The Adventure Begins: Taking Ownership of My First Narrowboat

[@timhill1389]

Wow! The previous owner should be congratulated for leaving such a neat, clean and well provisioned boat for you. Happy boating

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

We agree! I have already thanked him. I wrote to him the other week as I was struggling to understand the fuel tanks.

[@LesBrecknell]

Beautifully prepared by the last owner, full of thoughtful touches that only someone with a deep connection to the boat would take the trouble to organise for you. Dissapointed in Wilton Marina for not giving a proper handover and sparing an hour to guide you out onto the cut and up a couple of locks.

[@stevecapper9321]

A few places just want your money and of you pop whilton marina have another Marina near me in Nantwich Venetian Marina . does not take much to get someone familiar with the workings of a boat hopes he had someone to show him how to start the engine and heating system .

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

It was beautifully prepared. Whilton did give me a full tour and handover a few days later. In this video I was trying to capture my initial reactions to the boat. Thanks for the comment.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

They did a handover a couple of days later where they walked me through the explained things, however, there was so much to take in.

[@Hupamaster]

Previous owner did keep her clean att all times. She’s in mint condition. I’m new to the channel (thanx the algorithms😊) and will joyfully follow your journey

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. Yes, the boat was in great condition. It’s now up to me to keep it that way.

[@kerry5586]

What a lovely boat! And so well kept and clean.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Totally agree. It is now up to me to keep her to that level.

[@SuperDaveyoutube]

That's a heck of a BIG boat for one person? Bon voyage.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I guess it is. I was set on a 57 ft boat. I have no idea where that length came from other than it doesn't limit access to any canals (some canals can't take longer boats).

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

@@Nicks-Wanderings I think 57ft makes it possible to fit in all the locks, but longer and you might find some locks your boat is too long for, depending on your network.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@claireseyeviewonredbubble I fixed on 57 ft fairly early in my search and had no idea why. I must have picked up on 57 ft from another channel. Good to know, thanks.

[@johnharrison9317]

First up. What a cracking boat. Congratulations. I became a new single hander of a 60 footer on October 4th 2024. Many of your observations and comments were fresh in my mind. At this time of year, the Sebastopol and Refleks save will be your friend. There will be many amazing people in the marina who would be willing to assist. I look forward to following your adventures.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment and congrats on your new boat. I have managed to get the diesel stove working. Took a few goes, but I got there. The video is in the works. I much prefer the webasto. Just needs two switches and no fire lighters. The diesel stove does get very hot. Toasty!

[@debbierennox931]

Congratulations on your lovely boat your very brave to start a new adventure 😁

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@SallyCurrell]

So exciting. Love your boat. Beautiful layout and in such good condition. Lots of great adventures agead for you now, and a quieter pace of life. Enjoy x

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. I can't wait, and I am really looking forward to what lies ahead.

[@PSUK]

Now that, my friend, is a cracking vessel. Years of enjoyment ahead. Have fun!

[@zoeg7985]

This is the first narrowboat video that actually feels narrow. What a pretty boat use it in good health

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@russellsprout2223]

Dream boat at very reasonable cost. Shamelessly envious, I'll be watching your adventures with interest. Atb

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@theradioweyr]

This boat is in immaculate condition! Wish I could hop over the pond and help you get through the first few locks and hear that beautiful engine run.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. Yes, the last owners really looked after the boat.

[@Aquamarine0002]

Such a nice, well kept boat, congrats! I remember seeing her online whilst casually browsing what's on sale even though I bought my narrowboat in September near London, also 57ft, also first boat and will be handling it solo. There is SO MUCH to learn! Best of luck!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. As you say, there is a lot to learn. And congrats on your boat.

[@pamcullen537]

Good luck with your travels. It’s a different world full of ups & downs but the boating community is on the whole made up of fabulous friendly people who help out as you are now ‘family’. It’s a life I’ve been living for nearly 20yrs so I wish you lots of wonderful memories and have of course subscribed. Wishing you all the very best 🦆💕

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated. Everyone I have met so far one the canals have been incredibly generous with their time and their help.

