Title: 10 years on, and they said it would never last!

The following editorial was published in Canals, Rivers + Boats magazine Sept' 2011.

2011 is a particularly special anniversary for River Canal Rescue as it sees the company reach a significant milestone - their 10th year in business. It was back in 2001 that Trevor Forman (CEO) and Stephanie Horton (MD) began the business, the name of which came to Trevor during a dream. It was this reoccurring dream, of a business that provided a breakdown service for boaters, that provided the inspiration for the couple, who both have engineering backgrounds, to start the business with Christopher Barnett.

From the outset the business the couple always aimed for was to provide nationwide coverage so being based in Stafford - where the company are still based - seemed logical given it’s central location and easy access both north and south. Despite this it was a big ask as to begin with the company consisted of just the three of them to cover all the calls. After the first year more engineers joined the business and since that time the network of people on the road has grown at a rate of 500 members per new engineer.

It would seem that, as with all new ventures (especially ones that do something very different) that the trade were “skeptical”. Stephanie particularly remembers their first shows where they were seen as outsiders and at which they were regularly met with comments like “it will never work'' and “its been tried before”. She remembers that “not many people would have anything to do with us” but it was the Marine Engine Services guys who, in her words “were the first to hold out the hands of friendship.”

Ten years on, and with 15 engineers now on the road, many of those first customers are still with RCR. As a special celebration 10 of the earliest members were given a free membership as a thank you for being loyal members. Some of the glowing comments RCR receive  from members show that the service is well respected and a much needed part of boating life.

“We, as members for quite a few years, would like to say that you give the best possible service to boaters. Over the years you have given us excellent service and the increase in price is not a problem. You are well worth every penny, it is a small price to pay for your great service and the peace of mind it brings. We use every possible opportunity to recommend you to anyone without your service. My wife and I wish you continued success in your venture for many years to come.” Mr Suter Gold

“We were delighted with the speed and the attention to our welfare that RCR gave including the follow-up call to ensure everything was working satisfactorily.” Mr Ballard Bronze

“It was most reassuring to have someone that knew what he was doing to come and get us going and to give us advice for the future care of our engine/electrics.” Narrowboat Anne Rose

“The young engineer who responded was superb! He was polite, friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. He made a temporary fix and arranged the wiring so that the fault could not occur again accidentally. I was delighted with the service from all of you and would appreciate my comments being passed on to the relevant staff. Thank you again.” Mr Geistiger Bronze


These 15 engineers are kept busy covering their own areas, some of which can have a radius of up to 100 miles. Naturally they are located in areas with the highest population of boats so the Midlands is home to a number of engineers but RCR say they have people located all over the UK. These 15 people attended approximately 300 calls each with only 400 calls being passed to contractors to cover jobs the RCR team just couldn’t get to.

When talking to a company like this you have to ask the question, “what is the most unusual job you’ve had to deal with? And in this case the reply was that “the list is endless, and sometimes gruesome if we include what has been found on props!” It would seem that anything from human parts to bouncy castles, cars, matresses have all caused problems and ended up around propellers. Stephanie went on to add, “we once found the reason for an overheating engine was due to a fish in the cooling system, we have attended engines that have been installed by a DIY'er and don't have any method of changing fan belts and one which had a fan belt 2 mtrs long - not something we carry as standard! A ford Anglia engine with the gearbox and clutch still attached...yes you put it in gear just alike a car! A call-out for lost drive only to discover that the gearbox had been stolen, as well as some additional chosen items.”

Despite all this the reasons for the calls hasn’t changed much over the years.  Stephaine told us that, “we always see a peak in blocked filters, and fuel contamination and pipes leaking as the season starts, (or people begin their cruise) there are cables, alternator failures, gearbox seals, coupling failures, split pipes, battery & electrical issues that pop up all the time.”

So what of the future for this family business that is proud of it’s ethos of going that extra mile for it’s customers? Well more recently the company have set up Canal Contracting to cover the areas that normal RCR membership doesn’t. The idea being to provide boaters with that bit more peace of mind. As membership numbers increase the team will also need to expand and much of this comes from it’s own apprenticeship program (one they are proud to say is the only one in the marine industry that isn’t based on the coast). The bottom line would seem to be that they aim to take the worry out of boating.

