Courses & Guides

Engine Systems Fundamentals

Understand diesel engine operation, routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, and basic troubleshooting for common issues.

• Daily engine checks
• Oil and filter service
• Cooling system maintenance
• Fuel system care

Electrical Systems

Learn about 12V and 230V systems, battery maintenance, solar panel integration, inverter operation, and electrical safety on narrowboats.

• Battery bank management
• Charging systems
• Solar and wind power
• Wiring and safety

Plumbing & Water Systems

Covers water tanks, pumps, filters, heating systems, toilet maintenance, and leak prevention. Includes winterisation procedures.

• Pump operation and repair
• Heating system care
• Toilet maintenance
• Leak detection and repair

Hull Maintenance

Hull inspection techniques, blacking procedures, anodes, rust prevention, and understanding boat safety certificates and surveys.

• Hull inspection methods
• Blacking process
• Anode replacement
• Survey preparation

Lock Operation

Detailed guides on operating narrow locks, wide locks, staircase locks, and guillotine gates. Safety procedures and etiquette included.

• Single lock operation
• Lock flights and staircases
• Safety procedures
• Waterway etiquette

Mooring Guide

Understand mooring types, time limits, visitor moorings, residential moorings, and continuous cruising requirements under Canal & River Trust rules.

• Mooring regulations
• Continuous cruising
• Marina facilities
• Mooring equipment

Route Planning

Plan journeys across the canal network, understand cruising times, identify facilities, and navigate seasonal closures and restrictions.

• Distance calculation
• Facility locations
• Seasonal considerations
• Alternative routes

Licensing & Regulations

Navigate Canal & River Trust licensing, boat safety certificates, insurance requirements, and legal obligations for canal boaters.

• CRT licensing
• Boat Safety Scheme
• Insurance requirements
• Legal obligations

Winter Preparation

Winterisation procedures including antifreeze, heating system preparation, battery care, and strategies for winter cruising or laying up.

• Winterisation checklist
• Heating optimization
• Ice management
• Winter cruising tips

Spring Commissioning

Bring your boat back to full operation after winter, including system checks, cleaning, engine servicing, and safety inspections.

• Post-winter inspection
• System reactivation
• Deep cleaning
• Safety checks

Summer Maintenance

Manage heat, optimize ventilation, prevent overheating, maintain water supplies, and handle increased system demands during summer months.

• Cooling strategies
• Water management
• Engine cooling
• Ventilation optimization

Autumn Preparation

Prepare for changing conditions with guides on heating system checks, weatherproofing, leaf management, and transition to winter operations.

• Weatherproofing
• Heating preparation
• Drainage management
• Storage optimization

Charter Operations

Information on starting a narrowboat charter business, including licensing, insurance, marketing, and operational considerations.

• Business licensing
• Safety requirements
• Marketing strategies
• Guest management

Remote Work Setup

Create a functional workspace on your narrowboat with reliable internet, power management, and ergonomic considerations for full-time work.

• Internet connectivity
• Power requirements
• Workspace design
• Equipment selection

Full-Time Living

Practical aspects of living aboard year-round, including mail forwarding, healthcare access, council tax, and managing utilities.

• Address management
• Utility services
• Waste disposal
• Community integration

Mobile Services

Operate mobile businesses from your narrowboat, from canal-side cafes to repair services. Covers permits, equipment, and practical operations.

• Trading licenses
• Equipment setup
• Location selection
• Operational logistics