We hope you are about to have a fantastic holiday. We have done our best to prepare your boat thoroughly for you, and we hope you have found everything as you wanted.
However experienced you are, it is likely that you will find some unfamiliar features on your holiday; that is part of the charm of the local waterways. Please prepare by checking this manual. If you haven’t been boating before, don’t worry.
Our priority is your safe enjoyment of the waterways, so we ask you to take the advice we have given you seriously
With this information is a copy of “The Boater’s Handbook”. This is full of useful information and safety tips, and useful for both novices and more experienced boaters.
One of the regular comments we get from other waterways users is that hirers always seem to be in a hurry!
Remember you are on holiday, so forget the motorway, relax, and slow down!
Contents
WELCOME ABOARD 2
In the morning: ENGINE COOLANT 6
Using Mooring Hooks or Chains 10
Leaving the boat after the cruise 10
Ventilators Leak When It Rains 11
Hairdryers and curling tongs 11
Calling the Emergency Services 13
If you need help or advice with the boat 16
If you have a problem with the canal or locks 16
On Board Appliances
Using the cooker
The gas rings on the hob are protected by individual flame failure devices that turn off the gas if the flame goes out. The procedure for lighting one of these rings is as follows:
- Push and hold the ignition switch and then turn the knob which corresponds with the ring that you want to light to the picture of a flame
- Press the knob and hold it while the ignition spark is applied to the ring
- Continue to keep the knob depressed for about 5 seconds after the flame has lit, release it, and turn it to the required setting.
If for some reason the ignition switch doesn’t work, you can use a match.
The grill and oven are also fitted with flame failure devices. The procedure is therefore as above except that the control knobs are on the front vertical panelling.
Central Heating
ALDE COMPACT CONTROLLED CENTRAL HEATING
There is a white control box in the lounge area. The switch underneath that turns on and off, with a thermostatic control.
It will take a short while before radiators are fully operational
Daily Checks
In the morning: ENGINE OIL
In the morning, before you start the engine, remove the oil dipstick. Check that the oil level is between the high and low markings. If it is below the low marking, add oil until it is at the full level. A bottle of oil is supplied and can be found in the engine bay or rear locker. If you are worried about a serious loss of oil, please telephone the helpline.
In the morning: ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level by removing the cap at the highest point of the cooling system. If you cannot see coolant, add coolant until it can. Coolant is supplied and can be found in the engine bay or rear locker. Note: it is not necessary for the coolant level to be right up to the cap. If you find that you are having to top the engine coolant repeatedly, please telephone the help line.
In the evening: STERN TUBE
Turn the brass stern tube greaser “tap”, situated below the rearmost deck board, clockwise until you feel a slight resistance. Then turn it another 360°. Do not turn it anti-clockwise. If there is a problem with the stern tube grease, please telephone the helpline.
In the evening: BILGE
Operate the bilge pump, using the labelled switch on the control panel. If nothing flows out from the hull escape hole after 15 seconds, release the switch. If liquid begins to flow, keep the pump on until the water flow stops.
In the evening: WEED-HATCH
Turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition and put it in your pocket. Lift the rearmost deck plank. Unscrew the securing bar, and remove it, then lift the cover of the weed-hatch clear. You are now able to reach into the water and touch the propeller. The propeller blades are sharp. Feel, carefully, and remove whatever is caught– don’t just wave your hand around under the water. Once cleared, replace the weed hatch cover and screw down the securing bar tightly to avoid any water entering the engine compartment when the propeller starts to rotate. Switch on the engine and give it a short blast of reverse power whilst watching the weed hatch, making sure that no water comes through. Remember to wash your hands and arms.
Domestic Water
Please fill the tank everyday.
Water points are found along the way, at boatyards, and sometimes near locks. The CRT key on your keyring will open these waterpoints.
