Renovating a Narrowboat With No Experience

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ABOUT:
Hey there! We're Nesha and Mike and we are restoring a 45 foot narrowboat and turning it into a tiny floating home. Subscribe to follow our journey as we show the highs and lows of boat restoration, travel the British waterways, and live slow, wild and free.
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The information provided by Driftwood Folk ('we', 'my', 'I', 'us' or 'our') on / driftwoodfolk (the 'site') is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, availability, reliability or completeness of any information on the Site. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the Site. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is at your own risk.
#narrowboats #tinyhomebuild #narrowboatliving

[@albyrd1271]

You are doing fine. anyone who's never made a mistake never accomplished anything. Keep on and everything will be all right.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks!

[@shogun666able]

Attitude gets things done and no one can fault yours. Get yourself a cheap chop saw, cuts square everytime and will trim even small bits of square. Of course will do any angle you want as well. Best never forget screwing up is all part of the learning curve.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Agreed! Thanks for the wise words, Arthur!

[@theverylazyavocado6408]

Yes we giggled … but also we’re super impressed .. you are learning new skills and most important giving it a go .. (even better all your joints are hidden underneath the panels so they will never know lol )

[@julesly]

I only recently discovered your channel and am watching all your videos in order, but I have to say that what I saw was someone who learned how to properly purchase straight wood, which is something I saw that Mike showed you a few videos ago. Everything is a learning experience, and like you said…struggling or making mistakes are how we learn. I can’t wait to see all the improvements as I continue watching you two. You’re a delightful couple.

[@KevinCarpenter-cr4cx]

You doing a great job and you will learn from your mistakes so keep trying

[@chrisjohns7137]

I think it was very strong and empowered. To try is amazing, then go back for a second day after it hasn't gone well the day before is very very strong. You've got grit and you're proved you're empowered, plus you've learned and gained experience. How much more strong and empowered do you wantt to be? It's much harder to do it and learn by doing than to rock up with all the knowledge and skills and do something. Well done.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thanks Chris! Really appreciate that, that's really encouraging :) - Nesha

[@AJBeetle1]

"I'm so excited that I'm out of breathe" 😂

[@pattysommers3566]

I think you are very brave. You are an inspiration to all women. Keep doing what your doing.

[@flopsymopsy7088]

Try find a friendly mentor, someone whose renovated or built a boat. Just to discuss your plans and get advice. This will help you resolve all those worrisome second thoughts. Lots people love to help young folks just beginning a new part of their life. Start asking around to find such a person. Good luck 🍀

[@ronaldpowell4319]

You are a great couple look after yourselves and good luck serves and good luck on the boat build look forward look forward to saying more of you

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Ronald! 😊

[@howard922]

A jigsaw is for cutting shapes a clue is in the name😊

[@dieseldaryl1]

Doing a second layer of underlayment would have helped too. More material to buy but doesn’t require going backwards. I know this happened awhile ago, more throwing it out there for anyone else that is faced with a situation of flex in the floor. But what you are doing is a huge undertaking and I am impressed at how well you two are taking it on. You guys are developing skills that will last a lifetime.

[@petebest3729]

You are doing a fantastic job, we all get embarrassed at some point when we don't do things right, but that is part of life, but not everyone will admit to it. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will be alright at the end. We are all learning something new every day.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Very true! Every day is a lesson when you’re on a boat haha

[@markbeks2019]

Love your reality, honesty & how you give everything a ‘go’. Hats off to you 😊. Looking great! X

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thank you! After a long hard day at the boat, that comment has made my day 😊

[@markbeks2019]

@@DriftwoodFolk ah bless you! You are doing great! Relax now & have a nice evening x

[@docostler]

12:50 I've never been so happy to see a pencil in my life, Nesha! And that hand saw. That jig saw will come in handy sometime, especially on a boat where curved cuts are common, but as you learned, not so great as a framing saw. Mike's little battery powered circular was the answer. I love your enthusiasm.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

The irony is that I wanted to hire a circular saw in the first place and a tradesperson told me to get the jig saw 😂 oh well, at least I learned a little about jig saws. And thank you, I will continue to try and stay enthusiastic as I learn all this new stuff!

