Ep 17. Narrowboat Furniture Being Made
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- čas přidán 30. 01. 2022
- Things are moving on. This week, narrowboat furniture has been made, side panels are fixed to the walls, holes cut for port holes windows and side hatches. I now understand the benefits of design when placing the batons on the boat as it all starts to make sense. Taking the time to work out what is required on the boat and where the side panels required to be fixed makes life easy.
Music by Epidemic Sounds
#TheFitOutPontoon
#BespokeFurniture
#Narrowboats
#NarrowboatDesign
Never thought I'd have a shout on youtube- fame at last eh? 😀
I just wanted to say that one thing relevant to this video that really jumped out at me after 18 months aboard was the pressure for storage space. Storage space for me is a huge issue, particularly because my boat is only 50ft. And I do like a more open feel to the living space, so I dont want to fill it with cupboards.
Here's just one example: Because marine electricians and other professionals can be a bit hard to find (and can take weeks to visit you), you tend to start getting into DIY a bit more. I'm hopeless but even I've acquired a fairly comprehensive set of tools, stored in various boxes by type so I can find them without turning everything upside down, e.g. woodworking tools, electrical, general stuff (hammer, screwdrivers, hacksaw etc,) drilling stuff- whatever job you have a crack at basically, you end up with a little box of tools, fittings and equipment for it.
There's no way you'll keep it all the same- after 6 months afloat you'll have a list of changes- maybe a cupboard taken out, or the books replaced by storage (honestly mate, do not underestimate how much the pressure will be on to find storage space).
Boats just seem to attract gear- you'll need somewhere for your radio gear, lifejackets (one for a guest), 30kg anchor (for the river cruises), spare mooring pins and (big) mallet, other typres of mooring hardware (you might keep a few of the nappy pin type aboard as they are quick to use), two mooring chains plus a spare one (mooring chains are slightly more faff, but will hold the boat more securely than nappy pins).
You'll want a spare centre rope, and at least one spare front/rear mooring rope).
If you go cruising without the car handy, you'll need a large rucksack for shopping trips.
Trolleys also come in handy now and again, you can get a folding one but it'll need storing somewhere.
You'll even need a (half size) ironing board, for those occasional times you need to look a bit more civilised.
And dont forget all the gear for the bike- chain cleaner, lube, tools, spare lights, spare inner tubes and tyre(s), panniers maybe, and whatever spares you think are useful- it all has to go somewhere.
Your spare coats will need a home (you sometimes want a dry coat to stick on to go into town, if the normal one has been soaked by a cruise in the rain). Hats of various types (definitely something to keep the sun out of your eyes, but also protect the back of your neck from sunburn when you're stood on the deck steering all day. Some people have woolly hats- you name it. You only find out what suits you after a bit of trial and error, and it all needs storing somewhere handy.
Along with your manual water pump (I used mine for the first time in 18 months just last week when my bilge pump developed a fault), spare engine oil, alternator belts, filters etc (ready for the next service).
The mop and bucket will need a home, plus a general bucket (folding ones are good), plus the sweeping brush, plus a flat wiping mop 'thing' to wipe off the solar panels in autumn or just when they get grubby), plus tins of spare paint for touching up after you hit things (or they hit you).
If you use a cassette toilet, you'll want at least one and probably two spare cassettes, so you'll need a home for those.
The hardware and gubbins for storage can really add up.
And that's before you get to the things for your hobbies and interests, e.g. guitars, speakers, books, etc.
The cratch can be a handy as a sort of 'shed' storage for the hardware stuff.
In the winter the standard supply of half a dozen or more bags of coal usually sits on the roof, but some people put them in the cratch as well.
I was amazed at how many things I suddenly needed on my boat just because it was a boat, so I would advise you to be as generous as possible in allowing storage space. This is where a longer boat becomes a major plus.
Sorry about the essay mate, and I guess you will have considered most of it, but worth mentioning.
Thanks Tony. I did indeed think of most of it but there are areas I didn’t. I guess, in my mind the front and rear lockers have a lot of stuff in them, probably more than they would actually fit. I don’t want to buy a roof box, but perhaps I’ll need one…..or two. I can’t afford a cratch cover just yet; that will come later. I mentioned I don’t have a lot of clothes and kit but I’m sure I’ve got more than I think. Also, the clothes I have will squeeeeze into small spaces and squash down to fit in bags that can be stored under the bed and dinette. You have opened my eyes though. I’ve even thought of the space where the bow thruster is! Thanks again.
