So, it's your first time boating?
Start getting excited. You'll enjoy...
Relaxation »
Take it easy. Gliding along at 4-6mph, you can really leave the roads, the rush (and all your cares) behind.
Scenery »
Unspoilt countryside and waterscapes unfold before you – with a new view round every bend
Nature and Wildlife »
See nature’s secrets from the inside! Enjoy direct access to bird and nature reserves, too.
Pubs and Restaurants »
Just moor up and step ashore for drink or a meal. A tempting choice of waterside hostelries is just waiting to be discovered.
Sightseeing and Shopping »
Just stop and you are there! You are within walking distance of the heart of villages, towns and even cities. Enjoy shops, museums, castles, cathedrals, night life…..and more.
Freedom »
Go as far as you want, when you want and stop when you want. On your holiday afloat there are no timetables or routines to tell you what to do.
Walking the Dog »
Banks and tow paths offer peaceful and picturesque walking. Dogs are welcome on most boats, too – so you will never walk along!
Worried about missing your creature comforts?
Don’t be. On board your boat you’ll find…
- Generous headroom (6ft or more)
- Plenty of storage space
- 6ft plus beds with interior-sprung or foam mattresses
- Flush toilets
- Fully equipped shower or bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen with cooker, refrigerator - and often 240v appliances, such as microwaves
- Comfortable living area with TV and sound systems
Still got doubts?
Yes it’s different – but here’s our top ten frequently asked questions to put your mind at rest…
Do I need a licence and what are the rules?
You don’t need a licence to drive a boat. However, like the Highway Code (but much simpler) there are a few basic rules you need to follow. These are all explained in the comprehensive manual which we provide in every boat. Your boatyard will also advise you when you are given your handover tuition.
Should someone in my party have boating experience?
Absolutely not. When you arrive to pick up your boat, you’ll receive plenty of expert tuition from your boatyard staff. They’ll provide all the training, help and advice you need until you’re happy to take the helm. Your on-board manual gives you lots of tips and reminders, too.
How far can I travel and where can I go?
Depending on the waterway, you’ll be travelling at a maximum of 4mph to 7mph. Cruising about 4 hours a day means 80-100 miles in a week, and you can travel anywhere in the waters covered by your boat’s licence. When you’ve searched our site for your ideal boat or start point, you can click to see details of suggested cruising routes for 3/4 night breaks and week-long holidays. View our cruising route maps, too.
Where can I stop?
The manual on board your boat has plenty of information about mooring places, and your boatyard will show you how to moor up. The most popular moorings are those closest to waterside pubs, restaurants, villages and towns (where a small charge is usually made) but there are many quieter places to moor free of charge. Mooring is free at any Hoseasons boatyard, Environment Agency mooring and on any canal towpath.
What do I do at locks?
These are part of the fun. You simply steer your boat gently in, and use the big wooden beams to close the gates behind you. Then you open small paddle doors in the other gates with the L-shaped winding handle provided with your boat to let the water in or out and change the water level. Then you open the gates and drive out, stopping to close the gates and paddle doors before leaving. In Europe, and in Britain on the Thames, Caledonian Canal and parts of the Cambridgeshire Waterway, there are larger locks with lock-keepers to do the work for you. There are no locks on the Norfolk Broads.
How much will my fuel cost?
Some boatyards (and nearly all on the canals) include your fuel in your holiday price, and the full tank you start with is usually much more than you need for your holiday. If you’re charged, you will only be charged for the fuel used, and this amount will be deducted from your fuel deposit when you return the boat. Typical fuel costs for a week’s cruising (depending on boat and waterway) are between £40-£100, but in Scotland, costs can be up to £130.
Where do I get water for drinking and washing?
On your boat. Of course. Your boat will have a full tank of water and all boats have hot and cold running water for kitchens and shower rooms. You can top up your water tank at any Hoseasons boatyard or public mooring if necessary, for which there is usually a small charge.
What about safety? Do I need special equipment or training?
All you need to bring with you are sensible non-slip shoes, and you’ll receive all the training about safety you need from your boatyard staff when you arrive. We recommend buoyancy aids for children and non-swimmers - these are provided free of charge when you pick up your boat. The boat manual on board your boat contains all the safety information you’ll need, too. Remember, though, that boating is an active holiday. At least two members of your party will need to be able to jump on and off the boat to moor up and work the locks.
Can I use my hairdryer or other electrical equipment?
You must check when you make your booking before bringing any 240v electrical appliances. Some boats have 240v systems, but this does not mean that you can bring any appliances with you. In most cases, it’s only possible to use the appliances supplied on the boat. All boats have shaver points for electric shavers, and most have a 12v accessory socket similar to a car. Any electrical items with a car adapter will operate from this socket, including mobile phones, camcorders, digital cameras and chargers for their batteries. You’ll need to bring your own connecting plugs and leads, though.
Can I bring my dog along?
Most boats welcome one or two well-behaved dogs and pets are free of charge at many canal boatyards. There are many excellent walks along the along the towpaths and in the countryside close to many moorings. For boating in Europe, the Pet Passport scheme is now well established, so you needn’t leave one of the family behind! Visit
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm for more details about what you need to do. You’ll find other useful information at
www.dogsaway.co.uk
The Boater’s Handbook
More detailed information about boating is available in this comprehensive handbook produced by the Environment Agency and British Waterways and available online
here
