.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Robin! 😊💕

[@rickonnye2001]

You both work so hard well done 😊nice video thank you

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you! 😃

[@michaelconnor333]

Hi guys, i had to derust the whole of the bottom of my boat, wasn't fun. I little tip for you, use a multitool with an old blade to scrape rust, really works well, as it hammers aswell as scrapes but wear ear protection. The best rust converter ive used so far is aquasteel rust converter and primer. I also used 2 pack paint on the floor in my engine bay again worked very well. Before you repanel the walls get that foil bubble insulation, the stuff that has foil on both sides and wrap it around the whole inside of your boat with a staple gun and seal it with aluminum tape. I have no mold on my boat anywhere, it has helped to keep my boat warm in the winter, but more importantly it helps to keep the boat cool in the summer.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks for the tip!

[@garethw8884]

If it makes you feel better I only have 2 and a bit left of my 30s. I would definitely love to be doing what your both are. You will get there in the end. Everything will get there in the end ✨️

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I’m sure your 40s will be great though!

[@alisongalloway1455]

Makes you think, how many renovations are done on boats, when some people don't take the time that you have to strip it all back! I watched a new boat vlogger today and they have leaks in their kitchen cupboards. You would have no idea what is lurking behind that issue, unless you pull the cupboards out. Is there a way, even on a new boat, to stop the rust from happening? Up to date financially have you made the right decision and would it have been the right decision if you had to outsource all of the labour? The end is near, can't wait for the finish!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

True!

[@moffatt43]

Like anything in this world if you put your heart and mind to it then it can be done, you are going to have off days and that’s just part of the journey with any type of restoration project. You are doing great so far but you do need to think about what sort of life that Engine has had….On top of the Rocker cover I noticed a Sticker saying Slick 50 and that’s not one of the best products you want to see affiliated with a Engine that may have had a lot of use ( it’s basically a PTFE treatment for worn metal components within the Engine or Gearbox ( say for example the Engine is a bit noisy and then rather than doing a rebuild someone will use Slick 50 ). It is a product that can do a lot of damage if not used correctly and even when used properly it is not something I would recommend for any Engine ( I rebuild Engines )…. It can improve a Engine’s life but eventually it will need rebuilding and when Slick 50 has been used it tends to mean more parts are going to need to be replaced,the only reason I am telling you and hopefully not disheartening you too much is while you are in the process of renovating your boat is the better time for getting the engine looked at ( getting someone who knows what they are doing is better now rather than when you are cruising around the canal and your engine breaks down ( recovery is expensive and usually when Slick 50 has been used a engine breakdown can be catastrophic ). It could be someone has just put a Sticker on the Engine and that’s why I’m saying get someone to check out the engine and the gearbox now. I don’t know the Engine history but I remember you saying that you bought it off a older chap,years ago Slick 50 was this miracle cure for Engines but it caused more damage than rectifying problems but it was used by a lot of Older generations,the PTFE is a plastic coating and so obviously over time the plastic breaks down and it clogs oil ways etc !!!. Sorry for the bad news but it is something that you really need to get looked at. Sometimes having a Newer Engine put in is what you have to do for peace of mind and you can always sell the old Engine for Parts or as a complete older running unit. With a newer engine you would probably find it suited your needs better anyway ( charging batteries etc for when you can’t use solar panels and it wouldn’t need to be run for as long because you can have a uprated Alternator/charging circuit. You can also use the new engine for heating water etc.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you so much for explaining this, we’ll definitely look into it!

[@otter736]

Good job !!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nate8551]

You could defo do voice overs, you are very good describing things

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Oh thank you!

[@garyheap3780]

Great work you're doing and for sure there are no short cuts. With regard to the steps, could you look at other boats with a similar stern/garage lay out and rebuild almost from scratch? Perhaps more work, but something that would suit you and your boat better in the end?