To this end RCR has now developed their membership to include the costs of major components though there Replacement Parts Cover. This means that should a major component like a gearbox, coupling, starter motor, alternator etc fail then the cost of the part and any additional labour is now all covered by the annual membership fee. “We truly believe that this innovative development will really assist boaters in taking away the worry and stress that unexpected costs from a breakdown can cause. We know how many of these types of breakdowns occur each year and therefore we know that it adds real value for our members to have the piece of mind this new cover provides”

Stephanie's own words “take being the 4th emergency service as part of our remit.” She added that “they are proud of our Investors in people award and ISO 9000 status as only a hand few of companies on the inland waterways have achieved this.” Here’s to the next 10 years!

ABC and RCR team up for training.

Two market leaders have teamed up to provide staff with 12v electrical systems training. ABC Leisure Group, the UK market leader in narrowboat hire and inland marina and waterways services, along with River Canal Rescue (RCR) who provide marine breakdown cover, trained over 30 of their engineers during March.

The training took place at Alvechurch Marina’s new dedicated training facility using 3 engine test rigs provided by RCR and their trainer, Tony Brookes. Tony is a well known technical advisor for the waterways press.

“On this occasion the training was for our staff and feedback has been extremely positive”, commented ABC’s Managing Director, Edward Helps.

“It’s our intention to open the courses up to private boaters shortly. So that they can also benefit from this training.”

ABC's staff undergoing training from RCR's Tony Brookes.

A pipe may do something for a man, but nothing for a boat!

On the 13 May (Friday the 13th May!!) RCR engineer Pete Baker (our Midlands engineer) was called to Headwind, owned by Peter Daleman. Peter's boat had lost power and something was wrapped around the prop. The boat was on the Stratford canal and as a result of the engineers investigations it was found that approx 50 mtrs of rubber piping had got tangled around the prop.

It took Pete a number hours to remove it as there was no easy access via the weed hatch. As a result he had to climb under the boards to get access to weed hatch cover and, laying horizontally, reach into the weed hatch retrieve the rubber and feed it though the hatch, past himself and into the boat.

The boats owner had already managed to clear half of the pipe but the rest was down to Pete. The only question remaining is, how did it get there? Oh! and who's Pete's little helper?

Canal Contracting.

Canal Contracting is a company that was set up by River Canal Rescue to provide all the services that RCR don’t - it’s a simple a concept as that. The thinking behind it being that by using the team behind RCR a customer can be assured of a first class service and the right person carrying out the work needed and using the correct spares etc. 

Having work carried out on your boat can provide it’s own headaches - who is best qualified to carry out the work safely, where do I get the right spares and, importantly, will the work be guaranteed? Even if these questions are answered there is always the issue of the time it takes to organise all this and to ensure it all happens at the right place at the right time. However now that Canal Contracting is in place all of these questions can be answered by making one phone call. By giving CC a call and providing them with all the details of what work you want carried out they can provide you with a no obligation quotation to supply and organise and arrange all the work needed, be that an engine replacement, a new battery management system or plumbing. The work is done at a time to suit you and it’s all guaranteed.

But it’s one thing to put this service in place, it’s quite another for it all to work and for customers to be happy with the service they’ve had, so we’ve asked a few of the customers who’ve already used the service for their feedback. 

Once such customer was Mr Stuart of Scotland who’s 18 year old 33ft boat normally moored in Edinburgh, needed some upgrading. A new battery management system and a new fridge-freezer were needed but finding a contractor and supplier in Scotland isn’t easy. Canal craft of this type are fewer in number on the lowland canals and as a result so too are the engineers. However as Mr Stuart said a call to Canal Contracting “took all the pressure off me”. He went on to describe the service as “absolutely fantastic” and very much took Paul at his word when he said “leave it with me” as up until that point the job of finding a contractor had been far from easy. Having had all the work completed he can only describe himself as “delighted”.

Another satisfied customer is Barry Lewis who describes himself as “very pleased with the service” He goes on to say that using CC “has made my life easier, and when work has been required it has taken the hassle out of finding someone.” To underline his satisfaction with the service he’s had Barry has recommended Canal Contracting and River Canal Rescue to a number of boaters” to which all either company can say is ‘thanks very much!’

