I agree with you on both statements. His cruising videos are just delightful! That most expensive boat is the price of my house! I’d still probably buy it and sell my house though.
I was thinking the exact same thing when he was talking about the prices of the boats going up. David is the problem! His videos have made it look so inviting. ;)
What a wonderful surprise! And the inclusion of the cruising gave the whole video a really pleasant balance! Thank you for the joyful Sunday morning experience!
Thank you so much for the cruising footage, David. Confirming once again that you are the very best videographer and editor of all the boat-tubers! Cheerio.
Add me to those who miss your cruising videos David....I found/find them very therapeutic....this is an excellent vid in its own right though...thanks for the continuing top notch content 👍
Wait i think I recall your name!! DAVID what a surprise! Good to see you Captain.!😊 My goodness boats are a hot item these days aren't they. ABNB chose the perfect salesman..I believe your audience appreciates this excellent discription of what a boat home may look like..and the relative costs.. Great informative vlog! Thank you for a bit of a trip down memory lane..with "Cruising the cut"😊
I bought mine via ABNB in March 2021 from Australia after a live Zoom tour and researching the Market. Got back to UK to retire in July 2021 and now a liveaboard so it can be done.
ABNB- Andy Burnett narrow boats, if I remember correctly. I knew him when he started up back in the mid eighties, when I was based in Staffordshire, fitting out boats for a living. I lived on board first a 50’ trad tug style narrow boat, then a 70’. I was on the latter for 10 years to 1998. I had bought it as a shell and fitted it out myself- cost me around £20k all told at the time. After 10 years on it, I sold her for £35k. Was happy with that profit at the time, but god knows what it would be worth now! I even fitted both of the boats with ex-marine Gardner 2L2 engines, each of which I bought for around a thousand pounds. Wish I had sourced a few more of those (I could have done, they were going for peanuts in the eighties) and hung on to them, just imagine what they would be worth now - the beauty of hindsight!! Loved living on my boats, and quite understand people’s infatuation with them. Happy cruising all!
Your VLOGs are, to me, the Gold Standard for boating videos, both in quality as well as content. Not only was this fun, it was rather timely, as I was updating my emergency, contingency plans, in case I win the gazillion pound/dollar lottery. It will help me decide what Narrow Boat and house with it’s own private landing/yard i’m going to need. If you’re going to plan for a gazillion pound lottery, you need to do it well :). Thank you David, well done.
Very similar sorts of things going on here it Australia but with different items. I saw a story the other day about a particular type of 4wd that people are paying up to 20k over new price for a second hand one simply due to supply issues and the fact that so many are holidaying locally due to restrictions. I saw another second hand one in a yard today that had to be at about what it cost new over 12 months ago. I could get back everything I have spent on mine over the last couple of years as well. Unheard of and caravans are in a similar situation as well. Regional homes in a lot of places have taken off in price as well. Strange times we live in. Thanks for the video, it is interesting to see things that aren't available here.
Living in the US, thanks to you David, I have informed my husband there is a narrowboat holiday in our future, once international travel is safe again. I do miss your cruising vlogs very much but also enjoy the rare treat of one of these films.
I admit to being less interested in CTC, recently. I miss the cruising videos and quirky topics. I haven't stopped watching, I just tend to check in every once in a while. That working boat was amazing!
David, one of my favorite things to do, when things get overwhelming, is to find a grove of Quaking Aspen and just sit down in the middle and listen to the fresh mountain breeze in the leaves. All else just fades away. When you are cruising along those quiet stretches, with your music in the background, that is where you videos take me. That, sir, is a hint.
Now I've watched the video, Great video David, I'm not surprised prices have risen, as you have mentioned with tv shows etc a life afloat has become popular, with that in mind I don't think prices will drop at all, I have to say that last boat you featured was just lovely, no wonder it's not listed anymore.
There was talk, from several "experts" and various brokers, this time last year, and after boat prices increased dramatically over lockdown, that the bottom of the market would fall out in 2022 / 23, but with the rising cost of living, more folks will be turning to narrowboats and camper vans to help survive, not only will this keep prices high... its showing no signs of decreasing at all!
Boston, Massachusetts: I am not in the market for a narrowboat & do not plan to be but enjoyed it so much I watched the whole video. My retirement home is in Northern, NH & Pre-Pandemic home prices in the village have almost doubled. Example the couple next door put their home on the market just as the pandemic began for $325,000 (twice what they paid for it 5 years ago) it sold sight unseen for almost $500,000 to an LGBTQIA+ lesbian couple from Boston who plan to use it as a place to escape to if the SHTF. Several other properties (5) in the village have also sold way above asking price. 3 retirees died & 2 decided to move to Florida & that’s why those 5 properties went on the market, the realtor told me they all sold sight unseen within days of being listed.
Its SO disheartening David. Way back when I caught your channel, sometime in 2018, I had very little money saved. I've rented so no house to sell. No assets. Now I have the equivalent savings you mention and what you could get four to five years ago and cannot find anything remotely liveable say with a 45 - 50ft narrowboat, and I am having to consider going as small as a 26ft - 36ft narrowboat! It is only just me, but I am still holding out that I will not have to make the bed up each time I go to sleep ;) All the best sir.
We bought our narrowboat from ABNB 4 years ago when they were Crick and so pleased with the service from Justin and staff we always say hello when at Crick show
It was lovely to see some footage of a quiet burble along the inland waterways. I'm a fan of your "not-a-vlogs", they are nice to have on in the background while working on designs or editing projects. In America it's RVs (Recreational Vehicles, such as camper-vans and caravans), and there are similar concerns about the scarcity of used RVs in good condition, and even new RV manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping up with the increase in demand. Owners also worry about potential fluctuations in price, should a massive crop of new RVers decide when things open up a little more that they don't really like RVing, and flood the market with used RVs.
Great video once again. Happy to see you’d uploaded this one - I actually watched your original price analysis video yesterday so this couldn’t have been timed any better :)
These new and exited narrowboaters, caravaners and motorhomers that are buying in their droves, are the 'it seemed like a good idea at the time' purchasers. Many have never spent a night away outside of a hotel room. I would suggest holding on to your money, because in the next 2 years the market will be flooded with hundreds trying to sell their current spur of the moment purchases.
