Paddling A 16 Ton Narrowboat Single Handed. Is It Possible? Extreme Measures When A Boat Breaks Down

[@Misterwhistle]

I don't understand how anyone could give you a negative comment. You're always so positive even when things are not that great. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😊 thank you

[@ralphwood5875]

Mark you might think your paddling of a narrowboat will make you the star of this video but for me the very best of it was definitely Deb's fit of giggles ,she was so full of fun and life. It's so good to see her like this after all she has been through. Your herculean paddling exploit is certainly unique and an absolute first for me since I started following Narrow boats at the begining of Covid. Speaking as a Master Mariner I couldn't fault your towing Skills and definitely deserving of a Ryte Nice Pynt. A real fun vlog as yours always are but no matter what points of interest, lovely scenery etc. my favourite bit is always your pre vlog intro chatting with our darling Deb. That Museum looked interesting I'm a real fan of antique machinery and engineering. Take care lovely people happy cruising and I hope the Lottery turned up trumps Cheers from me and Canada.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks Ralph 👍

[@elizabethmondulick8209]

How could anyone be unkind? If my narrowboat broke down I can't think of anyone else who I'd want to rescue me. You two are the best.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@katherineroyal423]

You have the most interesting adventures you can giggle over. Keep them coming.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@suee6835]

Mark....You make us laugh,I'll just let this Lorry pass.....That Lorry was a Tractor and Trailer. 😂

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😂🤣

[@annhay4572]

Good on you! Not a lot of people would do what you did. But everyone should! Even if you get a free night's mooring or a beer, still it's your time and trouble and possible damage to your own boat. I've towed seven boats in my 30-year boating life, and taken people to another marina for help four times, and I've repaired boats many times as a former mechanic. Didn't cost me a dime in time since it's all what we do for each other as human beings. Good on for you for doing the same! Excellent job! "Man" handle it ... hmmm. And saying Deb's extraordinary cooking is something you won't "bother" showing us ... hmmm. Also, just checked with that marina and indeed they say it's pronounced as Deb says, "ile-am" ... not "ise-lam". Your heart is gold, Mark ...

[@patriciacaracappa5229]

You are two of God,s angels! We adopted two orange tabby kittens the other day! Their names are Ginger Snap and Snickerdoodle! ❤️❤️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

I love cats 🐈🐈

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks for taking us along on this superhuman tow of a massive steel ship by Mark on his paddle board, lol. Well done for expertly and your selfless job of helping the boaters back to their home marina. It's great to see that you are both doing well and very happy. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Im a great believer in Karma, so hopefully if we're every in need someone will help us

[@ajbarrett857]

Lovely vlog as usual! Thanks for being there for another boater: that's what I appreciate about the boating community! 😍

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Our pleasure!

[@findingtv2entertan]

you should have an free night in the marina for your good deed, you are all a community and help each other

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@hellyavard8552]

I just love your positivity and helpfulness what lovely people you both are! How could anyone be rude to you beats me!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

It happens

[@gwenmassey7631]

You are such a wonderful couple. 💐💐

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😊 thank you

[@suesmith3417]

You two are brilliant and the fact yo helped the other boater in his hour of need just proofs it, take care and keep well . xxxx

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@Cynbrat1]

There is no wrong way to do a good thing for someone! Very impressed by the paddling as I'm down to just one arm after surgery. No worries, came out great, and am easing into my new rotator cuff thru pain and torture, ahem...I mean physical therapy. I just love you two, you're the best!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Hope the physio isn't too painful ❤️

[@woodyrichards7973]

Love the videos. Brings back wonderful memories. I lived 16 years on a 70 footer on the Lark based at Isleham. Nice to see Pat Tierney too - solid guy. Happy cruising Woody

[@Lynette21122431]

This is perfect, it suits the two of you to be successful rescuers so beautifully! Your vlogs always inform and entertain. Thanks.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@gingermolinero8386]

Mark and Debbie that was so nice of you. You are truly nice people. Health and safe cruising

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@catf4865]

I just want to thank you for introducing me to Sunday roast dinner. I just had it in Edinburgh and it was delicious! I’m a happy woman.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Wonderful!

