Narrowboat CRASH!! in Braunston Tunnel

[@RobinPalmerTV]

This country makes so much more sense when there are blue skies with fluffy white bits in em. Everyone seems so chatty in narrowboat land!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Haha they are

[@chrissavill8713]

Great vid as always. I went through the Braunston tunnel a few months ago and managed one way all on our own. On the way back though we passed four! No boat crashes but did lightly clip the side a couple of times as we passed them. Trying to gauge distances in the tunnel was nigh on impossible. We were one of the "hire" boatees so in there defence I would like to say it;s not always entirely their fault. Our boat had a constant pull to the left which you had to steer against and the rudder bearings were shot. The hire firm did admit this problem and said it her last season because of all the work she needed done. On the plus side they said if I could steer her like I did, then I could steer anything lol. Apparently I had impressed them with my mooring between two boats on returning the boat to them. lol

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeah I know people love to blame hire boats, or in fact just blame others for their own emotions. It’s something I feel passionately about that as soon as you blame you give away your power. Ain’t no one making me feel bad!! Thanks for sharing your story!! 🫶

[@clivebuckland6902]

Great Vlog again May. A really busy, boating challenge episode. Great to see your Mum, so glad for you, that she was there to support and help you. The boating community seems on the whole seem very friendly and helpful. The tunnel was certainly a challenge and the bump you had, on unfortunately meeting a boat coming the other way, was a heart beat raiser . Well done for negotiating it and not surprised you had a headache at the end. Thank You for producing and sharing Take care

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Clive! I’m glad you enjoyed it! It was unfortunate, there was a boat just behind the hire boat and they were so slow and gentle! Shame it wasn’t just them’!

[@garyevans8116]

I couldn’t believe how unbothered the people on the hire boat were when they hit your boat. But I suppose if it isn’t yours. Don’t worry is there attitude. I hope your boat isn’t damaged. I hope you’re not leaving the canals. Because it’s nice seeing your films.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Not leaving the canals, new boat in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@rboston33]

Another adventue with May. Your Mum looks fantastic. Got a smile with the scary tunnnel music!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hehe

[@Martyn2021]

The best laid plans of mice and May, things don't always go to plan. But everyday is learning experience, good or bad. Both you and your mum did amazingly well.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for this lovely

[@shogun666able]

Well done May as thats a scary first time tunnel. Great for the guy to move a bit to let you in, and now a nice cup of tea with your mum, settle the nerves, with a never done before under your belt.

[@karazor-el9596]

a breeze compared to standdege tunnel

[@wellbeingonwater]

He was a lovely guy who let me in! Thanks for your comment!

[@tab150]

Thanks!

[@wellbeingonwater]

So kind!!!! Wow thank you

[@MichaelJemson-nv5zo]

Well done may certainly a busy day for you really nice your mum dropped in to help you take care hope you have a lovely restful weekend 😊😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for watching! Same to you!

[@JustmeandB]

Can’t believe that the holiday barge just didn’t care that they hit your home……unbelievable….. Brilliant video as usual and you coped very well in that long tunnel…onwards to new adventures….👍

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeah I don’t like the unconsciousness, it makes me feel uncomfortable

[@maidbloke]

In today's hectic world you're always a breath of fresh air x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww thanks

[@Curve2Theatre]

I think you would be OK using that large Video Light if you stood the light in the Cabin doorway. Where it would not ‘Blind’ the boat coming towards you and more importantly, it would not be at risk of shorting out , when it gets soaking wet from the leaking Tunnel roof .

[@leewriter4656]

I would be a terrible narrow boater because I'd have to stop at every single little shop along the way! Like this one 4:42.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hehe !! Terrible or terribly slow?!

[@KelvinStirling]

hi spider may. great to see you again. been out on marsworth canal today. and telling all the boaters about you. you took the crash well. i would not like someone driving into my home, hope all is well. and nice to see your mum. keep up the good work. 😊❤👍

[@wellbeingonwater]

No point stressing over what’s already been done, id rather stress about something I can control! If I have to stress!! Haha. Thanks for watching 😀

[@FEEDERSTREAM]

Really enjoy your journey , and commitment to this life very inspiring . So good your Mum was involved!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you so much!

