The Boating association: a rallying call!

Association fights its corner for inland river boaters

A national boating organisation is calling for inland river boaters to join its ranks to fight against a growing tide of legislation, rising costs and declining standards of safety and amenities on the UK’s network of navigable rivers.

Farndon, Newark TBA branch members gather at Cromwell Lock on the Trent during a club trip to Hull in 2007.

The Boating Association (TBA) points to recently announced plans to reduce lock keepers’ hours on the River Trent as just one example of an unacceptable move that would put the safety of boaters at significant risk. While the Association was successful, along with other local boat clubs and commercial operators, in forcing British Waterways to rethink its original proposals, it fears that other developments affecting river leisure use are undermining boaters’ enjoyment of the UK’s rivers.

Colin Tuck, TBA’s chairman, said: “We’ve got a good track record in campaigning for better and safer facilities for river boaters and TBA’s current membership has benefited from our approach. But there’s strength in having a larger membership base: not only will we gain greater credibility with navigation authorities and other policy makers, it also means there are more boaters keeping an eye on developments and looking out for each other.”

Colin Tuck has been boating for a little over 10 years and has been the TB chairman since February; look out for him aboard his Broom European 35 Domingo.

A lack of investment on essential maintenance to river structures such as locks, landing stages and mooring sites is a growing concern for the Association. It claims that the unique river environment demands greater investment to maintain and enhance boating facilities and ensure the safety of the thousand of pleasure boaters in the UK. Crumbling locks, silted channels and unstable river landing stages present significant hazards to boaters and threaten their well being when out on the nation’s rivers.

Creeping costs for river boat licences and moorings are also of serious concern to the Association. Along with other waterway bodies it successfully opposed recent British Waterways’ (BW) plans to raise licence fees by nearly 50 per cent over a three year period, arguing that the impact on river boaters was neither fair nor proportionate when balanced against the free use of the nation’s rivers by many millions of other day visitors such as cyclists, ramblers and sightseers. TBA has also strongly condemned BW’s 12-month ongoing trial of moorings’ tenders as being both an indiscriminate and punitive approach to establishing reasonable fees at mooring sites.

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Towpath Talk takes a look at the latest build from Beacon Boats to find out what makes them stand out from the crowd.

THE saying goes ‘you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression’.

The sink unit is a central feature of the bathroom.

And walking across the grassy banks of a crowded marina full of craft of all creeds to meet the new owners of Serenity, that certainly applies to the latest narrowboat from Beacon Boats.

For Andy Price, a partner in the company, has come up with a combination of colours mixed with a traditional style that grabs your attention from a good distance.

A luxurious full size bed provides full comfort. Note arched doorways, a feature throughout the build.

The colour choice for the hand-painted finish of black, red and cream, although selected by new owners Karen and Ian, is fast becoming the signature for Beacon’s boats. Interestingly, the couple also chose portholes for this build to proffer some degree of privacy in the 57ft traditional stern narrowboat with the addition of two Houdini hatches providing plenty of natural light within.

The combination of portholes and Houdini hatches providing plenty of natural light within.

After 15 years hire-boating Karen and Ian had a fair idea what they required from their build, and spent much time researching the market before opting for Beacon Boats.

“We try to create what our customers want and guide them toward getting the best from their build,” said Ali Myers, a partner in Beacon Boats.

“They are invited to become closely involved and visit throughout the construction. Our only problem is that we become so involved we hate to see our boats go as we are so proud of the work we have put in to them!”

Clearly this is a partnership that works judging by the beaming smile on Karen’s face as she showed off her new home.

The oven and washer mounting show how every inch of space is utilised in this build.

Accessing Serenity via the bluff bow with cratch, through stable doors we stepped down in to the saloon area with satellite TV, storage units and step. A striking feature here is the stainless steel diesel stove set in a tile surround of original style Victorian floor tiles. This focal point was part of the extensive wish list for the boat which also included a request for plenty of storage space. As Beacon Boats hand crafted all the units in oak this request was built in. The oak fit out was supplemented with touches of sapele, and chrome fittings with solid oak floor throughout. All lighting is supplied by spotlights, with angled bulls eye lights featured.

The raised dinette holds an interesting storage area – for ten bottles of wine. The far seat in this picture also pulls out to reveal the freezer.

Everyone’s favourite though has to be the wine storage area, a neatly fitting drawer underneath the raised dinette base with space aplenty for wine bottles. The rear of the dinette seat adjoining the saloon is also reversible/removable, not only to help create a more sociable area in the saloon but also to help with putting up taller guests as the dinette converts to a 3/4 bed. Continuing on the space theme this seat also has storage beneath while the other houses a 12v freezer.

Through to the galley there is a sink with water filter, full size washing machine, hob and oven/grill. The overhead storage here is supplemented by the use of large drawers under the galley base units – normally wasted space.

The stainless steel stove with Victorian style surround provides a focal point in the living area, while the bluff bow with cratch cover adds another pleasing seating area.

Great thought has been put in to what happens during the lifetime of the boat in terms of maintenance and the central heating system is easily accessed via a swing out shelf unit that conceals it.

