Living on board your boat

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a holiday afloat is the feeling of freedom – freedom to go exactly where you want at your own pace, with everything close at hand. However some simple housekeeping rules will help your holiday run smoothly.

Fresh and filtered water

Your water tanks will be full when you take over your boat, but it is advisable to top up your tanks every day.

Your boat is fitted with a water pump, the pump is automatic, and will activate everytime you turn on the tap and should cut off within a minute or so of the tap being turned off. 

We would advise you to turn it ‘OFF’ over night as it will use up battery supply by maintaining pressure even when not in use. If you do run out of water you must turn off the pump at the main switch (usually in the dashboard area) immediately and after refilling we would advise you purge the system by running two taps for a short while.

Water is available from all boatyards, yacht stations, many public moorings and some Broads Hotels and pubs. When refilling your tank please remember the following:

Use only water from hoses that are clearly marked for drinking water. There should be a blue sleeve around the hosepipe and a drinking water notice at the standpipe .

Always let the hose run for a short while before putting the end into the filler to flush out any stale water from the pipe.

!    Do not drag the nozzle of the hose along the ground or allow it to fall into the river.

!    Do not use drinking water for any other purpose than filling your boats water tanks.

!    Make sure you put the hose in the right hole. It will be clearly marked drinking water.

When returning the hose replace the nozzle on the hook or other device that should be provided to ensure that the nozzle is at least a metre above the ground.

Do not allow your pet to foul any ground with which the drinking hose may come into contact.

Please note that your boat is also fitted with a water filter unit. The unit is designed to provide crystal clear water from which any harmful bacteria have been removed.  This is an additional safeguard to the important precautions stated above.  Because of the fine filtration the unit only delivers water slowly. There is no need to use it when the water is going to be boiled e.g . for tea, coffee, cooking vegetables etc.

Hot water and showers

Hot water is heated by the engine via a calorifier tank, this is only effective when the engine is ‘working’, that is when the craft is underway.  To fully heat the water to its maximum temperature could take up to 2 hours depending on the engine load.  Running the engine in neutral to heat water is generally not very effective.  Once at full temperature the hot water is generally much hotter than domestic hot water, but it will not remain hot overnight, particularly in colder weather. 

All our boats are fitted with showers, some with baths.  There is a pump to pump out the water from the shower tray area, the switch for the pump will be positioned on the wall of the shower.  The waste water will be pumped directly overboard.   It is important to keep the shower tray clean to prevent clogging the outlet and always remember to switch off the pump when finished as continual running will burn the pump out.

Electricity

A 12v-240v inverter is fitted to all boats to supply the 240v system on board. 

Unlike mains electricity it is not limitless, if you use the power without running the engine you will flatten the battery. 

You should cruise for a minimum of four to five hours every day to keep your battery charged. 

If your boat has a Microwave you should be aware that it uses a lot of battery power during operation and we would recommend if possible that you run your engine at 1200rpm or so in neutral during use to minimise the battery drain. (Avoid doing this between 7pm and 7am to limit disturbance to others)  We would also advise that you use lights sparingly particularly in early spring and late summer.

Shore line – if fitted

If your boat is fitted with a shore line we would recommend you use this whenever possible as this will supply your power and charge your batteries at the same time without running the engine.  Once the shoreline is connected, use the boat equipment as you have been instructed.

!    Do plug into the boat before plugging into the shore unit

!    Do make sure the remote control for the battery charger is operating.

!    Do not put any of the electrical appliances outside the boat, tv, stereo etc.  Electricity and water do  not mix!

!    Do not let children use the shore power facility aboard the boat.

!    Do not use the shore lead if it has been dropped into the water

!    Remember to unplug the shore lead at both shore and boat end before leaving you mooring.

Toilets

You will have been instructed on the operation of the toilets on your boat during the handover procedure. Please do not use as a waste disposal. Nappies sanitary items, tampons, wet wipes and facial tissues, etc. must be disposed of ashore.   If the toilet becomes blocked through misuse, you will have to pay for its clearance.

Do not use bleach based household disinfectants or toilet cleaners or scouring powder in the bowl as these can damage and upset the chemical processes of the system.  Pump out emptying facilities are available at most boatyards.

Toilet Do’s and Don’ts

Do                                                                                  

Flush the toilet after use

Use only soft (2ply) toilet tissue

Close the lid after use to prevent toilet requisites etc accidentally falling in.

Make sure water stops after flushing

Use shore toilets where provided

Don’t                                                                              

Add disinfectant or water

Use abrasive cleaners

Use the toilet to dispose of sanitary towels, cleaning wipes, disposable nappies, plastic bags etc.  These will block the toilet or pumping out equipment causing you delay, inconvenience and expense. 

Dispose of all your refuse at collection points ashore.

Bottled Gas and Cooking

There must always be adequate ventilation when gas appliances are in use.  There are normally 2 cylinders of gas aboard in a locker on the outside of the craft.  The control valve is on top of the cylinder. When the lever is vertical the gas is ON, horizontal the gas is OFF. Some craft have either an auto or manual cylinder change over valve where the two cylinder pipes come together.

Your gas cooker works in the same way as a domestic cooker with the exception of the gas coming from a cylinder rather than mains supply.  Bottled gas operates at a different pressure, follow the operating instructions carefully and take the following simple precautions:

!    When lighting the burners, strike the match first, turn on the gas and light immediately.

!    Never leave a gas appliance burning unattended. Make sure that the flame is not blown out while the gas is left on. If there is a pilot light, check periodically that it is still alight.

!    Always shut the oven door gently – slamming it may blow out the flames.  If you think that the oven gas has gone out, turn off the other burners before you open the door.

