Welcome to Boaters’ Update. It’s an eclectic edition that starts by picking your boating brains and follows with readers’ advice on how to be a conscientious boater.
After that you’ll find pointers on the key checks you should make before cruising off into the sunrise. Finally, find out about how new boaters and salty canal dogs alike can pick up reams of advice from seminars, masterclasses and, for the first time, whole day intensive courses at this year’s Crick Boat Show. The regular round-up of this weekend’s stoppages can also be found:
What do you want?
Best boating behaviour
Be prepared
Creator of Peaky Blinders explains his family connections to the cut
Maintenance, repair and restoration work affecting cruising this weekend
Crick Boat Show – one stop shop for boating knowledge
Soggy grass!
Happy boating,
Damian
What do you want?
Have you seen the latest dance moves or viral trend on social media? Maybe you’ve responded with a witty missive to a contentious post on Facebook or downloaded the latest documentary on iPlayer? Or do you get your newspaper delivered and only use the internet for browsing the latest Boaters’ Update!?
Two things are clear. Firstly, we all prefer to consume news and information in different ways and, secondly, as technology evolves some of us jump to new media quicker than others.
It was a different technological landscape when Boaters’ Update first appeared back in the noughties – it took until 2007 for just half of us to receive broadband. Fast forward 17 years and we see endless adverts for giga-fast full fibre broadband that promise the ability to download a two-hour HD movie in 38 seconds!
Combined with a couple of jumps in wireless technology, from 3G to 5G, this extra bandwidth has enabled a proliferation of websites and social media platforms to become more creative with the addition of videos and animations.
If you’re a regular reader of this Update you’ll know that we regularly include videos, as you’ll find below, and, at one point, there was a short-lived podcast version. You’ll also know that every year or so readers are asked about their preferred content and formats. So, as we consider the future format and content of Boaters’ Update, I’d like to know what you want.
For instance:
Would you like to receive news and articles in video format?
Do you listen to podcasts and, if so, would you listen to a Boaters’ Update version?
How do you receive other news about boating/the waterway network?
Is there a particular subject, such as stoppages, that should be in every edition?
Is Boaters’ Update too long or not long enough?
As you reflect on the above prompts there may be other thoughts or suggestions that you have – excellent! Please feel free to do a ‘brain dump’ into an email and also include any other views about how we communicate with you. Thanks!
In future editions there’ll be more questions, polls and requests for your views!
Best boating behaviour
With the mercury being pushed to its highest point of the year so far over the last two weekends, some of you have already written in to confirm that, with the warmth returning, so have many boaters to the cut.
With more people active out on the cut it’s a good time to revisit some of the boating etiquette we’ve discussed in the past (over Easter a few of you got in touch in exasperation that you were being passed by boats going too fast). In broad terms, you’ve previously suggested that the five principles below should be followed when out on a cruise or moored up:
Cruise past moored boats at your slowest safe speed or, in any case, a speed that does not cause undue disturbance to moored boats (just imagine that you’re on one of those moored boats pouring yourself a cuppa). Reduce to this speed before you reach moored boats.
Frequently check that you are not creating a breaking wash – ‘Watch Your Wash’.
Keep an eye out for boats behind you – they may signal, sometimes with their horn, that they want to overtake.
If a skipper has signalled that they wish to overtake you, check it is safe for them to do so before moving over to the side of the channel. If it is not safe, convey this to the skipper and wait for a more suitable opportunity.
When mooring use spring lines – ropes set diagonally from the bow and stern – as well as your usual fore and aft lines.
A great tip was also proposed for those who are new, or returning, to boating after a hiatus:
If you’re new, or just returning, to boating then it might be an idea to disembark a crew member, when out on your first cruise, so that they can walk along the towpath while you match their speed – this way you’ll get a rough idea of a suitable cruising speed (unless passing moored boats of course when, generally, you’ll be going slower!).
It's not only cruising speed that you’ve been getting in touch about. Quite a while ago we talked about sustainable boating, and this inspired some to write in about generator use. As a reminder, the Terms & Conditions of a boat licence state that you should:
10.9.2. not use any electricity generator, including the Boat's engine, at any mooring along the Waterway between 8pm and 8am, unless You are moored in isolation, out of earshot of other people. We do not intend this Condition to stop You moving the Boat from the mooring;
10.9.3. not run the Boat’s engine in gear when it is moored. This can damage the waterway walls and cause a nuisance.
Of course, even if you’re running your generator after 8am and before 8pm, you still need to ensure that any exhaust fumes are blowing in a safe direction. On the theme of sustainable boating though, I’m keen to hear from boaters who’ve really embraced the ethos. Do please write in with your experiences and let me know what changes you’ve made and what difference they’ve made to your boating, particularly if there’s a noticeable difference to the amount of generator time you need. In a future edition we’ll look at the subject of sustainable boating in more depth and it’d be great to share your anonymised ‘real life’ experiences.
