Why BOAT LIFE SUCKS
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Okay reality check, sometimes things get hard and here is a video outlining some of the real struggles of boat life.
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May, if there is anyone on these UA-cam vlogs that I feel a real connection to, it is you. You are a character and then some, nutty as a fruitcake and Lady you walk ten feet tall. Your mum and dad must be so proud of you and my regards to them both.
Boat life is indeed a challenge and you are so gutsy in your determination to overcome the obstacles that this way of life will constantly throw at you. A bloody finger or two is part of that challenge even when it f*cking hurts like a b*stard. My yacht is currently out of the water in sunny Nidri, Greece and I am knackered, suffering the obligatory cut's and scrape's but breaking the back of my workload ready for summer cruising.
Go with God crazy Lady and keep smiling.
Much Respect,
Steve
Scend Serendipity.
Hey Steve, thanks for this lovely comment. It really gave me warm feeling. It's ace to be able to reach so many different people and make connections. Happy summer boating and take care!
May
As you are finding out, when you own anything like a home or car or boat you have to do the maintenance to keep it in good working condition, keep the rain out and the canal outside the hull. I find that youtube channels are very helpful. So keep up the good work and continue boating.
Very true! Thanks for your thoughts
Hi May, you've got this 👍
Take it from an engineer, the alternator belt over time has become dry, hard and smooth on the friction face.
It's time for a fresh new belt to be fitted and keep your pinkies clear of the moving belt. Only check the tension when the engine is not running 👌
Thanks a lot, ill deffo consider getting a new belt! That would be fun to try put on! 😁
@@wellbeingonwater Don't consider it, May. Do it. The guy is talking sense and trying to help you. Having said that, don't beat yourself up. You're doing a great job by the sound of it.
I wish I could find the time to disengage from my chosen industry and follow in your footsteps, just to slow down a little. Good luck!
Please keep your hair clear of moving machinery too 🙏
Nice to have a realistic video rather than one about how easy and smooth life on a boat is. Well done.
Thanks 👍
I have always and will always love your positivity. Life in general bombards us with negativity. It is one of the reasons I like and watch your channel is your happy disposition.
I did enjoy this episode as it gave a realistic reflection of life on a boat. Especially what it is to live on a boat by yourself, and all the skills you will need or need to learn. Or pay someone to do.
And loved that you still delivered it with a positive attitude 🙂
Thanks lovely lady! Yeah I can never stay mad/sad for long. Real and hard is good to see too, much love x
May I won't being Yoga, but you have a great life on our canals ❤❤❤
I wasn't gonna watch a boat video, but the sad truth is your title pulled me in. Yes, this vid put me off a bit, but I'll prolly still do it because I wanna fill my life with experiences - however, I am definitely a person who likes to come home and chill, so I know this'll be annoying to start with until it becomes life
Summer time is a lot easier to come home and chill, winter you need to get the place warm first but it becomes part of life and I personally love building a fire, feels very human
Hi may,you really are a trooper !!! sorry that your windows are in a bad state but I love your determination to get through a sticky situation..you explained many of the down sides of canal life and admire the honesty and show that its not all rosy...Spring will be here soon and the weather should get better for us all which should cheer us all up and make life that little bit more bearable ..keep your chin up...Michael !!!😀
Hey Michael, thanks for a lovely comment. Really appriciate your words 😄
Hi May, I'd say making that video was quite therapeutic 😀. Your a legend, queen of the narrowboats 😂. I've recently moved onto a small cruiser on the canal and dream of owning a narrowboat one day. What I realized is once I stopped thinking most people won't except the toilet situation, the condinsation, battery management, the cold ect and started to realize I love the life were my comfort levels vary, my living space breathe leaks, moves and I'm ok with it and I'm not most people but not only that but there are more people like yourself who are thriving. Beer 🍺 open and on to the next video keep up the good work 👍
Hey John! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, i quite agree! Queen of narrowboats now there's compliment!
Hi May
The difficulties you face on your boat are also reflected in other ‘home’ options. If you are paying off a house, you also have maintenance, rates, heating, interest, etc costs. Here in Australia, the bloody grass never stops growing, the bills keep rolling in etc.
I respect what you are doing there in your narrow boat, and am sure when you look back in years to come, all the hardships would then seem more than worthwhile. Cherish the time you have with your boat, and the lifestyle it affords you. Love your videos and the glimpse into your different lifestyle
Prior to UA-cam, known as: "being an adult".
If someone is doing yoga on a narrowboat, make no mistake, that's an extremely privileged way to live life. If the cost is a problem, higher paying employment options should be considered. Things like working in Tesco etc. Cost of boat maintenance is high and shouldn't merely be an afterthought.