So it would seem that the concept of Canal Contracting is not only proving to be of interest to a growing number of boaters but (and more importantly) it’s proving to be of great value too.

For more information on Canal Contracting visit the River Canal Rescue website and click on the Canal Contracting link at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Boat Shed teams up with RCR.

If you’ve ever looked for a boat on the internet you can’t fail to have noticed Boat Shed, the highly successful online brokerage and sales site. So when it came to deciding who to work along side Boat Shed was an obvious choice. RCR recognised that customers, who wanted to sell their boat, wanted a service that was quick and easy and didn’t involve moving their boat to a new location. And above all, in these difficult financial times, they need a service that is good value for money.

The result is a new boat sales service that offers a full-brokerage service with a No Sale, No Fee policy and one that allows you to list your boat elsewhere as well! Some of the key features of the new service include a specialisation in Inland waterways second hand boats. Up to 80 detailed photos to go with a comprehensive write up with full information about your boat. Placement on our the new RCR Boat Sales Web Site and listing on over 60 other boat sales web sites. 

As part of this new service River Canal Rescue will supply a free two months of cover on all boats sold (terms & conditions apply). It’s also worth noting that if you are already a RCR member you can transfer your RCR membership to the new owner, providing them with a little more security when they buy, alternatively you can move it to your new vessel when you find the right boat. 

So now you can buy and sell a boat using RCR and Boat Shed’s new service and provide both you and your customer with the security of an RCR membership. In today’s tough market place this has to be a major advantage.

To visit the new website go to the RCR website at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk and click on Boat Sales.

More dramatic rescues for RCR.

River Canal Rescue have been involved in yet more dramatic rescues recently. To start with the owner of a 43ft boat called for help after getting caught by the current whilst turning. As a result he ended up wedged sideways on to a bridge on the Avon at Eckington Br. West Midlands Fire and Rescue rescued the crew but by the time they got the crew off the boat the water was lapping at the gunwale.

RCR scrambled the rescue team who arrived on site approx 3.30 together with a contractor who had a Land Rover which was attached to the boat. However, unfortunately every time they tried to pull the boat against the current it started to drag the Land Rover back. So back up was called in from York which arrived at 6pm together with other team members.

The boat stern was grounded on the far bank, with it’s bow wedged against the bridge by the force of the river water (which was in flood) resulting in the boat being at a 30 degree angle. The decision was taken to attempt the rescue in two stages so, with a safely line to the bridge and two engineers on-board, the first stage began. This was to pull the boat by the stern towards the opposite bank using a line which was rigged to the Land Rover. After a number of attempts the boat was beached bow first on to the opposite shore with it’s stern wedged against the bridge.

The second stage was to reposition the Land Rover and with a shorter rope swing the stern away for the centre of the river towards the shore and use the engine power to reverse the boat to the small jetty. During a number of attempts the rope snapped, not helped by operating in the dark, the engineers knew that time was now of the essence as the boat was in serious danger of capsizing. Due to the angle it had been sitting at for several hours the outlets had been under water and as a result water had been pouring in and filing up the boat. Finally using the engine power and the Land Rover the boat was finally dragged around and secured to the jetty.

Onboard the bilges were working overtime and loosing the battle to keep the boat afloat, more bridge pumps were installed but the water was still rising. A quick decision was taken and in order to right the listing boat all personnel had to get onboard on the opposite side and use there combined weight to even the boat and lift the submerged outlets clear of the river. A small winch was rigged up to the shore to try and keep the boat level, and after two hours of pumping the boat was finally level, free of water and safe.

At 4.30 the following day RCR received another call from a 57ft boat unbelievably in the exact same location but wedged horizontally against the bridge. The only access via boat or a ladder from the bridge. RCR alerted the rescue services to remove the boaters from the vessel for their own safety. When the engineers arrived on site at approximately 6pm they set to work assessing the situation and preparing for the rescue. The boaters were looked after by the St Johns ambulance team who had been contacted by the fire brigade after RCR explined that the rescue could take several hours. The rescue team having undertaken a rescue the previous day were quickly at work and by following the same procedure - pulling the boat backwards and using the engine power to reverse the boat they got it onto the jetty. The boaters from the previous rescue were still moored up on the jetty waiting for the river waters to recede, and this has to be moved up to make space for the second boat!

