Carry on boating, but be prepared
THE easing of lockdown restrictions prompted a surge of activity across the UK inland waterway network. Liveaboards left in social isolation were quick to start cruising again, as were recreational boaters, keen to be reunited with their boats.
At marinas, boats left in dry storage and those that had been moved to isolated locations to reduce their virus exposure were allowed to take up their summer moorings, ready for cruising. Add to this the sudden popularity of staycations and rocketing demand for rental boats, and it’s no surprise to realise the companies/individuals who support the inland waterways found themselves under huge pressure.
River Canal Rescue (RCR) managing director Stephanie Horton commented: “One company, that supplies outboards, ordered six months’ supply of motors – three containers full – and they sold out within weeks.
“At our Canal Contracting (CC) division there was an unprecedented demand for Vetus and Barrus engines; more than 40 by the end of August. We hope our Key Diesels team, who refurbish clients’ engines and rebuild and sell models, can fill some gaps and help reduce order wait times.”
And while the level of call-outs over the peak season are on par with previous years – up to 40 a day – RCR says it has been unable to access all the contractors who support it during busy times as they’re tied up on jobs elsewhere.
Stephanie explains: “Our in-house engineers typically attend 75-80% of call-outs, but this year they’re attending 90-95%, and our CC team reports a shortage of contractors (electricians, plumbers etc.) to pass work on to, posing a challenge for everyone.
“In this situation, we urge boaters to prepare for their time on the water, stock up on toolbox essentials and to cruise slowly and be vigilant. In a six-week period we attended 15 groundings on the River Trent where boats came a cropper on the sand, silt and shale banks in the main channel, and sadly continue to have to refloat sunken vessels that catch their bows and sterns on lock cills.”
RCR’s preparation tips include checking:
• Batteries, wires and electrics for corrosion and loose connections
• Fuel for contaminated water or diesel bug
• The bilges for excess oil and water (and an automatic bilge pump is in place)
• Fan belts for cracks or fraying (caused by a lack of moisture). If not used for a while they squeal on start-up. Always carry a spare.
Recommended toolbox essentials include: a multimeter (battery tester), PTFE tape (tackling unexpected domestic leaks), adjustable spanners, a flat-head and multi-faceted Phillips screwdriver, pliers, a hammer, spare lengths of electrical wire/insulation tape and a socket set.
Essential spares include: Morse cables for steering/throttle and gear selection, a fan belt, impeller, spark plugs, fuel filter, bulbs, bolts and fuses, a supply of oil and ‘stop leak’ or putty for unexpected hull breaches.
And to help put the theory into practice, Narrow Boat Engine Maintenance and Repair explains the theory behind the boat’s main systems, including propulsion, cooling and electrics, and gives instructions on how to identify key components, how to locate faults and where possible, how to fix them. Tips on everyday engine maintenance, how to complete a service and all instructions are accompanied by step-by-step photographs and technical diagrams. The book retails at £18 (discounted for RCR members), and is available from www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk and bookshops.
RCR is equally keen to share its knowledge. Stephanie continues: “The following scenarios may help with problem-solving, preventing you from having to make that emergency call.
“If you lose propulsion and the propeller’s slow-moving, put the engine in reverse. The prop may be covered in weed or leaves and this can help release it.
“If the engine cuts out when in gear, check the propeller for an obstruction. If it cuts out when revved, check the air filter – it may be blocked with dust (in an emergency it can be removed and the engine run without it). Also check for blocked fuel filters – Vetus has a small fuel pump filter that’s usually overlooked.
“If the engine’s 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. And 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’s 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.”
Stephanie concludes: “It’s great the national media is encouraging people to enjoy the great outdoors and take to the water, and with pieces such as ‘the top five boating holiday destinations for October half term’, it’s likely our waterways, and those who support them, will remain busy over the next few months.”