I note May gets a lot of free help from other narrow boaters (typically male). That's a further privilege most males don't experience from females in day-to-day life.
Being an adult is really important. I can't stress that enough.
Thanks Andy, we all go through hardships in our own way :)
Adulting! I hear ya!
Hi May! I fell down the rabbit hole of watching nb channels and so happy I came across yours. I really enjoy it! I live in Maine US & I’ll definitely be singing your mud song during mud season here.😁🤍
Haha amazing! So happy to have you here all the way from across the pond! 😄
On the plus side, you are amongst nature a lot of the time. The days are getting longer and the birds are singing louder.
And water is always calming... on the outside that is ! 🙂
Ooooh yes, always looking for those silver linings 😁
Everything you describe is what most of us deal with on a daily basis, this is my 23 year on my boat and I’m now 70, I’ve taught myself 90% of the skills you need to survive on the canal it is the “only way” you will continue as a live aboard unless you pay someone to do it for you, it can be a very hard life especially in darker winter months, I’m lucky in the fact I’m practically minded and can do most of own repairs, but UA-cam is brilliant for advice and guidance if you get stuck, my advice is “think very hard if this is the life for you” because it “will not be cheap”! I’m happy to give any advice or guidance if you need it, there are good and not so good boaters out there, I’m on the GU not far from Leighton Buzzard if you get stuck. Andrew
Thanks andrew, full of great thoughts and advice 😁 I'm all good just showing its not all rainbows and butterflies
Had to do a double take there for a second... Not many of us Andrew Keeler fellas about, but to have two of us following May.. What odds?? 😂.. I'm not a boater, but got addicted to narrowboat vlogs during lockdown. I do spend a fair bit of time on GU myself though, near Foxton Locks, fishing rod in hand, more in hope than fulfilment. 🎣
@@andyk101 blimey!… I thought I was the only one left! Keeler isn’t that common in England… are we related I wonder?
@@wellbeingonwater Hi again May, I just breezed through a couple of other of your vids and I’m now confident you will be fine, you’re certainly a dynamo and much going on in your life! Regarding what you said in another vid I to have injured myself more so boating than since I raced motorcycles back in the 1970’s! 😂 I’ve fallen in a dozen or so times, broke the same thumb twice!
numerous cuts and bruises, but still here to tell the tail! Good luck and stay safe x
@@dingnextstop No, you're right, it's not that common. I'm 55 and originally from Kent. There was a hotbed of Keelers around the Faversham area years ago. (My dad was one of seven children, with lots of cousins) but most of my generation from that line don't have kids, so we are on the wane these days. A pleasure to E-meet you though Sir! 👍
Hi May....last year I decided to sell my house in Devon to buy a narrowboat and join the canal community like you have. I have become so disillusioned with this crazy world and all the greed and corruption that I thought it would be the perfect means t o escape the madness and find some solice in some other kindred spirits along the way. After doing loads of research,and watching tonnes of canal vlogs whilst waiting for the house to sell ,18 weeks later, I started looking for a floating home. What I found was that it wasn't until I was about to hand over a large amount of money that the reality of what I was about to do sunk in. Everything you mentioned here were the things that made me rethink my choice. I'm on my own, can I do all this, what about maintenance, injuries etc etc. I know I don't want the trappings of property anymore. I'd love to buy some land/woods but the UK government have made it impossible to live an eco conscious off grid life despite them saying they are wanting us all to reduce our carbon footprint! As it stands I'm thinking of living in a motorhome as it seems to be the next solution after boats. I hope you can get through your list of jobs OK and that all will be good for you. Full respect to you for embracing the challenges and keeping positive. Also what are your thoughts on motorhome living just out of interest?
Hey Duncan, thanks for sharing your story with us. It's a huge step breaking from the norm but even with all the hardships it's worth it! I guess you really have to love the good parts to work through the hard parts. Did you see my end bit about feeling the fear and do it anyway! You won't regret it. Motorhome living is ace, I did it in NZ. I considered it for myself as you can go more places but opted for a boat mainly for more room! Hope you break free of your comfort zone soon! 😄
Thanks for that May. I bet NZ was a beautiful place to be. I'm looking forward to stepping back and living a more self nurturing and fulfilling way of life. I'm under no illusions about how radically different my life is about to become but I'm exciited and ready for change. Have a good week 😉
@@wellbeingonwater Hi May....I'm out of my comfy zone!! Got a motorhome from Newcastle yesterday and drove back to Devon same day! Loaded up my stuff and off into Wales tomorrow. All ready for the zombie apocalypse! Even though I didn't go the narrowboat route you still inspired me to do something different so thanks for that. Hope you're well, still as mad as a sack of badgers and keeping it unreal 😜
Well I most certainly admire you, strong and determined. The very best of luck with all your up and coming repair projects, you are a breath of fresh air may!👍💚
This is a lovely comment, thanks so much 😄
I've been a full time solo live aboard in the United States for the last 7 years, I totally understand.
