Revamping Our Narrowboat: Laura Maisie Gets A Makeover - Canal Narrowboat Life - Episode 187

[@Whawk]

Aye Aye me matey's! The fact that these videos get thousands of views says alot about what the people in this world needs! Thanks Rich/Fran Happy Trails ❤️☕

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@Mark-ct5dh]

Rich and Fran, thanks for this weeks Vlog. I found it very interesting to see some of the maintenance that needs doing of a Narrowboat to keep it looking good. All the best to you both!

[@helenknowles9775]

Paul is amazing. He became a nice friend of ours as we were stuck with him on the weaver for 10 weeks. He will have been grateful. Kind of you to help

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It was absolutely our pleasure

[@bernardsmithtouchingtheworld]

Since Foxes packed in and Cruising The Cut stopped (and came back) you're really the only ones I follow. Love your easy going casual discussive way and the lovely way you are with each other. Best wishes Bernard.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much Bernard

[@lovelyskull3483]

Literally wait 5 minutes and your weather changes. God for you standing your ground Fran. Bossy people just make me crazy. Your boat looks beautiful. Cheers.

[@caroledrury1411]

So lovely! The bit of music, the landscape, the no plans the relaxed life!

[@katienorthenmore1892]

that was great, and thank you for reminding me to do my salad seeds!! Fran, and you have a nice new shiny boat, always a pleasure to watch your vlogs ,many thanks again, funny and informative.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you and good luck with your seeds

[@ruthmichigander]

Hi Fran and Rich👋Good to see you both. Thanks for helping folks on the canal. Ales after a day like this is perfect! Good things to do on a rainy day. Things are looking awesome!

[@LauraHenderson-wx6xy]

Hey you two, terrific video. I love how boaters help each other out on the canals and even those that are just starting out will be learning enough to help their fellow boaters in the future. Your hard work has paid off, Laura Maisie is looking swell ! We’ll see you later. 🧡👋🧡🤗🧡

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is the way it usually is. Most boaters are really helpful

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

Oh you two certainly bring a breath of fresh air to a stormy wet Friday here in Canada. Captain Pugwash ???, lol

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

There is always someone who knows better when you are doing something you've done for years. Well done Fran for carrying on the way you know that it will work. Thanks for the cruise =-)

[@FloatingOurBoat]

One of the advantages of getting older is that I am much better at doing things my way

[@redgolfpeanut]

why do I duck my head when you go under a bridge lol. Another lovely vlog xxx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you xx

[@JulieBeyerRDN]

Totally understand the dodgy ankle. I have one also. Always traveling with a variety of braces these days. Heal up fast, Rich!

[@johnland5042]

Lovely to see you in an area I'm very familiar with from our 17 years of boating in Britain. I'm in BC Canada now and will probably never get back so your adventures are very familiar to me and bring back so many great memories...and the odd one not so good. Looking forward to your next one!!

[@tinyfoothpaths9518]

Hi from Quebec. Used to live in England some years ago and used to walk on their beautiful footphaths. It is so amazing to see all these lovely narrowboats and countryside!!!!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

So glad we can bring back some good memories x

[@davidselby1754]

I had an argument with someone the other week coming up a lock. I’m a single boater so take my time in locks as I do all the work and they came along wanting to come down and stated to tell me what gate to use and to hurry up as they were in a rush. I ignored his comments and told him what for. Glad you stood your ground Fran. The Gloucester and sharpness canal is great but maybe wait a year or so. There doing the ‘missing mile’ on the Stroud water canal once completed you will be able to go up to Stroud.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Glad you stood your ground too. It would have been nice if they had offered to help you if they were in so much of a hurry rather than bossing you around! Thanks for the advice re the works. we will bear that in mind.

