First Time Narrow Boating Scary OMG 10 Locks Staircase!!!! 

I totally love this episode... I was following a retired couple of actors.. Man and Wife, who would rent the Narrows.. and travel all the canals in Britain.. It was so amazing.. this is such a beautiful way to see the off the road countryside of beautiful Britain.. Thank you

Hi Mazzy and Dan. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart as you have made me smile on what has been a VERY traumatic 24 hours. My beautiful, tiny (yet 10 year old) cat, Mimi, has been in the vets overnight with kidney problems and we didn't think she would make it. You have made me calm down and even smile. Loved the "I forgot myself" line from Mazzy. You are both wonderful. MANY thanks xxx.

Let mazzy know that the vertical slots in her Cape is where her arms can go so she doesn't have too keep getting it out the way when she's working. Xx

Very well done you two! The first locks we ever did on a Narrowboat holiday, was the Wigan flight. The map said 23, we thought that meant lock 23. It meant 23 locks. We nearly sank the boat at one point. 😲😲

Wow you guys did so well steering that narrow boat and getting it through all those locks👍 and I have to hand it to Mazzy....what an absolute star she is. Willing to have a go at anything and even driving through that last road bridge on her own! Absolutely brilliant 👍👍👍 .....and well done Mazzy for starting the boat👍😉 x

Well done Mazzy for starting the engine!! 😊

You're doing great for having so many things to do in the one trip. For starting the engine, I think there should be a glow plug light, probably orange, you wait til that goes out then the engine should start when you turn the key. You'll be used to it all for when you come back through it all. Thanks for showing real world boating, relaxing bits and the more stressful bits too.

Mazzy and Dan , that was so interesting to watch, and you two looked like pros. There aren’t any locks or canals in operation that I know of. still today in the US. When I was a kid, I was able to visit the canal in Metamora Indiana. The boats weren’t gas powered, but horse pulled. Thanks for sharing, have fun and enjoy your trip. Have a John Smith, you earned it ! 😊

This was amazing, thank you for taking us along on this beautiful adventure. I really loved seeing the brick arched bridges and the greenery along the river. The UK is a treat to see. Congrats Mazzy on starting up the boat and driving it! It looks so fun. 😊

A small Thank you for today's great entertainment. You two are amazing👍👍👍

4:24 was the perfect moment for Mazzy to get out of there FULL Throttle while Dan was still on land . and just out of pure charity she could have tossed him a potato to survive the day .

Bless you both! Great Job Mazzy!!!!! This is your first time doing this. I would have been very flustered also. My back freezes up all day every day. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. Hopefully coming back thru , it wont be as stressful.

WOW Dan and Mazzy , That is Some Journey you are doing and Mazzy i BET you are well proud of yourself well we Are , And Dan your looking busy too but you Both look like your really Having a good time and learning all about canal boat life , Such an interesting video , So Thanks for sharing and Take care .

Absolutely brilliant...laughed so much...with you not at you! Done loads of canal holidays but only ever got the knack of stirring the boat on one holiday...It can be stressful especially with a canal audience but you did great with those locks and are now experts...loving watching these xx

You are both coping brilliantly, it’s so interesting to watch. I hope you have enjoyed the journey despite the stress along the way. I don’t think I could do it unless I was with someone with lots of experience. Can’t wait to learn if you’ll be doing another canal boat trip. Thanks guys x

There’s no doubt that the motor home is the clear winner as far as room is concerned. But then, this is one of the smaller narrow boats. The jury is out on that one! Dan, you are starting to look like a natural boatman, steering on the tiller, as you sail along the canal! The motor home beats the narrow boat on speed, that’s for sure! But, of course, if the narrow boat travelled at motor home speed, it would be much harder, if not impossible, to control. Anyway, at the speed of the narrow boat, you can take in far more of your surroundings, as you travel, that’s a plus.Besides, there will be an abundance of wildlife to be seen, in their natural habitat.It’s definitely a laid back way to travel.I’m loving following you guys on this adventure and happy that you are enjoying it. McMinn is a good Scottish name, I knew a few people with that name, when I lived in Dumfriesshire, some years back.It was interesting watching the lock keeper opening the sluice gate, to get you on your way again.Mazzy, you did so well, helping at the lock , with a sore back and all, you’re a real trooper! I still think that as much fun as the narrow boating looks to be, van life is the winner. Until the next time, enjoy.👍😀🖐

