That finishing touch

From Issue 29 - 14 February 2008
Tony Hoyland visits Coates & Co and discovers that their latest 57ft semi-trad narrowboat is just as much a work of pride as a combination of their skill.

WHAT is the most difficult decision to make when choosing your narrowboat dream? Layout? Style? Location? The company? Time? The cost?

Medos soon after her launch at Burton Waters Marina. The boat’s name is one of those that has to be read backwards to reveal its true meaning.

The answer is most likely all of the above and a few more besides! Dee and Dave Brown went through all this when researching their narrowboat but found most of their questions fell in to place when they went to see the proprietor of Coates & Co, Brendan Coates.

That was 20 weeks ago and now their 57ft semi-trad reverse layout narrowboat, Medos, is complete. But visiting with them just a few days before this in the Coates & Co workshop, the finishing touches to Medos were still being applied.

“The Co in Coates & Co,” says Brendan, “is homage to the team of sub-contractors who have put so much work and enthusiasm in to this build. This team comprises Kevin and son Gavin – plumbing, Rick – engineering and Kie – electrics.”

Brendan’s skilled carpentry is also clearly evident throughout the build. A skill that has been in his family for generations – and a claim to fame that his great-grandfather fitted out two of the staterooms on the Titanic!

Working forward through Medos from the rear deck and steering position the large steel sliding roof hatch and steel doors, which are wood panelled internally, open to lead into the aft cabin utility area.

Note how the use of American cherry has added a ‘warmth’ throughout the boat.

Here there is space for the Candy compact washing machine and airing cupboard. The Beta Marine 38hp diesel engine and batteries are housed beneath matt black flooring panels.

The galley area is accessed via a set of offset steps with LED lighting inset in the risers. This adds to the futuristic feel in this area, which has an impressive master Vectron control panel – the hub of the energy management system throughout the boat.

Now looking down the full length of the boat the first thing to strike your eyes is the quality of the woodwork throughout. American cherry – an uncommon but effective choice – lines the upper walls, finished off with a solid mahogany trim. This is balanced beautifully with the Georgian style handcrafted ceiling ornately detailed and finished in a washable satin cream. Ceiling lighting throughout is halogen brass downlighting.

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Nigel Grant this month focuses on two important subjects: Carbon Monoxide safety – avoiding the silent threat and the care and maintenance of heating appliances.

IN recent years, there has been a steady increase in individuals choosing to live on the waterways. Living on a boat can be a cheaper, cost effective alternative to the high cost of housing in the UK and provides an opportunity for a complete lifestyle change to take advantage of a more relaxed way of life.

Those who live aboard on a permanent basis are considered to be more ‘at risk’ than boaters who use their craft less frequently, quite simply because the boat is in frequent use!

Boaters are particularly vulnerable during the winter period due to an increase in use of heating and cooking appliances, which, if they have not been properly installed and maintained, can lead to severe cases of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and asphyxiation.

So this month we discuss two important subjects: Carbon Monoxide safety – avoiding the silent threat and the care and maintenance of heating appliances. Firstly, we discuss the characteristics of Carbon Monoxide and the importance of providing adequate ventilation in the accommodation space. Secondly, we offer some practical advice for the safe use of heating appliances, including the requirement to have them properly installed and maintained.

For more advice and information on Carbon Monoxide safety, visit boatsafetyscheme.com

Carbon Monoxide safety – avoiding the silent threat

Why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous:
Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic, odourless, colourless gas. Fires or appliances that burn fossil fuels produce Carbon Monoxide, especially if they are not working properly, the flue is blocked or the room is inadequately ventilated.

The effects of the gas are deadly. Nationally, on average, 50 people a year are killed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning due to faulty heating appliances (including boat fatalities).
There are also significant numbers of non-fatal incidents and potentially many thousands of people suffering low levels of Carbon Monoxide poisoning but remaining unaware of exposure.

Ventilation

Some heaters and all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cooking appliances require a constant supply of air in order to function correctly. Lack of ventilation will cause the appliances to function inefficiently, producing Carbon Monoxide. In sufficient quantities this will cause asphyxiation.

• Roof mounted ventilation outlets should be unobstructed and remote from flue outlets.
• Blocked flue/ventilation outlets can lead to a dangerous build-up of Carbon Monoxide.
• Door ventilation grills should be unobstructed to allow a free flow of air into the accommodation space at all times.
• Window vents should open easily.

Heating Appliances

Heating appliances for boats fall mainly into two categories: room sealed or space type; LPG, fuel oil or electricity generally fuels them. Problems usually arise due to lack of maintenance or improper use.

Blocked flues, faulty door seals and poor ventilation are all contributory factors towards fire and asphyxiation. The requirement to have all appliances regularly serviced by a competent person cannot therefore be overstated.

• Do not use petrol or other flammable liquids to light fires.
• Use a competent person to routinely check all appliances and their flues in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
• Always use a full, protective fireguard when young children or infirm people are aboard.
• Do not position portable heaters too close to combustible materials eg furniture and fabrics, which could catch fire.
• Do not place portable heaters where they can be knocked or tripped over, or where items can fall onto them.
• Do not place portable heating appliances on emergency exit routes.
• Never use mobile (cabinet) gas heaters. They are not suitable for use in boats and introduce additional fire safety hazards.
• If using a solid fuel room heater, you should ensure that the appliance door is closed at all times to prevent sparks or falling embers from starting a fire.
• Extreme care should be taken when using room heaters. Ensure the heater remains stable while working.
• Do not leave portable heating appliances unattended and make sure they are isolated before you leave the boat.
• Take extra care when using portable heating appliances if you have a cat or dog on board. Close supervision of pets while appliances are in use will remove the risk of them dislodging the appliance and starting a fire.
• Oscillating radiant room heaters are gaining in popularity among boaters. If you use this type of heater, make sure that it is secure and cannot be knocked over.