Testimonials
If you would like to submit a testimonial to River Canal resue click here and complete the form.
November 2009
I just had to write to say that the service I received from RCR was superb. All of the engineers who came out to Shaun, Aaron, Adam, Jim and I were cheerful, dedicated and reassuring. I hope to resolve my current overheating problems and be on my way at the end of February. I also hope not to be in touch with you, but knowing that I can be if needed gives me much confidence.
Best Regards
Cathy Hytner (gold member)
September 2009
We, as members for quite a few years, would like to say that you give the best possible service to boaters. Over the years you have given us excellent service and the increase in price is not a problem. You are well worth every penny, it is a small price to pay for your great service and the peace of mind it brings. We use every possible opportunity to recommend you to anyone without your service. My wife and I wish you continued success in your venture for many years to come.
Yours truly, Brian & Jane Suter.
(silver members)
August 2009
Dear Sirs,
Firstly I enclose my cheque for £80 together with renewal form.
Secondly may I take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent service we received from both yourselves and your engineer on 24th June. This enabled us to continue with our holiday when limping back down the seven to base seemed a distinct possibility.
A short delay was experienced in your engineer finding us as we were at the Avon Sailing Club on the severn and he was sent to the seven Sailing Club on the Avon. This is by no means a criticism as, with not very good mobile reception, the confusion was quite understandable and, in retrospect, quite amusing.
As you know we have been members for several years and never really expected to have call upon your services but are very pleased we have maintained our membership.
One of several lessons we have leant from our experience is that, especially on rivers, it is worthwhile carrying a satnav to enable the coordinates to be established.
Once again many thanks
Yours faithfully,
Bronze Member
Matthews Flinders
August 2009
Dear RCR,
Thank you for your assistance on the evening of Saturday 25th July 2009, when I found my self in trouble with a large amount of water seeping in to the rear cabin of narrow-boat.
I had just completed the Tardibigge flight of locks and had moored up at the top lock, after having done the bilging and turning my stern gland, I intended to take a well earned hot shower when I realised my predicament. It was only when bare foot I went to obtain clean clothes from the back when I realised the trouble I was in.
I contacted your offices and later that evening my knight in shinning armour arrived, Jay, he was polite friendly, helpful and reassuring. He located the problem and pumped out the offending water and then gave me advice on what to do, as from him experience he realised that the problem would re-occur and having only just set out on my journey would need to keep a watchful eye out to prevent a further re-occurrence. He left me with this pump to assist with the problem which I am now returning so that others can benefit from your services.
I have now returned to my home moorings and will be having the problem looked at as it would appear that I have a leak somewhere in my water system and the water is not flowing to the rear of the boat in order for the normal bilge to empty it out. I had some work done this year on the interior as I have never has this problem before the five years in which I have owned this boat.
I can not thank you enough for your assistance and never hesitate to recommend your services to other boaters. As a solo boater it is comforting to know what help is at hand.
Yours Faithfully,
Gold Member
The Flying Pixie
July 2009
Hi
Had engine electrical problems with my boat on Saturday 25th July at Whilton bottom lock, near Whilton Marina on the Grand Union. A couple of your guys came out, diagnosed the problem and effected a repair. They were efficient, courteous and didn't talk down to me at all. A magnificient service, thank you.
Thank you
Gold Member
Frog Moore 3
July 2009
Hi
We joined RCR hoping we would never have to call them, but better safe that sorry!
2 days into our holiday the fan belt broke, we called and Stephanie sent Shaun to our rescue, it turned out to be caused by a seized alternator, after 'popping off' to get the new part it was quickly and efficiently installed.
Off we go again, next day the second belt snapped, this time the water pump had seized, again Stephanie sent Shaun and again he replaced the item quickly and efficiently.
We could not believe how friendly and efficient the whole organisation could be. Have the RAC/AA ever offered to bring you supplies when on a call out or to let your family know you have broken down?
Off we go again.
Botterham staircase lock... when my husband went to the upper lock to release the water, the fender caught on something and the boat was in danger of sinking. Trying to get free a six inch hole was ripped in the fuel tank and 30 gallons of fuel disappeared down the canal.
Other boaters helped us to pull the boat out of the lock and I again called Stephanie (by this time on first name terms). She told me not to worry. She organised everything - called the British Waterway team and Environmental Health - and sent Shaun to help us. Everyone was fantastic.