The tank under the front deck holds about 200 gallons of water. It will normally be used at a rate of between 5 and 30 gallons per person per day (depending on the frequency of bathing / showering)
To refill, remove the filler cap in the bow area (using a coin or similar), connecting the hosepipe to a suitable water supply. When the tank is full, water will flow from an overflow pipe at the bow. Note that the tank may take up to half an hour to fill, depending on water pressure.
IF THIS TANK RUNS DRY, SWITCH OFF THE WATER PUMP IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
Getting Underway
Starting the Engine
Pull the single lever control away from the mount and rotate it forwards to a horizontal position.
This sets the throttle open, whilst disconnecting the propeller.
Turn the ignition key to the “heat” setting, against the spring, and hold it in this position for about 10 seconds (engine preheat). Turn the key fully clockwise to engage the starter. When the engine fires, release the ignition key and rotate the single lever control back a little to reduce the engine revs. After the engine has been running for a few minutes, rotate the single lever control back to the centre position (where it clicks).
The control lever will click back to its normal “start” position.
Untying the boat
We recommend that you do not untie any mooring ropes until the engine has “warmed up”. Do not untie mooring ropes unless the engine is running.
If you have secured the boat using mooring pins or stakes, DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THESE WITH YOU!
Moving the Boat
The single lever control should be rotated forwards (towards the front of the boat) for forward motion, and backwards for backward motion or to slow or stop the forward motion of the boat.
Stopping the Engine
Depending on the control system, to stop the engine:
- either push and hold the “stop” button until the engine stops,
OR
- turn the ignition key to the vertical “Off” position.
The Propeller
If there is something caught around the propeller, THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS AS IT WILL SERIOUSLY REDUCE STOPPING POWER.
If this is the case, rotate the single lever control to the centre position, and then into reverse for a few seconds and repeat this process once or twice, ending with a burst of forward power before returning it to normal cruising speed. This may dislodge the obstruction. If the problem persists, stop at the next suitable mooring point. If the problem is excessive, (i.e. the wake is widely dissipated or the engine is making an unusual noise), then stop immediately.
To clear the propeller, see the instructions in the previous section – “In the evening; Weed-Hatch”.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN THE
ENGINE UNTIL THE WEEDHATCH HAS
BEEN SECURELY RE-FITTED.
The Tunnel Light
When approaching a tunnel, switch on the tunnel light using the labelled switch on the control panel. Remember to switch the light off again when emerging from the tunnel.
Manoeuvring
Always keep to the centre (the deepest part) of the waterway except in the following circumstances:
- Passing under a multi arched bridge where you are directed otherwise
- Cruising in a busy tideway or other waterway where you need to keep out of the way (and to the right of) larger vessels.
- Being passed by another vessel (in either direction) where you need to move to the right for the pass to be executed.
- ‘Overtaking’ another vessel (only to be attempted where there is plenty of width in the waterway) where you need to pass to the left of the other vessel, having first signalled your intention to its steerer.
Note: When attempting to pass an oncoming vessel in a narrow and/or shallow waterway, reduce speed and continue to steer in the centre until the two vessels are about to meet, then steer just enough to the right in order to pass. Steering to the right too early before meeting the other vessel could cause the boat to run aground.
PASSING MOORED BOATS
Always reduce your engine speed to “tick-over” when approaching and passing a line of moored boats, and if possible, steer away from the centre to the opposite side of the waterway. It is also courteous to reduce speed when passing anglers, particularly if they are engaged in a ‘match’.
Mooring
Using Mooring Pins
If there are no suitable mooring rings, use the mallet and the mooring pins provided in such a way that the boat is not only restrained from moving away from the bank, but also from moving forwards or backwards i.e. if the bow rope is pulling forwards, arrange for the stern rope to be pulling backwards and vice versa. To maximise security, it is recommended that all mooring ropes be tied on the boat rather than on the mooring pin or ring.
If sharing a static mooring pin, it is courteous to tie the rope below that of the other boat(s) so that they can release themselves unhindered. Do not allow ropes to cross the towpath or to create any other potential hazard.
