Firstly, thank you for the outpouring of positivity, which I'm not at this juncture sure I deserve. This moment, I count only 26 (update: 68) unsubscribes, which means a lot. I will read and reply to every single comment. But now it's 11pm, and I need to kick this lurgy before my events this weekend. (update: I'm replying in groups of 30, so I give them all proper attention. Over 400 so far, but I will catch up) Also, I've intentionally not made this a 30min detailed explainer, as I anticipate questions or 'why can't you....?' suggestions and l'll engage with them properly in a video.
Alex, you’ve made the right decision! The RNLI episode happened for a reason - the situation could have been far worse. At least you’re here to tell the tale 😊
Tis far better a thing to be an alive man on the coast with regrets than a lost soul in the abyss who was run down by a freighter while adrift with no propulsion ..... _Lord Nelson_ - boat captain.
It’s been a pleasure being able to witness your journey so far. I’m certain it’s more disappointing for you than for us that you have to part with your fine vessel. Never be ashamed of doing the smart or safe thing. Godspeed.
I agree. I have 235 skydives but I will probably never perform a BASE jump. The equipment and circumstances are inherently more dangerous than jumping out of airplanes into a prepared area with a reserve parachute and plenty of altitude/time to work out a backup solution before bouncing . Risk is something to understand and manage. And we each make our own choices about which risks are acceptable and which ones are not.
*too dangerous. Not being picky but it makes no sense otherwise, eg a sign I saw on a sharp bend: “Are You Going To Fast?” There was no town called Fast. But too fast would have made sense.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals It's the correct choice. These boats are just not designed for open ocean navigation. They are designed to keep you alive until rescue.
That must have been a tough call after putting in so much work. But understandable and right. All the best with the adventures, thanks for taking me along and providing outstanding entertainment. Hopefully I'll have 2 channels to follow now. Alex and Alan.
I have no involvement with boating, and yet I have been glued to this channel, and to Tally Ho and Arabella. I enjoy the problem-solving, the design work, the unfamiliar locales, the skills, explanations of the systems. I knew nothing of this nautical world, and now I do. Sure, I'll stick around because whatever you present will be new to me. Thanks.
Good for you for not letting your ego get you into serious trouble by taking a single propulsion vessel into a challenging environment after realizing that that was a poor decision in the first place! It shows the wisdom and confidence of someone who makes a living by going to places that would kill the rest of us. It's been a fun ride and we'll be sad to see Alan go away. But we will look forward to your next adventure and your next series of excellent programs!
I can't help but feel disappointment, but we don't live in a fairytale, and sometimes real-life decisions have to be made. I wish both of you the best, Alex will remain in my subs list, and Alan will always have a little place in my heart.
I completely agree, a single point of failure close to shore is not too much of a risk thanks to the wonderful RNLI but where there is a long distance to cover between land it becomes a significant problem in the event of an engine failure. I hope that all your hard work on Alan can still be put to good use. It would be a pity to se it go to waste.
We were moored a couple of places away from Alan in Wick, after we'd just had a fairly rough trip down from the Shetlands, and wondered if you really knew what you were taking on. It sounds like you've been a victim of mission-creep, and are absolutely right to stop when you realised that Alan wasn't suitable for what you want to do. The Sheltand Islands have more boat museums per person than anywhere in the UK, and a great tradition of finding new uses for unused boats, so I hope Alan finds a satisfying new life.
In Dutch we have saying:"Beter ten halve gekeerd, dan ten hele gedwaald." which loosly translates to " it is better to stop half way than to persevere in an error." I find it commendable that you stop your journey with Alan here on the Shetlands after the Engine malfunction and subsequent reassessment of risks. I look forward to the upcoming Alan episodes and your further endeavors whatever they may be.
I like your style, Alex. I am happy to keep enjoying your videos on whatever topics seem like a good fit for me. A friend of mine taught me this year that life isn't linear and that I would be foolish to believe so. We zig. We zag. We try. We fail. We succeed. We continue. For what it is worth, I live in Seattle and watching Alan's videos has helped me overcome a lot of fears. So tomorrow, I am viewing a liveaboard boat here, for what I hope will be many Puget Sound adventures. Thank you for your example.
Hi Alex, I really enjoyed all the Alan content, but what I really enjoy is your style of video making, presenting and delivey. I'll stay subscribed to see what happens next! I think you've made the right decision, safety at sea is paramount and so is confidence in your boat. Best wishes from Australia!
You did a good job of putting logic before emotion - I know I struggled with that when I first heard the news. I'm sure whatever future projects you take on will be equally exciting!
Alex, I am a sailor who has sailed high latitudes up in Alaska. I have to say you are making the right choice here. The life boat project was neat, but it was a crazy gamble to run around the open sea on. That being said I would love to see you take on a sailboat and continue that way, I am sure there are plenty good full keel boats around there looking to be loved the way you have poured your heart into Alan.
I started watching a couple years ago shortly after I bought a camper van. Your experience renovating Alan paralleled my experience fixing up my camper, but with a twist. I've enjoyed your dry wit, and really like your video making style. I'm sad to see Alan go, but the journey was the fun part. I suppose whether it ended with Alan finished and exploring the Arctic, or ended now, eventually the funny build videos would have to end. You made the right call not going beyond the limits you are comfortable with. I'm glad to have been exposed to some of your exploration videos in the process, and look forward to seeing more of those when they pop up in my subscription feed. I hope you find more projects to document working on, as I need constant updates on the status of your metal grinder.
Been watching since the start of Alan, its really been a great run. Love all the videos. I respect you for making such a difficult decision regarding all of this. Your time was very well spent and people will be able to enjoy the videos of this great build for a long time. Looking forward to you next adventure. Cheers from Sweden.
