Running Out Of Power. Living Solo Off Grid On A Narrowboat.

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About our boat:
1980 Harborough Marine/Black Prince
50' Cruiser Stern
1.5 BMC Diesel Engine
Completely empty, soon to be our water based retreat
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/ danniandjoe
Socials:
Team - / danniandjoe
Danni - / danniandherpassport
Joe - / joeylessex
Facebook - / danniandjoe
Patreon - / danniandjoe
Danni & Joe

[@SamCopson17]

It’s so nice to have you back Joe! Stay strong mate, we’ve all been there!

[@shogun666able]

Your doing well buddy, keeping busy with Danni still rattling around in your head somewhere. Going solo is a different ball game and a different direction but your up and about and still doing.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@catherinemira75]

Have they split up? 🤔

[@catherinemira75]

Oh.. I'm sorry but somehow not entirely surprised. Time will renew each one for the better: I went through this, I know how it works😉

[@shogun666able]

@@catherinemira75 It seems like they have, Joe said they had and had problems for a fair time before.

[@catherinemira75]

@shogun666able I kind of sensed some tension between them at times. It would have added interest to their story if they had dared give hints at what was truly going on imo. The videos are about people not just about canal cruising after all. The cruising soon becomes a bit boring but people almost never do.

[@mojobumbles474]

Good to see you Joe. You have been missed. Hang on in there and keep busy x

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@dottie2884]

Joe love your videos especially when you're baking😂...got to love a man in the kitchen cookin and bakin..🙂

[@mazzer51QS]

Wonderful to see you back . I hope you don’t give up the boat I’m sure better times will be ahead . Hang in there Jo we all love you xxxxx

[@ozzy9488]

Keep going Joe, I can see the stress living your face slowly trust me you will be fine, can not wait to meet your next when the time is right, she will be a lucky girl , Keep your channel going it will get bigger and bigger, Trust ❤

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@mazzer51QS]

Wonderful to see back . I hope you don’t give up the boat I’m sure better times will be ahead . Hang in there Jo we all love you xxxxx

[@traceydodd7286]

Hi so sorry to hear the sad news, I have watched from beginning, I do hope you will Carrie on with your channel sending hugs xx

[@johnshepherd3704]

hey nice to see you back boating hope you are well keep up the good life😊😊

[@paullowden1643]

Good work Jo. In the long term I think you would be a great BSS examiner and it suits your lifestyle. Top tips when leaving your boat for any period especially over winter:- Empty fridge & freezer, leave door slightly ajar Isolate water tank at the tank & drain all taps Do not moor under trees Empty portable water containers (if any) Isolate starter & leisure batteries Isolate gas & burn off excess gas on your hob/stove If you can’t moor to rings/armco double pin All the best.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you! Yes I did consider that actually, I’ll have a look to see what trainings required!

[@northstarcreative]

That’s a smart idea, they’re always in demand. A good investment for when you don’t want to do the physical work so much anymore

[@gowiththeflowguy]

Hey Joe! Bruce from the west coast of Canada sending you hugs...pls take good care of yourself and we are here waiting for your next video, if and when the time is right for you!

[@Mrs.T-nc5mq2yi1y]

Don't forget the curtains Joe. Keep some of the heat inside. Take care. 🐨

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@saraeb59]

Keep boating Joe. Winter is always rough on a boat but embrace the challenge and keep baking bread, ❤

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@vickyf164]

Hey Joe 👋 Would love to see you one day have a floating bakery ❤ Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey. Have a blessed week 🙏

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Keep following your dreams. The times are changing.

[@peterbell6425]

Like the idea of a project boat, the renovation videos of Lady Pennybun were great to watch. All the best Joe.

[@markrant1460]

Hey Jo, Great seeing you again. If you ever decide to do doughnuts from the boat, or a boat, consider mini doughnuts with a sugar coating. When Calgary has their stampede or other towns and cities, throughout Alberta, have events there is always a vendor selling these mini doughnuts. They are usually sold in batches of twelve and handed to the customer in a brown paper bag. If you keep making the bread we might even see you helping Vic and Jo with Holly the Cafe Boat. Take care of yourself and do keep warm. Mark Alberta, Canada

[@timherzog6720]

Hang in there Joe. Take care. You will get thru this. Love your vlogs! A fan from the US.

