Grab a little Inspiration in these videos you can follow the journey in building a wide bean boat. Watch the progress step-by-step through the whole fit out of a 65' x 12.5' wide beam canalboat some consider them to be in a barge. The intention is to fit out this boat to a high standard whilst making it totally off grid and cost-effective. We do this fit out whilst we live on board And so far it's been fantastic. Waking up in a different location every couple of weeks being totally off grid thinking how we want our boat to look and our dreams to progress. So far we have managed to live in an incredibly eco-and offgrade boat whilst continuously cruising the British countryside. Most the time but not always this has been idyllic.
@@ladygardener100 I wonder? Do you have any experience with big crafts? This is quite a large vessel and when operating single-handedly it would be quite irresponsible to be off the vessel pushing the boat out when you can control it completely from the stern.
Lovely video, beautifully produced, 40 years ago my Dad hired a longboat for 5 of us out of Leighton Buzzard and we spent two glorious summer weeks on the canals. Loved the experience, even if on the last day I jumped up to grab the rail on a lock with the lock key in my hand but instead of grabbing the rail I punched it and broke two fingers, a common mistake I imagine. I only wish they had canals in central Italy where I've lived for the last 30 years, I just can't bear British winters, being cold and having to deal with ice as a part of everyday life. One day I'll make a return trip, and in the meantime I'll watch and relax with your videos.
@@richardspencer7122 What's a lovely message Thank you very much. I have spent a lot of time in Italy myself when I was younger and absolutely adore the place. Italy is definitely somewhere I could live
Is the oil light actually the oil pressure rather than level Dan? At low revs it may be that it's lost viscosity when it's up to temperature but not pumping the oil fast enough to hold the required pressure for the engine or at least the low pressure limit warning switch. Maybe check the oil is the correct product for this time of year, filters clean and may bI suggest fitting an oil pressure gauge so you get to read the pressure rather than just a warning switch. How this helps fella. Jmo. 🤜🏼🤛🏼
@@madmikesworld5713 Music I'm finding on RU-vid which is always a nightmare. You have to sieve through quite a lot of music. And the camera is the insta 360 X4 absolutely amazing bit of kit
@@Inspiration2022 yes I agree with hunting for music and I’m thinking of using a bit of 360 on my walks. I’m also looking at a wide beam and went to Crick this year.
@@madmikesworld5713 exciting! I absolutely love my wide beam so I couldn't recommend it enough. And as for the 360 camera, awesome bit of kit. Just be aware that you definitely need an awesome computer to go with it as I found out after. My old computer wasn't able to process the footage so it forced me into buying a new one. Very expensive day.
@@ianearl3407 lots of people will tell you lots of different things, but from my understanding just say you're not occupying the same mooring spots. However. When people are checking from the canal and River trust. It needs to be quite obvious you're not in the same spot. I would suggest going half a mile or so and bear in mind you need to travel at least 24 mi in a year in one direction. Going backwards and forwards will not be good enough. Hope this helps
@@lynneandmalcolmwiddison9553 hi, as I I work local to Leicester I have to stay within the area otherwise it can be quite a Trek to and from work. I mainly stay on the grand Union canal Leicester line. I continuously cruise so cruise from the Trent and mersey all the way to foxton locks. And no I don't have any winter mooring or permanent mooring. I continuously cruise all year round. With this being such a big boat we have plenty of room for solar panels and this gives us enough power almost all of the year. That was just with six panels on last year and since we have fitted another six not powered up yet but planning to power them up towards the winter this year so I'm hoping we will have more than enough power. What is your situation?
We live in San Diego at the moment ( both originally from UK). Owned and operated a 25m Dutch barge in France as a bed and breakfast back in 2010. Love the canal life and countryside. So just looking at wide beams as a possible partial live aboard if we return to UK. Will be in London October for a few days staying near the Kennett and Avon. Hope to see a few there. 👍
@@STOBO-ON I have 4 KW in total on the roof but at the moment through the summer I'm only running 2 as I don't need all of that power yet but I will do free the winter.
Hello, interesting, thanks. My wife and I are 'serious' touring caravanners (i.e. we have a bricks and mortar home) and our caravan is used for holidays and touring. Earlier this year we towed it from the Scottish Highlands down to Morocco and back (5,700 miles). So, £47,000 plus what else you have spent on your boat may sound a lot, but a hefty 4x4 to tow our caravan (£40.000 +) plus a twin axle caravan (£35.000 +) at a total of £75.000 and your costs look quite reasonable!
@@caravantravelsthat sounds amazing! I have done quite a lot of touring in caravans in the past and living on a boat feels very similar. And I agree, I think I have a complete an auto bargain. Also an incredibly cheap way of living. I also live in Bulgaria and hoping to do quite a bit of touring around the surrounding countries more than likely in a camper van.
