449. BOAT FAIL - Unsafe Narrowboat

[@christinegibbins6105]

That was a good result and points you in the right direction, being a shell it gives you pointers as to what's ahead. Take care James.

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

Everything sounds manageable. So glad that you were able to run other things by him, like the batteries etc. Good person to help you navigate through this. Good news James. 😊🤗 Kathy

[@takingtheplunge]

Hi James. Just wanted to let you know that the standard fire extinguishers that we all have on our boats are not adequate in relation to Lithium fires. The correct ones are quite a big more expensive but better safe than sorry. We have Renogy LiFepo4 batteries on our boat and had our BSS examination after installation. The examiner told us the extinguishers weren't a requirement yet but soon will be. As I said, better safe than sorry, especially if you're going to have your kids on board. Take care fella and have fun fitting the boat out. Andy & Lesley

[@sarkybugger5009]

Over £300 quid for a decent sized one. The problem is, do you really want to be anywhere near a lithium battery while it is going off? Not only is there the toxic fumes to consider, they have also been known to explode violently. Priority #1 should be _get the hell out of there._

[@gmoose777]

yeah good luck putting out a Lithium battery fire, If they go up leave. having said that LiFePo4 battery chemistry is very stable and a bit of care in installation and not cheaping out on BMS and Chargers will largely negate risk

[@takingtheplunge]

@@gmoose777 Like I said, it's being introduced into the BSS. Regardless of what you or I think, it will be a requirement in the very near future.

[@takingtheplunge]

@SarkyBugger I absolutely agree, would be off the boat as quick as I could. Just pointing out that it will soon be a requirement for the BSS.

[@mishkawp8200]

That was really interesting. When I saw your headline about failure and the boat being unsafe I was imagining things were much worse than they turned out to be! Good that you can get the little things resolved fairly quickly. Definitely right to have a full review once the boat is fitted out though - the safety or you and the kids is the most important thing

[@alexgilman1079]

Click bait.

[@TheFoolishboy9]

Would the open flued water boiler (if you were keeping it), failed the Inspection?

[@annleonard1508]

Another great video…I learn something new every time!

[@ldirk58601]

Very wise move. Nice that he can come back soon and reassess. Did you have to pay for that service? Very good of him to offer you advice. Every little bit of knowledge will make your home and your children's home safer and more comfortable. You will have to teach the twins how to use a fire extinguisher.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yes the BSS exam is £250 - most charge the same

[@MajorTnarg]

I was pretty relieved that the three failure points were so minor, it should be relatively easy for you to fix!

[@marciamaciasgarcia7550]

good morning from Catalunya Spain,just a thought on the mikuni diesel feed tap,why not just cut off the handle ,job done(someone may have suggested this below) love the channel.

[@MsVanorak]

Price Fallows, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Also made small farm implements or anything asked for. Steel fabricators rather than boat building specialists but seeing that weld in your engine bay they were building things to last! Sadly no more since 2021, could be a Covid victim. There is still a picture gallery of their work online and it includes some narrowboats. People name-drop them when selling their boat.

[@wattsonboard6931]

Interestingly we had the same ‘fail’ for the plastic cap beneath the fuel filter. However it turned out that the plastic was only a shroud over the metal cap. Also seeing the cobwebs around your roof vents, we also had an advisory to clean out the cobwebs within the mushroom vents.

[@wattsonboard6931]

@@ABunchOfSpanners no not really, it was only advisory and they were full of cobwebs, dead flies and dust which does compromise the air flow

[@davecoz4227]

James, re the all electric kitchen, are you sure you'll have enough solar power mid-winter? Barely 8hrs of daylight and you can't count on many clear sunny days in November/December/January. I recall seeing a video form the "CruisingTheCut " channel where he was discussing that problem.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Besides the expense and the inability to use them to heat the boat in an emergency like running out of power that's one of my concerns too.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good evening young James 😊 Not that bad in all honesty 👍🏻 Glad you shared the BSS assessment 👏🏻

[@dave0504-7]

I don’t understand why you would have a BSC intermittently. It’s an odd thing to do!

[@AlbionAwakes]

Great news, the three 'fails' are easily remedied.

[@rickvangunten4800]

Seems like a very worthwhile inspection to me. A few faults and a lot of helpful information.

[@shauncorless8965]

That's what boat stands for brake out another thousand

[@Subgunman]

The fire extinguisher issue has me perplexed. Both in the States and here in Greece there are expiry dates placed on the extinguishers where depending what their use is. Commercial requires an annual inspection with seals replaced inside the extinguisher. As for home use most municipalities require inspection and possible rebuild of seals every five years especially if one’s insurance company requires it. In my book maritime no mater if inland or on the high seas, it’s a good idea to have them professionally inspected annually. The more the merrier! Better safe than sorry. Will you be removing the copper gas lines or leaving them in place?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

If gas goes then all the lines will be removed fully. He said if there were signs of wear and damage then he’d fail them - but 20yrs on and they’re fine still

[@paullowden1643]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt James be careful regarding fire extinguishers as BSS requirements and insurance requirements do not align. Insurance requires that extinguishers are serviced in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, normally every five years. BSS requires that you have extinguishers aboard but they could be 20 years old in which case insurance would not pay up as they are out of date for service.

