Masterclasses 2025
Come to a Masterclass to learn from the experts...
Running throughout the weekend of Crick, Masterclass talks gives those considering a boat purchase or current boat owners looking to upgrade their boat’s fitments the advice and confidence they need to make the right decisions. The Masterclasses are led by exhibitors, providing expertise in their field. Each talk is no longer than 20 minutes with time for Q&A’s after. Below you will find information about the Masterclasses taking place at the 2025 Show.
The future of electric inboards by German manufacturer, Molabo, and why ISCAD really matters
Ashton Marine Services Ltd in conjunction with Molabo
Why ISCAD (Intelligent Stator Cage Drive) matters to efficiency; Plug and play at its best; Why 48v matters for support. Our talk is not just about why German engineering company, Molabo’s solution is different, it’s about making it simple to install, support and what else to consider (e.g. prop sizing).
Protecting and blacking your narrowboat hull
Bluewater Boats
Properly shot blasting and preparing a steel hull is essential to prevent corrosion and pitting, which can significantly shorten the lifespan of the vessel. The process removes old paint, rust, and contaminants, creating a clean surface that allows for better adhesion of the two-pack epoxy blacking. If this preparation is neglected, it can lead to uneven coatings, premature deterioration, and costly repairs down the line. Demonstrating these steps effectively will illustrate the long-term benefits of investing time and resources into proper steel hull maintenance.
The art of building and installing lock gates
Dean Davies, Head of Direct Services, Canal & River Trust
From hand tools to plasma cutters and tape measures to lasers, see what's involved when a gate in one of over 1,500 canal and river locks needs replacing.
Busting Some Myths About Lithium Batteries
Haven Knox-Johnston - Paul Knox-Johnston
E-Propulsion - Steve Bruce
Paul Knox-Johnston from Haven Knox-Johnston and Steve Bruce from E-Propulsion explore the world of power and lift the lid on modern Lithium Batteries and how far technology has moved on with a view to a much brighter, safer future. From Lithium Ion to Lithium Phosphate, from professional installations and why you shouldn’t do this on your own, they hope to cover all your “burning” questions in this session.
The HDPE Narrowboat – a world first
Formation Plastics – Shaun Moir
Adrift Boats - Curtis Oyadiran
Shaun Moir of Formation Plastics and Curtis Oyadiran of Adrift Boats will be unveiling a world’s first at Crick Boat Show 2025 – the HDPE narrowboat - bringing unparalleled durability, sustainability, and ease of ownership. This masterclass will talk you through how, unlike traditional steel boats, the HDPE narrowboat will never rust, never require blacking, and is fully resistant to osmosis and rot, offering a lifetime of low-maintenance cruising. Constructed using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this vessel is lightweight yet incredibly strong, enhancing efficiency and manoeuvrability. Designed for modern boaters, it features custom layouts, solar integration, and advanced off-grid capabilities. Make sure you attend to find out how this collaboration is setting a new standard for canal boating.
Common Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Haven Knox-Johnston – Paul Knox-Johnston
None of us want to make an insurance claim – it takes time and can cost us money by affecting our no claims bonus. Paul Knox-Johnston from Haven Knox-Johnston speaks about the most common insurance claims from owners of boats on the inland waterways and how best to minimise the risks that lead to a claim.
Blacking Your Boat and Correct Anode Choices
Adrian Roberts of Hempel and Steve Wedgwood of Kings Lock Chandlery
A detailed look at the importance and benefits of blacking your boat. Plus a detailed look at the correct application of Hempel Hempadur 2 part epoxy black & Pro Blacking single pack bitumen – along with the correct MGDUFF anode choices.
Quiet cruising, clean power - 20 years of hybrid innovation
Graeme Hawksley of Hybrid Marine in partnership with EP Barrus
Hybrid propulsion isn't new - the first electric-assisted boats launched over a century ago. What's changed is how advanced, reliable and accessible hybrid systems have become for today's narrowboat owners. Graeme Hawksley - Managing Director of Hybrid Marine, in partnership with EP Barrus - shares 20 years of hybrid development, key innovations, and real-world installations. You'll also hear what's next for cleaner, quieter cruising.
Vetus Electrical Propulsion Systems
Steve Wedgwood of Kings Lock Chandlery
Vetus expert Steve Wedgewood provides an overview of the world of electric propulsion through the lens of the Vetus E-Drive system, sharing his first hand experiences to ensure the correct installation and operation.
