Attempting to fix my narrowboat
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- I'm sorry if this video is a bit boring! I'm definitely not a DIY expert and I wasn't going to film this but I thought I'd better explain why I can't do a narrowboat tour at the moment.
I also thought it would be good to show the reality of narrowboat life. I've had quite a few comments from people saying it looks idyllic, and it can be at times, but narrowboats need a lot of maintenance and things often go wrong with them. Don't get me started on my engine problems...
Anyway, thank you again for watching my videos. I promise the next one will be a nice scenic cruising one!
I suggest you replace the plywood with marine grade plywood and seal it with an exterior varnish being careful to saturate the edges. Good luck!
Thank you, that's a good idea about sealing it!
As a former barge owner, my advise is to remove all the scrap and paint the iron with a rust blocker like owatrol oil. I love you being genuine and as long as you are so genuine I will follow your channel.
well said, that's exactly as I see it. Betty stays genuine, and we stay with Betty.
Thank you both! 🙂
Try and pick up a wet and dry vac,karcher etc.great for sucking up that water
Your channel get more and more interesting. Keep on the good work ❤
I hope you managed to sort it out Betty.
When you started your journey you instantly joined a community of thousands. Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow boaters for advice or help, you’ll be surprised at knowledge and skills you will gain
That's a good point, I've learnt so much from people already! 🙂
Towards your narrowboat repairs and maintenance. Thank you for being genuine and for sharing your experiences with us.🥰
Oh my goodness, that's really kind, thank you! You have officially paid for all of my rust converter and Hammerite paint!
@@bettyonaboat personally i would not use hammerite paint, as imho its crap, and flakes off, speak to classic car repairer's to what the use now, but i used to use rustoleom primer, and a good dulux or similar normal house hold gloss black paint on all of my car chassis, as it hardens as it ages
@@stevem7868-y4l 100%
@bettyonaboat I will strongly second Rustoleum primer. I used it and a topcoat on my horse trailer. No more rust and it has stuck for over 10 years.
I spend half my life fixing other people's narrowboats - what you're doing there is more than most would do for themselves!
Hats off to you for getting stuck in and sorting it out for yourself.
Thank you, it's been a bit more difficult than I expected but it's quite satisfying too! 🙂
@@bettyonaboat I look forward to seeing it all done, that's if you do make a video showing us all!
Hi Betty, unfortunately canal boats are never straight forward, I’ve lived on mine for 24 years and I’m constantly working on bits or repairing things, it’s all part of canal life and living aboard. Just a quick tip for the future, make sure you cut a small inspection lid ( about the size of a small dinner plate) in the floor as far back as possible either hinge it or make finger holes to be able to lift it up, screw 2 mall battens under so the lid has something to rest on, this will allow you to periodically check the baseplate for water, normally a certain amount will gather in colder weather due to condensation forming on the steel sides and running down, I buy a pack of cheap baby nappies and place 2 face down to soak up any water. Hope that helps and good luck !
Wonderful advice!
Thank you, that's really good advice! I did have an inspection hatch before but the location was a bit of an issue. It was underneath my seating but it wasn't very close to the back of the boat, so I wasn't able to get all of the water out as a lot of it had gone further back than the inspection hatch, if that makes sense? I've since made a new inspection hatch that's further back, but if I could go back in time I would have made a new one a lot sooner. I could have got the water out quicker and it might not have caused as much damage. Oh well, you live and learn...
Hi Betty, on our boat there was a small inspection hatch right at the rear of the boat (60ft cruiser stern) and it was permanently full of water, I think due to condensation and also some terrible plumbing by the previous owner. It was full of quite serious rust issues also. The thing had been submerged 3 times in the past though and we had serious considered having a periscope fitted 😂. Really enjoying your channel mate, keep going Betty.👍 Take care.
Oh.. plus I had to remove and reseal all of the leaky windows. I forgot about that little nightmare.
Not boring at all Betty, don't undersell yourself. I found it interesting and it's brevity is a blessing 👍
Thank you, I think a 20-minute video of me doing DIY would have been too much! 😂
@@bettyonaboatI just came across your channel. I have watched several episodes. It’s all great videos. You do seem a bit nervous talking to the camera, that will get easier with time just like boating will get easier with practice. Never feel bad for any content you want to post. Remember it’s your thoughts creativity and experiences, if anyone complains it’s their own problem or they can move on. You are very beautiful and that might attract some trolls out there. Stay true to yourself and it will all turn out just fine.
Hi Betty, the condition of your base plate under the plywood floor looks to be in very good condition indeed, no problem there.