[@simonjenkins982]

I am not surprised regarding the ventilation. I have ventilation from grills mounted high up the outside walls. The air then passes between the steel shell and the internal walls down to floor level. On the boat safety inspection last year the examiner found that at the front of the boat the ventilation could not pass through the internal wall at floor level. It is meant to come out under a cuboard which is built against the front wall of the boat and clearly labelled "ventilation do not block". I had to cut access in the floor of the cuboard and then cut a suitable sized hole in the internal wood lining. The word "boat" stands for bring out another thousand.

[@ssliberte]

Loving the daily updates and watching the transformation!

[@annjarvis9300]

Well not to bad which was good to hear good luck on the quick fixes the oldies tc👍👋

[@ladygardener100]

That exhause is only part insulated!

[@kevinmartin3859]

At least the fails are fixable and even the advisories are doable you said nothing about the hull which would be a worry so get everything sorted and good to go well done 😊😊😊

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

I like your thinking re gas. I often wonder to myself is it worth all the hastle just for job and oven ? Two ring induction and air fryer would in a lot of cases be more than adequate. Great vlog. Best wishes

[@sussexbyewayman1640]

You were lucky, I wish I had got someone like that, man I got advertises on Facebook as able to do it all. After 3 visits, still had no BSS and the prospect waiting 6 weeks before yet another expensive visit. Also boat gas system being condemned and reported as hazardous, with no real attempt to sort out the issue, despite him being a gas safe fitter!!! So found another examiner who came and retested the boat fixed the issue and all good.

[@duncanmcewan1049]

This is like the difference between people who scrape through a car MOT, and those who want a safe car. Getting the boat re-checked when it's fitted out means you know its A-1... no issues that will come back to bite you. Plus as it stands - the 3 fails were respectably minor :)

[@normmcrae1140]

Good News! But I can add a little advice on Lithium Batteries, as I do have some experience with them from the Aviation field - #1 MAKE SURE that Water NEVER GOES NEAR THEM! Lithium + Water = FIRE #2 Lithium batteries have a Phenomenon called Thermal Runaway. This is what causes most Battery fires in EV cars. Either a fault in the battery, or a fault in the charging system causes the battery to start to overheat - and once this process starts - the battery heats up, causing more internal short circuits, which causes more heat, and things just spiral from there, and there is no way to stop it. If a Lithium battery starts to burn - RUN! Get away as fast as you can - the fumes are TOXIC, and the fire can NOT be put out unless you have special Class D fire retardant - called Met-l-X. Water just makes it worse. Lithium battery failure and fires are relatively rare, but they ARE EXTREMELY dangerous when they do happen. #3 Lithium batteries DO NOT LIKE COLD. If the temp is below freezing - DO NOT CHARGE THEM! If they start to heat up when you're charging them - STOP. Keep an eye on them, and if they don't cool down - you have a Thermal Runaway - GET AWAY. #4 NEVER short-circuit the terminals #5 Make sure your charging system is set up to PROPERLY handle Lithium batteries - They ARE finicky when it comes to charging them, and dangerous when not properly charged. Get good quality batteries and and a compatible charging system, and you shouldn't have a problem, but read up on them, do your research on them, Check the Safety Data Sheets, and be safe! Can't wait to see what's next!

[@1258-Eckhart]

After all that, I think what's next is a decision to revert to ye anciente lead-acid batteries.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Just posted an abridged version of your warning. I should have scrolled down first. Agree 100%. 👍 Too big a risk, especially with small kids aboard.

[@gmoose777]

LiFePo4 batteries are not the same chemistry as car or aircraft blithiums, they are very stable and have an acceptable charging temp range generally from 0 to 40 deg c. while thermal runaway is possible it is not likely if you don't cheap out on BMS and Charger. All batteries should be kept dry, all batteries are averse to shorting the terminals. No reason not to use them just do your homework and don't cheap out

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@gmoose777 So either they need heating when it gets below freezing, or you have to keep them inside the boat, if you want to actually use them. I think I'd give that one a miss.

[@1258-Eckhart]

@@gmoose777 Just out of curiosity and based on my 10th year chemistry rocket science: Do these Lithium batteries have their own (chemical) oxygen supply (as with rocket fuel), or are they dependent on ambient oxygen to burn?

[@lapsedluddite3381]

That was interesting, Dan gave you (and us) lots of useful information! Happy to hear you"re considering going gas free, have you considered a diesel cooker? It'd be interesting to compare the costs of diesel vs electric - for the install, and also for anticipated operating costs over time.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid thanks lee

[@gmoose777]

good news on the inspection James. the ABYC has just released a standard for lithium installs based on insurance requirements and general safety standards there are several sailing channels that outline the new american standards if you want to get an idea, Ryan from ryan and sophie sailing is very knowledgable and did a very detailed review on hi9s channel. he is also a partner in Dakota lithium so has intimate know how with these things

[@DEmma1972]

Always best to make sure any refit or major change is BSS compliant as I think most insurance companies wont pay out a £70k total loss claim if they dont have to. Its for your safety also lol

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Wow, that inspection was very thorough, and it seems to me well worthwhile and even helpful, particularly given the stage you are at of the rebuild.