Don't forget mate the UK population is nudging 75million plus unknowns ! so bigger demand by the grey mob who are loaded with spare cash after house downsizing etc.
Great summary of the current market David. Over here in North America, prices on recreational equipment have gone crazy too. If you see something you are interested in, you have to jump on the deal right away and often pay the asking price or more.
Isolating at home for last few days with Covid and been glued to these Vlog`s. Really interesting and I`ve learnt so much already being a fairly new narrow boat owner with a single season behind me. Please keep up the informative entertaining work. Bought my boat from ABNB by the way and found them incredibly helpful
A lovely insight into narrowboats that I can't (and couldn't) afford. It was nice to have a look at what you'd get for your money. The relaxing short cruise was a bonus.
I think it's safe to say that your vlogs, series and special reports are the finest of all that is out there. Relaxing, informative and very well presented with your unique style and perspectives makes for a documentary of your adventures that I can revisit over and over. Thank you David. God bless you :)
No doubt people binge watching your fabulous channel over the lockdown contributed to the rise in popularity, as well. I'd never heard of the British canal system before randomly landing on one of your videos. Thanks again David. Hope you're doing well down there.
I also was not aware of the many canals in the UK that are maintained, used, loved, and homes for so many people. The videos document a return to a more relaxed time. Thank you for the introduction to a way of life that has endured.
Definitely miss your cruising vlogs. Those years spent in front of camera certainly weren't wasted 😊 Hopefully you'll find the love for cruising again, in the not too distant future 🤞 Hope you're well and life's treating you the same way.
7:20 and following was so lovely. Made me all nostalgic. I've been enjoying your occasional video this year, but looking forward to your next cruising season whenever it happens.
Here in Australia the price of boats (in particular runabouts) has also jumped up in the last 18 months or so to almost double the price pre covid. As a result the value for money of some of these boats is just not there. I can only imagine the prices will settle down once boarders open up more freely and reliably.
I fallow your advice and I bought cheaper boat (15k)with sized engine. I changed the engine with brand new one. My boat is a cruiser narrowboat, 55ft long build in '87 -89 . Most of the informations about narrowboat I find it on your RUclips channel. Thanks for sharing your experience here.
I think narrowboat ownership is like most financial investments. It's rewards is in having it for the long haul. If a purchase is just because it is trendy the love affair will be short lived. As I have followed you your adventures have presented some idyllic settings but also the realities. I think within the last 10-15 years "tiny living" has stirred up all grades of options for so many people. The old traditional living accommodations have been redefined and repurposed. Gooday.
I blame you wholeheartedly for the Cruising bug i now have. Been looking for that perfect Narrowboat but won't rush into anything. Thanks for all the info and guidance you have given over the last few years. My good lady watches Soaps whilst i watch RUclips Narrowboating Vlogs. 😀
Yes. I miss your cruising videos. A lot. Yes, there are dozens of other folks vlogging about it nowadays, and the ones I’ve watch are all nice folks, but I enjoy your wit so I really miss your weekly uploads
Hi David - great to have a canal vlog again - miss them. Very informative and helpful, especially to those in the market for a boat right now. It's a bit like the caravan market at present - a little crazy after lockdown etc. Great to hear from you. Thank you. George and Trish - CaravanningMacs
We are seeing the same kinds of insane price hikes but with real estate here in Australia, things will pop soon though with prices going back down as people get to travel again, anyway I am hoping prices do drop on narrowboats as it's still the lifestyle I want to embrace soon once things open back up travel wise. Thanks again for a very informative and great to watch video.
Seeing a bit of cruising was a treat! Makes me miss the times when you, the og, was the menace of the canals. A lot of lifestyle channels are hard to stomach for all their inauthenticity. Has never been the case with your content.
I live in a small seaside town and house prices here have gone mad! Glad I bought my home 15 years a go. But it makes you think where are the young local people going to live?
Another great video sir, mom and me still selling in Spain but we very much agree with you that another 6/12 months here won’t hurt. The prices are a little silly at the moment. Hope your well/happy/safe and stocked up with gin and cheese!
Only one winner here, the broker, it's no longer the cheap tranquil life it was,unfortunately, I considered it and thought no, you do a good vlog, keep it up and best wishes 👍
Very very interesting! When you think of the cost of a house. Still very reasonable. But when you add in Marina Fees, fuel,maintenance, it gets very expensive. I have to say, I miss your narrow boat! You did such an amazing job rehabbing her. She was the prettiest boat on the cannel. But I’m sure the expenses were so high. You must be handy like you and be able to repair things yourself. You were one of the first and we all were enchanted with everything, but all the locks. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 Wishing you every happiness on your new project!
Afraid its not the 'lifestyle' people are buying in to anymore when they purchase a canal boat, its now just the fact that everyone is desperate for somewhere cheap to live as houses are no longer affordable... Owners know this and the great price hike has begun...
Much thanks for the float down memory lane. Once again your journalistic acumen is on full display and I so enjoy all the effort to be informative AND entertaining. Would never miss one, of course, but this was a delightful birthday gift.
@@CruisingTheCut Pretty sure you're younger than me, so don't feel too bad. Men age like good wine, women age like a cheap wine that's turning into vinegar LOLOLOL
would be interesting to know the share between holiday homes and people retiring into a narrow boat. If the main buyers are retiring out of £200k+ houses they are not going to notice the price increase
I've resigned myself to the fact I'll have to commission a shell to my design and fit it out myself. Fortunately I have the skills to do so, but I'd rather buy a really nice one 'off the peg', but not at today's prices.
Hi yes, my economics professor was right when demand is high, Supply is low, prices will fly. David, your vlogs both cut and van are the standard by which I judge others. There are many other narrowboat vlogs I've found only stretching it 3 that I can follow two of which are building narrowboats and 1 a cruiser in Berlin. You are a hard act to follow I enjoyed a short Cruise. Thank you🙂
I do think that along with those older people who are buying a boat in retirement, that there are also younger people who can't afford a house, but still want own their own home... A boat can be that middle ground and for some is a much better alternative to renting.
