251. Adding more solar power to my narrowboat

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  • Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024

Комментарии • 2,4 тыс.

  • @chieromancer
    @chieromancer 2 года назад +166

    I have no idea what you were talking about. But i like listening to you talk about it.

    • @WhatSarahLikes1
      @WhatSarahLikes1 2 года назад +5

      Same. Just put solar in our Motorhome and while guy was explaining it all I heard was Blah blah blah . Very confusing.

    • @JR90.
      @JR90. 2 года назад +2

      I was thinking the exact same thing, while watching it.

    • @beverlyfletcher4458
      @beverlyfletcher4458 2 года назад +2

      Agreed!

    • @joycesalkeld3726
      @joycesalkeld3726 2 года назад +1

      Gobble-di-goop! If I want to install solar I will call you! Lovely to see you though.

    • @A1150N_
      @A1150N_ 2 года назад +1

      Haha me too! 🤷‍♀️

  • @peterh9110
    @peterh9110 2 года назад +22

    I have never seen a finer example of British precision engineering for those brackets. :)

    • @PieterBreda
      @PieterBreda 2 года назад +3

      I love carefully measured and finely and precisely machined high-end engineering

  • @JohnHill-qo3hb
    @JohnHill-qo3hb 2 года назад +11

    David, David, David.... it is a universal fact that when you go to any DIY shop, they will have absolutely have everything you could possibly need EXCEPT what you went there for.

  • @WaterfrontJustin
    @WaterfrontJustin 2 года назад +2

    Mooring the cut is still my favorite narrow boat channel

  • @DiscoFang
    @DiscoFang 2 года назад +2

    Cruising the Cut is like a cuppa tea on RUclips

  • @MrMattlock
    @MrMattlock 2 года назад +43

    Wow David, your electrical, engineering and IT skills have come on leaps and bounds since you first installed solar power. Another great video and I loved the genuine excitement in your voice as you switched it all on and it "didn't go bang". And then, as if the miracle of working solar power wasn't enough for the viewer, you bring out the mop!!! The 41 minutes just flew by.

    • @Goodchappy
      @Goodchappy 2 года назад +1

      We virtually said the same thing! I felt like I was there, partly waiting for a technical glitch (bang) but also knowing that David would have done plenty of research, used previous experience and taken enough care to make sure a bang didn't happen....unless he edited that bit out 🙂

    • @bobham919
      @bobham919 2 года назад +3

      its quite a bit different when he got the new batteries and his trepidation he had when hooking them up. there was a small spark when he connected the 2 together. it shocked him not electrically but mentally. lots of water under the boat since then.

  • @kcwheeler6403
    @kcwheeler6403 2 года назад +9

    Without knowing you were professionally trained in broadcasting and film,I would guess you were an electronics wizard! Making a wild guess ,your DIY work saved well over a few thousand pounds. Congrats on a job well done.

  • @interdiction2
    @interdiction2 2 года назад +11

    That was the longest and most convoluted infomercial for a microfibre mop I've ever seen . Well done that man, I too would have been anxiously waiting for a loud bang and/or a big blue flash when I switched everything back on. Very interesting though and I hope you get decent power here in England through the winter. One other thing never ceases to amaze, the sun is about 93 million miles away but a few inches of tilt on a solar panel can have a significant effect. Take care. 👍

  • @annerimler
    @annerimler 2 года назад +2

    "...you have to plug the cable into the laptop in order for it to show up..." LOL. Fantastic job! You are so brave: drilling holes, hooking up electrical things and configuring stuff. I'm in awe

  • @phillipwlamb2938
    @phillipwlamb2938 2 года назад +6

    For amateur radio operators, it's called the "smoke test." Flip the switch and see if smoke comes out of the radio! Well done, I say. And a joy to watch. Plus you look like you're really having fun doing it. A double win for you, and for your fans.

  • @zenoelea8239
    @zenoelea8239 2 года назад +15

    Brilliant video. I was a tad worried when that marina work bench started jumping about, and even more concerned that the vice was going to part company with it. But all's well that ends well. Job well done.