[@user-kev-k5v]

Your doing ok so far but I think you will definitely learn from this again in the future

[@mikejfranklin7000]

Nesha, I admire your grit and determination, and your courage in letting us all see you making mistakes. Learning can be hard, but it's not so bad if there is someone to teach you. I expect you realise this now, so there's another lesson! Mike does this sort of thing for a living, so he should be the one, right? Be careful not to let him do all of the difficult technical stuff, else you'll never learn how to do it yourself.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks! :) Don't worry, he does not do all the difficult technical stuff. I've done a lot of things that are new to me (like grinding, filling, sanding, painting a boat, insulating, learning CAD etc) and we've split the work equally. If there's a time when you see more of Mike in the videos, it isn't because I'm not working too or doing challenging things, it's just because I'm filming him :)

[@susansisk455]

There isn't anything about your boat you won't know when you are finished. I think you are amazing for tackling this! Best wishes.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Susan! 💕

[@rotinkerbell]

Well done YOU! I am so impressed by your growing skills.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thank you! Slowly learning

[@paulplant6486]

Everyone makes mistakes. You are doing an amazing job

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Paul!

[@jbzoom]

A testament to positivity! Well done.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thanks!

[@DEmma1972]

Thank you, I havnt laughed and cried so much in a while. Seems Mike is on top of the how to use tools. Would invest in a chop saw and a long metal ruler and I see you have a circular saw now which is better for cutting wood than a jigsaw which is used for other wood cutting. Keep up the great work and you will soon be done and look back at this and smile

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Glad you enjoyed it haha. Yer I mean I have all the tools & use them daily for my secular work but because we are long distance I can't always leave tools for Nesha to use but I do have a few spare tools that I tend to leave for Nesha to use. As for the chop saws again I have like 3 but it's managing to 1) remember to load them in the van before I drive a couple of hrs to Nesha & 2) making sure I havnt left them on a job haha. I have one I'm gonna leave on the boat just been moving workshops too so havent got that far yet 😂 but to be fair to Nesha she's done so so well when I havnt been able to be there & she's a great learner. I managed to find my old 12v battery circular to leave on the boat now... I use my 18v daily unfortunately haha. Thank you we are trying haha although I cannot wait for it to be done & to look back at it all.

[@MrDanceswithsheep]

All the hard work and time you’re putting in to both the build and the vlogs is amazing. Imagine how you’ll feel once it’s completed and you’re on the maiden voyage.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

We’ve already done our maiden voyage of 100 miles from Yorkshire to Staffordshire but I can’t wait to take it out when it’s all done and homely

[@carolinefiler5506]

I think your doing really well you only learn from try and at first if you don’t succeed try again 👏👏👏👏

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks! 😊

[@maymoonnarrowboat]

It’s so inspiring to see you doing so much yourself - I can’t believe you have no experience! And you’re totally right about how to get around sucking at somthing! Also love the bloopers and your editing style! X

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thanks Laura! 😊 I’m trying haha

[@davidhall4079]

Ups and downs of renovation your doing great keep up the good work 🤗 🤗

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks David ☺️

[@shirleygreaves9650]

You are so hard working and logical in how you approach tasks. You’ve got this girl, well done, you will get there in the end!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks Shirley! 🥰

[@jasondavies6928]

I think you've both made amazing progress. I did chuckle when I saw you using the jig saw but I've no room to talk... When cutting my first piece of ply on my boat I managed to saw my beloved stool (which I've owned for 48 years and oddly was my favourite "toy" as a kid) clean in half as I was using it as a prop!

[@jeanniehyde8090]

Love your thought process, but don’t be too hard on yourself- and it’s great showing how you’re learning to use power tools, it is daunting, power to you🤗 Mike has become a natural in front of the camera lol 🤣 you’re great together 🥰xx

[@DriftwoodFolk]

He’s always been a natural on camera although he doesn’t think so haha thanks!