[@chrisward7387]

I'm just a you tube viewer but have watched you since your inception. Do you remember raising a glass to Jilly on the K&A just after you were invited to be best man? That was my Jilly. Also, my living in a caravan in Germany, where in winter the snow was so deep, it was gonad freezing. Getting water in my 30 litre container was a challenge? I'm guessing that things haven't turned out too well. Didn't for me way back, hence the caravan. It comes good. You'll get on a wave again. One thing I learned.....True friends are true friends. Luck to you both.

[@Nbwarriorlifeonthecut]

Great to see you doing what you do best. Cruising and baking your breads. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Lows and highs. We will support you always xx Ali, Jon and sweet Sky. Take care Joe, and be warm. Hope to catch up again soon 👋🏻👋🏻🤗🤗

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thanks guys! Miss you all ❤️

[@VanOnTour]

When it's cold, turn the key to heat the glo plugs but dont start it. turn the key off once the glo plug light has gone off and then immediately repeat. Do this 3 times and the glo plugs get hotter and it should start first time.

[@andreaamer1183]

Considering you were talking about how you show and film, the more practical aspects of boat life, you really fail lol as the shots you catch with the drone and authenticity of your filming produce a real warmth and honesty which exudes warmth and just being genuine. You are an honest,refreshing gem, and god, those pizzaenvelopes at the end looked scrumptious,i had to go make a piece of toast lol a poor substitute. Keep boating and filming , your a natural😊

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you ❤️

[@suzieq2958]

Great to see you, always, Joe! Bet your mum and dad love having you at home for a bit!! The drone footage was epic and very apt for the time of year!😃🌲🌲🌲That haunting music is beautiful! 😊💜

[@Marks-Garage]

Joe just thought I would check in and say I hope you are doing okay. You are missed but a break will no doubt do you good

[@danieljames1787]

Hi Joe, I’ve been watching your videos for a good while - they’re great. I’ve decided to buy a narrowboat shell and fit the interior myself. Your videos have been incredibly informative for me as a narrowboat newbie. Thank you so much 😊

[@ItsOhJoe]

Oh wow! Thank you so so much! Let me know if you get any questions I’d be more than happy to help

[@danieljames1787]

@@ItsOhJoe Thanks Joe, I’ve messaged you on IG 😊

[@loulou6760]

We had the same problem last week. Only pulling 30amps. Called the legendary Dan Holland, all sorted. Good luck Joe. Narrowboat Redtape (barberboat)

[@suziefloozie3190]

Hi Joe 👋🏻, good to see you!

[@billmearns2671]

Welcome back, you were missed. Bit of a bugger getting back to the boat and low power. But you just got stuck in. And back to baking too. Yeh sounds like the glow plug. Hey ho. But look mate you do what you gave to do to get by at first and then thrive. I really do admire your tenacity and skills. Be safe and be well.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@denisemahood9162]

Haven't watched the vlog yet, but just wanted to say it's good to see you!

[@CarolineK-d7y]

Stunning video Joe, the music and footage were gorgeous. Awesome to make a decision about completing the Grand Union too, will be a huge achievement indeed. That pizza dough looked and sounded incredible. Keep being amazing Joe, you are literally brilliant.😊

[@ItsOhJoe]

Yeah I think it’s the right call to finish the GU. Thanks for the kind words

[@CarolWhite-il7ki]

Thankyou Joe take care

[@anniemac3075]

Hi Joe, lovely to see you getting the boat charged up & travelling a bit again. Chilli jam sounds 👌 wonderful, I'll copy your recipe when you make it 👍. Take care & keep warm. ❤

[@chrisstewart1863]

