313. My old narrowboat just got a HUGE upgrade!
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- Опубліковано 12 жов 2023
- It's 18 months since I sold my canal boat, "Wreyland", but I've just been back to see what the new owner has done with it - and it's had quite the makeover!
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Big thanks to the new owner for sharing the process with you and by proxy, us!
What a lovely, well put together story. The trips back to Wreyland must have been such a mix of emotions. How lovely to see her again, and being so well looked after and future proofed, and yet I suspect a tinge of sadness too.
Thank you for bringing this to us and like I, I’m sure everyone will wish her new owner many many years of happy cruising on the cut.
Al the best to you too of course.
Cheers Ed, much appreciated 😀
well put!
@@CruisingTheCutI miss the old days of cruising the cut maybe you might get a bit boat clucky again😂 and join the floating family again always enjoy your professional work
@@johnlewis3009 Looks like he took your comment to heart - welcome Twiggy!
We missed Wreyland! Glad to see the new owner loves it as much as you did.
In my opinion, David, this will in time be considered a premier community service video. Not discounting your videography or editing skills, the real good this work will do in encouraging people who may have had obstacles this video removed for them is huge. Fantastic! P.S. after watching you build all those components on Wreyland, it was difficult to watch it being dismantled. I can only imagine how you felt.
I'd imagine the price would be the biggest obstacle.
The mixed emotions of the 1st few minutes gave way to the realization that when the ICE days are in the rearview mirror, Wreyland will continue to provide years of enjoyment to anyone lucky enough command her. And, for those of us who've had so much joy "aboard" her, it was very nice to see her again. Splendidly done!
The electric experience just so soothingly matches the tranquility of the British canal, love the conversion, hope the other David gets to enjoy her as much as he desires!
Lovely that the new owner will love and care for the boat as you did!
The quiet of an electric boat harkens back to the early canals before steam and diesel took over. The advantage, of course, is that electric drives don’t have to be fed and don’t leave . . . ”fertilizer” behind.
Fertilizers are a good thing 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@btudrus not when you step in it
Actually the low pressure, saturated steam reciprocating engines in the 19th century were pretty quiet -- I've been out on an 1885-vintage steamboat and it was only slightly noisier than sail..
But you forget. Where does the original power come from ( and don't say windmills ), what about the Lithium cells and where do we dispose of them. What about China made solar panels with a short life span at about 40% efficiency and finally what about the cost. These are expensive like cars with batteries.
Lithium batteries are easily recycled, but demand is so high many are found second homes rather than disposal.
In energy terms, electric cars are considerably more efficient then gasoline (that’s well to road). However, electric canal boats are another story. Slow speed diesels are very efficient and the “waste” heat provides warmth and hot water for the boat. Batteries will struggle to handle all that.
By the way, LFP batteries are extremely robust and not prone to fire.
The work on the raise/lower system to help with the weed hatch cleaning was a stroke of genius. Now folks like David (and others) just need Bluetooth controlled lock gates to stop the climbing about, and the canals would really be set free for everyone.
Appears to be a very lovely new chapter for Wreyland. I wish her an even keel and sunny days.
Good to know the old girl is in safe hands!
Such a nice surprise. Not only to see your old home again, but also expert Gary working on the upgrade.
I say, "Show me the money!"
What brilliant adaptations! And nice to see your boat again David. The new owner was so generous letting you film it all for us. ❤
Such a pleasure to see the legendary Wreyland in such good hands, getting all the love it deserves and some more. May it keep traveling the canal networks for decades to come.
Decades? I doubt it will manage 8/9 years, Those solar panels will be OK come the summer but the winter? Quick charging will shorten the life expectancy probably once a fortnight
Love how he doesn’t let physical limitations dictate what he can and cannot do find a way to make your dreams come true
😊❤ Yes! Congrats to all on the excellent ideas, problem-solving skills and positive work. Very uplifting and encouraging to all !!!
That's a great story on your last boat. The new owner seems delighted as he should be. Thanks for sharing. Cheers 🇨🇦
Wonderful ingenuity. Thanks for sharing. P.S. Good to see your old boat has fallen into good hands.
Thanks for watching!
What a wonderful salute to your old transport! I can’t imagine a better individual owning your boat, with such fine updating. Bravo!