[@user-no7lg7nz7h]

Use a skill saw and you will get a better result.

[@michaelagaskarth1658]

Thank you for such an honest vlog. You are truly inspiring. Keep going! You are doing a fantastic job!

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Aw thank you so much!

[@sammygirlie345]

Circular saw and mitre saw jigsaws are more for sheet materials but loving the project

[@DriftwoodFolk]

👍 thanks Sam!

[@claire4486]

Well to become strong and empowered, part of that is confusion. Ultimately you'll only be confused/not know once. Or if memory like me, maybey twice 🙂

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Hahaha maybe twice for me too

[@user-kev-k5v]

We all make mistakes even me it takes me a day to put together one of those flat packed set of draws

[@thomascoyne157]

God loves a trier😊and you certainly tried, Great volg 👍👍👍👍

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I did 😂 thank you!

[@Lance_Arn]

Kudos for doing the work yourself, at the end of the build you will be experienced enough to tackle most repairs yourself. 👩‍🔧 😀 I recommend using a KZbin hardware channel for ''How To'' guides on doing DIY. I am an Aussie and I personally use an American channel - Ace Hardware, but I am sure there will be a British hardware channel for you to get some advice on correct selection and use of hand & power tools. Never be afraid to resource instructions and always, always ask for ideas and advice.. You are doing a good job. 👍

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Oh thanks for the rec, I’ll check out that channel! Doesn’t bother me if it’s American, pretty sure we all use the same tools haha. And I’m definitely going to watch YT vids on how to use all the tools from this point on. Im comfortable working with metal and a grinder and a drill but not comfortable with timber or saws yet - better get youtubing it! Thanks 🙌🏽

[@mjrob46]

Your doing great I hate jigsaws their awful things, their invaluable for some jobs but what your trying to do maybe not the best choice. fair play for you showing this we all go through what you are now.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

My first choice was a circular saw but wasn’t available haha thank you, we sure do

[@langdonfairchild1st805]

You're starting to look a lot more happier 🙂

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Thanks! Only taken 7 months 😂 finally used to it now

[@raymondc5473]

Great Vlog, you both got the job done as an excellent team.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Cheers!

[@adamlittlewood8025]

Ten out of ten for effort. Just keep using your handsaw and put your first finger out straight and you will have better control and won't hurt your rist. You've got this....

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Good tip, I’ll try to remember it! Thanks 😊

[@morriscorreia7282]

A for effort stay with it you are awsum

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Hehe thanks Morris!

[@user-kev-k5v]

Well you did try but you need the clamp the wood before trying to cut

[@stephenbowker824]

You’re plywood flooring looks thin ours was 25mm thick your joists look ok. 👍🖐

[@DriftwoodFolk]

It’s 18mm hardwood ply so a bit thinner than yours

[@dick8193]

Actually, to be a bit more nautical, you're going to go amidship, fore then aft.

[@liamhainsworth9620]

Where in the country are you both doing the refurbishment

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Well done sweetheart I'm proud of you!! I will make a carpenter out of you yet 😘😂

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Doubt it, I’m definitely happier working with metal 😂 but I’ll learn

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

@@DriftwoodFolk haha we will get there ❤️

[@raymondrichards4888]

Why not just over plate the floor? If your bords currently run Nth to Sth then for such a small loss put a second plating over them running Est to West. a lot less trauma and work and is twice as strong.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Because it wouldn’t be much less work really, it would cost more, and it would sacrifice more headroom which is something we want to keep as spacious as possible since Mike is 6’4. The only reason this took as long as it did is because I’m new to woodworking, so I doubt it would have been any easier for me to overplate 😊

[@davidbramley6730]

Jigsaws are designed for deep cuts. Your fella should have a crosscut saw for this work. If you not hooked up to mains power nip off to the nearest Machine Mart store and buy a generator.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

