I've not been on a narrow boat, but I helped build an RV with a friend of mine, doing all the electrical work. The number one thing I can share from having built the RV, which has two 100 watt solar panels and two 400 amp hour 6 volt batteries is this - the inverter has proven to be almost useless. During the course of building this RV we realized there was almost nothing that actually needed to run on AC. We had a 12-volt DC refrigerator, the 12-volt DC Thetford toilet, the 12-volt DC igniter for the Webasto diesel stove, etc. Right now if you have a typical narrowboat electrical system, the solar panels and the alternator are charging the 12 volt batteries, and then you run an inverter to get 230 volts AC out. The 230 volts goes to the power supply for your laptop, which is actually 19 volts DC. What we wound up doing was getting DC to DC converters. This takes the 12-volt DC of the batteries, and converts it to 19 volts DC for the laptop. It's dramatically more efficient. I realize you're on a very tight budget and the answer of getting larger or more batteries it's not really an option. And I don't know whether or not either of you has any electrical skills, but a 12-volt to 19 volt DC to DC converter might be less than a hundred pounds.
greetings from the U.S. i've been a bit addicted to narrowboating vlogs these past few months. it's nice to see some fresh new (and diverse) faces. it was smart to find a boat with two separate office spaces. i wish my partner and i had separate offices. he calls colleagues a lot, and unfortunately he has no concept of voice modulation, his voice goes to 11 and stays there. :-/
I just wanted to say that you guys are wonderfully natural presenters and a total breath of fresh air. Brilliant! Keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to seeing your future adventures. Subscribed.
Hi. I’ve been watching your VLOGS for a few weeks now. Can’t get enough of them. They are showing a very quiet somewhat friendlier world that the rest of us are missing out on. Please keep doing what you do.
We think it's great that you've got your jobs figured out. The internet is wonderful. When we were your age we'd have never thought someone could live and work on a boat in the UK and teach English in China. Keep up the vlogs. We're really enjoying them. You're a lovely couple.
You two are a really nice couple seem so happy. Glad to find your channel get a bit bored with some of the other out there same old stuff. So looking forward to your future videos, thank you.
An English hamlet certainly can have a Church. English hamlets are populated areas, that derived from the local activity: A mill, fishing port, lumber, brickworks etc. where the workers essentially set up homes to be near the work or employment. Having, or not having a Church, means nothing.
@@SLO-Ride please do see BOTH definitions provided. If still certain about your response, feel free to contact the Cambrdge Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to correct their mistake.
Kinda thrilled to be seeing you two before your channel blows up! I just subscribed! Such sweet people! All the best on your narrowboat adventure!💖💖🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💖💖
you can get laptop battery chargers so buy 2 extra laptop batteries and just charge then while you have sun or are moving. small wind turbine ..also maybe a webcam with image stabilization or like i have the gopro hero8 black also waterproof..lol
Great insight into working from a boat.........get some secondary glazing on the windows before winter. Our router wire goes through a roof mushroom vent. Looking fwd to next vlog.
Points on the computers. If you don't want to go the cable through a vent route for the antenna, get someone to install a through connector on the roof or side of the boat. This allows you to plug in the aerial outside, then pick up the connection inside without going through a window/vent. My mate did it on his boat for the TV, Radio and phone. Also acquire some car power supplies for your laptops. This saves the conversion losses of 12v-mains-DC power supply. Again, knock the inverter off when you don't need it and overnight.
Fascinating how you guys can make a living teaching online so that you can go chugging along. ( I had 15 years teaching and then could only afford sail. Ha ha ) But compliments to you both. Lovely couple and I love you vlogs.
Hi Guys , Just happened to find you and your vlog as I do have a few boating Vlogs I watch and you both make me smile as your enthusiasm is very warming . You are now on my definite watch list . I do have narrowboat hols each year alone and would love to live aboard but at 66 and retired , just a bit to old to go there , so watching Vlogs is 2nd best for me . Please continue the vloging guys . love you both . Allan
This is the first video I've seen of yours and I find your way of earning and living quite interesting, clearly you are making it work. One suggestion regarding your Internet connection. Why don't you drill a hole in your roof to run the coax through? You could either install a double-female connector in your roof or, simply drill a hole large enough to fit a 3/8th's diameter pipe, then simply run your coax through it and apply sealant to the top of the pipe to keep moisture out. To me, this seems like a much better solution that running it through a window, which will drive your heating costs way up.
Thank you for addressing the open window. I was wondering how you were going to deal with that when the weather went bad. Also, I think there are battery packs that you could probably charge up and then plug your laptops into. You two are pretty tech-savvy so I imagine you already know about that.
Just jumped on your channel, love it! You're the first ones who mainly talk into the camera and keep me interested! Some thoughts on your work+electricity situation: - the antenna can be mounted on the roof, perhaps hidden under a plastic hood. Cable goes through a vent or through an extra hole. - the cameras might move less if directly fixed to the boat - looks like the laptop lids wobble excessively. - consider lithium batteries in time when your current ones die (which will happen) - expensive but much more effective than any lead type! They need proper energy management hardware. - on the luxury side: flexible solar panels you can walk on. - others pointed to wind generators and direct 12 V power to the laptops. Good luck on your cruises! Paul from Germany
Some great tips there cheers! Yes, Lithium batteries seem to be best option by a long shot. The camera shake happens a lot less now we are in winter and less boats are going past haha but a fixed position is a great shout
@@chuggingalong Lead batteries are consumables, Lithium are more durable and have almost double capacity because they can be more thoroughly discharged. I may be exaggerating, but, looking at your work situation, a standard "private" set-up on the boat may not be sufficient.
