Narrowboat Lift Out, Hull Blacking, Painting, Fenders - S07E07

Back in June 2017, Aslan's hull was given several coats of bituminous blacking, in preperation for her Maiden Voyage along the UK's canal network.
Fastforward 27 months to September 2019 and it was time again for Aslan to be lifted out of the water, at Garstang Marina on the Lancaster Canal - and where she would be pressure washed, then followed by 3 fresh coats of blacking, a repaint of her gunwhales as well as new rope-fenders bow and stern.
--------------------
If you'd like to contribute to my channel and future videos, then I have a PayPal Me page. Cheers, www.paypal.com/paypalme/kevin...
Or please consider Buying Me A Coffee
buymeacoffee.com/countryhouse...
All 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime, with Season 7 & 8 here on KZbin.
www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXQG5HB/
#narrowboat #canal #travelsbynarrowboat

[@hastingshastings72]

I’ve an ignorant question for you CHG, do they paint the blacking on the bottom of the boat as well? And if not, what’s the reason why or difference between blacking below the waterline on the sides of the boat and not the bottom? Thank you for another great video. I enjoy them all. But watching the maintenance videos of Aslan really interest me. Hoping to see a video soon explaining or showing all the plaques on the door of the engine room.

[@CountryHouseGent]

The underside isn't blacked on canal boats. It would scrape straight off and the low oxygen/light levels under there, mean corrosion is virtually non-existent. Interesting fact - steel boats tend to corrode from the inside out due to condensation.

[@btmacdou]

That answered my question too...

[@Brummiejohn200]

@@btmacdou I had the same question lol

[@andywalker8276]

Came here to ask the same, it's been bugging me after seeing several different Narrowboat channels show their boat being blacked.... lol

[@JasperJanssen]

@@andywalker8276 apparently there *are* marinas that can and will black the underside if you only pay enough - but it’s not common.

[@themanofmead5273]

There is something serenely pleasurable and uniquely relaxing about your presentations. You have a gift. This is your art. Thank you.

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's so very uplifting of you to say, thank you - being complimented on something held dear. So cool and gratefully received. Thank you ☺

[@stephenbaker4950]

Where do you base your bike

[@davidwelch4372]

Kevin, I usually don't write comments but feel compelled to at this time. I have been following your channel since you first started on the canals. I have enjoyed all your travels and felt for you in your not so nice trials along the way. It was very nice when Amazon started carrying your 6 seasons and I was hoping they would continue your seasons but it appears they don't know how good they had it. Your videos are composed very well and I do so enjoy the cooking you have done, trying a number of them myself. I use your videos to relax and reset almost everyday. I have just completed the six seasons for the fourth time and will be starting it again. The rhythm of the engine is a perfect background. Don't let the stress of all that's going on around you take away from what you have and what you have done. You have many followers that enjoy your presentations. ... thank you for keeping us sane... David

[@sisyphus9252]

Very nicely said David, I feel the same.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Actually he said he wasn’t doing many KZbin videos because he’s been busy filming more episodes for amazon

[@edaldrich8651]

PLUS ONE, Kevin!!!!

[@user-bc6wi6zy3k]

Well, they have made our watching a pleasure. Thank you all.

[@nicholaskemp2246]

My favourite episode Kev. She looks radiant again! You alone have convinced me this is how I want to spend my retirement! I know you've had a few ups 'n' downs over the years, but, I think it's been a wonderful adventure and thank you so much for sharing with all of us. Don't you agree folks?

[@scotthanson4449]

Thank you for this in depth video on the major maintenance of the exterior of a narrow boat. You have been doing some things very right to not have any hull damage.

[@alicewilson1874]

Aslan is looking sharp

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Alice.

