Canal Boat Holidays - extra costs???

Acremead

If you are out for less than a week then you may need to plan where to turn the boat for the return journey. Almost all boats are too long to turn just anywhere so you'll need to spot either a junction or a winding point where the canal's been specially widened. You'll only be doing 4mph so it could easily add several hours to the outward leg if you have to travel further than you want just to turn round. Not usually a problem on a week's cruise but might be an issue if you are only out for say 3 days.

Remember that locks never come when you want and neither do pubs. You can cruise for ages without a lock in sight and suddenly you may get several in a row. 6 locks @ 20 mins each means a couple of hours work with no option to stop if they are very close together. But great fun, an opportunity for team work and co-operating with other boats.

It's a nice fantasy to imagine stopping off for a pub meal each evening, but again they aren't evenly spaced so it can be a bit hit & miss.

Do have a look at the canal boat forums recommended above. As others have said, where you start from can make a big difference to the type of boating you do, in terms of lock free stretches, scenery and places of interest.

All the best, and have fun!

itsallmimimi

Canal boating is wonderful! So relaxing. However just a note of caution - and it's common sense, don't be in charge of the boat under the influence of alcohol :beer:. If found to be over the limit, it could be expensive. Amazingly this has only really come into force in the last few years, and prior to that I've seen some interesting results on the canals :shocked: Not caused by me, I hasten to add

Just another tip to add to the valuable ones already submitted by the other forumites, make sure you know where the 'key' is for filling the water tank before leaving the boatyard and keep it in a prominent place. I'm sure a little gremlin squirrelled mine away somewhere and forgot where they put it... Fortunately canal-folk are friendly and everyone I've met were willing to help!

floss2

And don't forget that the speed limit DOES apply - no matter how foolish you think it is. Going fast may seem like fun but it erodes the banks and destroys nests and other wildlife habitats.

LimeLight

Get yourself a Pearsons guide for the canal you're travelling along.
They show everything, from the locks to pubs along the way, as well as mooring points, water taps and shower facilities, even how long it takes to do each page.

Most holiday boats are centrally heated, with all the mod cons including a tv with freeview, but don't expect to get a reception in some areas.

Take some books and cards just in case the freeview isn't picking up any channels, though you'll probably be too knackered to do anything lol

Take a thermo mug each to keep your coffee hot, though mugs are provided, if you're on the tiller (driving), then you need all your attention on stopping yourself from grounding or changing speeds as you pass other boats and so your brew will go cold quickly in an ordinary mug.

Also, beware of syphoners who target holiday boats and the first you are aware of it is when you splutter to a halt with no steering heading sideways towards the bank, which is usually the one without the towpath!

Anymore questions, give us a shout.