You're safety and the safety of any crew you would have had is the most important thing. I have enjoyed the journey over the last few years and am looking forward to seeing where the channel goes. Cheers to you and Alan! Thank you for all the hard work you have put in. I feel a kinship with you and will support your work going forward.
I was just up at Tuktoyaktuk for the summer solstice and the sea was calm with no sea ice in sight. My third time to the Arctic Ocean for the summer solstice. I completely understand your love of it up there.
A sad, but understandable decision. Been watching you work on Alan since near the beginning of the project, it's how I found the channel. While I had high hopes it'd all pan out, I see how it's become a major time/money sink, for something that has grown out of it's original scope and is taking away from your other endeavors. I'm glad to stay on for your other projects and expeditions. I hope you're able to find Alan a new owner, who will love and cherish him as much as you have. God speed.
Loved the journey mate, you should be very proud and even more proud of not being too foolhardy to come unstuck offshore! I for one will be sticking about to see what happens next…! All the best and I hope Alan and Alansøn find a great new home!!!
as a sailor who has been through 20 to 30 meter waves in the north Atlantic, only get on the boat if you feel it's safe. I'll stick around, i really enjoyed Alan, and the sled dogs episodes. hope to see some more artic exploration in your future. i heard there are new water falls seen in Greenland.
I must admit when my boat was along side yours at Benfleet and you told me of your plans, I did think to myself is that the right boat for the job. These ships lifeboats are unsinkable and self righting and will go over waves and through them, they were never made for long offshore travel. For safety and security two engines are essential. You have done very well to get to where you are and are to be congratulated on that. I wish you well for the future.
Hi Alex, it was the boat-building that likely made YT suggest you to me, but I'm here for everything you're up to, and especially your wonderfully British way of phrasing things. It's lovely, amidst this sea of Americanised content "standards", to have someone who sounds completely like home, as it were 😊 I'll be sad to see plucky little Alan part ways with you but also much happier that you're not risking several lives to a questionable Bukh not designed for inverse-Viking trips across the North Sea. Wherever life takes your channel next, I'll be here.
Looking at the comments they are all positive and im just stuck for anything to add. One thing for sure is your a very honest man, confident, self assured, just have a break and not a breakdown as your as human as the rest off us. Alan was my brother's name and after buying his first ex lifeboat in Fife it broke down in a gale crossing the Forth to east Lothian and a navy vessel rescued him, only his pride was damaged. Take good care of yourself and grateful thanks from me. Regards Robert
Having spent the last 8 years working at sea and a great many hours working on lifeboats, I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t intentionally cross such an isolated stretch of open sea in one. There is no alternate means of propulsion and totally enclosed lifeboats aren’t particularly well suited to their installation. The main problem for me however is maintenance. The way lifeboats are designed and built means there are parts that you are physically incapable of accessing without getting destructive. Other components are accessible only through removing parts of the structure, whilst the rest is a genuine nightmare when the thing is up on the davits, let alone a tossing sea. I’ve seen them fail often enough to know how likely it was to happen to you and I wouldn’t want to be in that situation myself.
I found the channel because of Alan, but have come to appreciate your humour and storytelling much more than even the projects at hand. I hope I am not alone in this. Now onwards and upwards, even if there is no Alan V2 in the future I am very interested to see whatever it is you are going to show us in the future.
You’re absolutely doing the right thing. Safety comes before anything else and you are being very responsible. It’s sad but it’s been an interesting journey for you and here’s hoping that as you travel on in a different direction we will all see that you made the right decision.
That’s a tough call to make but if you question your safety then it’s the right one. I’ve enjoyed your Alan videos and look forward to seeing future projects. Stay safe and thank you!
Jeez man this came as a shock. I've followed you from the start where I somehow dropped on one of your early vids of Alan, then binge watched the lot to catch up and followed you ever since, so I really feel for you knowing how much work you've put into Alan including whilst enroute! Its no doubt the right call (given a single engine with no sails) but wherever your next adventure take you I'll be there as I'm staying subscribed! Stay safe!!
Everything that you have done has been in good faith and it has been good to come along on the journey with you and Alan but your safety and anyone else with you is paramount and therefore I commend you for your honesty and I for one will keep watching the channel.All the best for the future.
Thank you for bringing us along on this amazing journey. I look forward to chapter 2 , what ever that may be . I’m sure it won’t disappoint . Thanks again .
Congratulations on achieving what you have. A pragmatic decision. Hold your head high. Thank you for taking us along. 90% of what I watch is boat related but I look forward to following what you do next. Cheers
Oh, and I fully understand the feeling that comes from a lack of confidence in your engine, when you have taken every precaution and yet, a malfunction. The straw...
Offshore small craft need redundancies. You made the right call, and those right calls are often harder than not. Keep safe, keep sailing, keep calm, and carry on. Thanks again friend.
Alex, a very sensible decision, but it's been an amazing journey. Alan certain has captured our imaginations, but the demands of RUclips should not be put above you and your crews safety. Looking forward to your further adventures and well done for all you have achieved.
I think it's a good call you must always think of the safety aspect of all things you do. Allen and yourself have grown to be splendid pair, and I for one wish you could continue the adventure. But if it's not safe to go it's just not and I commend you on that decision. Hope to see more of you in the future.
Sorry to see this project come to an end, I hope Alan finds a new owner and a new adventure. I appreciate all the hard work and innovation that you have put into this and how difficult a decision this was . I worked on a boat conversion project in Cyprus in 1986(ex trinity house 100’ MFV to Bermudan rigged 3 mast auxiliary schooner) for 9 months, and left because it was doomed to failure, ( it did sink in the Red Sea), so I do empathise.
Ive watched since the beginning of Alan. I absolutely love getting to watch your process of working towards your goal. I am excited to see you continue on your journey regardless of the equipment used! You've done a great job! Im not going anywhere
I’m an apprentice AMGA ski/alpine guide and feel like I’ve learned a lot from your channel. As a guide I’m well aware of when safety margins are too thin. I’m looking forward to what other adventures are coming, and what else you have to teach. What other RUclips channel puts out content on foot in the arctic? Arctic exploration often feels like a thing of the 19th & 20th centuries, I think you bringing it to this platform is invaluable.