Another issue, pointed out on social media, was of water points being used for something other than their intended use – such as hooking up a hose with a brush and washing a boat. They are for filling potable water tanks and should be used as speedily as possible with an eye out for other craft who might be waiting to use the water point.
And the final, definitely least palatable, topic you’ve been in touch about is dog poo. It’s a perennial subject that, seemingly, some (not necessarily boaters!) need reminding about. To be unequivocal about it, there is only one answer to the question ‘what are the acceptable ways to clear up after my dog next to a waterway?’. The same as you would anywhere else – bag it and take it away to dispose of responsibly.
Of course, if there are other reminders you want your fellow boater to have before the cut gets really busy then do please drop me a line.
Be prepared
With the arrival of warmer weather a decent proportion of boaters dust off their skipper’s cap and head out on their first cruise of the year. But, before you untie those mooring ropes, pre-cruising checks, especially if you haven’t been out in a while, are recommended by River Canal Rescue:
Maintenance tips
Ensure you have enough fuel to complete your journey and inspect all fuel lines and shut-off valves for leaks.
Where possible obtain a sample of your fuel, check there’s no debris floating in it, it smells like diesel and is clear and not cloudy. If it’s cloudy or smells of ‘paint thinners’ this indicates contamination which needs to be dealt with before going anywhere.
Drain off any water from pre-filter housings or the agglomerator.
Check batteries are charging correctly and that the charge rate from the alternator to the batteries is as it should be.
Check the morse control is working correctly and the throttle and gears are selecting smoothly. Stiffness indicates the cable may be due for renewal or has rusted due to disuse.
Switch isolators from one position to another to clean contacts. Give them a spray with WD40 contact cleaner.
Check the condition of the stern gland, ensure there’s plenty of grease supplied to it and that the prop shaft is turning freely.
Check the engine oil and gearbox oil levels and top up if needs be.
Check the condition of the fan belt - if it’s worn get it replaced.
Check all coolant hoses for leaks and wear and tear. Replace if required. For raw water-cooling engines, check the seacock, impeller and filter and all pipe work for leaks.
Check the condition of the engine mounts, and look at the engine mount bracket for signs of cracks or breaks. If they are worn replace them or if the bolts seem loose, tighten before cruising again (but only adjust the top bolt).
Check all coupling bolts and connections are tight.
Check the air filter and if dirty, replace or clean as needed.
Check the weed hatch seal is intact and the weed hatch is secured.
Toolbox essentials
A multi-meter (battery tester)
PTFE tape (for dealing with unexpected domestic leaks)
Adjustable spanners
A flat head and multi-faceted Phillips screwdriver
Pliers
A hammer
Spare lengths of electrical wire/ insulation tape
A socket set
Spares should include: morse cables for steering, throttle and gear selection, fan belt, impeller, spark plugs, fuel filter, bulbs, bolts and fuses, plus a supply of oil and ‘stop leak’ or putty for unexpected hull breaches.
Problem-solving
If you’re losing propulsion and the propeller is slow-moving, put the engine in reverse. The prop may be fouled with detritus or weeds.
If the engine cuts out when in gear, check the propeller for an obstruction.
If the engine cuts out when revved, check the air filter - it may be blocked with dust (you can remove and run without it in an emergency). Alternatively check for blocked fuel filters (Vetus has a small fuel pump filter that’s usually overlooked).
Is the engine overheating? It could be an air lock in the cooling system. Resolve it by unscrewing the bolt sitting on top of the water tank - this will release the air.
If the boat won’t go into gear, check the cable is moving the selector arm on the gearbox, if it is then the cable is fine. Check the oil in the gearbox.
Engine won’t turn off? Know where the manual stop button, or lever, is situated, usually on the right hand side of the engine.
So, there you have it, a comprehensive guide from RCR that will hopefully prevent any summer swearing!
Creator of Peaky Blinders explains his family connections to the cut
Steven Knight, much lauded for creating Peaky Blinders, SAS Rogue Heroes and new BBC drama This Town (among many others!), has a deep passion for the waterways. In the video below Steven explains this passion and also why we need to #KeepCanalsAlive:
Maintenance, repair and restoration work this weekend
As someone who’s out on, or by, the water more often than most, you’ll know that there are times when we need to fix things that unexpectedly break. So, below, you’ll find a list of navigations that have ongoing restrictions that may affect you if you’re planning to get out on the water this weekend:
When restrictions to navigation happen, we get them up on to our website as soon as we can – always best to have a scan before you set off. Have a read of the article below to find out how to get stoppage notification alerts on your smartphone.
If you have any questions about a specific closure, or spot an error in our system, please get in touch.
Crick Boat Show – one stop shop for boating knowledge
If you’re new, or about to embark, on a life afloat it can be quite daunting. What type of boat is best for you? What about onboard toilet facilities and type of propulsion? There are a dizzying array of choices to make – all of which will impact your life afloat in one way or another.
