A New Electric Narrowboat Ep24. #narrowboatlife #sandbagsunday 

Pleasure and thanks for the support.

Thank you Mishka. If you want to be one of the first to get the merch…..can you trial the process and order a hoodie from the website. Type my name and in slow time and it’ll come up. Thank you for your support.

I’ve messaged you re colours! Thank you 😊

Thanks Fred. Need people to interview. Hard to find as it happens. Thanks for the support.

Thank you David. I appreciate the support.

Thank you Debbie.

Thank you. I appreciate the support

Thanks as always John.

Thanks Rich.

Thank you Trevor.

Thanks Mick. Appreciate it

I agree with Wayne on this point. 400 Ah of lithium would have provided greater capacity and far less diesel for recharging.

In reality and I can only speak from my lifestyle, I run the Genny or engine for about 5 hours to charge my set-up. 550 amp/h leisure battery. That will last about 3 days in the winter. Household appliances. In the summer, I never turn an engine on. I believe it’s how you use the boat and how much travelling you do. If you’re moving, that’s free electric. If you sit around, then it’s at cost. It’s the floating charge is the bit that takes the time. I’m happy with my set-up to date.

Thank you Martin.

Thanks for the support. I appreciate it.

There are many benefits to electric living. More space due to no coal but less space as there is a requirement for batteries to live somewhere. Yes diesel is still required and what I have recently found out is that solar panels are not that eco to make. I think the most efficient in eco terms is hybrid, but my set up with one lithium battery is probably the next best. All electric is good but if you are to do a through life cost analysis, that is where the sums don’t add up. That’s my opinion but I would never critique someone going down that route. I suspect the CRT will love that as do the Govt yet they will overlook the effect on the carbon footprint on the tings that don’t aligned with their narrative. Water Freedom was installed and they have got it nailed I think…..when it’s fixed!

⁠@@chrismears-inslowtime- yes always going to have some kind of Trade Off with electric - it has to come from somewhere… whether that’s burning fuel to produce or creating products to harness natural resources…. Full electric boats…. You can see the que’s now waiting for charging points 😂 worse than at water points 😮 What is a water freedom system? Is that like the filtration system you showed on a previous vlog with the million different filters? Can’t see that as being cost or eco effective with having to keep replacing them all?

@jongibbs1036 again a lot of trade offs but it does mean they can shower and use the washing machine more regularly than me!

It's really just for occasional use, water anxiety etc. if we find a great spot and don't want to move for water we can top up from the canal.

Hi Jacqueline. I' like the option of diesel engines and from what Mercedes and BMW have said in the news, EV are not the success they were promised to be so have re-introduced combustion engines. I would suggest, hybrid may be the best option but, diesel will be here for years to come. Not sure I can make Crick this year unfortunately.

@@chrismears-inslowtime aww that’s a shame hopefully catch up another time soon xx

Thank you for the support.

You appear to have the gold plated solution Stan. I think it’ll take time for the boat industry to align as what is the best system. It’s too new and the hybrid/electric solution needs to play itself out. The boat builders need to come together to discuss what’s best and keep in lane once the decision is made.

Thanks for the comment

You can always meet up if you’re ever in an area easy for you. Thanks for the support.

Yes Jack. Agreed. We have exchanged mobile numbers.

Thank you Jayne. I agree with the holidays thing. It’s not your issue when things go wrong and it’s just a holiday. I too like my creature comforts and have plenty on the boat. A car would be useful….very useful. Enjoy your holidays and thanks for the comment.

Thanks Tom. As always.

Always difficult to find people to interview. I passed them three days earlier and lucky to moor up behind them. There is Colin when the time is ripe. Thanks Sally.

Thanks Steve. Linslade…need to moor there at some point. Never any room when I pass.

Isn’t that life Lynn. Never happy unless we’re moaning about stuff.

I quess so 😂 i dont really moan .but saying that i suppose i moan about people mooaning 😅

I must ring you soon as my life could be changing soon. Possible job with work abroad type of thing. Thanks Pete.

Thanks Wayne.

Thanks Chunky. Appreciate it.

Thanks Trev. Not sure how a boat without a generator works in the winter. Would like to find that out. As for the conversion….would like to see that too as I think that will be the winner model if it’s workable. Take care mate.

Thanks for the lovely comment and support. I appreciate it.

Hi Harry. Yes, one take and the edit; i just missed out the crap I spoke about so there was about 10 mins of reduction time. It took about 3 hours all in. Thanks for the support.

