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Narrow boat hire - Frequently asked questions

DAY HIRE
We do not do day hire as our narrow boats are equipped with sleeping accommodation. Our minimum rental period is 3 nights, but you can bring the narrowboat back earlier if you wish.
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 narrow boat child's play.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
We ask that you arrive at 1:30pm on your arrival day in order to provide sufficient time to check-in, load the 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.
MOORING OVERNIGHT
You can moor up wherever you want, just tie up by a towpath so you can get on and off the narrow boat easily, or better still outside a pub!!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Water is free and we give you a British Waterways key on arrival so you can use the water points. Diesel, gas and pump-outs (if necessary) are included in the narrow boat hire price you pay.
INSURANCE
The narrow boat and contents are fully insured, but we do have an excess on our insurance so we recommend that you take out our £45.00 damage waiver, then if you do have an accident you do not have to 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.
MAPS
Our Welcome folder is full of narrow boat hire information and good advice. We would recommend buying a canal map to plan your trip. We sell maps at the marinas (subject to stock) or if you want to plan ahead you can buy online via our Amazon bookshop.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT
Our dedicated narrow boat hire team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern.
WHAT ARE THE NARROW BOAT CREWING OPTIONS?

Please click here for the crewing arrangements. We provide buoyancy aids free of charge.

CAR PARKING
Free car parking is available at all of our narrow boat locations. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.
CHARGING MOBILE PHONES etc
The boat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Do not bring any electrical equipment over 1000 watts.
PETS
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.
  • LINEN AND TOWELS
    These are all provided free of charge, all the beds have duvets.
    FISHING
    Is allowed on the canals at any time of year, but a rod licence is required and 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 narrow boat, please bring some old matting to protect our paintwork, and some straps.
    SHOPS
    Part of the narrow 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.
    ABOUT US
    narrow-boat-hire.com ©2010 - All rights reserved. . Our booking address is PO Box 57 Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 7ZN .Tel. 01395-443545. Email us at bookings@narrow-boat-hire.com.