292. House life vs Boat Life!! And other questions 

Anyone who is feeling a little blue should just listen to you for 10 minutes and they would be fixed for the day. You are so gifted with a very melodious voice that exactly what you say is just icing on the cake. I also love your sense of humor. Thanks David.

We need a full house tour! Guest areas, decks, flybridge, crew cabins, engine space, the lot!

David, you eluded to some negative comments (as I'm sure all channels get) and I must say that yours is like an old friend that you catch up with now and again. I don't watch many channels at all but yours has been a favorite for quite a long time. On the water or on terra firma yours has always been enjoyable, informative and well just "comfortable".

Have enjoyed your videos for years now. The transition from the cruising videos to the videos you are now doing has been wonderful. You have a gift for doing these types of videos. Thank you.

I was sitting eating my lunch enjoying David’s virtual company and I wondered if anyone had asked about the famous cheese sandwich and then there it was tucked in at the end. I liked the comment from one viewer that David’s videos left a smile on his face. Me too. A smile that means I have enjoyed your natter and wish you well in whichever direction your boating exploits take you. Thank you.

One of the more interesting cruises with a houseboat is the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, Canada. 37 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks, two of the world's highest hydraulic lift locks, and a marine railway. Plus the water is great for swimming and fishing!

Here here....40 years of being on the road as a pilot and I no longer have to live out of a bag, miss holidays and birthdays or family events. I finally get to enjoy the place I wanted to enjoy so many years ago. By the way, this seems to be the most relaxed and talkative video I've seen you do. nice job.

Pro for a house ----- not have to empty the toilet, either pump out, cassette or liquid tank

I'm new but I could listen to you reading the phone book. You have a very listenable voice. I love your sense of humour and way of describing things in excellent detail. Well done Sir. 😊

I'm ex military, I actually live off the grid. Due to the current climate it's extremely therapeutic. I always say to people; don't be afraid of change, it's good for the soul. Good luck to you David in every adventure, life's for living. 🇺🇲

Hello from Southern California, I discovered your channel on HBO and the plan was to view a few episodes. After watching a few episodes I was hooked. I found the narrative educational and your dry sense of humor hilarious. Thank you for the enjoyable series.

Do you sleep in the cupboard under the stairs to remind you of sleeping in the boat

No matter what you do - I'll go along with it 🙂 You can make anything interesting!!!

Thanks for the post, very enjoyable. You did an excellent job. I look forward to future posts.

Thanks for the update David, cheers to the cheddar - as strong and mature as possible :)

I have a friend who lived on a tiny narrowboat and it was surprising how he made things work out and very cosy and comfortable. Don't do shared ownership, you might as well just hire.

Worth watching for your comments about the heat and cheese alone, good to know I'm not the only one 😂

For someone who gets a little queasy on open water you handled yourself remarkably well crossing The Wash. glad to see you’ve adjusted to house life.

Ever thought of trying a French Canal holiday, we did one and loved it. They have full time lock keepers so you just cruise. South of france,, the gran canal !

I am one of those who very much appreciate your "Q-and-A" sessions; it is clear to me that, unlike so many other narrowboat RU-vidrs I follow, your experience as a journalist and videographer shows up in your answers and no-plan planning as well as the quality of the presentations on all three of your chanels. I wish you well in whatever you do. I have watched an episode on an all-electric boat and decided that when I win the lottery I do not play, and when Britain relaxes its non-residential visas, I will come and buy one and live aboard, quietly, ecologically and (non) soundly. [The one I watched came with a device that controlled to narrowboat while walking on the towpath; that would be a required accessory because I am alone. Also, a family I watch just spent a few days on an Airbnb rental widebeam in Lisbon, Portugal...something for you to look into when someone drops that satchel of money on your porch, eh?) PS. Emma has been cruising since she was a very young girl.

First chat in your house! It was enjoyable! I always enjoyed your canal reality chats.

My family owns Aintree Beetle no.1. It's a great little boat, ideal for holiday cruising! Always good to watch an entertaining q&a.

Love it when a chap is emphatic about cheese.

David we have the utmost respect for you and will never stop following you that's a fact😎💯🇨🇦

the bird at your door. If it's a glass door ... it is spring and it's mating time and the bird sees the reflextion at flutters up to it.

In Canada (Ontario) we have the Trent-Severn waterway and the Rideau Canal, both National Historic Waterways. The Rideau is the older of the two canals but both are more than worth a visit. Or a look-up on the internet. 😃 I’ve been on parts of both in my small aluminum boat.

If you ever manage to fish it out then the SD will be fine. I've accidentally washed several in a washing machine and the footage was fine.

