Narrow Boat Holiday Hire
Do I need any previous boating experience? No – Henry the Navigator is designed for ease of use. It isn’t necessary to have any previous boating experience to hire a self-drive boat. Canal Boat Cruising will provide you with all the training you need to enjoy your holiday. This will include how to steer your boat, daily boat checks, operating locks and safety instructions. Don't be afraid to ask questions so that you feel confident and can get the most enjoyment from being captain of your own boat ! Back to top
Is a canal boat holiday suitable for children ? Absolutely - children love canal boat holidays - in fact if they are teenagers they will probably want to take over, including steering the boat (supervised of course). Back to top
What about babies ? You are welcome to bring the youngest member of the family. For babies up to a year old we recommend that you bring a travel cot. Older little ones can be accommodated in a single berth. We can provide cot sides, but please bring your own waterproof covering for the mattress. Back to top
Can I bring pets? Well behaved pets are welcome on board Henry the Navigator, however owners are responsible for ensuring that they do not sit or sleep on any bed linen or seating areas. Therefore we ask that you provide their own floor blanket or pet basket. There is no extra cost for pets. Back to top
How do we get to the hire base ? We are based at the Aqueduct Marina at Church Minshull in Cheshire - directions can be found here. Back to top
Where is the nearest public transport ? Crewe railway station is just a short car journey away - we can arrange to collect you if this helps. Back to top
Is there any local B& B accommodation ? Yes - we would suggest you click on the following link to take you to ‘Outlanes’ Back to top
Do you supply buoyancy aids? We do – for adults, children and dogs. Just let us know when you book.
How easy are locks to operate ? You simply steer your boat gently in to the lock 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 levelled, open the gates and drive out, stopping to close the gates and paddle doors before leaving. Back to top
What should we bring with us ? The weather could be warm and sunny, in which case sunglasses, protective cream and a sun hat are the order of the day, however this is England …….. so be prepared for all weather conditions ! Footwear is particularly important: don’t wear shoes that might slip on a wet deck. Wet weather gear is generally provided for the helmsman (although hopefully not needed too much!). Back to top
What bedding is provided? All beds come complete with sheets, pillows and duvets. For every fixed berth on Henry the Navigator we provide an interior sprung mattress, duvet, a pillow, a pillow case, a mattress pad and linen. Towels also included in the standard inventory. Back to top
Is there central heating and hot showers ? Henry the Navigator is equipped with central heating and a storage tank to provide copious hot water, together with an airing cupboard. Back to top
How far can we travel in a day? On most of the inland waterways the average speed is generally around 3 to 4 mph (walking pace). In calculating how far you can to travel in a day, you should work on the basis of ‘lock miles’. To do this count each lock as one mile and add the distance in actual miles on the canal to make ‘lock miles’. Around 20 ‘lock miles’ is a steady day’s cruising of 6½ hours, and 30 ‘lock miles’ around 10 hours a day. Back to top
Where can we stop overnight ? On the canals, you can stop overnight anywhere along the towpath side without charge, so long as it does not obstruct the waterway (for example under a bridge, or on a tight bend). There are many pubs along the canals and most are happy for you to moor up outside if you use the facilities ! Back to top
What about maps and guides ? We provide a range of guides and maps on the boat for any of the routes available to you from the hire base. Back to top
Where can we shop for provisions during the holiday ? Many of the villages through which the canals pass have at range of local shops, the bigger towns with supermarkets generally within walking distance of the canal. The guides provided on board give more information as to what is available. Back to top
Can I cruise at night? Unfortunately not – because of the dangers the insurance would not cover you if you were to have an accident. It’s best to moor up by dusk. Back to top
The boat will normally be available from 2.30 pm on the afternoon of departure. Boats should be returned by 9.00 am and vacated by 9.30 am. If a boat is returned late, it will cause a delay for the next hirer. In this event we reserve the right to charge for the late return, or if it is returned in a dirty state. Back to top
What does the hire fee cover ? The hire fee covers the hire of the boat and its full inventory of equipment. Also included is fuel, Calor gas, bedding, bed linen, car parking, buoyancy aids, accidental damage to the boat and its inventory and public liability risks. Back to top
Is there a television on board ? Yes, we include an LCD TV with DVD player, and a selection of DVDs.
Do you accept credit or debit cards ? Yes, we accept Visa, and Mastercard. Back to top
Is there parking for cars ? Yes, we have free of charge outdoor parking space at our base, with CCTV for security. Please remember though that parking is at you own risk Back to top
Can I charge my camcorder, digital camera or mobile phone ? There are12v and 240v recharging points on the boat for the charging of electronic items. Back to top
Will I need to fill the water tank on the boat? Your water tank will be full on the day of departure, and would probably last two or three days. We do recommend however that you fill up with water once a day - there are many water points along the waterways, generally at least every 4 – 6 hours cruising. Remember you are not connected to the mains! We provide a British Waterways key (and a spare) to unlock the water taps by the side of the canal. Back to top
Henry the Navigator has two macerator toilets on board, very close to what you’re used to at home. The waste tanks hold enough for more than a week long cruise – so no worries about emptying ! Back to top
What about bringing our bicycles or canoes ?
Both are welcome but we do ask that you bring some matting for them to lie on the roof. You should buy a licence from British Waterways the cover the timing of your holiday. Back to top
Can I fish from the boat ? Yes, provided that the boat is moored up with the engine switched off, also you will have to hold a full up to date Rod Licence available from www.waterscape.com or any Post Office in England and Wales. But no live bait please. Back to top
Is smoking permitted on the boat ? Sorry No Smoking Back to top
What happens if we have a problem ? The boat is well maintained and breakdowns are rare, however we provide a support service if you have a problem, and at night we will always respond in the event of an emergency. Back to top
Do I need any previous boating experience?
Is a canal boat holiday suitable for children ?
How do we get to the hire base ?
Where is the nearest public transport ?
Is there any local B&B accomodation ?
How easy are locks to operate ?
What should we bring with us ?
Is there central heating and hot showers ?
How far can we travel in a day ?
Where can we shop for provisions during the holiday ?
What does the hire fee cover ?
Is there a television on board ?
Do you accept credit or debit cards ?
Can I charge my camcorder, digital camera or mobile phone ?
Will I need to fill the water tank on the boat?
What about bringing our bicycles or canoes ?
Is smoking permitted on the boat ?
What happens if we have a problem ?
ANY QUESTIONS ?
Copyright Canal Boat Cruising 2008