I am relieved to hear this. It’s been an amazing project to follow and I have enjoyed watching your trials and tribulations, for which I thank you. All the very best to you and I think this has been an excellent decision. Well done.
I'm really sorry to hear this, I've really enjoyed this project. I feel sorry for you, it must be hard to face this decision. It's such a cool thing and I wish I was close enough to give Alan a new home!
I’m here because I love your style of videos. Your outlook and humor and the effort and love you put in to everything you do. Yours and spear it animal are two of my favorite channels for that reason.
Alex, this has been the single best boating series that I've had the pleasure of watching. And an amazing display of work ethic. Thank you. I am looking forward to the rest of the Alan videos, and for whatever you bring us in the future. Hopefully the right buyer comes along soon.
Alex, I’m a member of a sea angling club and use the club boats ( 16ft dinghy’s ) to get out fishing, we use 5hp British Seagull engines, well maintained and almost indestructible! But we put one on the transom, tuck one in the bow, have 5 times the fuel we need and enough spare’s and tools to rebuild both engines just in case? Floatation suits, Life jackets, flares, 2 anchors, Sat nav, hand held VHF, 2 compasses, even oars, and more just for a day to have a fishing trip? It’s a great workout lugging all the gear to and from the boat but it’s worth it because the sea can change in an instant, the fog can come down in minutes, and even the best and well maintained engine can fail at the worst possible time. You get the picture so although ALAN is very sea worthy just a single engine and no other form of propulsion makes him a bad choice for long distance travel over the open sea! I’ll stay subscribed, I watch you not Alan, good luck with whatever you’re going to do now! Andy.
Alex, have you considered sending Alan via ship to your desired end location? From what I recall the original plan for Alan was to be a base station for Ice expeditions? In theory, shipping Alan to that location would eliminate almost entering all your concerns about taking Alan offshore?
Sorry to hear that the Alan journey ends here. I too will continue to support you especially since we both share the same dry humor. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this project!
Long term subscriber, looking forward to the arctic stuff. It was always a pleasant surprise to see. I imagine the sense of how big a deal this change is, is much bigger for you than us! Definitely going to stay. Looking forward to the new direction.
I do agree You are making the right decision, the project is very bold and the reality kicked in Alan is not the boat for that, it was made for survival and is essentially good for that. You Made the good call. That’s it a step back to get impulse for other journeys. I will keep following the channel and the future adventures. All the best!
I will sail it around the med for you???? Wow what an adventure so far wish Alan and yourself the very best. I love your honesty on your page and thank god you haven't been one of those youtubers who just brought super new boat😊 as we love watching people suffer and succeed at the same time
I quite like boats but stayed with this because of the narration and humour. I think your judgement is sound in regard to not continuing. I have been in waves officially recorded as 70 feet in the North Sea, on a considerably larger boat than Alan. I can't contemplate what it would be like in a lifeboat if there was a loss of power and no directional control. The old seatbelt advert of the raw egg in a biscuit tin comes to mind. Keep up the excellent work Alex.
Thanks for the transparency Alex! It is a good call to stop with Alan before some sort of A catastrophe. You have put so much effort Into Alan and in exchange. You have learned a lot a new thing. I'm looking forward to the new content and adventure!!
I lived on a 55ft sailing catamaran. I know the risks and That boat just isn't built for the passage. Stay safe and trust your gut. Was great while it lasted. Hold your head up high, you have done more than most people have done. Best of luck.
Alex - I’ve been watching since the beginning of your channel and your working on Alan was what initially caught my attention. With that being said, it’s the overall journey (your journey), your insight, knowledge and your in the field learning that keeps me, and will continue to keep me watching. As long as the grinder doesn’t disappear, you’ll be fine.
I appreciate the candor and honestly in coming to us with this decision. Like many others in the comments, I do agree it wasn't only the best call, it was the right call. I know the allure of the Sunk Cost Fallacy can be significant, but you're doing whats best to move forward.
never any regrets for doing the right thing, it's been a great journey so far and excited to keep seeing what you (and Alan in his next life) get up to
As a local to the Shetland islands I congratulate you for making it this far as it's a poor stretch of water between sumbrugh and fair isle. Look forward to seeing future videos of the next adventure you set out on.
Your expedition northwards highlights a commitment to uncovering challenging realities with compassion and insight. Your work truly makes a difference! And I am Floating Village Life.
I watch because you are unique in your thinking and your presentation, you entertain with your personality and long may it last, all breakups are sad but Alan will find a new home and you will continue with your quest, I look forward to the next episode
Well done Alex. Tough call but the right one. Have really enjoyed watching Alans progress and will certainly miss the updates but looking forward to what comes next.
I came for the Lifeboat build... I stay for the adventure. Any call made for Safety is the right call. Im looking forward to watching your travels to the arctic and more. Keep the chin up.
Totally understand safety always comes first when at se ,good luck with your future endeavours and looking forward to seeing your up and coming videos.
I've enjoyed your land expedition just as much as the water. From designing , preparing, thought process, and to putting it all together. I will be sticking around to see what's next and I hope others will too.
Its been a painfully enjoyable run and i cant say im not disappointed. I wish you well and i really really hope you stick to your promise of finding Alan a good home.
Hi Alex, tough call to make but safety has to come first! Love to see him go to a caring home though & look forward to seeing your other adventures! Chin up! From an Allan with the correct amount of L's😉😆
mmm it was a fascinating journey to get here, and thank you for your honesty, maybe we need to fit skis under Allen so he could become a base camp for your Artic adventures... i look forward to your new Adventures...