We live in the far western US and enjoy your videos very much. On the subject of river cruises we have done about 9 trips on the European rivers using an American company called Grand Circle Travel. Their boats hold about 140 passengers. It is nice to have your hotel go with you. They also have small ships that hold 90 passengers that travel through the Mediterranean and Baltic. Another fun cruise for people who don't like cruise ships is the Norwegian ship that sails from Bergen to the far north of Norway and back in 12 days. The ships are considered a Norwegian national treasure and are the main transportation for many of the small towns along the coast. They only hold 400 passengers and travel between the coast and the outer islands so it is calm most of the way.

Hi David, I think many of your fans were curious how you are coming along after your life transition last year, which the Q&A answered, so thanks! Sorry to hear about the loss of the video camera. As I recall, it was a pretty nice Sony camera. Dropping and forever losing an expensive camera is always one of my fears so, I always wear a neckstrap. If not practical, perhaps some other type of tethering, or attaching cork so it will float? I'm glad to hear your house purchase is working satisfactory so far. It's nice having the extra space, virtually unlimited utilities, and reduced maintenance due to your home not sitting in water 24/7/365. Although, living off-grid with limited resources is a good teaching experience for anyone. Hopefully doing the interviews with other narrowboaters will satisfy your narrowboat desire until you can afford your baby narrowboat. I am assuming a fiberglass one with an outboard engine would be most practical from the corrosion and trailering standpoint but, with me living in the US, that's just a guess. Thanks for refining the details related to your cheese sandwich, I can appreciate the extra sharp cheddar. I discovered recently that certain foods we were fed as kids, produce an enduring desire for that food dish our entire lives, which is probably why I can't stay away from Bar-B-Q. Cheers!

Funny you mention Emma and Gary, I've been watching them too! I started watching you back in the Covid shutdowns when I couldn't travel (then got hooked on narrowboats--at least in an armchair, YT way), then the big cruise ships, and loads of other travel stuff. Happy ending: finally got to Thailand for 3 weeks in January--but still watching you and the others! Cheers!

Re: plumbing and old plumbing. Any valve you replace, including the garden faucet (for the hose) always replace it with a ball valve. 3x the cost, but always works, good forever. I think in 40 years I may have replaced one ball valve. They now also make ball valves for under the sink (We in the States call these 'angle stops' or 'stop valves.' You probably call them something else. Usually the old style ones turn to garbage in a year or two. (Many times I just look at them and go turn off the whole house.) When you replace the garden faucet with a ball valve, you you will have to add a 'pipe to hose thread' adapter. Well worth the extra expense. I've worked on Chicago faucets that were 100 years old, good for another 100 years. The much newer sink taps bath and kitchen in my house needed replacing twice in 14 years. Thanks for the Texas Chicken answer. I wonder what it took for the first two captains to try it.

Traditional- looking Erie Canal boats can be hired in Macedon, NY. I did a portion of that canal on a 25' Nimble Nomad that can be hired on Cayuga Lake. A person could easily spend 3 weeks cruising the Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, you’re welcome to come and do donuts again whenever you so choose. All the best for the re-recording!

If you had gotten the camera back, odds are good that the footage would have been fine once the connections to the SD card were dry. The camera itself probably was ruined. The great thing about solid state storage :)

Yes, I still enjoy you and your style! Can't wait for the next one, and yes I do end up watching one or two of your old videos daily!

Interesting, we sold our boat just before you. We were not live aboard full time and had a house. We had had enough of boat ownership and all that involves. Now enjoying the waterways without the hassle of a boat. By the way, we have always referred to you as “cheese sandwich man”. Thanks for keeping us entertained.

Love your sense of humor.

Thanks for sharing Emma Cruises, great channel.

The van seems to fulfil the role my Classic Alfa Romeo does. Fettling, tinkering and occasional usage 😹 Would love to see more blogs covering individual traders on the cut.

You are so gracious, David, doing a Q&A, and your honesty is endearing. I think you would be gratified to know how interested your viewers are, casual or otherwise, in your story. It is quite extraordinary and you tell it, infallibly, with aplomb. Can't tell you enough times how top-shelf this viewing experience is. Great content, production, quality and especially presentation! Cheers.

I love small living spaces for the ingenuity too. :)

If you go back to that spot where you dropped your camcorder --borrow a metal detector (or get someone who knows how to use it well). I have an old one that has a waterproof coil--should be able to locate it if the area isn't full of junk/not too deep. They have these metal scoopers that would probably scoop it right up if you can locate it.

Having been on two river cruises with my wife (Uniworld on the Danube and Rhine, Viking on the Elbe), I highly recommend them. Given your experience on the canals, I think you'll find the boats a nice step up, but not overwhelming. One thing to consider is that the ability of the boats to run their routes is very dependent upon the water level on the river - too high and they won't be able to get under the bridges, too low and they won't have enough water under the keel. In those cases, busses get used.