[@majidfx2006]

It was a terrible tunnel. Even Ducky was terrified....17:56 It would be interesting if you wore the angel of death or scary clothes and moved the boat in the middle of the tunnel. In this way, the tourist boats would run away in fear.😃😃😄😃 thanks for sharing May....

[@bobbieboothroyd8531]

That was a nice video another bump I hope it didn't scratch the paint to mich after all that work you have done have a great week

[@narrowboatersatlarge]

That is such a tricky tunnel! So busy as well as bendy, making it even more difficult to work out where other boats are.

[@KevDraper-l5w]

You see May, Mums are always right. For instance when Mum shouted “I think we are going to crash, your going to hit him” You did 😅 Without apportioning blame of course Where would we be without Mums 👍 Carry on cruising May 😊

[@howareyou857]

That Chandlery is bloody epic!

[@iainmccree6270]

my brave May well done love Merilyn

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww thanks M!

[@rosszs]

We recently went up the Braunston flight and a at the end just before the tunnel a Braunston hire boat pulled infront of us, proceded to bounce from side to side at tickover for about a 1.5 hours to get through the tunnel. It was quite and experience listening to them

[@wellbeingonwater]

Haha I bet! It is a scary tunnel

[@garycozins1325]

You are soooo lovely May and tell mummy that she has a new fan xx

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

cringe

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww will do

[@mothmagic1]

What a breath of fesh airthis was May. You always entertain me.

[@wellbeingonwater]

aww that makes me happy

[@mothmagic1]

@@wellbeingonwater Hopefully as happy as your videos make me.

[@Steven-zg7oi]

You did brilliantly, babe!!!! ❤.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww thank you!!

[@Chadsstickystuffakaglue]

So cool runnings into boat time I follow the sounded like Amy walking up the locks. An wes driving

[@wellbeingonwater]

It was!!

[@Chadsstickystuffakaglue]

@@wellbeingonwater nice they are fun couple for sure 😊

[@alanhodgson8443]

Not surprising the hire boat hit you the light you used had no direction to it and you blinded them coming towards you, you need a proper lamp that illuminates either the tunnel roof or the right hand side so you can see the wall of the tunnel. Braunston tunnel is absolutely horrid, I hate it.

[@alexandersinclair9006]

You tell her White Knight....

[@MartinE1798]

And she’s so quick (and opportunistic) to blame the “hire boat”

[@PKWeaver74]

True fact.

[@Paulssock]

That light😂😂😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Everyone doing their best with the resources they have 👍

[@19Loretta69]

Did you get any damages on the boat? You painted it very nicely earlier this year. I have a feeling that I am going to win your lovely narrowboat home. Wasn't this the second time a tourist boat bump into you this season?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes second time in the space of a few weeks! No paint damage done thankfully! Good luck on the Raffall!!

[@johncampbell4256]

Hi May hope there's not to much damage some people just don't care ! Xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

There was quite a bump!

[@richardbrown7153]

Good Evening May, Looking very summery again, if I may say so. Well that was a bit of a nasty thud, hopefully the damage wasn't too bad. I can now watch your lovely vlogs on my new (to me ) 40" telly 🙂 Stay safe and happy, see you next week.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Wooooo that’s a nice size telly!

[@anthonyhewit7678]

My tip would be to have either your main lamp on the bow tilted up rather than illumating the tunnel or some light in the the middle of your bow pointing up and you basically follow the dot on the roof of the tunnel at 1st it does seem quite scary but if you keep that dot in the middle of the roof of the tunnel don't think about the sides or glance away just focus on the dot then tunnels become easy I also put a cd on and sing along to such a perfect day followed by hallelujah which I like to play for all the people that died building the canals and tunnels it keeps me in the zone looking at the dot as well if you glance to the side you're hitting it😂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@stephenbirchall941]

I personally point my bow light more up to a point about 50 yards ahead of the boat so it illuminates the ceiling. Last week I had a scary experience in another tunnel. Paddle boarders aren't allowed in. There is a timed one way system. Two decided to not only pass through the tunnel but in the opposite direction. I only saw them at the last second as they had no lights and were kneeling on their boards. I just managed to swing the boat into the opposite wall in time.