[@Slartyfartblarst]

I'm very envious. Great video. Lovely boat.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. And thanks for the comment.

[@rosie4runner965]

Wish you would have taken us through the locks and how you did it. Other then that, it was an interesting walk through, seeing all the parts and equipment. Thank you !!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I was busy on the narrowboat, and after a trip with thirty locks, I managed to do zero! I am still to do my first lock on the Grey Wagtail.

[@rosie4runner965]

@@Nicks-Wanderings thank you, looking forward to it.

[@helendevlin638]

Lovely narrow boat x

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I totally agree.

[@JoanneMisha]

You're brave, I'd need someone to show me everything . Good luck!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I’m sure you would soon pick it up - I’m hoping that’s what will happen for me!

[@messenger8279]

Would have been nice for the boat yard/mariner staff to offer some help. It's a daunting task to do on your own on a new boat.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

The video was an 'unboxing' to capture my initial reaction to things. The marina did give a walk through a few days later, but there was so much to remember.

[@shauncorless8965]

One of the great moments in life 1st buying your 1st boat the 2 nd when u eventually sell it ,😮

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks... hopefully the second great moment for me is a good few years off.

[@joerg-michajahn4963]

Even though it takes up room, I sure like a boat with a proper engine and engine room. Much more in style than pulling up some floor boards to get to the engine. And although the diesel fire stove is not as atmospheric, it sure is convenient. Just seeing all the sailboat people use it ... Enjoy your new boat!!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I really like being able to stand there and see the engine. It makes the checks so easy and quick. I can be done in a couple of minutes and no boards to lift.

[@edwinaflannery9828]

We have never owned a narrow boat much to our sadness..yes we have had two yachts and a motor sailor...but yes the same comments you made we did every time..we had no idea how things worked, walking around having got the keys, it's almost a right of passage..but you will be fine, you will get to grips with it all and I am sure have an amazing time..we are jealous and shall be watching your journey, enjoy..

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment and watching. The marina did give me a 'tour' of the boat after I made the video. But there was so much to take in.

[@Jax240jk]

What a lovely boat! All that storage wow. I have a 42ft boat and i love boat life. Ive had it for 5 years now. Ive had a lot of work done on it but painted the outside myself. Its camoflage now 😊

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I will keep an eye out for a camouflaged boat on the canals - but will I be able to spot it?

[@Tommytucker1216]

Beautiful boat happy sailing 🎉

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks

[@dexterfitben]

Welcome to a great new adventure from newbie me. I dont normally subscribe to new narrowboat channels - i got my regular 3 or 4 but yours looks interesting so yeah. Joins my regular morning watches before i set off to work in Taipei. Ta ta and tally ho.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment and the subscription.

[@Porkisgoood]

Great and you thought you would tell everyone on here, like we need more people on the cut.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Well, I am sure there is room for one more....

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

Tidy neat well cared for boat, looks homely and in good condition. Subscribed and looking forward to your adventures.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for subscribing. It is a very cosy boat once you get the diesel stove going. However, the side hatches when closed are a bit drafty.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

@@Nicks-Wanderings Have to fit some draft excluder strip around the edges!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@claireseyeviewonredbubble I was wondering about perspex sheets as I have seen boaters use them on other channels.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

@@Nicks-Wanderings Oh yes like internal double glazing, that would work, and be extra insulation

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@claireseyeviewonredbubble Yes, that was my thinking. Something else for me to research and spend money on!

[@montyriviera795]

I picked up my first NB from that marina. Fortunately I could turn right.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Lucky you! I really could have used that right turn.

[@JohnyLondon]

What a cracking boat! Perfect for putting your own touches to but nothing major to do - well hopefully. A pity you are not going to be out and about on it.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I planned to keep looking for a boat for another couple of years, but then this one came along. I will be out and about it. But not for a little while. And yes, a cracking boat.