Using Mooring Hooks or Chains
Mooring hooks or chains can be used where pins cannot, or where there is piling or rail available on the towpath edge.
Only turn off the engine when the boat has been secured.
Leaving the Boat
Remove the tiller pin and bar. Switch off all gas knobs on the cooker. Close all the curtains and lock all the doors.
Mooring Overnight
Follow the same procedure as for leaving the boat. Check the ropes and mooring pins for movement and note any change in the level of canal/river. If the level is changing or has changed, move the mooring pins to a position where they are not adjacent to the boat (i.e. move the forward pin further forward, and the rear pin further back) and allow some slack in the ropes. How much slack to leave depends on the anticipated change in level. If there is a serious drop in level, it might be necessary to check the next lock ‘downstream’ for leakage.
Leaving the boat after the cruise
Switch off all lights and appliances.
Switch the room thermostat (if fitted) to the “OFF” position.
If you are leaving the boat at the boatyard where it is normally moored and there are staff in attendance, do not lock the boat.
Your Belongings
Many items are left behind each year on our boats. We try to retrieve them and send them back. Please check everywhere before you leave the boat to make sure that you haven’t left anything behind.
If you have left anything (or think you may have) please call us with details and we will return them if possible. A charge may be made for postage
Frequently Asked Questions
Ventilators Leak When It Rains
In normal rain the mushroom vents on the roof will protect the orifice beneath from incoming rain. If the rain is torrential however, it is possible for individual raindrops to bounce off the roof immediately surrounding the ventilators and find themselves inside the boat – the vents are fixed in the open position for safety reasons. We cannot therefore see an easy solution to this situation.
Hairdryers and curling tongs
Please check with the boatyard whether your 230 Volt hairdryer or curling tongs are suitable for use on the boat. (Some have a very high-power requirement). A hairdryer is supplied on the boat.
TV Reception
The TV reception on the canal system is at best inconsistent, as the canals always tend to be at the lowest point of the surrounding landscape. Consequently, poor TV reception is normal, and getting a signal is a bonus!
We recommend that you re-tune the television each night. If you do, please do not store your setting on one of the ‘’low’’ numbers otherwise you will cancel the settings that have already been put in there; these are the most used. Refer to the TV manual for tuning instructions.
Side Fenders
Our narrowboats are fitted with side fenders for use when mooring. These fenders are NOT FOR USE WHEN CRUISING. Narrowboats are not intended to use side fenders when manoeuvring because of the close tolerances, particularly at locks. If side fenders are left down whilst the boat is entering the lock, there is a strong likelihood of them catching on the lock sides (only an inch or two wider than the boat) and at worst being destroyed by the force of the boat’s momentum. Side fenders are for use only when mooring to prevent there being an uncomfortable noise whenever the hull scrapes or knock against the canal side.
Keys
There is a key to open the front door. The back doors can only be opened from the inside. If there is a YALE lock on the front door, make sure that it is clicked open.
The engine ignition and CRT keys should be kept on a key ring that has a float attached to it.
The car park gate at the Warwick base is locked after hours. A key to open this lock can be found on your keyring.
The main gate to the estate at Stockton is also locked after hours. You will need a mobile telephone to open the gate. Ask at the boatyard for the phone number. If you have set off without this, you can always call us. Our contact telephone numbers are shown at the back of this manual.
Fishing
Fishing rights to the waterways are let to numerous clubs who each have a short section. Most clubs permit day fishing although some do not. Be prepared to stop or pay for a day ticket if asked to do so by a bailiff. In any event, to fish off the boat you must have a National Rod Licence, available from post offices. There is no closed season.
Swimming
Swimming in canals and rivers is dangerous – don’t do it! The water may be polluted, there is a risk of being trapped by rubbish underwater, and there can be deep underwater currents at locks. It is also against the (navigation authority) Bye Laws.
