Category: Engineering

Vlog 362a: Full Throttle

Posted on March 19, 2025March 19, 2025 by David Johns

This is a “bonus” video, extra content that might be of interest to some viewers who like technical stuff. I recorded myself diagnosing and fix the throttle linkage issue on my narrowboat.

Vlog 361: Seeing the Light

Posted on February 28, 2025 by David Johns

I did my first proper check on my fibreglass cabin cruiser “Twiggy” since I left it for winter and although it was too full of condensation to do any sanding, I set about taking off some soggy wood from the roof with the multitool. Inevitably, chaos followed.

Vlog 346: Cutting Corners

Posted on October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by David Johns

As described in the prior videos about the refurbishment of Twiggy, my 48-year-old fibreglass cabin cruiser, I needed to cut the back off the boat in order to replace the rotten wood in the transom. Unfortunately, things didn’t go entirely to plan.

Vlog 345: Gifts of the Gabs

Posted on September 22, 2024 by David Johns

About three months ago I visited Gabs Heneghan who’d bought a widebeam boat and was about to refurbish it. Mid-way through the process, I’ve been back to see how she’s getting on.

Vlog 342: Transom Devil

Posted on August 20, 2024 by David Johns

An episode in which I drill holes in the boat’s transom, to discover if the wood core is rotten. This also necessitates removal of the outboard motor.

Vlog 340: Monster Fun

Posted on July 30, 2024August 4, 2024 by David Johns

Join me as I take a wonderful trip on a wonderful, tiny, hand-made boat along the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Created by engineer Jonny Bowker, “Nessie” is an absolute beauty.

Vlog 339: Sweet Music

Posted on July 20, 2024August 4, 2024 by David Johns

The Evesham River Festival was held on Saturday July 13th and within it was a gathering of the Russell Newbery Register. I went along to find out why people love these engines so much – and to have a browse around the rest of the festival.

Vlog 338: Tixall the Boxes

Posted on July 10, 2024August 4, 2024 by David Johns

I visit a rather splendid canal narrowboat which has just been bought after sitting in a marina for three years. It’s new owner, Matthew, is a specialist and enthusiast in the systems on board.

Vlog 333: The Write Stuff

Posted on May 20, 2024August 5, 2024 by David Johns

Two things: a) after at least two years, I have finally finished by book all about the canals, and 2) an update on the Twiggy refurbishment.

Vlog 332: Charging Ahead

Posted on May 10, 2024August 5, 2024 by David Johns

The first (possibly to-be-annual) Electrika event for people to get together and discuss electric propulsion on canal boats and narrowboats was held last weekend; I went along and this is my document of the proceedings.