hire boat faqs
What do you get when you hire a boat on Britain's waterways?
- Comfortable boats with fully-fitted kitchens, double beds and electricity
- Thousands of miles to explore - from gentle rivers to Pennine canals
- Steering is easy and full tuition is provided
- Safe and fun for children
- Hundreds of attractions and pubs by the water
- Just pack your bags and cast off!
Find a boating holiday in Britain's biggest selection of boating holidays.
Buy BW keys, cards, maps and guides and other boating essentials.
Or read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
how many people can go?
Narrowboats are available in all sizes up to 70ft length, while fibreglass river cruisers - as found on the Broads and the River Thames - are usually shorter but wider. The largest boats can accommodate up to 12 people.
You don't need a big crew - a boating holiday can be just as enjoyable for a couple. An energetic party of 12 will enjoy a canal with many locks to work, such as the Pennine waterways. A couple might prefer a more relaxed holiday with few locks, or a river like the Thames where the locks are operated for you.
can we take our pets with us?
Pets are welcome on most boats for a small extra charge, depending on the boatyard. Usually there's a limitation of two per boat. If you are considering bringing a pet please telephone to confirm the specific boatyard's policy.
do you need any experience?
None whatsoever! Whether narrowboat or cruiser, steering is easy, and you'll quickly get the hang of the controls. The hire-fleet operators will explain everything to you when you arrive. There is no driving test to pass.
do I have to steer myself?
Though most holiday boats are self-drive, you can also take a holiday on a hotel boat, where an expert crew do everything from steering the boat to cooking the meals. Hotel boats cruise the length and breadth of the waterway system every year, so you can choose your favourite area for a truly relaxing holiday.
how long is the holiday?
Most boating holidays last for a week - often from Saturday to Saturday, but other start days are available. You can also hire a boat for a short break, either midweek or for a long weekend. Or if you're feeling ambitious, set off for an extended cruise of a fortnight or more!
what should you take?
Self-drive boats are also self-catering, so you'll need to stock up with food and drink. The hire-fleet operators can tell you where the nearest supermarket is. Don't buy too much, since part of the fun of a boat holiday is discovering the delights of local shops - and pubs!
Your boat will have hobs, an oven, a grill and a fridge. The freezer compartment may be small, so don't buy too much frozen food. Many modern boats will also have a microwave.
Linen is usually supplied, but you may need to bring your own towels. The operators will send you full details before your holiday.
Top-of-the-range boats will have a 240V connection, so you can bring along electrical appliances. Other boats will have a cigar lighter-style 12V connection, which may be used to charge your mobile phone if you have a suitable lead.
To give a clear indication of what you'll find on board, many boats have a rating from one to five stars, reflecting the facilities offered and the quality of accommodation - just like hotels or B&Bs.
how far can you go?
The speed limit on the canals is 4mph, and you can expect to average 3mph. It will take you an extra 15 minutes to negotiate each lock, though an energetic crew can often manage a fraction of this time.
Expect to cruise for anywhere between three and seven hours a day, with six full cruising days in your holiday. Hire-fleets generally do not permit their craft to cruise at night.
You can plan an out-and-back voyage, turning back halfway through the week - the scenery always looks different on the way back! Or you can choose a 'cruising ring', a circuit comprised of several canals. Some operators offer one-way trips along particular routes, so you can see an entire canal in a week.
To help you navigate easily and discover the surrounding countryside, the hire-base will offer a good range of maps and canal guides.
where do you stop for the night?
Anywhere along the towpath, with very few exceptions. Mooring is free on most canals: you may have to pay a small fee on rivers like the Thames, where the banks are privately owned. So just find the spot that appeals to you, and tie up for the night.
There are specially designated 'visitor moorings' at popular places. Mooring here is typically limited to 48 hours.
do you have to fill up en route?
Boats use very little fuel, and the hire-base will have sent you out with a full tank. So you're unlikely to need to refill.
You will need to fill up with water regularly. There are water taps at regular intervals along the canals for this purpose.
If you're on a longer cruise, you may need to have your toilet tank pumped out. Most boatyards can do this for you.
where do you put the car?
Hire-bases have parking facilities where you can leave the car for a week. These are usually secure.
If you are arriving by train, the boat operators will tell you how to find the base, and can often organise a taxi.
what do you do all day?
You'll never be bored on a waterway holiday. The canal and rivers flow through Britain's biggest cities as well as its most peaceful countryside, close to thousands of great tourist attractions - from Windsor Castle to mountain bike tracks and canoe slalom courses. Waterscape.com has all the information you need to pick the waterway that's right for you.
Even if you stay on your boat, there's lots to see: waterway wildlife, beautiful scenery and astonishing architecture. And that's not to mention all the great canalside pubs and villages you'll pass.
what should I do next?
Take the plunge and start looking for your ideal boating holiday.
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