Hi Chris. Really enjoying watching the progress on the boat, along with your insights on the processes, the kit and the guys doing the fit. It will be so useful and enjoyable for you to have watched it coming together and know what went where. What a great experience. Thanks again for another video and looking forward to more.
Cheers. George and Trish
Thanks George n Trish. To be honest, I do occasionally look back at the back catalogue to remind myself how far it’s come. Steady progress is being made. Soon be May.
G'day Chris,
Here's a couple of items for the fact file.
Your hearts is slightly to the left of your centre. It pumps red blood. Red light is on left side.
When scuba diving the colour red is the first to disappear and green is the last.
I'm spending today binge watching in slow time.
Thanks for watching the back catalogue Dougie. I appreciate it. have a great week.
That is the funniest vlog yet " trying to find the tea bags and the slippy slidey window thing...or whatever you called it....magic..hahaha..👍👍🍻🍻
I never intend to be funny but it is nice when material just allows me to find the amusing side of life. I also need to relax a bit more as that video is probably more like me. I'm just starting to get comfortable in front of the camera. Thanks for your support Kevin.
Hugely entertaining stuff. Your imagined conversation between Badminton-Racquet and his chums put me mind of that other renowned military wit and typing error Spike Miligna. It looks like your boat is in safe hands which must be a relief !
I have chosen wisely. By chance, I took a punt on a small start up but believed in the qualities of the owner. Genuine and seemed not to worry about time and the questions I was asking. However the risk was like going in a shop with no price tags. Again, he just understood. Thanks for watching.
Chris,
If the windows on the left side are called portholes, why aren’t the windows on the right called starboardholes? If they were, then you wouldn’t need all those red and green lights to tell you which side of the boat you’re on. Pity Admiral Sir Horatio Lanyard Poopdeck didn’t think of that one.
Your videos are a superb advert for the craftsmanship and excellent standards of Mark’s firm. I love to watch them at work and also to look around and see the standards of cleanliness in the workshop. Very impressive. You clearly did your homework well before deciding on who to commission for the build and the fit-out.
Apparently the porthole derived from the openings where the cannons stuck out. When not in use there were fitted with covers that were called Porte meaning 'door' in French. Why we had to use a french word for door I don't know. Your point makes common sense.
I'm certainly very please at the work conducted so far. I now understand what the different types of wood that is used to Fit Out a boat and can determine a lot of intelligence from the type used when I listen to boats being shown and sold via youtube. The fact I needed to use two hands to pick up one board to fit on the side of the bathroom cabinet means stability and strength. I have every confidence the furniture will last longer than me. Thanks for your comment and support Martin.
Coming along nicely. I’ll binge watch when I return, maybe next year if all goes to plan, from the Middle Kingdom where there’s no CZcams etc.. In the meantime keep well and safe.
Are you going away somewhere nice Doug. If so, hope all goes well. It'll be greta to hear from you on your return. Thanks for your support.
Not sure about the red/green light issue but my understanding is that port and starboard comes from the Vikings. Their longboats had a steering board (starboard) at the back typically on the right hand side i.e starboard side. Because the steering board was there they couldn't easily dock on that side and so the left side was called the 'port' side, i.e. the side they would dock on in port.
Thanks Michael. I saved that nugget for next week. I’m still going to mention it nevertheless. I’m mentioning a few naval terms so get you’re thinking head on and perhaps you can add a term or two next week. That info gave me an idea that I’m hopefully going to continue throughout the next video or two. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
You know what drew me to this blog? Your proper attitude, you take nothing for granted and explain things in details. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Thanks Robert. I appreciate it when people take notice of my intent. It's even better when a person takes the time to write it too. Thank you for your support.
Hi Chris. Yes I also at times had to go for days without a shower in the army but nothing beats a nice shower before getting into bed. Nice progress on you boat. Looking forward to your next vlog. Regards
Thanks for that Tom. I'm not sure everyone fully appreciates what it may be like in the military at times. I think the boat will have a different feel to it next week. Thanks for your support.
I need say no more than others have said and so have I previously. I enjoy all that you say and are doing and will enjoy the journey with you. For sure we are ex different parts of the RAF but it makes us brothers.🤗
Thanks Anthony. I was always one of those who bounced around the RAF being part of the RAF. I joined the RAF as a gunner. It was just a job. Loved it but as you say, regardless of trade, brothers. Thanks for your support.