If you use mooring hooks and moor up against armco, your boat won't move at all when other boats pass no matter how fast they're going, as long as you pull the ropes tight. Just make sure the ropes front and back are at a diagonal going outwards and get them as tight as you can. voila - no movement. :-)
My husband and I really enjoy your vlogs. Re batteries: we suggest that you buy Lithium batteries. We have them and they are brilliant. We could run 2 laptops all day and have the central heating on. Lithium batteries last 10 years too. It would be worth you investing in them. XX
Chugging Along: This is a message from my husband: “If Lithium batteries are too expensive for you, you could replace your sealed lead acid domestic batteries with open lead acid traction batteries, which hold more power for a longer time. Google “Trojan Batteries”. On our boat we have 4 x 6V deep cycling batteries. Most battery chargers have a setting for using these batteries which, when charged from your engine, will provide 3 times the power of ordinary sealed batteries. You just need to top them up occasionally with de-ionised water and make sure that they have better ventilation for the hydrogen to disperse. Hope this helps! J and S
Chugging Along: Me again.... In our boat, it is the T105 Trojan Batteries. You need to check your battery box has room for 4 of them and check your alternator and battery charger are suitable. If you want to use Lithium batteries, you would need to buy a suitable charger as well and they are more expensive. J and S
I WAS REALLY WONDERING IF THEIR WERE ANY PEOPLE OF COLOR ON THE CANALS. AND THEN YOU APPEAR, LIKE MAGIC! IT IS REALLY A WELCOME DIVERSITY. I FOLLOW A LOT OF VLOGS, AND I THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONES, SO FAR. SO GLAD TO SEE YOU HERE! AND YOU ARE BOTH CHARMING WITH A GREAT CHEMISTRY AND SEEM TO BE REALLY ENJOYING THAT ADVENTURE.
@@graham6229 I SAID THEY WERE A CHARMNG COUPLE IN MY COMMENT. AS IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE, SEEING PEOPLE WHO ARE LIKE YOU, IS A REFRESHING AND ENCOURAGING THING. IT SHOWS THE RANGE OF PARTICIPATION IN A SOCIETY. I DIDN'T SAY HER COLOR MEANT ANYTHING MORE THAN THE DIVERSITY THAT IT BRING TO THE BOATING WORLD. I AM HAPPY TO SEE IT, AS MANY ASPECTS OF BRITISH LIFE ARE STIL PORTRAYED AS IF IT WAS STILL THE 1900'S, WHEN ALMOST NO OTHER POPULATION WAS EVER SHOWN IN MEDIA. IT IS ALSO NICE SEEING ANOTHER "YOUNG" COUPLE,AS MOST NARROWBOAT VLOGGERS ARE RETIRED, OR MATURE. NO HARM MEANT IN MY COMMENT AT ALL. :-)
@@newyorknewart If the person's colour doesn't mean anything in your comment, then why even mention it. People are people. You sound OK now you explained. Love ya.
Hi there it's my first time of you watching your blogs when you're talking about power you need have you thought about buying a wind turbine then your batteries can be charged when there's no sun and all the way through the night if it's windy all the best guys are keep watching
Your rocking issue is people speeding on the canal jump on to the Thames for a couple of months its a days cruise away Lechlade direction from you is so peaceful I get 2 3 boats a day and mainly wild swimmers... So interesting to work and live on a boat at the same time.... Im working full time and so is my Mrs we been living and traveling now for a year around Oxfordshire area I love the peaceful side of things I will have to tell her to take a look at your video.... Regarding your antenna problem if you drill one hole in your roof and place a junction box on top and bond it down it will allow you to put the cables through the roof to avoid the leakes in the window.... And gives you the added flexibility to be able to access it all again for upgrading the antenna when the 5g models are cheaper..... Love the videos keep up the great work happy cruising. :)
Hi We are starting the long journey to living on a narrowboat and I would say that you are fast becoming one of the go-to videos we love your cooking and your presentation style but most of all we love your openness on the overheads and costs, so many of the bloggers seem reluctant to post the cost of the narrowboat and we could never understand this, we all know what narrowboats cost in theory but knowing what others have paid does help in the planning, and the biggest question or them all is how do you afford to run them, do you work and etc, and once again you came out and posted how you earn it and what you can expect to earn, one of our goals is to bump into you, you said you earn about £400 a month each or between you? I think it was the first one but wanted to make sure. keep on Chugging.
Interesting blog, you're one of the few vloggers who you can see hold down a job while cruising. One note on the laptops: are you using 12v power supplies or are you using an invertor to supply mains voltage to standard power supplies? Converting from 12v to mains and then to laptop voltage is very inefficient. A power supply converting direct from 12v to laptop voltage is the most efficient way to power your laptops. If you are using mains, switching to 12v should extend your laptop use.
One thing I've noticed from the various narrowboat channels on RUclips is that energy efficiency is rarely considered, certainly not when compared to RVs. The engines are very inefficient 2 and 3 cylinder diesel beasts, the stoves are coal burning, etc. On the other hand David Johns did a video chat interview with a couple who had a hybrid diesel/electric engine and a very efficient battery system. And there is at least one narrowboat out there that is entirely solar powered - but it's more of a proof of concept than an affordable product.
