286. The narrowboat you can drive from the towpath... 

Maybe because I'm American, but I think bow thrusters and remote operation is brilliant. Those that don't like either, likely don't like electric panels, using anything but coal and steam, and enjoy talking to other boaters using flags.

This is a great invention. Imagine going up and down that ladder as a lone old person.

I think people that feel the need to criticize this lady's choice of boat controls, really need to spend some time thinking about why this bothers them.

This is exactly the technology that’s needed to open up boating to more single people and individuals who are less spry or surefooted. I’ve wondered why this hasn’t caught on better but I would venture to guess that it’s going to become more commonplace.

Great video, the boat is simply gorgeous and the whole remote system such a brilliant idea! It looked like a damp, chilly day and the locks can be treacherous in those conditions, so it simply makes sense from a safety perspective. Gill made it look incredibly easy even with a camera focused on her, so bravo! 😊

She seemed in complete control of the boat the entire time through the lock up and down and personally I think the undeniable safety benefits of the remote control system more than justifies it's use alone.

wow ...Im over 60 ...shes on the mark ....why would you not use this system ....she is in full control ....so much credit to her for taking tech into her future to help her do what see loves ...wow ...love form NZ

David, you're not fooling anyone. Those two dogs were navigating the boat, a couple of ole sea dogs they are. Those two have been navigating the canals for years. Great video thanks my friend.

I met Gill at Quoisley Bridge and me been a novice was fascinated by what was happening. I thought there was someone helping her, but when I got up to the lock there was no one there and then advised me it was an electric boat, wow that's all I can say and good on Gill for living her dream 🇳🇿 NB Kunekune

The only ones criticizing Jill for her use of efficient technology are those who are jealous. So smart to build a modern boat with 21st century tech. *Well done!*

Going placidly amidst the noise and the haste, avoiding loud and aggressive persons....

Jill has a boat that is perfectly suited for her. Im happy to see her dream fulfilled. And its a really beautiful boat. Enjoy your retirement Jill!

That is a brilliant and such a clever simple system. I'd have needed a 10 channel proportional radio and more to do what they did with just buttons. But what is wrong with some UK people that tell others they should not have a bow thruster? I felt quite sorry for the lovely lady being made to feel that she had to justify her choices. I do enjoy your vlogs thank you.

Loved seeing the remote control in action! An absolute no brainer for solo boaters. Fantastic video. 🤙🏻

Chatted with Jill about her boat while on the Llangollen back in the Autumn. Beautiful boat.

Not having to climb that slimy lock ladder is a big bonus

Work smarter not harder. That’s the ticket. Thanks for another great video.

Wow great safety feature. This nice lady can avoid fall from ladder. Fantastic!!. Thank you David nice vid.

NOW I want a narrowboat.

The sight of an unattended boat traveling by itself is far less disturbing than the sight of those unattended sandwiches. 😮

5:25 “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence...." ― Max Ehrmann, Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life Published in 1927

An excellent bit of kit. Also perfect for those swing bridges that are difficult to operate when single handing.

The fact mega yachts are docked with remotes is proof enough that it's safe

So interesting to see Desiderata in action with the remote control. Embracing technology to make life easier and future proof your boat makes perfect sense. Fame at last for Angus and Isla 🐾

I really enjoy this marriage of modern technology and classic engineering. What a wonderful way to evolve narrowboating into the next era!

Wow, my heart was in my mouth at the beginning with the locks but what a savvy Lady to have thought forward….well done Gill Gregory. Absolutely beautiful boat and thanks, as always David, for bringing us something new.

You snooping around other people's boats while I live vicariously is one of my favorite parts of this channel 🙌🏾

What an innovative brilliant system - It must make single handling so much more practical at SWING BRIDGES too.

now its time to lobby the canal keepers and get remote controlled gates so you never have to leave the boat or use that handle

Did anyone else think that was pillows on either end of the couch??? I didn't realize it was the dogs at first! Lol!

Why would anyone complain about the remote, brilliant system

Some people will always complain about progress. I think this will be a standard feature in 10 years or less on new boats. She can literally cruise while sitting under the cover at the front of her boat with the puppies.

In 10-15 years there won't be new boats without this kind of feature. For now it is something special, in a few years it will be standard. Great thing to have, especially when you're on your own.

What a brilliant boat, surely the way forward. As ever, a fantastic job, well done, Dave.

Great episode, thank you Jill for sharing your boat and thanks @CruisingtheCut for the video. The more people on the waterways, the more interest there'll be in opening (or re-opeming) canals, a good thing for me as an avid towpath walker :)

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence." From Desiderata on the boat Desiderata.

Would love to see her do this in front of a pub of drunks. 😂 the ghost narrowboat. Well that is quite dandy. Like playing with a very large remote control boat 😂

Great video. Very interesting to see how this beautiful new boat works. Gill is very competent, and her dogs are so well behaved. I wish her many years of happiness in her new home.