The pieces of insulation, which looks to be spray foam were probably trimmings from when your boat was first fitted out. Makes sense to remove them and have a tidy up under there.
Loving your channel, keep up the good work 👏 😊
It's reassuring to know the baseplate is OK as I was quite alarmed when I saw the rust! There weren't any flakes though so I think it was just a tiny bit of surface rust. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel so far! 🙂
Top effort, well done you, great mind set, great video 👍
With regards to the insulation,you'll find builders etc are lazy b#@tar# and won't clean up. Once had a new flat removed the bath panel and there I found empty pizza boxes and drinks bottles,off cuts of timber and pipe off cuts.
The good thing about posting videos is the advice and help you'll receive,but with the internet and all good intentions don't take everything as gospel some people think they're the font of all knowledge but may not be. Goo luck young lady.
Honestly, I found this video really interesting. Please continue to show us the DIY days as well as the travel days. :)
In that case I will try to show more DIY... I certainly have a lot to do!
Insulation would help stop condensation from forming when there is a difference in water temp on the bow of the boat and the ambient air temp.
love Betty in her yellow socks!
Thanks! 🧦
They are safety socks
Well I just gotta say it! The fact that you're rolling your sleeves up, getting stuck into it, solving the problem, keen on DIY, you look amazing (even when you think you're not looking your best) so Kudos to you girl!! You've impressed the hell out of me, and your videos really are a pleasure to watch. Keep being cool ❤
Thank you, that's really kind of you to say and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
Not boring at all,it's nice to see all aspects of Narrowboat life, & not just the glossy bits, when it's done, you can look at it and say, I fixed that, what a good job I've made of it.
Yes I think it will be satisfying to know I've done it all myself!
@@bettyonaboat 👍👍
always love your videos and well done with floor works the insulation probably just worked its way down due to vibration in the walls
That's a good point, it could just have been due to vibration. I'm glad you like the videos so far!
Continue to "show it as it is " Betty. Every bit as interesting as cruising. You're doing a great job!. 😀👍👍
Thank you, maybe I'll do a mix of videos in future then! 🙂
Exactly what I thought, said it for me👍
Wow...what an upheaval...needed doing though, well done for tackling it. Slightly disappointed that there was no sign of the retro kettle this time😕.......the fancy spotty yellow socks almost make up for it though🙂
Oh dear, I've failed - I was meant to be getting that kettle in every video! 😂
Hi Betty. I'm not a boater and can't offer any pearls of advice like some of your contributors have, but I love your attitude of self-reliance and willingness to get stuck in. Nice one.
Cheers.
Ah thank you, that's really kind of you to say!
You may have sorted it already but Rustoleum is what my friend who builds house barges uses on the steel. Keep the DIY coming too Betty, variety is the spice of life as they say.
Ah thanks, I've bought some Hammerite but I'll look at Rustoleum too as there are various other bits of rust on the boat I need to see to!
I honestly didn't think I'd become as interested in this series as I have.
I remember subbing to show support for a very genuine creator being very honest on her first upload on a platform which let's be honest has far too many gimmicky channels.
I suppose this is where some people just have that ability to grab people's attention without the need to go over the top with production and editing or clickbait titles.
I have a feeling that many of us are truly invested in this journey now.
Brilliant !
I also firmly believe that if I could fit a recording studio into a narrow boat I'd pack up and find the nearest canal 🤣
Same but I’d probably be too worried about thermal movement 🙄
@@troytempest290 I left England a while back and came to the Highlands, the thermal movement up here is constantly sideways 🤣
@@R1PPA-C You did WHAT..! Well I suppose you like relics. ✌️🤣
@@troytempest290 well I'm heading in the right direction to be a relic myself so why not join the museum early ?🤣
@@R1PPA-C 🤣👍
Good luck! When I worked on my classic car I found a facebook group for it and people on there could literally answer any question, even the most obscure ones. I wonder if there is similar for your boat make and model or just narrowboat maintenance in general? I suspect you have looked already and have joined them but just thought I'd mention in case you haven't as for me I found them so incredibly valuable!
That's a good idea. I'm in a few Facebook groups but I just tend to read other people's posts rather than posting my own!
Hi, while you have the floor up, vacuum all the rubbish and paint the bare metal in the bilge with a rust preventing paint or Waxoil. It will be horribly smelly for a while, but will prevent further expensive rusting.
Waxoyl is not a good plan. It dries out over time and cracks, letting any water get behind it. I speak from experience sadly.