I think you get disrespected because they are jealous of your boat. Or they're just some people that think they have more rights than you. I say the heck with them. I am glad the narrow boat that passes by you got the Karma he deserves.
Yeah not good..saw a post recently of a canal near Birmingham that was full of rubbish and floating ruff sleeper's...not sure what the government can do about it...I feel sorry for people who own homes on the canals.. having rotting boats and rubbish at the bottom of the garden must be heartbreaking and would lower the resale value badly!!!.❤️🇬🇧
I have to agree.that i too thought emptying pee into the canal was a No No! I thought the guidance from CRT was to (as mentioned above) pour the urine into the hedgerow so long as its 10 feet from the canal. The nitrates and ammonia is good for plants.
@@captain.eddy333 yes, it's absolutely fine. You'd be surprised just how often the sewage treatment centers pump out their waste into the rivers and canals? It's quite alarming. As it's only your ring, it is not yet sewage. It's actually sterilized.
@@Inspiration2022 Not doubting you, but I thought that pouring urine into the canal resulted in the accelerated growth of pondweed? Do you have any evidence (i.e. a CRT statement) that states categorically that it's safe to empty directly into the canal (or indeed, into a marina)?
@@richardwall2692 we would never do this into marina. But into the canals and flowing rivers is definitely not an issue as seven Trent do the same thing but with raw sewage. Also, the fields around the countryside constantly get sprayed with raw sewage that is used for fertilizer and the rain introduces it to the rivers and canals. I knew when I put this post up it would create a conversation and I find it very interesting to see if people actually realize what's happening around them.
@@Inspiration2022 Well, I've definitely learned something, so that's a good thing. It's certainly an interesting solution to an everyday problem. Thanks for a very informative video.
Yeah nah..as a caravan owner for 25 years I prefer the cassette units.. even if you have to change them out through a wardrobe or under a bed...I find when it comes to 💩 it pays to keep it simple!!.🤣🤣
@@DrWa11is You should check out some of my other videos. I discussed this in a few. Basically most of the year you have to move every 14 days and cover 24 mi in a year. But do watch the other videos and let me know what you think.
I'm sure you've already thought of putting a camera on the front like a rear facing camera on mother homes and caravans that you can monitor on a screen in the bridge??.❤️🇬🇧
@@caravanstuff2827 I do have cameras on the front and I can monitor but to be honest once you have got the neck with lots of practice it's not so difficult
It will get worse as more folk give up the dream of home ownership and invest in wide beams and live full time...what it will take is a rich person to take them to court to get them to pull their heads in..wonder if Branson or musk might take up the gauntlet on behalf of the little people!!!.🤣🤣🤣
More natural cruising posts please...i love your how too posts...but this" as it happened "videos are extra special...it's as though were really their , brilliant!!!.❤️🇬🇧
Total bargain..the price of a boat the same dimensions as yours with all the toys is £170k plus..must say I'm a bit handy but i wouldn't have a go at that..well done lad!!!.❤️🇬🇧
Really don't understand modern stuff these days..i remember once when something was built it was built properly and to last..my old granddad used to say " KEEP IT SIMPLE LAD" !!!.❤️🇬🇧
Lovely jubbly... often wondered if you could fit out a canalboat with domestic furniture unlike pro fit outs that use caravan type carpentry and laminate k On built in units!!.❤️🇬🇧
I'm not sure they were being deliberately disrespectful. With their lack of boat handling skills, perhaps it was a rental? I'm considering a 60/65ft x 10ft at the moment.
@@djwarren5081 if you look into it at 12.6 comes under a different tax bracket meaning you don't have to pay tax on it so it can become cheaper. And believe me you get used to the size
I've just researched it. You are referring to VAT subject to size and tonnage. I didn't know about that. I was only thinking about maneuverability, plus the cost in future of lifting it out, blacking etc. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for this video. I'm about to make the leap from dry land to widebeam... I teach so want to have space to run workshops in the future... but at the moment, I'm still working on land. If I'm moving my boat from say Bedford to MK would that be acceptable? I have 4 locations that I could moor in - a kind of circular route round the area i work now... I'm hoping i can rotate and move my car accordingly? Really enjoying the videos. Keep it up! 😊
@@kalico-k5449 I'm not sure of that distance but you will need to continuously cruise over a year and the first year they actually measure it in 10 months, not 12 of a total of 24 miles in one direction. And also you will need to move on every 14 days not to occupy the same mooring spot. Good luck with your boat and I look forward to hearing all about it
I wrote this after a particularly obnoxious ‘narrow beam traditionalist’ took exception to me being on a Widebeam on ‘his canal’ Widebeam hating Narrowboater To see the others point of view If oft beyond their wit They babble incoherently A facile load of shit They leap upon a high-horse As ego takes the stage Alternate viewpoints just won’t stand Just serve to fuel the rage Don’t counter them with common sense History just won’t wash If it doesn’t fit their narrative It’s just a load of tosh They’ll pursue you down the towpath They’ll threaten curse and swear A righteous indignation Is the coat they’ve choose to wear Bigots never listen They’ll never grasp or see Another persons viewpoint Their world view’s ‘Me, Me, Me’
@@irvinglomon524 I will be totally honest I haven't done enough of the network to recommend anywhere in particular, but I know where I travel. I have very little problems, just the odd boater that doesn't like white beams. I think as long as you are considerate in where you are moreing your boat there is plenty of room for everybody.