Thanks for taking us along for the ride, It was always on my mind that you only had a single engine. I'm looking forward to what you do next. So long Alan.
It's been a fun journey watching the progress of ALAN! , and thank you for the transparency. Thinking about the danger to your life and those of others is never something to apologize for.
Hard video to watch, harder still to record... Thank you for being open and honest. Also thank Alan for helping me through lock down, watching the update videos is how I remember 2020.
Safety first man, it's fine. This is the first video l ever see of you. And I'm subscribing in order to see what's the outcome. I'll eventually come around to peruse your previous adventures. Hopefully you can find a suitable replacement to your boat. Yes, that bit of sea between Norway and Longyearbyen is not to be underestimated, even with the safety net of a proficient coast guard nearby.
That must have been an incredibly hard decision to make, lots of time and money have gone into Alan but sometimes you’ve got to cut your losses and venture down a different path, you must have learnt a huge amount carrying out such a project so I’m sure your can put your unstoppable enthusiasm and skill into something else, it’s been an amazing journey to watch so thank you for sharing both the highs and the lows,
Certainly a tough decision to make, but a good and reasonable call given the experience and knowledge you gained through the sea trials. I personally found the channel early on in the build through RUclipss recommendations, so Alan is the reason I am here, but the reason I stayed was your attitude and presentation. While I have some experience with boats it's not my main interest and the "off-topic" videos in between were always the most interesting to me. I also really liked the small insights you gave during the build for operation of equipment in extremely cold conditions. If I may make a suggestion here: these types of insights would make great standalone videos as well. Like your experience with materials, areas/materials on equipment (both clothing and other) that tend to fail first, different battery chemistries (again, I think you mentioned your experience with alkaline, carbon-zinc and other rechargeable/non-rechargeable types at some point) and so on. But no matter what, I will look forward what is to come, both here and on Arguably!
That must have been such a hard decision to make after putting so much love into project Alan. It’s a shame Alan’s journey is over but I subscribe to see what you’re up to rather than the boat. Get working on the next adventure please!
Its a very hard thing to make a major change. I commend the effort that you have put forth into Alan. Its with this that I have chosen TO subscribe to you, knowing that you can make the hard choices and most importantly be Honest in them. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Alan.
The dream of Alan always seemed a bit fevered & while I can't say I'm not disappointed I won't see him nestle into arctic pack ice, I am glad you are doing what's right for both yourself & Alan. I'll keep watching, & cherish my Alan hat which I hope will fuel fever dreams of my own for years to come.
It's the right decision, I have worried about the boat choice from the beginning. I have also very much enjoyed being along for the ride, so I guess I'll still be here and watching to see how the story continues. Whichever way it goes you have my best wishes for the future 🍻
Thank you for letting me (us) be part of your journey with Alan, I really do understand your decision. Depending on the content and the next videos but for now I will keep checking in with you
A sensible decision Alex, coming from a professional survivor. Alan could have another life as a purely coastal or river exploration platform or a test article for sail propulsion, with a drop keel in an enclosed box and a simple square rig or similar. The hull form is not far off that of Sven Yrvinds creations, though the windage is a tad more. Substantial upwind progress would be ambitious. Perhaps a more reliable motor; perhaps the gentle application of too much money also. Lookng forward to your continuing adventures at the Edge.
I am relieved to hear your comments. That hull / engine format, was never designed for long passages. If it was deployed as a lifeboat, the engine would only have had to function for a short time until a rescue ship arrived on site. As per previous messages, prop / shaft damage when encountering sea ice, is a substantial risk. Prop guards / ice deflectors are missing!! Tread boldly !!
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![Cast acrylic window replacements, and reaction to your reactions. Expedition Lifeboat Ep131 [4K]](/img/tr.png)
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Firstly, thank you for the outpouring of positivity, which I'm not at this juncture sure I deserve. This moment, I count only 26 (update: 68) unsubscribes, which means a lot. I will read and reply to every single comment. But now it's 11pm, and I need to kick this lurgy before my events this weekend. (update: I'm replying in groups of 30, so I give them all proper attention. Over 400 so far, but I will catch up)
Also, I've intentionally not made this a 30min detailed explainer, as I anticipate questions or 'why can't you....?' suggestions and l'll engage with them properly in a video.
Alex, you’ve made the right decision! The RNLI episode happened for a reason - the situation could have been far worse. At least you’re here to tell the tale 😊
If you need a sail i can donate a pair of my ex-wife's underpants.... washed of course... should be good for a few dozen yards of cloth
Disappointment much.!
Tis far better a thing to be an alive man on the coast with regrets than a lost soul in the abyss who was run down by a freighter while adrift with no propulsion ..... _Lord Nelson_ - boat captain.
It’s been a pleasure being able to witness your journey so far. I’m certain it’s more disappointing for you than for us that you have to part with your fine vessel. Never be ashamed of doing the smart or safe thing. Godspeed.
“The good seaman weathers the storm he cannot avoid, and avoids the storm he cannot weather.”
A wise call. There’s a real skill in judging how dangerous is to dangerous.
I agree. I have 235 skydives but I will probably never perform a BASE jump. The equipment and circumstances are inherently more dangerous than jumping out of airplanes into a prepared area with a reserve parachute and plenty of altitude/time to work out a backup solution before bouncing
. Risk is something to understand and manage. And we each make our own choices about which risks are acceptable and which ones are not.
*too dangerous. Not being picky but it makes no sense otherwise, eg a sign I saw on a sharp bend: “Are You Going To Fast?” There was no town called Fast. But too fast would have made sense.
And very little way to guarantee it was the correct choice without A/B testing two lives.
@@AlexHibbertOriginals It's the correct choice. These boats are just not designed for open ocean navigation. They are designed to keep you alive until rescue.