So sorry to hear all of that, that's the joy of boats (I've four friends on NBs and I grew up around boats).
Sadly 'marine' ply isn't what it used to be either - don't ask me how I know🤕 Remember to treat and seal the replacement ply.
You're doing a good job - game girl, keep up the good work. Brave of you✌️💜
Nearly all boats have ballast (especially above a certain size/weight).
Good luck💜💜✌️😊
I now have doubts about whether or not it really was marine ply. I didn't realise the quality has gone down though?
We are interested in you .we feel a protective feeling towards you. We want to see you have a fun time and to be happy😅
The condition under your floor looks very good. You should see mine!
The insulation is probably just trimmings from when it was fitted out. A bit lazy of the bulider but nothing to worry about.
Enjoying the series!
Thank you, I was alarmed when I first saw it but I feel reassured after seeing photos and videos which are much worse!
We missed you Betty
Thanks, that's nice of you to say!
You are doing the right thing by tackling it yourself... everyone had to start somewhere. Maybe some footage of the repair would actually make great content and will help you remember what it looks like before you do a new floor. I admire anyone that tries to learn a new skill 👍👍
I've taken a lot of photos of the furniture at various stages of taking it apart, mainly to help me remember how to put it back together again!
@@bettyonaboat the mess underneath the subfloor looks like sprayfoam insulation that has been scraped off the studs before the wall & ceiling panelling was fixed. I am sure it will be better to shovel it into black bags and dispose of it. Then the steel can be dried, cleaned and painted to keep it good :)
I am sure the boating community has some great suggestions on this.
best way to learn - just do it! - you may make mistakes but you can correct and still save some money - all the best
Yes I'm definitely learning a lot by doing this! I'm glad I decided to tackle it myself rather than paying someone a fortune to do it! 🙂
I wish I had something constructive to say but I am a one man DIY disaster zone. I nearly took my eye out once trying to put up a curtain rail. So alas, all I can offer is words of encouragement Betty. Well done on your YT success, and keep your fingers away from that jigsaw blade...I would have cut one mine off doing that.
Ha, I did manage to avoid injuring myself fortunately!
Bless you Betty, what a horrible thing to happen so soon after getting your boat and now all this work to repair it. I love how brave you are to just get stuck in.
You popped into my feed this evening and I'm instantly hooked for all the reasons so many have already said. I've binged watched all your videos and look forward to seeing more.
I hope the repairs go smoothly and you get back to enjoying your space. 😊
Thank you, it was quite upsetting when I discovered the problem but I'm OK now. 🙂
@@bettyonaboat Your resilience is a great credit to your character! 🙂
I found it fascinating to see your DIY explanations Betty. Quite a challenge taking this on. I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. Also good to see you using Bosch power tools. I work for them and I know they may good gear. Looks forward to when you have "Little One" ship shape again.
Thank you! I'm really not a DIY expert but I'm glad you found it interesting.
This is what people love to see - the reality of narrowboats and leaks. Great work with the jigsaw and good luck with the repairs. :)
Ha, maybe I'll try to show more of my mishaps in future then! This was only my second time using a jigsaw but I quite enjoyed it. I've decided I like sawing things.
Wow! you do a great job there. I would avise you to buy a bilge pump and put the hose on the deepest part of your boat. If any water leaks under the floor, you can remove it with this pump. So your boat stays dry. Good luck!
Dear Betty,
So many of our popular movies and stories are based on the pattern of The Hero’s Journey as described by Joseph Campbell, and you have a gift for storytelling!
The hero ventures out from the ordinary world into the unknown, faces challenges and adversities, gains new insights and skills, and then returns transformed.
Life on the narrowboat mirrors this journey: you leave behind conventional living, face the elements and technical challenges, discover new places, people, and wildlife, and grow through these experiences. It's a journey of personal transformation and adventure.
And we can’t wait to see what happens in the next episode!
It's definitely a journey for me, and not just in the literal sense of a journey. I'm not sure where it's going to take me but it has been mostly positive so far, despite problems with the boat!
@@bettyonaboat Thank you for your reply! We don't have anything quite like narrowboats here in the US, so it's nice to share in your journey. I have seen some others commenting concerned about your safety. I follow some RV and camping channels, and one in particular I note, Nikki Delventhal either doesn't say where she is, or when she does, the episode is delayed by enough time so that she's moved on. Safe travels to you!
@@scottschram Yes, I only post videos once I've moved on - partly because it takes me ages to edit them! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos anyway; it's nice to know they're being enjoyed in a difference country!
This Scott says that Scott makes a good point about the journey!
