Questions These are the questions I get asked most often:
This is by far the most common question from the towpath. Yes, it is electric but there is a 12Kw generator to charge the batteries when the sun is not strong enough.
This is the second most common question from the towpath and passing boats. The answer is "It depends" on how fast I go, how deep the canal is, whether I'm on a canal or river and how sunny it is. Travelling at 2 miles an hour on a canal uses around 30 amps whereas doing 2.5 mph uses closer to 75 amps and over 3 mph requires 200 amps or so! The batteries have a capacity of 800ah (48v) but I don't take them below 20%. The best answer is that the batteries usually give at least 24 hours use, including cruising, before needing to be charged.
I moved on board on 2nd October 2021 whilst the boat was still being built as I'd sold my house by then. I finally moved out of the marina on 20th January 2022.
My plan is to have "no plan". I flipped a coin at the entrance to the marina (Heads, left, Tails, right) and got "Tails" so I started by heading south towards Crick. My only commitment is that elektra is being shown at Crick in June 2002 for Smithwood, so I will have to get back there by then.
The short answer is "wherever I feel like". I'm going to be what is known as a "continuous cruiser". That means I will move around the entire canal system in the UK, exploring as I go. I will be able to stay in one place for up to 2 weeks. I'm currently right here
No, I've got enough to do without creating a job for myself. Besides, other people do it a lot better than I could. Check out Foxes Afloat on YouTube or Robbie Cumming on BBC iPlayer
I do have my YouTube Channel which you can subscribe to, (it's completely free). It has the live footage from the bowcam and occasional videos of significant parts of the journey (such as Braunston Tunnel and Foxton Locks).
Assuming I have a Broadband link via 4G you can see where I am by clicking here...
Yes, no going back now!
I want an adventure, that's why I decided to sell up completely. It isn't much of an adventure if you've got somewhere to run back to.
My home cinema and unlimited water. I'm doing my best to get a decent movie watching experience on the boat and I've found a water filtration system that takes canal water and make it clean. I do miss the motorbike from time to time as well.
Meeting lots of interesting people and seeing the country from a whole new perspective.
Why not, I love pink, it's such a bright and happy colour and it excites people into conversation (they either love it or hate it). And (because I know you want to ask) I'm not gay, but why should they have all the lovely colours to themselves.
Technically it's Magenta - the actual colour is RAL4010 (Tele Magenta) - RGB 188, 64, 119 with black.
I was looking for a name that combines technology (the boat will be electric drive) with music (one of my passions). Elektra is a US record label that features many great artists such as Joni Mitchel, Queen, Sparks, Harry Chapin and many more.
I first started thinking about it in a serious way in 2016 and went to the Crick Boat Show that year to get inspired. It worked and I went back in 2019 to look for a boat builder I liked. I met with dozens and later made 12 journeys to visit potential builders.Since the end of 2018 I've been selling off my furniture, vehicles, record collection and other goodies. That has gone very well and the house is now looking pretty empty. I've also become quite an expert on eBay and Facebook Marketplace along the way!
Until I get bored. Hopefully not for many years to come. I'm guessing it is likely to be 5-10 years and maybe much longer.
Those who know me well know I've been a keen motorcyclist for over 50 years. I've ridden over 400,000 miles in that time. But, yes, I have sold all my bikes and I won't even have a push-bike on the boat. I want to see what it is like to walk everywhere. If I want to travel further I will hire a car or travel by train, bus or taxi.
I've been amazed at what items have sold and what has not - CDs and DVDs are old hat, vinyl and cassettes are back in fashion (unlike any of my clothes!). Pine and dark wood furniture is out, named brands are in (Sony etc.).Hand grenade paper weight - £123.50Garden trough - £225Pile of Christmas Radio & TV Times from 1977-2021 - £3605 unused blank cassette tapes - £98.50