You get me!
Well done! You've got a lot more common sense and mechanical knowledge than most of the boaters I see on this channel , especially the men I'm ashamed to say, I can see that you could progress in an any field you choose. I'm very impressed . From an Old 'Un.
Aww this is great to hear. Most of the time I'm winging it but learning as I go! Thanks for watching
Hi May, good to see you still laughing and singing you will be fine just keep ticking away at your list and it will all be good.Its a pity I'm not on the cut yet as I could give you a hand with most of it ,I'm just building my workshop so I can make a little bit more money for when I do get my boat,stay safe babe and be careful.Nick🏴x
Thanks so much Nick 😁
Love your positivity, May! There are always challenges, that's for sure. But there is a certain strength that builds from deep within when stepping away from the norm. Hope to pass you one day! 💙❄
Love this Alice, thank you for your lovely comment 😘
Your "Mud" song is now stuck in my head
Haha sorry not sorry 😉😘
Hi May I'm 18 years on board now. Just think of it as there'll always be stuff needs doing, always. Just chill and go at you're own speed. Keep smiling 👍 😊
Totally, thanks Phil! Boat life certainly helps remind you to slow down, as does living in nature 😄
Hi May, hope your well, Your the most capable person i know, With your boat, your day work, multiple jobs.
getting your wood, planning of your moves, your car pacements, that what i love about your channel
You ooose positivity. Well done May
Naww thanks Sean, you're kind to say 😁
May, you're amazing. I can see how all these things can get overwhelming, especially on your own. Break everything down into bite sized chunks. When you're feeling more upbeat, do the harder bits (you know, the procrastinator makers!😅) and the less challenging on your lower energy days. I know what it's like to be on your own and have to do and sort out everything yourself. A lot of the time we have to muddle through, trial and error when certainty isn't available., but you are doing amazing!! Remember that, cos it's true, you are doing amazing👍xx
Aww thanks so much, really needed this today. It is a big old muddle but things are working out, slowly!
Thanks, that all made me smile. Not that you almost lost a digit but it all resonated so much and it's nice to know it's not just me. Recently moved back onto a Narrowboat (last summer) after a 15 break. Love the life so much 🙂
You are so welcome, its the best isn't it!
Gaffer tape it all lol, keep your chin up May! What's the acronym for boat? Get a decent tool kit and don't touch moving parts, could have been your hair which would have been messy, love your lifestyle
OMG Bring Out Another Thousand! asked a mate and laughed my head off! Thanks for that 😁😁
May - another stonking video - even if its about things that frustrate you. Thing is you have a really strong drive and even when complaining you are not really letting these things get you down. Stuff like belt tension on an alternator you will eventually get it right then you will never have to think it through again. As for the windows its a faff but a fairly mechanical process... I can tell you replacing the bathroom window at my house up a ladder on the second floor I would far rather have leaned over from a tow path at zero feet with little chance of injury if I fell. I think your resounding positivity will win through and your thirst to find out how and why and then fix things yourself is the best path to take in terms of budget and self discovery. ONLY thing I would say is..."was there a five?" - four was toilet and six was traipsing to the car with a wheelbarrow - did I miss five? take care and keep entertaining us. Take care - Martin
This is lovely thanks Martin, really enjoyed reading that! HA the 5. I think I got my numbers all confused... or maybe my editing..who knows I'm ditsy sometimes 🤪😁😅
Hard to watch ……. Remember you rock, not literally ! But your personality , your pure grit and your positive nature . Your followers can see that too. Always here for you, love mum xx
Love you mum xx
@@wellbeingonwater ❤️
@@wellbeingonwater ❤️
You are terrific....admire your stamina.... even in a house things go wrong...
I sang Glorious mud with you... what a hoot 😂!!!
😊 thank you
Dear May, very nice video. Lots of good advice on comments here, but I’ll add a few things. Put your hair up tight near an engine, in a cap or hat. Getting it caught in a belt can remove your entire scalp which may prove unpleasant if not fatal. Don’t do a job until you’ve researched it and have confidence. Touching a moving alternator belt was a lesson, with a light price. You could have lost a finger or worse.
