Beginner's Guide

Life on Board

If you're new to boating or just want to refresh your captain skills we've got some useful information for you.

You can stop when and where you like

There are plenty of free moorings all along the waterways. In some of the more popular tourist centres there may be a small fee payable for mooring. On the UK canals, you can stop overnight anywhere along the towpath side without charge. You must however avoid mooring overnight within 50 metres of a lock or other navigation landmark to allow other boats to pass unhindered.

Stop where and when you like - at a marina or in the open countryside. It's up to you!On most other navigations, there will be clearly marked places where you can moor for the night or during the day. On some main Rivers this may involve a small mooring charge.

“Rules” on the waterways?

There are a few very simple rules on the waterways and these are fully explained in the Skipper’s Manual provided on your boat.

Speed limits

Unless otherwise stated in boat information, pets are welcome on our boats for a small charge. Your boat will not have been built for speed but will be perfect for watching the world go by and for admiring the sights. On the Norfolk Broads, for example, there is a speed limit of between 4mph and 6mph, whilst on the Thames you can go a heady 7mph on some stretches.

Meet new people

Just like walking in the countryside, everybody on the canal talk and help each other. It matters not whether you are a novice or a professional, a hirer or an owner, a walker or a canalman.

Fishing

In England and Wales you can fish at any time except the close season (mid March to mid June). You’ll need an Environment Agency Licence, available from Post Offices and some fisheries and regional EA offices – these should be obtained before your holiday. In Scotland and Ireland you can fish anytime you like.

Bring your pets along

Pets are limited to two per boat – but dogs may be restricted according to size and type. If you’re bringing your dog please enquire about the boatyard policy prior to your reservation.

What to pack

Apart from electric shavers you don’t need your own domestic appliances, heaters, lighting equipment etc. Hire Bases may not allow large items such as bicycles and canoes on board, although permission may be given in certain circumstances, just call and ask. Dinghies may be towed behind your boat on the Broads.

Your boat will be very well equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, crockery etc. In addition, wet weather overalls are generally provided for the helmsman (although hopefully not used too much!). Life jackets are always available, especially for young children.

Additional specific items you may want to bring include towels, teatowels, a torch, camera, binoculars, a good waterways guide (such as Nicholson's), enough food supplies for a couple of days cruising (check the location of convenient shops along the waterway with your hire operator), non-slip soft deck shoes and protective gloves (for working locks).

Remember also that the sun's rays are much more powerful when you are on the water, so sunglasses, protective cream and a sun hat are recommended to avoid burning. Most boats are fitted with 12 volt colour televisions. It should be remembered that although they are modern TV's, reception at Broad and river level is often very poor.

All boats have at least a cigar lighter socket similar to a car. This is 12 volts and if your camcorder or mobile phone adapters will work from your car it will also work on the boats.

Eating in or out

One of the great things on the canals is the friendliness of everyone you meetWhilst all the boats come with a fully fitted kitchen, many people choose to eat at the plentiful pubs on the canal side. For many the boats are their major trade and so they provide excellent food at most reasonable prices.

Heating and washing

All our boats are equipped with central heating and a storage tank to provide copious hot water, for showers and/or baths.

Toilet facilities

All Broads cruisers and boats on the English and Welsh canals and rivers are fitted with flushing, sealed unit toilets, similar to those in aircraft and may require “pump-out” service during your holiday. Simple and clean, this is done at the many service points (boatyards) for between £8 and £12 per service.

Sometimes problems occur

But in this unlikely event, simply contact your base and a service engineer will be dispatched immediately. The Hire Base is at your service 7 days a week. No compensation is payable for delays caused by engine or equipment failure attended to in reasonable time.

Blakes Holiday Boating has provided a skippers manual which is located in every boat and provides out of normal working hours contact numbers, so whatever the problem, simply phone the relevant base and they will be happy to help you. In France at each base there are staff who speak English.