|
Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of taking a boating holiday
There is no better way to explore rural Britain than by cruising one of the many
rivers and canals enjoying the tranquil beauty and wildlife whilst living in
comfort in your floating holiday home. On board you are free to decide where you
will go and what you want to see.
Life can be so simple and such fun on a boating holiday, after a gentle cruise
just moor when the fancy takes you and enjoy the sunshine and feed the visiting
swans before strolling to a nearby pub for lunch.
Back to the top
Finding your boat
It could not be easier for you to choose your ideal boat from the styles
available.
Each boat has its own individual plan to show you the different layouts
available so you can see exactly how your party will fit in your chosen boat.
Please note : layouts may vary between boats in the same class
It may not be easy to board a boat if you have mobility problems, and gangplanks
cannot be provided (or used) in some cases. Many boats have steps (some steep and
narrow) which may not always be indicated on the plan. It is important that you
check the suitability of your proposed boat with one of our advisers before
confirming your booking.
Back to the top
Reserving your holiday
Once you have decided which boat is right for you just click on the reserve this
holiday button and you will go through to a reservation form with all the details
of the boat you have chosen already filled in for you. Please complete all the
information requested on the form and use the ‘any questions’ box to tell us any
queries or special requests you have.
A member of our dedicated specials boating team will answer your questions or
requests and confirm back to you within 24 hours that your chosen boat and dates
are available and make your booking for you.
Please note that your booking is not definite until your deposit has been received
in accordance with our terms and conditions.
Back to the top
Types of boat
Choose from the two main types of boat available:
Cruisers
Forward drive – available on the Norfolk Broads . Usually accommodates between
2 to 8 persons. They usually feature a single level deck which many parties find
more convenient and easy.
Centre Cockpit – available on the Norfolk Broads River Thames and Cambridgeshire Waterway.
Usually accommodates from 2 to 10 persons. Features a large sliding canopy over
the saloon/cockpit area and also offers a wide range of layouts.
Aft Cockpit – available on the Norfolk Broads, Cambridgeshire Waterways and
Caledonian Canal. Usually accommodates 2,3 or 4 persons. This style of boat tends
to be smaller, and are a popular choice for first timers to boating. They are
generally easy to manoeuvre, since all of the boat is visible forward from the
steering position.
Dual Steering – available on the Norfolk Broads and Caledonian Canal. Usually
accommodates between 2 to 8 persons. Benefits from a choice of steering
positions – one on the raised sundeck and one below – good for all weathers.
Narrowboats – have three main sterns ‘shapes’ and all steer by means of a
tiller at the back.
Traditional Stern – Features a small open rear deck providing space for the
operator of the tiller by the helmsman.
Semi traditional stern – The rear deck usually has a little more standing area
and sometimes fixed seats in the enclosed stern area, which is an ideal safety
feature for young children who can be supervised by the helmsmen.
Cruiser Stern – provides the benefit or a spacious rear deck area – enclosed by a
guard rail.
Back to the top
Do I need a licence?
A "driving" license is not required to operate a boat.
Back to the top
What’s included in the price?
The price quoted is inclusive of VAT and is for the hire
of the boat per week or short break as equipped and described. Buoyancy aids, bed
linen and gas for cooking, heating and hot water are supplied free of charge.
Additional Costs
-
Damage Waiver – is a non refundable payment of usually between £50 and £100.
This gives you full cover in the event of loss or damage to your boat or its
equipment, but not where caused by negligent or deliberate act. (for certain
boats this charge is included in the boat hire)
-
Fuel Deposit – is payable as part of your balance of hire. The cost of
fuel used will be deducted and the balance refunded to you. In the
unlikely event that fuel used exceeds the deposit amount then you will
be liable for the additional payment.
-
Extra person charge – on some boats additional persons can be accommodated
at a cost of £25 per person per week or short break. There is no charge for
children under 16 years of age.
-
Pets – well behaved pets are welcome on most boats at a cost of up to £35
per pet per week or short break. Usually the number of pets is limited to
two but some owners will accept more on request. Pets are free of charge
at many canal boatyards.
-
Parking – some boatyards offer free parking. Where a charge is made rates
vary between £8-15 per week (outside) and £12-£20 per week (undercover -
which may be limited)
-
Dinghy hire - from most boatyards on the Norfolk Broads and Cambridgeshire
Waterways row dinghies are available at £35 per week and a limited number
of sail dinghies at between £45 and £60 per week. These are booked direct
with your boatyard after you have received your booking confirmation from
us and payment is made on arrival.
-
Additional deposit – for certain parties or for large/valuable boats you
may be asked to pay a security deposit of up to £150 per head in addition
to the damage waiver. This is fully refundable provided the boat is
returned on time is a clean and tidy condition without third party claim
against you.
Please note some owners offer an optional insurance for fouled propeller
protection. If made available this is paid on arrival at the boatyard.
Back to the top
How far can I travel - and where?
Cruising about four hours a day means 80-100 miles in a week and you can travel
anywhere in navigable waters covered by your boat's licence. Maps in the
introduction to each region will help you plan the outline of your cruise. When
you have decided on your holiday region, you can plan in more detail - we have
maps and guides to help you. Don't hesitate to ask our booking team for first
hand guidance and advice – they know the boats and waterways inside out.
Back to the top
How fast will I be going?
On the Norfolk Broads, the speed limits are between 4mph and 6mph, on the River
Thames up to 7mph, and 4mph on the canals. These are comfortable, relaxing speeds
- ideal for admiring the scenery and wildlife. Your boat manual will give precise
details of the speed limit on different stretches of waterway.