[@JohnyLondon]

@@Nicks-Wanderings Ah I see - good. Look forward.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@JohnyLondon I can't wait to get out more on the boat.

[@detlefalle2385]

Super! Subscribed.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@chrisbagust3516]

Deeply jealous!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment.

[@mikeconway1387]

So exciting , what a cracking engine and everything else great and well looked after.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Yes, the previous owners really looked after the boat and now I must do the same.

[@themotorbikecamper5990]

What a beautiful boat you've purchased, an I now look forward to the coming journeys and getting to know you and your boat, living the dream, 😎🏍️😊

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks so much! I am looking forward to spending many hours exploring the UK canals and rivers.

[@gary4983]

Nick, greetings from Maryland, USA. I find it very hard to resist your "no idea what that does" comments, as buying something like this delightful boat without a clear idea of how everything aboard works is very like something I might have done. I've subscribed and I look forward to more videos. All best!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. When I bought the boat, all I knew was what was in the sale description and what the report from the full survey said. I knew the boat had everything I would need, and I knew what sort of equipment to expect from watching other boating videos. I didn't know what the different bits inside the boat did (or do). After a month of ownership, I now have a better idea (thanks to an excellent set of documentation that came with the boat), but I am still struggling with a few 'boxes', and I found a fresh batch of pipes and stuff last week.

[@JimNormal]

Living a dream (well one of mine). Good luck on your travels I’m going to subscribe so I can come along.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment and the subscription. This was a dream of mine, and I can't believe I have achieved it.

[@LesBrecknell]

I hope you're blog will inspire and entertain - good luck on your travels.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I hope so too! Thanks.

[@davegillman6296]

Just to say that is a lovely boat

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thank you. I can't take any credit for the boat, that was all down to the previous owners.

[@Misterwhistle]

You had me chuckling when you kept saying "I have no idea what it is" so I subscribed. I'm looking forward to your future videos.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Well, I still have no idea what a lot of it does. But I’m getting there. I think. Thanks for the comment and subscribing.

[@brianrees3697]

im in a marina on North Oxford just take your time enjoy Braunston tunnel Very best of luck and enjoy

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.....

[@julesmlowe]

Oh it's going to be brilliant. A lovely warm and comfortable boat with plenty of storage. Let the adventures commence!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Exactly. I can't wait....

[@andyfalk1428]

From far away Victoria Falls, I shall follow your journey with interest. Congratulations and happy cruising.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. I am looking forward to my wanderings and posting more videos.

[@geoffmorgan8476]

Hi Nick Good Luck with your new adventure. I am surprised the marina didn't give you a brief of how everything works. It looks like you will be doing it the hard way. Best wishes

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. They did give me a run through a day or two later. However, there was so much to take in.

[@mojobumbles474]

Great stuff. What a beautifully looked after boat. Well done. Whoever has owned this had looked after it well. So neat and clean. ❤

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, that was one of the things that sold it to me - its excellent condition. I now have the challenge of maintaining it!

[@mojobumbles474]

​I cant believe you havent tried out the boat. Brave man! Dont the sellers give you a handover? You have obviously driven a narrowboat b4 but nevertheless. I'm stressed already 😅 Ooooooer Nick 😊​@@Nicks-Wanderings

[@GaryB007]

Just found you with a random KZbin recommendation. Will sub and follow your adventure.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@stevecapper9321]

Nick did you have any handover from whilton Marina how to operate the boat start up and general workings of your boat heating system for instance engine start up procedure .??😲

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, they did an excellent handover a couple of days later and in the video I wanted to do an 'unboxing' type things to capture my initial reactions.

[@mindless-confusion]

Looks like a great little boat

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. I think it is! I had been looking for a boat for some time and this one ticked a lot of boxes for me.

