Owners' Area
Agreed Protocols and Practices
The following is a list of the protocols and practices to which
Bronington owners have agreed. They provide an
aide-memoire to help everyone enjoy their time on our boat.
The protocols and practices have been adopted and adapted from
experience and strategies that have previously been tried by the
owners of Bronington and those of Rodbaston and Theddingworth.
CONTENTS
1. Pets and Smoking
Pets or other animals are not allowed anywhere on the boat.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the boat - and that includes the
foredeck, roof and stern. There are no exceptions!
2. Prior to Arrival
OwnerShips ask you to either telephone or email them, on the Monday of the week you are due on the boat, to advise them of your likely time of arrival.
3. On Arrival at the Boat
Car parking Leave the name of your boat visibly on a piece of paper in your car. If you are using the pub car park as parking for a second car leave the receipt from the pub for the parking fee visible in the car.
End of Holiday Report Read the previous End of Holiday Report, a copy of which should hopefully be on board, detailing what action has been taken to any problem highlighted by previous owner. Also look in diary to see if any messages have been left.
Valet Decide whether an end of cruise valet needs to be booked and establish whether it needs to be paid for before departure or on your return.
4. Checking Over the Boat
Gas The gas should have been turned off at the
bottle by the previous owner on departure. Turn the gas on at the
bottle in the forward locker and try lighting a ring on the cooker
to ensure that gas is on. Check that the spare gas bottle is full -
it should be heavy!
Water Check that there is fresh water in
the tank. In winter, because of possibly freezing, it should
not have been left full.
Stern Gland Greaser Screw down the stern gland
greaser until some light resistance is felt. This should normally be about one
full turn unless it has not been screwed down for some time.
Weed Hatch Open the weed hatch and remove any
debris from around the propeller. Take care not to damage the cabin
paintwork with the hatch cover.
Engine Oil Check the engine oil
level using the dipstick. Preferably the oil should be checked
when the engine is cold. If checking when the engine is hot,
it should be done no sooner than 10 minutes after the engine has been
shut down as this allows the oil to drain to the oil pan. Top up if necessary to maintain the oil between the two
marks. The oil level should not be above the top mark on the
dipstick or below the bottom mark. Top up if necessary but be
careful how much oil is added. A diesel engine will smoke and can suffer damage if the
oil level is too high. Wipe up any oil spills or drips.
Batteries According to OwnerShips
engaged mechanics, the batteries do
not have to be checked by individual owners.
Engine compartment Check around
the engine compartment and engine for
damaged belts, excess oil, water leaks etc.
Bilge Check to see if the bilge
needs to be pumped out. If there
has been no rain and no other water ingress, then there should be nothing to pump out. After heavy rain there may be
water in the bilge especially as the water that gathers in
the bows flows to the stern. The bilge pump should operate automatically
when a high water level trips a float switch. Note that the bilge
will always have some water in it as the pump will not empty it
completely.
Engine Coolant Expansion Tank Top up
the tank if necessary. It is located on the forward wall of
the engine compartment. It should only be filled to the bottom
of the orange tube.
Fuel Hopefully, you should not
have to check the fuel because the previous owner will have left the
tank full.
5. Engine Starting and Stopping and Throttle Control
Starting Give the engine at least 5 minutes to warm up before setting off
each day or when it is cold.
Throttle Control
Avoid rapid engine acceleration or deceleration. Reduce to ‘tick-over’
speed before changing between forward and reverse (and vice versa). This will minimise wear on the
drive plate which connects the engine to the gearbox.
Stopping Before turning off,
bring the engine back to idle for a minute or so before turning off.
6. Mains Inverter
An inverter is fitted which provides mains electricity (240v) for the vacuum cleaner, microwave and other small appliances . The inverter is beneath the steps from the stern entrance. There is an on/off switch on the inverter and another in the galley. Both switches need to be on for the 240v supply to be on. Ideally the engine should be running at not less than 1000 rpm when the inverter is being be used. (This needs to be checked because if it is correct then the electrical system is not well designed.) Check the detailed instructions in the Owners' Manual on board.
7. Central Heating
Follow
the instructions on the boiler
to light it and set the controls. It's worth checking that there's
enough water in the header tank near the top of the Alde – this
occasionally needs filling.
The Alde struggles to provide adequate hot water for both central
heating and hot water in the winter especially if the engine has not
been running much. The engine is the best
source for hot water unless it is inappropriate to have it running.
Hot water is directed between the taps and the central heating by a lever control in the cupboard under the kitchen sink. When
the lever is lying parallel to the pipe all hot water is directed to the
taps. When the lever is in the upright position hot water is directed to the central
heating. A position at about the 10˚o’clock
position seems to be the best compromise for both hot water and
heating.
8. Cruising
Cruising Guidelines
The maximum speed on narrow canals is 4mph. But if you’re making
waves or your wash is hitting the bank, you’re going too fast so
slow down. On rivers and broad canals, check local information
before you set out and watch for speed limit signs en route.
