Using my Rib on a Canal

[ArtySeago]

Hello I was wondering if anyone had any information on using Ribs in Canals. I have a little 2.3 meter rib with a 4 hp engine and I am wondering if I could use it on a stretch of a Canal in Cheshire. I assume I will need a permit but where would I get this from? also would I need insurance and what would happen about locks? I haven't ever attempted anything like this so therefor I know nothing and any Information would be gratefully received

Many thanks Arty

[Machpoint005]

15 minutes ago, ArtySeago said:

I will need a permit but where would I get this from

Depends which canal - Bridgewater or a CRT navigation? 

Edited May 22, 2017 by Machpoint005
sp

[ArtySeago]

I was thinking more about CRT than Bridgewater

Thanks for the quick response

[Martin Megson]

Here's a link to the Canal & River Trust boating pages that should give you the info you need.  

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/licensing-your-boat

As Ian indicated above the Bridgewater canal is not a CRT navigation - their link is below. 

http://www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk/boating/

[ArtySeago]

Is it possible to use a small rib on the CRT canals?

[lulu fish]

1 hour ago, ArtySeago said:

Is it possible to use a small rib on the CRT canals?

Yes, but it will need licence, safety cert and insurance. Not sure how efficient they be at catching you if you didn't bother with any of those things...

[Tony Brooks]

You know how it handles at low or very low speed but boats that are designed for higher planing speeds can be a pig to steer at low speed, especially if the OB is not fitted with an add on rudder.

[NickF]

35 minutes ago, lulu fish said:

Yes, but it will need licence, safety cert and insurance. Not sure how efficient they be at catching you if you didn't bother with any of those things...

I am not so sure about a safety certificate on an open boat,. I didn't need one when I got a temporary licence for a sailing dinghy with outboard

[ArtySeago]

Does anybody know if there is a website where I could find out what I would need in terms of insurance, safety cert, licence etc?

[1st ade]

1 minute ago, NickF said:

I am not so sure about a safety certificate on an open boat,. I didn't need one when I got a temporary licence for a sailing dinghy with outboard

Three years ago and for somewhat complicated reasons we launched a 6.5 m RHIB on the Northampton arm to get it onto the River Nene. Almost every regulation vanished when we said "no cabin". 100lt Petrol tank + 35 litre reserve; No Problem. 140 HP four stroke outboard; no problem.

We also had a (temporary) "Authority to exceed the speed limit" [we were providing safety cover for a rowing race]. I never did get the picture of us us doing 29.7 Kt past a sign saying "speed limit 8 Kt"

[Pie Eater]

1 minute ago, ArtySeago said:

Does anybody know if there is a website where I could find out what I would need in terms of insurance, safety cert, licence etc?

All the info should be on the CaRT website.

[WotEver]

The flow chart here says it's not exempt:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/1197.pdf

I love flow charts that say:

Is it propelled by an outboard motor or is it unpowered? Yes/No

T

3 minutes ago, Pie Eater said:

All the info should be on the CaRT website.

It is - there's loads there. 

[NickF]

3 minutes ago, WotEver said:

The flow chart here says it's not exempt:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/1197.pdf

I love flow charts that say:

Is it propelled by an outboard motor or is it unpowered? Yes/No

T

It is - there's loads there. 

But the flow chart also says

 

• We will issue a short term licence without either if you are able to satisfy the conditions contained within the Boat Condition Declaration – please complete separate Application Form 

 

which is I think how I got away with it for my open sailing dinghy with 2.2hp outboard

 

[ArtySeago]

WotEver,

It is propelled by by 4hp outboard

[WotEver]

3 minutes ago, NickF said:

But the flow chart also says

 

• We will issue a short term licence without either if you are able to satisfy the conditions contained within the Boat Condition Declaration – please complete separate Application Form 

 

which is I think how I got away with it for my open sailing dinghy with 2.2hp outboard

Sounds good to me

[Martin Megson]

32 minutes ago, ArtySeago said:

Does anybody know if there is a website where I could find out what I would need in terms of insurance, safety cert, licence etc?

I posted links to the web sites. Try them