[@Will-fp8zv]

Eyup from Derbyshire. Great to see a fellow boater using Hammerite to paint the sills. I have a traditional boat and use Red, Green and black from the bow to the stern. I have always held the same opinion as you that it can be painted straight onto rusted steel and has an inhibitor in it already. The finish is always really good (in my opinion) and its easy to touch up nicks and scratches. It's always doubly satisfying when the marina police give me the disapproving look and post-painting expert advice! "oooh, you didnt paint it wi Hammerite did yow, me duck? You wanna use the (£30 a tin) special 10 coat paint they sell in the chandlers. They didnt have Hammerite in 1785 me laddo!"...... Prats!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha ha, oh yes Will. Nice to see someone with the same 'overwhelming' love for armchair experts as I. Yes, always used Hammerite Smooth for many things, even motorbike frames. Over a year later, the paint is still glossy and 100% sound, and as you say, piece of p**s and cheap as chips to touch up. 😁

[@willhackley1682]

Thank you CHG. Love living the canal life through the original Tom Sawyer. Keep it coming.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Much appreciated Will.

[@theubiquitusgastronaut8273]

As an expat honorary Kiwi and master of pie eating, in the country that knows how to make a really good pie. I have to say.. your pie looked epic 😋😋😋

[@claudieschmidt2353]

Very nice...glad you're back on water! I'm sure she does drive better with the new paint and garbage removed from the steering...it's like when you wash your car...she always drives better clean!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Absolutely. It's the same with motorbikes as well. Always run smoother afterwards.

[@lesleysilverstone2868]

I love Aslan. It's great that she had a "spa" day. Us old gals need one of those every now and then to keep us healthy and happy...lol. Keep well and safe.

[@jeffreystoddard7201]

Kevin - I was lucky enough to stumble upon the video of your 1st voyage aboard Aslan within days of release and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment since. Your photographer's eye for composition and sense of humour, the seasons' underlying message that the true pleasure of traveling lies in the journey, and Aslan's unceasing heartbeat running through it all have captured my imagination. Take care of Kevin first - those of us truly thankful for what you have shared with us so far wish you only the best. You owe us nothing. Best to you. BTW - the latest season's opening theme tune is musical genius.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Same to you Jeffrey. Yes I remember your avatar from right back in the early days. How time flys hey? :)

[@gedward777]

If you use a turnbuckle on each chain you can tighten it up, and as the bumper wares, you can tighten again.

[@darrenniles2448]

I love Aslan. Her engine fix me to sleep many many nights, I fall asleep caring the stories of where you and Aslan have been visiting and where do you plan to go. I hope 20/20 is not the last year of us seeing you both together, even if things change I hope we get to see many more special things to come. Don't let the system sink its claws into you too deeply Kevin.

[@Kwl4Real]

My wife and I, across the pond, have really enjoyed your videos. My sir name is Letchworth, so I have to believe that my ancestors were from Letchworth Village. Aslan is a beautiful boat. Thanks for sharing a part of your life and adventures with us. Safe travels. Kind regards, Sheldon and Kay Letchworth

[@franzliebkin]

Heard you Brits are locked down again. Hang in there, man. You do great work, and continue to inspire me to take the road (or canal) less traveled.

[@grahamlewis6062]

And looking so good! It’s ALWAYS emotional to me watching a boat touching the water again 😃👍🌟 Joan

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Joan. Yes there's always that sense that all the work was worth it and new adventures to come.

[@mickgorman9782]

I enjoy all the scenery but I got of pleasure from watching some practical stuff for a change. 👍✌️

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yep, gotta look after the boat or there's no scenery. ☺

[@1ariley]

Love the sound of that ole motor.

[@dimpsthealien333]

She looks really nice, Kevin. Great job! It's good to hear Aslan's heartbeat again.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers ☺

[@thetravellingcarpenter1621]

Thank you so much for uploading Kevin We miss you so much and hope you’re getting better You are aware just how much you mean to your fans across the world don’t you? The chugging of Aslan has kept us going! And your excellent videography skills 👍 I’m going to buy my girlfriend a CHG mug for Christmas it will make her day 😊

[@MPjustaman]

No truer words spoken!

[@willhackley1682]

Perfectly put!

[@jimmygandy5143]

I completely agree. Much love to Kevin and Aslan!

[@milesfrommission]

This series of videos, which I believe I've only just sampled, ranks in the 95th percentile of the best of KZbin for me. I know nothing of boats or boating and I'll never own a boat. This is about so much more than the boat. A guy my age, living solo; the present is everything and the beginning of time is dated to the purchase of Aslan, spending as much time as it takes to tend to the boat, and just motoring about. Wish I had a steak pie.