@@MidWestConcertVideo2 the problem is the engines have to be big for rivers, but in canals only a fraction of the hp is used. Rivers are why electric boats aren't there yet, because pushing against flow or tide can quickly drain a battery bank, never mind doing it for hours.
Don't know if this would resolve your camera bounce problem, but you might look into renting a gimbal mount for your camera, just long enough to see if it solves the issue. If so, you can then shop for something (maybe used) that fits within your budget... Just a thought... Lynn
Hi. Lovely vlog. Great to hear about the 4G connection. My husband and I are hoping to live on a narrowboat from Spring 2021, so that's good news about data connection as he's a software programmer.
Just started a binge watch of your channel❤️🇦🇺. My maiden name started with an L so in my former life I was Mary L. I am hoping to spend a summer on a narrow boat cruising once life gets back to some form of normal for travel. If you are able to connect a remote camera to your laptops connected to a stabilisation gimble it should solve the rocking earthquake problem.
I love your internet workaround....i guess problem solving must be a major plus if your on a narrowboat!...please keep your vlogs coming! Excellent stuff....would love to know how you manage your power consumption and batteries....all the best.
How lovely to hear your story and adventures. It is possible to wire the wifi arial in - and there may already be an arial for a stereo so swap them over. There are loads of videos on adapting and building boats, and there are folks out there who will help/advise. As to the power - saving up for extra lithium batteries will take a wee while - or even have a whisper generator, which can be installed in a ventilated box in the engine compartment. Both are better than running the engine!!! Have you thought there may be people who will enjoy your videos and be happy to pay to a patreon account? Lastly once you light the stove, an open window may be a life saver as they are somewhat of a challenge to keep at a reasonable heat. My Dad kept feeding wood into my little stove, by the time I came into the cabin it was so hot, the resin was seeping out of the wood panels, the bulkhead near the stove was smoking and the stove was glowing red! I threw a basin of water on the bulk head and it turned instantly to steam!!! Happy Days.
Thanks for the vlog. very interesting to find someone that is just starting out. I too want to take the leap of faith and about the only thing holding me back is income. I look forward to see how things work out for you both and how things change and you adapt.
it's so strange seeing the place you were at in this video, I lived on a narrow boat when i was 12 and it brings back memories of the places we visited and the fun we had. I'm 39 now and would love to hire a boat to go places i went when i was a kid, They cost a lot though like you was saying in your other video. I might go for it anyway :)
Yeah I (Tim) did a holiday as a kid and have amazing memories from it too, especially stopping off at Cadbury World and Gas Street Basin in Brum. It's always going to be an unforgettable/interactive holiday
A hamlet is a small human settlement. In different jurisdictions and geographies, a hamlet may be the size of a town, village or parish, or may be considered to be a smaller settlement or subdivision or satellite entity to a larger settlement. The word and concept of a hamlet have roots in the Anglo-Norman settlement of England, where the old French hamlet came to apply to small human settlements. In British geography, a hamlet is considered smaller than a village and distinctly without a church or other place of worship (e.g. one road or a crossroads, with houses either side). Wikipedia! Had to look it up too, lol
We’ve just started watching your vlogs (reached and watched number 5), you are really good and articulate, we are enjoying them very much. May I ask just one thing, could you number them on the description below each vlog so we can find them in order. At the moment we have to start each one to find out what number it is! Also, we couldn’t find number 2. Sorry, I’m not complaining, they are really good, we just want to find them a bit more easily. ❤️
Hi Wendy, thank you very much for watching our videos! You can always click our channel page and find a list our videos uploaded in order. Keep chugging :)
Amazon had 6 DC to DC converters. Pretty much anything volts to anything volts adjustable. All for $11 US. This might solve your lap top charging problems. couple of those solar panels and all your problems will be solved. Perhaps an external camera mounted to a wall or ceiling would work on your shaking problem. Nice show, I like it.
Had to Google this so thanks for the knowledge I have gained a small settlement, generally one smaller than a village, and strictly (in Britain) one without a church
Great video very interesting. Glad you "seem" to have stopped the continuous back ground music, your 1st 2 videos i couldn't watch till the end. It's just my opinion but background music in videos doesn't work, i wouldn't sit down to watch a movie and put the stereo on aswell......... Can't wait for more VLOG's keep up the good work.
Hi Both. Loving your vLogs and can't wait for the next one. Could you tell me what router antenna you are using please? We have problems and are very rural (near the canal). Also about Batteries... Look in to Lead Carbon if you haven't already. It is what a lot of boaters have moved to, Cruising the Cut, Well Deck Diaries etc. Has the benefits of Lithium but they are not as affected by the temperature fluctuation.
Maybe you can get a modification and have the antenna go through the top and be able to lay down when you are moving and going through tunnels and such
I’m not a photographer but they do manufacture ‘camera stabilizers’. For example for bloggers who walk around a lot a what not. Basically on RUclips I watched a guy run down into the Grand Canyon in Arizona USA and it seemed as if he floated the entire 2 hours. Not sure it would be helpful for your situation but I reckon it’s worth a bit of investigation. The two doors that can be closed is brilliant. They cut off the bathroom form the kitchen and bedroom? Lovely video 😊
Thank you good for this. Loved the pros and cons. It is very wonderful as I said before what you two do for jobs. So happy you both are able to work while on board. See you both again in the next one. Hugs again from Las Vegas, NV. 💕💕
To stop the "earthquake" cameras have you looked into getting a gimballed stand for your computers? They would move with the wave but keep the computer steady. How about some cooking on a boat videos?
