Notice for Drivers, Engineers and Scrutineers. Report from:  Mr Taran Hewitt, Specialist Mechanical Engineering Inspector.

  An incident occurred recently, whilst not racing that 'may' have been caused by the steering damper, each driver has different set-ups for their dampener's and tiller arms, some even use bungee cords to assist them, we understand this but feel it necessary to forward part of the report by Mr Taran Hewill and hope that you will take notice. He believes that regarding this incident the dampener locked up as the boat was turning.  The reason why it locked up was that the steering damper adjusting valve was inadvertently being closed by the head of the bolt connecting the link arm to the tiller each time that the tiller passed through approximately the central arc of its movement.  The connecting bolt was found to be loose and this looseness and the position and orientation of the adjusting valve allowed the head of the bolt and the valve handle to come into contact with each other.  This can best be seen in the attached photographs.  His recommendation is that as far as possible all persons responsible for driving, maintaining or scrutinising boats of Tiller Inflatable boats be made aware of the problem as described above and take appropriate action to ensure that the incident is not

repeated. Please take note and make sure that this cannot happen to your boat.  Remember if you are going to get in a boat and drive, you are the captain of the vessel and must make sure your passengers are safe. We will reiterate our recommendation to you all, that you should always check the boat, make sure the prop is on properly, the engine and equipment is working properly, the kill cord is working and you attach it to your wrist at all times,  you have enough fuel, you have the right personal safety wear on, you have the appropriate safety equipment on the boat for the journey you are embarking on. Check details for launching, local by-laws and you are aware of the environment, its dangers and  water conditions… etc etc  Please take care, a fantastic day out on the water can change to become a nightmare if you don't take the right precautions!