@@chrismears-inslowtime Originally I was a non commissioned general duties pilot. Master Aircrew a rank I loved. Uniform and mess (sargents) free. Then in the government's wisdom all aircrew had to be commissioned. With the uniform having to be paid for , and also the mess, it was a drop in pay for all. Master Aircrew carried more respect than a P.O. and many of our best pilots and instructors just ended their service. I actually shot for the RAF shooting team and enjoyed much success with both rifle and pistol. So a little break now and again from flying . I was proud of my crossed rifles on my right arm just above the miserable single P.O. stripe. I continued to shoot and fly (Private Pilot with instrument and night ratings) until 20 years ago when age and poor health took it's toll. It would be great to meet you at some point but I suspect this will not be viable. Stay safe.
@@anthonywillis7613 happy to meet up and invite you on the boat for a cuppa or something a little stronger. I should be on the water in May so it’s just a matter of organising a location and suitable time. Great to hear from you Anthony.
Your ability to bring the whole build into our living rooms is excellent. I can only sit back and admire your enthusiasm and drive to get this project completed in the proper manner, but with a quality finish, good on you.......
Thank you for your kind comment. I enjoy making the videos which I think helps. 'Properly' is a great word isn't it. If the lads didn't do what they do properly, it wouldn't be any good. I don't think they would have a job for long either as Mark checks the work. They do a great job and I appreciate their skill and knowledge. Thanks for your support.
Coming along nicely, I also enjoyed the explanation on navigation lights with Captain Lancashire Hotpot and his chaps while drinking port.
That MDF edging machine was great too far better that my experience using a iron to stick it on
I remember telling a story to a 2* about a conversation I overheard using those names.....he looked at me with one of those looks as I was just taking the p*** with the accent as well. The edge banding machine is a great bit of kit. Saves The Fit Out Pontoon days in doing that and it's also extremely accurate to a tenth of a millimetre. That said, they trim the excess off as the human touch allows for imperfections in the wood. Less waste! Thanks for your support Nigel.
Boats coming along nicely. Your excitement is growing in every vlog.
Thank you. It's great to see the improvements made on the boat and as for me.....discuss! Thanks for the comment and support.
Chris. The combination of great videography and your commentary really take us on a journey with you and the team. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to next week.
Thanks John. I do enjoy making the videos although I'm still in the trial and error stage of what works well and what needs to be improved upon. Practice and more practice. I hope to continue this style on the cut and hopefully it will be a little easier as I will know what I'm doing by then. Thanks for you support.
Not one of the first viewers this time. (Being back on the medical hamster wheel does mess things up a bit)
To add the confusion with lights, at one time blue or green was used as an "advance light" on vehicles, with red at the back. Eventually, this was substituted with amber or white. However, "advance lights" continued to be used on Toronto streetcars: these were placed above the destination sign over the front windows, at the centre line. The newest iteration of Toronto's streetcars have blue advance lights on the upper corners at the front.
I have noticed that a lot of narrowboat vloggers don't make room for books. To build (or rebuild) a narrowboat without bookshelves strikes me as downright uncivilized.
Yes, I still enjoy your deadpan delivery and dry humour. Excellent!
The medical curveball. You’ll notice my pain standing up - nothing by comparison, but it’s a sign the aging process is starting.
I need to recover a lot of books from the family home. May take some time and need a place to put them prior to getting them. Kindle books are a great thing but for me, it won’t replace an actual book. Something nostalgic in reading on the Well deck with a G&T watching the sun set. Dreaming for now, reality later this year. Thanks for your support. Hope the medical wheel slows down to a stop.
Nice to have two bookcases stood to attention on each side of the desk sounds good 👌 👍👍👍
Indeed, and I will have them all arranged properly too. That is a bit of OCD or is it just called organisation as I would know where to find a said book from an author. The latter I think.
Great progress!!
Thanks Dutch. They are doing a great job and I certainly appreciate it.
Enjoyed the vlog coming along the boat getting more and more done
Thank you Caroline. I do enjoy making the videos so its pleasing when the audience enjoys them too. The boat will show big improvements each week for a while I think. Thanks for the comment and your support.
Great vlog Chris. The boat is coming along nicely
Thanks Craig. I think there will be big changes for a while before it slows down and the detail is addressed which is not always easy to see at first glance. Thanks for you support.