Happy you were able to take this trip. Have fun

oi oi dan and mazzy i dont know what engine he had in that boat but the one we hired was nowhere near that loud it was a gentle hum and i think the one we hired was 50 + feet long maybe he bought a second hand tank engine .. so if you do hire one again i would check it out before you say yes .. and my friend lives on a narrow boat and life is a lot less stressful when your not against the clock you stop pretty much where you want stay a good few days then just move on .. life in the slow lane ... take care both and stay cool

I've been away this month and I've missed you two so much. Xx

Take a look at “The Narrow Boat that James Built” refurbished an old narrow boat and now cruising the cut round about where you are I think. Seriously it’s really informative. Keep up the great content.

I lived on Swingbridge Street in Foxton for many years. As a kid I'd stand on the bridge waiting for boats to come along then open the bridge for them so they could carry on through without stopping, they'd always throw coins onto the bridge so that would pay for a bag of sweets down at the village shop :) A much simpler bridge back then. Foxton Locks wasn't so Touristy then either, it only had a small shop and no pubs or restaurants.

Amazing video and you both did superb with the locks..it was so interesting watching that, you both deserve a large drink for that lol

Thank you so much for a very interesting video, even I have learnt a lot today. You are a lovely couple. Dan makes me laugh so much and you Maz are so loving, a great couple to watch, love to you both xxx

Damn, sounds like we missed some epic entertainment at the end there :) Been nice seeing you guys doing a boat trip. Sell the van and get a bigger barge :)

Well done to both of you on navigating narrowboat through the locks and opening the gates. love the word Kilworth on ye're narrow boat as its part of my postal address. so happy your both enjoying the narrow boat experience. Mary Ireland 🇮🇪

Wow your both doing a great job at this lock business you would think you've been cruising before it cant have been easy. Great time lapse on the travelling along it looked really good. I can see why people turn to the canals as it's such a quiet life just cruising along with just you and nature.

For your first time you are both doing amazing ,those lock keepers are incredible😍

Easiest way to remember which way to push the tiller, is to point it where you don't want to go, even after driving 250 miles, I still chant it to myself if there's a hazard etc, x

Had a boater in front of me didn’t pull forward enough in a lock. As the water come in, the boat moved backwards towards the closing gates. The rudder got trapped in the gates and wouldn’t release. As the water rushed in the front of the boat went up but the rear end didn’t rise at all. The boat then flooded through the back door and then sank to the bottom of the lock . The boat driver went inside the sunken boat and was trapped. The fire brigade pulled his body out….. just be careful

First time ever I got frightened watching a narrowboat show. Lol.

I'd say Dan woke up on the wrong side of the bed today 😂 depending what ever way he got out that bed 😅

Hi dan and mazzy looks so much fun lots of locks too as you say it's a bit cramped. But its different like the name of the boat little otter 🙂👍

Wow 🤣 Mazzy and her book.. Going full on Rosie and Jim style 🤣🤣🤣 doesn't surprise me at all as Mazzy seem well into that stuff!!! I know your adventure is probably over by now.... *AND* I know nothing at all... But.. a tip I've learned from the tonnes of solo/duo sailing channels I've watched over the years would be: If the boat is securely moored (front and back - fore and aft) Untie the rear (stern) lines and wrap it around the post several times and throw the loose end of the rope into the cockpit. Release the front (bow rope), put engine in gear on tick over and steer away from the mooring (with the engines tension on the rear line alone, it should pull the front end of the boat away from the tow path). Once the bow stats to move away from the Dock/mooring, quickly "unspin" the lines from the rear mooring post and you'll be off and away without having to panic too much. This has been a wicked mini-series.... Because of the Waterways Trust I wouldn't reccomend you guys go full time... BUT... Next year maybe, or maybe even over the upcoming wintery months, it would be super cool if an owner/subscriber with an unused boat would be willing to lend or very cheaply rent you a 60ft-er for say... a fortnight to a month?? That would make for some pretty amusing, yet informative content 😊👍

Here I am in Australia watching you in my hometown Leicester on foxton locks. Lovely!