[@romac9516]

So satisfying to watch Aslan get a lick of paint, new fenders, return to 100% and set off again for another adventure

[@briangodfrey7424]

A bit of phosphoric acid will remove those rust spots and then the rust inhibitors in the paint will prevent it from returning. It doesn't take much - a spray bottle of about half a liter (litre?) should treat all of those spots and leave plenty left over for spot fixes over the next year. It's more common than you might realize and you should be able to find it in an auto parts store, hardware store, etc. It's even in Coca Cola. In fact, I learned about it in the Navy because we soaked particularly difficult rusty nuts overnight in Coke rather than cut them off.

[@gregb4421]

Very nice video; informative and done in such a friendly manner. I have a suggestion re. the plastic bags around the propellor. Perhaps use a GoPro camera in a waterproof housing on the end of a pole to video. Check and remove them with a cutter. Just my 2 pence worth :)

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you and thanks for the tip. ☺

[@gnudarve]

I stayed at the The Barge Inn near Pewsey for a couple weeks and saw a lot boaters come through, would love to live this way someday. But more importantly, watching an Englishman enjoy a hearty meat pie out in the wild really took this to a whole other level, got a big wide grin on now, cheers!

[@johnmcgovern6551]

Tell you what mate. You make some cracking films. Keep them coming, your a top bloke..

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ah thank you John. Always really good to hear my efforts are enjoyed. ☺

[@DavidJohnson-rj8zu]

What a fantastic record of events of Aslan having her (not being to personal) bits down below put into pristine order again.

[@sheridangay]

Wow, Aslan is such a beautiful ole' girl, and thank you for sharing her with us since you got her.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Always good fun to share what's happening Sheridan. Thanks to you. :)

[@sheridangay]

@@CountryHouseGent , everything is well as expected in my life. I'm painting inside of flats these days where I live in America.

[@penneynoss9552]

Hi Kevin, I've watched this video several times and I realized this reminds me of my Mom's old cast iron frying pan. It has years of old grease cooked on the outside of the pan. It's so well seasoned it will never rust 😁. Thank you have a great day 🥰

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha yes Penney, that is an excellent analogy. :)

[@hereward6771]

Object lesson in film-making; keep it simple and let the subject do the work.

[@clpotis]

Nice work! Aslan looks so dressed up now. That flat piece of metal under the propeller just solved a mystery for me- how all you Narrowboaters cruise so confidently in such shallow water!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you as always. Yes it's a critical piece of the boat that.

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

A very satisfying half an hour and lovely to see the whole process. Stuck out of the U.K. and only having watched you and then the other boat tubers since March I was astonished to hear my self say “Those anodes look really good!” I must have learned more than I realized!

[@invagina1110]

When I watch your videos my wife thinks the washing machine is out of balance, lol, I just turn it up louder!

[@janej6253]

She’s looking like a proper lady, she is! Such a lovely ole girl! Her new bumpers are beautiful! So glad to see you both on the Tube again. Safe travels sir.

[@cliff8680]

Good to see Aslan and you in ship shape Kevin.. looking forward to new content!!! Cheers

[@padgepadgham3238]

First Class Job Both By You And The Boatyard Staff 👍

[@dozergyp]

Its a great marina , And the pie shop is about 5 minutes walk away, Doesn't get any better than that Aslan will feel like a speed boat now with all bags moved off the prop and smooth blacking Happy cruising 👍

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes John it is an incredible marina and town. Aslan certainly has a spring in her step now. :)

[@ccronn]

You seem very happy about the whole affair, and that makes me happy for you!

[@brucekay9761]

Some people just don't read the other comments. Your patience is to be admired!! Looking forward to the next instalment. Stay safe and take care....

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha, don't I know it, Bruce. The alternative is to get medieval - which on occasion, is quite tempting. 😁 ✌️

[@kcwheeler6403]

Results of a love affair!.Keep on keeping on.a cooking show soon I hope.All the Best

[@eleanorchapple8772]

I love that chug chug engine sound. Thank you for keeping me in touch.