We thought our holiday was over, but Shaun would not let that happen. He climbed into the canal (up to his armpits) syphoned off the remaining 20 galls of fuel into gerry cans brought by BW, sealed the hole with a bed pillow in a blackbag (you could say he went the extra fathom to help us). After this he placed the gerrycan under our floor boards and rigged up the engine so we could drive the boat.
Stephanie organized Industrial Boats in Brewood to crane the boat out and weld a patch. (Not just a quick patch but a really professional job, they even 'blacked' the area)
On the last part of the journey to the boat yard the engine started surging, we thought 'oh no, not more trouble'. The boatyard fitter could not come for 24hours. We were worried by this time that we would not get back to our moorings in time to get to work. Stephanie said 'don't worry we will take you back by car if necessary'.
RCR to the rescue again Jay came out to replace the fuel feed diverted by Shaun, cleared all the filters and we sailed home with no more problems.
We can not praise RCR, Stephanie, Shaun and Jay enough.
Thank You.
Gold member
Draig Dwr
Sept 2008
I can't speak too highly of the RCR Breakdown Service. We were stranded, on Bank Holiday Monday, just below Godstow Lock on the Thames after an electrical fire (or so it seemed) behind the ignition panel. It came completely out of the blue - no warning, just clouds of black smoke which fortunately stopped when I turned off the ignition.
I rang RCR and they said it sounded as though we needed an electrical specialist. Jay was called and drove from Stafford to the north of Oxford to help us. He rang to let us know he was on his way and roughly how long it would take to reach us, which was very reassuring.
Then when he arrived he worked miracles. He rebuilt much of the wiring behind the panel where it had melted away, then went down into the unfriendly engine compartment to find what had caused the problem in the first place. That wire was found and replaced and finally, with darkness falling, Jay supplied and fitted a new alternator - not at all straightforward because it had to be switched from right-handed to left-handed (or something like that).
It took three hours in all, and then Jay had to drive back to Stafford again. He was wonderful, and consistently focused and courteous. And we were back on the river - seemingly impossible after such a serious incident.
Then two days later we needed help again, to get the engine started, and this time Jim drove from Leicester, equally courteous and efficient.
Thank you RCR, not only for your remarkable engineers but also for the friendly people on the helpline, and for the follow up calls, and for putting me in touch with a reliable local person who can do some further follow up work. This is really outstanding service.
Thank you,
David Miles
Aug 2008
It all started on a Monday night. The engine was starting to get a tad noisy, then silence. Well I knew the engine was terminal. Any how a call to RCR in the morning mainly for advise of what to do next resulted in buying a new Beta43 Greenline expertly fitted though Canal Contracting in Just under 3 weeks... unbelievable... I was expecting 3 months and twice as much doe as I was quoted.... The Engineers even done the job on the tow path. I was and still am impressed. Tim Woolard Gold Member.
Thank you,
Tim Woolard
July 08
Having spent a pleasant overnight stay at Fotherighay on the river Nene, we prepared to move off. To my great surprise the engine would not start. This had never happened before. This was our second day out from Ramsey. We thought we had all aspects covered before our trip. The engine had recently been serviced by Peter from R.C.R. I had a new starter battery fitted a few months earlier. Rang R.C.R. The guys took under two hours to arrive. They soon diagnosed the fault, the starter battery had a faulty cell and was not charging.We were soon under way. Many thanks to you all.
Thank you,
Jan 2008
Dear Sirs,
I would like to thank RCR for an outstanding 'rescue'. Picture this, its New Years morning in the countryside on the Leicester Grand Union north of Crick. It is 9am on the bank holiday and we have no electrical power to the dash board. There is no way to start the engine, and domestic battery power is getting very low. The engine battery is fully charged and there no loose connections to the battery or on the engine wiring loom.
New Years Eve, a gentle cruise in the countryside had been great. The engine had been working perfectly all day, but next morning we were struck by a problem. I phoned RCR, and even on the bank holiday found a helpful voice. (Thanks Paul). Shortly after we had given the details to Paul we had a return call from a friendly engineer (Thanks Peter).
The RCR work sheet left with me to record the job shows, the response time: my telephone call which was at 9.00am and, the time the engineers got here which was 10.45am (this is New Year's day remember). The repair was completed at 11.15am. The problem: Right under the Beta Engine near the starter motor, buried well out of sight is a fuse that had corroded terminals. The engineer then cleaned the fuse contacts and replaced it into the very inaccessible slot it came from. The Engine started up first time. This is "A Known problem" explained the engineer, he further explained that this fuse has been relocated to a more accessible place on newer Beta engines. I thought I knew every inch of that engine bay and could fix almost anything, but fir this one I needed the help of RCR.
