Day 1: My First Narrowboat Adventure: 7 Locks, a Tunnel, and Steep Learning Curves!

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  • Опубликовано: 16 янв 2025

Комментарии • 152

  • @no23mk2
    @no23mk2 Месяц назад +19

    Great video! This time last year, as inexperienced boaters, my wife and I collected our narrowboat. The first locks on our maiden voyage were the Buckby flight. On lock 3 (No11), whilst I was in the lock waiting to be raised, my wife fell off the lock quadrant onto the towpath (3' drop) and, as a result, broke her leg! 8 hours later and two ambulance crews, two fire engine crews, an NHS manager, and a dose of morphine, she was finally taken to Northampton hospital. Next morning on the boat, I noticed my pot of tea was decidedly askew. Looked outside, and the boat was aground due to those leaking lock gates. Had to let a couple of lock loads of water in from next lock up to refloat the boat! Then, I had to single hand the rest of the voyage up to North Kilworth, having never operated a lock before! However, the sun was shining, the learning curve was near vertical, but had a great two days to the mooring. Buy a boat, they said..... One year on, leg healed and enjoying boating! 'What three words' for lock 11 on the Buckby - Smashes, Something, Clumped 😂

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +2

      Wow! What a start to boating life. Thanks for sharing. My 'camera shy lock helper' did her ankle on a lock earlier in the year when we had a hire boat for three days. It is easy to do.

  • @keithbuckler4295
    @keithbuckler4295 Месяц назад +4

    You’re obviously very courageous, love the sound of your engine.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks. I also love the sound - relaxing and yet strangely danceable.

    • @keithbuckler4295
      @keithbuckler4295 Месяц назад

      @ have you done a video about the engine? I’m asking as I’ve only got to day 3 so far. Would really like to know details.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      @@keithbuckler4295 I have not done a video yet. It is on the list. The engine is a Beta Marine JD3. It is a converted three-cylinder tractor engine.

  • @williamjust5427
    @williamjust5427 Месяц назад +4

    Really like your unfettered, raw footage. Thank you.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks - I think.... You get what you see. There are a few outtakes, but most of it is one-off, captured in the moment

    • @williamjust5427
      @williamjust5427 Месяц назад

      Apologies if there was ambiguity, compliments of course. 😊

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      @@williamjust5427 Thanks.

  • @duanetrivett750
    @duanetrivett750 День назад

    Nick i was a nervous reck watching you go through the tunnel but after you passed your first boat i seen you had it under control. I wished i was on the canals also. I didn't know you had a helper for the locks but i am glad you did i know it was nice to have a friend with you .
    Nick i am proud of you . I am 62yrs old and want to visit England more than any other place.
    Good luck from Tennessee

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  20 часов назад +1

      Thanks. Tunnels are a real challenge. I found it amazing how much the boat moved around in the tunnel and how disorientated I became.

    • @duanetrivett750
      @duanetrivett750 11 часов назад +1

      @Nicks-Wanderings Thanks for your reply Nick ! I am very Proud of you my Friend.

  • @stevecollier21
    @stevecollier21 Месяц назад +12

    Glad you decided to chronicle this from the start 👍🏻

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +3

      Thanks. My thinking is to share everything - warts and all...

  • @theradioweyr
    @theradioweyr Месяц назад +7

    This is fun watching you starting out on this lifestyle!

  • @neildaly6787
    @neildaly6787 Месяц назад +6

    Greetings Nick, from the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne. Congratulations on your first cruise in your new 57' narrowboat. I've no advice to give as I've never been near a narrowboat; but I follow a few narrowboat RUclipsrs. It's a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable life you all lead, although not without its challenges, obviously. Thanks for the details on the journey, the maps etc. Like some others, I follow some journeys on the Open Canal app; I even have a couple of Nicholson Guides and Inland Waterways of the UK map on my study door! I look forward to seeing your journeys unfold. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +4

      Thanks. I went to Melbourne years ago, and apart from a scary taxi ride to the airport, I loved the place. Great city. I will be continuing with the maps in the vidoes because I like a good map!

  • @thepilgrim4473
    @thepilgrim4473 Месяц назад +3

    If that absolutely was your first ever essay at moving a narrowboat then I must tell you, all things considered, you did a sterling job indeed getting her out of the marina like that! Methinks you are a natural! We launched our boat back in May - a 70 footer no less - and I had to back her out of Braunston marina with boats on either side. Talk about sweat! Never let any body tell you bow thrusters are worthless😅!
    We then trotted up to Crick and then came back down the Oxford. Nice marina Cropredy, and nice village too. Glad you’re having a blast!