  • @nateellis628
    @nateellis628 2 года назад +4

    I love how subtle you are in reminding us how chilled it is on the cut, don't even know what day it is 🤣

  • @kentyhurst7835
    @kentyhurst7835 2 года назад +7

    This is definitely not an tourism video. "Overcast and shorten days in Britain " lol. Love the show

  • @carolynevolpecurley547
    @carolynevolpecurley547 2 года назад +3

    "Good Morning,. It turns out yesterday was Saturday."
    Classic line. Your videos are the best and now FINALLY I will start your van videos.

  • @aenorist2431
    @aenorist2431 2 года назад +7

    Very solid vice on a table made of cardboard. Some genius at work right there :D

  • @rebeccamackey4878
    @rebeccamackey4878 2 года назад +18

    you're vlogs always lift our day.. who doesn't love a machine washable mop head ? :D Weed, California USA

    • @juadonna
      @juadonna 2 года назад +1

      I love a good mop head, most especially if I'm not the one using it!

  • @rotinkerbell
    @rotinkerbell 2 года назад +8

    I really do miss your videos. Lovely to hear your voice. x

  • @Moffit366
    @Moffit366 2 года назад +22

    I would suggest filling the ends of the cut off tywraps flush, just cutting them leaves an edge that will slice you wide open. As a service and installer of electronic systems I speak from experience.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  2 года назад +3

      Cheers. In the interests of science, I have just run my finger along every single cut cable tie and they're all fine :-)

    • @learigg
      @learigg 2 года назад +3

      Mr Moffit has a point. A couple of years ago ty wrap cuts were the number one reason for accessing first aid kits on our IT site. The fact that your cut ends seem ok is probably down to your wire snips being blunt ;)
      I am impressed by your explanation of connecting two charge controllers to the same battery.

  • @r0cketplumber
    @r0cketplumber 2 года назад +2

    When I was seven years old, my family moved to Belgium and I made the mistake of reading Ray Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day". That was frankly terrifying in a cold, dark continental winter.

  • @great-grandmakirk8828
    @great-grandmakirk8828 2 года назад +5

    Thank you so much, you gave me a wonderful day after watching you bend your metal brackets 😂😂😂 I could listen to you explain how you are doing things all day long. You are so funny even when I’m sure you are not trying be so.👍🏻😍❤️👏🏼 Wow! You are becoming quite the electronic pro. 😂😂 I think sometimes that you are a little wonky ( just kidding) Thank you so much for sharing all of your improvements 👍🏻😍👵🏻🇺🇸 have a great week and stay safe .

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 2 года назад +6

    I APPRECIATE you not turning this VLOG into a series of 'cliffhangers' at each of the key points in the installation!😘 It is already suspenseful enough! Well...job done. We await reports on performance over the upcoming (winter) months.

  • @incognitoatunknown2702
    @incognitoatunknown2702 2 года назад +7

    The excitement was palpable.

  • @Widestone001
    @Widestone001 2 года назад +5

    It's the little things, as always! That mop really looks nifty.
    I am, like everyone, happy to know that you're (sorry for that) buzzing with power. May the power be enough for the long, dark winter days!
    Good thing winters only last a few months, not years - really gotta watch GOT again some time. :-)

  • @thomofhillbillyhaven8701
    @thomofhillbillyhaven8701 2 года назад +2

    50 years of drilling holes in metal and I never thought about a magnet to keep the rust away… wonderful idea. Brilliant. Thanks

  • @vincentfiestada
    @vincentfiestada 2 года назад +5

    I was waiting for the table to just cave while you were hammering away 😄

  • @FancyMcDancy
    @FancyMcDancy 2 года назад +4

    I loved you confusing Saturday for Sunday. As good an illustration of the relaxed nature of canal life that we will get.

  • @TheFudgeChicken
    @TheFudgeChicken 2 года назад +3

    For a guy who always claims he has no idea what he's doing, and that maybe true, you always seem to do a "bang up" job of these DIY projects you undertake. Respect...