Water-Bourne Disease
Canal and river water is generally untreated and may contain microorganisms. Don’t swallow the water; protect cuts with waterproof plasters and antiseptic cream; wash your hands after contact and before eating.
Doctors
The best way to find a local doctor is to call 111.
Rubbish Disposal
There are plenty of official disposal points, at sanitary stations. They are marked in the cruising guides. Please do not use other places or private bins. Do not throw any rubbish, even food waste, into the canal.
Visitors
You are welcome to have visitors on board, though not staying overnight unless previously agreed. You are advised not to have more than 2 people over and above the number of berths on your boat while it is moving, or 4 when it is tied up. In any event it is illegal to ever have more than 12 on the boat. When you have visitors, you should increase ventilation by opening the windows.
Crime Prevention
When leaving your boat, secure all doors and conceal your valuables. If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it to the police immediately. Generally, common sense will tell you if a place is suitable to leave the boat unattended. If in doubt seek advice.
Mops
To answer a lot of requests, there is no mop provided on the boat. This is because we would prefer you not to wash the boat down with canal water!
Toaster
There is no toaster supplied on the boat. This is because, like hair dryers and curling tongs, they use too much power.
Safety and Emergencies
- Water is wet and cold – don’t risk falling in
- Moving boats are heavy, don’t risk getting squashed
- Moving lock gates and swing bridges are heavy too – keep clear
- Ropes can trap your arms, legs and fingers, don’t let them
- Your boat pole can injure you if it breaks, don’t misuse it
- Your windlass can slip, don’t let it
Ropes
When not in use, all ropes should be left coiled in a place where they can be grabbed easily in an emergency and thrown without impediment. One end of each rope must be kept attached to the boat. Any knots appearing in any rope after use MUST be unravelled immediately.
Moving Around the Boat
The golden rule, to be observed at all times so as to minimise the risk of falling in, is that wherever you are going, at least one hand should always be free to hold on to the boat.
Getting On And Off
There is a potential REAL DANGER to life and limb when getting off a moving boat. In order to minimise this danger, ALWAYS get on and off the boat FROM THE SIDE, and never from the front or from any point forward of where the ‘gunwhale’ curves inwards. If the boat is approaching a point where it will be up against a high sided wall e.g. when going into a lock from below, then it is sensible to get off from the stern. It is all too easy even for the most experienced boater, suddenly to find yourself about to be crushed between the boat and a wall.
When approaching the bank use the engine to bring the boat in rather than attempting to leap across a wide gap whilst holding a rope.
Gas
The gas used on this boat is heavier than air. This means that any leakage will gather at floor level creating a potential fire risk, and, if allowed to gather in any quantity, will create the potential for an explosion. Therefore, EXTREME care must be taken to prevent any leakage. This is particularly important when using the cooker. Operate the igniter BEFORE the gas jet is turned on.
If you smell gas on board at any time, turn off the gas bottle(s) immediately. DO NOT operate any electrical switches. DO NOT smoke. Open the front and rear doors, open all windows, and evacuate the boat as quickly as possible.
After at least 15 minutes has elapsed, re-enter the boat (unless there is still a strong smell of gas on board), turn on the gas bottle(s) again, and investigate every gas appliance for a gas smell. If the smell does persist (possibly from a place other than one of the appliances), evacuate the boat again and call the helpline
WHILST WAITING FOR THE ENGINEER TO ARRIVE, DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BOAT.
Calling the Emergency Services
In the event of an accident or incident which requires the emergency services to attend, you need to know where you are. Most canal navigation uses bridge numbers or names. A more accurate system is to use the App “What Three Words”. In conjunction with the “Open Canal” App. Using these two Apps will allow you to see where you are and give an accurate location (within 3m) to the emergency services. Both Apps are free to download and use. They are available for iOs and Android.
Accidents
If you are unlucky enough to have a serious accident, firstly stop and calm yourself. Then:
- Deal with any personal injuries first.