That’s good to hear Gary. I don’t know anyone who has that system or full electric moan about it. I think as with all boaters, if you count the through life costs, it’s not cheap. Living isn’t cheap regardless but no-one discusses the cost of being on land do they? It’s just accepted.

I’d like to do more interviews as they are easy to make and easier to edit. Trouble is….finding people to chat to when I’ve only got a short stay at each location.

@@chrismears-inslowtime understand! Thanks Chris. Have a good day 👍

Thanks Andy.

Good point Graham, but we didn’t discuss how often the Webasto was used per day which uses about one ltr an hour. To analyse that would have been fairer.

Good luck Craig and I hope you both enjoy it. We didn’t analyse the fuel bit enough. I should have clocked it. However, Webasto, Stove and generator all use the same fuel. It would be nice to get stats for future reference. You would only need to get hot water twice a day. The same as house I would think and you’ve probably used 2 hours = 2 ltrs a day. Stove….not sure of the diesel usage on low setting. Enjoy the lifestyle mate.

I've just watched another vlog where the people had an incinerator toilet and said that it was very power hungry when used for liquids, so this couple ended up with an elsan toilet for liquids and used the incinerator toilet for just solids. They said their power consumption went down by about 40% if I remember correctly!!

Thanks Tony. Nick makes a very good point and concur with his stats. The owner of The Fit Out Pontoon has an incinerator toilet. Two poos and a drained battery. He’s on the grid so he’s not bothered but wanted to check for future builds. Incinerate if you have a hook up. Agree with the retro fit Tony. I was discussing this point with Lloyd. Where do you put the leisure batteries. Electric boats or hybrid need to be designed from the start. That said, there is a comment that suggests otherwise…..forgotten who it is but if you’re interested……. Thanks for the interaction fellas.

You need to show all the builders what you’ve got. It’ll be interesting. If you’ve converted from diesel to electric, that could be a game changer. Thanks for the info Jason.

@@chrismears-inslowtime narrowboat economical electric propulsion / jason woods ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6j3cb4hxF0I.html

Mark. NB life unlocked had a system from their boat maker not Beta marine and changed to Vetus set up after the problems you noted.

@@johnchristmas310 Thanks for the correction. I thought their initial hybrid system was off-the-shelf too, but underpowered for their use. Hence the change to something beefier. Shows that electric and hybrid drive are still in their infancy.

Good chat fellas.

I agree with the battery and solar minerals being used to create ‘Green’ living. Not very green to make them. If the Blue life is in your veins this life should suit. It suits me if I wasn’t on my own. Sure I can cope but…..Thanks for the comment Liz.

I think that is an issue of living on your own. But if you’re happy, that’s great. I just want to be happy. Happy go for a pint but I must warn you, I’m a lightweight! My days of handling beer…..well gone.

Not a big drinker myself, but like a pint with a pub lunch 😅

Hi, thanks for the comments. You would still be stuck if something broke on an engine or gearbox though. Are electric motors more reliable, I suggest they are. Watch this space.

There are a number of options which is great. Everyone lives their life differently with choices. For me, it came down to cost. Diesel stoves are more expensive to buy. I ran out of money with the basics as my pockets were only so deep. My only advice Mick, save hard. Thanks for the comment. Can’t add value to the engine stuff, as I’m clueless.

Hi. Hull from known builder c£60k Electric similar sum all in. Fit out c£100k Hope that helps.

I would like that too. That said I would like to analyse the diesel usage as John stated 70ltrs every two weeks. So what is Webasto usage as opposed to generator and diesel stove. They all use the same fuel. I think if John had just a generator it might and didn’t use the Webasto or stove, the stats would be more complimentary. Although it wasn’t discussed, in hindsight having Lorraine in the vid would have been good but would have required a different set up. Filming on a narrowboat when I only have a few feet in width means the GoPro was the idea camera. However, John or Lorraine would have been blocked. Perhaps using my boat on the dinette might work although still a challenge to film. Thanks for the comment

To life life to the full is important. My son Max taught me that. Hence Maximise Life. Enjoy every day.

So important to get out there. I delayed, there are SO many things we let get in the way of our plans. I know so many folks who delayed these sort of decisions 😢. I have just recently bought a narrowboat from a couple because of a delay and one of them becoming terminally ill, so so sad. ... ... get the the boat done and get out there on the cut. I still wonder if I left it later that I should have, well time will tell, however I have experienced 5 months of living on a boat! Woooohoooo, nobody can take that from me .... whatever happens. Colin, Iris No.2

We’ve spoken about it Lloyd. At the moment there is plenty of content. I wonder what it’ll be like when I wonder back up the GU over Winter. Probably no content and give myself a break. As you say, less content or when there’s something to film. Hope you’re well mate.

