209. A day in the life of a fuel boat on the UK canals 

Thank you for making such an well produced, accurate depiction of the job. You've really captured what it's all about! It's so impressive to see it reach over a million views and such an interest from all over the world! We're still continually recognized as 'the fuel boat from cruising the cut'!

All they need is music like ice cream trucks have so boats know they are in the area and can hail them down to get supplies

I had no idea a lifestyle like this even existed. It's fascinating

Ha! It so makes me chuckle to see our lives shown on my screen. I’ve been on the cut for 20 years and I’ll probably be here till my end. Im lying in bed freezing right now but i wouldnt swap it for anything. 🥳

Simon Phillips 2 weeks ago Richard and Jules have now indeed retired and their run has been taken over by Nick and Mary, so the answer is yes the beautiful working boats continue to serve us boaters regularly

Wow This blew me away. Back in the early to mid 70's I worked on narrowboat Towcester. Back then she was owned by Tam and Di Murrell based at Bulls Bridge in Hayes. Back then she was teamed up with the butty Bude and we were carrying barrels of lime juice pulp from Brentord dock to Boxmoor near Hemel Hempstead on the Grand Union. I remember that we did 2 trips a week delivering around 100 tons. It took around 12.5 hours to go up loaded and then around 10 hours back down empty to Brentord. Loading and unlading at each end took around 2.5 hours as I remember it. I worked with Tam and his son Jason. I beleive I am correct that Tam and Di live in France but I dont know about Jason. Thank you for tha amazing trip down memory lane.

"like the enterprise undocking the saucer section" neeeerd (i kid i'm a huge nerd too)

As an American who has not yet had the pleasure of seeing the UK in person, this seems like a perfect life. The canals are so beautiful and calming. You, sir, have a new subscriber. Thank you for these videos!

In Dutch we call this a "parlevinker". Where I come from (Breukelen Provincie Utrecht NL) there was also a parlevinker selling oil, shoes,, boots, brushes etc to other cargoships passing by through the Amsterdamrijnkanaal. I am familiar with the sound of the engine. You could hear this sound day and night. Nowadays there are no parlevinkers anymore. In Beneden Leeuwen there was a waterboot /waterboat.

Fascinating. Call me strange but I liked the sound of their engine chug chugging. The drone shots are outstanding, what a pretty picture. Thanks David, well done.

Great video, David. I enjoy seeing the "nuts & bolts" of life on the canal and would encourage you to do more 'informational' videos of this ilk.

I just love the sound of the Lister engine. That will never be repeated in the history books. Just to old fashion for a many young minds. VF

For the Americans watching and wondering what in the world Jules meant by "driving an artic", she meant an articulated truck. What we call a semi. Took me awhile to google that one.....

One of your nicest. I think you really liked them. You truly captured an emotion, a reason, an essence and a sense of heritage and purpose. An object lesson in good broadcast journalism.

Such a different world from ours! Interesting look into an alternative live/work style. Thanks for the great story.

I’ve watched many of your videos (quietly in the background) and this is by far the best, no flamboyance or fanfare. Just an honest person reporting about honest people going about their daily lives on the cut, well done it was a pleasure to watch.

used to get my winter fuel twice a year when I had Excalibur 6668 at Wolvercote (Oxford Canal). I lived in it from 1993 - 1998 I miss the life, but had to leave due to health issues. Glad I helped to rebuild Woolhampton Lock (Kennet and Avon) as I got the chance to use it three time

that additive he put in the diesel is Good Customer Service.

Great repotage episode again! This is truly what puts your channel a notch above the other canal/narrowboat channels, David; Your background in regional news TV. You have a flair for production that does shine through on your regular vlogs, but on repotage pieces like this, you're downright untouchable. This would have been a great piece on the BBC, that's how good it is. Thumbs up duly given!

Notice how Carefully the Additive and the Fuel are Poured into the Buddy, Over the waterway just Brilliant

I love the dialogue. Relaxing and interesting. I also think the old boats are super cool and I'm glad Ms. Jules kept them moving.

This is one of the best vlogs you have done. Beautifully filmed, and what an admirable pair of good people!

The drone shots really give the video a professional look, and look amazing.

Love the sound of the old diesel engine ticking over, something peaceful about that. Thankyou for this, Bob New Zealand.

your narration is so good, i thought this was a documentary that had previously aired on discovery channel or something like that! subbed!

