Brolly Mate: The Narrowboater's Secret Weapon
Life on a narrowboat means making the most of every inch of space and finding clever solutions to everyday challenges. Over the years, we’ve discovered plenty of gadgets and accessories that promise to make life afloat easier, but few have proved quite as useful as our Brolly Mate.
Originally designed to hold an umbrella, we’ve found that this simple piece of equipment has become one of the most versatile items on board.
Shelter from Sun and Rain
Anyone who spends time cruising Britain’s waterways knows that the weather can be unpredictable. One minute you’re enjoying glorious sunshine, the next you’re scrambling for waterproofs as dark clouds roll overhead.
Our Brolly Mate fits neatly onto the boat’s tiller and can be removed whenever it’s not needed. When we’re cruising in heavy rain or under a blazing summer sun, it allows us to put up an umbrella whilst steering. The person at the helm stays protected from the elements yet still has both hands free to safely control the boat.
On long cruising days, particularly during heatwaves, that little bit of shade can make all the difference.
An Unexpected Laundry Hero
Although the Brolly Mate is excellent for weather protection, its greatest contribution to life aboard comes on wash day.
Drying laundry on a narrowboat can be a challenge. Hanging wet clothes inside quickly creates condensation, something every boater tries to avoid. Excess moisture can lead to damp, mould and a generally uncomfortable living environment.
Instead, we use our trusty Worley Gig washing line outdoors. The post of the washing line slides perfectly through the Brolly Mate before resting on the ground below. With the additional support provided by the Brolly Mate, the washing line becomes remarkably stable, even when fully loaded with clothes.
It means we can dry our washing in the fresh air, keeping moisture outside where it belongs.
Choosing the Right Washing Line
There is one important consideration if you’re planning to use a Brolly Mate in this way: size matters.
It’s essential to choose a washing line that extends over the boat rather than over the towpath. Allowing washing to protrude onto the towpath could create an obstruction for walkers, cyclists and fellow boaters.
A correctly sized washing line keeps everything safely within your own space whilst still making full use of the outdoors.
A Small Accessory with a Big Impact
Boating life is often about adapting, improvising and discovering new uses for everyday items. Our Brolly Mate may have been bought as an umbrella holder, but it has earned its place on board as so much more.
From keeping the steerer shaded and dry to transforming the way we dry our laundry, this simple gadget has become one of those pieces of equipment that we wouldn’t want to be without.