Hey Joe. Great to see you again. Take as much time as you need to find your way. On the bread side. We travel Australia in a caravan without an oven so I have been making frypan sourdough. It’s been an interesting experiment.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Oh wow! I’ve made pancakes with sourdough too they’re lovely

[@budbundy364]

How beautiful is that view thanks for sharing 👍 great boat by the way 🙂

[@davey.59dave]

Good to see you back joe.👍

[@jbzoom]

Good to see you

[@georgearmstrong6575]

Good vlog... More power to you Joe... 🔋

[@janroberts1815]

You are doing a brilliant job Joe. You are cracking the solo life. Love to see you baking bread, you make it look so easy. Stay safe and well, see you soon 👍

[@andrewhenley7691]

Hey Joe, thanks for the video, you're looking well. Electric on a boat in winter, the only cure is winter cruising to keep everything topped up. keep up the good work.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@alisonsimpson616]

Hi Joe, you do show the good and bad side of boat life which is brilliant. Keep vlogging as we all enjoy watching you ❤❤❤

[@welshgirl5527]

Great vlog Joe, glad you're keeping yourself busy through your healing process. Keep going ...... you're getting there. X

[@karenjones9548]

Look forward to the Jam recipe Joe.😋 And I can see you in a Barge boat baking breads, I'd love to see you do that as I'm sure others would ..then we could have more dough with Joe moments🍞❤

[@phillipsharpe6459]

Another brilliant video pal, keep up the good work, you make the videos we will keep watching, love how down to earth you are, keep it real, 😁👍

[@sallyannlidtka7290]

Good to see you Joe

[@MelG-ut3hs]

I just want to say how much I enjoyed this video. Take care.

[@DawnHare-jt9dh]

Hi Joe- Its been a long time since we have seen you-. I Hope you are well and that you had a nice Christmas- I’m a mum of two - now in their 40’s and a Nan of grandchildren- . An l could see sadness in ur eyes in this last episode and especially the end bit where you answered questions. Just concerned for you. All Ur followers l’m sure along with me… We love your utube adventures and we are proud of you.

[@DaznEm525]

Great to see you back on the boat and keeping busy doing hand on renovation. Can't wait for the car project 😊 another boat project sounds good too. 👌 keep on doing things that you enjoy ❤😊.

[@JaneBall-l4r]

We miss you joe.

[@deballen6147]

Nice to see you back Jo . Your doing a grand job mate x

[@billywindsock9597]

Always good to see you floating. Some lovely shots as always.

[@TS-pq8km]

Great video Lovely balance... just like the flow of the canal Thanks for making it

[@philbrooke-little7082]

Soggy cold BMCs need at least 40 secs heat, burned out glow plugs not uncommon but also they should be removed when servicing and the hole cleaned out with an 11/64" drill bit as they carbon up. BMCs also appreciate injector cleaning which helps starting. Victron percentometers are notoriously inaccurate. particularly on lithium if they haven't been adjusted for it. There's a lot to be said for a low voltage disconnect above the absolute empty point as then you at least have a reserve. Turning off the isolator is a good idea as a routine if going away for a bit. At the moment even fridges are pushing it a bit without a bit of engine running, especially on 680W. Even not under leaves you might only expect 20Ah a day usable average at this time of year a bit more for lithium which I assume you have due to the mention of 280Ah. A multimeter is a very useful tool.

[@mrsnichollshummingbirds1555]

Keep going Joe great to see you again, great video take care

[@rockett2745]

Heya brother, awsome vids mate, theres no shortage of trials living on anything that floats, if you make SCONES at anytime try adding in Lemonade , no shit it makes them lite a fluffy..i think thats wot my Nan ment, shes bn doin them that way for years...no complaints.

[@nigelbranchett7718]

Nice one, Joe, love the bit of film the boat going along and taken from the drone, clever stuff and most effective!

[@ZeroJewelz]

Bert was awful, hoping you all the best Joe, have a good one!