That had to be a bittersweet experience for you. I am happy that the new owner seems to care for the boat as you did. Thank you for the vlog.
So nice to see your commanding gaze whilst steering your old boat on the cut. What a great video and best of luck to the new owner, quite the nice upgrades!
Gary has come a long way since the early days, it's good to see he has survived the Christmas Dinner, as with all of you, haha 😊
I visited my old boat sold in 2010 and the money put to buying an SUV that doesn't need a mooring line. Now in 2023 she has changed ownership three times, the second one spent a fortune on her and she looks all the better for it.
Going electric without a donkey engine is brave, now having to rely on the wonderful UK weather to top up the batteries. Or calling into marinas for an overnight recharge while touring will need perfect planning.
Wreyland is looking good, and the conversion work is of a high quality, so should stand her well for many years to come. Well done the David's and it would be great to have some updates while cruising the cut.
Stay safe out there and thanks for posting.
I doubt the new owner will be going far each day so it'll be fine, direct sun will not be required to top-up the batteries. Also no 1000 mile road trips, isn't that what canal life is all about anyway?
That was truly interesting, i agree that acoustic panels in “engine bay” would help! I can see a little 25’ electric canal boat looming on your horizon!!!
Just wanted to say your bilge paint still looked good David. David, many years of Happy Cruising in a boat everyone would love to have.
Oh, haha I was thinking it needed another clean and re-paint!! So glad that Gary and team did it instead :-)
@CruisingTheCut did they remove the painted spider or did it get another coat?
"It's looking a little bare". I see what you did there at 5:09.
No doubt anymore that going electric is the way forward. Prices will drop.
I love seeing other folks spend their money on improving stuff ..!
Ah David, your baby is all grown up and beautiful. You must be so proud.
Good to see wreyland in the hands off an appreciative new owner and the huge upgrades he has had done
It was good to see you at the helm aswell brings fond memories streaming back of your efforts to improve your famous boat
Now thats the Wrey to do it! What an upgrade!
I am a big fan of tranquility, but there is something to be said about the steady thumping of a Diesel engine. Great update.
Thanks as the owners of Tranquility we are always interested in electric boats and conversions so interested to see what is out there
Thanks
Arthur 😊
I was going to comment exactly that! The 'chug chug' of that Lister diesel was almost hypnotic!😀Electric is fantastic, but there is something missing I feel.
Love the name of the electric motor controller equipment...No Puttputt.
It's almost good enough to be one of your world famous puns.
😂
How wonderful to see you at the helm of Weyland again! It was kind of David to give you the tiller for a while. I enjoyed seeing the alterations bringing the boat into the 21st century - but most of all, enjoyed seeing Expert Gary overseeing the transformation. A man that can cook a turkey dinner in a narrowboat can do anything! He seems to be doing quite well. Thanks again David!
Have always loved the idea of refuelling as you go ;) Government haven't thought of a way to tax sunlight … yet.
Now that was a surprise and a half(!). And what a nifty set-up! Blimey, that lift thing is inspired!
What a great story.
I'm enjoying this video. Thank you for the update on your old Boat. I like most of the new upgrades half Smart.
Thanks for sharing. That was interesting to see all the new changes to the narrow boat.
It’s nice to see the boat again and to also see Expert Gary’s appearance again brings back memories
Doesn't it?!
Thank you David and all. A very satisfying conversion. I think Wreyland will be up for countless years to come, bringing quiet enjoyment to her new owner. The rising steps to assist the owner to do the weedhatch is a brilliant solution and may be repeated once others with a similar disability find out about it. Congratulations to all on a first-class upgrade. David, perhaps bring us back in a year or so and lets take a revisit to your old travel partner.
At the beginning I was hoping that David would go for the pod units from one of your other videos. Thanks for showing us things to come.
Nice to know what happened to the old girl, and that she's in the hands of the right owner. I've always maintained that the only real stumbling block to full electric power on boats is being able to fully charge them when away from an outlet. The advances in solar panels, plus better (and safer) batteries make me more of an electric supporter than ever. As someone with dodgy knees themselves, seeing the boat adapted to make things easier was interesting. I imagine it must have been with some mixed emotions that you took the tiller; reuniting with your old boat, but it no longer being the same boat you left. But it's in the best of hands, and will do what it does best for years to come
Absolutely
It's always cool when you get to see a vehicle or project that you once owned again. I've sold vehicles that I didn't think had any useful life left, only to see them restored and re-imagined years later and it's a great feeling seeing something you've known get a new lease on life.