You could consider changing to lithium batteries when the time comes to replace your batteries, they are much more forgiving with running down the charge. Maybe you can run your antenna wire up through the ceiling in a permanent way, and just plug it in when needed, but you may need to make a hole in your roof. Are your lessons only scheduled for your day time? or are some of them in the evening? Enjoying the videos.
Thanks for the tips! Yes, we choose our schedules and we usually work between 8am - 4pm. However, I (Tim) have accidentally taken on lessons at 2am, never again haha
My grandchildren used to call me gramma froggy. I had frogs all over the place. One of the first things i saw that grabbed my curiosity was the frog pin. I have been looking at everyones pins lately and this is the first i would just have to have if i were to buy a narrowboat. By the by love your travels..
Another great vlog. What is the model of the antenna and magnetic pole please? Having students in China and other places means working very early/late? Hope it continues to work well for you both.
Hey, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm considering getting a narrowboat myself. Hopefully next spring. I have a video suggestion. I'd like to know more about canals and how they are connected. Is it one single web of canals, meaning you can move anywhere? Or there are separated networks and you need to pick one. In this is the case, is it possible to move the boat on a different network. I personally I would love to be in London and from there move and explore the UK. Hope you can help to answer those questions. Thanks x PS do you give private English lessons?
Varies from place to place massively. Usually the more hilly / remote means the less signal. We don't actually need that much bandwidth to both teach, we can quite easily get by on 2mbps up and down.. it's nearly always way higher than that. Hope that helps
Have you thought of having some power packs that are charged so if the battery on your laptop is low you can plug in. I live off grid and I use power packs in the evening so I don’t run my batteries down :) loving you channel :)
Hi there, we did want a power pack but now we have got used to our electrical useage and manage to balance everything quite well 👍🙂🌟 Glad you like the videos
YOU COULD GET A PANE OF PLEXI-GLASS, CUT WITH A SMALL NOTCH FOR THE CORD, TO PUT IN WINDOW WHILE ANTENNAE IS ON TOP. VERY CHEAP AND MUTE THE WEATHER PROBLEM, AND INSECTS OR A DUCK FLYING IN :-)
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
I've not been on a narrow boat, but I helped build an RV with a friend of mine, doing all the electrical work. The number one thing I can share from having built the RV, which has two 100 watt solar panels and two 400 amp hour 6 volt batteries is this - the inverter has proven to be almost useless.
During the course of building this RV we realized there was almost nothing that actually needed to run on AC. We had a 12-volt DC refrigerator, the 12-volt DC Thetford toilet, the 12-volt DC igniter for the Webasto diesel stove, etc.
Right now if you have a typical narrowboat electrical system, the solar panels and the alternator are charging the 12 volt batteries, and then you run an inverter to get 230 volts AC out. The 230 volts goes to the power supply for your laptop, which is actually 19 volts DC.
What we wound up doing was getting DC to DC converters. This takes the 12-volt DC of the batteries, and converts it to 19 volts DC for the laptop. It's dramatically more efficient.
I realize you're on a very tight budget and the answer of getting larger or more batteries it's not really an option. And I don't know whether or not either of you has any electrical skills, but a 12-volt to 19 volt DC to DC converter might be less than a hundred pounds.
greetings from the U.S. i've been a bit addicted to narrowboating vlogs these past few months. it's nice to see some fresh new (and diverse) faces. it was smart to find a boat with two separate office spaces. i wish my partner and i had separate offices. he calls colleagues a lot, and unfortunately he has no concept of voice modulation, his voice goes to 11 and stays there. :-/
You talking about your partner made me giggle. 🤭 I understand what you mean! Have good day 😊
I just wanted to say that you guys are wonderfully natural presenters and a total breath of fresh air. Brilliant! Keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to seeing your future adventures. Subscribed.
Hi. I’ve been watching your VLOGS for a few weeks now. Can’t get enough of them. They are showing a very quiet somewhat friendlier world that the rest of us are missing out on. Please keep doing what you do.
Well done you two...Congratulations on creating this amazing lifestyle for yourselves.
We think it's great that you've got your jobs figured out. The internet is wonderful. When we were your age we'd have never thought someone could live and work on a boat in the UK and teach English in China. Keep up the vlogs. We're really enjoying them. You're a lovely couple.
You two are a really nice couple seem so happy.
Glad to find your channel get a bit bored with some of the other out there same old stuff.
So looking forward to your future videos, thank you.
Your joy in life, work, and one another makes my heart smile! Thank you for this great vlog!
hamlet [ham-lit]
noun
1. a small village.
2. British - a village without a church of its own, belonging to the parish of another village or town.
No church, wow, that's got to be a plus. Keep religion personal and private.
Ditch religion. It is used as the excuse for so much violence.
I didn't know that second definition. Nice to learn.
An English hamlet certainly can have a Church. English hamlets are populated areas, that derived from the local activity: A mill, fishing port, lumber, brickworks etc. where the workers essentially set up homes to be near the work or employment. Having, or not having a Church, means nothing.
@@SLO-Ride please do see BOTH definitions provided. If still certain about your response, feel free to contact the Cambrdge Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to correct their mistake.
Well done guys, just enjoy your lives, don't know why but blue peter came into my head ?, ⚓️👍👍👍👍👍.
