Well all I can say is that Gladys looks absolutely lovely, I can just see you putting the home touches with soft furnishings etc. Put some of those little felt sticky backed pads on the door backs to make the cupboards close quietly, I can imagine the smell of the wood that's been used, all new & exciting ready for the off. I'm trying to be positive for you here to put salve on your disappointment but I feel for you, it's a very long way from where you started to still be waiting. Stay fit & keep making videos for us, it'll happen eventually & you'll be sailing away into the sunset with joy in your heart & the wind in your hair.
Hi Annie! Thanks for the lovely comment - very cheering! 😍 Nice idea about the doors 👍You're quite right about the smell of the wood - and he has done a fine job of the carpentry - I always appreciate seeing a skilled tradesman's work👍 Yes, its been a long journey and taken much more time than I was led to expect, or imagined. But at least I have had the chance to visit lots of interesting places and made some, I hope, interesting, videos. I've certainly enjoyed making them and its great to know that some people are enjoying them. I'll definitely carry on making videos until Gladys is on the water and then I will start 'Season Two' of my films! Thanks very much for your continued support! 👍
Thank you Cathy! Yes, she is a sight to behold... and I think my frustration is getting greater as the year goes on, with shorter days ahead. 😠Thanks for your support - it does help me a lot! 👍
Thanks Madison! 😍 Yes, she does look amazing, and I am very pleased with the work Mattie has done inside. Just got to hang on a bit longer - thanks for your support! 👍
Hi Jeff, So sorry to hear about the delay. When we met at Diglis locks you were very hopeful that it would be ready by now. Fingers crossed that you don't have to wait too much longer as we are all itching to see Gladys in the water.
Hiya Kevin! Thanks for commenting - yes, I was quite optimistic when we met at the lock, but I've had my doubts in the last few weeks and sure enough, it still hasn't happened. Keep those fingers crossed though - and I hope your itching will be cured soon! Thanks for your support and my best wishes to you and all the guys and girls volunteering at Diglis! 😁
So sorry Aintree boats have let you down again at least it looks a very nice boat and i can't wait to see what it looks like on the water...hope thats soon. 😊
Thanks Robert! Yes, she looks great and I'm sure she'll turn a few heads when we're out on the canal 👍 I needn't say how disappointed I am with Aintree Boats, - but they are well aware of it! Cheers, thanks for your support! 😊
Hi Jeff, so sorry to hear about Gladys not being ready 😢 but nevertheless it won't be long before you are up and driving the Canal Network. She's looking fabulous and sharp 😊 we trust it won't be long now keep our fingers crossed for you. Take care and stay safe out there 😊 John.
Hi John! Thanks - yes, I'm very disappointed but still optimistic she'll get on the water soon. She does look fabulous - and sharp! Thanks for your support! 😁
Thanks Tim! 👍One of the few consolations I have, is that I'm not the only one who is stuck on this voyage of uncertainty, with Captain Aintree at the helm... Good luck with Red Herring - nice name! Hopefully we'll see each other on the water some day. 😊
Lorna Jane Adventures had a very long wait for her Aintree boat, Foxglove. She finally got it just recently. I think she's really happy with it now but there was a lot of despair along the way.
Thanks Dorothy! Yes, I followed her story - and I actually saw Foxglove when I visited Aintree last time. Quite a stunning pink - fabulous signwriting work too - done by Rob Wagg, the same guy who wrote Gladys's name for me 👍
It must be gut wrenching. I love the beetles but could not go through all these delays. Look forward to the launch and hope you’re able to enjoy some decent weather on Gladys before autumn sets in.