I'm very happy that Cathedral City do a mature cheddar cheese which is lactose free, and for a sensible price too!

There is something about you that is fun and relaxing to watch, even if it's rambling on about cheese sandwiches or taps. I can't put my finger on what exactly yet but please keep doing what you do 😊

Glad to see you again!

It's always great to see your updates regardless of the context (condolences about the camera). I think your videos since you sold the boat have been brilliant; I look forward to your new ones (including your adventures in the van).

Great to see you’ve settled in. Sorry to hear about your camera, it must have been very windy. Thanks for the video and take care. 🙂🐿 P.s the little bird on the door handle sounds very sweet.

Thank you, David.

Your fireside chats on the boat are some of my favourites to rewatch and most informative. Thanks for all the videos.

You missed the Swedish canals Göta kanal, Kinda kanal, and Dalslands kanal. Very interesting history and nature.👍

Oh that was fun! Your "bucket list" is truly admirable ! Right there with you on the SHARP cheddar.........Gin and tonic too!

i would put priority on your new home . later when more financially stable a small n/b a smaller one ,but one with longer term cruising . and yes cheddar is the best.

I do miss you cruising along the channels in your old narrow boat (I can't remember the name). Your channel is still one of my favorites....the Vlogs you & Heidi did were full of laughs. Looking forward to your future video's, maybe a new mini narrow boat. In the meantime enjoy your new home, central heating & tub.

I've missed your videos, the algorithm doesn't does not notify me these days!

Thanks for the update! Been watching your old stuff waiting for a new video. - cheers from the US

I’m 100% with you on small cleverly designed things. I feel the larger the item, the less efficient the fit out. I imagine you with an alloy hull with integral retractable road wheels and a coupling on the bow! P. 🇳🇿

I still can't believe that you made a Q&A video interesting. Well done sir

Excellent Q&A, go here go there, there's such pleasure in staying home and gazing out the window! Never far from kettle and biscuit tin.

We used a 12 foot caravan to tour on mainland Australia. We got odd comments from the owners of huge double and triple axle vans with push out sides etc. They found it hard to believe we were perfectly comfortable. These days we watch Tiny House videos just to see the original ideas people come up with. Looking forward to your continuing videos David.

Glad you are comfortable.

Thanks for update very interesting. Sorry about your camera loss my dad use to do still photography he always had his camera bag with him. He must have lost several cameras over the years one notable loss was in an African lake I believe after a hippo took a little too much interest. I have always been charmed by the aintree beetle.

From Deb…Yikes! I’m picturing you watching you camera plunging to the “depths”. Bummer. But this Q& A was very interesting! Really enjoyed it. Thanks so much.

I’ve seen your video where you talk about how you wish you had a bigger boat and possibly a cruiser, stern etc. but I think what would make a great video is to do a walk-through video of a narrow boat and focus on every aspect about what do you like and don’t like through your many years experience of traveling the canals. Meaning how would you design the saloon? What would you do to the kitchen, what would you do to the bathroom, would you rather pump out or did you like the cassette …just very detailed. The video could be two hours and I know people would watch the whole thing.

Sorry you lost your Camcorder David. Glad you're so happy in your house. I'm sure you made the right decision x

I have not watched your channel (well, maybe once or twice) since you departed the narrow boat life. Nice video! Pleased to watch you again, you possess such a conversational way really never needing someone’s reply.

David only you could do a 27 minute video sat in a chair in your house, yet still keep the viewers attention until the very end. I checked the furniture behind for a startled heron but couldn't see one so maybe an ornamental one could be purchased before 2025!!

Lovely Q&A video! I enjoyed listening to you and seeing the antique (?) cabinet 😍 Beautiful!! 😘

Two words: preventer lines. That should help for future aquatic filming escapades. I don't love doing home plumbing either, I always seem to end up with water someplace it isn't supposed to be.

Like you David, I vowed to never set foot on a cruise ship until I tried it. Maybe it’s because I’m older but I had a marvelous time and highly recommended it.

Only one kind of cheese. That made Wallace and Grommit's trip to the moon pop into my head. 🙂

😅 well done my friend! Your adamant position on the cheese sandwich was great, it gave me a bit of a chuckle! The "look at my boat" self-reflection is certainly accurate for most people that own these "gin palaces" that are tied up in a permanent state of moor. Great video sir!

You don't have any ducks around because they were all arrested for selling quack!

You are most entertaining. I think I would watch any subject you cared to do. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

Personally I like your Q&As , every six months or so would be fine by me👍🏻

The look of joy on your face as you describe doing donuts on the river in Bramble lol. This is what keeps us coming back David. Nicely done.

A great update thank you, and I have to agree wholeheartedly with you about the cheese !!!!!

