Crick 2012

If you are visiting Crick this year come and see us on stand KF23. We also have a stand near the water side for the chandlery so if you want to come and say hi we'd be glad to see you.

New Apps for Waterways Users.

Eureauweb, producers of Water-way - the only integrated cruising guide, route planner and sat nav for the inland waterways - have worked with RCR to produce a series of regional navigational apps for both the Android and iPhone platforms. The results are applications that provide mapping and local information directly related to the inland waterways user for just £5.99 per region.

Getting reliable and useful information relating to your location on the waterways has, in the past, meant looking at a map or guidebook or having a GPS-enabled laptop/PC on-board.  But with fast growing number of people having Smartphones, it was obvious that before long someone would come up with an app to use the functionality of new technology to provide all the information needed by boaters.

The ‘e-canalmapp’ apps have been specifically designed for boaters and provide instant information about location, places of interest and waterway information (locks, bridges, moorings, etc.).  In the future, the apps will include additional features that will help simplify claims and accident assessment, and may even be developed to have an 'panic' button in case of emergency. Features like this are currently provided by some automotive rescue services on their apps but this is a first for the waterways.

RCR will be providing one region of your choice to our members as a free membership benefit, with additional regions being available at a discount to members.  We will be launching this at Crick this year on stand KF46 in the Kingfisher Marquee, Crick Marina 1st - 4th June 2012 and anticipate a good take up.

Stephanie Horton, MD added, "RCR is very excited about this new development, part of our service to members is to deliver innovative solutions and services and this useful application is just one more example of this,...we know how valuable this will be which is why we have decided to offer this as a FREE download for all of our members....All RCR members will receive notification on how and where to download their regional map as soon as it is available, alternatively if members pop to the stand at crick we will help with installation and give them a demo of the software. These are exciting times for all boaters as we are starting to see technology being used to enhance the enjoyment of the waterways"

For more information on all River Canal Rescues services visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

So... just what is in our Tanks?

In 2011 River Canal Rescue the nationwide breakdown company for boats attended over 600 instances of fuel related breakdowns, with over 50% of these problems being related specifically to fuel contamination. In previous years contamination could be broken down to two main categories 1)water contamination and 2) diesel bug. However over the last 12 months the cases of unidentified fuel contamination issues has risen dramatically, and the knock on effect has resulted in fundamental components failing in the fuel system.


There is a clear correlation between the increase in diesel issues and the introduction of low sulphur diesel. The biggest down side of this diesel begin its absorption and attraction of water, which is resulting in higher cases of diesel bug and fuel emulsification. However Low sulphur diesel can also cause issues with rubber and components in the fuel system because is contains less lubricants, and eventually this lack of lubrication can result in faster degradation of these components, resulting in seizures, breakages and seal failures. Due to this range of problems most Insurance companies and parts suppliers will no longer cover claims or warrantees where fuel issues are suspected as the cause of the failure, and with an increase in these types of issues it is more important than ever to know... What is in your Tank?


River Canal Rescue has always advocate the use of treatments to combat water in the fuel and diesel bug, and for these problems these offer the best quick fix solutions, even though good maintenance and regular removal of water form you tank will give you the same protection.


However over the last 15 months RCR have seen a rise in contamination issues that are far from the norm, with visible issues causing the diesel to look anything from ‘hot chocolate’ to ‘orange’ to being completely clear, and creating a number of issues throughout the fuel system. 

Typical symptoms are non starting, erratic running, cutting out, but in addition RCR have found fuel pumps experiencing major failures. Injection pumps failures have increase dramatically as the new mixes and bio fuels result in failures of seals, pumps running ‘dry’ and internal rusting which have resulted in an increase of over 34% in these type of failures.


Working with a number of external independent testers and laboratory’s has highlighted the fact that this problem is not unique to the inland waterways. Every industry from ships, to aircraft, tractors to back up generators are experiencing similar issues.

Ian Roos of Fuel QC recently stated that ..... for some time now we have been working on a number of cases where fuel samples are taken from systems where there is frequent filter blocking issues but the samples present clear and bright with no visible contaminants. However on investigation the fuel is found to be filled with crystal.

Ian Roos of Fuel QC recently stated that .....

here is some debate as to the origin because we do not have a definitive test for it.

Companies are all capitalising on the key mistake a lot of people make in assuming the sludge they see, and the problems they have with fuel contamination is microbial. Statistically 95% of the cases we have been getting in the last two months is due to paraffin crystallisation in the fuel. 



Paraffin crystals form inside water droplets; growing bigger and thicker over time, it can appear as a white layer on the tank bottom or the crystals can remains in suspension in the mid-level of the tank, these crystals can be invisible but when they hit a filter they will compact and block up the system. 