Onto the windows. You’ll be surprised that this is not too difficult just time consuming. Until you can get them out, de-rust, convert prime, paint and re seal, get some butyl tape. It’s cheap and feels a bit like chewing gum. You warm it up a bit to soften it, then force it into gaps. It never sets and sticks to almost anything. £3 of that stuff solves a multitude of problems all over a boat. I’d also refit / embed the windows with it too.
I’m on my 23 year of living on a yacht. You learn through adversity, and poverty in equal measures!
Best wishes and thank you for your creative work!
PS enough coffee to get some butyl tape, a hat and a new genny belt sent.
Ian and Hayley 😊
Aww hey Ian, thanks so much for your support and help really appriciate your advice. I'll deffo look into all of that AND I'm actually feeling quite excited about doing the windows now! Cheers big ears 😄
Wise words pal
You are a brave girl. I know you will do it. You have the strength to go through.
Thank you 😄
Yup feel all those things. It'll help when the mud turns back to an actual towpath and the sun comes out. I'm two thirds through diy resealing all my windows bankside and it's not as bad as I thought, but the neverending list of jobs is hard to prioritise sometimes and can feel quite overwhelming seeing how it's a boat law that for every job we do, we unearth another to do 😆
Haha boat law. Gosh darn it! I think its just life right?!
Great video, love how you manage to put a positive spin still on all these challenges! 😄 its very endearing. I have similar challenges in van life - its all lovely & picturesque for the first couple of days, then it rains.....your loo gets full......its cold......😅 defo a trade off, but do need to cling on to the positives to remember why alternative living is done - stay safe! 🤗
Totally Ben! We all have our down days and moments 😀
Great video nice to see some of the negatives
Glad you enjoyed. I agree, good to show a balance
You could find that the damp/water damage is caused by a long time of condensation. Consider double glazing or a plastic membrane mounted from the frame, not the glass.
I got a quote recently for double glazing, it was a rather large number! haha 😁
Your quite amazing. I have just got a narrowboat if I ever get stressed and wonder why, I’ll just think of May, and think, if she can do it then I can. Your so amazing May
Aww thank you 😀 *goes red
Hi May! It all seems overwhelming but, there's that smile! I live in a 17 foot caravan so I know tiny living and enjoy it. Keep smiling lady! A lot of the moisture is condensation from you breathing and singing. I use Damp-rid. A dehumidifier. Don't know if yall have that in UK
Keep smiling lady!
I have some dehumidifier things but they are awful for landfill! Just keep on keeping on! Cheers Monty
You touched a drive belt while it was in motion ?? always check the tension when it is still. Your windows should be an easy fix depending on make. If there is a joint in the frame they come apart with a little effort, clean the old gunk out put in fresh sealant put it back together then put frame back in to hull. Do one window at a time, I've just done all the windows on my boat in 5 days. Sadly I used a new product as a sealant (X8 from screwfix ) which doesn't quite work so having to look at re-doing them. Love your rendition of Glorious Mud, but I think I will stick with the Flanders and Swann version. Good Luck
Yeahhhh I saw a mechanic do it and copied but with a brain working at 10%. Learnt my lesson! Thanks for the supporting words, good to know that it didn't take you too long 🤗
Hey, well done on your boat adventures so far, I live on board in tiny boat here in Ireland and yes there’s always jobs to be doing but not as much as you’d need to be doing if living on land home! !
I used to live in the forest in a hut which always had mud so now living on boat is so much cleaner if you know what I mean; yes a few tools will help and UA-cam so keep posting & asking others as I’ve found boat people are very nice and will always will help ( most of time ) peace
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us 😄
Ive lived in boats, tiny damp uninsulated trucks. immobile buses, wee cabins, House trucks on the road with no home base. First equal on my list of what is horrible about the way I live are - doing major renovations in a tiny space over winter that you are forced to live in. and - The constant relentless feeling year by year of having your lifestyle legislated out of existence. There are so many other reasons too. like unblocking the toilet when someone else has blocked it. But then theres the gorgeous swimming spots. funny people you meet, other people's dogs. horses in fields, and sitting in the sunshine whenever you feel like it.
stu
Yes....working in cramped spaces makes it twice as hard.....same with junky tools.