[@Cal-n2g]

First time watching so don't know the channel history but will catch up over the weekend. Whatever you've been through, i hope life improves for you. Stay safe.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Great seeing you back vlogging Joe. Great drone shots too. Sounds like ur keeping busy. Down south at all be great to meet up and go for a drink or two lol. Best wishes.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you! Yes should have more time in the new year I’d be up for that!

[@RichardJoyce-b4t5m]

Hope your well mate, looking forward to your next post.

[@pambrown9722]

Great vlog Joe, I absolutely loved the drone sequences. Good to see you back at the tiller. 😊

[@101carl]

Love your stuff man keep going cheers 🥂

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thanks, will do!

[@EricOconnell-j5r]

Joe ..Good to see you back...hopefully you get that narrow boat started ...Bishops Stortford Herts

[@ItsOhJoe]

Cheers!

[@gilleslacroix4255]

Good video mate ,can’t wait to see the new project car work .cheers

[@gerardosullivan1642]

One job at a time.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good see you you got vlog out thanks lee

[@henrywilliam8506]

Missing your vlogs, I hope you're okay. Spring is on its way!

[@margaretwhite8996]

Good to see a vlog Joe ! Keep pushing through, you'll get there !!! Could i ask what the tune was you played a few times on this vlog i loved it, love the vocals and lyrics ! Thanx in advance ! ❤ .

[@senta2431]

Nice to see and hear you on Video again. Send my regards to the Black country. All the best Steve fro. Germany.

[@ItsOhJoe]

Cheers Steve!

[@roadrunnercarl]

Good day to you Joe, I just wondered why you didn't stick with your boats original name "Lancelot" or go back to that name I think it's a great name and could have a cool mural of a Knight along the side, or change the stain glass windows from the mushroom to a Knight, but I guess lady penny bun is unique. Just a thought Cheers

[@annjarvis9300]

Awww grand to see you Joe hope you all sorted now heat water fire etc keep warm and well love from the oldies 🤗🤗

[@LambySRI]

Next time you find yourself without power like that and the screen is flashing, clear the panels first, and then unplug the MPPT VE.Direct cable. I have a Victron system running my house, and the odd time ive had the system turned off to make modifications etc, ive noticed the screen flashing and being stuck in a boot loop. Unplugging the data cable from one of my MPPT so it goes back into standalone mode, everything boots up straight away. I do it this way so that the solar precharges the caps in the inverter and gets everything running on limited current, before connecting the battery. The reason the engine booted it back up, wasnt more power, but the fact it isnt linked into the cerbo with a data cable.

[@dingnextstop]

Hi Joe… I’ve spoke before as I also have a 1500BMC in my boat, the dodgy starting sounds like Glo Plugs mate… BMC 1500’s are notoriously greedy when it comes to Glo Plugs, if just 1 has failed it will be a pig to start, I also recommend turning it over on full throttle for a few seconds without using Glo Plugs especially if you’ve left the boat for more than a few days as the fuel drains back into pump from the injectors. The Glo Plugs ports carbon up regularly and need cleaning out ( it’s easier to find a KZbinr to show you rather than me explain it here) By the way I sense you need a much bigger alternator and upgraded belt system to cope with your large Domestic Bank… 👍🏻

[@Goodchappy]

Glad you got the engine going in the end. You need a windscreen wiper on your solar panels that comes on once a day to keep the leaves off. 🙂

[@normanwatts6231]

Hi Jie are you coming back and making some more videos we are missing you hope you are well 👍

[@drewledson2944]

Wishing you the best for 2025! Hope life is kind to you.

[@SouthernSoftie]

Loving the drone shots 👍

[@isabeljordan1943]

I have missed you Joe but keep uploading loving your clips

[@123gazs]

Hello Joe , Glad to see your back with a new Video so nice to see how you are, and hope ur keeping the health well and keeping warm as its now getting colder now since we are now in December. Also the View from above looks amazing.

[@nigelporter2675]

Was hoping to see you we were moored behind you for the last few days hopefully next time for a few beers and a few whiskeys .Nigel and Sheila on nb take wine

[@bobbrown5857]

Never seen you for a while mate miss the sour dough and jams.