I lived on a wooden ketch on a beach in the west of Ireland for three years , best time of my life only a Stroke brought my adventure to an end.

I'm on my second syndicate share. When considering one my main advice would be to seek out an owner group who are like-minded to yourself. In some ways the 'mentality' of the owner group is as important as the boat itself. Also, in my experience, a professionally managed boat is preferable to self-managed, the latter very dependent on the competency of the owners. Lots of other things to consider as well but these are the main ones beyond the price and ongoing costs. Overall, I think share ownership is the best way to enjoy being on the cut without the commitment of living on it.

So glad you're happy with land life. Can't wait to see what wee boat you end up with (eventually).

I live in the midwestern USA. My favorite cheese sandwich is dark rye bread sliced thinly and olive oil mayo ......and cheddar.😺

That was lovely, prefer more. Especially from a USA perspective good to hear about life over that way from someone I've grown to be comfortable listening to.

Loved this video, you made me giggle. I know exactly how you feel about hot weather, I also dislike it.

I recommend Pilgrims Choice Vintage…nice and tasty, but not always stocked I find👍

Very enjoyable Q&A!!

I waited till the moment was right for me before I watched this David, and I wasn't disappointed. Your future planning is all I could hope for. As always, money lies within most of our problems, and you are no different. This was a superb video of you just sat there chatting to us. You have a gift my friend, which we are lucky to share. Thankyou, for everything.

Hi David, enjoyed your Q&A Pre Covid i went on a Rhine Danube cruise with a friend. The cruise was great, with lots of lovely places to see - tho one night we were stuck for 3 hours in a very very deep lock as the gates wouldn’t open !!!!! The point i was coming to , is that my friend is also a lover of strong cheddar. Alas the boat only offered continental cheeses at dinner. After a conversation with the waiter, he was very excited to learn that they could provide some cheddar. Very kind of them, but alas what they offered could in no way be called `Cheddar. We are going on a Danube cruise this summer, my friend is threatening to take a week’s worth of cheddar in his luggage!! Thank you and enjoy 2023

Sad to hear that the camcorder took a deep dive into the Canal, however the Q&A was great. It’s always a joy to catch up with you through RU-vid. Looking forward to the Day on an Electric Boat video. Hopefully this time the camera stays on deck this time. Cheers Dan & Deb.

Well done David, enjoyed the Q&A

Very nice vlog David! Nice to hear that you are settling into your sweet little abode. I am looking forward to your travels in the van and also with Lorna in her little boat this summer. I think it would be lovely if you were also able to get over to the continent to do some canals in Germany/Belgium/France this summer. How great would it be to see things through the eyes (and brain!) of David Johns! lol... Had a good chuckle & I totally agree with you on going on large ocean vessels! I once did the Channel on a huge Hovercraft in some very extreme weather (with a rather hungover football team as well!) and I literally kissed the sand in Dover when we finally landed! Never again! LOL!

As for the budget to travel to Europe or the US, would you consider to do a GoFundMe for this then? See, when you finished the trip, you're not indebted to anyone. Even not in your own mind, I'd suppose. 😉 I think people would love to fund these trips because of the awesome content. Either way, I really enjoyed watching this Q&A!

I live in the Rocky Mountain region of the US, and I have quite a lot of fun watching your videos. I so appreciate the work you put into each of them, and it's wonderful having the chance to see parts of England that aren't always shown in the mainstream. It's quite a different sort of landscape from the Rockies, and a different sort of boating (we have some beautiful rivers here, but in the area where I live, it's all about white water rafting or kayaking), so it's been incredibly interesting to see the contrasts as well. I just wanted to say thank you for your work, and I look forward to whatever you do next (even, eventually, that next Q&A video :) ).

Though American, I grew up eating Gouda sandwiches. But cheddar is hands down THE BEST cheese. And mild cheddar is a joke. The stronger the better.

A very good Q&A David, thanks. It was very interesting to hear your perspective on live-aboard versus sticks and bricks housing. I’m with you, in that I need a house as a base, whatever else is going on. I shall take a look at the cruising vlogs, also, to see if I could be tempted someday. Thanks for the links.

My wife and I always enjoy your Q & A videos more than your proper videos 👍🏻

David, I've been watching your videos - both narrowboat and more recently in the van - for many years; probably hundreds of hours of video. Viewing an occasional Q & A is almost like sitting down for a chat with an old friend. Just keep doing what you're doing and, I believe, many thousands of us will keep watching and enjoying.

Sorry to hear about the camera-video drop in the water, such a bummer! Thanks for a nice Q&A!

Less is definitely more. We have a little two berth caravan, and we love how everything is cleverly packed in. It's easy in a bigger caravan when you have twice the room.

That was fun. Thank you.

A natural communicator with an impeccable opinion on the perfect cheese sandwich 😊