!    Always make sure that strong draughts, or liquids boiling over do not put out the flame. If this happens, turn off the gas immediately and do not attempt to light it or a while.

!    Turn off the gas at the cylinder at night or when not in use for some hours.

!    Never cover ventilation holes, and follow the instructions for each appliance.

!    If you suspect a leak turn off the gas immediately at the cylinder and contact the boatyard.  Open all doors and windows, do not smoke, operate elecrical apparatus or sources of ignition.

Heating Sytems

With the exception of a very few boats which are fitted with radiators, your boat’s heating system is diesel fired warm air heating.

To operate turn the switch to the ‘ON’ position, nothing will happen immediately whilst the unit runs its self check program.  After two or three minutes the fan and combustion should start. Some smoke from the exhaust may be noticed during this cycle. After a further three minutes or so the fan should speed up to running speed. DO NOT TURN THE SWITCH OFF/ON DURING START CYCLE.

Problems with heaters are generally caused by low battery voltage or too many start attempts.  To help a clean start, run the engine at around 1200rpm in neutral before and during heater start up.

When running the heating please check that there is adequate space for the heating exhaust outlet not to damage the craft moored alongside.

Fire extinguisher

There are at least 2 fire extinguishers (and a fire blanket) on board your boat. Please be aware of their locations in case of an emergency.

Power Failures

Your boat is fitted with battery master switches and main circuit breakers.

 In case of power failure check the master switches are turned on, as these can be inadvertently knocked to the ‘OFF’ position.

Roofs and canopies

Do not walk or sit on retractable wheelhouse roofs or sunshine roofs.  When raising or lowering retractable roofs do so with extreme care and ensure that all the crew are inside the the boat but well clear. When lowering a winch operated canopy, stand on the lowest floor level possible to safely operate the canopy controls.  Stop winding if the canopy does not move and make sure it is released and free to lower or raise before continuing.  Under no circumstances sit on the rear seat or around the vicinity of the roof whilst is is being lowered.

Treat sidescreens and canopies with care and make sure that they do not blow away, they sink quickly.

Cruising Along…

On arrival at the boatyard you will be given a trial run to familiarise yourself with your boat, its equipment and controls. 

We recommend that the following checks should be carried out before starting the engine each day.

Engine Oil Level

Top up as required from spare oil on board. 

Engine Coolant

Top up with fresh water from the tap.

Weed Filters

Unscrew cap, remove filter, rinse out in a bucket of water and replace. Screw cap back on, this may need to be done more often in weedy areas of the broads.

You will be given a full demonstration of all of the above essential checks during your handover.

Fuel

You will leave the boatyard with a full tank of fuel, normally enough for a one-week cruise and generally more. The value of any unused fuel from your fuel deposit will be refunded to you at the end of your holiday.

In the event that a re-fuel is necessary proceed to the nearest boat yard for assistance.  Please make sure that fuel is put in the fuel tank, not the freshwater tank.  Similarly, ensure that water is not accidentally put in the fuel tank.  All deck fittings are clearly labelled.

Oil Pressure

If a gauge is fitted, and your oil pressure shows ‘zero’ at normal cruising speed, stop immediately and check your oil level.  If the dipstick level is okay and the gauge still reads ‘zero’ seek assistance from the boatyard.  Many boats have an alarm/warning light, which may come on when the engine is being started.  This should stop once it is running, if not, stop the engine and contact the boatyard.

Cooling System

Most engines are water cooled by a pump, which draws water from the river, circulates it through the engine and then discharges it through the exhaust.  Having started the engine, and periodically when cruising, check that water is being ejected from the exhaust.  If not, stop immediately as the engine may overheat and possibly seize.  If no water is being ejected, check the weed strainer on the cooling water inlet which can get blocked – a mop passed along the hull bottom over the intake will often remove weed, mud, etc.  You will be advised of the best procedure for cleaning the filter on your handover.

Stern Gland (if fitted)

Screw down grease cap one turn as per your handover instructions.

Clearing your propeller

Occasionally weed may collect around the propeller, slowing the boat. To clear it, put the gear lever into neutral, then into reverse for a few seconds and then ahead for a few seconds.  Repeat this several times. If this fails, call the boatyard for advice or assistance.   If something more substantial, such as a mooring rope, has become wrapped around the propeller, call the boatyard for assistance.  Do not attempt to continue as this can result in serious damage to the engine. NEVER enter the water yourself in an attempt to clear any obstruction.

Keep a clean boat!

Please keep your boat as clean and tidy as possible.  Keep the interior and utensils clean, use the mop to wash down the decks cabin tops and sides of the boat. Do not wash down decks while under way.

Please dispose of your rubbish in the designated areas ashore. There are facilities at every boat yard and most public moorings.

After your holiday, your boat must be handed back by the stated time in a clean and tidy state.

If you return your boat dirty, or late without good reason, you will be charged.

Leaving a secure boat

Every year Norfolk and Suffolk Police deal with thefts from yachts and motor cruisers.

Boats are difficult to secure and relatively easy to break into, but most thefts are by opportunist thieves and can be deterred by a little thought.

The police advise the following precautions:

Do lock your doors and windows every time you leave your boat and put the canopy up.

Do take what valuable items you can with you and leave as little as possible on board.

Do place your fishing tackle inside at night and when leaving your boat.

Do, if you have a dinghy, put your oars, rowlocks and sails inside at night.

Do make sure you can identify your property.

Do not leave your valuables on view on tables or in the cockpit.

Please heed the advice in this section and prevent your holiday being spoiled by the loss of your property.  Please contact the police if you see anything suspicious.