Narrowboats and wide beam boats are available
Our self-drive canal boats range in size from cosy boats for two, up to larger boats for 12 people. Most are narrowboats, 7ft wide and ranging in length from 48ft to 69ft. Headroom in our boats is at least 6ft. We also offer larger wide beam boat rental at Silsden and Falkirk.
They are all fully-equipped with essential mod cons, including central heating, hot water, TV, well-equipped kitchens, showers and flushing toilets. Some offer luxury accommodation, with extras like WiFi, wider beds, larger showers, baths, wine fridges and solid-fuel stoves.
All our boats are licensed and insured. Some of our operators ask customers to purchase a compulsory damage waiver policy as an extra, while others include it in the hire price.
All our canal boats have Boat Safety Scheme Certificates, meaning they are regularly independently checked to ensure they comply with safety legislation.
Two types of stern
The type of stern (back end) on your boat is something to consider when choosing your narrowboat. The back of our boats either have a ‘cruiser’ stern or are ‘semi traditional’. The cruiser stern gives you an open back deck, with room for a number of people to stand. While the semi traditional gives a smaller rear deck with a seating area which can be enclosed with doors. Some people like having the larger deck for a number of people to congregate on, whereas others prefer the seating in the semi traditional, as it can be good for keeping dogs and children in a defined area.
Fuel
When you pick up your boat, the tank will be full of diesel. Some of our operators include the cost of fuel in their hire fee, while others take a fuel deposit or make charge at the end of your holiday. The cost is based on use, typically around £10-15 per day.
On a short break or week’s holiday you are unlikely to need to re-fuel, but for longer trips there are re-fuelling points along the network.
Standards
We are made up of 10 professional canal boat rental operators, all upholding the highest standards.
All our canal boat rental operators:
- provide expert boat handover and instruction as part of the boat rental package, and all our employees are accredited by British Marine for Hire Boat Instruction & Handover Procedures;
- rent licensed and insured boats with Boat Safety Scheme Certificates, meaning they are regularly independently checked to ensure they comply with all the necessary safety legislation;
- provide detailed booking confirmation, pre-arrival information and clear directions to the boat rental location;
- have boat rental locations with car parks and welcoming procedures;
- offer life jackets free of charge and a 24-hour emergency helpline service;
- rent modern canal boats with heating, well-equipped kitchens, quality furnishings, flushing toilets, hot water, showers and TVs;
- provide clear Terms & Conditions, alongside a contract of hire;
- operate a continuous customer satisfaction survey and have a formal complaints procedure with an independent dispute resolution service; and
- have an ongoing programme of staff training and performance appraisal to ensure standards are maintained.
Tuition
It’s easy to learn how to steer a narrowboat and operate the locks. You don’t need a licence and all our hire boat operators provide expert instruction and guidance as part of their rental, as well as detailed pre-arrival information.
Tips for beginners
Plan your route – buy a map for the canals you will be taking your vacation on to work out where to moor each night and pubs to enjoy along the way.
Keep to the right – unlike cars on our roads, canal boats travel on the right side of our canals and rivers, so when you meet another boat, keep to the right.
Watch out for the cill – when in a lock, make sure the boat is kept forward of the cill (step) inside the lock. And check all paddles and gates are shut after you’ve used a lock, unless you see another boat approaching.
Sharing is caring – if possible, always share a lock with other boats to save water and share the lock operating work.
Stay slow – there’s a 4mph speed limit on the canals. If you go too fast you’ll create too much wash, disturbing wildlife, moored boats, people fishing and eroding the banks.
Mooring up – when you park your boat, don’t leave a big gap between yours and the next boat at busy sites. Don’t moor opposite winding holes, on bends, near to bridges, on lock landings (unless waiting to lock through) or at water points (unless filling up).