[@Barbara1957-x3s]

Hope you two are well miss seeing you two take care 🙏🏻❤️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Just getting over Covid

[@Barbara1957-x3s]

@@welldeckdiaries5610 bless your heart ❤️ prayers

[@mikesmith-yj3ih]

I think you needed to call Ringo to go on the drum and get Kirk and his mates from the Vikings to help out. May need more food and beer and hide Debs somewhere ? 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪lol .

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂

[@sandihandi7831]

Hubby and I kinda/sorta had an experience with a 24ft. pontoon boat where the engine quit. We put our distress flag, blew the air horn for emergency/help and nobody came. This was on an inland lake. We had no paddle, of course, so he took the 2x2 ft. plastic panel off the back of the engine compartment and used that too paddle the boat across the lake. Fortunately (not only was he young (40's) ), a patrol boat came out for the evening's lake check up and saw us and towed us in. I guess you do what you have to do and with what you have. Take care folks, and Mark, careful being a hero in the heat, especially.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

us boaters always find a way

[@shawnsalazar5416]

You looked like a Titan rowing that iron boat by your self in that footage .

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks 👍

[@jackmedcalf6254]

That was so kind of you. I'm so glad you were able to help!!!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@edmundsmith151]

Great vlog the other way to tow would be rope around the waist and paddle on your board, Ha Ha. But that was a good deed indeed to tow the boat for them. Easy revs was the way to go, nice and easy. Glad to see both of you always smiling and having a good time.. Always look forward to your vlogs Ed 40 s of Vegas stay safe guys xxx

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks Ed

[@gareysherrod3886]

Greetings from Tehachapi CA, I truly appreciate your Vlogs . Keep them coming, I watch them daily. You've been inspirational these past two years (Pandemic)😷😦😉🤗😇 Well Decked Dairies to the rescue!! Good on you guys🇬🇧 Best Regards TTFN Cheers

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks Gary❤️

[@DavidBrown-pd8kv]

Nice towing skills 👍

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks 👍

[@Zanth123]

You had a senior moment Mark a beer will fix you up.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😜🍺

[@caz-nbgalatea1528]

Well done Mark for rescuing the boat. I’d like to think someone would help us if we needed it. And your both so full of character and life…… love it. Sorry Debs… have to agree with Mark on Prickwillow museum….. went there the other day and loved it 😜. Keep them coming!!!! Better than normal tv viewing. 👍👍

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@kdean9537]

Hi Mark & Debbie, great to see you both! What a lovely thing to do to help a fellow boater, you are good people! Thank goodness the weather was nice! Thank you for sharing, take really good care of yourselves, stay well! Lots of love Kathy x 💖

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@myfloatingadventure5431]

Great video, thank you. Looks a lovely marina!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

It really is!

[@Setinmywaysalways]

Now that's a Community I could fit into, it does the Soul good to help a fellow traveler?

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

It sure does

[@allangeorgewainwright3812]

You've now got a hybrid narrowboat paddle and diesel, save a fortune over a year

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂

[@nesleinf]

Okay - I'll try to be kind this time.... I just love you as usual. You are just beautifull. Love from Denmark 🙂

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂 you're always kind ❤️

[@howard1707]

Mark has a CRAFT moment how appropriate.......Can't Remember A F ing Thing 😯

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😂🤣

[@arjenhillenius1917]

it is soooo nice to watch you guys go around the canals. it is fun, relaxing, interesting and making me long for paella a la Deb. Too bad there are not a few more shots of the dogs. Till next time and take care. Greetings from Friesland.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@dawn5002]

Love you both ❤️❤️❤️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@sueharrison4725]

What a lovely couple you are, how lovely to help the guy with his boat. Love your vlogs. Xxx 🥰😘🥰🤗

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@84hoover]

mark you should have said this is how I do not how to do it love the vlogs

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂

[@johnfoster3286]