[@jasonchristman4074]

Loved wAtching this episode and seeing Azlan getting a fresh coat.

[@mikeoswald8053]

I'm very pleased to see that your haul out had no great surprises, and that you're back on the water. Stay well and keep those KZbin videos coming-even with the lockdown. Cheers from the Puget Sound!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Mike. Same here, a huge releief when you can see everything up close and on dry land.

[@mjallenuk]

Nice editing ... smooth and easy going. Hope you're well chap.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Matt. Yes, bearing up under the strain. :)

[@Flowergurl2000]

That paint job befits a country gentleman. Nice fenders, I might add.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Jana. Yes, always been a sucker for British Racing Green. ☺

[@sueroberts8834]

The ole girl looks great ! Great painting job you did with the green. Very sharp looking boat ! Nice to hear the marina staff were so nice and helpful. I am sure it made the entire adventure a lot pleasanr for you. Love your videos! Glad you are back and safe ! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us ! Happy journeys !!

[@johnwalker3263]

Thanks for posting this video showing your everyday narrowboating adventures! I absolutely love your work!

[@lisagarcia6314]

Great to see Aslan decked out. Shes a beauty. Keep your chin up. Take care.

[@melike1984]

Very satisfying to watch her get paint refreshed and how its done.😎

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers. Yes I love it when a plan comes together. :)

[@peggycarrington877]

It’s worth the journey & joy your videos bring me.

[@andrewsim9180]

I learned a great deal from this video - thank you.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Looks really smart!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Marion. Yes she scrubs up nicely. Cheers, 🙂

[@Monheganer]

You take such good care of Aslan. I was biting my fingernails with worry when they hauled her out. This brings back great memories of my father taking his lobster boat out of the water for a spiffing up as he called it. Thanks!

[@sueseibert4714]

Enjoyed this so much....and MISS YOU!

[@dmacd9058]

Love the videos! My favorite program.

[@borderreiver90]

A good job well done.....

[@SondraTreasuretheMissus]

This was fun to watch! Thanks.

[@megangoggans1208]

She looks so pretty!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Megan. She scrubs up well. 🙂

[@carolehayden8566]

🎶🎶BOOM BOOM BOOM!

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thank you CHG Enjoyable , Educational and entertaining well done .

[@lynnbigner570]

Glad to see you back. You give hope to a lot of us. Love the DIY vlogs. Especially when I am in the process of doing nothing. Very satisfying. Lol.

[@marionkeight6709]

Wow, she held up well and looks good as new. Will continue to look forward to your vlogs. Thanks for all you do

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Always something to learn. Worth the cost

[@naughtysquirrellyndatee96]

Both you and Aslan are looking good.... keep working to get your mental health in shape, too🥰🥰😷

[@baronblimey]

Impressive teamwork by marina team. Good to watch as always....

[@HappyMom2Girls]

Love the video, Kevin! All aspects of canal life interest us and we learn from and enjoy your videos. Aslan is beautiful! So are you 🙂

[@paulw4834]

Nice to see you have got through your demons Kevin respect too you x

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you kindly Paul.

[@albert39520]

I’ve owned up to ten boats at one time ... it’s a sickness. Now I want a Narrow Boat and that way of life! Best wishes from Louisiana!

[@trevorspottiswood985]

Excellent video. Very well put together and very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@karenjaques3937]

Brilliant cruise! I used to live in Fleetwood and spent many weekends visiting the Lancaster Canal and Glasson Dock. I always wanted a narrow boat. Now I know why! I'm now in Arizona living the cowboy life with horses unfortunately no narrow boat but your vlogs keep me reliving my once forgotten dream. 💘 your vlog.

[@ahnie771]

That was fascinating! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your travels - I do. 😊

[@tracyruth4247]

Aslan is looking good!😊 Safe travels👍

[@graemetrim9549]

All that I can say is that was a very interesting and enjoyable video as you were able to show many aspects of some of what is involved in maintenance of a narrow boat. Thanks from a Kiwi who will never have the chance to do it.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Graeme. That's what I like to hear. You're very welcome.

[@davidcoleman757]

Aged about 8, Aslan was my first literary hero. Lovely paint job. Looks the business.