The interior is coming along nicely. You can tell those guys know what they are doing when they have an edger. I say this because my brother-in-law had some cabinet work done by his cousin who is a jerkoff. They worked out a price for the MDF cabinets and installation. His cousin used MDF cabinets, but there was no outside facing or edging. "Oh but we paint it and it will look much better, trust me." Wrong! They used about 5 gallons of paint, "it would have taken more", because the cabinets kept soaking up the paint. The real test came when they started cooking and all the steam from the cooking permeated the cabinets and they warped. This was after several years, but by then the cousin was long gone and out of that business.
I'm sure/hope that will not be the case for me but if you keep watching Paul, I will be giving a yearly update on all the stuff on the boat. I'll look at the practicality of the layout - did I get it right, the wood work, in fact everything. Thanks for supporting me.
I would love to do what you are doing. I left the UK over 30 years ago bound for Oz and would love to return for a few months every year to cruise the canals in an awesome narrowboat. Cant wait to see how he/she turns out 👌👍
Thanks Shaun. But Oz must be great. Good weather, spiders, snakes, surfing, sandy beaches.....whereas I will have a boat and float about in the odd say of sun. I'm not a fan of spiders so I'm happy with the boat. Thanks for the comment and support.
@@chrismears-inslowtime Thats just the hype, only seen one skake in 30 years but plenty of spiders...
Eh? No brown monk's outfit this week? Have you shaken off the habit?
Great video though. Thanks again for allowing is all to be a part of this journey, Chris.
I thought I’d do Horse and Hounds look Alan. Although need to loose the fleece as it’s not colour coordinated! Thanks for your support.
Missed a trick with those steps leading from the stern down into the boat - they could each be a pull-out drawer! Unless the ones shown on the video are just temporary of course, in which case, I'll get my coat!
No need to get your coat but they are the steps but the tops are not the end product. They’ll lift up to store ‘stuff’. Good observation though.
I’ve got the same iron. Does a fine job of sticking the edges. #Justsaying
I used it for getting creases out of clothes. I now know it has another use. There won't be an iron on the boat as I'm making sure I have crease free clothes. That said.....thinking about it.....I may have to have a suit for the odd day of work. Maybe an iron will be required after all.
That furniture looks well built. I had heard and read somewhere that MDF is a big nono on a narrow boat, but then also heard that people have had no issues with MDF. If the professionals use it then I think it must be good enough.
I mentioned this last week at the yard. By all accounts, if MDF is edged it's ok. I think it's better than ply or marine ply anyway as its heavier hard wood. There are people that swear by different methods and I'm not one who is going to throw my life on the line as a believer in one method. Mark has been on a boat for a number of decades and he has used all sorts of materials. He certainly knows more than me....but then most do who live on a boat. I'm still very much learning. Thanks Emma.
@@chrismears-inslowtime yeah it might be plain MDF that isnt edged and people expecting it not to get wet
When I did my navigation course he thought me the saying there’s no port left in the bottle , never forgotten that saying, hope that helps
Not heard that one Kevin. It does help thank you. Easier than the one I regaled which I think you could tell, I had to think about.
Chris It's great to see the build and fit out coming together.. can't wait to see the finished vessel afloat.... Any colour's decided yet ? Best Wishes Old Skipper :)
Thanks Tim. Colours are decided but keeping that under wraps for now. Inside of course you all know. I’m sure the outside will look great when the whole boat is displayed to its full glory. Can’t wait.
It is coming along nicely Chris, it must be quite exciting to see the interior come together. When is the build due to be finished and do you have a launch date in mind?
Thanks Ben. I think next week there will be a marked difference in the look of the interior. It should be on the water in May. As for the date.....when it's finished. The boat in the shed next to my boat should have been out a long time ago. BREXIT, COVID, supply chain issues became an issue. Hence my boat is still cold and wet. Concurrent activity is happening and they are anticipating at all levels. They have efficient drill already and I'm trying to find something to do with Knowledge of the grouping system. Good battle procedure.
Been wondering about this for a while and seeing the plug socket cut out of the board, why not only 12v.
Most devices these days are DC, an inverter is not efficient. Especially for so little that need it. More 12v usb or usb c ports all over the boat.