Well done Dan it didnt take long for you to get the hang of that and what such beautiful scenery

Love the video, Foxton Locks, yes lovely place, about 6miles from my house. Me and the Mrs are toying with the idea of living on a boat , but not a proper canal boat , but something like a sports cruiser, and do the rivers and possibly east coast.. River Ouse etc. I purchased a Dingy last year, and use an electric outboard on it. We have had some lovely days out on it. Boating is so peaceful, no traffic jambs lol. I glad you are enjoying it. Don't really like canal boats but if you are thinking about it , maybe look at a sports cruiser .Norfolk Broads ?all the best guys

Great video.... Love different types of travel especially narrow boats.. 👍

Good job piloting the boat Mazzy.

Thanks From Christine & Mark. We met you in Rhyl a few weeks ago

Oh, you two are having a whale of a time eh? Mazzy your like a kid with a present good on you! I am so envious being a Yorkie, growing up playing around the canals at Rawdon and esholt was the best time. Enjoy yourselves.

Oh bless you Mazzy doing all those locks . Then steering the boat . I’ve had a go it’s not easy is it . Loved the video x

You both did a great job with the boat! It looks like all those boats just very in length. Any wider and you get stuck in the locks. LOL!

Ahoy Captain Dan and First Mate Mazzy, you both did an amazing job. Now it's time to relax and have a John Smith.🍺

Well-done mazzy you did amazing ❤❤

Now that's something I would love to do ... Enjoy you two

we did the holiday 4 years ago and went up the flight of foxton locks, great experience

Well you've convinced me. No way am I going to book a narrow boat holiday. Not a holiday I could do on my own I don't reckon. 😬

nice bit of teamwork boating there . well done :)

That was absolutely brilliant. Keep up the good work .

Amazing video. So honest. Well done both of you for getting through those locks (great filming). Looking forward seeing the next episode. Love from The Happy Life Show 💝

Makes me nervous just watching 😀 , Well done for not crashing/sinking etc 🙂

Ah, well done. Ye did brilliant for your first time on a narrow boat x

You're both doing brilliantly, thank you for sharing your holiday with us xx

Thanks!

You both did great, I think I would have bumped into the bank.xx

Seems very stressful but your managing great but i bet you cant wait to get back on land again x

You did very well mazzy the way I learned to steer a narrow boat was to point the tiller in the same direction the bow is heading grand job both

Looks amazing Mazzy and Dan! 😀😀

Dan busy being a Sailor ,Oh Mazzy 💕 golden opportunity to get DAN in the water!! Pushing ⛵ barge out aaaahhhhh XX great vlog

Neptune's staircase at Fort William is where you were thinking of guys. Thanks for sharing your trips, warts and all. X

Oh how beautiful the scenery was. Locks not so much but proud of you Mazzy for getting Dan throu it🥰🤟

I think you have both done really well, I was stressed just watching you it looked like really hard work.

Hello again my wonderful troll friends Dan and Mazzy. It's a different experience steering a narrow boat. But Dan you can do anything no problems with driving and macanical things?!! Different story experience for Mazzy... When I was a young girl i use to love spending time with my dad. He could make and do anything. He was also a good cook. When he was in the army he was sent to Singapore. And was a chef out there. When he was back home and I was born. He built ashed were he made lights like boats and lighthouses. The last thing he made cooking was chocolate eclairs. But sadly he passed away in 1971 age 45. I miss him so much. My mum remarried in1976. And lived until she was 80. But sadly passed away the following year the day after mothers Day. Now it's just me and my lovely little dog woody. My son works different shifts has a ambulance driver. My granddaughter works for the NEC. The only other family I have live I Lincoln cousins age 30 . But life is good you just have to get on with things. Like you both do. Bless you both.big hugs and kisses. Take care.xxxx

Great job. I do not think I would have faired as well. 😵‍💫

Cannot believe you were so close to us and we are away in the Motorhome in France. Hope you enjoy the rest of your boat trip.