  • @illiath4438
    @illiath4438 2 года назад +4

    I'm happy to see that the most important (and exciting) tool was included in the video at the end :) In terms of the rest of the video, good job!

  • @villaridge
    @villaridge 2 года назад +1

    the ending was the most excited I have ever seen you. I bow down to your realness.

  • @floydbertagnolli944
    @floydbertagnolli944 6 месяцев назад +2

    I think when you started, you said you weren’t much of a DIY guy but since then you’ve taken on many varied projects with thoroughness and success. congratulations!

  • @mrwilz57
    @mrwilz57 2 года назад +4

    With the world filled by constant doom and gloom recently, Imagine how happy I was to be given a new " Cruising The Cut " video to watch upon my homecoming this evening. Nice one David 👍

  • @Vixduffield
    @Vixduffield 2 года назад +4

    Came for the panels, stayed for the mop.
    Another great video!

  • @johneastman1905
    @johneastman1905 2 года назад +3

    Well done as a Motivated boat owner … very much enjoyed your defiant attitude to critics .

  • @MrWolfgee
    @MrWolfgee 2 года назад +1

    Always have preferred looking over someone else's shoulder to doing my own work. Thanks

  • @MichaelRBlair
    @MichaelRBlair 2 года назад +3

    Came for interesting solar panel installation, stayed for sweet sweet David shoulder shots!

  • @paulkeogh3518
    @paulkeogh3518 2 года назад +4

    Good to see you. I do miss the weekly vlogs, really used to look forward to the next instalment from week to week.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  2 года назад

      Cheers, I’m producing as many as I can.

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes4983 2 года назад +5

    David I subscribed to your channel six years ago and have watched most of your videos but rarely commented. I cannot help myself but just have to compare and contrast the much younger David whose technical skills were rudimentary and lacking in confidence, through to the van conversion and fit out where you get into the technical stride and now here where you are gabbling on like all the other You Tube geeks with confidence and allowing us to look at your shoulder while you knit your latest electrical circuit together. Transformational or what? Excellent video and great humour. Thank you.😉👍

  • @derekwarner6898
    @derekwarner6898 2 года назад +4

    What a pleasure to watch a realistic solar installation without impossible promises of abundant power in typical UK weather conditions. Being a solar user (PV and water heating) I appreciate the honesty of this job well done!!!

  • @celiaty5814
    @celiaty5814 2 года назад +2

    Watched every bit without understanding much. Still liked the process. Just like kids wanting to play with the box the toy comes in... you found such joy in the extension cleaning pad.
    WAY TO GO!!! 👍🤣🤣🤣👍

  • @azlansharom7011
    @azlansharom7011 2 года назад

    “Didn’t go BANG! 💥” 😄👌🏽 Lovely, thank you David. As a landlubber in a land with no canals I’m an avid follower of your tales. And as a newly solar powered homeowner, this episode was particularly fun and much awaited after your earlier teaser. ☺️

  • @grenvillephillips6998
    @grenvillephillips6998 2 года назад +5

    Glad to see the dilithium crystals are fully functional: engage warp speed, measured knots!

  • @TheGardenKitten
    @TheGardenKitten 2 года назад +4

    I know you may not feel the same way, but I always enjoy your DIY vids, thank you again.

  • @CarolWilliams-xp1id
    @CarolWilliams-xp1id 2 года назад +7

    Ah, it does put a a smile on the day to watch David amiably faffing about seeming to know less than he does. All that actual knowledge about electrical systems, their wiring and computer controls artfully disguised as a sort of hapless Heath-Robinson affair. Another stellar performance,

    • @zak2u2
      @zak2u2 2 года назад

      You notice that too huh? Took me a couple of years to see through that. LOL

    • @roygardiner4002
      @roygardiner4002 2 года назад

      Yes, he really should go into television....wait...

  • @jimwulstan8592
    @jimwulstan8592 2 года назад +2

    From Blacksmithing to digital electronic wiring, a little knowledge is a marvellous thing.

  • @timothyboles6457
    @timothyboles6457 2 года назад

    Ah the joys of a successful DIY project complete. And nothing burned up!! Bonus!