I think there is a balance for lithium. Leisure use is great. Mine are supposed to last longer than my life on the boat. Not sure I’ll ever find out but then….I might. Lithium in cars must produce a lot of heat. How do they cool off. Yes they are expensive. Marine/leisure is about £1000 for 100amp/h as a planning assumption. Yes you can get cheaper from China but….. Retiring young is the key to happiness. The Govt don’t want you to though as they need workers to drive the economy in this insatiable world that globalisation has created. Thanks for the comment Val.

For me it was about cost…..and now, although I do get it, the cost of diesel on the Genny is far more than I would have been happy with. Those are the hidden costs that maybe are less known on design and buying. It’s all about the idea and when used practically, well, it’s a little late to change your mind.

I’ve considered a pet Eddy. Then realised it’s not for me…..just yet. It’ll happen when I’ve stopped this RU-vid thingy and maybe someone else to share the duty. It’s strange perhaps but I think at this moment, it would suit my needs. Additionally, I’m looking for work which might take me abroad.

Thanks Tony.

Would very much like to have a goosey at some stage Arthur. Am I heading your way? Thanks for the comment and I’ll have a look at the CtC vid.

​@@chrismears-inslowtimeyou are more than welcome Chris..lots of northern hospitality 😊

It does appear to be quite expensive but we didn’t determine if the Webasto central heating system uses more than the generator? The Webasto uses about one ltr of diesel an hour. You only need to put that on for 1.5 hours in the morning and evening for hot water and that is approx 42ltrs of fuel every two weeks. Agree with the loneliness thing. I think there will be a crossover of when I will become used to being on my own. I’m less lonely this year than last year. As the years progress….. Thanks for the comment.

Gary. There may be a blog soon about how it all started and journey from now. But 40 years as Main Contractor PM took it's tole so wanted a slower pace, always loved the canals so sold up and had Round Tuit made.

Thanks for the chat fellas

Look forward to it John and best wishes on your new adventure

You’ve got a story to tell. Need to meet up Jason!!!

Now that would make a very interesting conversation!

@@JL1308 I think the time my boat and myself was washed up out of a tidal lock onto the lock face would be close to my most ' shit , shit, oh shit ' experiences on the cut 🤣 Makes one feel veru grateful 🙏

@@Jason-cj3ih 😮😂

Thanks for the insight. I rarely watch other Narrowboat channels as to be honest, I don’t have the time and the stuff on RU-vid I watch, I want to learn about psychology or other factors of life….comedy. It’s only when people like John and those narrowboaters offering information that we can get the inside scoop. It’s quite expensive in diesel costs. I didn’t realise that. Pleased it was informative. Thanks for the comment.

I get the point Jess. I did some strong research into my lithium leisure setup. The heat from a lithium is generally caused when in use. I can hear the fan playing in the background when pushing out power for the washing machine. Also when charging. It has ventilation…although not for the reason the boat safety scheme suggests, which assists. I don’t know if cars have that sort of ventilation. My battery is the same style of battery used in larger marine vessels. If it’s good enough for a multi million dollar boat……There was a re-visit of this in 2022 for electric on the canals. Dismissed as too complicated and it’ll be difficult to redesign every boat for electric. Not sure you can properly convert a diesel to electric………edit……wrong. Read Jason, he’s done it

As you say Peter, plenty of opportunities and while some would like to berate another person’s decision making, it is that person’s life we are all analysing. If they are happy with their set up…..who should argue. I know there are some that have had a pop at my set up but I am more than happy with it in the summer. I have to measure that with life in the winter. Pros and cons of life. Thanks for your thoughts mate.

I'm not sure toroidal props are good for canals. Imagine how much more complicated it would be to remove a plastic bag from it.

Thanks fellas for the chat. I’m clueless so can’t add value.

I’m crap at English so don’t worry about it.

We do plan to meet up again so I’ll ask Lorraine if she wants to chat on camera. Initially is was a camera faff thing as there is very little room on a boat for that type of chat. Perhaps the next one will have to be on my boat if all three of us are present. Thanks for the comment Angela.

Keep me in the loop Nathan. I’ll be happy to meet up and do a spot of filming.