Pros and cons right! Thanks for sharing your story too :)
maintenance and repairs are there if you live in a house too. 2 of my neighbours have had to have their entire roof changed in the past couple of years - in fact most of the houses around me have. I changed ours almost 15 years ago. At that time I did a lot of work on the house and it cost me about 1/2 the purchase price of the house. I've lived in houses where the roof leaks, windows leak, with no heating, with tiles popping off the floor, with leaks through the wall from neighbours that wrecked our floors (no compensation). I've had to fix pipes in the middle of the night. Due to being in a city we don't have to cope with mud and of course toilets are flushing, connected to a sewer, but gas here is in bottles that weigh 30kg when full. I dread the monthly arrival of things like the electricity bill, luckily no council tax since I work abroad, but that makes me miss my family in UK, and of course because the house is not mobile we travel more by car otherwise we would be extremely bored. For you sometimes things like shops etc. are nearby, sometimes not convenient. Live in a house in a suburb and nothing is close, plus that is permanent. Between us (me + wife only, son already working 6500 miles away) we get through 6 tanks of petrol a month due to city living. Also a house in a city does not come with a view. Have you looked at the price of heating boilers for a house these days?
On a narrow boat you do have the option of covering the roof with solar for more free power, of using diesel central heating and more but the limitation is the same as in a house - budget. The only two things I see really are mud and toilets. Even mud can be largely avoided by either careful route planning or using a marina during the wetter months. One thing I do wonder about living on a narrow boat is, well, the fact it is so narrow. I've lived in places with a similar total floor area as a narrow boat, but not one that is so narrow. I worry that on winter nights sitting just a few feet from the opposite wall might feel like the space is closing in. Not helped by the fact I see people sitting in chairs/sofas that leave them unable to look out horizontally through the windows. They always look too high.
In a house in winter it is easy to become a recluse, only going out to buy food and to work, then shutting the world out while sitting home to try to keep warm and in doing so missing out on 3 to 4 months of every year. I see boaters all almost forced to get on with life more, to embrace the seasons, or at least put up with them and keep going. The connection to the world around seems closer. The views change as do the neighbours. I often feel I would do better with that push. Nowadays I feel like I live the life of a termite. I live in a house where I control the environment. If I go out it is straight into a car where again the environment is controlled. As I said, I'm in a city, so I work in an office where not only is the climate controlled, but there is no window. If I need to shop for anything I drive to a mall and park inside and it is all climate controlled again. Then home again and it is climate controlled. Most people I know even exercise in climate controlled gyms. I hate gyms, so I venture out on occasion on my bicycle - pretty much the only outdoors thing I do. A bit under an hour no more than 3 times a week. While I sit here in my termite mound, I mean house, tell me again about the great outdoors. I've forgotten what it is like.
Amazing, thanks for sharing 😄 yes I have looked into many different systems to help improve the boat in one way or another. There are so many options which is great!
Well done, May, for pointing out some of the the issues with boat life (there are more of course). I'm sure it will help people, when they're considering buying a boat, to weigh up the pros and cons more realistically.
Oo theres plenty, I thought of more soon after filming! More pros than cons 😁
Great video, thanks for pointing out these downfalls but I think I knew about most of them before. You are normally the most upbeat boater out there so don’t let the job lists get you down, spring is coming and things will seem better then. Just try to do a job a day and you’ll get there. Take care and stay safe. Lots of love. xxxx
Hey Shirley, yeah I am very positive in general but its good to also show the cons of boat life. Thanks for your support and love xxx
Great vlog May 😇
Well done for taking on maintenance by yourself , a big step though the right direction 😏
Happy journeying
Thank you!! 😊
I guess most people can relate to the frustration and anxiety (but not from living in a boat!). If it helps anyone reading this, I've recently learned a new way of dealing with those uncomfortable emotions. Instead of resisting them (by distracting myself with self-pity, or blaming someone, or trying to "fix" problems to make them go away), I now focus on the physical sensation it causes. Might be tightness on the throat, solar plexus, whatever. Focus on it, observe it, pinpoint it. Invariably, the physical discomfort dissipates quickly and I'm left in a more relaxed mind space which allows me to deal with the situation more effectively, focusing on what i want (for example "water tight windows" ) instead of what i dont want ("leaky windows"). It helps me "tune in" to the best course of action or allow the solution to spontaneously appear by itself.
GREAT advice!! Love this.!
Do not get overwhelmed with all the leaks. Do one window at a time. Find what you need to fix it like new seals and mastic etc. There is a place called utube where you can research!! The first one will be the hardest. It might take you a day or two but you will learn and it will be easier and faster for the next one.
Yea...worst window first. Clear caulk might help
Thanks 😁 Just want to get started!! Ive done lots of research. Now for tool buying and warmer weather!
Whats Clear Caulk? I can also google it!! 😁
@@wellbeingonwater it's silicone sealant.