[@EdSmith-wb6lx]

Hi there to you both Lots of little stuff to keep up But Laura Maisie as Rich said she's looking good and so is Fran, the two of you keep in great shape lots of walking and a good diet plus growing food on board, i liked Frans little carton seed beds, neat idea. Rich take care of you ankle. see you next vlog, stay safe out there Ed 40 S of Vegas

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Ed xx

[@shirleylynch7529]

Great video. What a happy couple you are. You make me smile all the way through. Your boat is beautiful. Loved the dog eating the pea shoots. Filming spot on. Thank you . Take. Care.

[@henrywilliam8506]

Another great vlog! Just a tip, when you e finished painting, make sure you replace the tin lid thoroughly and store the paint tin upside down. It makes stirring much easier.

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Fran and Rich. Laura Maisie is looking very smart after her paint job. Bet it was good to get those little jobs out of the way. Take care. Nick

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It always is and we then don't know why we left it so long!

[@JoCord-o4f]

I have learned so much about the country

[@teenajohnson1688]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful life adventure with us. I've learned so much about the UK through your beautiful photography and dialogue!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

So glad you enjoy it

[@JoCord-o4f]

Love watching your stories

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Aww you lovely peeps always help people, there is always one 🤦‍♀️😀

[@robertbrierley7083]

You reminded me of the time back in 1999 we were bringing our Dawncraft off the Llangollen canal to take it out at Lymm there was a queue of about 8 boats at Cholmondly lock there was a local boat club operating the lock and they brought our 22ft boat out of the queue as there was a small narrowboat in the lock and we could fit in with them so to save both time and water....world war 3 ensued lve boating.lol.😊 nice vlog stay safe and keep stirring.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I can well imagine. That would have been so funny. Common sense surely cannot come before the queue rules 😂😂😂

[@tinyfoothpaths9518]

Hi, so refreshing watching both of you. From Canada! 🌎🫖🍵

[@philipizzard2584]

Hey hi to you both a cracking video I love the Llangollen canal so nice out of season,we hopefully going to crick so hopefully we will see you both would be lovely 🥰 x😊x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We will let you know soon where we will be. x

[@theannecrossett7761]

Boat, humans and k9s looking good 😎🥰😊

[@barbaralamson7450]

I can think of nothing better than listening to you discussing the weather or talking locks. Whatever the subject is, you make it enjoyable. I will join you in spirit whilst having a pint. I am actually tired. Listening is very tiring. Until we meet again, sleep well and happy cruising.

[@AfterTheRains]

Great idea with your seeds Fran. A bag of pea shoots cost a fortune in the supermarket and now I fancy buying some mixed veg seeds and trying that out. I don’t quite have the spring fever yet because it’s so wet and cold. Laura Maisie looks fabulous and I bet it felt amazing after the spring clean up and touch up.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You could grow pea shoots for a whole year for the same price of one supermarket bag

[@angelaaz6282]

Looking well forward to the Crick boat show as usual! 😊

[@glennclarke9787]

Hi Guys, Good to see you both. Exceptional vlog you put out this week 👏. It was good to see you do a little D.I.Y. on your home. lets have more of that. Thoughtfully good being with you both, O yes Rich get well soon, 👏 👍 we luv you ❤ xxx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you Glen. The boat is looking spik and span but we do have a few more jobs to finish so you may get a little more DIY.

[@Lynette21122431]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing every bit of this post, y’all!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You are very welcome xx

[@Santafefrank]

Thanks for the video you two 😊

[@Debba521]

Enjoyed the video. Spring is finally upon us, time to start tackling projects. Had to laugh at Archie and the pea shoot. First corgi Emma was adept at nicking garden veg. I had cherry tomatoes growing in a raised bed and trained up a wooden trellis fastened to the garage wall. She'd jump up on the edge of the bed and lean over to nick ripened tomatoes right off the vine. She was quite good at it, never damaged the plant. And I finally discovered she was the one mowing down the chives right to the ground every once in awhile! I had to catch her in the act, couldn't figure out what was going on there. Corgi Trav was Mama's good boy and never touched anything 😉. Good luck with the blacking! I was thinking Rolling Stones, "I've got a narrowboat and I'm painting her bottom black"... 😆 🎶

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Dogs with chive breath 😯

[@Debba521]

@@FloatingOurBoat Yeah, she was a foul wench, my Em. Biggest gas bag in the known universe and adept at finding stinking stuff to roll in outside. 😁

[@BarneyLeith]

Lovely video, as always!