Re diesel bug, add just a couple of drops of Marine 16 treatment whenever you fill up its not expensive and a small bottle treats 2000 liters or it might be gallons. Towing.... The main problem is that your propellor is pushing the boat you are towing backwards trying to stretch the rope so increasing the revs does nothing. When I did a 100 mile tow crossing the channel (IOW to Guernsey) my brother (royal navy) said we had to use a long rope with an anchor half way to weight it down and provide some slack. ( but not possible on a canal.) We spent 6 hours going nowhere in the Alderney race waiting for the tide to turn. Keep larfing Deb you two crease me up as it is contagious

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Wow, 100 miles, I think this was about 7 miles

[@cyrildhy8993]

You should have used a snubber, a short line with two boats of the same draft. Your prop thrust was trying to push the other boat backwards. Working boat only towed empty butty on straps because the prop thrust went under the butty.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@Kat69nh]

Still lovethe haircut

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@nancinowlen3043]

Wonderful adventure

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@patriciagassor4497]

Nice one, feels good when you can help a fellow boater out, well done

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Absolutely

[@jillipepper5353]

It was lovely of you to help them out👍🏼🙋🏼‍♀️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@10wanderer]

yer a rather nice couple ,

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@helencraig365]

Oh my goodness, that was great, thank you. What a great thing you did for those people! And still enjoyed your paella, albeit somewhat later than planned! I also love the absolutely beautiful rivers you get to explore. So funny, made me laugh loads, ta!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@shirleylynch7529]

Well done in helping someone in need. Fab vlog as always. So interesting. Such fun the two of you have. Rubs off on us. Thank you.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@malcolmtoyer8950]

Ah good, another little video...

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@bernadettec6386]

Well done to you both. I was a bit miffed for you both that after all you had done they could not offer you a mooring for the night. Not good enough. Just hope you actually got your beer. If that was us we would have contacted the marina to make sure you would be ok for the night.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

we got our beer 🍺

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

Lovely to see you both. Looks like Autumn is here, leaves are changing colour. You cheer us up when we see ur vidios. Thankyou for sharing with us.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@nickevans1698]

Well done Guys, well deserved Pint. Summer Lightning for me rules ok 🤣🤣👍🏼😎

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks 👍

[@virginiakirkupscrolltoto7794]

Great steering Mark under that bridge

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks 👍

[@petersymonds4975]

Hi. really good VLOG. I’m no experienced mariner but in the 70’s myself, a few adults and a dozen Scouts rented two 70 ft narrow-boats from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal called Ant & Axe. One had a motor and we towed the other, i.e. a butty boat. Most of the time we towed one after the other like you were doing. The only time we towed breasted up was as we entered locks. Our pilot was a professional boater with a lady companion, Andy & Sandy. The boats had fibreglass panel roofs but every other one lifted up and placed on the next, this aired the boat. When we came to locks the boatman’s lady, Sandy, would race from the end of the butty to the front and tie both boats abreast. We wondered why the kids took to their bunks when Sandy raced to the other end. One of the boys told us that Sandy was a bit short of underwear.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂 A lot of Boy Scouts with found memories of Sandy ❤️

[@StormwatchDruid]

Nailed the towing, time for a Ryte Nyce Pynt or two.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

indeed 🍺

[@lindataylor6835]

good to see you folks !

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@catcjk]

Loved the music!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

👍

[@lynmoore8355]

Hi guys and yet another great video, and well that was something that I have never seen before, mark paddling a narrowboat and towing one as well, was so impressed well done, hope that you got your beer at the end of it all, thanks once again just love watching your journey, and you never know we may even meet one day when we are back in the UK...

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️ If you ever come over you'll have to let us know

[@lynmoore8355]

@@welldeckdiaries5610 absolutely

[@jaycook8036]

Great vlog! Eveytime you go down the lark I hope to see our boat on its mooring, but no luck yet haha.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

What's the boat called and where is it moored? I'll try to remember to film it

[@jaycook8036]

Hi sorry for the late reply. We are moored at fenland boats. A seamaster cruiser named spagetchi.