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the comment. That was my first time on a 57-foot NB. A couple of years ago, I took a course on a 45-foot boat (good course, bad student) and spent three days on a 47-foot boat in the spring. As a kid, I spent a lot of time on boats on the Thames, but they were all dingy types. So, yes, first time on 57. And, I better you were sweating taking a new 70-foot boat out for the first time. And yes, lovely village.

  • @svenningk
    @svenningk Месяц назад +6

    Absolutely loved the video, very impressed on how you took on the new challenge. That boat is LONG. Well shot, edited and narrated video, looking forward to the next one. Very relaxing and therapeutic, loved the scenery. Thanks for sharing!

  • @urbanfox53
    @urbanfox53 Месяц назад +10

    Congratulations! You done incredibly well for a Novice and I can imagine it was quite a daunting exercise.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +2

      Thanks for the comment. It was a challenge and I couldn't believe how tired I was at the end of each day.

    • @raybeer5213
      @raybeer5213 Месяц назад

      *You DID, not "done". Basic grammar. 🤣

    • @urbanfox53
      @urbanfox53 Месяц назад +2

      @@raybeer5213 No getting away from the grammar Police, basically boring individuals.

  • @RobertLund-d7d
    @RobertLund-d7d Месяц назад +2

    Great. Might help a bit to see a forward view as well.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Yes, I agree. I wanted a shot from the bow, and I think I have now solved the problem. I am now on plan E. And plan E may be working.... (famous last words)
      Plan A: Leave the camera to run - the battery went flat in an hour.
      Plan B: Use an add-on battery pack - the files were too big to easily move to a computer and edit and were also difficult to edit.
      Plan C: Use a Bluetooth remote - the camera is 50 feet away, and the remote would not work over that distance.
      Plan D: Use a radio remote - I could turn the camera on, but not off. Weird. I guess different radio frequencies were being used for on and off, and the off couldn't get through.
      Plan E: Use an Internet-of-things (IoT) device - this seems to be working. I have trailed it on a stationary boat and success.
      If plan E is working, there will be shots from the front in future videos.

    • @RobertLund-d7d
      @RobertLund-d7d Месяц назад

      @Nicks-Wanderings great tks. It was not a criticism . I find your videos fascinating and have learned so much. Good luck.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks. I didn’t take it as a criticism but as an opportunity to explain what I wanted to do and how challenging it has been to set up. As I said, I may have cracked it now - so fingers crossed.

  • @anthonysteven4327
    @anthonysteven4327 Месяц назад +10

    When we rented a narrow boat for a week boat yard gave us a quick introduction to the boat. The main gist was Canal boating is a contact sport and we did well. We hit most things from Nanton on the Hill to Oxford and back.

  • @themotorbikecamper5990
    @themotorbikecamper5990 Месяц назад +8

    Great second video quick learning curve on the grey wagtail, an what an achievement well done 👍😎🏍️😊

  • @jeremymitchell995
    @jeremymitchell995 Месяц назад +5

    I think I was as relieved as you must have been to exit from that tunnel Nick!...Excellent first video and yes your helper (whose name I would have liked to have known to give her a shout out) did a sterling job.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      My camera-shy helper did an excellent job. I will pass on the 'shout out'.

  • @kaycee625
    @kaycee625 Месяц назад +9

    A big day! Your helper was worth her weight in gold. Can you imagine how hard it would have been without her.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +4

      I know! She was a star and sadly camera shy. I think I would still be on the cruise if she hadn't come along.

  • @andyfalk1428
    @andyfalk1428 Месяц назад +5

    Great first day Nick. What I appreciate is you excellent route description map, distance traveled etc as I like to follow your journey on one of the waterway maps as I follow your vlog.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +3

      Great. Thanks for the comment about the map. I like a good map, so you will be seeing plenty.

  • @alistairlambert3275
    @alistairlambert3275 Месяц назад +5

    The Admiral Nelson (behind you at the end of the video) is my favorite pub! Great selection of beers, lovely spot.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      It is a great pub and a great spot. The staff were very friendly and helpful. And it was great to talk to some of the other boaters in the pub, who were very friendly and helpful.

