The Boat That Guy Built

Season 1

Motorcycle racer and mechanic Guy Martin attempts to renovate a neglected narrowboat with inventions from the Industrial Revolution. Using traditional techniques, Guy and his mate cast an iron pot to boil water for his favourite drink, tea, build a steam engine powered shower, and makes his own soap from raw ingredients. Over the series, Guy makes and fits out the narrowboat with everything needed to make the boat a comfortable home.

Where to Watch Season 1

6 Episodes

A Cup Of Tea
E1
A Cup Of TeaIn this episode, he builds his own 18th-century blast furnace to cast an iron pot so he can boil some water, then learns how to throw his own traditional Wedgwood mugs so he can enjoy a perfect old-school cup of tea.
A Nice Hot Shower
E2
A Nice Hot ShowerGuy decides to use a steam engine to power the shower on board his aptly-named narrowboat, Reckless. He also visits the factory of famous lavatory manufacturer Thomas Crapper to conduct a 'flush-off' between 19th-century loos.
A Good Night's Sleep
E3
A Good Night's SleepGuy visits an Industrial Revolution cotton mill to weave his own sheets on 19th-century looms, then builds his own mattress at the mattress-supplier to the Queen, in a bid to get a good night's sleep on board his narrowboat. He also makes his own version of another great British invention - an alarm clock.
Beans On Toast
E4
Beans On ToastMotorcycle racer and engineering enthusiast Guy Martin makes a tin can using a 200-year-old technique, bakes his own traditional bread, and learns why the best cutlery uses Sheffield steel, all to make the perfect meal of beans on toast.
Make a Boat a Home
E5
Make a Boat a HomeGuy and his best mate Mave decide to give their historic narrowboat a makeover. They learn about the most influential British interior designer of all, William Morris, while trying to stick up wallpaper he originally designed. They then master the fine art of narrowboat painting, and attempt their own version of the traditional decoration of castles and roses. Finally, Guy visits Paradise Mill in Macclesfield to learn how to weave silk for an interior decoration, using what is considered to be one of the first computers.
The Homecoming
E6
The HomecomingTo celebrate the end of the project, Guy Martin shows off the renovated boat at a party, learns how to prepare Victoria sponge, and shoots a commemorative Victorian-style portrait with a 150-year-old camera. However, the maiden voyage is hampered by bad water and weather conditions, as the narrowboat struggles through inch-thick ice.