A canal boat isn't an alternative to renting unless you have a permanent mooring. Or a desire for the continuous cruising lifestyle and a job that is fully work from home.
I really enjoyed this video! What sent it over the top was, yes you guessed it, the cruise on the canal! You need to do more cruising for your followers! We are all Cruising The Cut junkies!!!!!!!
Really interesting. We bought a leisure boat on a whim in November 2018 and it’s been worth every penny in the last few years. Relieved we did it when we did though.
Sadly price increase of boats has pushed my dream further away for now at least…… although I agree regarding even if there is a price bubble if you init for long term its probably not that relevant. Given all the costs of surveys etc probably best to be certain boat is in good condition and try and avoid being sucked into an impulse purchase on a sunny day. `Happy New Year and thanks for showing me a selection of boats its fun to view them and have your experienced commentary as you show us the layouts. Wonder how expensive new boats are now? Although I get impression waiting lists so long you would need to be patient for a couple of years even if you had the cash for one 😊 I have a scratch card sitting in wallet……….
@@CruisingTheCut Sorry I will look, only been out of hospital a week, just getting back to normal. Hope you are well take care, Blessings, hugs and love XXX
@@CruisingTheCut thank you very much, I'm doing a lot better now. I've been told that I have to rest and relax - so plenty of time to catch up with all of the videos and see everything you upload. Also, it means that I can supervise my son refurbishing my narrow boat. Xxx
The same thing is happening in the USA, all prices for traveling vans, trailers. and motor homes have risen way beyond normal. It is also harder to find a camping site as so many more are traveling in the camping fashion. I expect in another year or so there will be a bust in the system and we will get back to normal. What ever that will be.
I agree, prices for camping sites gone up, much harder finding a good RV for decent money. Been looking buying a piece of land instead when hopefully lumber fall down to somewhat normal again.
I really do miss your cruising videos. Found you in 2020 and your content was a highlight of what was truly my annus horribilis, what with everything that happened. Thanks for the little cheeky cruise! This is really informative and as someone who was looking at liveaboard life but got put off by the skyrocketing prices… it’s been fun watching everyone else enjoy the canals.
Hello Mr Dave, always enjoy watching videos that show many different aspects of narrow boating, and these days giving potential boaters a heads up as to what to expect, or look for during this new surge of popularity 😁
More money than SENSE some people! What goes around comes around the market will re balance itself once a lot of these people realise life with/in a narrow boat is NOT all a bed of rose's! and you have to be a certain type which lots of these people are NOT. YES it is a bubble and the salesman of course would say otherwise.
How nice to find a recent little vlog from you! I'm not going to buy a canal boat any time soon but I keep up. A cruising sailboat would be more practical in the Pacific NW - where I live. Thank you.
I'd love to go on a narrow boat cruise for a holiday! Here in Eastern Europe there are some navigable canals and of course the Danube and Tisa, but there are no equivalents to the narrow boat. Yeah, there are some cruises on the Danube but they're more like cruise ship, that is more eating and drinking, less silent boating. Sadly Boris is charging me 70 quid to enter the UK, which together with the increased flight price and f*** all currency devaluation drives the cost of the adventure way beyond what I am willing to cough up, so I guess I'll entertain myself by watching your videos for now. Maybe one day, be it rainy or sunny, I'll get the chance to go on a canal trip
Nice to see you have a new video David,hope your well One thing that springs to mind is the initial affordability as most banks really put the affordability scrutiny on the purchaser I would imagine people finance through a loan,or have cash through the sale of a home or other assets Or another narrowboat as a part exchange Whatever the reason since this awful pandemic nothing is cheap these days to buy or even rent,including narrowboats For me,I live in a park home. The cost has gone up over time.I am lucky but only just afford to run this place on my tiny retail wage. Very grateful to have a job through this awful pandemic and a roof over my head too
RUclips Success does have consequences. I can see how you had had enough, doing that solo especially with many, many more on the canals. Good luck on your van life ! You should come to America and travel here. We love our RV trips.
Nice to see you back David We got our boat via Rugby Boats and bought it blind from south west Germany ( 8 hours after it was listed) James was brilliant and 14 other people wanted our boat More than happy with what we have but it came at a high price Previous owners spent a fortune and were also brilliant with the sale
Narrowboat prices may have increased, but there are still some excellent bargains in the £25,000 to £35,000 range on ebay. Narrowboats that appear perfectly adequate to live aboard, albeit in the smaller length range of 30 - 40ft. It is the brokers interest to say prices are going up, as it increases their commission. I am really hoping that the narrowboat market does not get as ridiculous as the UK housing market has become in making a bunch of greedy estate agents rich at the expense of first-time buyers.
I don't think it's entirely fair to blame brokers; they will (rightly) try to get the best price for the boats that people ask them to sell. Boats are often cheap on ebay for a reason...
@@CruisingTheCut It all becomes obvious once you've read the survey report ... and even then not always that comprehensive. A rubbish boat on "my" arm was sold needing £15k of over plating to entire bottom and sides, plus around windows. Welder not happy as no instructions given ref hull frames ... so still a rubbish boat with £15k worth of over plating hanging off possibly completely rotten frames. Caveat emptor says probably best to give that boat a wide berth (another groan).
@@CruisingTheCut As far as I am aware it is the buyers responsibility to commission a hull survey and not the broker's, so a broker would only do a visual inspection of a boat in the water, before estimating a value and as it is in their interest to keep that value as high as they think they can get away with, and if we are talking of a Bull market, prices will continue to inflate as long as people are prepared to keep buying; leading to a situation where boats are selling at prices that have little relation to actual worth. This then has the effect of only making the market available to a smaller cohort of people, who have the funds. I realise this is how capitalism works, but come the revolution...... :-)
Thank you David ! I have so missed your cruising videos. Yes there are many others now, but they do not present them as well as you do in my opinion. I do watch a few others, but I do miss yours for cruising. I have watched all the ones you have done since you have been only doing the non cruising ones to much enjoyment, but alas they are not quite the same in my opinion. Be well ! From across the pond.