Thanks for sharing another great adventure 👍

The longest lock flight in the UK is the Tardebigge Flight on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The flight boasts 30 locks and raises the canal 220 feet we did this flight in 4 hours with 6 of us I was driving and the other 5 were walking ahead and setting up the locks for me for when I arrived it was great fun 🤩

Well done Mazzy!your a star 😊x

Well done Mazzy for starting the boat, Master Mazzy and Bosun Dan.

Omg I didn't think you would be moving on the boat.well done to you both.great video 👍

left a like dan and mazzy nice to see something different i been stressed out today so i am going to hopefully watch your videos fully as they make me happy when i am down or upset or stressed i enjoy watching your videos

Whoo hoo 🤸🏻‍♂️

Omg! So stressful. Really enjoying the vlogs though. Xx

I'm well impressed with you both, I couldn't do it 👏👏.

Got thru it all & still afloat! Good job!

You make this captaincy look easy Dan…I fancy it now😊

That noisy engine at the start....did you take the handbrake off? 😉🤣

Mazzie started it 😂😂

Absolutely fantastic ten out of ten

You are now officially a A gongoozler ( definitely did not google that )

Dan should get a toy parrot for his shoulder...maybe an eye patch.

Nerves of steel, I tell you! If it were me, I'd have stayed moored up for the duration. Excellent handling of the boat, Dan and fine job on your first attempt, Mazzy. It's a learning experience for you both and I say, good on ya. Enjoy and safe journey.

A fantastic adventure you two. Look after that back Mazzy & Dan watch the arm. Have a great time.

Wow those locks looked like hard work 😳

Hey I am really interested in what your showing us about canal boat life it's looks a amazing change of direction of life for you could be life changing for you both just give your arm a rest though😃

Well done guys.

Well done both of you 👏

Thanks

It sounds like the fan belt is lose. Kev

Mazzy and Dan love watching you both . Your both such a lovely couple . Doesn't matter whot you both do you get on with it nothing phases you .

Mazzy in her element,so upbeat and loving life..Dan great job driving boat.

I know what it is like doing locks with back issues, take it slow and trick is to let the men move the first gate than yours will be easier, opening the lock paddles are the real killer as many are not maintained properly. stay safe and enjoy 🌈

That looks like a right pain in the ass steering that, 5 mph & nothing but stress. Nice views tho . M

Not saying anything about women drivers 😂 great vid.

show me the way to go home. I'm tired and I wanna go to bed. I had a little drink about an hour ago and it went straight to my head ohhhh!! come on guys show us your scars 😅

Last and a half

I'm so sorry Mazy but I must confess i was laughing at your dilemma at the end of that vlog... losing control of the steering ....and not because of you having any failings as you certainly have not you did well to get dan back on board.... I can assure you that you will laugh about it in the future "I'm speaking from the same experience for us it was the last lock before our canal entered the river so to speak I was.cast a drift with no other option than to pull up my big girl pants and work out how to not sail off into the blue yonder or find away to to get the captain(my partner) back on board ...about 30mins later and a good distance along the river and the captain running and shouting instructions from the banks I eventually crashed it to the side and he go back on board ...we didn't speak for some time after ...but we did enjoy that holiday and others that followed. I feel you anxiety and know how you was feeling "but I did laugh mostly at my own remenisance " your both doing great 👍

Awesome video on the canals. New view

That’s confusing when you cross paths with another boat coming towards you. Feels like wrong way, bet that hurts the head.

Well done Mazzy I have enough trouble reversing my car 🫣😂