Tag: solar

Vlog 412: Tork of the town

Posted on September 20, 2026September 20, 2026 by David Johns

I was kindly invited aboard DB1, an all-electric prototype day boat for part of its journey along the length of the Thames, powered purely by the sun.

This is day 2 of my ‘weekend’ (actually a Wednesday and Thursday) aboard my little narrowboat on the South Oxford canal at Napton, just bobbing about having an escape from the world. I also tried to work out why the electric immersion heater doesn’t work but gave up!

Vlog 396: Gunge Tank

Posted on April 24, 2026 by David Johns

I had to pop back to my project boat Twiggy to fetch something for use at home, so while I was there I put some better filler in the cabin holes, as well as trying to install a new bilge pump. But that’s about the extent of it…

Vlog 394: Home Improvements

Posted on March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by David Johns

A few weeks ago, I uploaded a video discussing some of the DIY projects I have in mind for my narrowboat, Gentian. Here, I show you updates and improvements I’ve made.

Vlog 392: Pump Out

Posted on March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 by David Johns

Here’s an update video on some of the topics I mentioned during my “upcoming DIY” video plus a clarification about lying diagonally on the bed, as mentioned in my “likes and dislikes” video.

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.

Why don’t you get all-solar narrowboats?

Posted on February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 by David Johns

It sounds great, for sure. A narrowboat needs only 1-2kW to move along (once it has begun moving) thus a 20kWh battery pack could sustain 5-10 hours travel (presuming standard

Electricity on canal boats: the basics

Posted on January 23, 2024February 23, 2024 by David Johns

It’s not something you have to think about in a house – other than paying the bill – but on a boat, the electricity supply will be something you really

Vlog 313: Hip-Hip Hoo Wrey!

Posted on October 13, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

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!