[@DriftwoodFolk]

We haven’t seen other bots with this layout, not sure if it’s a bit of a peculiar one or something because as far as we’ve seen, usually peoples steps don’t go over the engine. We are rebuilding the steps from scratch though, that’s why we have to make a new metal bracket and weld it together or hire someone else to do it. There’s a lot of welding to be done to be honest, for the steps but also in the bow 😩 haha

[@garyheap3780]

@@DriftwoodFolk Thanks for your reply. It's a pleasure following your journey and the solutions you're finding to problems. I'm sure you and Mike will come up with a good one for this particular issue. Looking forward to your next vlog.

[@zianeshkasparen4358]

Whoooaaa Her name is nearly the same as my nick name. This is a first. Subscribed!!!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Woohoooo!! Thanks for the sub :)

[@acedia4453]

Finish what you start and avoid the catastrophic and long lasting complex that quitting creates.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

No one mentioned anything about us quitting 😊 But I also think it’s perfectly fine for people to quit if that’s what feels best for them

[@larrydwyer4168]

why did you did you not use a wet & dry hover suck the Grud up and water?

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

We did try but it kept clogging the nozzle so we had to get down and dirty

[@tyleraustin3837]

Ive been considering getting a boat myself but the worry of being 6ft 4 and not wanting to duck the entire time i live aboard but hearing mike say he is 6ft 4 to gives me hope what model/type of boat is to consider for taller folk?

[@DriftwoodFolk]

This was our concern too because we're both tall. We happened to find a second hand boat that has 6'6" headspace so it was a major selling point to us. But it is kinda rare. All boats have different drafts and headspace so just always inquire before going to view one. Or, if you want to have a boat built, I think they should be able to give you the headspace you specify!

[@Martyn2021]

Engine bays and never big enough, and well done to both of you, dealing with any kind of rust is never fun

[@DriftwoodFolk]

It’s never ending haha still got to tackle the rust in the gas locker and water tank 😂

[@michaelryan709]

Hey, any chance that old paint you are chipping, scraping, and grinding off. And then breathing, and eating might be lead based paint?

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Hiya .. The paint we ground off in this video isn't lead based it was new paint on filler. But appreciate your concern and yes I shoulda worn a mask 🙈

[@christiandedome2764]

Excuse Pleae, I'm thinking for the hull??

[@larrydwyer4168]

why no re oxide ships use the on metal /steel

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

We used grey oxide it's the exact same but better for painting over haha

[@glensavory11]

More coffee and sandwich breaks needed?

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Always 😅

[@christiandedome2764]

Excuse Please , Another question when you purchase a used boat, are you or the previous owner required to have it inspected by law?

[@DriftwoodFolk]

By law the boat is required to have a BSS (Boat Safety Scheme/certificate) or the owner can’t sell it / buyer can’t insure it! And the buyer can pay for a pre-purchase survey. This isn’t required by law but definitely advised - it costs about £400 and the surveyor will tell what works need to be done to the boat, and whether the asking price is accurate

[@christiandedome2764]

@@DriftwoodFolk Thank you for answering Take Care Be Safe

[@christiandedome2764]

Can I please make you laugh at my age ,I barely remember my 30th Birthday wait till you hit almost 70 LOL

[@christiandedome2764]

Haven't made up my mind yet. Right now, I live with my son. We have talked about a van , atiny home on wheel or building a small off grid place.

[@stevevoyles3816]

That engine bay is really bad..it needs chipping and a rust inhibitor applied before painting. I was navy so i know what im talking about. Wait until you get to the bilge..😅😅😅 love your vids..❤

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Yes it used to be very very bad!

[@Paul.simpson84]

Weird question as pretty much all McDonalds look the same but did you visit the Mcdonalds near Lichfield? If so you are close to us. (Only just started watching the videos)

[@Dore60]

👍

[@davidhall4079]

Plug Away you will get there in the end (would it have been easier to have took engine out kill two birds one stone and gave engine a over all as well) keep the faith 🙏💑

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Not sure about that one but thanks David! 💕