[@NeverTwoLateOurJourney]

Fab vlog, we towed for the first time coming down the Trent a bit scary but we couldn’t leave people stranded x

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

it what we all do 👍

[@PartTimeBoater]

I think you did a superb job! Well done! 😊

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@pamelalambe1356]

Thanks. Great video. You have me smiling!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lorithorpe3502]

wow , i bet that tiring trying to paddle a tin boat lol , but you really are a good guy to tow the other barge all that way , Well Done . 👍 🍺 a pint Well deserved .

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🍺Thanks ❤️

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

A great community, I've seen some really spot on helpfulness between boaters, awesome. =-) Hopefully if you ever need help it will be given to you too. Take care.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

We are generally a helpful bunch

[@sandyj6099]

Miss yall good video

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@eekee6034]

It's the sort of thing I wonder about! XD I'm guessing the answer will be something like, "Yes, but only if there's no wind." Let's see... _clicks play_ You were able to say "It's working" much sooner than I expected! That's cool. :D I think short tow line bow-stern makes sense when it's not something you do every day. I've seen fuel boats, when they've got a powered boat and an unpowered butty, do other things like a long line and breasting up, but they have their routes they do all the time so they get to know where they need to shorten the tow line or whatever. The reason they use a long line is so the prop wash doesn't press back against the towed boat, and as they do it every day, it must be worth the fuel saving.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@carolinefiler5506]

Love the vlog and what a fabulous thing to do but that’s life on the water so kind

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@karensmalley9550]

Great job and we always find people on Isleham marina very friendly 😀

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Yes, true

[@gumshoe-tech]

It was the Best of Bearing, It was the Worst of Bearing,

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

👍

[@layalabi1667]

Bravo! Bravo!! Bravo!!!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

👏👏👏 Thanks

[@russellgordon5160]

Brilliantly done.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Cheers 👍

[@joybader4035]

Lovely. !!!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks

[@dawn5002]

Aww great to hear from you both ❤️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@evelynsutton4411]

Well that was an eventful vlog! Good on you Mark! Now you have another skill to your name! You never can tell what will turn up out of the blue, can you!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks 👍

[@iandavenport8423]

You passed the grass house again

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

👍

[@suzysmith565]

You got both of you there safely. Great job.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@paulinebennett1917]

Just loved this vlog Lovely to see you both Looking so well ❤

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@catcjk]

You guys are the best!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@annclark5082]

A good deed done. It is a shame they couldn't find you room in the marina for the night. I do love your videos x

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@NorthernNarrowboaters]

Why would people be unkind. Just stay true to yourselves and keep being you. X

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

you probably know from experience there are some idiots out there on social media

[@Barbara1957-x3s]

Good to see you two 🙏🏻❤️

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks

[@natstarr84]

Great vlog! I like the way boaters try to help each other. Phil, you did a great job rowing. Might throw some advice to recent purchasers of a Kondor 3000. Thanks,

[@jillipepper5353]

Oh but I nearly peed my pants over the Kondor3000, it was hilarious, especially when the pump fell apart, I had to stop the video and run to the loo. 😂🤣

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Thanks ❤️

[@whiskymacable]

Don't go down any Lodes..Will had quite a bit of trouble trying to tur n round on some of them

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

If you've seen our videos you'll know we've done all the lodes, Reach load was the only one that gave us trouble and Wicken Lode was our fav

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

I have towed a few boats and I find it best breasted up. In tandem I find my prop wash has nowhere to go and it is very slow progress.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

👍 I'll try that next time

[@alisonrichardson3554]

We’ve taken a fair few boats up/down the lark & the old west always breasted up & no problem with river width. Usually I pop a post re breasted boats on the Ouse boater pages so others know there’s wide load coming 😁

[@sheilat3839]

Well done both, hope you enjoyed your paella , looked delish

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

It was!

[@christinerichter8076]

October 24....where are you???

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

River Lark

[@ginnybennett9400]

CRAFT moments, can’t remember a f…… thing!!!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

🤣😂

[@tonygrove4599]

Hi guys do you both feel safe on the cancels

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Absolutely, you get the occasional area which is a bit dodgy but in general we always feel safe

[@iandavenport8423]

You can punt one with a pole

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Unfortunately on this occasion the water and mud was too deep and his pole too short

[@scottfw7169]

So, are a good deed done, and a deed done good, the same or different?