There are a lot of explanations as to why new contaminates are being found suspended in fuel and the most likely explanation is that it is a side effect of other elements/contaminants being present, of which water is the most important. Given time to settle water does not normally remain suspended in fuel and therefore this behaviour is most likely caused by additives such as water emulsifiers, which lock the water in to the fuel. And it is these molecules that are the basis for the crystallisation to form.


RCR’s experiences are consistent with these findings, and they now suspect that more and more Paraffin or kerosene is appearing in ordinarily diesel. Additionally the use of different treatments and chemicals being added to fuel are creating a chemical concoction inside fuel tanks.


Over all although diesel bug is still affecting boaters regularly and water contamination is still a big problem, this new issue is as yet undefined and in addition there appears to be so many variations and strains that any coverall ‘treatment’ is unrealistic, no matter what any manufacturer tells you.

However there are things that boaters can do to limit there susceptibility to the current minefield of problems and solutions.

• Use reputable supplier
  
• Use same supplier if possible
  
• Remove water from tank on regular basis
  
• Choose a treatment that works for you and stick to it
  
• Take samples of fuel delivered. Check them before you accept the delivery.
  
• if buying cheap fuel – mix a sample with your current fuel to see if there is a reaction 
  

RCR’s Engineer of the Year.

Steve Hill and Aaron Forman have been awarded Engineer of the Year and Breakdown awards at River Canal Rescue’s recent AGM.  Aaron, who attended over 350 breakdowns in 2011 throughout his area which covers from Birmingham to London and includes Bristol, also broke the record for most breakdowns attended.

Steve was presented the Award for Engineer of the year which is based on a points system and assesses on a number of qualities including the number of any complaints made, stock control, temperament and attitude amongst a number of criteria.  Each award is held for the next year until they present it to the new winner. Pete Baker presented the engineer of the year award to the winner who wins use of the RCR  1P (RCR 1st place) number plate for the year as well as a cash prize, something which the two runners up also receive.

Stephanie Horton, RCR’s MD said that, “this award is a true reflection of the dedication of our engineers and the company to providing an excellent service for all our customers and the emphasis we place on the full package not just simply engineering skills.”

Pete Baker (r) presents Engineer of the Year award to Steve Hill

Aaron Forman with his award

Narrowboat Breakdown Guide

Towergate Insurance, has, with the help of River Canal Rescue, listed the five most common narrowboat breakdowns and how to avoid them on their website. It's worth having a look as they could save you time and money.

Breakdown Guide from Towergate Insurance Marine and River Canal Rescue.

Canal boat insurance provider, Towergate Insurance Marine, has joined forces with breakdown and recovery specialist, River Canal Rescue, to produce a Guide listing the five most common causes of emergency call-outs and how to avoid them.

Available online at www.towergateinsurance.co.uk (click on boat, then boat tips) and www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk (click on tips and advice), the Guide has been written in a bid to reduce the increasing number of people requiring rescue support. 

From January to September this year, River Canal Rescue responded to 3000 call-outs, yet for the whole of 2010 it made 1900 rescue visits.

Last year, the top five call-outs were; fuel issues and contamination 25%, batteries and electrical malfunctions 23%, breaking cables 12%, over-heating/cooling system breakdown 10% and gearbox/drive plate failures 7%.  These were closely followed by; problems with alternators 6%, fan belts 5%, propellers 4%, starters 4% and couplings 4%*.

As well as breakdown advice, the Guide offers general preventative maintenance and tool box contents tips, discusses how to solve problems before calling out a third-party and gives a word of warning about bio-diesel.

Towergate Insurance Marine Managing Director, Nigel Mills, comments: “Over a nine month period, it appears call-outs have shot up by 57%, so in line with our ethos to provide more than just insurance, we thought canal boat owners would find this Guide to be a useful reference tool.”

River Canal Rescue Managing Director, Stephanie Horton agrees: “Many callouts can be avoided by regular servicing/maintenance and learning about your engine.  This Guide will act as a prompt; encouraging owners to develop routines that will really help to keep unnecessary costs to a minimum and ensure a holiday or break is not spoiled by an ill-timed breakdown."

Canal boat owners taking out a Fresh Waters policy with Towergate Insurance Marine can either purchase River Canal Rescue support at a discounted rate or opt for a higher level of policy cover and receive it automatically.

For further breakdown information visit either of the websites and for insurance advice call 0800 515629 or 01743 284664.

Winter lay up advice from Navigators & General.

As we enter October owners may be turning their attention to where to winter their boats this year. With available hard standing reducing due to development over the years and costs rising, it is often sensible to make arrangements early. Navigators & General (N&G) offers the following advice to avoid the common claims.

Longer nights and tougher times financially always raise the risk of crime, theft of gear and equipment is N&G’s second most common claim. The UK has already seen a steady rise in the number of outboard motor thefts since 2009, and more recently well documented metal thefts. Sub zero temperatures can also cause thousands of pounds worth damage.  

For all those reasons N&G advises owners to allow time to prepare their boats, seriously consider security, and be vigilant to minimise exposure to crime and damage.

