What deck and roof top equipment do you recommend should be carried on a narrowboat to assist safe and efficient operation?
Answer Boarding plank – As long as you can reasonably handle. A “plank” based on a short aluminium ladder with a piece of ply fixed to it will be lighter in weight than a solid wood plank A long shaft – 12 to 16 feet long – again, as long as you can comfortably handle A short shaft – preferably with a “double hook” fitting at the end which is unlikely to damage anything it is pushed against. A fitting which is a combined hook and spike can also be used although care should be taken not to damage lock beams or other boats with it. Approved life ring – required by regulations although other methods of people recovery may be more effective. Should be kept within reach of the steerer. If you have a very long boat then you may want to double up on the above equipment and carry one set at each end of the boat. In general, for safety and efficiency reasons, it is best to keep the roof as uncluttered as possible. Windlasses – at least two to fit the locks on the waterways you propose to cruise