So, Peter the engineer set off down the towpath back to the distant bridge with a smile and a cheery wave. I began to put the engine covers back on. Was it ever good to hear the engine running! This all meant that we did get back to my moorings before dark, so we did get home that night, so I did get to work on January 2nd. When RCR telephoned on the 2nd of January to ask if the service had been satisfactory, I used every word of praise, thanks and appreciation in the dictionary.
Nov 2007
Dear RCR,
I write to you to thank you for the prompt and effective service we received recently, and to compliment the staff concerned.
We had been experiencing problems with our BETA 1505 engine cutting out. So, as we limped towards Rugeley, not knowing if we would ever reach our winter moorings at Barton Turns or not, we decided to ring you at RCR.
We rang sometime after lunch to be told that someone would be with us later that day! We said that we would be fine until the next day but were told that a chap picking up a brand new Motor Cycle would call on us to access our problem.
Well, what can I say.....? Our Night in Shining Armour (Trevor) pulled up on his 'White Charger', inspected the engine and almost instantly told us that he thought he knew what the problem was!
He exuded confidence! It was just what we wanted and needed to hear... but as the light was failing by this time, he decided it was the best he'd called back at 9am the next morning to get us going. We slept well that night knowing we had someone who could put us back on the 'Road' so to speak.
Trevor arrived punctually at 6am, with an assistant this time. Ben was a young lad who had a nice sense of humour, seemed very interested and keen to learn. With Trevor as his mentor he cannot fail to 'make the Grade'.
Thanks to Trevor's knowledge and expertise the problem was sorted and the engine tested running. We were on our way before lunchtime.
THANK YOU AND WELL DONE RCR.
Dear Sirs,
We had the misfortune of breaking down on our cruiser. "Our Winnie", at Glascote Locks, Tamworth in July this year. We are now back in our home mooring and wish to express our gratitude to your engineer, J, Who treated us with extreme courtesy, friendliness, and last but not least got us under way again.
Please pass our thanks to J, and rest assured that we have lost no time in recommending your service to other boaters.
Dear Sirs
I am writing to compliment you on the excellent service we received after suffering electrical problems on out Narrowboat "Wild Jasmine", during a cruise on the Kennet and Avon Canal in August this year.
Two days after leaving our home base in Newbury, intermittent power interruptions to the control panel occurred. In reaching Great Bedwyn we called your organisation and bob (from Basingstoke) attended promptly. He found that a fuse holder had been wrongly assembled, which he was able to correct, curing the problem.
A few days later, on the August Bank Holiday, we suffered an alternator failure and again called your control centre. We were at Honey Street and, once again, bob attended promptly and changed the alternator for a spare we were carrying on board. Unfortunately, this unit was also faulty. After consultation with the constructors of the Narrowboat, he was able to provide us with a jump lead so that we could use the second alternator on the engine to charge all the batteries, as a 'get you home' Measure. This worked well for the remainder of the trip and we were able to return to Newbury.
At all times, your call centre and Bob were friendly and helpful, as well as Bob being a competent engineer when it comes to solving Narrowboat problems. We were also impressed that your call centre rang us the next day to ensure that we were still alright.
I consider the membership of River Canal Rescue to be invaluable and, whilst hoping that I do not have to call on your services again, it is comforting to know that such assistance is at hand if required.
Dear River Canal Rescue,
I would like to thank you for an excellent service with your engineer Bob this Saturday, just gone, down at Hemel Hempstead on my boat "Caroline Matilde".
I was more than pleased with the hard work that bob put in to help me, and in fact teach me about my engine. I would like you all for being so helpful on the telephone and in fact all your hard work that went into finding the batteries for me.
I very much appreciated everything, please thank bob for me, and it is nice to know that your company have such talented engineers working for you. I am proud to be a member.
Oct 2006
Dear Sir,
During a recent cruise on the Stratford canal, having strained my back and needing to do the first oil change in a new gearbox, I contacted RCR, not of course as a claim on my cover but simply the best way I could think to find an engineer to do the change for me.
Though my request was, I guess, unusual your staff were most helpful and arranged for someone to attend as soon as possible, with the understandable provision that any other member's emergency would take priority. As it happened an engineer arrived not long after my call.
As with a previous occasion when I called on your service with a small but real emergency not only was the job done quickly and efficiently, but your friendly engineer also gave me very useful advice and tips. These will be a real help in checking and changing the oil in future. The cost was, I felt, well worth it to avoid the probability of further exacerbating my injury.
