Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Any Previous Experience?
No previous experience is necessary, narrowboats are extremely easy to handle and full instruction is provided at the start of your holiday. We will accompany you on the first part of your journey, and see you through at least 1 lock; we will not leave until you are completely happy to go it alone. The boat comes with a comprehensive manual, beginners DVD and the boater’s handbook. (The DVD and boaters handbook are also sent out with your joining pack).

Do I Need a Licence?
Driving licences are not required on the inland waterways. Your boat however will be licensed to cruise all canals under British Waterways control.

What Time Can I Collect My Boat?
Your boat will be available from 3.00pm on your departure day; the boat must be returned by 9.30am and vacated by 10.00am on your return day. Should you wish to collect your boat after 5.00pm then please let us know so we can make suitable arrangements (handling tuition must be during daylight hours). Please don’t arrive early or return the boat late as all the available time is required to prepare the boat to the high standard we demand.

Map & Guides
The boat comes with the Nicholson’s Guide these are ideal for planning your cruise and locating places of interest, local hostelries, shops and facilities along the canal. Should you wish to purchase your own copies prior to your holiday we suggest the Inland Waterways Association on line shop at www.waterways.org or copies may be purchased from the marina.

Where Can I Park?
There is ample parking at the marina which is provided free of charge, we regret that we are unable to accept responsibility for loss or damage to customers vehicles.

Where Can I Stop/Moor?
On the canals you can moor just about anywhere on the towpath side, (the opposite side is generally private property), you must not however moor near locks or obstruct bridges, water points etc.

How Far Can I Travel?
The maximum speed limit on the canal system is 4mph (a brisk walking pace). However your average speed is more likely to be about 3 mph. In calculating how far you can travel you should work on the basis of lock miles, to do this count each lock as 1 mile add this to the actual miles and divide by 3 to give the total time in hours. Please ensure sufficient time for your return journey.

What Should I Bring With Me?
The boat is well equipped (please see inventory) .All you really need to bring is clothing and food etc, be prepared for a heat wave in summer and a downpour at anytime. Rubber soled shoes are a good idea for working the boat.

Do I Get a Life Jacket?
Life jackets are available free of charge these come in sizes ranging from a small child to a large adult. Please indicate your requirements on the questioner.

Pets
Well behaved pets are welcome free of charge, but please keep them off the beds and furnishings.

How Does A Lock Work?
Locks are a simple device used to lift or lower boats from one level to another.

Operating locks is very simple and part of the fun of a boating holiday, care must however be taken as the water can be quite deep and lock edges can become slippery in wet weather. Full instruction will be given and we will see you through at least 1 lock. There is often a Lock keeper on duty who will also assist you.

In order to save water please try and share locks whenever possible.

Mobile Phone and Camcorder Charging
A 12v Cigar lighter socket is provided on the boat, there are also 240v sockets, however this supply may not be suitable for some chargers.

What Linen is Provided?
All bedding is provided (please indicate requirements on questioner i.e.: number of double and singles).A hand towel is provided in each bathroom, a bath towel is provided for each crew member and tea towels are provided in the galley.

What Happens if I Have A Problem?
We have a 24hr emergency number and are always happy to assist.

Can I Fish?
Fishing is allowed providing you have an environment agency rod licence. Some clubs may require you to purchase a day ticket. No live bait is permitted on the boat.

Will I Have Enough Fuel And Gas?
There will always be sufficient fuel and gas for a weeks cruising, for extended cruises we will make arrangements for diesel and gas depending on your route. Any extra fuel or gas is still included in the hire price.

What if I Have to Cancel My Booking?
Our holiday cancellation scheme provides cover for all the crew named on the booking form, and provides comprehensive cover against most occurrences, this is included in the hire fee.

Can I Take A Holiday In Winter?
Stretches of canal and locks are often closed during the winter for maintenance, providing there is sufficient canal open we will offer winter cruising please telephone for availability and special offers.The system is generally open for holidays over Christmas and the New Year, please telephone for details.