That remote idea is such a great idea.

"No dogs were harmed in the making of this video" 😀

I imagine the sorts of bores who would give Jill their unsolicited thoughts on this system. Best ignored. It looks like a great solution for avoiding those dangerous lock ladders.

Those ladders inside the locks need to be modernized as well. Those obsolete rungs could be flat plates with cleats to provide sure footing regardless of the slime build up.

Beautiful boat and she's doing it her way. 😍

"You should be able to control your boat with blah blah blah" ahhhh yes the old person argument that ease and modernization is baaaaaad lol you do you, i think this is an amazing if not very overdue bit of kit that if i was a solo boater i would be investigating how to retrofit. Thanks for keeping us informed CtC, and thanks to Jill and her amazing dogs for the tour and demo.

Wow David what an amazing video! That remote business is brilliant imo especially for singles and people in their elder years. The woman’s boat you were on was beautiful inside! If you didn’t know it you could almost pass it off for a small refinished flat. Those dogs were cute and they had me laughing sitting side by side like pals looking up and waiting for their mom lol! Again, great video David as always!

Old age comes a lot faster than we could ever imagine. We always think we have time, and we almost never do. No matter the lifestyle we choose, or think we have time for, it seems we end up backing gently into a hole somewhere and quietly fading away. The day that realization hits you is sad in deed. Nothing is the same from that day forward. This has been my experience anyway. I wish you all better.

It must have been unsettling at first, watching your lovely narrowboat (home and investment) bobbing by itself in the locks, then exiting on its own. What an sensible new feature! Safe and happy travels, Gill!

Tell folks that you have full faith in the dogs' ability to steer !

What a brilliant way of controlling a boat. We done to her for getting it made for what she needs. So what to the old style. Making it easier to use is the way to go

The remote is a great device! It looks safer with less stress and the quiet motor I’m sure makes cruising much more fun!

That’s amazing. It’s great that there’s tech out there making it easier for solo boaters. I love how quiet it makes boating being able to be on electric only.

I think it's BRILLIANT. I also love the lay of the inside. It's everything I would want in a boat. Love her couches to. The gray color is very pretty. The dogs go well with the color of the couches ha ha 😉.

Absolutely brilliant. I swear if I ever move to the UK from the US I want a boat just like this. Thank you David for doing this. Excellent

Brilliant! Much safer way of doing it. You know what “you should be able to “ actually means: “I wish I had one of those”.

Love the boat and the dogs are adorable. Now all Gill needs is an remote control ramp for those slippery banks.

Lovely boat and the remote control is a great system. You don't have to use it, but it is there for difficult situations. I can see it being a real bonus, especially when single-handed.

I decided 4 years ago that I was going to retire to the cut when I left the military, after watching David's videos back-to-back. I was a bit concerned about single-handing some of the locks, but this is very clearly the way ahead. Roll on 2027 when I get to retire, and hopefully straight onto a boat like this. Well done, Gill, and good work in keeping the stick-in-the-muds in their place. Thank you, as ever, David, and carry on! 🙂

I want one! No more slimey ladders.

That's just brilliant! The idea of living aboard for a few years just became a LOT more attractive. Thanks, David.

What a truly fantastic boat, I wonder if the system could be retro fitted to our boat. When we had her built my wife was much more able but as her condition has worsened she's no longer able to help, and with a 65'x12' doing everything on my own is a challenging thought. I shall have to research more.

Indeed that was interesting. It is good to know some narrowboat owners are thinking of their older years and how to 'stay afloat'.

Looks like the remote would be equally welcome at those swing bridges where the landing is on the opposite side of the swinging bit. Good show!

That was amusing watching the dogs. The boat is moving and she is not on board. 😄😁

Nifty , a great idea, and two lovely Westies tugged at my heart strings on the couch. When I had my mobile home, I'd quietly sneak out in the morning and find my two westies asleep on the seats in front of the stove 😅 They are the most adorable and loving dogs, great company for Gill

Fascinating! I’m so glad remote control is an option - I’m sure it makes narrowboating more practical for people who would have a hard time otherwise. And it looks like other boaters going through locks would be glad of how fast and efficient it makes the process.

Wow great videos. I love the camera work. What a fabulous boat! I love technology when it makes sense. Happy New Year! 🇨🇦

That is just fantastic! I am sure this will become more popular. Great name for her boat. If anyone hasn't read the Desiderata yet, i recommend you do. Love all your videos - thank you for sharing!

Brilliant innovation, makes boating safer and more accessible... She's right, same argument about bow thrusters, why wouldn't you have one if your boat can easily be adapted and you can afford one..... Safety, convenience and accessibility.....