You go, girl! Remember that when it's fixed, it's you that fixed it, and you have a more intimate knowledge of your boat and how it's put together. I'm pretty sure that if I started that, it would finish up with the boat on fire, while it sinks..... (mind you, I can do that while making toast).
As I've said before - much respect to you
Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂 And I'm sure you wouldn't sink the boat!
You've noted a few times about your confidence level. You will find your confidence as your series progresses... when you realise that whatever you do, you are just you being you and that is what people love about you. Even though I don't live on a boat, your life relates so much to my life. I live in a tiny house and have challenges of trying to find space to cook in the kitchen, somewhere to hang out my washing while trying to prevent the air in the house getting too damp, and what to do when the damp comes through the walls or a pane of glass cracks. I wish my bedroom window looked out onto a riverbank instead of a car park, but otherwise, I can see so many similarities, and I enjoy seeing how you tackle your daily challenges while I'm trying to tackle my own in my tiny house. :)
I bet living in a tiny house is nice. I think I'd like to live in a tiny house in the middle of the countryside one day. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. 😀
Gung ho! Well done for having a shot at repairs. Steep learning curve, but what a great feeling it will be😉👌ATB👍 PS:- Just shout on your channel for any advice!
Thank you! I think I will start asking for advice on here as it's difficult to know how to find out about things.
Hello Betty .. first off, well done on your videos so far .. ! On your own, too..
Your journey so far has really resonated with us, we bought a 46ft narrow boat in 2022 .. had to get it home with no no experience ( we had a GRP cruiser initially) ..193 miles, all sorts of disasters, 😂.. hot weather, stupidly getting the centre line tangled with prop, necessitating a trip into canal to try and untangle, which it eventually did after he had gotten back on board with a struggle (we were adrift and next to a mud bank, thank goodness no one passing to see our embarrassment..) All Mike could say was ‘the canal is warm !! ‘ A real heatwave that was..At Nottingham Castle locks I fell (jumped off too soon) and with a deep cut to my elbow, bled all over those nice cobbles, a trip next day to Newark walk in emergency dept and Specsavers to repair glasses (lens had fallen out), then Mike was unable to steer for lengths at a time as he had damaged his neck and was getting dizzy spells..It was down to crocked elbow me .. first time tidal and it was the Trent..Delay arriving at lock due to engine overheating twice (we found out later that it was a loose fan belt, kicked ourselves for not checking before voyage! ), lock keepers, (bless them) kept watch for us and gates open, it was full tide and hairy but they gave us great advice and got us in like a experts! We made it home (ten days) just in time to make our mooring before our home lock was shut because of water shortages..
Great times ! Since then we have had a similar water disaster like yours ..ours due to a slow leak from water pump, drip drip over a long time and we sucked out many gallons .. found loads of insulating foam bits too, so that must be the case with loads of boats ..
A Titan Wet/Dry hoover was the best at getting all that water out, and we bought a Jackery solar electric generator to run stuff like that as it’s heavy on electric if you haven’t got current access to mains..
You will have such an interesting journey ahead, absolutely no doubt you will get help (and saved) by our lovely CRT lockies out there, and the boating community .. you are a lovely lass, all the very best of luck !
Helen and Mike of Bijou.
Oh my goodness, your journey sounds very similar to mine, although I managed to avoid a trip to the emergency department! I think a wet/dry hoover would have been great. I'll make a note of that make in case this ever happens again, although hopefully it won't!
You are gaining confidence in your vids .. well done ! We found Mercia Marina scary too with all the people there.. we went there on our ‘ trip to take the boat back’ out of necessity as the Thetford loo we’d bought from Amazon turned out to be damaged ..found that out on the day we set off ! Our planned trips at the mo are shelved due to me falling over while cleaning the boat ..distal radius fracture 🙄😬.. cast comes off in two weeks..
Loved that swan ..😀
Hi again i would hover the mes out paint the bilge with a rust preventer and treat the underside of the cabin floors with epoxy just brushed on that will help in future and rap ya heater hose in exhaust rap !! Keep going you're doing good little lady ❤
Thank you for the advice and encouragement! 🙂
Once you have replaced all the spongey floors, at least you will know you have a good solid floor instead. Credit to you for tackling this work, and I hope you get it all sorted soon! Take care!
Thank you, I hope I get it sorted soon too!
Love the socks but watch out for splinters, oh ouch! Great video, keep them coming. Best wishes with the work. Take good care of you.😊
Yes, I think I'll wear shoes next time! 🧦
@@bettyonaboat good plan, take care
Well done you for taking on such a job that many people would shy away from. The more you do the more skills you will pick up. I loved your DIY video and if you're able to film more I'm sure many would love to see you also fixing your boat too. Another lovely video Betty, thank you.