Try to avoid cruising at high engine speeds (above 2000 rpm) as this
places unnecessary wear and tear on the engine. Experience shows
that the stern tends to 'dig in' at high engine revs, and that
cruising at 1200-1600 rpm is best.
Pass moored boats slowly at ‘tick-over’ speed.
Keep to the right when passing boats coming the other way.
Otherwise, keep to the centre of the waterway.
If you’re approaching a bridge or narrow section, slow down.
If a boat coming in the opposite direction is closer to the
constriction,
wave them through and keep right until they’re well clear. On
rivers, the boat coming downstream has right of way.
If you go aground, which is inevitable at some point, don’t try to
force your way over the obstacle with more engine power or you’ll
find yourself stuck even more. Instead, use reverse gear to
back away into deeper water.
On a similar point, if you have moored in shallow water it is
often difficult to escape the bank. If the bow can not be
pushed out then push the stern out and reverse for a short distance.
The galley (side) hatch and front doors are best left closed
going through locks as you are likely to be subject to water spurts
from the lock walls and gates. The hatch doors can also be caught on
lock walls and damaged.
It is advisable to keep the front doors closed when locking up to
prevent water coming into the cabin.
If you travel with the fenders out be aware that they can get caught
on passing boats and that there is a chance you could get stuck in
very narrow locks. The flat fenders, stowed in the stern
locker, are the best fenders to use when mooring against
timber, steel, concrete or other hard banks.
The British Waterways
Boater's Handbook is an excellent guide to boating on the
waterways.
Diary Completing the diary is not compulsory but
it is useful for fellow owners to read details of places
to visit and good pubs, moorings etc and also places to avoid. It is also helpful to detail on the last
page anything you think the next owner should know about the boat.
9. Daily and Weekly Checks
Make sure you complete the daily and weekly checks in accordance with the Owners' Manual.
Daily Checks The following should be done on a daily basis:
- Screw down the stern gland greaser until some light resistance is felt.
- Check the engine oil and top up as required.
- Check the water level in the engine coolant tank and top up as necessary.
- Operate the bilge pump until water no longer comes out. (You may have to do this morning and night depending on the amount of water in the bilge.) Make sure the drain covers in the bow well are kept clean.
Weekly Checks The following should be done on a weekly basis:
- Check the fuel to make sure that you have enough fuel to make it to the next filling point. Graduated dipsticks have been provided to check the fuel level. Any costs incurred by running out of fuel, such as call out, bleeding the system and the fuel itself, will be borne by the owner concerned.
- Check the battery electrolyte level and top as necessary. Check the connections to the battery terminals to make sure that they are not loose. Tighten as necessary but do not over-tighten, .
- Check around the engine compartment and engine for damaged belts, excess oil, water leaks etc. Clean up any oil drips.
10. Housekeeping
Toilets On no account should anything other
than degradable toilet paper be flushed down the toilet pans. On no
account should ‘Charmin’ toilet tissue be used. Nor should 'wet wipes', nappies, etc be disposed of in the toilet. DO NOT
use toilet cleaner or bleach in the toilet as it reacts with the
Blue Loo enzyme which is used to stop smells. It will take a
long time before it completely clears from the tank leading to many
smelly holidays!
Broken Items Replace any broken
items with similar if possible or leave a note that you have requested and paid
for them from the boatyard.
11. Spare Parts
There are some spare parts carried on the boat – refer to the
inventory for details. They can be found beneath the large drawer in the dinette area and
can be accessed by completely removing the drawer. These are
emergency spares and, if used, replacements must be requested on the
end of trip report.
Fuses??????????
12. Consumables
Gas Owners are not expected to do anything
other than replace any gas bottle that they have emptied. No
financial contribution to the next owner's cost is required. The
principle of this system is that it will level itself out over time.
Whereas you might be unlucky to find that on one trip (or two)
you replace an empty gas bottle after only minimal use you will also find yourself cruising for
two weeks and not needing to change a bottle.
Cleaning Materials There should be an adequate supply of
basic cleaning materials left on board. Replace all cleaning
chemicals, such as washing up liquid, as they run out.
Loo Blue If you use the Loo Blue during a trip
please ensure that there is an adequate supply for the next
owner. Owners planning to use self pump-out facilities are
recommended to take a supply of Loo Blue on board with them.
Coal and Kindling Owners who have used
the coal and kindling supplies on board should ensure, particularly in the winter, that adequate
supplies are left on board for at least two day's use by the next
owners on board.
13. Security
When you leave the boat to go ashore during your trip, make sure that all doors and hatches are locked. You are strongly advised not to leave valuables in view if you do not close the curtains.
14. End of the Cruise
At the end of the cruise it is expected that owners will leave
the boat as they found it and ready for the next owner to depart
from the marina with no more than cursory checks.
Problems If there has been a particular problem
which you know must be sorted out before the next trip it is also
helpful to warn the next owner by telephone.