When owning a house there is maintenance just on a boat it's different tasks. Also correct maintenance will save a lot of ball ache in the future. Bodging is asking for trouble
True dat
Lovely video May. I don't live on my boat but share some of your frustrations, Why dod we do this. We are on the Thames and those lovely summer days on the river are amazing - I think they make the hassle all worthwhile, but I'm not always sure.
No matter how many jobs you achieve the list never gets shorter - just do the urgent stuff first.
Maybe one day they could all be done? That would be nice. Just a day! haha. Thanks for sharing 😁
You're doing amazing. There's always jobs to do and it's never ending. It's so important to learn to do as much as you can yourself, build your knowledge of your boat and your confidence so if something drastic happens you will know what is where and put it right. Prioritise your list and one step at a time. You know it's so rewarding this life, those moments when you experience the abundance that surrounds you and you can't imagine yourself living anywhere else. Just keep your fingers away from anything moving 😉
Slow and steady wins the race.
Thanks Michael, yeah slow and steady for sure! Boat life motto right! Thanks for your support
Firstly, get yourself a spanner and socket set. Tools are very important when living on a boat. A Hammer as well. Do the easy jobs first, and if in doubt, there is plenty of information on UA-cam.
Agreeg....good tools make for less work.
Thanks for the tips! Another job for the list - sort out my engine room and get decent tools!
@May you got it May, good tools is essential make sure you have pliers, of different types, maybe a hack saw with some blades and a screw driver set with a combination of cross head and normal. Half the problem with any problem is if you don't have the right tool to do the job it can be a right pain in the harris.
ALWAYS invest in good tools and the right tools for the job. They will pay for themselves over and over again. And break down the jobs, it's not 10 windows, it's the rear left window today. Take bite sized chunks out of the jobs.
OK - A few ideas: 1) purchase a pair of mechanics gloves (in the US, I would go to Harbor Freight), maybe 10 quid. 2) Get a fisherman's scale and mark a spot on you engine mid way on you generator belt, with the engine off, pull on the belt reading the "weight". So your scratch/permanent marker spot should look like a "T". So you place the scale at the vertical of the "T" and you pull the belt upwards until you reach the horizontal marking of the "T", and read the weight. This will give you an exact number of the belt tightness. 3) Buy some waterproof repair tape, that stops pipe/gutter holes. Replace the gapper/duct with the waterproof tape around your windows. That should give you time to save up for better windows. When you replace your windows, due a few per season. It will cost you more overall, but be more affordable in the short term. 4) In the US, they sell a product called FlexSeal. It comes as a tape or a paint and is really waterproof. Something like that would help you stp a lot of leaks. 5) Amazon has USB powered Dehumidifiers, that could take a lot of moisture out of the inside of the boat
7) Having fewer "stuff" makes it easier to tidy up...
Yikes I had to read this a few times. I will have to do some googling 😁 Thanks so much for your help
I don’t think I could live on a boat it would give me to much anxiety. I take my hat off to you May. 🙂
Thank you 😀 But maybe put it back on for the next few months brr
one day at a time, you got this! Thanks!
Thankyou 😄
Oh May sweetie, it’s a bit distressing watching you suffer like that! Especially looking at your damaged wee finger! Lesson learnt I suppose, talking of your alternator, try a little 3 & 1 oil to stop the squeaking, also check whether the pulley wheels are in line….good luck hun!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it..💐🌙
Thanks Julian.😁
I used to pay 30 quid a year for insurance,the year following CRT making it compulsory it went up to 300,I hate to think what it's now
Depends on the company but yes its more than 30!
Hey May. As a temp measure instead of duct tape on your windows you can get sticking flashing tape is really good. Its very sticky and waterproof. I have a couple of ify windows in my house and its doing a good job. X
This is REALLY helpful, thank you 😁
When I bought my boat the amount of people commented on the maintenance I said oh you don't maintain your house then, it's just a different type.
So true! Bit more hands on with a boat. I reckon i'd call in a proffessional with a house but I dont with the boat!
If you did not have challenges life would be so boring especially as a single boater, stay positive enjoying your vlogs and maybe use sealant instead of gaffer tape
Too true!
Shes so sweet i could crush her. i'm about to go on a narrowboat holiday yet again in July, down the river Wey. cannot beat it. Owning one I don't know.
Have fun!!
Hello. Just discovered your channel. Thanks for sharing your experiences. 👍
Thanks for watching! 😄
So great to see mr smiggles make an appearance
Mr smiggles Mr smiggles is my friend. He's more than just a toy
You haven't mentioned falling in the canal, I did this when it had started to rain, I had tied the bow and stern line, I had the plank out at the stern, then I thought ill just jump to the centre line and "SPLASH" in I go up to my waist, between bank and boat, fortunely nobody in sight to see me, got out just in time for a load of pedestrians to come walking passed. My biggest frustration was kicking the code with my shine as I went in and grazing my leg lol.