[@josephjohnson4942]

Strength And Peace To You.

[@PixieLid]

A bakery boat is actually a great idea imo 😂👏🏻 especially if theres donuts! Talk to Wilbur he’s just finished his 3rd(?) home-brew….apparently it was lovely according to anyone that tried it….I thought it was rank but I don’t like beer 😅 as a result of his new hobby we’ve been living surrounded by glass bottles 🥲

[@dawnsmith842]

Good glad your keeping going boat looks nice scrubbed up lol no leafs 😅😊😂

[@johnhetherington7858]

From where you are now, there’s a classic old country pub a couple of miles from you called The Case or full name The Case is Altered. Just sells beer and you can toast yourself in front of their wood burners. Check online for opening times before you go though and make sure your mobile’s on silent or a £1 charity donation if it rings inside the pub. I love the place as it’s really small and cosy and really is old world.

[@frankquevedo6001]

Hook up with the Great folks& son, on HOLLY THE CAFE NARROW BOAT, FOR POINTERS! You can’t go wrong with their advice! Carry on Jo. You’re going great!

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@christopherbutler7588]

Glad you got your engine Started😊

[@amyross9671]

That time of year again. Keep warm x

[@teresadaniells1753]

Wonderful ! . As always so very proud of you .

[@damianbutterworth2434]

I used boat parts to make an off grid system for the house. 2 kilowatts of solar on sheds. 6 caravan batteries. 80 amp charge controller. 3500 watt off grid inverter. Worked really well until the batteries dead after about 3 years. They went down to 8 volts on a 24 volt system once which did not do them any good. I should of used a low voltage alarm.

[@ItsOhJoe]

That’s good going still!

[@jeanniehyde8090]

We love seeing you Joe 🤗🎉keep being your awesome self my friend 🤩🤗looking forward to your future vlogs. Watching the ads too x

[@colinevans39]

Its always good to put a deisal cleaner in every so often reddex deisal cleaner its a internal cleaner 😊

[@christineflynn5155]

I love your cooking your just great

[@ItsOhJoe]

Thank you!

[@katefinnegan8129]

Good to see you Joe. Q and A was informative. Have you thought to make just a tomato pie. Pizza dough with just red sauce and a few sprigs of basil. Sometimes people add parmigiana for a different vibe. But tomato pie is delicious.

[@Sailingengineer74]

Recommend an undervoltage protection, cutting power from non essential consumers well before the battery is drained. Cold morning emergency starts do benefit from some starting spray or preheating the air inlet with blowtorch

[@ItsOhJoe]

Cheers I’ll have a look into that!

[@SteveNail]

Definitely make some chilli jam. I was thinking of doing that but I'll see how you do it and it turns out first 👍

[@ernestpimlott]

Hey Joe, I am a new subscriber- love your channel mate-and your bread looks amazing -

[@USBMEDICMalcolmScole]

Must be nice having a heater .No space in my wardrobe for one.... GoodLuck n merry xmas

[@bindatek8801]

Joe, no wonder your batteries are flat. I have a solar off grid system in my house. This year I am having problems too, with very little charge. Due to the unusual weather, with very thick cloud and virtually no sunny days, in Penzance, my batteries are "resting" and I am using national grid electric. Between us, some big change is happening, the global change is really biting, and I think it is going to get worse. Lithium Batteries in my Camper are fairing slightly better, but I don't like operating them either, if they drop below 12v during actual load. AGM can be taken a bit lower, but there is nothing we can do to improve the situation. You and I, are in the hands of the weather....wet and horrible!! John

[@1258-Eckhart]

All those poor little Christmas Trees with not a month yet to live. Lovely cruise & drone flight though. ❤

[@G20hype]

This watch was a vibe joe, all the best. 👍

[@Linda-uz5ki]

Great blog Joe,have u thought of getting yourself a dog? there great company, great to see u back

[@ItsOhJoe]

Yes maybe in the new year 🥰