Thank you, I'll try to film more DIY in that case! 🙂
Love the socks Betty I would make templates of the boards and get the old ones of the boat . The insulation is probably from the last refit.
Once you've cleared the debris take the opportunity to paint the steel x
Thanks, they're all really good tips!
@@bettyonaboat no problem any time.
Hope you have sorted some of your problems on your boat and you are going to do a video soon xx
"I look a state..." you are getting knee deep in life and smashing it. Nothing more amazing than that! And the yellow socks rock!! Great video as always 😊
Ha, thank you, I should probably have put some shoes on! 🧦
@@bettyonaboat definitely not! Go with what suits 👍 ....I hate wearing shoes and spend most of my time bare feet or in socks when at home
I've read some of the pertinent comments, about access panel , bilge pumps, painting the bilge, tidying up the trash in your bilge ect.. All are good. Just a few observations , firstly, the fact that there are foam scraps in your bilge points to the fact that whoever fitted out your boat was in a hurry and wasn't concerned with a quality job. Also, Marine ply does not delaminate as yours did, so I suspect it is not Marine. Marine ply has a stamp on it certifying it being so, if none of your panels have the stamp, then its not marine. This also points out that someone was cutting corners. Just a heads up, that there may be other hidden problems that may come to light later. As far as the bricks in the bilge, if they are not lead, then are aren't doing much for stability. Your boat weighs many tons and those bricks, just a few pounds, and are not very low in the boat, so don't make much difference. I've been restoring sailboats for the past thirty years, so I have run across these issues before.
Hey Betty, First of all, welcome to the world of boating. You seem to be successful so far, long may it continue. You may or may not be aware, but an old boaters trick for dealing with excess water in the bilge such as this you are experiencing now is to drain as much as you can out by whatever means you can. The remainder can be mopped up by having a supply of nappies on board. On babies, nappies are as you full know, are there to absorb unmentionables. The same principle applies with the use of them in bilges. Best of British, Peter.
Well done for having a go betty,
Its the best way to learn how your boat works and is held together.
Nice socks by the way 😂
Thank you! 🧦
Missed seeing you on here the last couple of weeks Betty but can understand why you haven't made a video until now as it looks like you have been busy. Hope you can get your floor sorted out without too many problems and too much cost. You are right about the bricks under the floor as they are used as ballast to stabilise the boat. Good luck with your floor, I will be thinking of you. By the way betty don't ever think you are boring as your not, your increasing subscribers and caring comments from your followers are proof of that ❤
Thank you, that's really nice of you to say! I think I'm going to aim to post a video every two weeks as they take me quite a while to make, but the next video should be longer than this one.
I can't cut a straight line to save my life. Impressed by your good cuts. I hope you get it all squared away soon.
It was as straight as I could get it! I find sawing things strangely enjoyable.
Replacing the sub floor is quite a mission. You are a brave lady! Love from Denmark :)
Thank you! Hello from England! 🙂
Not sure if you can use it on boats, but caravans have the same issue and you get a resin floor repair, you drill holes into the damaged floor and inject two part expoxy to repair it as it rebonds the wood, as it’s only the glue that has failed, the wood is still ok.
That's interesting, I'm going to look into this in case I find any other bits which have failed in areas where it would be more difficult to replace the subfloor.
Keep them coming! So refreshing to see such a genuine human out there, 10k views in a week for just starting out on YT, doing great! Can’t wait for more
Thank you! I'm glad people are finding the videos interesting! 🙂
That was clearly going on before you bought the boat
And the old owner, shame on you you would’ve known that was happening .
Great videos keep up and thanks for the great videos 👍
You are a true inspiration to other boat owners who would never attempt anything like this. Hopefully people will see it is possible to complete by applying some logic as you have. Loving your videos and your yellow dotty safety socks 🤣🤣🤣😉
Never be afraid to ask for help or advice, the only daft question is the one you don’t ask. 👍
They're my hi-vis safety socks! I hope it does encourage other boat owners to give it a go. It's more satisfying to do things yourself and it saves loads of money.
Good luck with the repairs . I would seek advice about the amount of ballast the lack of it . Whilst under the floor it may be worth doing a coat of rust converter or red lead paint . I've noticed marine ply delaminating more easily nowadays . If you contact a plywood supplier it's possible to get plywood that has a waterproof glue "WBP" . That shouldn't delaminate .it's now recommend not to use marine ply on flat roof due to delamination of these plywoods in damp environments.