This boat is safe. The risk is low. The adventure is great. Let Alan loose on auto pilot and unmanned and see where it wants to go
That must have been a tough call after putting in so much work. But understandable and right. All the best with the adventures, thanks for taking me along and providing outstanding entertainment. Hopefully I'll have 2 channels to follow now. Alex and Alan.
Cheers, and yes I'll put plenty of work into both channels.
I have no involvement with boating, and yet I have been glued to this channel, and to Tally Ho and Arabella. I enjoy the problem-solving, the design work, the unfamiliar locales, the skills, explanations of the systems. I knew nothing of this nautical world, and now I do. Sure, I'll stick around because whatever you present will be new to me. Thanks.
Good for you for not letting your ego get you into serious trouble by taking a single propulsion vessel into a challenging environment after realizing that that was a poor decision in the first place! It shows the wisdom and confidence of someone who makes a living by going to places that would kill the rest of us. It's been a fun ride and we'll be sad to see Alan go away. But we will look forward to your next adventure and your next series of excellent programs!
Noted John!
I can't help but feel disappointment, but we don't live in a fairytale, and sometimes real-life decisions have to be made.
I wish both of you the best, Alex will remain in my subs list, and Alan will always have a little place in my heart.
best wishes to you and Alan. I'll keep watching.
Thank you
I completely agree, a single point of failure close to shore is not too much of a risk thanks to the wonderful RNLI but where there is a long distance to cover between land it becomes a significant problem in the event of an engine failure. I hope that all your hard work on Alan can still be put to good use. It would be a pity to se it go to waste.
You're certainly right that waiting 24hr+ offshore with no way to stay bow-on to waves (sea anchor notwithstanding) could be grim.
We were moored a couple of places away from Alan in Wick, after we'd just had a fairly rough trip down from the Shetlands, and wondered if you really knew what you were taking on. It sounds like you've been a victim of mission-creep, and are absolutely right to stop when you realised that Alan wasn't suitable for what you want to do.
The Sheltand Islands have more boat museums per person than anywhere in the UK, and a great tradition of finding new uses for unused boats, so I hope Alan finds a satisfying new life.
In Dutch we have saying:"Beter ten halve gekeerd, dan ten hele gedwaald." which loosly translates to " it is better to stop half way than to persevere in an error."
I find it commendable that you stop your journey with Alan here on the Shetlands after the Engine malfunction and subsequent reassessment of risks.
I look forward to the upcoming Alan episodes and your further endeavors whatever they may be.
We zeggen ook: soms ben je te bang 😉
I like your style, Alex. I am happy to keep enjoying your videos on whatever topics seem like a good fit for me. A friend of mine taught me this year that life isn't linear and that I would be foolish to believe so. We zig. We zag. We try. We fail. We succeed. We continue.
For what it is worth, I live in Seattle and watching Alan's videos has helped me overcome a lot of fears. So tomorrow, I am viewing a liveaboard boat here, for what I hope will be many Puget Sound adventures. Thank you for your example.
Hi Alex, I really enjoyed all the Alan content, but what I really enjoy is your style of video making, presenting and delivey. I'll stay subscribed to see what happens next! I think you've made the right decision, safety at sea is paramount and so is confidence in your boat. Best wishes from Australia!
Thanks for the journey so far. Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.
Semisonic reference, nice. (intentional or not)
But also, absolutely agreed
CLOSING TIIIIME EVERY NEW BEGINNING COMES FROM SOME OTHER BEGINNINGS END
And sooner rather than later...
You did a good job of putting logic before emotion - I know I struggled with that when I first heard the news. I'm sure whatever future projects you take on will be equally exciting!
Paul thank you. I hope my email came through ok, and your support is as ever valued.
Alex, I am a sailor who has sailed high latitudes up in Alaska. I have to say you are making the right choice here. The life boat project was neat, but it was a crazy gamble to run around the open sea on.
That being said I would love to see you take on a sailboat and continue that way, I am sure there are plenty good full keel boats around there looking to be loved the way you have poured your heart into Alan.
I started watching a couple years ago shortly after I bought a camper van. Your experience renovating Alan paralleled my experience fixing up my camper, but with a twist. I've enjoyed your dry wit, and really like your video making style. I'm sad to see Alan go, but the journey was the fun part. I suppose whether it ended with Alan finished and exploring the Arctic, or ended now, eventually the funny build videos would have to end. You made the right call not going beyond the limits you are comfortable with. I'm glad to have been exposed to some of your exploration videos in the process, and look forward to seeing more of those when they pop up in my subscription feed. I hope you find more projects to document working on, as I need constant updates on the status of your metal grinder.
Been watching since the start of Alan, its really been a great run. Love all the videos. I respect you for making such a difficult decision regarding all of this. Your time was very well spent and people will be able to enjoy the videos of this great build for a long time. Looking forward to you next adventure. Cheers from Sweden.
You're safety and the safety of any crew you would have had is the most important thing. I have enjoyed the journey over the last few years and am looking forward to seeing where the channel goes. Cheers to you and Alan! Thank you for all the hard work you have put in. I feel a kinship with you and will support your work going forward.
Oceans require the same degree of respect as sub zero conditions.
A clear headed, gutsy decision.
The correct thing to do.
Very impressed.
Carry on.
I don't know about being a "gutsy" decision. He lost all power in moderate to mild seas. Haha.
I was just up at Tuktoyaktuk for the summer solstice and the sea was calm with no sea ice in sight.
My third time to the Arctic Ocean for the summer solstice. I completely understand your love of it up there.
A sad, but understandable decision. Been watching you work on Alan since near the beginning of the project, it's how I found the channel. While I had high hopes it'd all pan out, I see how it's become a major time/money sink, for something that has grown out of it's original scope and is taking away from your other endeavors.
I'm glad to stay on for your other projects and expeditions. I hope you're able to find Alan a new owner, who will love and cherish him as much as you have. God speed.