I literally came across my first RM boat at that very lock a few months ago. It was very strange for a moment when you don’t know what's going on. It was a lone woman boater who had ingeniously rigged up a system herself, which controlled the tiller. She had a serious back problem, which is why she needed it, although it must still be a major challenge living on a narrowboat in that kind of pain. Seriously impressive. Also nice to see my home marina featured :-)

Brilliant is what it is. Perhaps a tad bizarre upon first view, I can understand how handy this could be for older or handicapped boat owners. Hats off to embracing the future and the people who made it happen.

My Dad always said work smart not hard. Her home is beautiful.

I'm not one to comment on videos often, but i wanted to thank you for another wonderful video. I've been lurking in your channel for about 2 years now and you never failed to show me new and interesting things. Keep up the good work

Fascinating viewing, and very nicely shot and post produced as always. NB, I especially liked the shot of the two dogs and the unaccompanied cheese rolls entering the lock on the journey back down . . .

Nice to see you back again on the water canals, David. This tour is a Scoop coup.

I would definitely have a remote control system fitted, I am crippled so climbing the ladder would be rather difficult, being able to easily step off and on at either side would be a life saver (perhaps literally).

The remote control is just a ruse, it is actually the dogs that are driving 🙂 Fantastic boat! I really like the hybrid system and the all electric kitchen. Standard question from every electric car, what is the battery range?

Excellent and informative video! Plus-- Jill's dogs were ADORABLE-- especially their bewildered expressions from the stern when mum was not aboard when controlling the boat remotely.

David, what a brilliant idea. Always good to hear from you.🇦🇺🙏👍

What a fantastic boat. You may not have been doing an ad for them, David, but they really should be paying you!

Absolutely superb. Technology helping people boat longer and safer.

Very interesting to see how you can control a narrowboat by a remote control.

Pretty cool! I can see how it would definitely expand boating to be easier for someone with less mobility

Not a boat person (my "frame" and anything with the word "narrow" in its name wont mix loll), but I like watching these videos, as I can appreciate folks loving the relaxing life style. This use of technology is amazing and to me makes a lot of sense, from a safety angle - as well as thinking about boaters who are older / less agile. I think people bad mouthing the system simply are either jealous, or want to stay in a bygone era - no thanks. It's very similar to people in the fly fishing world (one of my past-times), who "poo-poo" anything that wasn't used in the 1800s. People should be "allowed" to use whatever works for them, as long as it wont risk injury to others or be a safety concern in any way. Clearly the lady in this video was well trained in using the remote system and knew her stuff. Top job and way better than the terrifying thought of climbing up that narrow, probably slimy ladder !

What a wonderful life that would be . Great idea this remote. Fantastic.thank you for showing this.

You've done a wonderful job of keeping the channel going after selling your own narrowboat.

What a fantastic boat (and brilliant video camera work as well). imho all sofa beds should come with a pair of jumper-wearing Westies. and yes, I am prepared to die on this particular hill...

What a great idea, especially for a solo boater.

It’s an elaborate hoax, the dogs are steering the boat.

After watching, This is how I would like to see a Narrow Boat for my age (81) absolutely Immaculate Boat

This is a wonderful bit of applied technology, with the easy ability to mitigate any failure, it actually promotes the next potential step, which is to be able to sense obstructions and drive itself into the lock and maintain a position therein. Thank you for sharing and I wish Gill continued enjoyment cruising the cut.

Man that lady has her act together! What a great thing! Also, I want a retirement "job" working at Braidbar Boats.

This Braidbar boat is an intelligent and aesthetic design inside and out. Perfectly named for the quietude the electric offers. Definitely want one with a hybrid engine, bow thruster, remote, and dog.

Excellent and a most useful feature for a narrow boat. It is also her boat and her money - I am sure she can be quite robust with armchair critics.👍

David, another superbly produced episode of a fabulous modern narrowboat. As an electronics and radio engineering geek of many decades, this is right up my alley with a hybrid battery/Diesel powered system. It just makes life straight forward for the owner and reduces risk for personal injury as you've described. None of us are getting younger! - Now, to only be able to use a narrowboat like this down here in NZ where we don't have a canal system (except for short hydro-electric power station canals!) I'm looking forward to one day tripping around the UK seeing my heritage at 3 knots with a cheese sandwich and a cup of tea! Cheers from me, David

I say go for it..really nice for a single woman...I hope Jill gets to cruise for many years to come...Really Lovely Boat!! Really interesting vlog Thank you David and Jill and her beautiful pups😊

Good for her , embracing techology to enhance her life on the canals . Her critics are just jealous because they havnt got it .

I think the critics are just jealous.. happens in nearly all situations that involve progress or change.. automatic cars, electric cars, etc

That's the future of boating seems ok to me especially for the elderly or disabled folk👍👍

I can see why some narrowboat purists would take issue with such a system. BUT, I see it saving a lot of time for single boaters, and those who are a bit slower on and off during locking. No one should complain about that during peak season. It's rather graceful, seeing the boat maneuvering solo, almost like a canal version of the zero g scenes from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Another cracking vlog!

For a single person that would be awesome idea .awesome technology👍👍👍