Thank you, that's all very useful advice! 🙂
Best of luck with repairing your boat. Maintenance comes with the territory. It's hard work but you are getting to know your vessel on an intimate level - which is really good.
Yes I didn't expect to be doing something like this so soon but I definitely feel like I know my boat better now. 🙂
Hi Betty, you seem to be an alround talent. Unfortunate with the job you are having to do. Would love to help you, but as I live in Germany it’s not possible, hope you get it sorted soon. Love your videos, Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
I'm sure you will stick it out Betty. Be proud of what you've done so far. Best wishes
Thank you, I'll keep going! 🙂
Dude, another great vlog. Great to see you boss that floor job. You obviously have the skills to survive on a boat :) As I'd like to see you make more videos, please, please get yourself some safety goggles/glasses for things like using the jigsaw; seen too many eye injuries in my engineering career and all it takes is a blade to shatter. Would hate to see you get injured. All the best, Si.
Oh crikey, I didn't know blades could shatter but that's a good tip for future - thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos so far! 🙂
@bettyonaboat most reputable blades won't but nothing is guaranteed. For the cost of a pair of goggles for any kind of work ... Take care. I look forward to seeing your next vlog 👍👍
Hi Betty, good for you for tackling this job , you’ve got a lot of followers to give advice. The more you do the more your confidence improves.
Yes I love how people are giving me advice! I think I might have to make some more DIY videos so I can get tips from people.
I enjoy watching your videos, Betty.
Please show more of the repairs to your boat, I find it interesting.
I thought that the whole idea of marine plywood was that it was waterproof?
I was worried watching you working, especially with the jigsaw, without footwear. Please get some safety shoes or boots.
Having done some research since I filmed this and read some of the comments I suspect it wasn't marine plywood. 😐 At least the replacement will be though, so it should be better than when I bought the boat!
@@bettyonaboat I'm glad you're getting it sorted. You'd think of all the places to use marine plywood, a boat would have been the place. It's in the name 😂
Great job you're doing there, it's one way to get to know your boat !! Once that's all cleaned out, dry and the floor is laid you'll know that part is 100% 👍🏻...Good work Betty 👏
Yes I definitely feel like I know my boat better now! I was quite intrigued to see what was under the subfloor.
Your videos are so relaxing. No, you keep on showing us everything that's involved with narrow boating, show us the dirt aswell, I didn't find it boring at all, very interesting. A group of us recently took out a hire boat (been on one before) and the thing I notice about steering is that it's alright if you concentrate, you have think ahead of course because it turns slowly, but once someone takes away you're concentration, even to give you a cup of coffee, you're heading for the bank 😀
Ah yes, I've also found that about steering! When I bought the boat I had to move it 171 miles in two weeks so I was driving pretty much all day long, and I was exhausted at the end of each day because it required so much concentration. I'm glad you find the videos relaxing anyway. 🙂
good for you it very satisfying when you diy something oh and be carefull walking round in socks when your wood working splinters are nasty
Yes it's definitely more satisfying, even though I'd rather not have to do it!
It's a good thing that you've uncovered rust and mold, much better than if you hadn't. At least now you can fix things, even make it better than it ever was. I understand that it's much more work than you planned for, but if you look at the bright side, it can be a blessing in disguise. It looks like a lovely boat from the outside, and I'm sure it will be on the inside too 🙂 Best of luck!
Wishing you every success with the renovations ❤
Thank you! 🙂
Great video, can't offer any boaty advice but looks like you're doing a fantastic job 💛
Thank you! 🙂
People like to see genuine people, doing things they love, even if they aren't too comfortable doing so.
Enjoyed all your videos, and your personality works really well.
Keep it up!
Thank you, that's really encouraging to know as I'm not the most confident person but maybe that doesn't matter?
@@bettyonaboat You are tackling narrowboat life with all its challenges. You have loads of confidence!🙂
If you feel a bit nervous speaking to camera, just imagine you're talking to just one person.
@@bettyonaboat Doesn't matter a jot! First episode you did EXACTLY what I would do... "Oh, there's people coming", and "I don't want them to think I'm insane". You come across as normal and relatable.
Another great, honest video and good on you taking on the work yourself. All saves money ! Good luck and looking forward to the next video 👍
Thank you, it's satisfying doing it myself, even though it's a bit of a pain! 🙂
These things are sent to try us! As painful a situation this is, you have to look at the positive side of things otherwise you'll cry! At least now you can say you know your lovely boat inside out - literally! Good luck with the repair and be sure to give us an update when you can.