Loved the journey mate, you should be very proud and even more proud of not being too foolhardy to come unstuck offshore! I for one will be sticking about to see what happens next…! All the best and I hope Alan and Alansøn find a great new home!!!
as a sailor who has been through 20 to 30 meter waves in the north Atlantic, only get on the boat if you feel it's safe. I'll stick around, i really enjoyed Alan, and the sled dogs episodes. hope to see some more artic exploration in your future. i heard there are new water falls seen in Greenland.
I must admit when my boat was along side yours at Benfleet and you told me of your plans, I did think to myself is that the right boat for the job. These ships lifeboats are unsinkable and self righting and will go over waves and through them, they were never made for long offshore travel. For safety and security two engines are essential. You have done very well to get to where you are and are to be congratulated on that. I wish you well for the future.
Thank you, and see you at Dauntless this summer! I've kept a container there.
Hi Alex, it was the boat-building that likely made YT suggest you to me, but I'm here for everything you're up to, and especially your wonderfully British way of phrasing things. It's lovely, amidst this sea of Americanised content "standards", to have someone who sounds completely like home, as it were 😊
I'll be sad to see plucky little Alan part ways with you but also much happier that you're not risking several lives to a questionable Bukh not designed for inverse-Viking trips across the North Sea. Wherever life takes your channel next, I'll be here.
Looking at the comments they are all positive and im just stuck for anything to add. One thing for sure is your a very honest man, confident, self assured, just have a break and not a breakdown as your as human as the rest off us. Alan was my brother's name and after buying his first ex lifeboat in Fife it broke down in a gale crossing the Forth to east Lothian and a navy vessel rescued him, only his pride was damaged. Take good care of yourself and grateful thanks from me. Regards Robert
Having spent the last 8 years working at sea and a great many hours working on lifeboats, I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t intentionally cross such an isolated stretch of open sea in one. There is no alternate means of propulsion and totally enclosed lifeboats aren’t particularly well suited to their installation. The main problem for me however is maintenance. The way lifeboats are designed and built means there are parts that you are physically incapable of accessing without getting destructive. Other components are accessible only through removing parts of the structure, whilst the rest is a genuine nightmare when the thing is up on the davits, let alone a tossing sea. I’ve seen them fail often enough to know how likely it was to happen to you and I wouldn’t want to be in that situation myself.
I found the channel because of Alan, but have come to appreciate your humour and storytelling much more than even the projects at hand. I hope I am not alone in this.
Now onwards and upwards, even if there is no Alan V2 in the future I am very interested to see whatever it is you are going to show us in the future.
I'll do everything I can to keep the spirit of the channel up and alive.
A sad but sensible decision. I have watched every episode and enjoyed them all. I look forward to your future adventures.
You’re absolutely doing the right thing. Safety comes before anything else and you are being very responsible. It’s sad but it’s been an interesting journey for you and here’s hoping that as you travel on in a different direction we will all see that you made the right decision.
That’s a tough call to make but if you question your safety then it’s the right one. I’ve enjoyed your Alan videos and look forward to seeing future projects. Stay safe and thank you!
Jeez man this came as a shock. I've followed you from the start where I somehow dropped on one of your early vids of Alan, then binge watched the lot to catch up and followed you ever since, so I really feel for you knowing how much work you've put into Alan including whilst enroute! Its no doubt the right call (given a single engine with no sails) but wherever your next adventure take you I'll be there as I'm staying subscribed! Stay safe!!
Everything that you have done has been in good faith and it has been good to come along on the journey with you and Alan but your safety and anyone else with you is paramount and therefore I commend you for your honesty and I for one will keep watching the channel.All the best for the future.
Thank you, it's been entertaining to follow the story of the project, looking forward to the next projects that you share.
Thank you for bringing us along on this amazing journey. I look forward to chapter 2 , what ever that may be . I’m sure it won’t disappoint . Thanks again .
Congratulations on achieving what you have. A pragmatic decision. Hold your head high. Thank you for taking us along. 90% of what I watch is boat related but I look forward to following what you do next. Cheers
Oh, and I fully understand the feeling that comes from a lack of confidence in your engine, when you have taken every precaution and yet, a malfunction. The straw...
Offshore small craft need redundancies. You made the right call, and those right calls are often harder than not. Keep safe, keep sailing, keep calm, and carry on. Thanks again friend.
Thanks for that
Alex, a very sensible decision, but it's been an amazing journey.
Alan certain has captured our imaginations, but the demands of RUclips should not be put above you and your crews safety.
Looking forward to your further adventures and well done for all you have achieved.
Thanks. I'm grateful that the RUclips community haven't applied pressure at all - in fact, almost more reverential than I deserve.
That's a shame. But it sounds like the right thing for you to do. I hope Alan finds a good home and I'm curious what you get up to next.
Plenty more to come, hopefully with the same tone and whatever people seem to have liked, but closer to my core work.
Perhaps flying a small plane?
@@owencollins9050 Twin engined...
I think it's a good call you must always think of the safety aspect of all things you do. Allen and yourself have grown to be splendid pair, and I for one wish you could continue the adventure. But if it's not safe to go it's just not and I commend you on that decision. Hope to see more of you in the future.
Sorry to see this project come to an end, I hope Alan finds a new owner and a new adventure. I appreciate all the hard work and innovation that you have put into this and how difficult a decision this was . I worked on a boat conversion project in Cyprus in 1986(ex trinity house 100’ MFV to Bermudan rigged 3 mast auxiliary schooner) for 9 months, and left because it was doomed to failure, ( it did sink in the Red Sea), so I do empathise.