  • @dejjal8683
    @dejjal8683 2 года назад +34

    Five years from now, " After all the upgrades to my boat I've realized it is now entirely made of SikaFlex and I will need to buy a new boat."

    • @RobEJC
      @RobEJC 2 года назад +3

      I read that in David's voice with inflections in the right places and WOW it's funny!

  • @johnburgess5534
    @johnburgess5534 2 года назад +6

    Wow, as a person whose knowledge of electrics is black goes to negative and red goes to positive, this whole vlog might as well have been in Russian.
    I still watched it all the way through though which shows the power of your presentation skills. I survived living aboard a constantly cruising narrow boat for 15 years and traversed the whole 2200 miles three times. I had one solar panel utilised when stationery.. never needed any more lekkies . Engine provided all the amps needed via an heave duty alternator. I admire your expertise setting up your system. My mottos is KSS.
    Best regards. John B.

  • @altowatts1325
    @altowatts1325 2 года назад +3

    Award Winning Explanation Of How The Charge Controllers Must Be Able To Communicate With One Another 🏆🏆🏆.

  • @danieltadd
    @danieltadd 2 года назад +4

    lol, I love this. Pre-empting the flood of comments about solar power, making counter arguments before they appear. Made me chuckle.

  • @richardhasler6718
    @richardhasler6718 2 года назад +4

    Ha ha thanks David, that last bit of video of you cleaning the panel was priceless. I hope to see you regularly interrupting my viewing of RUclips channels, in a panel cleaning advert.

  • @FUNKYBOUFFE
    @FUNKYBOUFFE 2 года назад +5

    Congrats on another successful project! If you’re not careful you’ll become the handy man around the marina!

  • @jckirby7994
    @jckirby7994 2 года назад +3

    I just loved how you. Made this whole operation look so easy... Especially the mop thing .. From Alabama in the US..awesome

  • @henkbarnard1553
    @henkbarnard1553 2 года назад +5

    So in 5 1/2 years, there was a sunny day in Great Brittan! Who knew.

  • @perkinscove1640
    @perkinscove1640 2 года назад +2

    He doesn't know what day it is...and he doesn't really need to. The man is truly blessed!

    • @stevenholton438
      @stevenholton438 2 года назад +1

      I burst out laughing the way he said it turns out yesterday was Saturday!😄

  • @hans2406
    @hans2406 2 года назад +1

    The mop, the mop.
    The surprise of the day.
    Grand ending of the posting.
    GROOVY.

  • @stephenmatthews9378
    @stephenmatthews9378 2 года назад +6

    Who knew a mop could be so exciting?

  • @Haustorium12
    @Haustorium12 2 года назад +4

    I always get excited when you do one of these videos! you are the reason why I know about narrowboating in the first place. Thank you!

  • @rodneymaennling5963
    @rodneymaennling5963 2 года назад +8

    A truly amazing video! You are the most articulate person I know, bringing to ground (pardon me...) one of the most technical subjects I know. You describe with tight clarity, ideal for the ordinary person. Phew, that was a mouthful.
    I've followed your video work for donkey's years. Thank you! Keep up those wonderful stories.
    Rodney Maennling Vancouver Island Canada

    • @amfwelsh
      @amfwelsh 2 года назад +1

      He could talk while paint is drying and I would still find it interesting.

  • @aqueousone
    @aqueousone 2 года назад +2

    The explanation of the need for separate controllers to accommodate mismatched panels was excellently laymen-ized and important for anyone considering expanding their own solar system. The climactic ending where you go enthusiastically ultrasonic was so worth waiting for! “... wiping the panels keeping them CLEEEEAN”.

    • @henryD9363
      @henryD9363 2 года назад

      It's very comprehensible, but it's actually not correct. The battery's internal resistance while charging will cause the two inverters to approximately equalize their output. IOW one cannot prevent the other from charging.

  • @darrenleigh201
    @darrenleigh201 2 года назад

    I'm impressed with how much your mechanical/electrical knowledge and skills have improved over the last 5+ years. Great job! Thanks for sharing!

