Vlog 286: Click and Collect
For single-handed canal boaters, shimmying up and down lock ladders or trying to get through swing bridges can be a huge nuisance. How much easier it would be if you could steer your boat with remote control! That’s exactly what Gill Gregory can do aboard “Desiderata” so I went to see the system in action.
David,
What a innovative idea for single hand boat operation. Great concept.
Enjoyed this VLOG.
Bruce
It’s not bad, is it?!
Very interesting David. I’ve terrified myself slithering up lock ladders before on my own!
I spotted some cheese (?) rolls with one half eaten. Still your prefered choice I assume? :)
All the best.
Haha actually ham and cheese rolls but delicious!
Thanks for sharing the video, I wish you still had your show on TV for I could watch. Really enjoy and dreamed of during that one day. But as a poor cajun boy from Louisiana, United States probably will never happen. Maybe I could get a narrow boat and cruise the rivers in the states. LOL
Cheers, I’m glad you enjoy the episodes!
Excellent system for controlling single-handed boats. I imagine that at some stage, someone will add a stern thruster to give additional manoeuvrability. The junction of the Caldon Canal and the Trent & Mersey Canal can be tricky, for instance.
Apparently the trouble with a stern thruster is that you need a bit of extra space at the back for it, so it uses up 1.5 feet ish of engine bay space
Wonderful vlog David. What a great use of technology that is, to allow those not quite so capable any more to still enjoy their life’s dream. Very entertaining, thank you.
Glad you liked it and yes, it’s a splendid bit of kit.
Very good as always David, I’ve never seen a remote boat “live” Thanks.
Much appreciated, cheers
Another truly exceptional video David. I was unaware of these systems and can appreciate their value. I think this remote system can make the difference of a more shall we say, “Mature” boater being able to enjoy their boat well-late into their life. This was especially demonstrated on the very deep lock you featured. Well done David, you shared with us all a most valuable little-known bit of technology which greatly increases safety for single-handers.
Thank you. Yes, rather fortunate (in filming terms) that such a challenging lock was the nearest one to the marina!
Beautiful boat and I loved the dogs, I’m a dog lover. Thanks David I learned something new…!
Cheers Jim. It really is a lovely boat indeed!