[@landbk5015]

I hope you reported them.

[@stephenbirchall941]

@@landbk5015 I did report them but without photos to identify them, there is nothing CRT can do unfortunately.

[@lewisgardner1660]

We hired a boat from union canal carriers a few years ago and went up the north Oxford

[@TrailStrider909]

Love the video! Leaving a like and sub! Keep up the good work! Almost to 25k!!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the sub and like, means a lot! Woo

[@TrailStrider909]

@@wellbeingonwater Anytime full support for another explorer!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@stephenworthington8508]

Take care 🎉

[@wellbeingonwater]

And you!

[@coralraven4780]

…….. and well done, May!

[@Oxfordshire1]

Go through blissworth tunnel

[@KathysFlog]

Woo, that was tense!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hehe

[@andrewkay4360]

Hi May, watched a few of your videos but never commented before. I think i have the answer to your tunnel conundrum. As there is room for 2 boats to pass, you would only leg off the right handside of your barge. I believe that in 1870, a trial was done with an endless wire rope pulled by a steam engine to haul the boats through. This didn't work, so in 1871 a steam tug was brought in. The charge for towing your boat through was 'one and sixpence ' 7.5p. Cheeper if empty. If i'm wrong, somebody please correct me. Love your videos ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for commenting it’s nice to hear from you!! Yay

[@coralraven4780]

How long does it take to go through the Braunston? my one fear as a solo boater, when I buy my boat very soon, is the long tunnels.

[@wellbeingonwater]

It says before each tunnel how long but maybe 30 mins? Not sure exactly. It is scary!! But widens your window of tolerance

[@abhz677]

All together now: ‘And the light at the end of the tunnel - is the lamp of an oncoming hire boat!’ (Half Man Half Biscuit - adapted). Blimey their light was dazzling pointing right at you and blinding you. I hope you told them to point the light at the tunnel roof next time. Both boats have to almost stop in that tunnel there’s only about a foot to play with.

[@iankesbey1487]

just a thought....how about a parachord lanyard for the mooring chains to the boat

[@wellbeingonwater]

That could work I guess?

[@tangs167]

I hope they didn't damage 'my boat' - well, I am going to win the raffle 🙂. I knew I'd caught you on Amy and Wes' video, but I thought George was with you!! Hope you have a good week lass.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hehe fingers crossed!

[@kennethganser4119]

Hi May, The hire boat should have been cited by the enforcement arm of the Admiralty Court for Numerous violations.

[@dennissarver1963]

Now we know where your beauty comes from !

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww mumma

[@YoutubeHero666]

maybe you both could have been a bit closer to the sides! been through it a few times and not much space if you are both not close to the sides

[@wellbeingonwater]

It’s hard to navigate!

[@julie9242]

The Best utube channels in the same shot👍😍😁X🐰x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww that’s cool

[@howareyou857]

Bloody holiday makers !!😮😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Ah well, at least they were having fun. No permenant damage done apart from a lil dent

[@philelliott5327]

If you haven't lost a bit of paint in Braunston tunnel are you really a narrowboater??😂. But yes I agree, your tunnel light is not set correctly and that makes it incredibly difficult for boats coming towards you.

[@Rudi-Mhz]

Shit happens May... but you and your mother are such a lovely Team ❤👍 And the Noses, la bouche and the smile...mother and daughter ! 🍀❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww this is lovely, thank you 🙏

[@mikesmart390]

Need a car horn or something to let people know you in the tunnel and s bright light

[@JewelRussell-nr8oy]

Hi May, did you know you were talking to Amy from Boattime?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeh! I did !

[@PabloTBrave]

Do you crash every episode ? I've only watched a few vids and you have crashed in them all

[@1SteveSmith]

I wonder how folk managed to get through tunnels like that one when narrowboats were pulled along by horses?

[@carpenterd1]

Legging it through.

