The need to reverse over a distance isn't unusual and it is a good skill to master. It's also worth noting that the same technique can be applied when using reverse gear to slow down to keep the boat in a straight line. It doesn't put any strain on the engine. The biggest worry is backing the prop or rudder into a submerged object which is why it is good practice to stand forward of the tiller.
The Willow Wren videos are noticeable for their clarity and helpfulness, unlike many videos produced by other people where the shakey camera angles and lack of explanations make it hard to know what is going on. It also helps that the skipper speaks in a calm voice and sticks to the key facts instead of telling us what his cat had for breakfast that day.
I've recently started my narrowboat life with my partner and I'm finding your video's really helpful. I've watched them all a couple of times. the only question i really have about this particular video would be, would there ever be a need to do this? and if so, what strain would be put on the engine if any?
Just managed to watch this Alan...what a beautiful job you did of that! I can't imag8ne how difficult that must have been to do it from the well deck...at least with Jils I could lift the hinged lid and climb in.
Love watching these videos! Well done. My first narrowboat experience was with Willow Wren about 15 years ago. Loved it! Coming over for my third canal holiday, this summer!
Subbed - Thanks for sharing these Vids -very helpful. Your vids help to take the stress out of boating by giving an understanding of the correct way to handle a boat. Love it ;-)
Jo Allan It happens. Our video tutorials have over 70,000 views, we are bound to get one or two who don’t agree. We don’t have a problem with that. We have confidence that what we are showing people is sound advice and the RYA agree. Thanks for your comment though. Much appreciated.
I guess they have antisocial minds, probably in the real world as well as online. They got the reaction they wanted from you, what they hate is being ignored.
Very good point. The height on the control stand is in the hands of the boat builder/owner and some narrowboats do have their controls much higher. These tend to be Trad or Semi-trad sterns. Like many things on a boat, it is a compromise between accessibility and being in the way especially if you want to fit a stern cover as many people do. We are happy to have it at this height on our training boats because that is where they normally are on most cruiser sterns and we can teach people how to manage with it.
@@willowwrentraining3736 Let me translate the modern abbreviated internet yoof speak for you: "Skills 👍" means; the reversing skill demonstrated by the steerer is extremely impressive.
