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.

Our masterclass timetable will be available to view here in May.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protecting and blacking your narrowboat hull

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 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.

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

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