Interesting view Symon and at first glance, I would agree. For me, the only things that require electricity 230v are the fridge, freezer, TV, washing machine, Internet, computer and speakers. I think an up-to-date boat with tech on it uses quite a bit of 230v electricity. Of course the inverter needs to be big enough to handle it and not everything will be on at once. The washing machine will be going when cruising and I will probably have some SMART plugs to monitor the everyday usage. I could have 12v freezer and fridge, TV etc but power has changed a lot on leisure boats. Go with it at the start or I'll regret the opportunity. Also, 230 electrical kit is cheaper to buy when replacing it and they are become a lot more eco-friendly too. I hope that answers your thoughts and not by me being too pointed.
Chris, thanks for those details. It helps understand better the power needs on the boat. Looking forward to seeing more as it progresses.
"The ship LEFT PORT"
I'm actually using nautical terms now. It's taken long enough.
The red and green were to protect night vision. You learned that back in 84. Probably just a toss up fir left or right.
Great answer. Do you know Tam, I had forgotten about that. Rods and something else. I was probably asleep in that lesson, having had been on so many runs to wake me up which, has the exact opposite effect. They were interesting times and a period I didn't necessarily enjoy but.....it all worked out in the end.
@@chrismears-inslowtime it was great times. I read that years ago it was fir night vision. Because the sailors were in the dark mainly it obviously didn’t affect the night vision. The colours again were for directional reasons as well. Taking the boat into harbour at night helped people on the quayside, plus during battle stations at night the sailors coming up knew by colour their station. No idea if it’s true but sounds plausible
Morning Sir, - is it wrong I was also thinking towels and what else does one need :) extremely good point on engine time heating the water, does your have an emersion heater so perhaps solar to heat a little in "Summer" looking forward to next week already
I think there are a number of ways to heat the water but I'm not entirely sure. I think the diesel central heating/pumpy thing will also heat the water. Stuff to ask for next week. I have solar but again, I'll find out if that does water too. Thanks for your continued support
😃👏👍🌟
Thanks Graham. I appreciate the kind emoji's.
don't forget you'll need space for your shampoo :)
Great answer Tim. I literally couldn't think of anything else other than towels. Shampoo....don't blokes just use soap or shower gel? I'm sure I'll find something to put in there....given enough time to think.
You are a very articulate and handsome man
Thank you Brian. Not sure what else to say. Lack of vernacular!
Paul, I can remember returning from an exercise when I was in Germany, hugging the local cleaner who was physically sick from the smell. Bless her. Lovely lady. You don't realise the stench yourself until you go in a confined space. I won't get that bad again...hopefully.
@@chrismears-inslowtime Chris, I wrote that before you posted about the reason, sorry.
@@2019freddie mate. Don’t worry. I like the banter.
Think it was there’s no port left
Good one Bruce. Until today I'd not heard that one and now I've heard it twice. Clearly it's quite popular so that goes to show, I'm not in the popular crowd. Thanks for the comment.
There's only red port left.
Great phrase. I've heard of many bit I think that is a new one on me and one that I can relate to. Cheers Mike.
Was told to me by my late father.
Would love to meet up on the cut and share a wet. If your ever on the Shroppie or the Llangollen give me a shout.
Wait out.
Sorry to focus on the hat but…….
The flat cap has its roots in British law. In 1571, Parliament decreed that all non-noblemen and boys over the age of six must cover their heads with wool caps on Sundays and holidays. Anyone found walking about without a wool cap on Sunday would be slapped with a three farthing fine. The law was established to generate domestic wool sales, which were the bedrock of the English economy at the time.
The law was repealed after 26 years, but by then people already liked the look and feel of their wool caps and kept right on wearing them. For centuries afterwards, the flat cap would be linked with working men and tradesmen in England and Ireland. At the turn of the century, immigrants brought the hat to the United States where it gained popularity among young boys. Today, the style is warmly embraced around the world and by every strata of society.
Goodness Paul. Never thought you were a hat historian. Interesting ditty. There’s a new look next week and I’ve even thought of one for the week after. New idea. Different look each week. Struggling after two currently.
Dad told me your heart is on the left and pumps red blood. Port is on the left and is red as well.
Thanks for you input Doug. That’s a new explanation on me. Heard of most. Yours makes sense. Was he in the medical profession?
@@chrismears-inslowtime
He was an electrician with a love of boats.
You've lasted weeks without a shower? That has to be a joke surely...
Unfortunately not Paul. There have been a number of occasions when that has happened. 2003 crossing the boarder of Iraq was probably the longest as it was probably 3 gusting 4 weeks.
@@chrismears-inslowtime Thanks for your service but no need to go without showers now buddy!