[@richardwall2692]

Very useful information!!!

[@Orxenhorf]

I half expected a note to be made about lack of navigation marker lights without any battery to power them, but I guess the canals aren't really sticklers on using them.

[@markdoble736]

They're not a requirement at all on UK canals, in fact, they're just an unecessary fancy adornment on a canal based narrowboat.

[@Transit_Biker]

Boat name idea: Phoenix! You’re giving it a new life!

[@rubberdc]

I dont think I ever knew how complicated it was to own such a boat . I find it sometimes overwhelming at the amount that is required for a home on the water , did you James Before you began narrow boating ? I mean, the things you need just to get started , it has to cost a fortune ! The boats that ARE fitted out beautifully are amazing , but there is on going works needed to be done , its incrediblely eye opening as to what is involved . I think I have been a little naive .

[@sheilajoseph9953]

James at least there was nothing major. I d consider electric oven and hob , say goodbye to gas. 😊

[@tony-do9ws]

dude the only lithium batterys to use are lithium iron phosphate, check them out

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Well that was kind of a clickbaity thumbnail there James. Had us concerned for a minute. 😂 It's good that it's all minor and easily addressable issues but I do think you should seriously reconsider going fully electric on the stove and range top/cooktop front, for a few reasons. First is the added expense of having to buy a brand new stove and new range top. These are not going to be cheap, especially where an induction top is concerned, bc not only is the price of the appliance increased but there is also the _Hidden Cost_ that you now need to buy special cookware that's made specifically for induction tops, as your old old pots & pans will not work on them! The cookware for induction need to have strongly magnetic bottoms in order to work as the magnetics is what creates the heat. Second is electric stoves and range tops are power hungry appliances and can quickly eat through stored energy. Which is connected to how are you going to charge your batteries in the winter months when solar becomes ineffective when there's an overcast sky and very little sunshine for 6 months? Third is what happens if something happens and you run out of electricity? You won't be able to cook anything but more importantly you won't be able to heat the boat either, at least with gas you can still cook when there's no power but the best part is you can also use them to heat the boat if need be. It's your boat at the end of the day so you're going to do whatever you want, I just think you should think about the shortcomings of an all electric system, especially when there's no back up to them. 🤷♂ Sorry for the novel lol she's coming along nicely. 👍👍

[@PinkLittleElephant]

@@IDKlinenot sure which electrical cooking system is the most efficient… if induction, then new pans will pay for themselves. A bigger problem is charging batteries in winter. Solar won’t be enough and James doesn’t cruise very often or far. So then you are down running the engine when moored … not ideal for the engine or the neighbours. Gas cooker and oven will reduce demand on the batteries.

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@PinkLittleElephant Agreed. Gas for cooking and water heating is the way to go, IMNSHO. I'm also surprised he removed a working diesel water heater. Still, not my business, not my boat. I'm sure he has his reasons.

[@PinkLittleElephant]

@@IDKline electric NBs normally come with a built in generator.

[@dexterfitben]

Informative.

[@fredrikenglin907]

James. That is a really good name for your boat... Project 58.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Can’t have the name project on final name in my mind

[@fredrikenglin907]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt okey... Understand that... 👍

[@rickonnye2001]

Very informative 😊nice video 😊thank you

[@darrenraymond5334]

nice one cannot wait too see this in the cut 😁

[@gordanmilne7034]

In or on?

[@sarkybugger5009]

Well, that's a relief, James. It's going to cost less than it cost to get an MOT on my armchair. 😁 Is that the number 56 on the maker's plate? Is that the length at the waterline, or the whole boat? Have you actually measured it? All the best.

[@suecox2308]

Not too bad James--onward, eh?

[@jamesallen712]

Its only work. More importantly is when the yard are going to chuck you out and into the water.

[@ladygardener100]

I would think an air fryer might do instead of an oven

[@dorothydotson7154]

Easy peasy. The things you "failed" on will be easier jobs than a lot of your planned work on the boat as you fit it out.

[@sue-arlenebury8645]

Regarding the name for the boat. You seem to like quirky. So how about ( FY MHUM PLENTYN ) It means My Five Children in Welsh.😂 😂😂

[@ronpownall2074]

Pleased your not cooking on gas 😊 New battery technology on the horizon Makes for a safer home👍

[@sarkybugger5009]

It's no use _on the horizon,_ and anything new is going to be ridiculously expensive for the early adopters. Such is the way of the world.

[@MarcelEling]

Not really fails🎉

[@_Tiamat_.]

💜💙💚

[@fredfish8918]

Tesla power packs would probably be good ballast if you were allowed to keep them down there.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Anything with a Tesla label should be kept outside. Preferably in a butty boat. 🤣 And they're over ten grand a pop! Gulp. Gotta pay for Twitter somehow.

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌❤️🇨🇦