I strongly agree with people saying it’s all your fault David. By the time of writing it’s 1.2 k likes vs 0 dislike. The proof is in the pudding. Thanks again for a great video. 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦
I wanted to get a Sea Otter before covid hit. Prices were really good and reasonable. But rushed in and got a fiberglass boat. So glad I did, as prices are now £10-15k higher than before... Though if I had got the Sea Otter I could have just cashed in 1 year later. :/ But for now, I'm happy with my boat, but got no chance of getting a Sea Otter now. :(
@@CruisingTheCut Oh, but they were hitting historically low prices IMO. I walked away from a very nice one going "I'll get one next year..." as the internet meme goes "Next year: ..." Now hoping to move into my plastic boat in 2 weeks time!
Welcome back David, missed your stuff. I started saving for a narrow boat 5 years ago, after watching your vlogs, and tightened my belt now have 45k. Was hoping to buy this mid-winter spending say 35k on a boat, and then the rest on fixing it up long other costs ins etc. Now that the price of steel has risen and ready boats too, to the tune of 10K. I've had put it off for another 12 months to save a little more and fingers crossed there is a glut of sellers next year too. I just hope there'll not be another rise because my hopes over the last 4 years will be truly finished. Good to see you back...
I lived on a boat when I was a child and recently wanted to go back to that lifestyle. I've been torn between a narrow boat and a blue water sailing yacht but given the current prices you'd be mad to buy a narrowboat! Are sailing yachts permitted on the canal? I see a lot of fibre glass cruisers but never yachts (and I do mean smaller 35-40ft sailing yachts with engines.. obviously I'd need to convert it or remove the sail masts)
Sailing yachts, even de-masted, would likely struggle with the depth, width and height restrictions of the canals I think. You’d be OK on the Gloucester and Sharpness (as it’s much wider and deeper than normal) but that’s about it.
@@CruisingTheCut ahh such a shame. I even thought about long term rental of a narrow boat but unfortunately the price I was quoted was utterly ridiculous at 17.5k for the year... at that point I might as well just buy! I'll just keep my eye on the market and wait for it to hopefully come down slightly. Thanks for the response, take care :)
When foreign holidays are back up to speed and these 'newbies to the cut' realise that maybe it's not really for them, I wonder if we'll see a glut of boats coming onto the market and prices stabilising or even dropping to previous values?
Yes I think people forget the reason we go abroad for holidays is the guaranteed sunshine, their will be a few bargains available when they get fed up with the rain in the uk
I think the price increase also has a lot to do with the current price of steel, which has shot up recently. Once (or if) that price drops, the cost new will drop, along with the second hand market.
Dead right. The same with caravans and motorhomes whose prices are artificially high at the moment. There'll be some real bargains to be had next year, when the market is flooded with units and prices dive!
I work in the auto industry here in the States and you should see the prices on cars here. I bought a 2017 pickup in January, and I could sell it at a profit today. Even during the 2007-2008 collapse, prices held, they didn't climb. It's wild.
When I saw Aslan I initially thought that Kevin was selling up but, thanks be, it was not his Aslan. How often do you find boat names replicated? Wouldn't they be part of the boats registration?
One thing that puts me off buying a narrowboat, is that cruising is so popular now, there would be so many boats on the canals. I liked the idea of getting away from it all, not having to follow other boats, or seeing boats coming at me at every corner! Reminds me of driving in the 70's as compared to now!
It's all your fault David, you have just made canal boat life sound too good, HAHA. Yes I do miss your cruising vlogs.
I agree with you on both statements. His cruising videos are just delightful! That most expensive boat is the price of my house! I’d still probably buy it and sell my house though.
Bit like the Techmoan effect, on retro electronics prices on eBay.
Cursing vlogs >> marina vlogs
Lol! And you'll be sending him the bill shortly.
I was thinking the exact same thing when he was talking about the prices of the boats going up. David is the problem! His videos have made it look so inviting. ;)
That short cruise segment was perfect the only thing missing was a cheese sandwich and a cup of tea!
And the heron.
Really enjoyed this video, David. Still miss you cruising but I would enjoy any videos you make.
What a wonderful surprise! And the inclusion of the cruising gave the whole video a really pleasant balance! Thank you for the joyful Sunday morning experience!
Thank you so much for the cruising footage, David. Confirming once again that you are the very best videographer and editor of all the boat-tubers! Cheerio.
Add me to those who miss your cruising videos David....I found/find them very therapeutic....this is an excellent vid in its own right though...thanks for the continuing top notch content 👍
Cheers
I do miss your cruising videos. The history that comes with them makes them just more exciting.
Wait i think I recall your name!! DAVID what a surprise!
Good to see you Captain.!😊
My goodness boats are a hot item these days aren't they. ABNB chose the perfect salesman..I believe your audience appreciates this excellent discription of what a boat home may look like..and the relative costs..
Great informative vlog!
Thank you for a bit of a trip down memory lane..with "Cruising the cut"😊
I bought mine via ABNB in March 2021 from Australia after a live Zoom tour and researching the Market. Got back to UK to retire in July 2021 and now a liveaboard so it can be done.
ABNB- Andy Burnett narrow boats, if I remember correctly. I knew him when he started up back in the mid eighties, when I was based in Staffordshire, fitting out boats for a living. I lived on board first a 50’ trad tug style narrow boat, then a 70’. I was on the latter for 10 years to 1998. I had bought it as a shell and fitted it out myself- cost me around £20k all told at the time. After 10 years on it, I sold her for £35k. Was happy with that profit at the time, but god knows what it would be worth now! I even fitted both of the boats with ex-marine Gardner 2L2 engines, each of which I bought for around a thousand pounds. Wish I had sourced a few more of those (I could have done, they were going for peanuts in the eighties) and hung on to them, just imagine what they would be worth now - the beauty of hindsight!! Loved living on my boats, and quite understand people’s infatuation with them. Happy cruising all!
