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Canal Boats Rental & Hire Frequently Asked Questions
Here you find questions and answers about canal boat cruising in the UK and Europe. Information on how to rent or hire a canal boat is available on this page to guide travellers for safe journey. Click here to receive a quote for your Canal Boat Rental.
Q: How far can I cruise in the Canal Boat?
A: The normal cruising speed is about 8km/hour. If you cruise faster you cause the banks to be damaged by soil erosion caused by the wake of your boat. Plan to cruise no more than 4 to 5 hours per day so that you can stop and sightsee and remember to allow time to go through locks which take about 20 minutes.
Q: Are there set days and times?
A: Hires normally operate from Saturday to Saturday, Friday to Friday or Monday to Monday. The Saturday option being the main day so try and plan it that way. In months other than the highest season, short breaks, Monday to Friday are available and weekends, from a Friday afternoon to a Monday morning. Normal takeover time is between 4 and 5 pm and return time is by 9am... (Often easiest to get to the base the night before and overnight there so you are ready first thing in the morning).
Q: Is there car parking at the base?
A: Yes, car parking is offered.
Q: Are Canal Boat Rentals expensive?
A: The price quoted is per boat... so divide by the number of people and you will see that the price is very reasonable considering this is your 'hotel', 'kitchen' and 'transport' in one... plus an unforgettably different holiday.
Q: What else do we have to pay?
A: At the end of the cruise, they will check your number of cruising hours (from a meter) and charge you for fuel, gas and oil. We can advise you these costs. We do also recommend you take the Collision Damage Option for your own peace of mind.Bikes, pets on board, car parking, car transfer, fishing rods and bbq are other options .
Q: Will we have to refuel with fuel or water?
A: The boat comes with enough fuel for one or two weeks of cruising. Water will have to be refilled every couple of days, depending on how many people etc. The water refill points will be shown on your canal guide. It may cost you one or two euros to refill.
Q: Where can we moor and how much does it cost?
A: You can moor wherever you want... the boat comes with stakes so any river bank will do. Just don't moor just outside tunnels or around bends or where you see 'no mooring signs' but we are pretty sure you'd figure that out yourself!
Q: What about electrical equipment?
A: Most boats are equipped with a 12 volt system with a cigar lighter fitting to recharge mobile phones and camcorders. A radio/cassette and a 12 volt hair dryer are provided. A 220v socket is available for electric razors only.
Q: We have never cruised before. How will we know the 'rules of the road'?
A: If you are the only craft navigating a particular stretch of water, you may keep to the centre of the canal or river, but when you meet another boat, you must pull over to the right and stay close to the bank. Remember also to look behind you, in case there are faster craft following which are anxious to overtake. However, your instruction booklet sent out with your documents will explain this so you can do some 'homework' before you go!
Q: What about groceries and supplies?
A: You can stock up with fresh supplies in practically any village along the banks of the canal or river. Consult your River Guide. It will tell you exactly where you will find a butcher, a baker, a fishmonger or a grocer. Some lock keepers will occasionally sell eggs and poultry, vegetables and wine at very reasonable prices. On the day of departure for your cruise, take advantage of your car when making bulky purchases. We can also organise, on your behalf, the initial provision of fresh supplies.
Q: We are just two people. Will we have a problem with locks and mooring?
A: No problem! All boats are easy to handle, that it is perfectly feasible for two people to pilot and manoeuvre it. And, then, if you choose your region carefully, there will be opportunities for romantic interludes on the river bank and excursions together into the surrounding countryside!
Q: We are going with friends we have not seen in a while. Do you think we may feel 'confined' or 'limited'?
A: On a canal boat cruise you will be captivated by the passing scenery, experiencing a sense of space and freedom! You also have the option of cycling alongside on the towpaths. When moored, you will experience the contentment of being comfortably ensconced in your saloon, sitting down to a good meal and looking out at the river bank as on your own back garden or on deck sipping a chardonnay as the sun sets so beautifully... With bikes, you all have the option of exploring in different directions.
Q: Is there any chance we will be bored?
A: A canal boat cruise doesn't mean that you have to limit your horizon to the canal or river bank! Often you will only have to travel a few hundred yards on foot or by bicycle, or perhaps take a taxi, to discover a well-known beauty spot, a medieval village, an old Roman church or a fine cellar that it would be a shame to miss. Your River Guide will tell you all you need to know about the interesting and unusual features of the area that you intend visiting.
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