Hi Trevor! Yes, I think gut wrenching is a fair description. I know Ive said it before, but a big consolation for me is that I'm not the only Beetle-buyer who is going through this extended torture. Yeah - its frustrating knowing that the year is moving on and that the longer days are behind us now... but I've cruised in September before now, and that time of year can be really lovely on the canals (plus, fewer other boats to contend with). Thanks for your support! 👍
The guys at Aintree are really nice but they never want to give you the really bad news about delivery they would rather just say soon. I think the biggest problem they have is engine delivery. Whether engines are on short supply or they are not ordered early in the build I don’t know. Our boat was in build during COVID so there was probably a reason for our delay. Aintree usually use Beta Marine but it got to the stage with us that we pushed and they ordered a Barus Shire. To be fare they were great as they had to modify the engine bed to suite. It sounds worse for you due to the travelling back and forth but we live close to Aintree so was able to call in regularly to hassle. Our boat is over two years old now and was worth waiting for. I am sure you will be pleased once it is in the water.
Hi Les! yes I agree - they are very friendly but seem unable to give an answer you can really rely on... Mine is a Beta 30 engine. I'm hoping that it wont take much longer and Jamie said yesterday that Beta told him my engine is 'in build'. Great to hear that you're happy with your boat - that's very encouraging! Cheers! Jeff.
Thanks for sharing your current status in the last steps of boat building and your thougts about. First time i get such insight of this reliable boats type. Will it have a big battery, a Diesel Motor with 20 HP, gaz tank for cooking and heating also not to forget extra bride stripes for a Brompton fix point on deck ;-)
Hi Martin! Thanks - well, I think there are maybe two batteries, but I don't know what size. A diesel engine, maybe 30 HP I think, and yes, gas cylinders for the cooker. It has a solid fuel stove for heating and also diesel powered central heating. I think the Brompton will be living inside - I'll find a space somehow! 😁
Hi Jeff, I feel your frustration and disappointment. It's a real nuisance having to wait for the engine but not much you can do until then. Gladys is looking really good though and the workmanship inside is excellent. Fingers crossed that you will only have to wait a few more weeks 🤞🤞🤞
Hi Dave! Yes, I didn't try very hard to conceal my feelings on this one - in fact, I could easily have said a lot more! Yes, the workmanship does look very impressive - Mattie is doing a great job! Fingers crossed it wont be much longer ☹️🤞🤞🤞 Some consolation is that the weather has been crap this weekend, so it wouldn't have been nice cruising along in a new boat at the moment. But bad weather doesn't prevent my lord and master deciding we should venture into the woods this afternoon with the quad bike and trailer, to collect more of the felled firewood that hasn't yet been split... so I have a fun packed few hours ahead of me. Hopefully I will survive and live to film again... 😉 Thanks as always for your support!👍
Whatever you do please go over your boat with a fine tooth comb considering all the problems Lorna is having with Aintree. With the good money you are spending on it,it needs to be done right or made right.
Hi Peter. I suppose maybe its the fashion nowadays? I honestly don't know the answer, but I guess it means slightly more room in the cabin. There is still a slight slope inwards towards the top I think - but I take your point about catching tunnel walls etc.👍
Haha! Thanks Graham - that's a load off my mind. 😁 I'll tell Aintree Boats that the pressure's off and they can start taking their time! I wonder which will happen first... the canal reopening - or Gladys getting completed? 🤔Hmm...
Well well... yet another Beetle waiting for an engine! There are a number of us Angela - quite literally, as you said - in the same boat! What colour is Dora (Maybe Ive seen her during my visits)? I think I recall a dark green one?
@Gladysthenarrowboat she's sky blue with orange tram lines and two hatches one side. Jamie's said the engine man is going there this Thursday 12th so I've got my fingers crossed for all of us
@@Angela-m6n That sounds a nice happy colour scheme! Mark told me that the rep from Beta was there at Aintree on Wednesday August 28th and that the rep said he could get my engine "straight away"... but as far as I know its still not there. Last week Mark said engines were being delivered "maybe next week"...which is now this week. I take what either of them says with a large helping of salt. The whole thing has left me totally disillusioned with Aintree Boats (sorry to say it outright - I know they may read this, but they already know exactly how I feel!). I can only keep my fingers crossed, like you Angela - but there are a number of us waiting for these elusive engines, and I fear we're in for more of a wait yet. Good luck though and I hope I'll get to see Dora out and about one day!