Now, for the first time, Crick Boat Show will feature two one-day, intensive courses on Friday 24 May, aimed at those aspiring to become boat-owners. Both sponsored by River Canal Rescue and GJW Direct Insurance, two separate courses will run:
Living Aboard: Buying a boat as a main home
Buying a boat for cruising/holidays
Each course will comprise:
Free Trade & Preview Day entry (Friday 24 May)
Five tailor-made presentations by Mark Langley, Waterways World Technical Editor
An extended boat tour with a boat broker
Guided tour of Crick Boat Show
50% discount on Show tickets, camping and boat handling sessions for the remainder of the Show (Saturday 25 - Monday 27 May, subject to availability)
Free tea and coffee
£15 food voucher (£30 for couple booking) to spend at the show
Free annual Waterways World Print + Digital subscription worth up to £45*
£25 voucher (£35 for couple booking) to spend on the Waterways World stand at the Show
Two months' free breakdown assistance membership with River Canal Rescue
*One subscription per individual/couple
Each course includes five tailor-made presentations
Living Aboard: Buying a Boat as a Main Home - Course Presentations
Living Aboard Introduction: What are the main issues you need to think about (location, type of mooring, type of boat, costs of ownership)?
Buying New vs Old: What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new boat against a previously-owned boat?
Design Considerations: What do you need to consider when looking at the layout of your new boat (number of bedrooms, cooking facilities, laundry, entertaining, workspace)?
Essential Maintenance: What maintenance will be needed each year and at what cost?
Practicalities: Getting supplies to your boat (fuel, food etc), waste disposal, how do you receive post, what are the broadband options?
Buying a Boat for Cruising/Holidays - Course Presentations
General Introduction: Why do you want to buy a boat? Have you any experience? How much will you use the boat? What are the key factors to consider?
Buying New vs Old: What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new boat against a previously owned boat? What factors do you need to consider whether new or old (layout etc)?
Choosing a Marina: Where would you like your 'home' mooring to be located? Are there options other than a marina? What to consider when choosing a marina
Essential Maintenance: What maintenance will be needed each year and at what cost?
Top Tips and Practicalities: Alternatives like shared ownership, where to cruise, getting supplies, post and broadband communications
More information on how to book your place and costs can be found on the Crick Boat Show website.
Those of you who’ve been boating for a few years (or much more in many cases!) may have already been to a Crick Boat Show will already know that there’s a broad base of seminars covering the big topics in boating. Everything from boat buying through to boat maintenance is covered.
In addition, and now in their third year, the popular masterclasses give you the opportunity to delve deeper. These highly focussed sessions dive into the details of specific topics. And, as you’ll know, environmentally sustainable boating is high on the agenda for many licence holders. So, if this sounds like you and you’ve been wondering whether there are any shortcuts to trawling through hundreds of webpages to get your information then the answer is yes!
After attending a seminar on say ‘reducing your impact on the environment with green boating’, you’ll then be able to go to masterclasses on, for example:
Low impact narrowboat designs
Choosing the right battery for your boat
A complete insight into the world of electric boating
As mentioned above, there’s a varied range of seminars, and the same can be said about the masterclasses. You’ll also be able to learn more about:
The correct application of one pack bitumen free (Pro Blacking) that's both resistant to UV & diesel
The challenges of maintaining a 200-year-old waterway (from our very own Dean Davies and John Ward!)
Paint technology: past, present and the future for inland waterways.
Internet on inland waterways boats
If you’re all schooled out after the seminars and/or masterclasses then, as always, there’ll be plenty at the show to distract you. You can get some retail therapy from any one of hundreds of boat-related exhibitors, enjoy a real ale, beer or cider from local independent brewers in the Wheatsheaf Bar and then relax and enjoy the live music with Young Elton - The Tribute Show and Fleetwood Bac tribute acts (depending on the day).
We also hope you’ll find time to stop by our marquee for a natter too - we’ll have experts from all our boating teams (including boat licensing, leisure and business boating teams) as well as lots of information and displays on the wide range of work we do.
Advance ticket sales, giving a 10% discount over on the gate prices, are on sale now but do bear in mind that there is now only a month to put your order in!
Soggy grass!
If you have been out on our towpaths recently you’ll have noticed how wet it’s been, since Christmas and before. Indeed, February was the wettest in the UK since 1836 and there was no let up in March with England and Wales seeing 150% of the long term average rainfull. Some of our areas have hardly been out of the water!
While we, of course, welcome water for boating, it’s been proving quite a challenge with getting grass cutting started in some areas. In the North West and North East we’re going great guns, but along the Kennet & Avon Canal, and parts of the East Midlands region, we still have incredibly wet conditions – too wet to put mowers on and so that’s delaying us getting going. We’re monitoring things closely and will adjust our plans accordingly, please just bear with us for now!
Bits & bobs
Set your TV to record - Narrow Escapes is a new documentary series for Channel 4 following the lives of people from all walks of life, as they travel, live and work from narrowboats, across the waterways of the UK. The first episode will air on Channel 4 on Monday 29 April and the show will go out on weekdays at 4pm for a month. For those who can’t wait for more - the first full week will also be streaming online!
Happy boating,
Damian
Last Edited: 19 April 2024
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