[@1SteveSmith]

@@carpenterd1 I thought that, but how though? The ceiling looks too high and if two boats can fit through alongside each other then surely the tunnel is to wide to "leg" from the sides. I must be missing something.

[@TheDastardlyDick]

They used to the planks to the boat and the guys doing the legging laid on them and did the needful. Just to show how ancient I am, John "get down Shep" Noakes and Peter Purves did it on Blue Peter back in the day.

[@sSteppingStones]

I think they layed on planks to get closer to the walls ​@@1SteveSmith

[@1SteveSmith]

@@sSteppingStones Maybe. Our ancestors certainly had a lot more about them than we give them credit for.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Wow that tunnel was a bit creepy

[@wellbeingonwater]

Right!

[@NotMolly-jf2rh]

WhenI win Froid Im going to seek damages from those blasted hireboats.

[@bamageek205]

You should give your mom your old boat and y'all could race each other up and down the canals!

[@FenstarDeLuxe]

Ha ha I recognised Amy's voice! You need a shadowhawk torch.

[@NomadicNight]

A better idea would be to have a static bell at both ends of every tunnel, with a long strong cord, which could be rung not only on entry to the tunnel, but also while in the tunnel, to alert incoming boats to the presence of another boat, which could prevent crashes. They could both be placed at the highest point along the tunnel, so they could only be reached by boats on the canals or rivers, thereby preventing abuse by immature members of the public on the towpath. Problem solved.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Not sure what that is but that’s cute you recognised her voice!

[@vynleshmynle7372]

Ohhh, those English legs 3:10

[@louburnett6782]

You don’t seem like you do BUT do you ever get annoyed when somebody crashes into you?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes and no. I wish it hadn’t happened but I don’t let myself get upset over things I can’t control and everyone is just doing their best with the resources they have. I suppose I do get annoyed but compassion and understanding wins

[@louburnett6782]

@@wellbeingonwater well good for you, kindness is always the best policy, but not always easy to do.

[@petesmith2234]

Don’t be hating on hire boats. Yes I hire canal boats because I can’t justify the expense of my own until I retire and have time to make good use of it. It doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing with a boat. My dad had sailing boats from when I was five up until a few years ago, I’m 57 now, so that’s 52 years around boats. The company I used to work for had a twin engined motor yacht which I was entrusted to take out on the Solent with customers and staff. I’ve done everything from rowing boats to RIBs to motor yachts, sailing yachts and yes, Narrowboats. Granted, some hire boats require a wide berth, but then again, most times I’ve shared a lock with a privately owned boat, it’s they that have clanged me.

[@matthewgoodwin9694]

I hate that tunnel with a passion

[@wellbeingonwater]

It’s baaaad

[@sSteppingStones]

Contact sport

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yarp

[@SingingCrowie]

Is it normal for boat life to just hit each other and move on? If it were cars, everyone would freak out

[@wellbeingonwater]

It’s fairly normal yes!! Some people stop and take the boat reg number in case of something going wrong after

[@paullowden1643]

No disrespect May but I think that you hit the other boat. Either way it’s unintentional and scary.

[@wellbeingonwater]

I’m surprised that this comes across that way! I think you’d think differently if you’d have been there

[@walteraribeiro6687]

may ergui brackborn de novo ... que a vivo encheio de code blokeia placas de redes falou radio ... ergui de novo ,, fazer rolo com minha cidade,, monte mentira conta no radio amor may

[@stokecarpanglers]

Click bait

[@alexandersinclair9006]

Let the door hit you on the way out then

[@wellbeingonwater]

😂

[@landbk5015]

Your anonymous freind should have given you some more advice on speed and lighting. You come across as being as inexperienced as a new hire boat driver. I know we all have to start somewhere, but you need to be with an experienced boater for while if you can. Please stay safe.

[@wellbeingonwater]

I’m noticing the feeling that I want to be defensive in replying to this but there’s no need for that

[@adrenalinjunky3197]

First!!’n

[@alexandersinclair9006]

So what? What do you want a medal or a chest to pin it on?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Woo