Hi Jeff, what a frustrating and a very disappointing outcome for you to see Gladys not completed by the given date. Not only for travelling time, your scheduled date for the launch of Gladys via the marina and the hotel which now has to be rearranged. Also to be told that they can't give you a definitive date is unforgivable in my books. On the bright side if any, Gladys look fantastic 👌 it may be worth the wait and I sincerely hope you get a positive finish date for the launch onto the inland waterways. By the way what is the paint they used for the Gunwales ? The reason I ask is mine need doing as I can't find it my manual that comes with the boat.
Hi Simon! Yes, you have hit the nail on the head - so very disappointing and also annoying. Luckily the marina I chose is used to boat-builders not keeping to schedule and haven't charged me anything. Similarly, I was able to cancel the hotel. That said, there are other personal arrangements we made which also affect other people - and its hard / embarrassing, having to sort those out. I am keeping my comments 'printable', but I'm sure Aintree Boats knows exactly how I feel... and its such a shame, as I know the finished boat is going to be great. Their customer communication however, is... (insert the word of your choice) I remain hopeful of a launch soon though and will be in very regular contact with them now. Sadly I don't know what make/shade of paint they used - I know its a non-slip finish on the surface and also on the roof too. If I am able to get the details, I'll let you know. Thanks for your support! 🙂
@@Gladysthenarrowboat Hi Jeff, Thank you so much I do appreciate it indeed. Thank you for your great reation to my message. I really do hope you all your problems come to a final conclusion very soon. I have heard that the main problem Aintree boats have is obtaining the engine as I had which prolongs the waiting time. Mine is a kabuto engine from China or Japan but renamed as a Beta Marine. My son inlaw works for a boat yard at Braunston and he mentioned that these engines are bullet proof to say.
Thanks Simon 👍 - yes, I believe mine is made by / or badged as Beta Marine. It does seem that lack of an engine is the most common reason that Aintree quotes for failing to meet deadlines. I'm glad to hear that your engine (hopefully mine too) is bullet proof! 😁
I really don't get it? If you watch Lee & Ali Building the Black Swan Narrowboat, they went to crick boat show ordered a beta engine and it's been delivered weeks ago just waiting to fit it. They waited about three months i think?
Thanks Steve. I'm afraid I'm not the only one waiting for an engine at Aintree - several others are in the same limbo as myself and we keep in touch with each other, sharing our experiences. I understand your puzzlement... but don't feel I can say anything more right now. Cheers, Jeff.
Thanks for the update Jeff, hopefully they’ve got the engine on site and things will move on at a pace from now on and you will soon be cheered up with some positive feedback from them.
Thanks Iain. Yes, I needn't express how let-down I feel - as that's probably obvious on the video. But yes, shouldn't be long now - thanks for your support! 👍
I love your boat sir!! She looks amazing the quality of work is outstanding 💯💯
Thank you! Yes, its a fabulous colour and the woodwork is really well done 😁
Well all I can say is that Gladys looks absolutely lovely, I can just see you putting the home touches with soft furnishings etc. Put some of those little felt sticky backed pads on the door backs to make the cupboards close quietly, I can imagine the smell of the wood that's been used, all new & exciting ready for the off.
I'm trying to be positive for you here to put salve on your disappointment but I feel for you, it's a very long way from where you started to still be waiting.
Stay fit & keep making videos for us, it'll happen eventually & you'll be sailing away into the sunset with joy in your heart & the wind in your hair.