I have to admit I did cry when I first found the water in the bilge, particularly because it was so soon after getting the boat. But I'm trying to look at the positive side - I feel like I know my boat a lot better now and I'm learning new skills!
I have enjoyed learning something about narrow boating from each of your videos, and am looking forward to watching many more. Thank you for posting them.
Good on you. I admire your tenacity. Good on you for taking on the task and doing it properly 👍
Thank you, I'm definitely glad I decided to do it rather than just leaving it. 🙂
Your the best looking narrowboat skipper I've ever seen ! Thanks showing us the work in progress, proper marine ply should not have delaminated like that.
Good luck with the new floor.
Good job.
Thanks!
Hiya Betty. Wish you the best of luck with the repairs. Fingers crossed everything goes really well for you. Looking forward to seeing more videos and a tour of your beautiful narrow boat hopefully soon. Take care.
Thank you, my fingers are crossed too!
Fascinating betty. i am not sure what breakdown of your audience is but guys love all this stuff. Hope you keep up the good work.
I'm not a guy, and I loved it too. :)
@@happybunny1329 Thank you, that's good to know! 😀
I'm glad you found it interesting!
Hi Betty
From what I could see under your flooring is normal rubbish left over from the build.
Keep up the great videos
Thank you, I hope you like my future videos! 🙂
@@bettyonaboat keep up the great videos, your doing brilliant work.
2 points: (1) Are you sure that's marine ply? Marine ply is denser and heavier than normal plywood and often has a green tinge to it. It shouldn't delaminate like that when soaked in water, unless for a very long time. (2) Many boats are fitted with a bilge pump to remove the water which inevitably accumulates at the bottom. The switch may be with the engine controls or more likely somewhere around the toilet or shower.
Good Luck with the repairs.
I actually have my doubts about whether or not it's marine ply now as I've since looked up the Aintree boat specifications and it just says "treated plywood". I do have a bilge pump but it's in my engine bay which is separate from this bit of the boat. Thank you for the good luck!
You are far too young to remember.. but you resemble Emma Peel.. the character who is sidekick to John Steed--the Avengers! Emma was portrayed by the beautiful Diana Rigg. Great videos Betty! very soothing! Frank
That's a huge compliment, she was cool!
Hi Betty, thx for video. If you have any mould down there I suggest you speak to a mould expert on how to get rid of it and stop it coming back again. All the best with the repair and replacement. 😊
I was wondering about the mould actually, I'm not really sure what to do! I've cleared it from that section but I imagine there must be mould under the other bits of the floor too and I can't access those. 😐
@@bettyonaboat Right. One of the fallacies to handle is just cleaning it off and painting with special germicidal type paint. That does not work. That is why it's a good idea to get expert advice.
Betty, I’m totally in awe of you!
I watch your videos because they’re relaxing, interesting, and I love how you look :)
But I’m also a handyman which means practical abilities that many people don’t have, and good problem solving skills. I also have Asperger’s which for me means independent and kind of isolated, but very self-sufficient & I have a need to understand things… hence problem solving skills :)
You could have left it but something in you just knew you couldn’t. And the tools you’re using are exactly what you need. What a girl!!
I wish I’d have met someone like you years ago!
Rock on, girl.
Hi, a word of caution for future repairs. If you need to cut flooring and you can't see what is underneath, use a circular saw set to the thickness of the wood you're cutting through. This way and pipes or cables hidden under the floor won't be cut.
Thanks that's good advice. I think a circular saw would have been better as I was worried about hitting the ballast too. In fact, I broke a jigsaw blade before I started filming this!
The bits of insulation pieces are probably just leftovers that have been hidden away beneath the sub floor. You could get rid of them and have a tidyup down there. Loving the channel.
Yes it's definitely worth tidying everything up while I can. I'm glad you like the channel!
Thanks for the update Betty - so fascinating look at what's under a narrow boat floor!
I used to use a jigsaw to cut floorboards in my first house - I graduated to using a circular saw as the depth can be set so I only cut the floor, not the joists (vertical wooden beams) ... I don't think this matters in a boat at the whole length of the beams is supported by the steel base of the boat.
Hope this is useful info and not seen as 'mansplaining' as my daughter would call it! I've done far too much DIY, as I'm sure others have, and I'm now a bit too 'old & knackered' to do much now - so if any info / advice I can give is useful I'd be happy to help!
Hope others advice on your DIY is also helpful - if the steel is 10mm thick treating the rust will be cosmetic - it takes many decades for 10mm steel to be weakened by rust!
