Channel Crossing

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

DEAD RIGHT, and guess what, I have had 4 quotes from Mardon ALL with WRONG info on, I keep trying to get things corrected so that I know what I am getting and covered for, and the next corrected quote has something else wrong. What is up with people these days? They are all so nice and say don't worry you are covered, but when the s..t hits the fan and they get the microscope out, well its a "sorry but you aren't covered". Well I am having none of that and will ensure that before I pay a penny they get their finger out and explain it all in PLAIN ENGLISH so we all know where we stand, not difficult. And by the way, I cannot find anything on this Cat C coding lark, all the info I have is from you lot. They seem to have numerical coding as well for commercial boats, whic you must not get confused with. As you say it's great to fill up zoom off and then when it's too late find you are not covered. I will ring Mardon's now and report back.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

I understand what you say, but there is a clause in the insurance terms and conditons stating YOU MUST be in a flotilla of 3 or more boats. I am just re-checking and will update, but thanks for the info.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

You wouldn't want to do that. Those buggers never use their brake lights.

 

[jfm]

Re: Navigations limits

Grumpy: you would need an exceptionally calm day. Ferries do 20 knots. If the water is nearly smooth you can do that too. But as soon as there are waves, you will be slamming hard and will fall below 20kts, whereas the ferry will keep going. You will be taking on spray and worse, and will find it hard to read GPS and impossible to use charts unless you come down to idle speed. You need a plotter imho. If the waves get big (relative to your boat that is. They will still be tiny for the ferry) you may find yourself working the throttles a lot and your fuel consumption will rocket. I think 45 gallons isn't enough for x channel in a 20 foot planing boat. The only small boat I would want to do x channel in is a decent fast RIB with a stand up driving console and plenty of fuel.

Oooer this post looks a bit doom and gloom which isn't ,eant but the point is dont underestimate the dramatic effect of waves on a 20 footer's speed and fuel consumption. All imho

 

[kimhollamby]

Re: Navigations limits

Very interesting; it begs an answer on the liability issue if, say, you break down and your mates decide that they don't like slopping around in the swell while you fix it and/or become incapable of passing a tow and leave you to it.

Sounds harsh...but stranger things happen at sea.

Incidentally, to clarify your C category, that is mean wave heights of 2m but peak of 4m. In a nice long Atlantic swell down in the West Country that shouldn't necessarily pose a problem but in a north-easterly wind over tide in the Dover Strait a 2m wave would have you contemplating the meaning of life fairly quickly.

Limiting distance offshore can be similarly misleading; the last mile in or first one out can be the busiest in terms of wave conditions, depending on any number of factors.

You can learn so much about these things on courses and forums and in books but I agree with several comments here in the past few days that nothing can beat experience. My tip, especially if you are trying to keep friends and family on side, is take gentle steps at a time, as many as you can fit into a hopefully long summer, keep all of your senses alert and, above all, enjoy. Channel crossings can follow one day, in the right boat and when you are ready. That way you'll be in a good position to do many more.

kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com

 

[kimhollamby]

RCD info

For the dry guide to Directive 94/25/EC <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/pdf/reccraft.pdf>click here</A>


kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

I have no objections to anything that anybody has said, let's forget the Channel at the moment, and concentrate on the limit. I have just spoke to Mardon who say mostly everyone goes for the 25 standard limit, as shown on my policy! BUT when I mentioned that my boat was a Cat C, and could they please explain what that meant, they were as unsure as us all, but said I still had the 25 mile limit. Anyway I have said that I want an endorsement on my policy stating that they are aware of the make of my boat and that my boat is stamped as a Cat C, and that I can still have the 25 mile limit (not that I will use it, but it gives flexibility). They are speaking with their insurers to find out what a Cat C is. The guy was very friendly and is doing his best to sort it out, I await the reply and will let you all know, of course this is particular to this insurancem it is best that all who are interested make their own enquiries with their relevant insurers. I could not find anything clear on the internet.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Do I need brake lights? I don't think I have them, I have bought a 2million candle power searchlight, could just put some red plastic over it l.o.l.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Typical bloody US spec boat! Yes, you'll find all the European manufacturers have fitted them for some time. I'm not sure about using a searchlight with a red lens cover, it may be too bright and be classed as a fog lamp. Best check with the insurance folks.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

I will get on to that straight away, I may just go to halfords and buy a set, do you think they will be OK?

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Yes, but don't use those cheap crimp connectors, use soldered joints and heat shrink tubing, otherwise the saltwater will play hell with the electrics. Make sure your throttle position sensor can provide the necessary drive current, as well.

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

Does the current affect the brakes then, so if you are in a strong current, it may think you are breaking? A bit too technical for me, I will get them and let oldgit help me fit them, he sounds switched on. I will go out and get the heat shrinkers and soldering iron for him.

 

[tr7v8]

Re: Navigations limits

I think even Oldgit may have trouble finding the brake light switch though, suggest you get in touch with the manufacturers and see if they can give you location and colour codes..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Jim
------

 

[Guest]

Re: Navigations limits

I have sent an e-mail to Glastron HQ in the US, when I get a reply I will let others know, it may help them as I think the colours should be the same for all Glastron's

 

[DepSol]

Re: Navigations limits

Following a ferry isnt as easy as it sounds, if you stay behind it you may not get the drive you need as the ferries props or jets will cause disturbance in the water which means your prop wont grip properly and you will end up with cavitation.

Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me

 

[Guest]

Mardon\'s reply

OK then here it is. Mardon have stood by their word and stated that they cover up to the 25 mile limit. They are aware of the categories but that in some cases as it was mentioned on here that there could be more risks inshore than going say over to France. They state that it is up to the skipper to make the risk assessment as to whether their boat and skills are up to that particular passage, they also suggest that you do not travel alone on an excursion like that. So there we are, at the end of the day be sensible, and should the s..t hit the fan be able to justify why you did what you did to get into that trouble. It would of course be fully justified on your passage plan I would suggest /forums/images/icons/wink.gif AND I am getting it in writing (just in case).

 

[Guest]

Re: Mardon\'s reply

And here is the written reply from them :-

We confirm that as long as you are within the Cruising Limits of the policy, in your case Brest - Elbe. Full cover would apply under your policy. We would strongly recommend however that for smaller craft like yours, you travel in the company of other craft that can provide assistance in the event of trouble.

There is a condition in all marine insurance policies which states that the policy holder must take reasonable precautions to prevent loss of the craft. For instance starting a cross Channel Journey in a force 9 gale would not be regarded as sensible, especially by your insurance company if the craft was lost!

There is a good article in the February issue of RIB International dealing with the issues of offshore cruising.

We trust this is of some assistance.


Mardon Insurance Brokers

 

[hlb]

Re: Mardon\'s reply

There is also a clause. Been there since they invented steam engines. That insurance co's wont pay out for accidents caused by mechanical breakdown. So that dont leave alot left, and why insurance for boats is relitivly cheap.

<font color=blue> Haydn

 

[Moose]

Re: Mardon\'s reply

I should have said but we will be going with someone who is experinced

Moose

 

[seajay]

Re: Brake light

Brake lights I cant find the brake pedal ? Help??????