Hi Annie! Thanks for the lovely comment - very cheering! 😍 Nice idea about the doors 👍You're quite right about the smell of the wood - and he has done a fine job of the carpentry - I always appreciate seeing a skilled tradesman's work👍
Yes, its been a long journey and taken much more time than I was led to expect, or imagined. But at least I have had the chance to visit lots of interesting places and made some, I hope, interesting, videos. I've certainly enjoyed making them and its great to know that some people are enjoying them. I'll definitely carry on making videos until Gladys is on the water and then I will start 'Season Two' of my films! Thanks very much for your continued support! 👍
I can only imagine your frustration, it does look lovely. I hope she brings you much comfort! We can wait for launch, we’ll be right there with you.
Thank you Cathy! Yes, she is a sight to behold... and I think my frustration is getting greater as the year goes on, with shorter days ahead. 😠Thanks for your support - it does help me a lot! 👍
It’s absolutely beautiful Jeff, it’ll be worth the wait. Stick with it. ❤
Thanks Madison! 😍
Yes, she does look amazing, and I am very pleased with the work Mattie has done inside. Just got to hang on a bit longer - thanks for your support! 👍
Hi Jeff, So sorry to hear about the delay. When we met at Diglis locks you were very hopeful that it would be ready by now. Fingers crossed that you don't have to wait too much longer as we are all itching to see Gladys in the water.
Hiya Kevin! Thanks for commenting - yes, I was quite optimistic when we met at the lock, but I've had my doubts in the last few weeks and sure enough, it still hasn't happened. Keep those fingers crossed though - and I hope your itching will be cured soon! Thanks for your support and my best wishes to you and all the guys and girls volunteering at Diglis! 😁
So sorry Aintree boats have let you down again at least it looks a very nice boat and i can't wait to see what it looks like on the water...hope thats soon. 😊
Thanks Robert! Yes, she looks great and I'm sure she'll turn a few heads when we're out on the canal 👍
I needn't say how disappointed I am with Aintree Boats, - but they are well aware of it!
Cheers, thanks for your support! 😊
How gorgeous. WOW.
Thanks Kelli! Yes, she's stunning - and she'll look even nicer when cruising along a picturesque canal! 😁
Hi Jeff, so sorry to hear about Gladys not being ready 😢 but nevertheless it won't be long before you are up and driving the Canal Network.
She's looking fabulous and sharp 😊 we trust it won't be long now keep our fingers crossed for you.
Take care and stay safe out there 😊
John.
Hi John! Thanks - yes, I'm very disappointed but still optimistic she'll get on the water soon. She does look fabulous - and sharp! Thanks for your support! 😁
The red colour is striking...top notch and certainly worth the wait....not much longer I hope!
Thanks very much! Yes, it's a stunning colour red - very happy with it!
And thanks for your continued subscription - it means a lot to me! 👍
I feel your pain Jeff. Our boat - Red Herring - is also awaiting an engine and last few weeks of work at Aintree.
Thanks Tim! 👍One of the few consolations I have, is that I'm not the only one who is stuck on this voyage of uncertainty, with Captain Aintree at the helm... Good luck with Red Herring - nice name! Hopefully we'll see each other on the water some day. 😊
We are too waiting onAaintree boats, I have been watching gladys’ journey, when was your boat Red Herring due to complete?
Lorna Jane Adventures had a very long wait for her Aintree boat, Foxglove. She finally got it just recently. I think she's really happy with it now but there was a lot of despair along the way.
Thanks Dorothy! Yes, I followed her story - and I actually saw Foxglove when I visited Aintree last time. Quite a stunning pink - fabulous signwriting work too - done by Rob Wagg, the same guy who wrote Gladys's name for me 👍
It must be gut wrenching. I love the beetles but could not go through all these delays. Look forward to the launch and hope you’re able to enjoy some decent weather on Gladys before autumn sets in.
Hi Trevor! Yes, I think gut wrenching is a fair description. I know Ive said it before, but a big consolation for me is that I'm not the only Beetle-buyer who is going through this extended torture.
Yeah - its frustrating knowing that the year is moving on and that the longer days are behind us now... but I've cruised in September before now, and that time of year can be really lovely on the canals (plus, fewer other boats to contend with). Thanks for your support! 👍
So neat !