I loved the speed estimation when you looked at the bank to adjust it from 1.5 to 2mph....you still got it!
😂😂😂
What a remarkable conversion. Many thanks to the new owner for sharing this experience. Very much appreciated. Be well and stay safe.
David, you always produce such well presented and interesting videos, so thank you! I always look out for more.
That was interesting and fun to watch. Thanks Cruising the cut. From Highland falls New York
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wreyland looks extremely spiffy! I’m so happy that someone who loves her is again her caretaker. Thank you, David. 😎🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😎
Did I read that correctly? The casing over the electric engine had the words 'No Puttputt' on it? what a marvelous name., for the company that provided all the electricals.
As usual I have really enjoyed this video, David. My favourite part was when you said, 'Ah boaty, I've missed yo boaty'
I hope Gary, the manager of North Kilworth Marina gets a lot more enquiries about sales and conversions, they seem like a reputable company.
Forget about installing acoustic paneling over the engine bay, I love the sound it makes, it should be embraced.
Glad to hear that the Wrayland has got a new lease of life and will continue to sail along the UK's canals like she always has. God speed :)
Thanks David… as someone who’s followed your many adventures throughout the last few years, it’s nice to see the old girl again. It’s as if we’re seeing an old main character return for a cameo.❤
@ 5:10........"It's looking a "little bare (bear)"........good one David !!
I can see electric conversions for existing boats becoming a more viable option as battery and solar tech improves with continuous cruisers going the hybrid route.
I’m not convinced that solar makes much difference. Every little helps but there is just too little surface area. It will need a big battery as there won’t always be a charging point. One day maybe but very not yet.
Would be good to see how many hours of cruising and solar recharging is required.
Oh no!!! Breaks my heart to know you are not on it!! 💔💔💔💔💔
My apologies, I’m a sentimental old thing! I’m glad the new owner is going to have years of pleasure.
Excellent watch.
Loved this! Cheers, David.
This is a great video, David. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
What a joy to see your good old boat back again in her new life. Funny how we get attached to these large steel hulls. Thank you for sharing new and old owners.
The Christmas dinner video with Expert Gary is one of my favorite videos to watch during the Christmas season.
I remember the episode where you upgraded the solar panels and rewired the essentials. That was a master class in understanding kilowatts per hour usage. It was good to see you back on the water. By the way, the bread baking video is still one of my favorites. I still laugh 😂😂😂. Stay safe and be well. 👍🏾
Thank you
What a lovely conversion, and I'm pleased to hear that battery technology has advanced to make them much safer.
Great to see "Boatie" again, David. I remember how impressed I was watching you figure out and install all of your solar gear on the wall. Thanks for the reunion!
1) Great to see your former boat (and you, as always) back!
2) I'm in awe for that lift that started the whole electrification process. Great application of an old idea.
3) I must say that the previous electric narrowboat has raised the bar with me: I'd fancied a propeller pod here, too. But then, the total cost could have gone through the roof, damaging the solar panels...
And with "those words - I missed you boatie...." - we now wait to see a video of David, looking at the camera a nd saying - "I have brought another canal boat"! - Electric of course.
I cannot afford one, unfortunately, nor can I presently go off cruising for any length of time
I do miss seeing your boating videos. This used to be my go to show at supper time
Every video I make on this channel is a boating video...
nice video and good to know the Wreyland is upgraded to be around for much longer. Also respect for the ingenuity with that lift, always good to see new ways to create access for people with handicaps in hobbies which often just excluded handicapped people not so long ago.
I wish the new captn best of health so that he gets to enjoy the Wreyland for a long time.
From Canada - I've dreamed about narrow boating on British canals for years. Now at age 77, I know it will never happen. With electric technology, it is amazing to think what the future holds and I have Narrow Boating channels to enjoy the experience vicariously. Thank you.
always a delight to watch and listen to your vlogs.