[@IkeBrider]

How exciting! Congratulations! We are considering buying a liveaboard, so we are really looking forward to following your journey from the very beginning. Good luck and bon voyage! (A little bit of information on how you are adapting to living inside and on the water would be good! )

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment and suggestions, and good luck with your deliberations.

[@davidsimpson6372]

Can I ask, what made you opt for a boat with a mid-engine layout?

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Easy answer, old age! I think I would struggle to work on an engine buried in the stern. I liked the idea of the engine being easily accessible and therefore easy to check.

[@davidsimpson6372]

@@Nicks-Wanderings That's a very good point. I'm leaning towards an electric boat when the time comes, which should mitigate service access problems, but I completely get your thinking. Future proofing.

[@NathanBerry-f8y]

Hope you don't mind me giving you a tip but iv been constant cruising for a year now and my biggest tip is always get three more mooring pins than you need so you have spares and a spare mooring hammer as iv left a mooring on a really bad stressful day left my pins behind by mistake but because I had spares it wasn't the big issue it should have been

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the tip. That explains why I found so many mooring pins on board! I have at least four, if not five. I will get a spare hammer; that is a good tip.

[@NathanBerry-f8y]

@Nicks-Wanderings it's also best to have a spare windlass for the same reason and I always spring line when I more so I have two long mooring pins and twos short mooring pins and I keep the same again in spares and I do Moore on the center line but I leave it a bit slack so it can't go right and cause the boat to tilt etc

[@NathanBerry-f8y]

@Nicks-Wanderings also get a composite lump hammer if you can as the wooden ones do tend to snap or come loose

[@Porkisgoood]

Do you actually constantly cruise or do you just go to one bridge then the back to the last one?

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@Porkisgoood At the moment, due to other things going on in my life, I am marina-bound. However, my long-term is to do a lot of cruising.

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Congratulations on your beautiful boat. You must be so excited to start your new adventures. I have to say, you are exceptionally brave going onto the canals at this time, considering the drive by the CRT to shut stretches of the network, I think it's called re-wilding, also the licence fees are guaranteed to increase each year over the next 4 years and the obvious lack of maintenance being carried out, the towpath in places are awful, the whole network needs dredging and the overgrown banks reduce the available mooring. Diesel boats are under the microscope as polluters as well as increasing marina fees. I fear for the future of the canals, but like everything, if funding allows, enjoy life while you can. Despite all I have said above 😅, I really wish you the very best of luck and fingers crossed 🤞 you will have a fantastic experience 😊

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. It is worrying times. Last week, I went back to the two locks that were closed for repair and I was most impressed with what they were doing.

[@karenhellmann7707]

Lovely boat and a proper chaiselong 😂

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

And very comfy.

[@ricardobimblesticks1489]

Enjoy your two best days ;-)

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thank you, I will

[@ricardobimblesticks1489]

@@Nicks-Wanderings :D

[@RichardHabgood]

I am shouting at the telly 😏 it’s the inverter

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

And what does that do? Kidding. After making the video I did a RTFM and also had a chap along from the marina to explain a lot of the stuff. There are still a couple of silver boxes I’m unsure about and today I found some mysterious taps behind a panel.

[@RichardHabgood]

@@Nicks-Wanderings Are you are heading to cropredy?

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@RichardHabgood Yes, I was. And (spoiler alert), I do manage to get there. But not when I intended.

[@RichardHabgood]

@ we moor at cropredy NB Alecia 11

[@seasonedbeefs]

Nice boat buddy

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@TheMassiveAdventure]

Congratulations 🎉 lovely boat - we are new too both to narrowboats & KZbin

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Nice to hear from another newbie, and good luck with your boat. I think I have seen you on Bluesky?

[@kevgray.]

Unless Wilton Marina are paying you for advertising you might want to take the stickers out of the window if you haven't already...... Happy cruising

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. Do you know, I hadn’t noticed them!