It blew me away how trusting people are across the 'pond.' The wife and I went to Ireland a few years back and stopped at a remote cafe. They only accepted cash and we only had cards. The owner said to no worry about it and to just stop at the next town up and leave them cash at the post office to pick up!

Loving the hand cranked diesel engine.

'Tranquility' is what comes to mind when watching this calming glimpse into how an old (but still functional) bit of British infrastructure is used.

This narrator is absolutely excellent. Such vivid descriptions and then just out of no where refences. The dude literally makes a detaching the saucer Star Trek reference.

Thank You David. This was a little jewel of a video! For me this was one of your best. Leave it to you to come up with a different angle on narrowboating.I think you covered all the aspects of what a fuel boat is all about. Stem to stern as it were. Such hardworking, genuinely nice people. Everything is big business nowadays. It was nostalgic to see a small family operation still going. Thank you again David.

This may be the most British thing I’ve seen on RU-vid

Watching from rural northern Nevada in the US. 22 minutes on the internet well spent. This was a window into a world and a way of life that I did not even know existed. Thankyou so much for the job well done on this video.

I actually forgot I was watching a youtube video and thought it was a BBC program, so well made, and so interesting, thank you...

Beautifully done, David! It brought tears to my eyes several times, especially the starting of the vintage engine, the brief scene where Jules and her partner are sharing a smile and conversation at the back of the boats. They so clearly like one another and work smoothly, with pride and care, having done this work for years. I'm so impressed with how detailed you filmed and captured a way of life that means so much to so many on the canals too. Lastly, the drone footage was marvelously important for giving a wholely rounded view of the piece. Kudos to you, Sir. Very well done!

I eagerly await your sequels "Boatraker," "For Your Mooring Only," and "Cruise Another Day."

My Dad was a diesel fitter who built the Lister engines you hear and see in this film. I live next to the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes where this excellent film was made. Whenever I hear the sound of a Lister I think of my Dad. He would have been proud that his work was still performing as well as when he finished it. Thanks for such an evocative film. I am always pleased to see the Jules Fuel boats when cycling and walking alongside the canal to remind me of a time when the canals were full of narrow boats such as these playing a vital part in transporting goods to the nation. Their contribution to the war effort was as vital as those at the front and, yes, they too had casualties.

I hope this tradition continues

What a great episode !

I watched the full thing before I realised you actually live and travel on a canal boat yourself and this is your blog I genuinely thought this had to be a documentary by Channel 4, it's all incredibly professional, and you're an amazing narrator

I never searched for this, I never asked for it, It's not even something I would think of watching. It just popped up after another video, but man I am so glad it did. What a fascinating video. Very informative and entertaining. I guess this is another subject I will be watching, googling and reading on now :)

Richard is very strong and sure footed! I'm envious of both their skills.

just brilliant this is what a vlog should be , one of your best episodes shows true life on the cut , bloody well done

This is youtube at its best: informational, entertaining, relaxing and well produced. If you also happen to like boats, history, and their combination - and are also interested in these canals from afar, this kind of video - and really this video in particular - is one of the best things you can come across on this medium!

That has been the best 22 minutes of my week. may they thrive in these troubled times. Fantastic.

Can't even describe how ... therapeutic? ... this was to watch. Really enjoyed seeing this side of life!

There is so much peace and romance in this kind of lifestyle.

I'm in Canada, and it just boggles my mind, that people would thumb down an honest, informative video about life in another part of the world.

I had no intentions of watching this, yet couldn't turn it off - absolutely beautiful. Credit to everybody involved.

A life on the river is life lived at nature's pace. What a life.

This is the most British thing I've ever seen, thank you RU-vid.

What a team. Great. The way they steer their boats is just art. Beautifully filmed.

I hope their business will continue to be successful . They seem to be an amazing couple.

What a life. As someone that lives in America, and grew up partially on the Mighty Mississippi, which is about as wide as that canal is long (exaggeration, just a bit), I love this calm, small boat life I get to see in your videos.