Your VLOGs are, to me, the Gold Standard for boating videos, both in quality as well as content. Not only was this fun, it was rather timely, as I was updating my emergency, contingency plans, in case I win the gazillion pound/dollar lottery. It will help me decide what Narrow Boat and house with it’s own private landing/yard i’m going to need. If you’re going to plan for a gazillion pound lottery, you need to do it well :). Thank you David, well done.
Very similar sorts of things going on here it Australia but with different items.
I saw a story the other day about a particular type of 4wd that people are paying up to 20k over new price for a second hand one simply due to supply issues and the fact that so many are holidaying locally due to restrictions.
I saw another second hand one in a yard today that had to be at about what it cost new over 12 months ago.
I could get back everything I have spent on mine over the last couple of years as well.
Unheard of and caravans are in a similar situation as well.
Regional homes in a lot of places have taken off in price as well.
Strange times we live in.
Thanks for the video, it is interesting to see things that aren't available here.
Yep. For my 2002 Hilux 4x4 I can get what I paid for it ten years ago!
Thank you David. It was nice to get a bit of a cruise with you.
Living in the US, thanks to you David, I have informed my husband there is a narrowboat holiday in our future, once international travel is safe again. I do miss your cruising vlogs very much but also enjoy the rare treat of one of these films.
I admit to being less interested in CTC, recently. I miss the cruising videos and quirky topics. I haven't stopped watching, I just tend to check in every once in a while. That working boat was amazing!
Obviously nice to see a new video from you, I do miss the vlogs though.
Cheers, that’s why I included some cruising in this one 😀
Yes David, we do sincerely miss your cruising videos. Don't mean to offend, but others are just not the same.
David, one of my favorite things to do, when things get overwhelming, is to find a grove of Quaking Aspen and just sit down in the middle and listen to the fresh mountain breeze in the leaves. All else just fades away. When you are cruising along those quiet stretches, with your music in the background, that is where you videos take me. That, sir, is a hint.
Now I've watched the video, Great video David, I'm not surprised prices have risen, as you have mentioned with tv shows etc a life afloat has become popular, with that in mind I don't think prices will drop at all, I have to say that last boat you featured was just lovely, no wonder it's not listed anymore.
There was talk, from several "experts" and various brokers, this time last year, and after boat prices increased dramatically over lockdown, that the bottom of the market would fall out in 2022 / 23, but with the rising cost of living, more folks will be turning to narrowboats and camper vans to help survive, not only will this keep prices high... its showing no signs of decreasing at all!
Boston, Massachusetts: I am not in the market for a narrowboat & do not plan to be but enjoyed it so much I watched the whole video. My retirement home is in Northern, NH & Pre-Pandemic home prices in the village have almost doubled. Example the couple next door put their home on the market just as the pandemic began for $325,000 (twice what they paid for it 5 years ago) it sold sight unseen for almost $500,000 to an LGBTQIA+ lesbian couple from Boston who plan to use it as a place to escape to if the SHTF. Several other properties (5) in the village have also sold way above asking price. 3 retirees died & 2 decided to move to Florida & that’s why those 5 properties went on the market, the realtor told me they all sold sight unseen within days of being listed.
Its SO disheartening David. Way back when I caught your channel, sometime in 2018, I had very little money saved. I've rented so no house to sell. No assets. Now I have the equivalent savings you mention and what you could get four to five years ago and cannot find anything remotely liveable say with a 45 - 50ft narrowboat, and I am having to consider going as small as a 26ft - 36ft narrowboat! It is only just me, but I am still holding out that I will not have to make the bed up each time I go to sleep ;) All the best sir.
Ahhh that must be infuriating indeed. I do hope you find a nice boat soon.
I’ve never begged any vlogger for a video but now I’m close to begging you for a crushing video lol I so miss yours, no one compares
I don't enjoy cruising any more, see vlog 238 so won't be doing any on my own boat. I have done vlogs on others eg crossing the Wash.
@@CruisingTheCut if I may ask do you plan to keep your boat or go with your RV?
I live on the boat. The van is for weekend and holiday travel.
We bought our narrowboat from ABNB 4 years ago when they were Crick and so pleased with the service from Justin and staff we always say hello when at Crick show
It was lovely to see some footage of a quiet burble along the inland waterways. I'm a fan of your "not-a-vlogs", they are nice to have on in the background while working on designs or editing projects. In America it's RVs (Recreational Vehicles, such as camper-vans and caravans), and there are similar concerns about the scarcity of used RVs in good condition, and even new RV manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping up with the increase in demand. Owners also worry about potential fluctuations in price, should a massive crop of new RVers decide when things open up a little more that they don't really like RVing, and flood the market with used RVs.
Great video once again. Happy to see you’d uploaded this one - I actually watched your original price analysis video yesterday so this couldn’t have been timed any better :)
These new and exited narrowboaters, caravaners and motorhomers that are buying in their droves, are the 'it seemed like a good idea at the time' purchasers. Many have never spent a night away outside of a hotel room. I would suggest holding on to your money, because in the next 2 years the market will be flooded with hundreds trying to sell their current spur of the moment purchases.
Don't forget mate the UK population is nudging 75million plus unknowns ! so bigger demand by the grey mob who are loaded with spare cash after house downsizing etc.
Baby boomers will continue making the world as unaffordable to their kids as possible, for as long as they have breath in their lungs.
Great summary of the current market David. Over here in North America, prices on recreational equipment have gone crazy too. If you see something you are interested in, you have to jump on the deal right away and often pay the asking price or more.
Very similar indeed
Isolating at home for last few days with Covid and been glued to these Vlog`s. Really interesting and I`ve learnt so much already being a fairly new narrow boat owner with a single season behind me. Please keep up the informative entertaining work. Bought my boat from ABNB by the way and found them incredibly
helpful
A nice treat a new video dropping, thanks David.
Ah, how I miss the old cruising videos. Nice bit of reminiscing there. Thanks David!
A lovely insight into narrowboats that I can't (and couldn't) afford. It was nice to have a look at what you'd get for your money. The relaxing short cruise was a bonus.
