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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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,
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.
@@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.
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,
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.
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.
A big day! Your helper was worth her weight in gold. Can you imagine how hard it would have been without her.
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.
Congratulations! You done incredibly well for a Novice and I can imagine it was quite a daunting exercise.
Thanks for the comment. It was a challenge and I couldn't believe how tired I was at the end of each day.
You did ok 👍
The Admiral Nelson (behind you at the end of the video) is my favorite pub! Great selection of beers, lovely spot.
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.
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.
My camera-shy helper did an excellent job. I will pass on the 'shout out'.
Glad you decided to chronicle this from the start 👍🏻
Thanks. My thinking is to share everything - warts and all...
Great second video quick learning curve on the grey wagtail, an what an achievement well done 👍😎🏍️😊
Thanks 👍 It's a lot of fun.
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! :)
Very good for your first day, you got cajones of steel my man 👍😜
Thanks!
Huge day. Well done.
Thanks.
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.
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!
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!
My pleasure, and thanks for the comment.
Many new adventures on the horizon too 👍.
Yes, I can't wait.
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
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.
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.
Great. Thanks for the comment about the map. I like a good map, so you will be seeing plenty.
Good luck with your adventures.
Thanks.
good job, looking forward to your adventures ....
Me too.... adventures await.
Well done , 👏 👏
Thank you! 😃
Lovely vid mate
Thanks.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks. My camera-shy lock helper (days 1, 3 and 4), kept me well supplied in tea and snacks.
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.
Thanks for the comment. I have heard the PF is stunning. It’s on my list, along with about 2,000 other miles.
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.
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.
@@Nicks-Wanderings Thank you for your reply
Can you get L plates for narrow boats? Hope all goes well and you have a long and happy ownership🤗
That's what a friend said.... They were horrified that there was no test. They also suggested L plates.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Your video work is great, is the engine a Beta JD3?
Yes, it is. It’s a tractor engine made by John Deere.
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.
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).
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.
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,
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.
@@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.
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,
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.
Xx
Congratulations must have been a bit hair raising
There were moments! Thanks for the comment.