On 16th June 1998 the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) was introduced.  In plain English it means that boats should be constructed within certain basic requirements, known as Essential Safety Requirements (ESR).

Whether trade or do-it-yourself, one of the least favourite jobs of building a boat is normally the paperwork.  One of the ESR’s to fully comply with the RCD is a manual.  This must contain general information about boats and their handling.  In addition, specific information with regard to the individual craft is required.  This includes model and serial No’s of equipment installed and layout drawings of wiring, gas and plumbing etc.

Self-built Craft built for your own use and provided they are kept and not sold for 5 years means they are exempt from the RCD.  Therefore they do not need a manual.  Peoples best laid plans do change and the boat may have to be sold within that time.  Also, after 5 years, a complete manual will surely make a sale easier and may even increase the value of the craft.

This is where Boat Manual Production can help.  I can supply you with a check list of information required.  If you collate the serial no’s, do rough sketches of the position of equipment, wiring etc. and send me some digital photos for reference, I can then produce a professional and personal manual for your boat.  Alternatively I can visit the boat and collate some or all of the information for you. 

The costs for my services range from £250 for a basic narrowboat manual.  The drawing of more complicated boat systems takes longer so the cost will be more.