Love you guy’s openness and honesty 💜 Catherine x
A hamlet is basically a very small group of houses, a very tiny village. :D
Thanks for your honesty
Kinda thrilled to be seeing you two before your channel blows up! I just subscribed! Such sweet people! All the best on your narrowboat adventure!💖💖🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💖💖
Thanks for subbing!
Just found your channel, nice and refreshing. Look forward to following your journey.
Hi. Great channel, just came across you both. Can’t stop watching. Thanks
Excellent vlog guys thanks 😁👍👏👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it David :)
Well, that was refreshing. An open honest vlog. Thanks...👍👍.
you can get laptop battery chargers so buy 2 extra laptop batteries and just charge then while you have sun or are moving. small wind turbine ..also maybe a webcam with image stabilization or like i have the gopro hero8 black also waterproof..lol
Thanks for inviting us in, enjoyed as always. Tackling the Thames is a big step isn't it? Be careful you two.
What a lovely couple of people. Pity we don't have more like you. Well done
Lol, villages that Shakespeare wrote in 🤣🤣 Very interesting to hear what others do for work while living aboard, thanks for the insight. 😊
Great insight into working from a boat.........get some secondary glazing on the windows before winter. Our router wire goes through a roof mushroom vent. Looking fwd to next vlog.
Great tip, definitely going to look into that
Points on the computers. If you don't want to go the cable through a vent route for the antenna, get someone to install a through connector on the roof or side of the boat. This allows you to plug in the aerial outside, then pick up the connection inside without going through a window/vent. My mate did it on his boat for the TV, Radio and phone. Also acquire some car power supplies for your laptops. This saves the conversion losses of 12v-mains-DC power supply. Again, knock the inverter off when you don't need it and overnight.
Now that was a real breath of fresh air, look forward to following your progress......chugging. Guy
Fascinating how you guys can make a living teaching online so that you can go chugging along. ( I had 15 years teaching and then could only afford sail. Ha ha ) But compliments to you both. Lovely couple and I love you vlogs.
This is fantastic! What an amazing lifestyle and great experience.
Hi Guys , Just happened to find you and your vlog as I do have a few boating Vlogs I watch and you both make me smile as your enthusiasm is very warming . You are now on my definite watch list . I do have narrowboat hols each year alone and would love to live aboard but at 66 and retired , just a bit to old to go there , so watching Vlogs is 2nd best for me . Please continue the vloging guys . love you both . Allan
Thanks for your lovely comment Allan. Watching vlogs in winter and a narrowboat holiday in the summer is best of both worlds haha
This is the first video I've seen of yours and I find your way of earning and living quite interesting, clearly you are making it work. One suggestion regarding your Internet connection. Why don't you drill a hole in your roof to run the coax through? You could either install a double-female connector in your roof or, simply drill a hole large enough to fit a 3/8th's diameter pipe, then simply run your coax through it and apply sealant to the top of the pipe to keep moisture out. To me, this seems like a much better solution that running it through a window, which will drive your heating costs way up.
Thank you for addressing the open window. I was wondering how you were going to deal with that when the weather went bad. Also, I think there are battery packs that you could probably charge up and then plug your laptops into. You two are pretty tech-savvy so I imagine you already know about that.
Hi Amber, thanks for the comment. Yes we are looking forward to getting one of those laptop charging packs!
Greetings from Cali! Love you two! Enjoying you as a couple!
Thanks for watching Jools :)
Simplest thing is just to thread the antennae cord through a mushroom vent.
Just jumped on your channel, love it! You're the first ones who mainly talk into the camera and keep me interested!
Some thoughts on your work+electricity situation:
- the antenna can be mounted on the roof, perhaps hidden under a plastic hood. Cable goes through a vent or through an extra hole.
- the cameras might move less if directly fixed to the boat - looks like the laptop lids wobble excessively.
- consider lithium batteries in time when your current ones die (which will happen) - expensive but much more effective than any lead type! They need proper energy management hardware.
- on the luxury side: flexible solar panels you can walk on.
- others pointed to wind generators and direct 12 V power to the laptops.
Good luck on your cruises!
Paul from Germany
Some great tips there cheers! Yes, Lithium batteries seem to be best option by a long shot. The camera shake happens a lot less now we are in winter and less boats are going past haha but a fixed position is a great shout
@@chuggingalong Lead batteries are consumables, Lithium are more durable and have almost double capacity because they can be more thoroughly discharged. I may be exaggerating, but, looking at your work situation, a standard "private" set-up on the boat may not be sufficient.
Ok guys, I'm going back to watch the vlogs once more. Your energy really is contagious! Great kindred spirits. Can't wait for the next one. 🦋🐈
The new one is out! Thanks so much for your support :)
@@chuggingalong fantastic 😊
Love watching you guys ..........happy batteries.....xxx
If you use mooring hooks and moor up against armco, your boat won't move at all when other boats pass no matter how fast they're going, as long as you pull the ropes tight. Just make sure the ropes front and back are at a diagonal going outwards and get them as tight as you can. voila - no movement. :-)
My husband and I really enjoy your vlogs. Re batteries: we suggest that you buy Lithium batteries. We have them and they are brilliant. We could run 2 laptops all day and have the central heating on. Lithium batteries last 10 years too. It would be worth you investing in them. XX
Thank you both! We will look into lithium
Chugging Along:
This is a message from my husband:
“If Lithium batteries are too expensive for you, you could replace your sealed lead acid domestic batteries with open lead acid traction batteries, which hold more power for a longer time. Google “Trojan Batteries”. On our boat we have 4 x 6V deep cycling batteries. Most battery chargers have a setting for using these batteries which, when charged from your engine, will provide 3 times the power of ordinary sealed batteries. You just need to top them up occasionally with de-ionised water and make sure that they have better ventilation for the hydrogen to disperse.