I don't know if treating the beams would be a good idea - I presume they have some protection as they are in contact with the hull, so will get wet from condensation for some of the year.
Good luck with finishing this repair - hope you get time to enjoy the boat before the next repair!
A circular saw is a good shout, thank you! The wooden beams are on raised bits of steel (if that makes sense) so that hopefully they'll be OK.
Brave lass and a big well done for getting stuck in !!
It wouldn't hurt to bitumen the hull whilst ya have the floor up , I would ..
Thanks for sharing your DIY skills 😀
I've treated the surface rust and painted it with Hammerite since I filmed this!
@@bettyonaboat well done Betty, yes your right hammerite would be a better choice than bitumen 😉
Not just a pretty face hey 😁
Thank you for your videos, you do a very nice job with simple and straight forward content. Perhaps as you are doing projects you might think about leaving some vent holes so that if moisture got in behind walls or under floors it could dry out over time. Wishing you the best from the USA.
Fair play, not easy but well done for getting stuck in and doing it yourself. As a carpenter i felt your pain watching you with that screwdriver. Hope the rest of it goes a little smoother, stay safe and God bless.
Some of the screws were really rusted and I thought they might never come out! Thanks for the good wishes. 🙂
Another good insight into Narrowboat dramas… It looks pretty dry where you have lifted the floor so that’s a great sign… double check for any other possible causes of water ingress just to make sure you’ve dealt with the problem… keep it up you are doing well
Yes, the leak was quite a while ago so it was all dry but unfortunately the damage had already been done. It could have been worse though!
Please don't worry about how you look, you look wonderful regardless of the dirt and sawdust !
For the maintenance of your narrowboat and camera. Thank you for taking us along your scenic, and very informative, cruising.🪛🛥
Oh my goodness, that’s so kind, thank you!! That will really help.
Go Girl, brilliant DIY. Also saving money taking on the job in hand. We would clean out the crud. Surprised the concrete blocks are not fixed would they move about? Another enjoyable watch.
I don't think the blocks would move but I was surprised they were only on one side! I'm glad you found it an enjoyable watch. 🙂
oh my! a baptism by fire, so to speak! I hope you find the answers you need; I expect you will since the boating community is so helpful in general
Yes it was quite worrying to have a problem so soon!
Well done young lady, having a go at repairing your boat, very hard if you are not used to this kind of thing, respect, 😁👍
Thanks very much! 🙂
Good for you Betty , showing that you are not afraid to tackle any job and that you are not daunted. I imagine that you are right , random bits of insulation that have either been left behind or just broken down over time.
Maybe the insulation has just broken down as you say and those bits weren't just left there. Although I did also find a random cable tie in there too!
Boats are work for sure. never owned a narrow boat but had plenty of power boats . I believe your doing a good job on yours for sure .. thanks fur the video
What a great video. As others have said, and me previously, but is worth repeating, I think it is lovely that you are being so honest and straight forward in what you are showing us. I also like that the videos are not half an hour long, as so many people are doing. I don't have enough time in my life to be watching that length of content. It is superb that you are tackling this yourself, and not just getting someone in to do it. This is absolutely the best way to learn, so take your time in figuring it out and if something goes wrong then that is all good experience. I am so genuinely happy to have found your channel and I shall continuoulsy wish you the very best of everything with it along with your life afloat. I am looking forward to the next installment !
Getting someone else to do it wasn't really an option but I am enjoying learning more as I do it, so that's a positive side to this! I'm really glad you're happy to have found the channel. 🙂
Just subscribed, You go girl, can tell you not many would attempt that floor repair using just hand screw driver, rather than a battery drill, must have taken an absolute age to do all that manually, hard work for sure.. Well done
Ha, I just got started with the screwdriver I had and got carried away, but then I ended up needing to borrow a drill anyway to make a hole in the floor to put the jigsaw blade in.
The joy of owning a home. Any home.
Betty, check out Danni and Joe, I'm sure Joe would be happy to give you advice.
One thing is obvious about the canel boat community. They enjoy helping others.
Congratulations on your 10k subscribers Betty
Thank you, I've just noticed myself! 😀
I'm sure you'll get the floor and any other work done, you are genuine with a huggable personality. There's a lot of people out there that'll help if you get stuck. You are doing great with vlogs.👍
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
Shame you had a problem so early on, I guess its one way of finding out how your boat is built.
Honestly if I lived closer I would give you a hand.
PS nice socks😁
Yes I think I was just very unlucky but I'm trying to see the positives!