Back to the top
What about mooring up?
Your cruising manual has details, and your boatyard will demonstrate mooring
procedures. The manual on board your boat also has plenty of information about
mooring places. You’ll find the most popular moorings are those closest to
waterside inns and restaurants, (where a small charge is usually made), but there
are many quieter places to moor free of charge, mooring is also free at many
boatyards, Environment Agency mooring and on any canal towpath.
Back to the top
What about Waterway Rules?
You don’t need a licence to drive a boat. However, like the Highway Code (but much
simpler) there are a few rules you need to follow. These are all clearly explained
in the manual. Your boatyard will also advise you.
Back to the top
Aren't locks tricky to operate?
No. You simply steer your boat gently in and use the large wooden balance beams to
close the gates behind you. Then open the small paddle’ doors in the other gates
with the L-shaped winding handle (provided with your boat) to let the water in or
out. Once the water has leveled, open the gates and drive out, stopping to close
the gates and paddle doors before leaving. On the Thames, Caledonian Canal and
parts of the Cambridgeshire Waterways, there are resident lock-keepers to do it
for you.
Back to the top
Will the power supply operate my shaver, mobile phone and camcorder?
All boats have shaver points and electric shavers will work perfectly. Most boats
have a 12 volt accessory/cigar lighter socket similar to a car. Any electrical
items with a car adaptor will operate from this socket, including mobile phones,
camcorders, digital cameras and chargers for their batteries. Please bring your
usual connecting plugs and leads, though.
Back to the top
Can I use my hair dryer or other 240 volt electrical appliances I bring?
You must check when you make your booking before bringing any 240 volt electrical
appliances. Most boats only have a 12 volt electrical system, and you need to
borrow or hire a 12 volt hair dryer from the boatyard. Some boats have 240 volt
systems but this does not mean that you can bring any appliances with you – in
most cases, it is only possible to use the appliances supplied on the boat. If
you need to use an electrical appliance for medical reasons (eg a nebuliser to
aid breathing) you must check when making your booking that the supply is
suitable. 240 volt current may not be constantly available, and may not be of
sufficient amperage to power some appliances safely – or at all.
Back to the top
Where can I leave my car?
Parking facilities are often free of charge. The index on the regional
introductions indicate whether parking is included or whether a moderate charge
applies.
Back to the top
How can I get to the boatyard if I'm not driving?
Most boatyards are easily accessible by rail and some boatyard owners can even
arrange to pick you up from their local station. Just ask for details when making
your booking.
Back to the top
Can I bring my dog?
Most boats welcome one or two well-behaved dogs and pets are free of charge at
many canal boatyards. There are many excellent walks along the towpaths and in
the countryside close to many moorings. Some breeds are excluded (see Condition
of Hire No. 19 in the Terms and Conditions).
Back to the top
Supposing there is a problem with the boat during the holiday?
All boats are well maintained and breakdowns are rare. Should you require
assistance, simply contact your boatyard and they'll arrange for an engineer to
be sent out to you.
Back to the top
What about my water supply?
Your boat will have a full tank of drinking water. This can be easily topped up at
many boatyards along the way or public mooring – usually a small charge will be made.
Back to the top
How much will my fuel cost?
Some boatyards (and nearly all on the canals) include your fuel free of charge.
You will start off with a full fuel tank (a deposit is payable if your fuel is to
be charged). A full tank will usually be enough for your holiday and you will be
charged for fuel used. This will be deducted from your deposit. Typical fuel costs
for a week’s cruising, depending on boat and waterway, are between £40 and £100
(up to £130 in Scotland). If fuel is included in your holiday price you may be
liable for an additional charge if the rate of duty changes substantially.
Back to the top
Do I need a Fishing Licence?
A rod licence is a statutory requirement for anyone 12 years or over, who wishes
to fish in England and Wales. This can be purchased from any post office. In
Scotland and Ireland there is no licensing system. In addition, you may need a
fishing permit (sometimes referred to as a day ticket) which gives permission to
fish a particular water or waters and is issued by fishery owners, clubs, etc.
The coarse fishing closed season (15 March–15 June) applies to all rivers and
streams in England & Wales, including the Norfolk Broads, but does not apply to
most still waters and canals (except the Kennet & Avon canal). For more information
you should check with the regional Fisheries Officers on 08459 333 111.
Back to the top
What about safety?
Everyone should wear non-slip shoes on board and we recommend buoyancy aids
(provided free of charge) for children and non-swimmers. Ask your boat operator
for the size you need. Always follow the simple rules in the boat manual and you
won't go far wrong.
Back to the top
Do I need insurance cover?
Your boat is already insured; you simply pay either a non-refundable damage
waiver of between £50 and £100 or a security deposit of between £150 and £200,
refundable if the boat and equipment are returned in good order and no other
boats or property have been damaged.
Back to the top
I have mobility difficulties – will a boating holiday suit me?
Yes, it may do, but you must check carefully with us first, so that we can go over
the details carefully with you. Many boats have steps, and it may not be easy for
you to board a boat from the bank or towpath. Gangplanks cannot be provided or
used in some cases.
Back to the top
How comfortable will I be living on a boat?
Very comfortable – boating isn’t like camping or ‘roughing it’! Your boat will
have comfortable beds for all your party (bed linen, usually duvets, is provided
in all cases), as well as a shower, flush w.c. and equipped kitchen.
Back to the top
Can I bring my bike with me on holiday?
On some waterways it is not practicable to bring a bike. Please check with your
boat operator or ask at the time you make your booking with us.
|
|
|
|
|