Hope this helps!
J and S
Chugging Along:
Me again....
In our boat, it is the T105 Trojan Batteries. You need to check your battery box has room for 4 of them and check your alternator and battery charger are suitable. If you want to use Lithium batteries, you would need to buy a suitable charger as well and they are more expensive.
J and S
I WAS REALLY WONDERING IF THEIR WERE ANY PEOPLE OF COLOR ON THE CANALS. AND THEN YOU APPEAR, LIKE MAGIC! IT IS REALLY A WELCOME DIVERSITY. I FOLLOW A LOT OF VLOGS, AND I THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONES, SO FAR. SO GLAD TO SEE YOU HERE!
AND YOU ARE BOTH CHARMING WITH A GREAT CHEMISTRY AND SEEM TO BE REALLY ENJOYING THAT ADVENTURE.
These lovely humans are people. What has colour go to do with it. Hadn't noticed their colour.
@@graham6229 I SAID THEY WERE A CHARMNG COUPLE IN MY COMMENT. AS IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE, SEEING PEOPLE WHO ARE LIKE YOU, IS A REFRESHING AND ENCOURAGING THING. IT SHOWS THE RANGE OF PARTICIPATION IN A SOCIETY.
I DIDN'T SAY HER COLOR MEANT ANYTHING MORE THAN THE DIVERSITY THAT IT BRING TO THE BOATING WORLD. I AM HAPPY TO SEE IT, AS MANY ASPECTS OF BRITISH LIFE ARE STIL PORTRAYED AS IF IT WAS STILL THE 1900'S, WHEN ALMOST NO OTHER POPULATION WAS EVER SHOWN IN MEDIA.
IT IS ALSO NICE SEEING ANOTHER "YOUNG" COUPLE,AS MOST NARROWBOAT VLOGGERS ARE RETIRED, OR MATURE. NO HARM MEANT IN MY COMMENT AT ALL. :-)
@@newyorknewart stop shouting
@@mick.Walker NOT SHOUTING. VISION LIMITATIONS, USE CAPS, NOT EMOTION.
@@newyorknewart If the person's colour doesn't mean anything in your comment, then why even mention it. People are people. You sound OK now you explained. Love ya.
Interesting. Glad you are able to make a go of it and still earn a living.
Hi there it's my first time of you watching your blogs when you're talking about power you need have you thought about buying a wind turbine then your batteries can be charged when there's no sun and all the way through the night if it's windy all the best guys are keep watching
Your rocking issue is people speeding on the canal jump on to the Thames for a couple of months its a days cruise away Lechlade direction from you is so peaceful I get 2 3 boats a day and mainly wild swimmers... So interesting to work and live on a boat at the same time.... Im working full time and so is my Mrs we been living and traveling now for a year around Oxfordshire area I love the peaceful side of things I will have to tell her to take a look at your video.... Regarding your antenna problem if you drill one hole in your roof and place a junction box on top and bond it down it will allow you to put the cables through the roof to avoid the leakes in the window.... And gives you the added flexibility to be able to access it all again for upgrading the antenna when the 5g models are cheaper..... Love the videos keep up the great work happy cruising. :)
Thanks a lot and thanks for the tips! Yeah Oxfordshire has been great to us so far too
Another great video, looking forward to the next.
Hi We are starting the long journey to living on a narrowboat and I
would say that you are fast becoming one of the go-to videos we love
your cooking and your presentation style but most of all we love your
openness on the overheads and costs, so many of the bloggers seem
reluctant to post the cost of the narrowboat and we could never
understand this, we all know what narrowboats cost in theory but knowing
what others have paid does help in the planning, and the biggest
question or them all is how do you afford to run them, do you work and
etc, and once again you came out and posted how you earn it and what you
can expect to earn, one of our goals is to bump into you, you said you
earn about £400 a month each or between you? I think it was the first
one but wanted to make sure. keep on Chugging.
Interesting blog, you're one of the few vloggers who you can see hold down a job while cruising.
One note on the laptops: are you using 12v power supplies or are you using an invertor to supply mains voltage to standard power supplies? Converting from 12v to mains and then to laptop voltage is very inefficient. A power supply converting direct from 12v to laptop voltage is the most efficient way to power your laptops. If you are using mains, switching to 12v should extend your laptop use.
Thanks for the tips! That would be great, we're still getting used to it, hopefully we'll have it worked out soon
One thing I've noticed from the various narrowboat channels on RUclips is that energy efficiency is rarely considered, certainly not when compared to RVs. The engines are very inefficient 2 and 3 cylinder diesel beasts, the stoves are coal burning, etc.
On the other hand David Johns did a video chat interview with a couple who had a hybrid diesel/electric engine and a very efficient battery system. And there is at least one narrowboat out there that is entirely solar powered - but it's more of a proof of concept than an affordable product.
@@MidWestConcertVideo2 the problem is the engines have to be big for rivers, but in canals only a fraction of the hp is used. Rivers are why electric boats aren't there yet, because pushing against flow or tide can quickly drain a battery bank, never mind doing it for hours.