I think it's safe to say that your vlogs, series and special reports are the finest of all that is out there. Relaxing, informative and very well presented with your unique style and perspectives makes for a documentary of your adventures that I can revisit over and over. Thank you David. God bless you :)
No doubt people binge watching your fabulous channel over the lockdown contributed to the rise in popularity, as well. I'd never heard of the British canal system before randomly landing on one of your videos. Thanks again David. Hope you're doing well down there.
I also was not aware of the many canals in the UK that are maintained, used, loved, and homes for so many people. The videos document a return to a more relaxed time. Thank you for the introduction to a way of life that has endured.
Definitely miss your cruising vlogs. Those years spent in front of camera certainly weren't wasted 😊 Hopefully you'll find the love for cruising again, in the not too distant future 🤞 Hope you're well and life's treating you the same way.
Very interesting boats you showed. Those old engines are fantastic to see. Nice bonus cruise too.
7:20 and following was so lovely. Made me all nostalgic. I've been enjoying your occasional video this year, but looking forward to your next cruising season whenever it happens.
Ah that's unlikely to happen, see vlog 238
Here in Australia the price of boats (in particular runabouts) has also jumped up in the last 18 months or so to almost double the price pre covid. As a result the value for money of some of these boats is just not there. I can only imagine the prices will settle down once boarders open up more freely and reliably.
I watch and have watched a staggering amount of Vlogs. But I have to say David yours are the best by a mile. Keep the good work up. Rob
I see you going back to your news journalist roots. Very good.
I fallow your advice and I bought cheaper boat (15k)with sized engine. I changed the engine with brand new one. My boat is a cruiser narrowboat, 55ft long build in '87 -89 . Most of the informations about narrowboat I find it on your RUclips channel. Thanks for sharing your experience here.
There are unwatchable TV shows with obscure "D" list celebs sipping wine but i prefer your vlog.. THANKS David
I think narrowboat ownership is like most financial investments. It's rewards is in having it for the long haul. If a purchase is just because it is trendy the love affair will be short lived. As I have followed you your adventures have presented some idyllic settings but also the realities. I think within the last 10-15 years "tiny living" has stirred up all grades of options for so many people. The old traditional living accommodations have been redefined and repurposed. Gooday.
Really enjoyed this video. Those traditional boats were so beautiful. Thank you. Have missed your vlogs. 🐶🐾
Let’s get this man to 200K! Share a video with your family and friends!
I blame you wholeheartedly for the Cruising bug i now have.
Been looking for that perfect Narrowboat but won't rush into anything.
Thanks for all the info and guidance you have given over the last few years.
My good lady watches Soaps whilst i watch RUclips Narrowboating Vlogs. 😀
Yes. I miss your cruising videos. A lot. Yes, there are dozens of other folks vlogging about it nowadays, and the ones I’ve watch are all nice folks, but I enjoy your wit so I really miss your weekly uploads
Cheers
Agree 100% 👍
Thanks for a Cruising fix 💚
Hi David - great to have a canal vlog again - miss them. Very informative and helpful, especially to those in the market for a boat right now. It's a bit like the caravan market at present - a little crazy after lockdown etc. Great to hear from you. Thank you. George and Trish - CaravanningMacs
We are seeing the same kinds of insane price hikes but with real estate here in Australia, things will pop soon though with prices going back down as people get to travel again, anyway I am hoping prices do drop on narrowboats as it's still the lifestyle I want to embrace soon once things open back up travel wise. Thanks again for a very informative and great to watch video.
Seeing a bit of cruising was a treat! Makes me miss the times when you, the og, was the menace of the canals.
A lot of lifestyle channels are hard to stomach for all their inauthenticity. Has never been the case with your content.
I live in a small seaside town and house prices here have gone mad! Glad I bought my home 15 years a go. But it makes you think where are the young local people going to live?
Another great video sir, mom and me still selling in Spain but we very much agree with you that another 6/12 months here won’t hurt. The prices are a little silly at the moment. Hope your well/happy/safe and stocked up with gin and cheese!
Only one winner here, the broker, it's no longer the cheap tranquil life it was,unfortunately, I considered it and thought no, you do a good vlog, keep it up and best wishes 👍
Cheers
Very very interesting! When you think of the cost of a house. Still very reasonable. But when you add in Marina Fees, fuel,maintenance, it gets very expensive. I have to say, I miss your narrow boat! You did such an amazing job rehabbing her. She was the prettiest boat on the cannel.
But I’m sure the expenses were so high. You must be handy like you and be able to repair things yourself. You were one of the first and we all were enchanted with everything, but all the locks.
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
Wishing you every happiness on your new project!
Thank you
Afraid its not the 'lifestyle' people are buying in to anymore when they purchase a canal boat, its now just the fact that everyone is desperate for somewhere cheap to live as houses are no longer affordable... Owners know this and the great price hike has begun...
Much thanks for the float down memory lane. Once again your journalistic acumen is on full display and I so enjoy all the effort to be informative AND entertaining. Would never miss one, of course, but this was a delightful birthday gift.
Happy birthday!
:) Well hello again. :) We've missed your droll demeanor among the narrow boat vlogs. Take care and stay safe ye olde codger. :)
So old ☹️☹️
@@CruisingTheCut Pretty sure you're younger than me, so don't feel too bad. Men age like good wine, women age like a cheap wine that's turning into vinegar LOLOLOL
Do love the quiet cruising cuts with cruising the cut lol!!
would be interesting to know the share between holiday homes and people retiring into a narrow boat. If the main buyers are retiring out of £200k+ houses they are not going to notice the price increase
I've resigned myself to the fact I'll have to commission a shell to my design and fit it out myself. Fortunately I have the skills to do so, but I'd rather buy a really nice one 'off the peg', but not at today's prices.
@@terencejay8845 if you do build one make sure you film it & stick on YT.