Another epic David Johns production. A wonderful film and piece of social history. So much a huge Bravo is required. ..ace!!! Two other thoughts however fought for space in my mind as I watched this. First my brain was nurdled by trying to calculate how many crew the BBC would allocate to film this and the scale of the production cost including transport, accommodation and "beer fund"..and yet you did it all singld handed and powered only by cheese sandwiches! Brilliant. The second thought comes from a quote by the famous director Ron Howard, when filming Appollo 13.. NASA management warned him that history would judge his film as a true record of, "How it was done". So David, as you film in Ron Howard's wake, I applaud you in making this contemporary record of real life. History will trust your record, no doubt well into the next century. The burden of the creative director must weigh heavy!😊 A true epic of the Tube. This is why you are King Canal Tuber. Beautiful craft..lovely cinematography ..excellent editing..stylish modern commentary...like a lion ready to pounce on a gazelle...yeah! Ta...just great.

This is an exceptionally beautiful film and a wonderful story. Well done indeed. A lot of hard work, good editing and skilled flying involved!

Thanks for the video, I would say everytime I feel a tad stressed with life I will be replying this video, it was an absolute bloody joy watching this 👍💥

Though I doubt that I will develop a prolonged interest in narrowboating I must say that I much appreciate the work that must have gone in presenting this tradition in such a polished way. From the clean audio of the narration and ambient sounds, to the clear visuals and lovely drone views it's been a pleasure to enjoy this look at a totally different lifestyle.

I dont know why I am watching this but definitely better than netflix.

David, I just love when you do videos like this. Life on the canals, we here in New England have no idea what that would be like. I wish more people would keep those types of traditions alive. Well done my friend, have a great weekend.

The drones really add to the videos. What an interesting & informing & entertaining video - thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is a great system that works well because of the trust that the people have of each other.

Really one of your best. Thank you for opening up a whole new world for me.

Wonderful.These vlogs should be prescribed on the NHS to lower high blood pressure.so relaxing.

I’m fascinated with this being your most viewed video. I kind of understand. I’m just so glad that you have captured this business on video. This is one of those videos that people will show in 50 - 100 years to show the continuing working history of canals in the UK. It’s just a great video all around. Fascinating, well researched and with brilliant narration. It’s narration that can make or break a video. The camera work could be the best you’ve ever seen, but If the narration is all over the place , it’s painful to watch. You sir have it ALL worked out. Simply wonderful.

RU-vid just suggested that I could watch this video yet again and I thought.... why not!! 🙂

David! You have outdone yourself what a lovely insight to people making a living along the canals. With cinematic shots to accompany the wel edited story. Thank you, Jules and Richard, for letting David document this unique lifestyle! Cheers from Holland

Good Afternoon David. I have been watching your channel since you started it and I have to say that of all of the piece videos you have done, this is the best one yet. I really enjoyed watching it and learned also. What a win win. Thank you and safe travels.

Beautiful story and a very loving couple. The scene here is so peaceful and natural. The life here seems unspoilt. Hope this loving couple will have a long way to go. All the best to them and peace be with them.

As an American, i love classic British culture. grew up watching top gear and i genuinely do like the quaintness of river boating and the classic countryside feel to alot of things over there. i still find it hard to wrap my mind around just how many people are on those islands. loved the video though, gave me that classic top gear feeling of the old top gear with Tiff Needell, Clarkson and Vicki. pleasant and relaxing to watch. 👍

Beautifully done! A simple but pleasing story, delightfully filmed and you got the subjects to tell their own story. The aerial shots were icing on the cake. Never before have dirty bags of coal been so interesting...

I stumbled on this video about 2weeks ago. Now I'm hooked!! I've been watching every night for hours now I'm on episode 208. You do an amazing job and just want to thankyou. I'm from u s a and never knew these boats or the canals existed. I'm 49 and now have told my wife instead of buying an RV to live in in a few years we are coming over and buying a narrow boat!!! Thankyou again.

Used to rely on this lovely and timely annual delivery to my wee boat at Bulls Bridge. WARM!

Shot and edited like a pro, fabulous video. What an interesting life.

Awesome video. I can imagine this film being used 100 years in the future to teach kids about life on the canals. This channel is so relaxing.

I've watched this a few times since it first uploaded and it never gets old. Welldone everyone.

That engine sounds fantastic chugging along.

“Like the Enterprise detaching the saucer section.” Have I told you lately Cruising The Cut how much I love you...

Thank you for showing us a different way of life.