Thank you so much 😊
I almost shed a tear when the Lister-Petter engine came out. I have a friend here in the US that had a diesel engine rebuild business and Lister-Petter was a customer. We were all boaters and that name caused us to have one more pint. He gave me a beautiful baseball cap with the logo on it. I got it out and wore it for this video. This all happened long before your videos, but every time I here that name I think of my hat. Thanks for the memories you have given me over the years. Cheers, I believe is the thing to say!
Glad it will be finding its way to be the heartbeat of another boat. That putt-putt-putt was so charming in all the Cruising videos. Be fun for a hint of its new Home (if possible). Thanks for years of lowered bp.
Good to see both the boat, and Expert Gary again!
Brilliant conversation job. Hopefully in time conversion costs come down and towpath charging infrastructure develops.
Brilliant Video David. Nice to see your old boat has been given an upgrade and bless David, the new owner. 👍🏻
Congrats to the Gentle Gent! Nice to see the boat getting another life with a new owner!
What a nice bloke, and wonderful to share the process with you and us.
Missed you David. I love how quiet the boat is, too bad all the other boats aren't.
Good luck with climbing the lock ladders !
David, all these years and the memories of watching your exploits…it just never gets old. Thanks for another one;)
Jeez, that affected me and it's not even my boat! 😂
Great to see you on the tiller again..
Thanks 👍
Excellent video David,how ironic that one of the reasons you moved off the boat was you considering getting older and mobility issues in the future.the old girl is looking fabulous,Chris
Perhaps I’ll buy a nice static widebeam Dutch barge and live on a river, that would be nice.
LOVED this video! Amazing what electric has done for the narrow boating industry! It really is a perfect upgrade for cruising at a constant low speed especially!
Good one, thanks.
Lovely video, mate. Nicely done.
Oh wow! The quiet splish-splash of his prop is such a soothing sound!
You’re right about the acoustic panelling though….quiet as electric motors are, that noise would drive me crazy!
10:08 "no puttputt" That's an adorable name for an adorable motor :)
Fascinating to see your old home and what the new owner has done. Must have been some hearty mixed feelings for you. Great vlog as always. Your Christmas cookery vlog is one of my all time favorites! Cheers!
I can see why the traditionalist amongst the community may frown upon the electrification of narrowboats. I think what brings a lot of people into narrowboating is the soft chug of a disiel narrowboat engine. It's almost become cinomanous with the British canal network. However, as with all things, times change, as David has proven on a number of occasions on the chanel disiel engines can be an incredible pain to deal with and need regular in depth maintinance to keep them running smoothly something a battery powered system simply doesn't need. It's amazing to see how narrowboats are modernising and also becoming accesable to not so able bodied people with the invention of small lifts and the like. Nice video, as always, David. Looking forward to your in-depth tour of your fibreglass boat soon 👍
Simply excellent in every respect. Needs a wider audience than just UA-cam.
What an interesting conversion!! Wow!! Must make you so happy to see Wreyland upgraded and loved by the new David.
Fantastic video!! ❤
Many thanks!
Ingenious design, best thinking outside the box....
Brilliant thanks so much to both of you for showing the next stage of Wreyland's journey
I hope he’s not thinking of a long cruise in any season other than summer. I think I’d be wanting a generator for peace of mind. Good to see expert Gary on film again
He's going to see how it goes and then potentially have a genny installed if needed.
Another excellent video David, but I can't help feeling a tad sad, having travelled with you for 263 + diesel powered episodes!!!
That was a very educational, entertaining, and nostalgic story. I think many of us miss Wreyland, so it's nice to see your old boat found a good home - and has a new lease of (electric) life!
Great to see the boat again thanks for the video
Such a pleasure to see your old boat again. Best wishes to David.
Another on of those 20 minutes David's videos - that flies by in less than 5! The old boat got really awesome with all this quietness. Electric is the way to go, no doubt about it.
I really miss the cruising videos - the way David does them is just... relaxing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Nice to see your boat again, and expert Gary too, what a surprise!
How amazing is that lift! I too am not a fan of Hellraiser. Seeing your joy driving your old boat gave me smile. All around good vlog per usual but it had that extra something that some of them have.
Nice to see the old boat being upgraded for a long and safe future. I love these vlogs, super calming at the end of a mad week. Cheers david.
Very interesting update on your old boat. Hope the new owner has a great time with it.