[@TheJessierb]

lovely peaceful vlog with a good clean up to boot! thanks so much and happy cruising in the next week.

[@MissingLink-hb9ov]

brilliant as always, thanks for sharing..

[@mikeboone4425]

Just remeber one thing young man remember never kick the lock ace in the head with your sore foot .He he he . What the world needs more of experts you've never seen before.

[@Dogwarrier]

I really enjoy your videos & podcasts xx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much 😊

[@wendycrooks875]

Not an experienced boater, but do know to ask others in the locks what they would like me to do!

[@onedaymoreaboard]

We are happy to be doing something of national importance supporting two national treasures! Your plans sound similar to ours ‘undefined southern cruising subject to change’ 😂❤

[@peterclark2374]

Thanks for sharing these videos! We love your style.

[@Steve9357]

seems like you just got it done. time flys but I so enjoy your vlogs! really amazing footage .

[@sa9861]

Thanks for another interesting vlog. Laura Maisie is looking very spiff I have to say… as are you two national treasures 🦜🦜🦜

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Tee Hee, thank you x

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

Nice vlog. Always a pleasure to see what you both are up too. I love the plans…no plans…maybe plans.😂 Enjoy! 😊🤗 Kathy

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha Ha, we have just changed our minds again!!!!

[@aliciaking2464]

Lovely catch up thanks to u both,I always love your videos ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Dyfhi]

Nice 1 folks. Indeedy…

[@lesleyhutchason6277]

Thanks Fran. I did use it last year, and yes...its stinks.

[@patriciagassor4497]

I enjoyed that thank you

[@bkrerin]

Love your Vlogs 😊. They make me happy and peace-filled watching the scenery float by. My 20 min meditation 😍😆

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That's wonderful. Thank you

[@nesleinf]

I just love your long term planning - right up my alley 😀 About dogs and salad: I once had a Newfoundland dog being mad about strawberries. When I was picking strawberrys she was always on the neck of me. So I showed her that the strawberries were right under the leaves readdy to pick. But no way. She would only have them from my hand 🙂 Love from Denmark

[@FloatingOurBoat]

What a lucky spoilt dog x

[@pepperpot542]

Cant believe its been 2 years already

[@TinaMatheny-o9m]

Thanks for the ideas to start plants. I will get going tomorrow. So you’ll have a black bottom again. Love listening to you two bantering.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much. If you enjoy our banter you might like our podcast - search Floating Our Boat podcast

[@scottfw7169]

Must say that as someone who likes railways, I found much appeal in the method by which Laura Maisie was hauled out. 😎

[@sianwarwick633]

Ah, this is the life ! I shouldn't laugh but i did ! Archie the salad-eating dog. Good tips about microgreens. I will be refreshing a community planter tub, while i wait for two more to be placed in our streets. Beautiful weather

[@samanthaschoenrock491]

Beautiful boat x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you

[@KarenSFrancis]

yummy mixed sprouts - I use broccoli, radish as well - a little zing.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Hi guys! Great video, as always. All the best.

[@myhillslife27]

We are spoilt! Hello again you two.. Lovely catchup, it must be weird seeing her out of the water? She looks strange haha

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is scary when she is pulled out, but always a lovely feeling when you know she is clean and all checked out

[@ianmaxwell7672]

Check out that Basingstoke canal has enough water to allow passage when you do get down there.