I always told my friends and family that I was born in the wrong decade, seeing as how I love the cars of the 60's. After watching your videos, I am beginning to think I was also born in the wrong country. Your boats and canals are so intriguing to me. Working a job like this would be amazing.

My last trip to the UK, we saw several rivers and canals, lotta narrow boats, interesting concept to travel and live. I'm in... Almost like traveling in a motorhome. Great job Jules is doing... Cheers...

Being a commercial fisherman in south Louisiana in American its amazing to see the way things are done in totally different way on my boat I run q 225hp Honda on a 24ft Carolina skiff to hear the engine on yal boats is amazing

Beautiful, beautiful video! You have an amazing talent for detail and DEDICATION for capturing the details and feel! everything is top notch, from camera work to narration! can't even explain how much i enjoy it! many thanks and greetings from a Croat in Netherlands!

I live in Australia but was originally born in Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). Living on a narrow boat has been a dream of mine for some time. I hope to, after retirement, move back to Europe and buy myself a narrow boat to live on. Such an appealing life style to me.

The sound of those old engines, it's just the bees knees.

I really appreciated the saucer section comment...

This was a delightful watch. The overwhelming focus these days are on narrowboats used for leisure/residence so it's great to see them used as work boats like in 'the old days.' Thanks for sharing!

Andrew Haysom 1 month ago It's still Jules Fuels, still run by Jules and Richard, although they've passed their regular run onto Nick and Mary. Jules Fuels runs three sets of boats along the whole of the Grand Junction. Jules and Richard are still out regularly boating through, helping out when there are stoppages or covering for a while.

Well I didn't know this was a thing but I sure did enjoy watching it.

Love the drone footage! Great story.

I can't begin to tell you how many times we've watched this particular video, but something about it is so interesting as if it calls to me for a simpler life. Not sure how else to describe it. I so hope we get to live on a narrowboat at some point in the future. 7 yrs. to retirement!

Watching this makes me incredibly jealous of the lives these people get to live. Looks so peaceful and free.

My family have been involved in this for years proper Bargees

The RU-vid algorithm: Giving you exactly what you didn’t know you wanted

Fascinating and well made vlog. SUBSCRIBED! Both my wife of 30+ years and I have lived almost our entire lives within a few miles of New York State's Erie Canal. The past 25 years, less than a mile. We looked at buying a canal-side home that had been an inn, including a "muleskinners'' lodge. Mule stables on the ground floor with bunk rooms above. A shallow "wide waters" is nearby where boats would winter over when the canal is drained. Many stories of canal folks being a rowdy lot. My mother-in-laws' grandfather was the canal lock master in Macedon who loaded her aboard a stranger's packet boat for transport to the Lockport locks, where her father worked and retrieved her. About 90 miles. My wife still has relatives in both the Macedon and Lockport regions. The Erie Canal, with the Great Lakes, provides vessel traffic from the interior of the US, even the Gulf of Mexico, to NY City harbor and beyond. The Erie Canal opened up the US interior for expansion, it made NY the "Empire State" and NYC the metropolis it is. There is still some commercial traffic and large structures moved on the canal. Canal boats are available for day trips and long term rentals. Locks and lift bridges are manned. Happy boating folks. Sorta dirty side note: Our newest elementary school is named "Canal View". On opening day some wiseguy had covered the letter C with a black plastic bag.

What an interesting video, and very satisfying to watch. Love the old school boats and the simple ways of doing things. I Think one of my favorite parts of watching these narrow boat videos is the slow and unrushed way of life. In a world that is becoming faster and faster paced, it is refreshing to see these people living a slow and unhurried way of life. I so wish I could do this.

A fascinating film and just draws the viewer in. So impressive to see the skill, dedication and quiet dignity of the people providing this vital service day in, day out.

Absolute lad smoking while loading the fuel boat.

Thanks David, I really enjoy all your videos but this especially. A good insight into a working boaters life and nice to see the customers having a word too.

Wow, I don't know what youtube did to recommend this channel to me, but even as an American college student, this whole narrowboat concept seems like a really cool lifestyle and hobby! I wonder if I'll ever get to travel across the pond to see some canals one day!

Watched this a few times and never gets old as i love the old comedy movie THE BARGEE 1964 with a great British cast to boot.