All my dealings with your organisation, whether by phone or in person, have been most positive, and everyone I have spoken to who has experience of your service has been equally impressed. I, likewise, am happy to recommend RCR to other boaters.
Silver member
Nb - Lorien II
August 2006
Dear Sirs,
I write to express my appreciation of the efforts of your staff to "rescue" me following the breakdown of my boat "Wensley" at Armitage, on Sunday, 13th August 2006.
I managed to identify a fuel supply problem, but, as I told Zoe, when I rang your emergency number, unfortunately, that was about the limit of my mechanical expertise. Zoe thought that it might have been a filter problem, and arranged for suitably equipped mechanics to attend, despite being a considerable distance from the nearest road, right behind the delightful Armitage shanks factory. Jon Joe, ably assisted by Sam, despite most inclement whether, immediately got started, changing the fuel filter. This did not solve the problem, so Jon Joe methodically worked his way through all the components in the fuel supply system, finally concluding that the lift pump had failed. Nothing more to do but text the office to order a replacement, and then Jon Joe and Sam trudged back to their van.
When it became clear, on the next morning that the replacement pump would not materialise until the following day, Zoe very promptly arranged for me to be recovered to my home mooring. Mid-morning on the following day, I was pleased to get Zoe's call to inform me that the pump had arrived, and that your engineers could come out straight away to fit it. When I arrived at my boat, Jon Joe and Sam were already at work. The new pump was expertly fitted, the whole system primed, and, alleuia, I was ready to cruise again.
Throughout the whole experience, your staff was helpful, informative and courteous. I was most impressed by the standard of your service - on one of the busiest days of the year, no doubt - one could not have expected any speedier resolution of such a problem.
I shall have no hesitation in recommending your service to anyone willing to listen to me.
Thank you once again.
October 2005
Dear Sir,
Having finished our boating for the year may we say how happy we are with the service you offer and with those who operate your service.
This year when we broke down and the only mooring was near the 8th hole of an empty Golf Course, your man arrived on foot (the Golf Club having seemed very anti about lending him even an electric buggy to carry him and his tools such a long distance, fixed us and left us able to carry on.
On other occasions we phoned your office who used their data base to find us-
a. An Engineer who could do a full strip down service on our engine and
b. Someone to replace our leaking calorifier.
In the second case not only did they give us the number, but when we phoned it we found the man had been briefed by your office and was already putting his kit together. (He later did an excellent job!)
So all in all your people have gone way beyond the normal level of service one seems to get nowadays. Thank you to them and thank you RCR.
Bronze Member
Boat - Tiny Wave
June 2005
Dear Sirs,
I had occasion to call you out three days ago when the alternator bracket on my narrowboat came adrift.
It was the Sunday of a Bank Holiday weekend.
Your service was exemplary. It was courteous, fast efficient and all of your employees were extremely friendly.
It took three hours to fix but there was no way that your engineer was going to give up on the problem- 'its not my nature' were his exact words.
Had it not been for your organisation I dread to think how I would have overcome the problem given that it was a Bank Holiday weekend and that I had to be back, two hundred miles away for a hospital appointment on the Tuesday.
My thanks to all of you and may your organisation go from strength to strength.
Gold Member
Boat - Odyssey
June 2005
Last week we had to call for your assistance to our narrowboat 'Polleur' which had partially flooded. The help and assistance we received from both your office staff and the engineer who attended was very much appreciated and we are very thankful that we joined your rescue service. Thank you very much indeed.
Silver Member
Boat - Polleur
June 2005
I felt I must write to you to say what an excellent service I received from your company, when we had problems with our engine on the Thames last week. Your call centre staffs were responsive, professional and helpful, as were the engineers who came out.
Please pass on my thanks.
Bronze member
Boat - Wey Mallard
May 2005
Dear Sirs,
As you know I joined on 21/04/05 as a result of being unable to start my boat, which turned out to be water in the fuel tank. I had heard of RCR and had intended to join once my boat was out of its first year warranty period in Oct 05, but circumstances dictated otherwise.
I am writing to you to express my great satisfaction at the attention I received. Not only did the initial contact with Lauren prove very efficient and informative, she arranged an engineer and called me back with an eta, but the engineer turned up promptly and equally efficiently solved the problem. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from your office (I did not catch her name) checking if all was going smoothly with my boat. I cannot fault your service, and would like to thank all concerned and congratulate you on an excellent organisation.
Silver Member
Boat - Marta-Alicja No 2