[@sircaptainchaos2388]

looks like you have a nice boat

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks.

[@paulhoughton5266]

Great looking boat, can you say what you paid for it? Good luck with the new adventure 😂

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I like to say I paid 2/3 of a member of parliament.

[@dwrowley]

what a very nice boat and layout. looks in good condition with a nice old style engine, how much was it if you don't mind me asking

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. Shall we say about 2/3 of an MP....

[@dwrowley]

@@Nicks-Wanderings I watched it again ab=nd seen the price in the window, very good buy

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@dwrowley I thought I had blurred all of those out.... I must have missed one.

[@johnhart868]

Just a question did the place where you got the boat Knock any money of just looking at boats myself and looking for a good deal.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. Yes and no. After the survey, the marina went back to the seller and said the boat had the following issues. The seller then agreed to have them fixed. So, no money was knocked off, but I got work done as part of the sale.

[@Handyman70]

Beautiful boat follow country house gent on his boat ideal for tips etc.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. I already follow CHG, but for the last few months it has been all motorbikes.

[@henkblankestijn457]

Last owner left you a tidy boat. Can’t you catch two birds with one stone by purchase a trading course so you will have help for a few hours and miles.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. I did a course last year, but it was a new boat and longer than I had driven before. So, all a bit of a challenge.

[@ejm727]

I suggest you hire someone to assist you to get you to your destination

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I did get help in the end, and on my only solo day, the two locks I had to do, I was helped.

[@d4ve587]

Robbie Cummings should be around dude 🤣he ain't got a clue either 👍

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Ah! I'm in good company then....

[@maarten_notjustagrip]

The little tank in the engine room is a day tank. You pump fuel up to it from the main tank. Then the engine is gravity fed. Please tell me this boat is going to be a liveaboard and not visited occasionally on a mooring. Its been way too loved for that.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

OK, thanks. The boat will not initially be a live aboard but I plan for it to be later. My plan, as I said in the first video, was to buy a boat in a couple of years but was this boat and thought it was the one for me.

[@johnharrison9317]

Nik. I am smitten with my stove. In my particular Marina there is an embargo of webasto use between 10pm and 6am, so can get rather chilly. As a liveaboard comfort is king. Awaiting a dehumidifier. Baby happy steps

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I love the ease of the webasto but they are noisy and I’ve heard, fuel hungry. The diesel stove is a pain to light (but I’m getting better at it) and pumps out a huge amount of heat. I’m struggling to keep the temperature down!

[@AnthonyTobyEllenor-pi4jq]

Condensation means corrosion possibility !

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Yes. A big problem with narrowboats.

[@derrickworthington7351]

Just remember the definition of a Narrowboat. A Narrowboat is a hole in the water you chuck money into. After 14 yrs of live aboard, cruising 75% of the rivers and canals we found that statement to be true. When things go wrong it’s the expense of replacement. For example, a 12 volt under the counter fridge more than twice the cost of a 240 volt fridge. When I was boating (2003-2017) a 12 volt fridge was quoted at £475. The only difference in them is the actual electric motor. The casing etc is the same. There are more rules and legislation for a Narrowboat than any house in the U.K. For example there is now requirement for a safety inspection of a house where you need to have fire extinguishers and fire blankets. How many times do you hear of a house fire? Yes almost weekly. How many boat fires? Boats have to have at least two fire extinguishers one for the engine compartment. Having said all of that we enjoyed our boating including winter cruising (North Oxford Canal- Ashby Canal. No lock closures). A diagnosis of lung cancer meant we had to leave the canals. Bon Voyage 17:06

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment, and I was sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. And yes, it does seem to be a bit of a money pit (I just got a credit card bill), but I was expecting that. For me, money is better spent on experiences to make memories than possessions. Yes, I know a boat is a possession, but it is one I plan to use to make many happy lasting memories.