Hi yes, my economics professor was right when demand is high, Supply is low, prices will fly. David, your vlogs both cut and van are the standard by which I judge others. There are many other narrowboat vlogs I've found only stretching it 3 that I can follow two of which are building narrowboats and 1 a cruiser in Berlin. You are a hard act to follow I enjoyed a short Cruise. Thank you🙂
I do miss your cruising videos indeed
I really like your classy, rich commentary, it makes everything interesting
I do think that along with those older people who are buying a boat in retirement, that there are also younger people who can't afford a house, but still want own their own home... A boat can be that middle ground and for some is a much better alternative to renting.
A canal boat isn't an alternative to renting unless you have a permanent mooring. Or a desire for the continuous cruising lifestyle and a job that is fully work from home.
I really enjoyed this video! What sent it over the top was, yes you guessed it, the cruise on the canal! You need to do more cruising for your followers! We are all Cruising The Cut junkies!!!!!!!
Great content as usual. Confirms what we’ve been seeing with prices recently although the fixer uppers don’t appear to sell that quickly .
I can't believe it's been 6 years David. Wow!!! I'm waiting for another bread making video. 😁
Yes David's back.
Slightly later than planned, oops
Really interesting. We bought a leisure boat on a whim in November 2018 and it’s been worth every penny in the last few years. Relieved we did it when we did though.
Sadly price increase of boats has pushed my dream further away for now at least…… although I agree regarding even if there is a price bubble if you init for long term its probably not that relevant. Given all the costs of surveys etc probably best to be certain boat is in good condition and try and avoid being sucked into an impulse purchase on a sunny day. `Happy New Year and thanks for showing me a selection of boats its fun to view them and have your experienced commentary as you show us the layouts. Wonder how expensive new boats are now? Although I get impression waiting lists so long you would need to be patient for a couple of years even if you had the cash for one 😊
I have a scratch card sitting in wallet……….
So nice to hear your voice again. Yes I have missed you, and your vlogs. So nice of you to have done this one thank you. XXX
Cheers (it’s only just over a fortnight since the last one! 😂)
@@CruisingTheCut Sorry I will look, only been out of hospital a week, just getting back to normal. Hope you are well take care, Blessings, hugs and love XXX
Crikey, hope you're OK and recovering well. Regards
@@CruisingTheCut thank you very much, I'm doing a lot better now. I've been told that I have to rest and relax - so plenty of time to catch up with all of the videos and see everything you upload. Also, it means that I can supervise my son refurbishing my narrow boat. Xxx
The same thing is happening in the USA, all prices for traveling vans, trailers. and motor homes have risen way beyond normal. It is also harder to find a camping site as so many more are traveling in the camping fashion. I expect in another year or so there will be a bust in the system and we will get back to normal. What ever that will be.
I agree, prices for camping sites gone up, much harder finding a good RV for decent money. Been looking buying a piece of land instead when hopefully lumber fall down to somewhat normal again.
I really do miss your cruising videos. Found you in 2020 and your content was a highlight of what was truly my annus horribilis, what with everything that happened. Thanks for the little cheeky cruise! This is really informative and as someone who was looking at liveaboard life but got put off by the skyrocketing prices… it’s been fun watching everyone else enjoy the canals.
Great to see you back, more videos please,
Cheers, I produce as many as I realistically can
This is my favourite You Tube channel of all time ! Thanks 🇺🇸😃
Very much like caravans and motorhomes. I suspect in the next couple of years prices will drop. Bargains to be had!
That satisfying thump thump thump sound of a vintage motor.. same goes for a vintage 4 strike motorbike.a rythmic sound you can sleep with.
I am really missing your cruising videos truly.
Cheers but I don’t enjoy cruising anymore and there are loads of folk doing cruising videos so plenty to watch 😀
Yes, but yours are "primo!"
Hello Mr Dave, always enjoy watching videos that show many different aspects of narrow boating, and these days giving potential boaters a heads up as to what to expect, or look for during this new surge of popularity 😁
More money than SENSE some people!
What goes around comes around the market will re balance itself once a lot of these people realise life with/in a narrow boat is NOT all a bed of rose's! and you have to be a certain type which lots of these people are NOT.
YES it is a bubble and the salesman of course would say otherwise.
How nice to find a recent little vlog from you! I'm not going to buy a canal boat any time soon but I keep up. A cruising sailboat would be more practical in the Pacific NW - where I live. Thank you.
I'd love to go on a narrow boat cruise for a holiday! Here in Eastern Europe there are some navigable canals and of course the Danube and Tisa, but there are no equivalents to the narrow boat. Yeah, there are some cruises on the Danube but they're more like cruise ship, that is more eating and drinking, less silent boating.
Sadly Boris is charging me 70 quid to enter the UK, which together with the increased flight price and f*** all currency devaluation drives the cost of the adventure way beyond what I am willing to cough up, so I guess I'll entertain myself by watching your videos for now. Maybe one day, be it rainy or sunny, I'll get the chance to go on a canal trip
I just realized that I really missed your cruising video,
Thanks for such a nice work as always sir!
Cheers
A great video for the times Dave, very high in relevance. I sure hope to see some cruising videos soon mate.
Cheers but I won’t be cruising on my own boat, see vlog 238
@@CruisingTheCut time to try the cruiser you were considering in a previous episode?
Prices on those have gone up as well! Can't afford it
Nice to see you have a new video David,hope your well
One thing that springs to mind is the initial affordability as most banks really put the affordability scrutiny on the purchaser
I would imagine people finance through a loan,or have cash through the sale of a home or other assets
Or another narrowboat as a part exchange
Whatever the reason since this awful pandemic nothing is cheap these days to buy or even rent,including narrowboats
For me,I live in a park home. The cost has gone up over time.I am lucky but only just afford to run this place on my tiny retail wage.
Very grateful to have a job through this awful pandemic and a roof over my head too
RUclips Success does have consequences. I can see how you had had enough, doing that solo especially with many, many more on the canals. Good luck on your van life ! You should come to America and travel here. We love our RV trips.