The bathroom has a large quadrant shower, cassette toilet and chrome heated towel rail but the sink unit is a hand-built delight. Two rows of drawers are set either side of the central cupboard unit which supports the sit on top sink with chrome fittings.

Hand built quality is a key feature on this build.

Another arched doorway leads through to the bedroom with in-line bed, which pulls out to full size for maximum space and comfort on the luxury mattress.

Again there’s lots of storage plus a fold out satellite TV to augment the unit in the saloon area.

On to the engine room – there is more storage here in steps and cupboards while the housings surrounding the 42hp Isuzu engine can be removed in minutes to provide easy access.

Karen and Ian moved on to Serenity as soon as the traditional open weekend Beacon Boats hold to celebrate completion of work was finished. But floods and work commitments meant they have had little opportunity to put her through her full paces. A matter they intend to resolve as they put together plans to take a two-year sabbatical from work to enjoy life on the waterways in full.

The quality of the hand brushed finish by Andy Price speaks for itself.

• Beacon Boats will be holding their next open weekend on 10-11 May 2008 when they will be previewing their latest build Seventh Heaven before taking it on to this year’s Crick show.

Nigel Grant reviews the safe use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Petrol – two of the most volatile commodities in use on the waterways today.

THE popularity of diesel combustion engines has restricted the use of petrol to portable generators or outboard motors. The use of LPG, however, is widespread and is the most common form of fuel for cooking and heating appliances.

Both fuels, therefore, once in contact with an ignition, will cause a fire and explosion with devastating consequences. In 2006-2007, a number of fires and explosions occurred which were attributed to LPG and petroleum leakages.

There are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of a fire or explosion, in particular the correct use and maintenance of appliances and safe storage. Please remember that the installation and maintenance of LPG appliances is not something for the DIY enthusiast and should always be undertaken by a qualified engineer. Failure to do so will expose you to unnecessary risk!

Petrol Safety
Incorrect and inappropriate use of fuels is often the cause of serious injuries sustained as a result of fire or explosion. Petroleum is an extremely volatile product, giving off dense, explosive vapours. Strict safety measures are therefore necessary to ensure the safety of the crew and other boaters. Common practice among boaters is to store portable containers in the accommodation space, which is extremely dangerous!

There are strict Boat Safety Scheme requirements for the storage and handling of petrol, which will significantly reduce the potential for a leak to occur.

Further information on the safe use of petrol can be found in Boat Safety Scheme – Safe Use of Petrol leaflet (http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/)

Portable Generators/Outboard Engines
Due to remote locations for moorings and limited availability of 240v supplies, portable generators are often used to supplement power supplies. Evidence suggests that portable generators have been operated inside the accommodation space, the consequence of which has led to fatalities occurring as a result of asphyxiation.

Portable Generators
• Generators should be operated in the open air, away from ventilation outlets and inlets, to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the accommodation space.
• Petrol powered generators should never be operated in the accommodation space.
• Generators should always be refuelled ashore, ideally at least 4m from any opening into any boat or other enclosed space, including drains.
• Generators should always be switched off and allowed to cool before refuelling.
• Spillages of petrol can be avoided by using the correct size and design of funnel or pouring aid. Small amounts of fuel spilled overboard will be diluted naturally.
• Routine maintenance will ensure the generator will run more efficiently producing less toxic gas.

Outboard Engines
The general principles in relation to the use of fuels apply equally to outboard engine use. The following guidance will reduce the risk of a fire and serious injury occurring:

• Portable tanks should always be refuelled ashore, ideally at least 4m from any opening into any boat or other enclosed space, including drains.
• Spillages of petrol can be avoided by using the correct size and design of funnel or pouring aid. Small amounts of fuel spilled overboard will be diluted naturally.
• Routine maintenance will ensure the engine will run more efficiently producing less
toxic gas.
Further information on how to minimise the environmental impact of boating in very practical ways can be obtained by visiting the Green-Blue website www.thegreenblue.org.uk

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Safety
LPG is an extremely volatile product. The vapours are heavier than air and can easily find their way into the accommodation space in the event of a gas leak. The consequence could be a fire and explosion once the LPG vapour is in contact with an ignition source.

• Installing an LPG detector will give an early warning of a build up of LPG within the accommodation space.
• When purchasing a detector, make sure that it complies with European Standard, EN 50194.
• There are strict Boat Safety Scheme requirements for the storage and handling of LPG, which will significantly reduce the potential for a leak to occur.
• Screwed type LPG cylinder connectors should be capped when not in use to avoid damage to screw threads. Damaged threads could cause gas to escape.
• Self-contained LPG appliances should be stored in lockers or housings when not in use. They should not be stored in the accommodation space.
• Portable gas canisters should be stored outside the accommodation space in purpose built, ventilated lockers.
• If using a gas barbecue and a leak is suspected, turn off the appliance immediately.
• When changing gas cylinders, turn off the supply before disconnecting the empty cylinder. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when changing gas cylinders.

Further information on the safe use of LPG can be found in Boat Safety Scheme – Safe Use of LPG leaflet that can be obtained from:
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/