[@brucerussell7082]

Sounds like Wilton Marina all they want is your money a handover is a word they don't understand

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Whilton Marine did an excellent job. In the video, I tried to capture my reaction to everything new. It was an 'unboxing' before RTFM. Whilton gave me a handover briefing a couple of days later.

[@nigelw512]

I wish you all the best. But please find someone to take wirh you if only for the first day. Im also curious why no one gave you a tour of the boat or a test cruise.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. In the end, I did get a tour of the boat and I did get help on the first day, but when I made the video, there was no handover and due to the timing of my move, no one was available to help. I changed dates, and got help.

[@davidgormley4419]

The boat looks in great condition. I enjoyed seeing someone from scratch finding their way with their new home and I’ll be following along. Best of luck 👍

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. It’s a lot of fun. I really enjoy learning new things and having new adventures.

[@GuyThompson-xe4qh]

Don't let your battery,s drop less than 50 per sent cool

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the tip. I am still trying to understand the electrics and what the meter readings are telling me.

[@GuyThompson-xe4qh]

Yer I.made that mistake normal lead batteries.you can only drop them to 50 percent.lowet you nack the capacity to get a full charge .if you have a bank of batteries.never add a new one to your bank because it will drop to there level.your better off changing them all .the wise move is to switch to lithium batteries because you can drop them to 20 percent.i gess you pay for what you get I got sick of lead lithium batteries cost more but I think lead is a false economy hope this belps

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@GuyThompson-xe4qh Thanks. I am still getting to grips with the batteries and electrics. After I master cornering, it will be my next major 'learning project'!

[@Duty_to_Warn]

One would have expected a half day hands on tutorial with the vendor considering the money you have spent. 😢

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

The previous owner gave me a very extensive set of instructions, and the marina did a 90-minute handover.

[@daidavies6210]

How on earth are you going to tow that thing in that car ??? 😮

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I won't.... If I need to move it by road, it is a crane and flatbed lorry job.

[@sianwarwick633]

Looks like an ex-tour boat, fully stocked. In good shape. Pipe is ... prop shaft. I think. Narrowboat The rum wench has a mid-engine, and a YT account i follow

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I looked back at the video, and the pipe I mentioned was just under the prop shaft. I think I commented later that it is not connected. It looks like the sort of black airduct you would get on a car.

[@oojimmyflip]

Thats na bit cheeky you have to buy a continueos crusing license to move the boat to winter storage, They dont just let you contribute to the canal economny they tear you a new arseh*le as well. Tax tax tax its all this dam country is about. what a beautiful boat I wish you all the very best of luck with her.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks. Apparently, I can get a refund on the difference between a continuous and non-continuous licence when I send them proof of my mooring. My first 'proof' didn't meet their needs, and I need to send additional evidence.

[@CosmicPrawny]

Nice boat but a poor handover if you don't know what the gear is!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. The video was a 'first reaction'. I was establishing my rather low base of knowledge. The marina did a very good handover a couple of days later.

[@godzuks]

I thought it would be a bit like learning to drive a car, you need lessons and practice? and then when you pass the test your allowed to drive on the road on your own.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. There is no licence needed to drive a narrowboat. You just turn up and go. You can have lessons, and I did, and I clearly need more/

[@TheMilford99]

Coming to the `end of your drive` how long were you driving for. Must be a lord or a farmer. Either way Labour will be taxing you after your gone. ; )

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

The trip took a little over 20 hours and I plan to leave nothing to be taken when I am gone...

[@123tonkin]

Mr loads of money......

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Not anymore, I bought a money pit!

[@chrischristofis8501]

Geezer i cant beleive you didnt employ someone to ride with you on your first day navigating, cmon its not expensive, the marina would have provided a body to show you the basiscs 🤦🏻‍♂️ they will worth their money for sure 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. I did get a briefing a few days after the video, and in the video I was trying to capture the 'unboxing' element of owning a boat. I did manage to get a helper for the cruise, but she is rather camera-shy....

