What is a cratch on a boat?
Cratch Cover = A canvas covering over the forward well deck. Foredeck = The higher level deck in the bow of a boat, often over the gas locker in a narrowboat. Fore well = The lower deck at the front of a boat.
What are gunnels on a narrowboat?
The gunwale (/ˈɡʌnəl/) is the top edge of the hull of a ship or boat. On a narrowboat or canal boat, the gunwale is synonymous with the side deck – a narrow ledge running the full length of the craft.
Why do Narrowboats need anodes?
Anodes are commonly used to help protect the hull in the case of galvanic corrosion caused by electrical current flowing between connections and between dissimilar metals.
How do I stop my narrowboat pitting?
As surveyors we often see deep pitting up to 3mm in narrow boat plating. Normally caused by galvanic corrosion it can be prevented by installing a galvanic isolator and if you’re a live aboard with access to shore power an isolation transformer.
What is a skeg on a narrowboat?
A skeg (or skegg or skag) is a sternward extension of the keel of boats and ships which have a rudder mounted on the centre line. The term also applies to the lowest point on an outboard motor or the outdrive of an inboard/outboard.
What is a pigeon box on a narrowboat?
A ‘pigeon box’ is a small raised box on the cabin roof with an opening pitched roof, often incorporating small brass portholes, used for ventilation and letting light into the engine room on a motor boat.
How long do anodes last on a narrowboat?
As a guideline, use 2-3 years, but it depends on the overall condition of the anodes, rather than a specific timeframe of when you should change them. Anodes should be changed when they’ve corroded away by at least 50%.
Should you black the bottom of a narrowboat?
The Basics – Narrowboat hulls are “blacked” to protect the bottom section of the boat from surface corrosion, the process can also offer some protection from electrolytic pitting and physical abrasion damage as well as maintaining a clean “traditional” appearance.
How long do narrowboat hulls last?
There are two types of coatings which can be used to protect the hull, Bituminous and Two Pack Epoxy. Epoxy paint is more expensive but it will last 5 – 6 years once applied and a Bitumen finished coating will last around 2 – 3 years.
What are boats on canals called?
Barge, a more generic term that includes canal craft. Widebeam, a canal boat with a beam of 2.16 metres (7 ft 1 in) or greater and built in the style of a narrowboat.
What is a SCAG on a boat?
A “skeg” is an aftward extension of the keel intended to keep the boat moving straight and to protect the propeller and rudder from underwater obstructions.