Ive watched since the beginning of Alan. I absolutely love getting to watch your process of working towards your goal. I am excited to see you continue on your journey regardless of the equipment used! You've done a great job! Im not going anywhere
I’m an apprentice AMGA ski/alpine guide and feel like I’ve learned a lot from your channel. As a guide I’m well aware of when safety margins are too thin. I’m looking forward to what other adventures are coming, and what else you have to teach. What other RUclips channel puts out content on foot in the arctic? Arctic exploration often feels like a thing of the 19th & 20th centuries, I think you bringing it to this platform is invaluable.
I am relieved to hear this.
It’s been an amazing project to follow and I have enjoyed watching your trials and tribulations, for which I thank you.
All the very best to you and I think this has been an excellent decision. Well done.
I'm really sorry to hear this, I've really enjoyed this project. I feel sorry for you, it must be hard to face this decision. It's such a cool thing and I wish I was close enough to give Alan a new home!
I’m here because I love your style of videos. Your outlook and humor and the effort and love you put in to everything you do. Yours and spear it animal are two of my favorite channels for that reason.
Alex, this has been the single best boating series that I've had the pleasure of watching. And an amazing display of work ethic. Thank you. I am looking forward to the rest of the Alan videos, and for whatever you bring us in the future. Hopefully the right buyer comes along soon.
Given how good other channels are, this means a lot. Thanks.
Alex, I’m a member of a sea angling club and use the club boats ( 16ft dinghy’s ) to get out fishing, we use 5hp British Seagull engines, well maintained and almost indestructible! But we put one on the transom, tuck one in the bow, have 5 times the fuel we need and enough spare’s and tools to rebuild both engines just in case? Floatation suits, Life jackets, flares, 2 anchors, Sat nav, hand held VHF, 2 compasses, even oars, and more just for a day to have a fishing trip? It’s a great workout lugging all the gear to and from the boat but it’s worth it because the sea can change in an instant, the fog can come down in minutes, and even the best and well maintained engine can fail at the worst possible time.
You get the picture so although ALAN is very sea worthy just a single engine and no other form of propulsion makes him a bad choice for long distance travel over the open sea!
I’ll stay subscribed, I watch you not Alan, good luck with whatever you’re going to do now! Andy.
Hi Andy, and thanks. It sounds like you guys wisely went for belt and braces, and are here to prove the wisdom of that!
Alex, have you considered sending Alan via ship to your desired end location? From what I recall the original plan for Alan was to be a base station for Ice expeditions?
In theory, shipping Alan to that location would eliminate almost entering all your concerns about taking Alan offshore?
Sorry to hear that the Alan journey ends here. I too will continue to support you especially since we both share the same dry humor. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into this project!
Long term subscriber, looking forward to the arctic stuff. It was always a pleasant surprise to see. I imagine the sense of how big a deal this change is, is much bigger for you than us! Definitely going to stay. Looking forward to the new direction.
I do agree You are making the right decision, the project is very bold and the reality kicked in Alan is not the boat for that, it was made for survival and is essentially good for that. You Made the good call. That’s it a step back to get impulse for other journeys. I will keep following the channel and the future adventures. All the best!
I will sail it around the med for you???? Wow what an adventure so far wish Alan and yourself the very best. I love your honesty on your page and thank god you haven't been one of those youtubers who just brought super new boat😊 as we love watching people suffer and succeed at the same time
I quite like boats but stayed with this because of the narration and humour. I think your judgement is sound in regard to not continuing. I have been in waves officially recorded as 70 feet in the North Sea, on a considerably larger boat than Alan. I can't contemplate what it would be like in a lifeboat if there was a loss of power and no directional control. The old seatbelt advert of the raw egg in a biscuit tin comes to mind. Keep up the excellent work Alex.
Thanks for the transparency Alex! It is a good call to stop with Alan before some sort of
A catastrophe. You have put so much effort Into Alan and in exchange. You have learned a lot a new thing. I'm looking forward to the new content and adventure!!
I am absolutely gutted for you. I have enjoyed both Alan and your artic videos so keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more from you.
I lived on a 55ft sailing catamaran. I know the risks and That boat just isn't built for the passage.
Stay safe and trust your gut. Was great while it lasted. Hold your head up high, you have done more than most people have done. Best of luck.
The very best of luck to you. It's been a great journey but safety comes first. I hope that there is some way for Alan to continue. Keep your chin up.
Alex - I’ve been watching since the beginning of your channel and your working on Alan was what initially caught my attention. With that being said, it’s the overall journey (your journey), your insight, knowledge and your in the field learning that keeps me, and will continue to keep me watching. As long as the grinder doesn’t disappear, you’ll be fine.
Sad. I appreciate everything done so far. Glad that safety and sensibility overcame ego and ambition. I subbed for Alan. I hope she finds a good home.
Wise man! Good on you Alex. Looking forward to what you teach and show us next, whatever direction that may be.
I appreciate the candor and honestly in coming to us with this decision. Like many others in the comments, I do agree it wasn't only the best call, it was the right call. I know the allure of the Sunk Cost Fallacy can be significant, but you're doing whats best to move forward.
never any regrets for doing the right thing, it's been a great journey so far and excited to keep seeing what you (and Alan in his next life) get up to
As a local to the Shetland islands I congratulate you for making it this far as it's a poor stretch of water between sumbrugh and fair isle.
Look forward to seeing future videos of the next adventure you set out on.
It was tricky for sure - a load of complex swells. Thanks.
Your expedition northwards highlights a commitment to uncovering challenging realities with compassion and insight. Your work truly makes a difference! And I am Floating Village Life.
I watch because you are unique in your thinking and your presentation, you entertain with your personality and long may it last, all breakups are sad but Alan will find a new home and you will continue with your quest, I look forward to the next episode
Well done Alex. Tough call but the right one. Have really enjoyed watching Alans progress and will certainly miss the updates but looking forward to what comes next.
I came for the Lifeboat build... I stay for the adventure. Any call made for Safety is the right call. Im looking forward to watching your travels to the arctic and more. Keep the chin up.