Loved it can't wait to meet you out on the cut. Have subscribed and eager for more. Louise
👏 Loved learning about your teaching.
Don't know if this would resolve your camera bounce problem, but you might look
into renting a gimbal mount for your camera, just long enough to see if it solves the issue. If so, you can then shop for something (maybe used) that fits within your budget...
Just a thought... Lynn
Hi. Lovely vlog. Great to hear about the 4G connection. My husband and I are hoping to live on a narrowboat from Spring 2021, so that's good news about data connection as he's a software programmer.
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.
I also live on a boat and teach English online too!👌living our best life 🥰
Just started a binge watch of your channel❤️🇦🇺. My maiden name started with an L so in my former life I was Mary L. I am hoping to spend a summer on a narrow boat cruising once life gets back to some form of normal for travel. If you are able to connect a remote camera to your laptops connected to a stabilisation gimble it should solve the rocking earthquake problem.
I love your internet workaround....i guess problem solving must be a major plus if your on a narrowboat!...please keep your vlogs coming! Excellent stuff....would love to know how you manage your power consumption and batteries....all the best.
I meant more about the batteries you have...thanks
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm sure we can make this video at some point
the boat looks really nice inside nice and cosy self employed not easy but you smile love the video
How lovely to hear your story and adventures. It is possible to wire the wifi arial in - and there may already be an arial for a stereo so swap them over. There are loads of videos on adapting and building boats, and there are folks out there who will help/advise.
As to the power - saving up for extra lithium batteries will take a wee while - or even have a whisper generator, which can be installed in a ventilated box in the engine compartment. Both are better than running the engine!!!
Have you thought there may be people who will enjoy your videos and be happy to pay to a patreon account?
Lastly once you light the stove, an open window may be a life saver as they are somewhat of a challenge to keep at a reasonable heat. My Dad kept feeding wood into my little stove, by the time I came into the cabin it was so hot, the resin was seeping out of the wood panels, the bulkhead near the stove was smoking and the stove was glowing red! I threw a basin of water on the bulk head and it turned instantly to steam!!! Happy Days.
Thanks for the tips!
Hi. Interesting to hear how you work from your boat. Thanks for sharing 😊👍
Interesting, good vlog, see you next time
Thanks for the vlog. very interesting to find someone that is just starting out. I too want to take the leap of faith and about the only thing holding me back is income. I look forward to see how things work out for you both and how things change and you adapt.
Nice! We plan to be as honest as possible, hope we can help you make your mind up
Thank you for this video! Very informative!
it's so strange seeing the place you were at in this video, I lived on a narrow boat when i was 12 and it brings back memories of the places we visited and the fun we had. I'm 39 now and would love to hire a boat to go places i went when i was a kid, They cost a lot though like you was saying in your other video. I might go for it anyway :)
Yeah I (Tim) did a holiday as a kid and have amazing memories from it too, especially stopping off at Cadbury World and Gas Street Basin in Brum. It's always going to be an unforgettable/interactive holiday
A hamlet is a small human settlement. In different jurisdictions and geographies, a hamlet may be the size of a town, village or parish, or may be considered to be a smaller settlement or subdivision or satellite entity to a larger settlement. The word and concept of a hamlet have roots in the Anglo-Norman settlement of England, where the old French hamlet came to apply to small human settlements. In British geography, a hamlet is considered smaller than a village and distinctly without a church or other place of worship (e.g. one road or a crossroads, with houses either side).
Wikipedia! Had to look it up too, lol
One solution to the antenna problem would be to get a suitable Plexiglas panel. You could drill a hole and the window would remain closed.
We’ve just started watching your vlogs (reached and watched number 5), you are really good and articulate, we are enjoying them very much. May I ask just one thing, could you number them on the description below each vlog so we can find them in order. At the moment we have to start each one to find out what number it is! Also, we couldn’t find number 2. Sorry, I’m not complaining, they are really good, we just want to find them a bit more easily. ❤️
Hi Wendy, thank you very much for watching our videos! You can always click our channel page and find a list our videos uploaded in order. Keep chugging :)
@@chuggingalong thank you 💕
Amazon had 6 DC to DC converters. Pretty much anything volts to anything volts adjustable. All for $11 US. This might solve your lap top charging problems. couple of those solar panels and all your problems will be solved. Perhaps an external camera mounted to a wall or ceiling would work on your shaking problem. Nice show, I like it.
Had to Google this so thanks for the knowledge I have gained
a small settlement, generally one smaller than a village, and strictly (in Britain) one without a church
wow bright people and nice , interesting way of life ,thanks for making these vlogs
Thanks for watching Clive!
Yay!!! So glad to see you both back. 💕💕
hi great vlog and its good to meet you both
Thrupp is a great place. Great vlog guys.
Great video very interesting. Glad you "seem" to have stopped the continuous back ground music, your 1st 2 videos i couldn't watch till the end. It's just my opinion but background music in videos doesn't work, i wouldn't sit down to watch a movie and put the stereo on aswell......... Can't wait for more VLOG's keep up the good work.
Cheers Stephen, yeah we received a few pointers from friends and viewers which were taken on board
love tuning into your videos
Hi Both. Loving your vLogs and can't wait for the next one.
Could you tell me what router antenna you are using please? We have problems and are very rural (near the canal).