  • @Jagcycle
    @Jagcycle 2 года назад +5

    That message in Chinese actually was a self-destruct initialisation message. Your boat will self-destruct in 7 days... Cheerio!

  • @sailingyoumeandjosapea6770
    @sailingyoumeandjosapea6770 2 года назад +3

    Wow ! I remember when you first started you was plumbing your washing machine in and it seemed hard for you. Now look how you’ve grown in your abilities not just Normal DIY JOBS but now electrics and solar. I’m very pleased to see this and feeling proud for you . Well done 👏 you are a clever man . Your also very good at explaining things too .

  • @Nimashet
    @Nimashet Год назад +3

    I know it's a year on but you know what I just watched this video for the first time and seeing the sheer Joy on your face for the mop. Have a good day

  • @raytheron
    @raytheron 2 года назад +1

    Excellent job, David! I would not have been able to it that well. Loved the video, btw, and that mop is the bee's knees!

  • @taffetatwist2194
    @taffetatwist2194 2 года назад +2

    40 min video about setting up the most satisfying mop scenario I've ever seen!

    • @zak2u2
      @zak2u2 2 года назад

      It was really an advertisement for the mop. David is really a mop salesman with GB as his territory.

  • @garyheap3780
    @garyheap3780 2 года назад +4

    I definitely need to see a full mop review😁👍

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  2 года назад +3

      It may yet come to that over winter...

  • @christopherwhitelaw1197
    @christopherwhitelaw1197 2 года назад +4

    Brilliant! Step by step….accurate and utterly delightful. I am deeply sorry you’ve lost your love of cruising, but I can understand why the summer months is a closed book.

  • @marlecmarine5393
    @marlecmarine5393 2 года назад +3

    Really enjoyable video, the workshop scene bashing metal with a very large 'Irish screwdriver' was hilarious. l love the childish enthusiasm and the total surprise it actually works, brilliant job. Barry Bucknell would have been proud of you.....

  • @sciez22
    @sciez22 2 года назад +1

    New video from CtC? Click and it's 40 minutes? Best surprise ever!

  • @LostInEurope
    @LostInEurope 2 года назад +2

    Magnet in a bag... Can't believe I've never thought of that! Nice 👌

  • @swishswish386
    @swishswish386 2 года назад +3

    This was a very informative and interesting vid. Who would have thought that a solar panel installation/upgrade could keep me glued to the screen for 40+ minutes

  • @altowatts1325
    @altowatts1325 2 года назад +3

    Good day from North America. As a fan of great music I appreciated The Nina Simone reference. 🎶🎤 It's A New Dawn. It's A New Day. It's A New Life. And I'm Feeling Good 🎶. Great job on the installation 👍🏾. I did get a good chuckle from watching you swing the hammer in the workshop 😂. Carry on Captain 🏆.

  • @bobham919
    @bobham919 2 года назад +3

    i have watched you for a long time. many times when you are doing something someone will say you should have did it this way or that way. i mounted some on my trailer and truck using well nuts. i had the same issue as i wanted to keep the inner part of my truck nice and clean and did not want to remove the head liner. the well nuts worked fine and no costly tool to buy. you did a nice job dear Sir. carry on.

  • @MrSmeggypaws
    @MrSmeggypaws 2 года назад +1

    David, only you can make a new solar array install, wiring included, entertaining. Great job, enjoyable vid!

  • @mrsmith4128
    @mrsmith4128 2 года назад +1

    Putting the plastic bag around the magnet is pure genius!!! I need not explain why. Brilliant!!!

    • @henryD9363
      @henryD9363 2 года назад

      Years ago I put a sock around the magnet. Kind of messy to take off and clean it. Plastic bag is more elegant and effective I think

  • @shirleylynch7529
    @shirleylynch7529 2 года назад +4

    What a talent. Very clever man. Well done.

  • @alanjameson8664
    @alanjameson8664 2 года назад +5

    An excellent illustration of why it should be taken care of by the builders when they make one's custom boat! [Speaking as an analogue person.]