Food Remove all food at the end of each trip. The
only exceptions are salt, pepper, tea, coffee and sugar if left in
their storage containers or dispensers.
Personal Hygiene Apart from toilet rolls, nothing
is to be left on board.
Interior Valet and Cleaning All owners are strongly encouraged to have a professional valet done
after they return although (this might not always be possible. If a valet has
been booked this should be recorded on the End of Holiday Report.
Any owner who arrives at the boat to find its cleanliness less than
expected must check on the End of Holiday Report to establish
whether or not a valet service had been arranged. If a valet service had been requested the owner arriving
on the boat will inform the valeting service of their
dissatisfaction.
Owners who have not arranged for a valet must clean the boat to an
acceptable condition before departure.
Exterior Cleaning Unless the
weather is inclement, a mop down of the stern, bows and gunwales is expected, as is
polishing of the brass work . Washing
and cleaning of the glass, woodwork and paintwork is much
appreciated.
No polish should be applied to the exterior paintwork of the boat as this
complicates and increases the cost of repainting.
Touching Up Paintwork From the outset, Bronington will benefit from
minor scratches and chips in the paintwork being touched up by those
who feel inclined to do so. The main benefit is that, by inhibiting the spread of rust, the next
full repaint becomes an easier task. An additional benefit is that the appearance of the boat is maintained to a
high standard.
Paint, brushes and brush cleaner are stored on the boat. If
you do any painting please ensure the lid of the paint pot is sealed tightly after use
and the brushes are cleaned or replaced.
Reporting Damage Owners must report damage or losses that have been sustained during
their time on the boat. This will avoid subsequent owners
discovering that their trip is spoilt by something discovered missing or damaged.
All of us accept that accidental
damage or loss is inevitable and expect that the owner responsible
makes every effort to resolve the issue before the boat is taken
over by the next owner. Owners generally take it upon
themselves to replace minor items lost, failed or broken (such as
windlasses, mooring pins etc.) during their time on the boat since this is often
more cost effective than reporting the loss and asking OwnerShips to
arrange a replacement.
The costs attributable to unavoidable or unforeseen damage such as
serious fouling of the propeller or vandalism damage will be borne
by the sinking fund or in extreme cases a claim will be made against
the insurance.
Fuel The fuel tank is to be left
full for the next owner.
Pump-Outs Pump-outs should be carried out
before departure or arranged
(and paid for) with the boatyard to be carried out before the next
owner wishes to leave.
Water In winter, because of the possibility
of freezing,
the water tank should not be left
full. At other times, whilst the instructions say enough water should be
left in for immediate use and to get the next owner to the nearest water point,
we feel it is preferable to leave the tank almost full.
However, if it is known that the boat will not be
occupied for a week or more ,do not fill up the water tank as it may
go stale before arrival of the next owner. If you do not fill
the tank please leave a note advising the next owner.
15. Leaving the Boat
Departure Time You must leave the boat
by 9:30 am on Friday.
End of Holiday Report The End of
Holiday Report needs to be
completed and all three (3) copies handed to the local OwnerShips manager or
to marina staff if the OwnerShips Manager is not available.
The Reports need to be handed in even if no work is requested.
Fridge Turn off power to the fridge and freezer at
the switch
panel at the bottom of the steps. Leave fridge door open to allow it to
defrost. If there has been heavy icing to the freezer compartment, de-icing may have to be done before the final day on the
boat.
Electrics Turn off all electrical
appliances. Turn off all the switches on the switch panel.
Turn off the inverter.
Gas Turn the gas off at the bottle.
Bedding To avoid bedding becoming damp,
particularly during the winter months, please ensure that all bedding (including any you
haven’t used) is left folded on the double bed.
Display of Notices Ensure that all ‘NO SMOKING’ and ‘NO PETS’
signs are left prominently on display.
Locking and Keys
Ensure that the front doors are locked and all the windows are
closed.
Leave the Bronington keys on the hook by the stern door and lock the
stern door with your personal key.
16. Remote Changeovers
Bronington owners support the concept of remote changeovers to increase the opportunities available to other owners. Such changeovers, including provisions for refuelling, pump-outs etc, are arranged between the owners concerned.
17. Communication Between Owners
Owners are encouraged to send reports and photos to each other as
an aid to developing a database of information useful in planning
future trips. Any comments that relate to ‘moans’ or problems with Bronington should also be copied to OwnerShips to give them advance
warning of any evolving issues.
Owners are also encouraged to send information and photos for
inclusion on the web site to
webmaster@nb-bronington.co.uk.
18. BW Licence Holder and Owners' Responsibility
One owner has volunteered to be the BW licence holder for
Bronington. The licence holder is responsible for ensuring
that the licence is renewed in time
in response to BW's annual reminder and is
responsible (in BW's eyes) for ensuring that the boat always carries
a current cruising licence.
In a shared situation such as ours, BW expects that
all owners are aware of the navigation rules and licence conditions
distributed with the licence and occasionally at other times.
These are available on BW's web site (rules
and conditions).