[@fionahammond9396]

Great video Rich and Fran great that you all help each other long may it last x❤

[@york2828]

I keep forgetting to ask, but the sunken boat you passed reminded me. Is there no law or rule that requires derelict boats to be removed from the canals? Over the vlogs, I have noticed quite a few wrecks. Do they not become a hazard on the narrow canals? Will be interested to have your thoughts 😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

They certainly are a hazard. I believe the owners get notified if they can be found, and eventually CRT do remove them, but I'm not sure if there are any laws about if or fines. It is such a shame as many could be revived into a home for someone

[@layalabi1667]

Lovely video! Enjoy the cleanIng!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Is that possible???

[@MelG-ut3hs]

Thanks for the great video.

[@caroledonkin6380]

Great Vlog ❤ Just came through Hurleston Locks today,in the speediest time ever with 4 Lockies on, on ,plus my hubby..brilliant . Laura Maisie is looking Great x

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You certainly picked the right time

[@VioletsVisions]

Absolutely love your videos! ❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much!!

[@sueg1530]

Your summer plans sound great. Hoping to get to sharpness this summer to see the Purton Hulks. ☺

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We have just had a look at this and it looks amazing

[@tonysimons2860]

Thanks!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you so much that is really appreciated

[@willduckworth5535]

Thanks for another great video. I wonder if the stuck boat had their fenders down. Well done for keeping calm.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We think there is a problem as quite a few boats have got stuck recently

[@pkiely8223]

Hi Thanks again for your help getting down Hurlesdon locks, going to miss all the boaters I've met. All the best Rocking Robbinxx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It was our pleasure Paul. Good luck with the boat. xxx

[@helendurfee8926]

💕

[@hughcarson6837]

Great vlog, well done

[@chrisc9406]

Don't go south. Forget Crick boat show. The Leeds & Liverpool awaits your return. Bingley 5 rise then onto Skipton for fish & chips!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Sounds lovely. We did love Skipton but they do do good fish and chips down south too 😁

[@yeoldfart8762]

When I was young we used to hunt rabbits with our Basset Hound. He would be howling away trailing a rabbit and then stop. We'd walk in the direction of where he was heard last and find him under an apple tree eating apples. Found a few good eating apples that way.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is brilliant

[@jager6863]

England only has two seasons; Winter and July.😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😄

[@nevillemignot1681]

If the towpath is muddy you should use how the Romans used to repair their tracks/roads by filling low lying areas with smashed bricks or tiles.Give the doggies a pat for me, cheers from Sydney you guys and dogs!!.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

That is done in some areas

[@markstjohn5885]

What a magnificent catch you have in Frane (sp)? Wonderful couple you two.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Aint I one lucky Guy? Thank you for watching.

[@Danny-id8mi]

About the Milk container’s. Do you put holes underneath. Your show gets me out of my four walls. So thanks. Danny.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

I didn't as they sit directly on the wooden worktop. I just water very sparingly using a handspray, They are so tasty

[@amandahinds7860]

Hi, if you are thinking of the Basingstoke canal best to do in the earlier part of the year as it can get short of water in the summer, would be lovely to see some new waters thank. You for taking us along with you.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, we are thinking maybe next spring.

[@suzannehague5203]

I fan and rich it's good to to have a good tidy up it makes you feel good all.the best for now 😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It does. We keep putting it off, but it is so good when it is done

[@garrystacey7018]

Hi both just to let you know there is a Boat Festival on River at Stratford 5th Jul till 7th Jul. Will look out for you on the cut this year.all the best and keep the video rolling 👍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Thank you, we will bear that in mind

[@mikemcguire2076]

Hi there, great video, all was going well until until I saw the shadow of Rich on the towpath - it reminded me of a vintage Doctor Who episode when either Peter Davidson or Colin Baker was about to transition to the next version of the Doctor and there was this strange person on a distant bridge surveying the scene - a harbinger of something to come - probably telling you that the post-Easter weather was not going to be as "springlike" as we all would like it to be. Enjoy your coffee and keep the videos coming.