You also didn't mention drifting down the canal in your sleep. I was moored on a busy section of canal, and there where a number of speeding boats, that caused my boat to lurch violently several times and pull pins out twice. when it got to 8pm I thought it will be quiet now so went to bed later that night, the next morning I looked out the window and thought to my self I thought the towpath was on the port side, so looked out the other side and realised it wasn't there either, threw on some clothes, went outside only to find I was sat in the middle of a wide section of canal and both mooring pins hanging down in to the water. I was like how the hell does that happen and I didn't even get woken by it, so moving a boat back onto a mooring when your still half asleep lol
🤣💤
Haha maybe because neither of these things has happened to me... yet!! Thanks for sharing your stories though, very funny!
@@wellbeingonwater More things to look forward to then 😂
No sorry you still haven't put me off haha but great video May thank you for pointing out some of the real downsides. I'm very much looking forward to it now haha, take good care May and can't wait for part two haha. Brian.
Haha part 2. Very likley! Cheers Brian! I'm glad you're not put off 😄
Hi may ... I live on a nb with my son he is 7...... it is hard work isn't it....but the lifestyle is wonderful...every job completed is a step to the goal....your great so you will overcome and succeed.. stay true and strong... mark
So true! Thanks for sharing 😄
Have you considered how crap living in house, flat, caravan, tent is? Wherever you live, life sucks sometimes. Boats are no worse, just different. For my money the upside of a boat is worth it - how else could I live in beautiful countryside. It does look like you bought a huge project.
Totally! Theres cons to everything. I hope this is useful for someone considering buying a boat 😁
Well as this is the year of the boat jobs it's good you have a list...windows one at a time, worst one first and hope the weather perks up for the outside jobs...stay positive and never turn down help from your friends 😀..keep warm and carry on singing....love the boat life videos 🤙
Thanks Tommo!
Can you imagine what it would be like if everything was easy or a whole lot less challenging.
What you have chosen for yourself is a quite severe test of your character and capabilities as well as your versatility. In years to come when you have moved on to pastures anew you will look back on your canalboat life with fond memories. You will still have all the videos and not forgetting all the new friends as well as the travelling.
It is worth mentioning that there are many people who envy your situation and would love to do what you are doing. At the same time they are getting pleasure out of the insights that you are providing. Keep on steamin!
Don't look at it as a whole and that's there's so much to do.... just make a list of all the jobs that need doing and do them 1 job at a time. Good luck have a happy life ❤
Thanks!
Just remember, if you've got your health, you've got everything!
Regards,
Ken
Love this!!
should be a survey for people every year
Totally
Boat stands for bring on another trauma mate, I'm same as you,find it totally over whelmin, but ten years and four boats in...just break it all down into baby steps and don't be scared to ask who evers nearby for help or advice man!
There are so many helpful people out there! Thanks Pat 😁
For the price of a dinner I'd happily bring my tools & skills to visit & assist 👍
So days are good days, so days are bad. But it looks like you were able to find the joy in somthing. When things like this happen to me, I think a day can only last 24 hours and tomorrow is new you chance to fix it.
Love this! Thanks Martyn :)
it is very expensive to maintain really. mm Complex problems. Maybe you can lift her out of the water to a storage yard (it all costs money in a hard time)
Nahhhh
Yeap... you kinda get use to it. Fairey liquid the next time you spill desal, well you know now about a few things, keep on keeping on life is good... 💙👊😎
Thanks for the tips!
I compare my life on my boat, my home, to my career …. on the railway, they go hand-in-hand. I NEVER complain.
So good to have your values in place 😁
@@wellbeingonwater it forms the basis of also having an incredible support unit… family.
Come on May. I live on a boat and I’m a boat fitter. Just take it one job at a time. Water ingress is the worst thing. It causes so many problems including damp of which your breathing in. Spring is on its way. Boat maintenance should take priority so the jobs don’t build up. Best of luck
I read that like " Come On Eileen " but " Come on May" Yeah totally, its sinking in now. No thats not a pun
Upkeep of a boat , upkeep of a house ,just different jobs
Yah
I think its true what they say, boat stands for Break Out Another Thousand! Make a list, prioritise do one at a time. ❤️
I recently learnt this term! Made me laugh out loud so true
If I was in your position I’d be worse off, so I’m staying in my house, plus I’m old, too old to take on a much under maintained narrowboat, my advice is to list the top priority jobs that need doing first, start there, good luck. 3:22 😊
Great advice, thanks so much 😄
Think its so good you can keep going with the challenges you face
Thanks Dave 😁
Lots of struggles, but still positive attitude 😊👍
Always! 😄 thanks Helen 😘
Remember the old adage "this too shall pass" bit difficult to think this way when everything is going wrong! You are allowed to vent, no one can be positive all the time. It's normal to have a little cry and get angry sometimes! Kick something, hopefully an inanimate object, not the barge though or you might put a hole in it😉 jokes aside, keep on keeping on May, it's one step in front of the other.
