Stephanie Horton [River and Canal Rescue] is possibly factually correct about the shortcomings of recent Beta Marine engines. Our (intensively used shared) Beta 35HP has done sterling (Stirling? no) service for 15 years with two alternators running off the back end of the engine, writes Paul Burke.
But the design has probably changed since then. But that's not entirely the point. If you subscribe (say) to the RAC, you expect them to try to fix it; and if you've paid some fabulous fee, they'll get you home whatever. If you've paid what most of us can afford, the clever chappie says, sorry, I can't fix it, here's the nearest garage in our scheme, we'll call them and they'll see you right—at your own expense. Okay, that's the nature of insurance.
Clever chappies
The RCR problem is first, the shortage of clever chappies—its own (in my experience) are magnificent, but all too few. It hired clever chappies, well, RCR don't seem to know who or where they are, and so it's an age of reincarnation before they contact someone who can do anything—and they have an hour's drive or more before they can do it.
And then it's the shortage of garages you can take the boat to. They are, of course, the same as the homes of the hired clever chappies above, so you have an odyssey to reach them, and they just drove an hour to reach you. And sadly Orph's [breakdown service] is very rare.
Avid supporter
I'm an avid supporter of RCR, but there is room to improve:
First, the office is the boater's contact. It has to get its act together. From call to resolution, the office should make it its business to be in touch with the customer. If the 'fixer' hasn't called in, call the boat and see if he's just forgotten.
Second, know the area where any problem occurs, and know the facilities in that area. Google maps, Nicholson guides, rumours to start with, a database to maintain it, any way you can match need with supply. Knowing that is what we pay you for. And you have to confirm the facilities regularly—phone up when things are slack and confirm that an emergency facility is still available. An opportunity to chat, so why forego it?
I shouldn't be having to tell you this, so I hope you do it already, but if you do, please tell the pleasant but benighted (on a midsummer's day) young ladies (or gents) in the office, so their response is first, easily, factually and helpfully professional, second, actively concerned with the case.
Thirdly, ready with plan B if their first try doesn't deliver the help the stranded boater needs.