- Occupancy
- Control
of the boat
- Extended checkout
- Pets
- Fishing
- Bikes
- Parking
- Cash
- Wildlife
- Entertainment
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions by holidaymakers.
If you cannot find the answer to what you are looking for, please phone us on
1. Occupancy
Your boat is designed, licenced and insured
for either four or six berths, depending on its size and
no more than that number may sleep on board. If you turn
up at the marina with five people or more for a four berth
or 7 people or more for a six berth you will not be allowed
to occupy the boat. This is not negotiable. Children, of
whatever age - including babies - count as part of this
complement. Please don't tell us that additional passengers
will find alternative accommodation along the way, as others
have been afforded this concession in the past and abused
the privilege. It is therefore a firm rule that only the
prescribed number (or less) will be allowed to take the
boat.
2. Control of the boat
You will need a minimum of two fit and active
adults, or one adult and a child over the age of 16 years
for a 4 berth boat although it is easier with three. For
a 6 berth boat three adults (this can include an able bodied person over 14). If on arrival you do not meet
these requirements you will not be allowed to cruise, unless
you are able to demonstrate previous narrowboat handling
experience.
3. Extended checkout
On all 3, 4 and 5 night breaks, you have the option of lengthening your stay and extending your cruising time. You can use our popular 'Extended Check - Out' facility on the booking form and for a small additional fee, opt to check-out up to 3.30pm. More fun and more relaxation time for you. This is a major benefit of booking your short break with us as this option is not always available elsewhere.
4. Pets
A dog may be accommodated by arrangement. We welcome responsible dog owners. However, please note that any arrangement must be made in advance in all circumstances(we also refer you to our 'Hirer's Arrival Agreement'). If you book on-line, please call our office once you have received your email confirmation. Please note that the fee for a pet dog is £75.00(inc. VAT) per booking. If you wish to bring a second dog, there is a secondary fee of £35.00 (inc VAT). You should also be aware that you must provide your own bedding for your pet and should not allow your pet onto any of the furnishings. Thank-you.
5. Fishing
The company is unable to reproduce all current fishing byelaws. We will however, whenever possible, update our website with the latest information available to us. Fishing, where permitted, should only take place from the towpath side of the canal. Where fishing rights are not owned by British Waterways (i.e. crown estates) or are licensed out to angling clubs or individuals the licensee's permission MUST be sought before you start fishing. Permission in some cases is granted by purchase of a day ticket or membership, if available, though this can in no way be guaranteed. In such circumstances, that is on an unassigned stretch of canal, permission from British Waterways is deemed to be granted. Whether the fishing is carried out there, or on an assigned stretch with the permission of the Angling Club, the advice is that for insurance reasons, it should be conducted from the towpath and NOT from the boat (even if it is moored to the towpath) or a structure crossing the canal such as a bridge. Many sections of the canal system are covered by Angling Clubs and some of these MAY issue day tickets. Enquiries concerning these permissions should be directed to BW West Midlands, whose email address is, enquiries.westmidlands@britishwaterways.co.uk . You will need to know where and when you will be at a particular location in order to determine which club to direct your request for a day ticket to.
6. Bikes
The towpath and the country lanes, which cross the canals are an ideal place to cycle. You may bring up to two of your own bikes albeit at your own risk. These can be stored on the roof of the boat, provided they do not create a safety hazard. Please also bring a suitable mat to protect the paintwork.
7. Parking
Parking is available, but can be limited.
Try therefore to avoid bringing more than one car if you
can, as you may be charged for parking a second vehicle.
8. Cash
Whilst pubs and larger grocery stores will
accept credit/debit cards, most smaller shops and village
Post Offices may not. Be aware that ATM machines are not
always situated on or close to the canal.
9. Wildlife
You will be traveling through a rich landscape
of woods and water meadows, fields and farmland and you
can expect to see a wide variety of the natural flora and
fauna of these islands. Consider buying one of the many
handbooks available and, if you have a pair of binoculars,
bring them too, as you'll find you will see much more. Remember,
however, that it is illegal to pick wildflowers or disturb
nesting birds. Don't forget too, to bring enough film for
your camera. If you run out, it may not be easy to get more.
10. Entertainment
If you like quiet pubs, in rural settings
you will be spoilt for choice, but if you want organised
entertainment you should look elsewhere. A few good books
are a must and a pack of cards can be worth its weight in
gold on a wet day. If you have children, perhaps some jigsaws
or board games might be a good idea, but don't bring the
Scalextric! Don't forget also, that each boat is fitted
with a television and DVD player, so a selection of
CDs and DVDs might prove invaluable if the weather is inclement.
Listed above are the most frequently asked question by holidaymakers. If you cannot find the answer to what you are looking for, please email us on info@hireacanalboat.co.uk .
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