[@harryjones5260]

chooses to live on water yet immediately starts on about condensation🤣

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

I know. At the weekend it was heavy again. A lot of it falling out of the sky.

[@ChrisMcConville-t4y]

Not very clever buying a narrow boat without everything being explained to you, sorry no sympathy, recipe for disaster.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. We buy a lot of stuff in life without knowing how it works - that is part of the fun. I bought a car a few years back, and I am still trying to figure out how it works. Last week, I discovered a new data set that I can display on the dashboard. And, as for looking under the bonnet, wow, I have no clue. For me, life is about adventure, embracing the unknown, trying new things, and learning new skills (that also describes my career). If I knew how everything worked on a narrowboat, how to navigate the canals, and how the canal system worked, I probably wouldn't have bought the boat as there would be no fun in it for me. I'm having a blast.

[@pauljessome5718]

You bought a boat completely ignorant of it's mechanical and electrical operating systems and proceedures.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Well, yes and no. I knew what the boat should be able to do; I had read up on the different bits of kit I had on the boat (I had the sales and survey information to go on) and the engine type. But there is a difference between reading about something and then seeing it onboard and operating it. And, anyway, we buy many things we need help understanding. For example, the computer on which I am writing this reply. I can use it, but I don't fully understand it (and this is coming from someone who can program this machine). The same is true of cars, washing machines and even houses. Life is an adventure, and we all have to learn somewhere.

[@pauljessome5718]

I understand what you are saying. I am what would be called an old salt, having sailed for many decades.I would encourage anyone buying a boat to check out the motor , steering system , electronics etc.. I respect your love of boats and recall the joy of purchasing one and putting her through it"s paces . Always request an explanation of all components and how they work. And most importantly of all , a test run. If you are not knowledgable then bring along someone who is. Lastly ,a real sailor ( boater ) who takes pride in their craft , loves to show of their particular craft. Fair winds Paul in Canada

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

@@pauljessome5718 Thanks for the comment. I did have a full boat survey carried out. This involved the boat being taken out of the water and inspected for damage, erosion and thinning of the metal. Included was an engine test, examination of heating systems, etc. So, I handed over the inspection to a professional as I would have had no clue if the engine, etc., was working correctly. The marina gave me a walk-through and explained what was what, but that was after I made the video. In the video, I was going for initial impressions - an unboxing of the boat. Again, thanks for the comment.

[@wozreevo2487]

Clueless

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

On so many levels about so many things. That’s what makes life fun.

[@donkeee785]

Just look at it this way. After doing all seven locks in the first day you will have the hang of it!

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

Thanks for the comment. In the end, I had a 'camera shy lock helper' for days 1, 3 and 4, and on day 2, the only two locks I had to do solo, there were people at the locks to help me. So, after 30 locks, the total number of locks I did was zero....

[@23trooper]

To many jumping on the narrow boat blog bandwagon

[@mikehurley5052]

I thought the starter pack from the marina would include a how to start a channel book, seems compulsory nowadays, cracking boat though.

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

It did 🤣 They set everything up for me. Cameras, mics, editing software. The lot. Seriously though, I have been making videos for years, and while I am not the best story teller/camera operator/editor, it is something I enjoy doing. I started by making videos for my students. The videos were faceless whiteboard type videos. And when COVID came along I had to step out from behind my whiteboard and discovered I enjoyed the process of filming and editing. Hence, I am combining several passions, boating, rivers and canals, history, science and film making. A win win for me and I’m having a blast.

[@mikehurley5052]

@@Nicks-Wanderings Your video skills show.

[@onyva3256]

Too many influencer types who think they can make a living from it and so every video is a click bait drama. But there’s space for enthusiasts like this chap who seem to want to share their experiences rather than ‘monetise’ everything.

[@robtheplod]

Too true...​@@onyva3256

[@carltonbirds]

Sorry about that, hope you can sell it soon. 🪣

[@Nicks-Wanderings]

??????