  • @VanOnTour
    @VanOnTour Месяц назад +2

    I've just bought a narrowboat from a marina and have to pick it up soon so I'll be in the same boat (excuse the pun). Your video has given me a little confidence boost as I've had no tuition. A great and honest video.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks. Congrats on getting the boat, and good luck!

  • @debbierennox931
    @debbierennox931 Месяц назад +1

    I just came across your first video now this one I think you are so brave you have just jumped in at the deep end with your lovely narrow boat sometimes it’s the best way learning as you go along 😁

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +2

      Thanks for the comment. Yes, learning as you go along is always fun and challenging. I have also received great help and support from comments on the channel, with lots of useful advice and tips.

  • @sionnachog894
    @sionnachog894 Месяц назад +4

    A crow flies '25 to 32mph" , only a Brit could come up with that!

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +4

      I should add that the speed assumes it is not carrying a coconut.

    • @sionnachog894
      @sionnachog894 Месяц назад +1

      @@Nicks-Wanderings 😀😃😄

  • @SpanishFly2025
    @SpanishFly2025 Месяц назад +2

    Very good for your first day, you got cajones of steel my man 👍😜

  • @briangibson6527
    @briangibson6527 6 дней назад

    Think I'd have a 3rd Heart attack, Far to much stress for me thanks.. Love boat you have bought.Good luck.

  • @davidsedlickas8222
    @davidsedlickas8222 Месяц назад +1

    We met you outside Whilton cafe top lock when you bought your boat.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Ah! Nice to meet you again. Was I on the boat making a hash of things or on the towpath looking confused?

  • @paultoseland6855
    @paultoseland6855 Месяц назад +3

    Huge day. Well done.

  • @Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living
    @Narrowboat.and.offgrid.living Месяц назад +1

    We went through that tunnel and it was our first time we made sure to do it very very early in the morning we just did not want to pass another boat . Get ready to get wet anyone going through it's poors a fair bit in the middle

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks for the comment. The amount of water raining down from the roof surprised me.

  • @mikehardman7019
    @mikehardman7019 Месяц назад +1

    Great job there Nick, I think you made that look easy. I did chuckle when you knocked the boost accidently, could of been a funny one that. I like the showing of your journey on the map too. Here for the whole journey with you. ;-))

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Yes, me and that gear selector are having some problems. I am now getting better at not knocking it, but every so often....

  • @urbanfox53
    @urbanfox53 Месяц назад +3

    Many new adventures on the horizon too 👍.

  • @helendevlin638
    @helendevlin638 Месяц назад +1

    Love this x

  • @cnobillbradley9673
    @cnobillbradley9673 Месяц назад +1

    Thank our lucky star was shining imagine a night passage. ie. No light at the end of the tunnel.

  • @GWorxOz
    @GWorxOz Месяц назад +1

    Good luck with your adventures.

  • @malverncarvell4153
    @malverncarvell4153 Месяц назад +3

    Nick, Are you aware of the Gongoozlers Co-efficient. Your ability to move the boat without any issues is inversely proportional to the number of gongoozlers watching! :)

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Your comment made me laugh. As a scientist, I really like that... I will be plotting the graph later. (It also explains the coach load of people following me...)

  • @NathanBerry-f8y
    @NathanBerry-f8y Месяц назад +1

    Your doing sooooo well , iv been on the K&A for nearly a year and still not done a lock on my own , also if you go through double locks and you time it right you can do the poor me single boater routine if a crewed boat comes along and hitch a lift their very helpful to solo boaters

    • @NathanBerry-f8y
      @NathanBerry-f8y Месяц назад

      Additional , if your unsure because your a new boater the marina staff will help you get out of the marina safely and also there are plenty of RYA qualified trainers that will spend a couple of days with you in the boat and showing you the ropes etc 😊

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks - a good tip. KnA is on my list of canals to do - plus another 2,000 miles of waterways.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks. I did a very good RYA course last year and I suspect it was a case of good course, poor student....