​@@chrismears-inslowtimeno problem , I'm just waiting for my house sale to complete so I have funds for the project

As I was moored behind John, I did hear the Webasto coming on at 0600hrs from the inside of my boat but not their generator. That said, the generator is noisier than the Webasto on the inside. We didn’t analyse the amount of time the Webasto is used for hot water and diesel heating. I think I need to add a bit more context in a future vid. Thanks for the comment George. You have made me think deeper about it.

I do remember this conversation at the time of my build. To be honest, I rarely get condensation on the boat when the stove is on. So I do wonder if the double glazing is worth while anyway. I just put the bungs in!

@@chrismears-inslowtime Yes the stove is an air dryer. First of all it warms the air in the boat up which reduces the relative humidity %. It also takes the moist air that is inside your boat and draws it in and sends it up the flue. This air is then replaced by air via your vents so instead of adding your breathing, cooking and showering moisture to the same batch of already moist air in your boat you are constantly sending the moist air up the flue and refreshing the air inside your boat. Without the stove you will end up with air with a very high rH% and in turn more condensation when it finds a surface below its dew point temperature. Bungs are a good idea as they basically insulate your glass and window frames from coming into contact with any of the air inside your boat. The frames and glass may well still be at a temperature that is below the airs dew point temperature but if the air can't come into contact with them then you can't get condensation. The bung to window frame seal needs to be 100% air tight though. Your bungs will also be absorbing any condensation that is caused by the air that is able to get past the bung. The downside of bungs though compared to double glazing and thermal break frames is that they block out light and stop you looking at the outside!

I’d like to go there too.

@@chrismears-inslowtime that’s what President Xi said!

Good for you. Sorry about the ageism. I just think it’s great for the older folk to inspire the young pups there is life past 30.

It's a good point but if you exclude the generator there are much less moving parts in an electric motor and drive train than in traditional engine and gearbox. As you say, time will tell. It is nice to experience near silent cruising though.

@@johnchristmas310 IV just started cruising and IV got a beta marine diesel on my boat , it runs so quiet the noise never bothers me

Good chat fellas. Dont ask about engines for me as I can just about work out where the key goes.

I didn’t find the noise intrusive on the boat so maybe the microphone picked up more than it sounded on the boat. I have found all microphones appear to pick up more background noise than I think I heard at the time……. I also think we can all get used to noise if it’s constant. I remember sleeping next to a 3kva generator in Iraq. We needed it for power in the HQ and radio batteries. As loud as it was, I still got sleep.

Thank you for your reply Chris. I didn't mean to criticise your vlog which I found to be extremely interesting and helpful. In my experience as a studio musician the level of unwanted background noise bleeding into microphones varies significantly,depending on the listening device. In this particular instance I watched your vlog on a Galaxy tablet via a set of Sound core earbuds. These are fairly high-end earphones if you like and the frequency range capability is well extended, meaning that the low frequency noise from the generator was very prominent in relation to the conversation which was barely audible at times. Listening via my inexpensive android phone was a different experience and the generator was far less prominent. I thought it might be useful to you to be aware of the problem , it might help you avoid similar issues in future. Please keep up the vlogs which are incredibly useful and delivered in a very informal, natural and spontaneous conversational style which is very refreshing. Kind regards, Mick Candler. 😎👍😎

@@mickcandler9849 thanks for the reply. I understand about headphones. I love my sennheiser headphones. A lovely warm sound. I am aware of the background noise and could lower it and perhaps should have done. That has an effect on the tones of the voice. I would then need to address the quality of the sound design over the 40min vid. That takes time and to be honest, it is worth my time? I don’t get paid for my work and to do editing, colour and sound correction to an audience that generally are accepting I’m not a pro. This is not a criticism of your initial comment but a justification of my reason why I didn’t address it. Thanks for your understanding

Not sure what you mean Harry. I’m thinking does everything use oil?

Hi Val - nbinslowtime@gmail.com

@@chrismears-inslowtimeThank you and I see my original post was allowed. I don’t understand what is going on and why they do it.

The solar panel on a car will not produce enough. e.g. Today we had some sun; about two hours of sun in total along with light. I woke up with 76% of battery life and when the sun set, I had 81%. It’ll use 25% over night. So with those 2 big panels I gained about 5% extra. A car will use when moving a lot of power. It’ll need to be plugged into the grid to charge it up regardless and the amount of resources it takes to make a solar panel exceeds the power it generates over a life time, I have read. Electric anything is not green. Lithium leisure batteries are about as green as lithium can be in my opinion which is not as green as a lead acid battery. So agree with your comment in general. It’s all a load of rubbish. So what is the agenda?