our frequently asked canal boat hire questions.

CANAL BOAT HIRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

One of our canal boats moored at Blackwater Meadow Marina.

Do you operate day hire?
No, we do not do day hire as our boats are equipped for overnight stays. The minimum rental is for 3 nights, however, you can bring the boat back earlier if you wish.

Do I need a license to operate a boat?
No you will not need a license and you will be given all the training you need to get started.

Is it difficult to operate?
No. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making driving a boat child’s play.

Where can we stop?
You can moor up wherever you like find a nice spot and tie up.

Is there car parking?
Car parking is available at all our locations. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.

Do I need insurance?
No. The canal boat and it's contents are fully insured so if you have an accident do not worry. The only thing that is not insured by us are (a) your car which is probably protected under your motor policy and (b) your personal possessions which are also probably covered under your house contents insurance but please check your own policies carefully.

Where do I buy canal maps and guides ?
Our marinas sell maps and guides (subject to availability). You can also buy online via our online bookstore (opens in new window) if you wish to plan ahead.

What happens if we have a problem?
Our dedicated team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern.

Can I take a pet ?
We allow pets at the follow marinas :-
Alvechurch Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Blackwater Meadow Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Gayton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Worcester Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Anderton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Hilperton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Does the boat have electricity?
Yes, the narrow boat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Electricity is produced from the engine by storing it in batteries. An inverter then converts the 12v to 240v electricity.

What are the crewing requirements when hiring one of your 4 or 6 berth boats?
Click here for our crewing requirements.

When do I collect and return my hire boat?
We ask that you arrive at 1:30pm on your arrival day in order to provide sufficient time to check-in, load the narrow boat and receive the training and tour. On your day of departure, you will need to vacate the narrow boat no later than 9:30am as we wish to avoid potentially penalising the incoming guests.

TUITION
You do not need any previous experience, or a boat licence, you will be given all the training you need to get started. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making operating a canal boat child's play.

Charging Mobile Phones etc
The canalboat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Do not bring any electrical equipment over 1000 watts.

Fishing
Is allowed on the Canals at any time of year, but a Rod Licence is required & you can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or Online at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Bicycles
You can fit 2-3 bikes on the roof of the narrowboat, please bring some old matting to protect our paintwork, and some straps.

Shops
Part of the canal boat experience is stopping off and visiting the villages and towns along the way, so you can stock up with groceries as you go along, although all our marinas are close to towns where there is a supermarket if you want to get the basics before you set off. There are lots of pubs and some cafes along the canals, some have their own moorings, and some are just a short stroll away.

Our canal boat holiday marinas are :
Blackwater Meadow in Shropshire, Union Wharf in Leicestershire, Alvechurch Marina in Worcestershire, Worcester Marina in Worcestershire, Gayton Marina in Northamptonshire, Anderton Marina in Cheshire and Hilperton Marina in Wiltshire

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Do you operate day hire?	No, we do not do day hire as our boats are equipped for overnight stays. The minimum rental is for 3 nights, however, you can bring the boat back earlier if you wish.
Do I need a license to operate a boat?	No you will not need a license and you will be given all the training you need to get started.
Is it difficult to operate?	No. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making driving a boat child’s play.
Where can we stop?	You can moor up wherever you like find a nice spot and tie up.
Is there car parking?	Car parking is available at all our locations. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.
Do I need insurance?	No. The canal boat and it's contents are fully insured so if you have an accident do not worry. The only thing that is not insured by us are (a) your car which is probably protected under your motor policy and (b) your personal possessions which are also probably covered under your house contents insurance but please check your own policies carefully.
Where do I buy canal maps and guides ?	Our marinas sell maps and guides (subject to availability). You can also buy online via our online bookstore (opens in new window) if you wish to plan ahead.
What happens if we have a problem?	Our dedicated team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern.
Can I take a pet ?	We allow pets at the follow marinas :- Alvechurch Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets. Blackwater Meadow Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets. Gayton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets. Worcester Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets. Anderton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets. Hilperton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
Does the boat have electricity?	Yes, the narrow boat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Electricity is produced from the engine by storing it in batteries. An inverter then converts the 12v to 240v electricity.
What are the crewing requirements when hiring one of your 4 or 6 berth boats?	Click here for our crewing requirements.
When do I collect and return my hire boat?	We ask that you arrive at 1:30pm on your arrival day in order to provide sufficient time to check-in, load the narrow boat and receive the training and tour. On your day of departure, you will need to vacate the narrow boat no later than 9:30am as we wish to avoid potentially penalising the incoming guests.
TUITION	You do not need any previous experience, or a boat licence, you will be given all the training you need to get started. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making operating a canal boat child's play.
Charging Mobile Phones etc	The canalboat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Do not bring any electrical equipment over 1000 watts.
Fishing	Is allowed on the Canals at any time of year, but a Rod Licence is required & you can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or Online at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Bicycles	You can fit 2-3 bikes on the roof of the narrowboat, please bring some old matting to protect our paintwork, and some straps.
Shops	Part of the canal boat experience is stopping off and visiting the villages and towns along the way, so you can stock up with groceries as you go along, although all our marinas are close to towns where there is a supermarket if you want to get the basics before you set off. There are lots of pubs and some cafes along the canals, some have their own moorings, and some are just a short stroll away.