Get to know your boat's engine and electrics

THE River Canal Rescue (RCR) has announced dates for its 2020 boat and engine maintenance and electrics
courses.

Run monthly from January to November they cover; diesel engines, transmissions, boat plumbing, boat electrics, lay-up and refit procedures and are the best way to get to know your boat's engine to get yourself out of difficulties.

The dates

Boat and engine maintenance course dates are: 25-26 January, 8-9 February, 7-8 and 21-22 March, 25-26 April, 16-17 May, 5-6 September, 3-4 October and 7-8 November. Boat and engine electrics dates are: 22-23 February, 4-5 April, 6-7 June, 19-20 September and 14-15 November.

Held at RCR’s Baswich head office (by bridge 101 on the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal), the courses are ideal for owners keen to learn more about basic boat engine maintenance and electrics as they combine the theory with practical demonstrations and participation.

A two-day weekend boat & engine maintenance course costs £200 and is run by RCR engineers Dave Bull and Paul Greaves on a rotational basis. The boat & engine electrics course is £250 and run by Mastervolt electrical specialist Keith Meadowcroft.

Personal engine and maintenance course

RCR also runs a personal engine maintenance course with one-to-one tuition from an engineer/qualified trainer who will visit the boat and advise on how to undertake a basic service and help with engine familiarisation.  Instruction includes how to change the engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, air and fuel filters and water traps, check the alternator belt, raw-water pump impeller and stern gland and top-up and test batteries, alternator performance, coolant and anti-freeze strength.

Prior to booking the one-to-one support (which costs £170 plus parts), RCR recommends owners familiarise themselves with engines and systems by attending the boat and engine maintenance course.

Can arrange additional courses

RCR can arrange additional courses upon demand and offers discounts to boat clubs who want to host their own sessions. RCR members’ gift vouchers can be redeemed against any products or services, including courses.

To find out more visit http://www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk/rcr-courses/