    • @NathanBerry-f8y
      @NathanBerry-f8y Месяц назад

      @Nicks-Wanderings you'll be fine you'll be like me plodding along for a few months then have an epiphany and every thing will fall into place , we all have to start somewhere 😊😊

    • @NathanBerry-f8y
      @NathanBerry-f8y Месяц назад +1

      @Nicks-Wanderings oh also don't get an auto change over valve fitted to your gas bottles because you won't know you've run out of gas in one bottle until both bottles are empty and it will usually happen in the middle of nowhere when you can't get a gas bottle , I find it very handy knowing when one of my gas bottles have run out so I can get a new one straight away before the spare runs out

  • @shortangrybloke
    @shortangrybloke Месяц назад +1

    You did ok 👍

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      No, in fairness, they were excellent. The video was me capturing my first reaction to it all - an unboxing before I RTFM. Whilton did do a handover briefing a couple of days later.

  • @nikoncan
    @nikoncan Месяц назад +2

    Really interesting. I watched your first video and was impressed with the boat. Looks stunning. I am looking forward to following your adventures, Good luck and you are a brave man to attempt this alone.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the comment. So far, things are going well, and I’m looking forward to spending more time on the boat and the canals.

  • @Artimus128
    @Artimus128 Месяц назад +2

    Well done , 👏 👏

  • @donnisdavis2185
    @donnisdavis2185 Месяц назад +1

    good job, looking forward to your adventures ....

  • @nicothechihuahua3167
    @nicothechihuahua3167 Месяц назад +2

    Well done mate, i lnow how scary it can be i bought my 43ft called no rush from Nantwich Marina. I may see you if you ever head north. The peak forrest is stunning if you ever fancy it. Good luck you are doing well so far.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks for the comment. I have heard the PF is stunning. It’s on my list, along with about 2,000 other miles.

  • @mladenmanda103
    @mladenmanda103 Месяц назад +1

    As you realised, there will be no steering going in reverse. :) Only 30 foot here, with drives and not the rudder, that is much more controlable

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Drives? Yes, no steering in reverse. That is when I would like a bow thruster.

  • @markyb0151.
    @markyb0151. Месяц назад +1

    Wow, what a brilliant video, and I'm looking forward to your future updates. i have, of course, subscribed . This is something I wouldn't love to do in a few years' time when I retire 👌🏻 thank you

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +2

      Thanks for subscribing. And you need to give it a go. Taking on challenges in retirement is important, and retirement will hopefully offer you the time to try new things.

  • @bobdrane5224
    @bobdrane5224 Месяц назад +1

    Lovely vid mate

  • @rebeccadees2300
    @rebeccadees2300 Месяц назад +1

    That tunnel is spooky and claustrophobic 🤦‍♀️! Good lord how long was that tunnel??? Will be following your journey.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks for the comment. The tunnel is 1.2 miles long and takes 35 - 40 minutes to complete. The worst part, which doesn't come across in the video, is all the water dripping off the ceiling. I got soaked. Thanks for the follow.

    • @rebeccadees2300
      @rebeccadees2300 Месяц назад

      @ oh goodness! I guess you need to have some kind of rain gear in the future! Safe travels in your new home. From what I’ve seen on the RUclips videos of the narrowboat community there are some really good people and very helpful if you need it.

  • @Gazbrand
    @Gazbrand Месяц назад

    Great vid, great first journey. Get yourself a head 😊torch so so handy

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks. I did have a head torch, I had it ready and then went into 'startled' mode as I entered the tunnel and forgot to put it on.

  • @chrischristofis8501
    @chrischristofis8501 Месяц назад +1

    I see you did engage a buddy for your first trip, she was a trooper, you made great headway, thats about as good as it gets for travel distance imo! Well done 👏 one thing for me i would have stayed at Wilton Marina rather than Cropredy!

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks. Yes, I was very grateful to my camera-shy lock helper. I would have struggled to have made the progress I did without her.

  • @mrsmiggins6435
    @mrsmiggins6435 Месяц назад +1

    Can you get L plates for narrow boats? Hope all goes well and you have a long and happy ownership🤗

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      That's what a friend said.... They were horrified that there was no test. They also suggested L plates.

  • @zerog5041
    @zerog5041 Месяц назад +1

    The only advice I can give you comes care of David Johns spectacular series of "Cruising the Cut" in which he advises always have an ample supply of cheese sandwiches and hot beverage to hand! Good luck.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks. My camera-shy lock helper (days 1, 3 and 4), kept me well supplied in tea and snacks.