Absolutely, nothing is permanent and that keeps me going! I think its good to show i'm not always happy happy! I am a lot of the time but not all the time! I had a little scream the other day, always helps! 😁
@@wellbeingonwater 😂yes a little scream is healthy. Its good that you show your authentic self, living on a boat is brilliant but lots of difficulties involved too. It's great that you're showing the rough with the smooth.
Oh sweetie! I could definitely help but your a bit of a long way from me, well around the Kennett and Avon I suppose! Good luck hun Xx 🌙💕👍
Thanks Julian 😁
Life gets everyone down on occasions but you have to switch your mind set and think how lucky you are and how there’s a LOT folks worse off than yourself.
On a positive note: have you tried doing yoga .. been told it works well 😁
Totally agree!!
Girl hit the wall
🤣
Its made of wood though.... haha
Beats me why people persist in making narrowboats out of mild steel. Marine grade stainless exists and there's literally tens of thousands of tonnes of it in scrapyards ready for recycling, so why not make the boat out of something that resists rust, instead of bowing to the great god of "We've always done it this bloody stupid way, it would be sacrilegious to abandon all those years of knuckle-dragging idiocy and actually start thinking".
Beats me
No it don’t put me off sounds fun.. 😂❤.. I didn’t know you lived on your own… I got tons of ash logs shame you live far I would be happy to give you a load to keep you warm when it’s cold…
Aww thanks. I'm doing really well with logs thanks for your offer 😁
@@wellbeingonwater Good evening, you’re welcome anytime, just check if the chainsaw chain is sharp. Then it’s more easy for you to cut…! I hope you sorted some jobs out on the boat sounds like you got a very busy week a head. Don’t you get lonely on your own, best if you had a dog then more friendship together when you feel down he or she will know your feelings inside of you.. 😊💯♥️
Hi May. In your experience, would you say that staying in a Marina for your first year may be a gentler way of breaking oneself into it? A few of the issues you mention would certainly be reduced if not a continuous cruiser
Staying in one place certainly is easier for many reasons 😊 long term mooring is also an option if a marina isn't for you
Boring in a marina tho 😴
Yep.. same as when you have an old house and an old tractor. Nice chainsaw BTW.
Old is better though when it comes to steel! Cheers me dears 😁
Plan b . Rugby boat Sales will get you about 99k for it.
Nooooooo 🤣
Hahaha
Nice video May👍
Cheers me dears 😁
Chin up!
Aww thanks Tom! 😄
9:40 A song about mud.
Haha heard it before?
@@wellbeingonwater Somwhere
Flanders and Swan.
Funny. I feel ye. Subscribed. Hope that helps.
sounds like your alternator bearing has had it!
I can't bear it! 😁
@@wellbeingonwater Keep an eye on it (or ear) if it starts screeching its metal on metal lol
Are you certain the window leaks aren't condensation?
Yes very sure
Do ya think it would be possible to get by without having a car, or is that something I oughta include in my budgeting for living fulltime on a narrowboat? Like, should I keep in mind while buying a boat that I'm also gonna have to own a car too?
Hey! I've had this question asked a few times. I'd say it's lifestyle. I didn't have a car first year and cycled everywhere and I was super fit! Then I got a job that required one so now I have one I can't imagine not having one....
@@wellbeingonwater Got it, okay. Just to help me remember, you were a continuous cruiser too, right? So ya just park, near-ish, to wherever you're presently moored?
May sings 🎶mud🎶💚
Glooooorrrrious mud! 😂
Boat life seems meretricious
for anyone else wondering.. "meretricious" : apparently attractive but having no real value. I'd say its "boatalicious" : a mad adventure with ups and downs and a shit tonne of value 😁😂
@@wellbeingonwater haha 😂 perhaps. However if you are parsimonious it’s not for you.
You don't grow when things are easy!
Too true!
It sound like a nightmare, apart from that it is not all bad he says. 😀
Depends on mindset doesn't it! Mine has been a little wobbly of late
@@wellbeingonwater we all have ups and downs occasionally, it's normal.