Do Classic Narrowboats use a British Marine Federation Contract?
What is the optimum size boat to travel the whole system?
What is a Boat Safety Scheme examination and when do i need one?
What kind of insulation do you use?
What is a battery management system?
I want to live on a boat but have no hookup?
Do Classic Narrowboats use a British Marine Federation Contract?
Yes we do. This is an industry standard designed to protect both customer and the boat builder. (back)
Beta marine diesel engines are quiet, reliable and smooth running with a 3 year warranty and an after sales support second to none. Beta engines are specified by British Waterways - need we say more. (back)
What is the optimum size boat to travel the whole system?
57 feet by 6 feet 10 inches,. This is the width of the smallest canal and the length of the smallest lock. (back)
What is a Boat Safety Scheme examination and when do i need one?
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) examination is to verify all boats' systems and appliances meet the safety requirements as set by the UK's Navigation anf Harbour Authorities. This is a boat version of a MOT test. On a new boat a BSS certificate is only required when the boat is 4 years old. (back)
This is a device which converts 12v dc direct from your batteries to the 230v ac circuit on your boat. What kind of equipment you can use will depend on the size of the inverter's output rating. This varies from 500watt to 3000watt. You will require extra batteries to support the inverters as they will drain the batteries very quickly and recharging will be much more frequent. They need to be used sparingly and to a minimum, (usually for washing machine and tumble dryers as 12v versions are not available). (back)
We use Elecsol leisure batteries which are all deep cycle and deliver high currents suitable for starting an engine or running an inverter. They are one of the best performing leisure batteries on the market. Unlike conventional leisure batteries, they incorporate strands of carbon fiber in the lead plates. This not only adds strength, allowing the plates to be built thinner and lighter, but also acts as a wick drawing battery acid deep into the plates, greatly increasing the effective surface area. Elecsol batteries are highly resistant to sulphation, which is the usual cause of batteries failing. They can recover from very high depths of discharge and can be cycled far more often than conventional leisure batteries, but remember if you do this on a regular basis you will reduce the life of the battery. In fact if you take care of your batteries Elecsol believe their batteries will last 3 time longer than an average leisure battery. So the slightly higher price you pay up front for them is easily recouped in the long run. (See news page for a guide on how to care for your batteries) (back)
The canal speed limit is 4 mph ( about walking pace). Some wide rivers have a slightly higher figure of 7mph. But please remember to slow down when passing other boats as your bow wave will wash against other boats moored along the banks. (back)
Basicaly this is when you have a 240v alternator fitted to your engine which will run when your engine is running allowing you 240v power to use whilst you are cruising. Therefore if you had a washer and dryer on board your boat you could only use them while you were crusing. This is a good power source for people who continuous cruise their boats. (back)
Yes you can moor up over night on the tow path side of the canal as long as their is no signed private mooring indicated, but we would advise you not to moor near a bridge, junction of canals or next to locks. (back)
What kind of insulation do you use?
We use spray foam insulation. The polyurethane foam is sprayed directly onto the steel hull than expands which makes it perfect for getting into any voids under battens. The foam cures within minutes to form a rigid closed cell structure making it impervious to moisture. The cured foam will last the lifetime of the boat giving excellent heat insulation and will reduce the risk of condensation to a minimum. (back)
What is a battery management system?
This is a phrase which is thrown about but it is actually an advanced alternator controller, the main purpose being to monitor the condition and temperature of the batteries and to properly and fully charge them to as close as possible to 100%. This helps improve performance, minimise sulphation and optimise battery life.(Please note, not all battery manufacturers recommend them) (back)
I want to live on a boat but have no hookup?
If you are going to have high consumption 230v appliances, perhaps washing and drying machines, for convenience and for the sake of your batteries it may be best to invest in an onboard generator.This can be a unit driven by the boat's engine or it could be a separate diesel generator. (back)