Thank you!!! Yes, she looks great inside and out! 😁
The guys at Aintree are really nice but they never want to give you the really bad news about delivery they would rather just say soon. I think the biggest problem they have is engine delivery. Whether engines are on short supply or they are not ordered early in the build I don’t know. Our boat was in build during COVID so there was probably a reason for our delay. Aintree usually use Beta Marine but it got to the stage with us that we pushed and they ordered a Barus Shire. To be fare they were great as they had to modify the engine bed to suite. It sounds worse for you due to the travelling back and forth but we live close to Aintree so was able to call in regularly to hassle. Our boat is over two years old now and was worth waiting for. I am sure you will be pleased once it is in the water.
Hi Les! yes I agree - they are very friendly but seem unable to give an answer you can really rely on... Mine is a Beta 30 engine. I'm hoping that it wont take much longer and Jamie said yesterday that Beta told him my engine is 'in build'.
Great to hear that you're happy with your boat - that's very encouraging!
Cheers! Jeff.
Thanks for sharing your current status in the last steps of boat building and your thougts about. First time i get such insight of this reliable boats type. Will it have a big battery, a Diesel Motor with 20 HP, gaz tank for cooking and heating also not to forget extra bride stripes for a Brompton fix point on deck ;-)
Hi Martin! Thanks - well, I think there are maybe two batteries, but I don't know what size. A diesel engine, maybe 30 HP I think, and yes, gas cylinders for the cooker. It has a solid fuel stove for heating and also diesel powered central heating. I think the Brompton will be living inside - I'll find a space somehow! 😁
Hi Jeff, I feel your frustration and disappointment. It's a real nuisance having to wait for the engine but not much you can do until then. Gladys is looking really good though and the workmanship inside is excellent. Fingers crossed that you will only have to wait a few more weeks 🤞🤞🤞
Hi Dave! Yes, I didn't try very hard to conceal my feelings on this one - in fact, I could easily have said a lot more!
Yes, the workmanship does look very impressive - Mattie is doing a great job!
Fingers crossed it wont be much longer ☹️🤞🤞🤞
Some consolation is that the weather has been crap this weekend, so it wouldn't have been nice cruising along in a new boat at the moment. But bad weather doesn't prevent my lord and master deciding we should venture into the woods this afternoon with the quad bike and trailer, to collect more of the felled firewood that hasn't yet been split... so I have a fun packed few hours ahead of me. Hopefully I will survive and live to film again... 😉
Thanks as always for your support!👍
Whatever you do please go over your boat with a fine tooth comb considering all the problems Lorna is having with Aintree. With the good money you are spending on it,it needs to be done right or made right.
Thanks Norman. Don't worry, I'll be going up to Aintree to check her over before she gets anywhere near the back of the delivery lorry 👍
Why do they now make the cabin sides upright they will catch bridges and tunnel walls and make it difficult to walkdown srde gunnel.
Hi Peter. I suppose maybe its the fashion nowadays? I honestly don't know the answer, but I guess it means slightly more room in the cabin. There is still a slight slope inwards towards the top I think - but I take your point about catching tunnel walls etc.👍
Don't worry, the Gloucester-Hereford canal is not due to re-open yet!
Haha! Thanks Graham - that's a load off my mind. 😁 I'll tell Aintree Boats that the pressure's off and they can start taking their time!
I wonder which will happen first... the canal reopening - or Gladys getting completed? 🤔Hmm...
I'm in the same boat. Waiting for an engine for my dinky cafe boat 'Dora'
Hi Angela! Is Dora being built at Aintree too?
@Gladysthenarrowboat Hi, yes she is. 25ft beetle
Well well... yet another Beetle waiting for an engine! There are a number of us Angela - quite literally, as you said - in the same boat! What colour is Dora (Maybe Ive seen her during my visits)? I think I recall a dark green one?
