Frequently Asked Questions about Canal Boat Holidays and Hire |
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| How do I make a booking? | |
We recommend that you telephone us as soon as you see the boat you would like to hire…..01827 262042 We will take the booking details over the phone requesting a 25% deposit. Payment can be made by cheque, BACS or cash payment. Upon receipt of your deposit written confirmation of your booking is sent to you together with a receipt for your deposit. Otherwise send and e-mail via our website indicating your preference on dates and boat and we will contact you within 24hours with details of price & availability.
Office Hours: Website: www.drayton-narrowboat-holidays.co.uk |
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| What types of boat are available? | |
| All our Narrow boats are built by us locally at Fazeley to the highest standards of fit out and specification to include TV, Microwave, Cooker, Shower/Bathrooms, Central Heating and much more…! Our fleet range from 4 berth 50FT to 6 Berth 58FT and are all maintained by our own highly trained staff and technicians | |
| What is a boating holiday like…will I enjoy it? | |
Boating holidays appeal to a large number of people from all walks of life. From relaxing on the tranquil backwaters of our rural canals with their quaint and picturesque waterside pubs to exploring the normally hidden channels through our major towns and cities with a wealth of architectural and industrial heritage only accessible by the canal network. Boating holiday offers numerous places of interest to stop along the way for the whole family. There is plenty to do on the water including operating locks, fishing (subject to rod licence), soaking up the sun or just mooring up and going for those relaxing walks taking in the odd refreshment on the way…! The slow and relaxing pace of life on the canals is one of the main attractions for many people looking to escape the everyday pressures that life can throw at us. |
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| Do I need any previous experience? | |
| In a word….No. It’s not necessary to have any previous boating experience to hire a narrow boat. Drayton Narrow Boat Hire Ltd prides itself on the comprehensive and detailed handover you receive prior to the start of your holiday from our experienced staff all whom are boaters themselves. This will include how to steer and sail your boat, daily boat checks, operating locks and safety instructions. We even offer to join you for the first part of your journey to help ease you in to the way a boat sails and handles Don't be afraid to ask questions …..there is no such thing as a silly question. As previously mentioned all of our staff are keen boaters and owners themselves so you will be in safe hands! |
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| Do I need a licence? | |
| No "driving" licence is required for a hire boat on the inland waterways. Your boat will however be licensed to use the waterways managed by British Waterways and this will be included within your holiday cost. If you wish to use other waterways, you should check with us if a separate licence is required. This will be the case if you wish to spend part of your holiday on the canals and a few days on either the River Thames or the River Avon, as they are all managed by different licensing authorities. |
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| What is included in the price? | |
| Your holiday rental cost will include the self-drive hire of your chosen boat for the rental period, gas used, car parking, bed linen, life jackets, fuel and VAT. Your boat is fitted with flush toilets and the holding tanks will be empty when you depart. Dependant on the frequency of use during your holiday the holding tanks may need to be ‘Pumped Out’ at a boat yard on the network. This will incur a charge of approximately £15 payable by you at the time to the visiting boatyard. | |
| Can I take pets? | |
| To ensure the comfort and safety of all our clients we cannot unfortunately accommodate pets on our boats. This is to conform to any health issues clients may be suffering from such as allergies and asthma. | |
| What do I need to take? | |
| Your boat is very well equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, crockery, glassware, torch, life jackets, bed linen, towels, toilet/kitchen rolls etc. It is recommended that you bring waterproof outdoor clothing together with waterproof shoes and maybe an umbrella….unfortunately it sometimes rains just when your sailing….! Additional specific items you may want to bring include camera, binoculars, and food supplies for a couple of days cruising (check the location of convenient shops along the waterway with us), non-slip soft deck shoes and protective gloves (for working locks). In summer the sun can much more stronger when you are on the water, so sunglasses, protective cream and a sun hat are recommended to avoid burning. |
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| Where can I stop at night? | |
On all ‘British Waterways’ canals, you can stop overnight anywhere along the towpath side without charge. Private moorings are usually clearly indicated as you approach. You should avoid mooring overnight within 50 metres of a lock or other landmarks e.g. water point for filling up your fresh water tank, other boaters might be knocking you up very early asking you to move so they can fill up…..! Avoid mooring where you cannot be seen clearly….i.e. bends On most other navigations, there will be clearly marked places where you can moor for the night or during the day. On some main Rivers this may involve a small mooring charge. |
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| How far can I travel? | |
This is dependant on how long your holiday hire is. If you are away for 7 days you should be looking to turn round the boat to start your return leg after the end of the 4th day otherwise you could arrive late back at your home base. Unfortunately late arrivals back will incur a charge of £25 per hour over the agreed time. To estimate this count each lock as one mile and add the distance in actual miles to make "lock miles". Divide this by 3(mph) to give the total time in hours to cover the required distance including locks. |
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| How do the Locks work? | |
Locks are used to lift or lower boats from one level to another and can be found on almost all canals and many rivers. On major rivers and waterways such as the River Thames and River Severn, the locks are manned and operated for you during the summer. Operating locks is very simple and part of the fun of a boating holiday. Care must however be taken around locks and we will brief you fully when you collect your boat. We can offer to meet you at the first lock should you wish to help you through your fist one. The lock consists of a chamber into which your boat passes, plus a gate or gates at either end. The lock has openings (paddles or sluices) at the top and bottom to allow water in and out of the chamber to raise or lower the water level and the boat. These paddles are opened and closed by the crew using a lock handle (Windlass) on the winding gear at the top and bottom of each lock. It may sound complicated, but you will soon find that operating locks is very easy and great fun. Other boaters using the locks are usually very happy to show you ‘the ropes’ and help you through the lock. |
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| Can I drink and Sail? | |
| There is no legal limit for alcohol when sailing narrow boats in the UK. However we strongly recommend that if you are the ‘Captain’ of the vessel and in charge of the welfare and safety of your crew that you refrain from drinking excessively whilst sailing the vessel. Enjoy your holiday, relax have fun and if a ‘stiff drink’ is required please wait until you have moored up for the day and then let your hair down….! | |
| How large a party can I bring? | |
| Our largest boats (58ft) can accommodate up to six people. If you have a large party we suggest you hire two boats and travel together, mooring up together at night. If you are one party requiring two vessels please ask about our multiple hire discounts. | |
| Who’s in charge of the boat? | |
| The person in whose name the booking is made in will be legally held responsible for the vessel and its well being. A £250 Bond is required prior to departure which is fully refundable on condition the boat is returned in good condition complete with a full inventory of equipment for which you will have signed for OR you can pay a non-refundable £60 ‘Collision Damage Waiver’ fee prior to departure. ( See our Terms & Conditions ) | |
| What if I have other questions? | |
| Please ring ‘Drayton Narrow Boat Hire Ltd on 01827 262042 for help or advice or e-mail us at info@draytonboatservices.co.uk |