We’re long distance so I don’t have access to his tools all the time - all I had was a hand saw and a jig saw I hired at the time so I rolled with it

[@davidbramley6730]

@@DriftwoodFolk oh rite. Just don't cut your fingers with power tools.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

I’ll try not to

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

Thanks David. Yer I suggested a hand saw or a jigsaw as a good all rounder to cut & adjust as needed as I use mine alot at work for similar jobs. I do have a chop saw... 3 actually but I use them for my work plus as we are long distance it's remembering to get them off a job & to pack them in the van. Plus I'm in the process of moving workshops so it's all abit mental😂. Good shout with the generator tho. We are now hooked up to shore power so will eventually get a lead & start to use mains for tools.

[@davidbramley6730]

@@mike-driftwoodfolk2651 hi Mike. Well I 64 now. The thing is with canal boat hulls they can get tired. Weld seams fracture and quite often substandard hull repairs take place. Years of neglect takes it toll as well. Same mild low carbon steel as vehicle body's. Unlike high grade corrosion resistant blue water steels I got alot of years experience of. Yes it's nice to see young lads like you mastering a skilled trade. Big shortage of skilled labour. Kids today just not interested.

[@kissmystainedglass7155]

Get yourself a whiteboard, write in it in red jobs to do, in Amber, jobs doing, in green jobs done, it make life so much easier 👍😏

[@DriftwoodFolk]

Oooh that’s a good idea, I have a whiteboard so I‘lol probably try it!

[@seanplatnauer7211]

get a circular saw

[@janeingram7331]

Be careful when listened to music that you don't infringe on the copy write

[@DriftwoodFolk]

It only infringes if you play more than a few seconds of a song in a video 👍

[@agfbuilding]

I laid my floor the other way so there's no unsupported joints

[@DriftwoodFolk]

That makes a lot more sense

[@mike-driftwoodfolk2651]

That's a good idea. It would of required us to make alot more cuts & have more joins unfortunately. Plus we replaced what was there but now we've added the noggins it's so much better. Just annoying I didn't go with my gut & do them when we were doing it the first time haha.

[@michaelconnor333]

Hi there, nice try and never be embarrassed, your having a go and want to learn, so you will. The Jig saw isnt the correct tool for the joists, the wood is to thick, use your yellow hand saw, maybe get a shorter one for smaller hands, also when using it, use the whole blade, maybe look at a youtube video "how to use a hand saw". Just find videos and look at how they hold and use the tools. The sqaure isnt used as a cutting guide, its used to draw a line with a pencel for you to follow with a saw. As the for the insulation on the floor, its fine as there will be air flow under the insulation. Sorry if i sound condescending. Good luck to you.

[@DriftwoodFolk]

You don't sound condescending at all, thanks for all the tips! I used the jigsaw because someone recommended I go with that over the circular saw I originally wanted to hire, and someone else recommended using a square as a cutting guide haha. But ya live and learn! I'll definitely be looking up how to use my tools from now on :)

[@user-xw6wj2qh5n]

Trying not to sound like a dad here, but it is unavoidable. Please learn how to use tools before trying to use them alone. Watching you with that jigsaw really had me worried for your safety, especially when using it over the square. (You should use the square to draw a line and if using it as a guide to keep the jigsaw straight, you use it to guide the side of the jigsaw foot, not to run the blade alongside, plus use the square the right way round using the 'foot' of the square to locate against the side of the wood.) It is not easy driving yourself to a hospital with a bad injury! (I read that ambulance waiting times can be over 8 hours in UK at the moment and that is in towns, not where they then have to find you along a canal somewhere with no exact address.) Before this video you saw the same or similar tools in use there in front of you every time the two of you were working on the boat, so really you should have had a better grasp of it before attempting it yourself. Tools are your best friend when used correctly, however, they are a deadly enemy when misused. Power tools take that up a few levels on both sides of the equation. I say this out of concern for your safety, not to belittle. There won't be many videos if you do get it wrong and we all want the videos or we would not be here. Please, please be careful.