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Hmmmmm, you've got me there 🤔

[@suegermaine5730]

Lovely to see you both again I was getting worried. However where did that beautiful hot weather go? Now we have chilly mornings and evenings with high winds and rain. Did the people you towed did they get you a beer, I do hope they were grateful to you. Plus I was getting worried about Debs Paella that it would dry up before you managed to eat it. I always think it’s strange to see signs that state ‘Dead Slow’ I know they have it for large ships but never thought about it for barge’s but I suppose it’s the same slow enough that you don’t lose steerage. Debs have you got you paella recipe, would like to try it. I have cooked Paella a few times but it’s never the same as proper Spanish type. So always interested in trying other peoples recipes. Anyway great video stay safe and take care.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

This video was back in July around the time of the heat wave. we did do a paella video and posted the recipe on our Patreon site (free to access ) Ill put the links below. Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGrWdn1oqrKCbqM Recipe. 2 Tbs Olive Oil 6 Chicken thigh fillets or you can use 2 Large Chicken breasts ( Cut Into Large Pieces ) 1 Red Onion cut into even pieces 1 Red pepper 1 Green pepper deseeded and cut into even sized pieces 2 garlic cloves or squeezy garlic in a tube 2 Large Tomatoes skinned ( pour boiling water over them in a bowl this will make it easier to peel them) 300g Arborio Rice or Risotto rice 900 ml Chicken stock Pinch of saffron 125g Frozen Peas 150g Chorizo Sausage Salt and Ground Black Pepper 1 Pack of Seafood Mix 1 Pack of Prawns ( From all good supermarkets ) ( THESE ARE PRE COOKED SO WILL ONLY NEED TO BE WARMED THROUGH IN THE LAST 5/10 MINUTES ) Chopped Parsley ( Optional ) METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a Deep Pan 2. Fry Chicken pieces for about 10 mins until browned turning frequently. Remove from Pan and set to one side 3. Add the Onion to the pan and sweat off for about 4-5 mins then stir in the peppers and garlic and fry for a further 5 mins 4. Add the Tomatoes and fry for 2-3 mins 5. Sprinkle over the rice add the Saffron and stir well to combine the Veg for 2-3 minutes stirring continually 6. Pour over the Stock and allow to bubble Stir in the Peas and Chorizo sausage 7. Season with Salt and Pepper 8. Place the Chicken Pieces into the pan and simmer for 25-30 Minutes ( STIR VERY GENTLY OR JUST SHAKE THE PAN TO STOP THE RICE STICKING ) You might have to add a little more water if you feel its too dry 9. Scatter over the Seafood Mix and Prawns and cook for a further 10 mins to warm through and the rice is Tender Sprinkle Over the Chopped Parsley and Serve WE HAVE A NICE FRESH BAGUETTE WITH IT TOO THIS WILL SERVE 4 PEOPLE

[@suegermaine5730]

@@welldeckdiaries5610 thank you both. I may leave out the chorizo as that causes heart burn.

[@60degreesnorth26]

As a gay man the start of that video was something else 🤣

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

I always hope to please ❤️

[@danlake5258]

Great video guys, looks absolutely gorgeous over that way, how’s work going?

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Works ok, its is what it is

[@ridermacleod423]

How far did you paddle it? May have to paddle mine soon if I can’t fix the engine!!

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

It was probably only about 500 yards but seemed like a mile

[@ridermacleod423]

@@welldeckdiaries5610 awesome! Did you stand on the front? Might be an option to move mine… CRT are getting cross!

[@Feistywench59]

Am I mistaken or isn't today Marks birthday

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

April the 11th

[@Feistywench59]

@@welldeckdiaries5610 - so sorry, I must have mixed you with another narrowboater with a beautiful wife :). Hi Deb

[@iandavenport8423]

Beware beware Brandon

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

😂🤣

[@shanehumberstone5262]

Aw love watching your videos,I mentioned your channel among a few others on the nomadic crobots latest video,I was on about all the boating channels that I really enjoy watching

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

Awesome! Thank you! we bumped into those pair when they came to have their boat blacked