----- Original Message ----- From: "George Pearson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2008 5:08 PM Subject: [canals-list] Jerry Can Usage
> I received an email from a market research guy, asking my "opinion on the > extent of the usage of jerry cans by canal boaters, maybe as a means of > storing extra / emergency fuel?". The firm had "identified canal boating > as a potential user of these." > > I never thought of running out of engine fuel as very likely on a > typical narrowboat, but having not (yet) been a boat owner, perhaps > I'm wrong about this. Or maybe there are other uses for jerry cans > aboard? > > So -- opinions solicited, and I'll pass them along. Many years ago I regularly used jerry cans when I had a TVO engine and supplies were rarely available canalside. The only time I have used the cans in recent years has been when I have needed to drain off water and crud from the bottom of the boat's fuel tank. I often see boaters with either outboard motors or generators using jerry cans. As you will be aware petrol is not readily available canalside. I suspect that when we all have to use white diesel for propulsion a lot of boaters will buy fuel from roadside filling stations where it will undoubtedly be cheaper than from canalside retailers. I wouldn't be surprised if this leads to pollution problems due to overboard spillage ;-) Phil