It’s worth noting that RCR charges for rescues but over the last year they have rescued 12 boats from critical situations which would have resulted in capsizing or loss of the whole boat. Stephanie Horton MD said “It’s also worth noting that from an insurance point of view a boater must undertake as many measures as possible to mitigate loss or potential loss, and that generally charges for recovery, lifting and rescue of a boat from these dangerous situations are covered by your insurance policies, however taking unnecessary risks can invalidate your insurance claim, so always assess if venturing out on to a river in flood is a sensible action; if your jorney can be avoided then don’t risk it”.

A minimum of three engineers would be dispatched for all rescue activities and RCR’s thanks go to engineers, Trevor Forman for both, Kerry Horton for both, Pete Baker for both, Pete Barnett for 1st, Aaron Forman for both, Mike Adams (contractor) for 1st.

Insurer offers advice for re launching boats

Navigators & General (N&G) together with River Canal Rescue (RCR) is reminding boat owners to carry out a number of simple and straightforward checks before they get back on the water to avoid common claims.

“RCR have found over many years of attending breakdown and emergencies that conducting maintenance checks before starting off on a cruise will reduce the risk of damage to the boat and possible injuries. There is a substantial risk that you will breakdown on your first run out, and therefore it is essential that you do your best to prevent this occurring as if something major occurs remember that insurance cannot compensate for lack of maintenance and will not cover damage caused as a result of wear and tear.” Stephanie Horton MD RCR

N&G generally sees an increase in claims notifications over March and April as boats are launched, or when owners return to find their boats have suffered damage or theft during the winter. The increased risk frost damage to pipes, water systems and engines this year are likely to have caused more undetected damage that may go un detected until too late.

Carrying out a number of simple pre-launch checks, and ensuring there is good communication with the yard or launching company can significantly help reduce the risk of potential accidents, breakdowns or worse still, sinking. Wherever possible, it is advisable for the owner to be present when the boat is launched to monitor the vessel for any unusual water ingress for at least a couple of hours after settling

These types of checks are particularly important after a harsh winter where skin fittings, pipes, engines and water/cooling systems may have been damaged or dislodged by ice. Pipes split by ice can slowly leak once submersed below the waterline often leading to sinking if not spotted. N&G have seen a number of sinking claims caused by something as simple as failing to replace a through hull fitting or re-attach an internal hose. 

Even the experienced boat owner is still at risk from complacency. Taking a small amount of time to routinely go through a number of pre season checks can prove very worthwhile.

To avoid problems, Navigators & General and RCR recommend the following:

• check all water carrying pipes for splits or leaks 
• have a yearly pre-season machinery maintenance check, by a boat engineer (RCR Engine inspection) 
• do not start engines until all basic checks have been completed, including opening raw water sea cocks 
• check fuel or gas lines and cables for wear & tear and deterioration 
• check bilges and ensure bilge pumps are working – if water found check gearbox for contamination and locate leak. 
• check all hoses, skin fittings, through hull fittings & hose clips 
• have your engine serviced prior to use, and treat fuel with a treatment for water contamination and diesel bug with products similar to Marine 16. 
• check Morse controller and steering controls to ensure free movement 

Common problems include:

• flooring, steps and handles not being properly re-attached after servicing, which can lead to injury 
• split pipes that only show themselves hours after a boat is underway 
• through hull fittings not being replaced or hoses not properly re-connected, 
• which can lead to sinking 
• not checking engines are fully re-commissioned, which can let you down at a crucial moment or be damaged when started 
• blocked filters and contaminated fuel due to lack of servicing and standing for long periods resulting in engine failure at crucial moments. 
• water in gearboxes, due to being semi submerged or oil cooler leaking, causing potential failure and damage. 

“Whilst it is tempting to get out on the water at the first sign of a good spring day, spending time on these simple pre-season checks will be time well-spent as the rain, damp and storms over the winter can cause wear and tear to a boat and equipment. It’s also key to ensure there is no misunderstanding about who is to complete the maintenance and prepare the boat for launch – be it the boat owner or the boat yard or a third party. ” said James Roberts Head of Navigators & General