  • @nhhdjdhdj6496
    @nhhdjdhdj6496 Месяц назад +3

    Ex live-aboard here. Your biggest mistake is steering the boat like a car. But a car turns from the front, a boat with a rudder turns from the back, So when you put the tiller to starboard the BACK of the boat moves to starboard, thus changing the way the boat is pointing. Just imagine you are steering a car whose REAR wheels do the steering. You can only ever turn the back of the boat. Best of Luck.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks. I never could do that. I used to work in a shop with one of those trolleys that steered from the rear. I was a nightmare with it.

    • @jimmartin4430
      @jimmartin4430 22 дня назад

      A boat actually pivots on its centre and has no resemblance to a car whatsoever. A rudder operates by deflecting the water pushed over its surface by the prop. It has no effect when the engine is in reverse because the water is being pushed forwards. To steer in reverse can only be achieved (with a single engine) by swinging the bow in forward gear and then immediately reversing until the bow has straightened up. Then repeat the forward, swing, reverse until you have completed the manoeuvre.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  22 дня назад

      @@jimmartin4430 OK, thanks. I must admit that in reverse, I would like a bow thruster....

    • @nhhdjdhdj6496
      @nhhdjdhdj6496 18 дней назад +1

      @@jimmartin4430 Sorry, mate. I never lived on dry land till I was 17, and solo-ed the Atlantic to Cuba at 20 on a Westerly 27 footer, so what would I know? Happy new year!

  • @JohnyLondon
    @JohnyLondon Месяц назад

    Nice video. Doing well with the boat. I prolly spent weeks doing that stretch :)

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      I would have preferred to have spent a week doing it as I feel I missed out. Unfortunately, time was tight.

  • @jasperheijer7452
    @jasperheijer7452 Месяц назад +1

    I wished you pointed the camera forward more.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera pointing front - it was on the bow - but I had no way of operating it. I now have a cunning plan to film from the front. Hence, future videos will contain forward-facing footage.

  • @barringtonofmorpeth
    @barringtonofmorpeth Месяц назад +1

    An interesting video and thank you for sharing. I don't know what your speed was, but appeared to be "slow & steady". With hindsight, what could have been better for you (as you continue to "learn the ropes") ? Thankfully the engine appears in good order and your narrowboat with the boatsman cabin seems to be "cosy". Q: before you made this purchase, what kind of narrowboat were you looking for ? Thank you once again for sharing your video.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      I had been looking at narrowboats for about four, maybe five, years. In that time I had looked at everything. I like technology, and I like history. At one point, I was going to for an all-electric boat - a tech approach. But they were far too expensive. Then, I decided to go in the direction of history and get a boat with an engine room. I signed up for all the marina mailing lists I could find, and spent far to much time on sites selling boats. I have looked at hundreds (1000s?) of boats. When I saw the Grey Wagtail, she ticked so many boxes, I decided I had to buy it.

    • @barringtonofmorpeth
      @barringtonofmorpeth Месяц назад

      @@Nicks-Wanderings Thank you for your reply

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      @@barringtonofmorpeth No problem....

  • @lewisgardner1660
    @lewisgardner1660 Месяц назад +1

    You done well for first time cruising, when you film your trip could you have camera facing the front so we can see what you are seeking rather than just a video of you talking? You can still talk and explain what’s happening.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the comment. I did have a camera on the front for the tunnel. I was hoping to capture more footage from the front, but the plan failed (flat battery). I now have a new plan for operating a front camera, so fingers crossed it works (I think this will be plan C, and I have a plan D if plan C fails).

  • @matthewhumphreys7772
    @matthewhumphreys7772 Месяц назад +6

    For tunnels I have been taught the trick of putting all the internal lights on the boat with the curtains open, this way the light from your windows goes out onto the tunnel walls so you can judge how far you are from each wall by the lights up the length of the boat, as others have mentioned tunnel light should be slightly offset so you dont blind oncoming boaters.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the comment and the tip on lights. After the other comment on the tunnel light, I had a look at my tunnel light, and it is very securely fixed in place. There is limited movement up and down,

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      I got cut off…. And none left to right. When I get time, I will see if I can put some washers behind the right hand bolt (as looking at the light) to push it right.

    • @matthewhumphreys7772
      @matthewhumphreys7772 Месяц назад +3

      @@Nicks-Wanderings I looked at your tunnel light and its mostly shining up on the ceiling of the tunnel so thats not an issue I would say, if its sort of horizontal pointing down the tunnel thats bad idea but slightly up and to one side is the usual format, some tunnel lights have a bit of rotation in the stand or bracket that they are mounted on depending on the design.