Totally understand safety always comes first when at se ,good luck with your future endeavours and looking forward to seeing your up and coming videos.
I've enjoyed your land expedition just as much as the water. From designing , preparing, thought process, and to putting it all together. I will be sticking around to see what's next and I hope others will too.
Cheers, and I'll try not to disappoint.
Thanks for the glorious stories along the way Alex and Alan, I will stick around for sure!
oh damn, that's sad news. but i get it. well it's been a fun ride. thanks for the trip so far, Alex.
Cheers - I'm glad you've enjoyed
Best wishes to you and for your future endeavours
Cheers
Its been a painfully enjoyable run and i cant say im not disappointed. I wish you well and i really really hope you stick to your promise of finding Alan a good home.
Well, I was so looking forward to adventures to come but I have enjoyed the ride! Think I will stick around to see what happens next.
Hi Alex, tough call to make but safety has to come first!
Love to see him go to a caring home though & look forward to seeing your other adventures! Chin up!
From an Allan with the correct amount of L's😉😆
mmm it was a fascinating journey to get here, and thank you for your honesty, maybe we need to fit skis under Allen so he could become a base camp for your Artic adventures... i look forward to your new Adventures...
Sad news but wishing you (and Alan) all our best in your next adventures
Thanks for taking us along for the ride, It was always on my mind that you only had a single engine. I'm looking forward to what you do next. So long Alan.
It's been a fun journey watching the progress of ALAN! , and thank you for the transparency. Thinking about the danger to your life and those of others is never something to apologize for.
Hard video to watch, harder still to record... Thank you for being open and honest. Also thank Alan for helping me through lock down, watching the update videos is how I remember 2020.
Safety first man, it's fine. This is the first video l ever see of you. And I'm subscribing in order to see what's the outcome. I'll eventually come around to peruse your previous adventures. Hopefully you can find a suitable replacement to your boat. Yes, that bit of sea between Norway and Longyearbyen is not to be underestimated, even with the safety net of a proficient coast guard nearby.
Thank you, and I'd do my best to make sure it's worth your while
That must have been an incredibly hard decision to make, lots of time and money have gone into Alan but sometimes you’ve got to cut your losses and venture down a different path, you must have learnt a huge amount carrying out such a project so I’m sure your can put your unstoppable enthusiasm and skill into something else, it’s been an amazing journey to watch so thank you for sharing both the highs and the lows,
Alex you are the best!! Keep going toward the next project for sure we will be waiting 😁
All good. Be safe mate. Maybe just use in your local area. You learnt alot and helped others learn at the same time. Many thanks
Always thought a steel trawler conversion would have been more suitable for your needs but have enjoyed watching Alan’s progress 👍good call btw
It’s been a fun adventure. Can’t wait for the next adventure i’ll be hopping along for the ride
Certainly a tough decision to make, but a good and reasonable call given the experience and knowledge you gained through the sea trials.
I personally found the channel early on in the build through RUclipss recommendations, so Alan is the reason I am here, but the reason I stayed was your attitude and presentation. While I have some experience with boats it's not my main interest and the "off-topic" videos in between were always the most interesting to me. I also really liked the small insights you gave during the build for operation of equipment in extremely cold conditions. If I may make a suggestion here: these types of insights would make great standalone videos as well. Like your experience with materials, areas/materials on equipment (both clothing and other) that tend to fail first, different battery chemistries (again, I think you mentioned your experience with alkaline, carbon-zinc and other rechargeable/non-rechargeable types at some point) and so on.
But no matter what, I will look forward what is to come, both here and on Arguably!
That must have been such a hard decision to make after putting so much love into project Alan. It’s a shame Alan’s journey is over but I subscribe to see what you’re up to rather than the boat. Get working on the next adventure please!
Its a very hard thing to make a major change.
I commend the effort that you have put forth into Alan.
Its with this that I have chosen TO subscribe to you, knowing that you can make the hard choices and most importantly be Honest in them.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Alan.
That’s a pity, best of luck with future endeavours. Looking forward to what’s next!
A Dane here. Wishing you well. Sticking around for whatever life brings you. Thank you for everything op till now. Good luck.
The dream of Alan always seemed a bit fevered & while I can't say I'm not disappointed I won't see him nestle into arctic pack ice, I am glad you are doing what's right for both yourself & Alan.
I'll keep watching, & cherish my Alan hat which I hope will fuel fever dreams of my own for years to come.
It's the right decision, I have worried about the boat choice from the beginning. I have also very much enjoyed being along for the ride, so I guess I'll still be here and watching to see how the story continues. Whichever way it goes you have my best wishes for the future 🍻
Thanks - and the new direction will have the same core style.
Thank you for letting me (us) be part of your journey with Alan, I really do understand your decision. Depending on the content and the next videos but for now I will keep checking in with you
It's appreciated.
A sensible decision Alex, coming from a professional survivor.
Alan could have another life as a purely coastal or river exploration platform or a test article for sail propulsion, with a drop keel in an enclosed box and a simple square rig or similar. The hull form is not far off that of Sven Yrvinds creations, though the windage is a tad more. Substantial upwind progress would be ambitious.
Perhaps a more reliable motor; perhaps the gentle application of too much money also.
Lookng forward to your continuing adventures at the Edge.
I'm hoping a new owner will have this sort of experimental mindset.
Cheers
An honest and open explanation from a person with obvious integrity - I’ll still be subscribing 👍
Alex it has been a great journey, maybe not the end we all wanted. Continue the great work and I will follow you on the next one
I am relieved to hear your comments.
That hull / engine format, was never designed for long passages. If it was deployed as a lifeboat, the engine would only have had to function for a short time until a rescue ship arrived on site. As per previous messages, prop / shaft damage when encountering sea ice, is a substantial risk. Prop guards / ice deflectors are missing!!
Tread boldly !!
Kind words from one Alan to another