[@glennbutler9557]

Thanks for showing us this Kevin, nice to see the “dry” side of life for Aslan. Hope your keeping safe and well. Hope to see many more of your travels. Oh and a few culinary clips as well 😋.

[@phillipbateman2284]

Loookin good, and the boats not bad either. Great vlog Kev, keep it up and it'll all be like new again.

[@FjHenderson]

Nice bike, and thanks for the painting video made interesting. Looking forward for your next installment. Stay safe

[@kevinbrown5321]

On yachts I would use a small roller to apply pint then tip it off with a very high quality 1" brush. as you go along. Gives a high quality mirror finish

[@CountryHouseGent]

Top tips, cheers.

[@israelswearingen8219]

Thank you for sharing your life with us- the ups and downs ... it’s always reassuring to hear you put a positive spin on some of the same things that bring me down as well. My family enjoys watching your show on prime as we eat dinner, and we have become fascinated with the canal life. The pork pies are something I am going to have to try and create here in the States. All the best!

[@diaryofaherbert7423]

Good to see Kevin, hope you’re keeping well. All the best from the Big H.

[@skullcrossedbones8223]

Absolutely wicked , plus that pie mate , yumm ! Jolly good show until next time have fun .

[@allanmarshall4582]

Always good to watch your videos Kevin. Hope you are well at present. Where ever you are, on the canal network.

[@andrewwright9678]

Nice to see you again mate had a lovely cup of tea watching you and aslan is looking top notch mate look forward to seeing more I have followed you for quite a while and love your episodes great stuff

[@CountryHouseGent]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew, cheers.

[@edwardmounsey9208]

The filling in the meat pie would make a good burrito. Nice video thank you for posting. Edward

[@lisastewart1986]

Beautiful wish I could have been there I love painting 🤪my favorite past time ,I was very impressed with that lift wow what a steady job they did you can definitely tell they’ve done that a time or two 👍 I’ll be eagerly awaiting your next adventure 🤗till then hoping you are well be safe .

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Nice update on the cut and seeing The boat out of water looks good not much damage keep posting up videos and stay safe

[@richardwallinger1683]

Pete emerson floated his canal boat into a lock and then let the water out .. his boat was left high and dry on some nice strong tressles .. the paint and rust came off using abrasive blasting .

[@Judgmental_Jim]

Kevin, love the work, you're passionate about what you do and it shows. I've tried all the other Narrow boating shows and nothing is even close to your standard. Please continue making these excellent videos. I enjoy following your journeys.

[@cathyaguilar9332]

So glad to finally get this. Hope you are doing better. Take care!

[@kiltedbill7594]

HEY HEY HEY! GOOD TO SEE YOU FRIEND. ASLAN IS LOOKIN' GOOD.

[@Super3dogs]

I just found your series and have binge watched all the episodes! Thank you so much for letting us all be a part of your travels. I hope we will see more episodes to come! What a fabulous and freeing way to live your life.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Sharri. Yes more travel videos to come, once the travel ban is lifted that is. ☺

[@timlewis5096]

gotta love the way your prop can grow plastic bags love the videos

[@PNEKarl]

I loved Garstang. I lived there for eight years. Loved every minute.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Awesome Karl and agreed. Love it here.

[@ianmckenzie5303]

Love that old thumper engine. With maintenance it will live forever! Good to see Aslan is shipshape All the best, Cheers 👍😎🐺🐾

[@penelopeallsebrook6618]

Aslan looking great 👍 Aslan engine is so lovely , and I keep saying Boom boom boom Kevin 🤣 you was the first canal vlog I watched , when I was ill with the C word ,🥰

[@markjohn4647]

Wonderful film and thank you for the insight, great editing by the way.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you kindly!

[@cynthiavansaun1500]

You are are very good story teller. This video even makes watching paint dry interesting. Can't wait for next weeks video, maybe something about the weed box!

[@susancase2143]

Kevin thank you. Really enjoyed the vlog . Love seeing the process of things. Keep going for us all please, as we may need you more soon. Thanks Sue

[@CountryHouseGent]

Will do Susan and thank you.