New Video: Spring Cleaning and Boat Safety Checks on the Grey Wagtail | Narrowboat Life

Issue 18: Catching up with chores on the Grey Wagtail

In this video, I’m back aboard Grey Wagtail for an essential round of spring cleaning and maintenance.

After a long winter, there’s always a lot to tackle before the new cruising season. In this update, you’ll see me working through a hefty to-do list, including:

• Powering up the electrics and water systems

• Giving the boat a full lüften (ventilating to reduce humidity and prevent mould)

• Checking and testing all the safety alarms: smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas detectors

• Inspecting and dusting down the fire extinguishers and the fire blanket

• Cleaning out the diesel stove and the Boatman’s stove (and discovering a mystery piece of metal — can you help identify it?)

• Deep cleaning the cabin — tackling dust bunnies, cobwebs, and lots of grimy windows

• Replacing a wobbly side table leg with a new, sturdier solution

• Swapping out an empty gas cylinder

• Doing some “back of an envelope” maths to double-check the massive size of the water tank (yes, it really does hold over 1,200 litres!)

If you spot anything I’ve missed, or if you know what that strange bit of metal from the stove could be, please let me know in the comments.

Thanks, as always, for following along. There’s plenty more to come, including a closer look at an issue with the 230 volt generator system — that could be an expensive fix, so stay tuned…

Wishing you calm waters and sunny days,

P.S. If you’re enjoying the updates, please consider sharing the channel or newsletter with any friends who love canal life!