@Gladysthenarrowboat she's sky blue with orange tram lines and two hatches one side. Jamie's said the engine man is going there this Thursday 12th so I've got my fingers crossed for all of us
@@Angela-m6n That sounds a nice happy colour scheme!
Mark told me that the rep from Beta was there at Aintree on Wednesday August 28th and that the rep said he could get my engine "straight away"... but as far as I know its still not there.
Last week Mark said engines were being delivered "maybe next week"...which is now this week. I take what either of them says with a large helping of salt. The whole thing has left me totally disillusioned with Aintree Boats (sorry to say it outright - I know they may read this, but they already know exactly how I feel!).
I can only keep my fingers crossed, like you Angela - but there are a number of us waiting for these elusive engines, and I fear we're in for more of a wait yet.
Good luck though and I hope I'll get to see Dora out and about one day!
Hi Jeff, what a frustrating and a very disappointing outcome for you to see Gladys not completed by the given date. Not only for travelling time, your scheduled date for the launch of Gladys via the marina and the hotel which now has to be rearranged. Also to be told that they can't give you a definitive date is unforgivable in my books. On the bright side if any, Gladys look fantastic 👌 it may be worth the wait and I sincerely hope you get a positive finish date for the launch onto the inland waterways. By the way what is the paint they used for the Gunwales ? The reason I ask is mine need doing as I can't find it my manual that comes with the boat.
Hi Simon! Yes, you have hit the nail on the head - so very disappointing and also annoying. Luckily the marina I chose is used to boat-builders not keeping to schedule and haven't charged me anything. Similarly, I was able to cancel the hotel. That said, there are other personal arrangements we made which also affect other people - and its hard / embarrassing, having to sort those out.
I am keeping my comments 'printable', but I'm sure Aintree Boats knows exactly how I feel... and its such a shame, as I know the finished boat is going to be great. Their customer communication however, is... (insert the word of your choice)
I remain hopeful of a launch soon though and will be in very regular contact with them now.
Sadly I don't know what make/shade of paint they used - I know its a non-slip finish on the surface and also on the roof too. If I am able to get the details, I'll let you know. Thanks for your support! 🙂
@@Gladysthenarrowboat
Hi Jeff, Thank you so much I do appreciate it indeed. Thank you for your great reation to my message. I really do hope you all your problems come to a final conclusion very soon. I have heard that the main problem Aintree boats have is obtaining the engine as I had which prolongs the waiting time. Mine is a kabuto engine from China or Japan but renamed as a Beta Marine. My son inlaw works for a boat yard at Braunston and he mentioned that these engines are bullet proof to say.
Thanks Simon 👍 - yes, I believe mine is made by / or badged as Beta Marine. It does seem that lack of an engine is the most common reason that Aintree quotes for failing to meet deadlines. I'm glad to hear that your engine (hopefully mine too) is bullet proof! 😁
I really don't get it? If you watch Lee & Ali Building the Black Swan Narrowboat, they went to crick boat show ordered a beta engine and it's been delivered weeks ago just waiting to fit it. They waited about three months i think?
Thanks Steve. I'm afraid I'm not the only one waiting for an engine at Aintree - several others are in the same limbo as myself and we keep in touch with each other, sharing our experiences. I understand your puzzlement... but don't feel I can say anything more right now. Cheers, Jeff.
I feel your pain! Bloody annoying.
Thanks Robin, you're right, it is!!
Thanks for the update Jeff, hopefully they’ve got the engine on site and things will move on at a pace from now on and you will soon be cheered up with some positive feedback from them.
Thanks Billabong! I'll be chasing them on an almost daily basis now - so hoping for good news about the engine very soon. Thanks for your support! 👍
What can I say Jeff appreciate your disappointment, but shouldn't be too long now.
Thanks Iain. Yes, I needn't express how let-down I feel - as that's probably obvious on the video. But yes, shouldn't be long now - thanks for your support! 👍