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha Ha! You are right about the weather as we were woken up this morning by heavy hail pounding on the roof and now have icy winds

[@howardeastman311]

Hello Rich & Fran. A question if I may. Did you get your base plate blacked as it looked quiet low on the trolley? Just to understand if not is it something that you never have to do or does it last longer than the sides? Thank you and have a lovely week!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

The base plate does not normally need blacking. Something to do with oxygen not reaching it and it also does not get scratched on locks etc as the sides do

[@lesleyhutchason6277]

Hi Fran. I know I've already asked you about your comfrey fertiliser, but can you tell me the "recipe" again, as I didn't write it down. Thank you. Love following you❤

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It is really easy. Just half fill a bottle or lidded container (as it stinks) with nettles or comfrey or a mixture of both, then fill with water. Leave for a few weeks stirring once or twice, then hold your nose and strain it. I tend to use the resulting liquid diluted about 1 in 4. Good luck

[@yoyo1961]

Slim Jim's xx

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😁

[@janoakes9267]

Would the mud happen to be anywhere near Wrenbury?? The mud along the tow path around there eats boots, as I know to my cost!! Lol!! Great vlog, love seeing canals that I have walked many times from a different perspective! 🙂

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You got it in one. The worst mud ever.

[@janoakes9267]

@@FloatingOurBoat Lol! Kind of thought it might be! 😁

[@willar7179]

As an American, I had to laugh at the way you pronounced Cholmondeston lock as Chumley. It made me think of the old story about Mark Twain in England when they kept correcting his pronunciations. Finally a Brit asked him if he ever been to Niagara Falls. he said something like “What? Do you mean Niffels?”

[@Biochemechanic]

Find a corner protection cover for the one that takes the abuse instead of repainting.

[@HildaHickey]

Were they able to save the green boat that looked like it was sinking? Love your videos😍

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Sorry, we have no idea

[@flinty4888]

Hi love your narrowboat. Fran you remind me of a friend that i used to work with in brighton pizzaland when we were at school. Fran had a sister called Nicky who also worked at pizzaland and i think thia Fran was doing something to do with journalism. Its probably not you but i thought i would ask. Donna

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Hi Donna. Thank you and we are glad you like the boat. It is not me I'm afraid. I did have a son living in Brighton for some years but I never did.

[@edwardhoughton2565]

Xx

[@joshua.910]

What are some of the reasons these boats sink? Really is sad to see :/

[@FloatingOurBoat]

It can be many things, but it could be water leaking in through the prop shaft stern gland or a broken bilge pump. It is really sad

[@shirleymilton5178]

Did you cruise the Montgomery canal while on the Shropshire Union? Also have you been on the River Nene and River Gt Ouse, Cam etc ?

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We had to miss the Montgomery canal as we had to get back for blacking. We plan to Do the Nene etc soon.

[@GardeningandMyDailyLife]

Những con kênh rất đẹp ,phong cảnh đồng quê thật yên bình ❤️.

[@sianwarwick633]

Pour les deux, Fran et Rich, je vous remercie pour vos très beaux voeux. À la prochaine.

[@mrmocki]

I think, and i may be wrong , it might have been @Peter Bell ( winging it) who was stuck in the 2nd lock …… we saw them on the (Easter)Saturday at AUDLEM

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We really don't know who it was.

[@carlwoodcock9249]

👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@janiceblacow1728]

I had a spaniel who ate the runner beans he could reach and one who would dig my carrots up if she had chance .

[@FloatingOurBoat]

You've got to love them xx

[@andrewbounds8672]

Was it boating on a budget that got stuck

[@FloatingOurBoat]

We don't know

[@willar7179]

At the very end…surely you meant INTERNATIONAL importance. 😆😆

[@FloatingOurBoat]

😁

[@bigKDL]

Really dodgy saying people of senior years then to find out they are 10yrs younger then yourselves I have done it many times can be a bit embarrassing 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Ha ha. In my head I’m perpetually 30. Thanks for watching.