  • @mikehurley5052
    @mikehurley5052 Месяц назад +1

    Your video work is great, is the engine a Beta JD3?

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Yes, it is. It’s a tractor engine made by John Deere.

  • @theflossingfisherman7925
    @theflossingfisherman7925 6 дней назад

    Lock Helper ? meaning a friend or wife.

  • @Hupamaster
    @Hupamaster 27 дней назад

    I have some thoughts regarding the tunnel passage. What about carbon monoxide poisoning in high season when multiple boats are in the tunnel simultaneously?

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  26 дней назад +1

      The tunnel I went through was well ventilated with three air shafts. I believe there are tunnels on the canals that do have extractor fans installed to clear the exhaust fumes.

    • @Hupamaster
      @Hupamaster 26 дней назад

      @
      I saw that in a later video🙂

  • @flyme777
    @flyme777 Месяц назад +1

    I think you did amazing, I’m sure I would have found it far more challenging, I certainly didn’t like the tunnel, even watching on video it seemed disorienting. Do you pay the lock helpers, I wonder, as I’m still not sure how you operate the locks single handed,

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +3

      The tunnels are amazing. Particularly when you think about their history and how they were made. Remarkable. The lock helpers encountered were volunteers, so I don’t pay them. So far, I have not had to do a lock solo. There have always been other people around. Thanks for the comment.

  • @Peter-uw5cq
    @Peter-uw5cq 10 дней назад

    How do you do a lock on your own?

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  9 дней назад +1

      Very carefully. It is possible, but takes time and planning.

  • @stuartcox2785
    @stuartcox2785 Месяц назад +5

    Love your videos sir and a great looking boat. Politely I’d suggest when turning is to “pump” your tiller from normal straight to which ever way your going. Will get more water over prop and help turning. I’m 70ft and really helps me. Just push the tiller away and back say 2 seconds a few times you’ll see bow turn quicker and easier. Love your videos.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      Thanks for the comment and the tip. Several people have suggested 'pumping', and at least one person called it 'rowing', the tiller, and I will give it a go. Thanks again.

    • @landbk5015
      @landbk5015 Месяц назад

      Great video and narration. If nobody else had mentioned it, I was going to say the same thing about how to use the tiller when turning in a tight area. It really does work. I used to challenge myself whilst driving a 73ft hire boat. By using the tiller in this way, I could enter a lock, with only inches of clearance on each side, without scraping once. 73ft is, or was at the time, the longest boat on the canals due to the length of the locks we were going to encounter. I had to contend with staying away from the cills as well when going down in a lock. This was also my first ever time on a narrow boat. Don't ask why a 73ft boat was hired for this holiday. It wasn't my choice, I can assure you, but I learned a lot about handling a narrowboat in a short space of time. The boatyard instruction was very good and we had a great holiday. So much so we have done several since, on smaller boats, I must add. My wife and I did consider buying a boat , but not for living on and decided hiring made more sense for the way we wanted to travel on the canals.
      Sorry for going on a bit, but envy you on your travels. I am reliving my holidays through you. I have subscribed and rung the bell. Stay safe and enjoy your retirement.
      Barry from Essex.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад

      @@landbk5015 Thanks for the comment. OK, so you found that pumping works best; that is good to know (and a good workout!). 73 ft is a huge boat - I certainly wouldn't want to drive one that size (yet). Thanks for subscribing.

  • @AnthonyClary-u5q
    @AnthonyClary-u5q Месяц назад +1

    Rick steves bought a Narrowboat…

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +1

      I had to look up Rick Steves as he is not on TV in the UK.... I can see what you mean.

  • @p46967
    @p46967 Месяц назад +5

    Well done Nick,just a quick courtesy note your tunnel light should be directed to the right in order not blind any oncoming boater you may meet.Very nice boat have a safe trip.

    • @Nicks-Wanderings
      @Nicks-Wanderings  Месяц назад +3

      Thanks for the info on the tunnel light. I’ll have a look at it. However, if you watch a later video you will find, thanks to a bridge, it ends up pointing slightly more upwards and more the left. Whoops!

  • @thepubliceye
    @thepubliceye Месяц назад +1

    I thought this was supposed to be fun, not stressful.

  • @Pam-Butcher
    @Pam-Butcher Месяц назад +2

    Congratulations must have been a bit hair raising