Finding your boatbuilder
Tiffany Gale-Haynes - Kingsground
Choosing the right inland waterways boatbuilder is a personal and practical journey. From the first sketch to final launch, your builder shapes not just your boat, but your lifestyle. This talk explores what to consider - from location and lead times to materials, specialisms, and, of course, budget. How do you balance craftsmanship with cost? We’ll look at how to navigate the process, tackle some of the most frequently asked questions, and help you to feel confident in finding a builder who truly understands your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of liveaboard life or weekend escapes, the right match matters.
Boat Covers - all you need to know
Kinver Canopies – Ian Underwood / Vicki Jones Ward
If you are a current or prospective boat owner who hasn’t yet considered their boat cover then this talk is for you. Ian Underwood and Vicki Jones Ward of Kinver Canopies will help you to understand what canopy will work for you. They will discuss the pros and cons for all cover types including the different materials, colours and fixings. Subjects will include general aesthetics, cleaning, repairs and on-going maintenance. The session will finish with top tips, plus a question and answers round for you to take advantage of their experience within this field.
Heating and cooking with diesel - The wonder fuel
Brett McLellan of Kuranda UK Ltd
An introduction to the benefits of diesel as cooking and heating fuel, and the features and benefits of the Kabola and Wallas products
Powering Your Journey: Mastervolt & Lithium Systems
LKQ Leisure and Marine – Joe Cleave
Join Joe Cleave, Technical Account Manager – Marine at LKQ Leisure and Marine, for an exclusive insight into the world of onboard power systems. Joe will dive into three essential topics every boater should consider when upgrading their power setup:
- Mastervolt Power Systems
- Lithium Batteries
- System Integration for Modern Boats
Whether you’re a hands-on boater, a curious cruiser, or just exploring options for your boat’s future power needs, Joe’s session will equip you with the key facts, product insights, and upgrade possibilities available through LKQ.
Fuel Maintenance: Keeping Your Engine Running Clean
Patrick Keating, LKQ Leisure and Marine
Keeping your fuel clean is critical for engine reliability - especially on inland waterways, where diesel bug and contamination can thrive in standing fuel. Join Patrick Keating, Regional Account Manager (Marine) at LKQ Leisure and Marine for a focused session on detect, treat, and protect your engine from diesel bug. This session will explore:
- What is diesel bug?
- How diesel bug forms and the consequences of a blocked fuel system.
- Fuel management and treatments to prevent contamination.
- The importance of using high-quality Parker Racor fuel filters.
From leisure cruisers to full-time liveaboards, this is a must-attend talk for anyone looking to protect their fuel system and avoid breakdowns on the cut. Learn how to stay ahead of problems and keep your engine running at its best, all season long with LKQ.
The evolution of water purification
John Howard - Water Freedom
Water Freedom's founder, John Howard, describes his decade-long water journey, starting in 2015 with the creation of a canal water purification system to solve his own family's water problems. Then the creation of the Water Freedom brand and the first customer installations in 2018, through to Water Freedom's latest adventures with a project on Ascension Island, enhancing a water infrastructure originally created by Charles Darwin and Louis Pasteur. John's presentation will include some fascinating insights into Ascension Island's history, how Darwin's creativity transformed parts of the island from a dry, barren landscape into rain forest, and produced a reliable water source for more than two hundred people.
Webasto Heating and Air Conditioning
Andy Edwards of Webasto and Steve Wedgwood of Kings Lock Chandlery
An overview of market leading Webasto heating and air conditioning systems. With a detailed look at installation of Webasto’s integrated air conditioning systems and their Cool Top Trail air-conditioning system.
Working from your boat: Internet for boaters living and working from their boats
Wifionboard – David Walker
David Walker of Wifionboard will also present a second masterclass covering internet for boat-based workers. Working from your boat accentuates the internet access issues of the leisure or infrequent user. Constant, reliable connections are more important if your livelihood relies upon it! This masterclass covers:
- High availability, high speed internet
- Working using Zoom, Teams etc
- Streaming from the boat
Onboard Internet
Wifionboard – David Walker
David Walker of Wifionboard discusses the issues and solutions surrounding onboard internet for leisure and liveaboard users. Being connected onboard is no longer a luxury. With home working, TV streaming or just booking a table at the pub requiring internet access, it is essential to modern life whether we like it or not! Being able to get high speeds to access these services is key, and sharing marina wifi just doesn’t give full-service internet all day long. This masterclass will cover the basics:
- 4G vs 5G
- Mobile vs Satellite
- Running costs
- Power requirements