  • @stina6762
    @stina6762 2 года назад +4

    Fantastic. I love that you didn’t know what day it was !!! I need a life like that . Love the way the excitement built toward the end , right up to the mop ! 😂👍

  • @craigleemehan
    @craigleemehan 2 года назад

    Your DYI skill have definitely sharpened. Good job.

  • @minshullj
    @minshullj 2 года назад

    The last time you hired someone to do these. It's always nice to improve your skills.

  • @henrystratton9572
    @henrystratton9572 2 года назад +4

    2 years ago he would have had to hire someone to do that, nice to see how much he’s grown as a full time boater, knows the canals better than anyone now

  • @mjallenuk
    @mjallenuk 2 года назад +3

    The end took me by surprise ... after all these years I should have suspected it would happen but I still couldn't help but chuckle. Always a pleasure chap and you utterly deserve a million or so subs.

  • @dobeedeux
    @dobeedeux 2 года назад +3

    I enjoyed this vid as usual, but to be honest, my favorite part was the mop. LOL

  • @caswal
    @caswal 2 года назад +1

    For sheet metal work, a cheap step drill is awesome. I also love rivnuts. Such a great invention.

  • @lobstercheescake8264
    @lobstercheescake8264 2 года назад +1

    Wow. I continue to be gobsmacked by your Electrical/Mechanical engineer abilities.….most wouldn’t even attempt. Love me a simple mop too-Bravo, Dave. Enjoy rolling in your new ampage!!

  • @panzer6398
    @panzer6398 2 года назад +5

    You don't need to worry about a bang from new electrical. What you need to worry about is the magic smoke escaping. As long as the magic smoke is still inside, you're good!

  • @horseshoemanrunning7071
    @horseshoemanrunning7071 2 года назад +3

    So complicated. Well done that man.

  • @altowatts1325
    @altowatts1325 2 года назад +3

    Excellent Job of mounting, wiring and programming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍🏾👍🏾. Carry On Captain.

  • @oldsteam3618
    @oldsteam3618 2 года назад +1

    From Boat life to Van life to Off Grid life to Mop life David be D man. Thanks David .

  • @ToddTalksTech
    @ToddTalksTech 2 года назад +2

    (wipes eyes) well David.. you've proven that in absence of engineered tools, enthusiasm and a large hammer will substitute for just about anything. Bravo!

  • @mralekito
    @mralekito 2 года назад +3

    I'm genuinely impressed. Nicely done.

  • @Epitome613
    @Epitome613 2 года назад +3

    OMG. That last bit was almost too exciting. ;) Thanks for another great vlog!

  • @pieceofschmidtgamer
    @pieceofschmidtgamer 2 года назад +3

    There's just something indescribably charming about the British Accent.

  • @pilotoheli
    @pilotoheli 2 года назад

    I truly understand your excitement. Who would not love a clean solar panel!

  • @superyachtchef
    @superyachtchef 2 года назад +2

    In a British winter - great timing and good luck with dat 👍

  • @leDespicable
    @leDespicable 2 года назад +3

    That's one wobbly workbench they've got there in the workshop

    • @jeffreytan2948
      @jeffreytan2948 2 года назад +1

      Lol Noticed that too. Kind of useless to have a vice on a table that isn't secured.

  • @petermagoun7457
    @petermagoun7457 2 года назад +4

    Excellent explantion of a fairly complex system. Nicely done David!

  • @leighlawson4854
    @leighlawson4854 2 года назад +4

    At least I understood the mop!!

  • @laviniajohnson9210
    @laviniajohnson9210 2 года назад +1

    You have explained installation perfectly. Haven't a clue about amps and volts (never have) but the concept of the units makes sense. Think you deserve a rather large cheese sandwich for your effort sir.

  • @allorenz6591
    @allorenz6591 2 года назад

    Few understand how much work effort and planning go into proper wiring. That said, as and Electrical Engineer, BSEE'68, I found this absolutely entertaining. Well done and two thumbs up from a graduate Engineer. Always a worthy vlog. 📷👀👏😎❗️