Widebeams are fine on big canals like the Grand Union where there's more than enough space to navigate up and down and you could pretty much get four narrow boats side by side with little issue. Where they become a problem is places like in London where double mooring is needed. I've seen widebeams double moored to other wide beams there and that really does cause problems by pushing boats out to the side and creating a grounding risk
@@JustmeandB I think most people would say one of two reasons. One being it's good for encouraging wildlife and two it's cheaper for the canal and River trust not to bother dredging. I tend to think it's because it is cheaper
Hi, Thanks for this video 🌻 Are you also running off of an electric engine? Seems like not from other videos, but then not sure with some of your comments in this one... Sorry if this is an obvious question. I looked at a few videos (including the old engine change video).
@@TatyanaValdaBelindaHill no, I'm not. At the moment. The engine is diesel. But I will be looking to see if I can connect a electric motor somehow to the prop shaft. So if there is anybody out there that knows a bit about this sort of thing. I'm really going to be looking for some information. With all the solar power I have on board I would easily generate enough power
@@Inspiration2022 Thanks for replying. I want to know myself (no boat YET). information is hard to find. I saw a channel: *Narrowboat Life Unlocked* did some videos, but what I've watched so far he doesn't give details, apart from the motor make. He already has a lot of solar (perhaps less than you do, though). Curiously he wants even more panels. .... He said it's an "Engiro Direct Drive 10", provided by Lightning Craft. (I think he has a 60' narrow beam.) I'd love to know how much such a motor cost, if it's robust and fit for purpose and if there are any added concerns with the install.
It's apparent to me that the tone of the haters on this subject is not brought about by widebeams occupying the waters but about jealousy and even more importantly their personality issue, there's a reason some people choose boat life, in some cases it's because their intolerant, negativity and toxic personalities make living in a brick built home impossible. Jmo.
Two quick observations. I hate know it alls, but....Reverse is often better as the stern does not go down quite as much. Secondly PLEASE secure the dog. One slip and it is under the propeller. You may think it does not happen, or it won't happen to MY dog! Trust me it does. I love my dogs, and I guess you do too. A little restraint may annoy them, but definitely better than losingthem forever.
@@52Mistakes I'm not quite sure what you're talking about? Reverse is often better as the stern does not go down quite as much?? And thanks for your concern for the dog?
Yes I remembered to put inserts in. I used to run a building company so I do have a fair few skills. I would have preferred to use copper as well. I much prefer the process. The problem is using copper on a boat when the engine is running, it doesn't matter how much you secure the pipe back. It vibrates and makes an awful racket. Plastic pipe is much more forgiving.
@Inspiration2022 yeah, all that vibration probably not good for copper joints. I'm half way putting a copper warm air pipe through the boat, surface mounted at ceiling level, only time I run the engine is when driving the boat so not a big problem for me.
The point is I'm in a wide beam too and I could easily pass. So I'm clearly making the point people don't need to be so aggressive. Maybe just get better at their own skills.
You might want to check up on your history. Wide canals and locks were created to move cargo around the country more efficiently and one of the things they used were wide beams.
@Inspiration2022 I'm quite up to date thank you. My old man was a working boatman, and my grandfather was also a working boatman, I was brought up on a working narrowboat and am fully aware of the conflicts that wideboats caused with narrowboats, even back in the working days.
@@VintageDieselCenter yes, I'm sure it's always happen. I'm sure there was a time when narrow boats started to have diesel engines in. They were hated too by the people that still had horses to pull them along. I personally try and be kind to everybody I meet. I also think it's a massive attraction to have all types of boats on the water. I have people come up to me quite often to see if they can have a look around and nine times out of 10. I show them around the boat. It really is a lovely way of living and very low impact on the planet which I try and impress on people when they're having a look around my boat or just chatting to me.