It is very important not to let cover lapse over the winter period, as there are no days of grace in marine insurance so if you do not renew your policy in good time your cover lapses. Claims resulting from incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, damage by vehicles, storm damage, frost damage, and much more besides are arguably more likely to occur during the longer nights and harsher weather.

If a trip by road is required, it is important to check that your policy provides this cover, If not, you will need to request an extension. N&G’s yacht & motorboat policy automatically includes transit for craft up to 30 feet, but not all policies will be the same. If the trailer has been left standing it should be thoroughly checked and serviced if necessary, there may be a policy condition that the trailer is kept in a roadworthy condition.

Removing sails, dodgers and canopies not only dramatically reduces windage, (one of the main reason boats blow over) but will significantly extend their life. Winter gales make short work of any fabric left on deck (especially furled headsails), and UV exposure with mould/mildew speeds their deterioration further. Why not use the opportunity to have them laundered and serviced, it will extend their lifespan considerably, and insurance policies do not generally cover sails, canopies or covers split by the wind

 

Once ashore removing all valuable equipment and leaving drawers or cupboards open should reduce the temptation to thieves. Any soft furnishings will fair far better in a warm dry environment and also further add to the impression that the boat has been stripped for the Winter.

Metal theft has made the headlines quite a bit this year, so owners may be more at risk this winter. Easily accessible brass or bronze propellers will make an attractive target, as will copper sheeting. If easily removable owners should do just that and store securely. It is not only the cost but the difficulty in matching the stolen part. If you cannot remove the vulnerable metal try to cover or disguise it and ensure you have the best possible security.

Outboard motor thefts have been steadily rising since 2009, so this is an area where owners really need to take action. If an engine can easily be removed do just that, and consider a service at the same time. If the engine is so large and so well secured as to be very hard to remove  N&G suggests that you remove the engine cover (taking care to fit alternative weather protection) to deter thieves. Distributors and yards are suspicious about selling covers only for that very reason and it may be enough to prevent you being a target. Otherwise mark all separate engine components, fit the best possible anti theft devices and think very carefully about the security your boat has over the winter. Outboard thieves are not put off by the size of an engine and will cut them out of boats if the opportunity is there.

Remember to properly winterise engines and machinery and drain down water systems. An unexpected sharp drop in temperatures can catch boat owners unawares and result in engine blocks cracking, pipes or heating systems splitting or causing a problem that manifests itself for years after. Not all policies cover this type of claim and they can be particularly expensive. Yards or engineers should know how to winterise machinery on your boat, but don’t leave it too late.

Particular care should be taken if leaving battery chargers or de humidifiers running over the winter period. There have been a number of devastating fires on boats as a result of electrical faults on shore powered devices. Keeping your boat dry through the winter is the right thing to do, but you need to be sure that any de humidifier being used is well secured, has clean filters and adequate drainage facilities.

If you plan to have a heater running as well, be sure that you are not overloading the circuits and that you have the right sort of heater as this could significantly increase the risk of fire. Check with your local yard or boat surveyor to make sure. Concerned owners could consider temporarily mounting an automatic fire extinguisher next to such equipment

Remember that you should still check on the boat periodically or pay someone to do this for you. Winter maintenance is an essential part of boat ownership and necessary for enjoyable trouble free boating over throughout the season. It also prolongs the life of the boat and helps reduce depreciation. But following a few basic tips can help prevent a worthwhile exercise becoming a potential disaster.

• Remove all expensive equipment such as radios, GPS, navigation and electronic equipment, TV’s, CD players etc and store them in a safe place.

• Remove the outboard, tender and life-raft.

• leave empty lockers and drawers ajar to ventilate and deter thieves

• Drain down water and heating systems.
• Have engines professionally winterised or ensure that you carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid frost damage.
• Remove berth cushions to a dry environment.
• Remove furled headsails, mainsails, covers, dodgers and spray hoods.
• Take out halyards leaving a mouse line and thoroughly wash and check for wear.  
• Check all backstays for wear at top batten point.
• Check all standing rigging for broken strands and rigging screws for wear.
• Ensure the yard use cross bracing if using wooden shores, for extra safety.
• Ensure that whilst ashore the trim of the craft is correct, to allow cockpit drains to be effective, and avoid rainwater building up on decks or within the craft.
• Do not tie covers or tarpaulins to wooden shores or cross bracing.
• Preferably use only close fitting covers, to avoid additional windage.
• Place tie-on labels on the wheel and engine controls to remind you to check all skin fittings, impellers, seacocks and transducers prior to launching/starting the engine.
• Disconnect batteries and leave them fully charged.
• Do check the craft periodically during the winter months, unless you have made a specific arrangement for this to be done on your behalf. Do not assume that the rental of space will include this service.
• avoid running fuel tanks too low due to risk of sucking dirt into filters or condensation in the tank space