Also about Batteries... Look in to Lead Carbon if you haven't already. It is what a lot of boaters have moved to, Cruising the Cut, Well Deck Diaries etc. Has the benefits of Lithium but they are not as affected by the temperature fluctuation.
Thanks Chris, It's a Huawei B311 router and the antenna is a Poynting Siso, also thanks for the tip on the batteries
You guys are great!
Maybe you can get a modification and have the antenna go through the top and be able to lay down when you are moving and going through tunnels and such
Very good video
thanks 😊
I’m not a photographer but they do manufacture ‘camera stabilizers’. For example for bloggers who walk around a lot a what not. Basically on RUclips I watched a guy run down into the Grand Canyon in Arizona USA and it seemed as if he floated the entire 2 hours. Not sure it would be helpful for your situation but I reckon it’s worth a bit of investigation. The two doors that can be closed is brilliant. They cut off the bathroom form the kitchen and bedroom? Lovely video 😊
Hi there, they cut off the bedroom and bathroom from the kitchen / living room 👍🙂🌟 thanks for your comment
Love this✌️
Thank you good for this. Loved the pros and cons. It is very wonderful as I said before what you two do for jobs. So happy you both are able to work while on board. See you both again in the next one. Hugs again from Las Vegas, NV. 💕💕
Thanks again Kimberly! Please put a quarter in the one-arm-bandit for us :)
Keep up the delightful work
Cheers Colin! Keep chugging 😁👍👍🏾
Loving the vlogs great to see fresh vloggers on the canal😀 , I'm interested do you speak the languages of the students you teach?
thanks! For our kind of teaching (TEFL) you don't need to speak the student's language. The (virtual) classroom is an English-only environment
To stop the "earthquake" cameras have you looked into getting a gimballed stand for your computers? They would move with the wave but keep the computer steady. How about some cooking on a boat videos?
You could consider changing to lithium batteries when the time comes to replace your batteries, they are much more forgiving with running down the charge. Maybe you can run your antenna wire up through the ceiling in a permanent way, and just plug it in when needed, but you may need to make a hole in your roof. Are your lessons only scheduled for your day time? or are some of them in the evening? Enjoying the videos.
Thanks for the tips! Yes, we choose our schedules and we usually work between 8am - 4pm. However, I (Tim) have accidentally taken on lessons at 2am, never again haha
Talking of quakes and ripples, I've wondered. Do canal ripples and quakes on other boats happen when couples are doing /"exercise"/ in the bedroom?
Great video, Are your boat batteries in good condition? Maybe it's worth checking them.
Yes they are thanks for asking, we replaced them a few weeks after buying Mary L
A Hamlet typicall means a small village usually without a church
Great post, thank you
Love your little froggy tiller pin ! :o)
Thanks Pluto! We don't have a name for it yet - do you want to do the honours?
My grandchildren used to call me gramma froggy. I had frogs all over the place. One of the first things i saw that grabbed my curiosity was the frog pin. I have been looking at everyones pins lately and this is the first i would just have to have if i were to buy a narrowboat. By the by love your travels..
Check out RUclipsrs Foxes Afloat for info about internet - they did a great video about it when they were building their boat. Keep chugging! :D
Install in more panels and invest in lithium will improve power usage.
Another great vlog. What is the model of the antenna and magnetic pole please? Having students in China and other places means working very early/late? Hope it continues to work well for you both.
Thanks! It's a Ponyting antenna. The magnetic pole was from the shop at Whilton Marina, not sure on the brand, it doesn't say
Hey, I'm really enjoying your videos. I'm considering getting a narrowboat myself. Hopefully next spring.
I have a video suggestion. I'd like to know more about canals and how they are connected. Is it one single web of canals, meaning you can move anywhere? Or there are separated networks and you need to pick one. In this is the case, is it possible to move the boat on a different network. I personally I would love to be in London and from there move and explore the UK.
Hope you can help to answer those questions.
Thanks x
PS do you give private English lessons?
Fantastic suggestion, thanks!
Yes, we do private lessons - you can contact us on instagram: chugging.along or email chuggingalongcanals@gmail.com
Lucky to be able to work from your boat. What speeds can you get and what canals are best for getting internet?
Varies from place to place massively. Usually the more hilly / remote means the less signal. We don't actually need that much bandwidth to both teach, we can quite easily get by on 2mbps up and down.. it's nearly always way higher than that. Hope that helps
Have you thought of having some power packs that are charged so if the battery on your laptop is low you can plug in. I live off grid and I use power packs in the evening so I don’t run my batteries down :) loving you channel :)
Hi there, we did want a power pack but now we have got used to our electrical useage and manage to balance everything quite well 👍🙂🌟 Glad you like the videos
A hamlet is a settlement of around 5 or so dwellings that is smaller than a village and doesn't have a church 👍
Excellent insight and very interesting. 👍
great vlog thank you
Love your channel just found you.
YOU COULD GET A PANE OF PLEXI-GLASS, CUT WITH A SMALL NOTCH FOR THE CORD, TO PUT IN WINDOW WHILE ANTENNAE IS ON TOP. VERY CHEAP AND MUTE THE WEATHER PROBLEM, AND INSECTS OR A DUCK FLYING IN :-)
Solar panels? (I bet you've possibly done that in later vlogs lol)
Looks like you've got it all worked out, I expect your students would love to see why your 'earthquakes' are happening too. Enjoy Oxford. 👍
Interesting vlog