The Inland Waterways Manual (Second Edition Revised)

Many new users are appearing on the nation’s diverse and placid network of inland waterways, motivated by the generally lower cost, less weather affected and more year-round boating than can be had with the open sea variant.

This 2003 updated version of The Inland Waterways Manual is the perfect introductory guide to those new to the waterways but will provide a wealth of useful information for canal veterans alike. Author Emrhys Barrell has spent his lifetime afloat and is the editor of Canal Boat & Inland Waterways magazine.

The book takes the reader through fundamental decisions such as which type of boat to use, engine choices, hiring or buying, new or used, sharing, club membership and calculating cost of ownership. A chapter on Getting Underway runs through nautical terminology, control familiarisation, preparation to sail, casting off and steering. Once underway, the book explains the rules of the road, handling and manoeuvring, making fast, rope types and construction, and knot tying. Negotiating locks, bridges and tunnels is all fully explained in a book generously provisioned with useful diagrams and photographs. Problem solving, repair & maintenance, and trailering all receive thorough discussion before the author finishes with a brief guide to the nation’s canals, an update of Heritage Lottery Funded restoration works and appendices of useful information.

The Inland Waterways Manual (Second Edition Revised)
By Emrhys Barrell.
Published by Adlard Coles Nautical.
ISBN 0 7136 6431 2.
Paperback, 200 pages.
Price £14.99.