Category: Life aboard

Vlog 356: Fee Range

Posted on January 12, 2025 by David Johns

This is a long talky video in which I discuss the various costs associated with owning and running a canal boat whether traditional narrowboat or fibreglass canal cruiser.

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 322: Make It So

Posted on January 16, 2024February 24, 2024 by David Johns

In May 2022, I published a video about a narrowboat being built for a couple who had specific mobility and agility requirements following illness. This is a follow-up video to see how they’ve been getting on with it since launch.

Pets on Boats! (and Merry Christmas)

Posted on December 25, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

Merry Christmas to all my viewers; here’s a quick message of thanks from me followed by a video compilation Q&A with narrowboaters (or ex-narrowboaters) who have pets.

Vlog 315: You Can Make Me Coal Again

Posted on November 3, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

The Narrowboat Trust operates a motor boat and butty pair, taking them to events around the country to promote how the canals were once used. You too can have a go as they’re keen to hear from anyone who would like to learn or just support their endeavours.

Vlog 291A: The Rum Wench

Posted on March 5, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

I spent a day aboard The Pirate Boat with Captain Heidi; this is part 1 of two videos where we tour her boat and chat about her life afloat.

Vlog 283: Capital Punishment?

Posted on November 15, 2022February 24, 2024 by David Johns

London’s canals and rivers are becoming ever more crowded with boaters as people flock to the capitals waterways, drawn by the lure of a seemingly idyllic and possibly cheaper lifestyle. But is the dream for real or is reality not quite as rosy? I went down to the big smoke to find out.

Merry Christmas (and chocolate mousse)

Posted on December 31, 2021February 24, 2024 by David Johns

Wishing my viewers a very Merry Christmas 2021 and a happy new year; plus bonus content of me in the galley knocking up a chocolate mousse.

Vlog 252: Reg Prescott

Posted on November 18, 2021February 24, 2024 by David Johns

Boat life is much like owning a house inasmuch as there’s always something to be fixed or maintained or tarted up. Here’s a compilation of minor things I did around the boat over the last few months, including fixes after the boat failed its four-yearly Boat Safety Scheme examination.

Vlog 241: A Night on the Tiles

Posted on May 17, 2021February 24, 2024 by David Johns

Partly because of a leak and partly because I never liked the tiles anyway, I have refurbished my shower cubicle with shower panels, stuck over the old tiles. This is the tale of how I did it.