Nice to see you back David
We got our boat via Rugby Boats and bought it blind from south west Germany ( 8 hours after it was listed)
James was brilliant and 14 other people wanted our boat
More than happy with what we have but it came at a high price
Previous owners spent a fortune and were also brilliant with the sale
Narrowboat prices may have increased, but there are still some excellent bargains in the £25,000 to £35,000 range on ebay. Narrowboats that appear perfectly adequate to live aboard, albeit in the smaller length range of 30 - 40ft. It is the brokers interest to say prices are going up, as it increases their commission. I am really hoping that the narrowboat market does not get as ridiculous as the UK housing market has become in making a bunch of greedy estate agents rich at the expense of first-time buyers.
It's a nightmare estimating whether a price is right, very inconsistent and variable pricing.
I don't think it's entirely fair to blame brokers; they will (rightly) try to get the best price for the boats that people ask them to sell. Boats are often cheap on ebay for a reason...
@@CruisingTheCut It all becomes obvious once you've read the survey report ... and even then not always that comprehensive.
A rubbish boat on "my" arm was sold needing £15k of over plating to entire bottom and sides, plus around windows.
Welder not happy as no instructions given ref hull frames ... so still a rubbish boat with £15k worth of over plating hanging off possibly completely rotten frames.
Caveat emptor says probably best to give that boat a wide berth (another groan).
@@CruisingTheCut As far as I am aware it is the buyers responsibility to commission a hull survey and not the broker's, so a broker would only do a visual inspection of a boat in the water, before estimating a value and as it is in their interest to keep that value as high as they think they can get away with, and if we are talking of a Bull market, prices will continue to inflate as long as people are prepared to keep buying; leading to a situation where boats are selling at prices that have little relation to actual worth. This then has the effect of only making the market available to a smaller cohort of people, who have the funds. I realise this is how capitalism works, but come the revolution...... :-)
Always a happy time when you blog. Cheers.
I Knew this would happen. Too many people watching these videos and wishing they were on the cut.
Thank you David ! I have so missed your cruising videos. Yes there are many others now, but they do not present them as well as you do in my opinion. I do watch a few others, but I do miss yours for cruising. I have watched all the ones you have done since you have been only doing the non cruising ones to much enjoyment, but alas they are not quite the same in my opinion.
Be well !
From across the pond.
Cheers
I would advice people to Wait until the upcoming crash happens & pick one up for half price or less like in the 2009 crash.
Just thinking the same.
I strongly agree with people saying it’s all your fault David. By the time of writing it’s 1.2 k likes vs 0 dislike. The proof is in the pudding. Thanks again for a great video. 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦
I wanted to get a Sea Otter before covid hit. Prices were really good and reasonable. But rushed in and got a fiberglass boat. So glad I did, as prices are now £10-15k higher than before... Though if I had got the Sea Otter I could have just cashed in 1 year later. :/ But for now, I'm happy with my boat, but got no chance of getting a Sea Otter now. :(
Sea Otters were expensive even before!! 😀
@@CruisingTheCut Oh, but they were hitting historically low prices IMO. I walked away from a very nice one going "I'll get one next year..." as the internet meme goes "Next year: ..."
Now hoping to move into my plastic boat in 2 weeks time!
Welcome back David, missed your stuff. I started saving for a narrow boat 5 years ago, after watching your vlogs, and tightened my belt now have 45k. Was hoping to buy this mid-winter spending say 35k on a boat, and then the rest on fixing it up long other costs ins etc. Now that the price of steel has risen and ready boats too, to the tune of 10K. I've had put it off for another 12 months to save a little more and fingers crossed there is a glut of sellers next year too. I just hope there'll not be another rise because my hopes over the last 4 years will be truly finished. Good to see you back...
It must be so frustrating to watch the prices climb as you save ☹️
@@CruisingTheCut That's life David some are lucky others not so...
I lived on a boat when I was a child and recently wanted to go back to that lifestyle. I've been torn between a narrow boat and a blue water sailing yacht but given the current prices you'd be mad to buy a narrowboat! Are sailing yachts permitted on the canal? I see a lot of fibre glass cruisers but never yachts (and I do mean smaller 35-40ft sailing yachts with engines.. obviously I'd need to convert it or remove the sail masts)
Sailing yachts, even de-masted, would likely struggle with the depth, width and height restrictions of the canals I think. You’d be OK on the Gloucester and Sharpness (as it’s much wider and deeper than normal) but that’s about it.
@@CruisingTheCut ahh such a shame. I even thought about long term rental of a narrow boat but unfortunately the price I was quoted was utterly ridiculous at 17.5k for the year... at that point I might as well just buy! I'll just keep my eye on the market and wait for it to hopefully come down slightly.
Thanks for the response, take care :)
Thank you again, David! I was already missing your canal videos! Thank you again!
Glad you like them!
When foreign holidays are back up to speed and these 'newbies to the cut' realise that maybe it's not really for them, I wonder if we'll see a glut of boats coming onto the market and prices stabilising or even dropping to previous values?
Yes I think people forget the reason we go abroad for holidays is the guaranteed sunshine, their will be a few bargains available when they get fed up with the rain in the uk
I think the price increase also has a lot to do with the current price of steel, which has shot up recently. Once (or if) that price drops, the cost new will drop, along with the second hand market.
I hope so Vince. I was almost ready to make the cut when Covid hit.
Dead right. The same with caravans and motorhomes whose prices are artificially high at the moment. There'll be some real bargains to be had next year, when the market is flooded with units and prices dive!
I work in the auto industry here in the States and you should see the prices on cars here. I bought a 2017 pickup in January, and I could sell it at a profit today. Even during the 2007-2008 collapse, prices held, they didn't climb. It's wild.
When I saw Aslan I initially thought that Kevin was selling up but, thanks be, it was not his Aslan. How often do you find boat names replicated? Wouldn't they be part of the boats registration?
Only the boat number is unique. There’s a lot of duplication amongst names such as Dandelion or Sunflower etc etc
@@CruisingTheCut Thanks David.
Thanks for the clarification on boat names, because I thought the same thing when I heard the name Aslan.
@@artd.1498 me too.
One thing that puts me off buying a narrowboat, is that cruising is so popular now, there would be so many boats on the canals. I liked the idea of getting away from it all, not having to follow other boats, or seeing boats coming at me at every corner! Reminds me of driving in the 70's as compared to now!