Daily Checks

Before engine start, every day:

1) Check the level in the engine header tank. It should be about halfway up the column.

2) Raise the main engine deck cover and check the engine oil level by checking the dipstick (see yellow arrow). The oil level should be between the max and min marks. To add oil, remove the 'breather cap' (see green arrow), which is just a push fit, and pour a small quantity of oil into the top of the engine, checking the dipstick frequently to avoid overfilling.

3) Raise the weed hatch access cover and undo the weed hatch. There is a kneeling pad in the locker where the engine header tank is located. Check around the propeller and prop-shaft by inserting the steel-tipped end of the boat-hook and 'feeling' around (you will be very lucky to see the propeller through the murky canal water). There should be only metal down there. If you can feel anything soft and squidgy, then you probably have something fouling the propeller and/or the shaft.You may be able to remove the obstruction with the boat hook, if you are lucky.

At the end of cruising, every day:

Raise the right-hand engine deck cover and give the stern tube greaser half a turn (clockwise).

If not, use the 'Bargee Bill' to rip the obstruction up and remove it. Usually you will find a collection of plastic bags or even weeds! It is also possible (usually) to remove the obstruction without having to put your hands in the water. If you do have to put your hands in, be very careful to not cut yourself with any sharp blades, and wash very carefully afterwards to remove all traces of the disease-ridden canal water!

During cruising, every day:

Operate the Bilge pump switch (labelled on the control panel) and check if any water comes out of the hull escape hole (on the right hand side of the boat). If nothing comes out after 15 seconds of operation then turn the pump off. Otherwise, wait for the flow of bilge water to stop and then turn the pump off.