- Exchange names and addresses with anyone else involved.
- Make brief notes of what happened and take photographs.
- Do not admit liability, or even say sorry – this is a condition of your insurance.
- Report all the details to us. Do not proceed unless we authorise it.
Personal injury is not covered by the boat’s insurance if an accident is self-inflicted.
In the event of you being involved in an accident of any kind, please make sure that you get the following information:
- The name and licence number of any other boat involved
- The name of the hirer or owner of that boat
- The name of the boatyard owning the boat
- The names and addresses of witnesses to the accident
- The date and time of the accident.
If it is at all possible, get a written statement from the other crew admitting liability.
Troubleshooting
WC Pump Out
The waste tanks under the WCs should cater for 6 people for several days. You are unlikely to need a “pump out” if you are out for a short break or a week. On non-macerator toilets, waste may be seen immediately below the pan when the tank is full. However, it is sometimes possible for waste to be trapped just below the pan even when the tank is empty. If this is the case, it may be dislodged with the lavatory brush. If the toilet is blocked through misuse, there will be a £100 charge.
Battery Master Switches
Lift the labelled rear deck board to access the battery master switches. The switches are located under the rear deck boards. The “on” position is that in which the key cannot be extracted from its housing.
Gas
Make sure that one gas bottle is in the “on” position (i.e. the knob on the top of the bottle needs to be turned fully anti – clockwise. In the summer months (when no heating is required) one gas bottle will last for over a week. In the winter months (when the central heating is used) one gas bottle will last for somewhere between four and six days, depending on the temperature setting and whether or not the system is kept on constantly (24 hours)..When one bottle runs out, the second must be switched on. If the gas supply completely runs out (difficult to achieve in the space of one week!) call in at any boatyard and ask for an exchange (“Calor”) 13kg bottle. This will cost approximately £35. Although staff at the boatyard are usually willing to connect the new bottle for you, it is useful to know how to do it yourself, as follows; –
First, turn off both gas bottles (turn the knob on each one fully clockwise). Using a “gas spanner” (largish spanner stored in the same compartment as the gas bottles), undo the brass nut that connects the supply pipe to the bottle. This is reverse threaded – you must turn it clockwise to undo. Lift out the bottle that is now free and replace it with the new bottle. Re-connect the brass nut, turning it anti – clockwise to do it up.
- It is a good idea to make sure that the brass connector is clean before attaching it to the bottle
- You may need to remove a plastic plug from the gas bottle connection point before you can re-connect the suppy.
Helplines
If you need help or advice with the boat
During office hours (Monday to Saturday between 8.30 am and 5 pm) please telephone the boatyard.
0044 (0)1926 492968
Out of office hours only (Evenings and all-day Sunday) please telephone
0044 (0)7816 278054
If your telephone call reaches an answerphone, please leave a message – it will be dealt with as soon as possible.
Please be ready to give your mobile telephone number.
If the engineer needs to come to your boat, you need to be able to tell us which canal you are on and which bridge number you are close to. If possible, try and moor close to a road bridge or a suitable location where it is easy for a road vehicle to access. Please see the section below for information about using the “What Three Words” app. to find your location.
Medical Issues
If you need emergency medical help, telephone 999 and make sure that you can tell the emergency services where you are. Ideally use the “Open Canal” and “What Three Words” Apps to accurately pin-point your location (see the earlier section under “Safety and Emergencies” in this manual. As a minimum you need to tell the emergency services which canal you are on and which bridge number you are close to. If possible, try and moor close to a road bridge or a suitable location where it is easy for a road vehicle to access.
For non-urgent medical advice, please telephone 111 (the NHS 111 system).
If you have a problem with the canal or locks
Canal and River Trust Help Line: 0800 47 999 47
Canal and River Trust Customer Services: 0303 0404040
Other useful numbers
RSPCA helpline: 0300 1234 999
Environment Agency 03708 506 506 (Select Option 3)
