Canal boat / narrow boat hire

Happy_saver_4

Much more enjoyment by doing it right and much less of a problem to other canal users.

I've lived on the canals and see too many novices make idiotic mistakes sometimes causing problems to themselves and others.

I'm afraid Liz to suggest that people go out and 'just do it' shows your belief in the ideology of ignorance is bliss and also basically demonstrates your own lack of boating knowledge as stated in your second sentence..

Just take this simple example. Two boats are meeting head on, which way should you turn. The answer is you should turn to starboard (right). Now if you don't know this you may turn to port(left) and then you will collide with me, perhaps doing damage perhaps causing injury to someone on either boat. Insurance claims etc etc etc. All because you didn't know which way to turn when meeting - how stupid :rolleyes:.

A little learning is all that is required .

Mind you us liveaboards will perhaps miss some of the real good laughs provided by 'the idiots' :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Idiots as they won't bother to learn :eek:

1sue23

I was one of these idiots and nearly sunk our hire boat a few years ago caught on lock cill and it was scary stuff :eek: ,but having said that it is a learning curve and it did not put me off ,I loved everything about boats, the canals so much so that I now live on a boat, and can not think of any where else I would rather be.:D

headcoat

Happy Saver, surely any reputable hire company will give advice and tuition before renting out the boats?

As you are a liveaboard any idea how I can get into this, I looked at it a while ago and it doesn't seem to be easy to do ie finding permanent moorings.

1sue23

headcoat wrote: »

Happy Saver, surely any reputable hire company will give advice and tuition before renting out the boats?

As you are a liveaboard any idea how I can get into this, I looked at it a while ago and it doesn't seem to be easy to do ie finding permanent moorings.

The biggest problem is as you say finding a mooring ,and British Waterways have added to this problem with their new tendering system ,I ended up paying £2,500 a year for a mooring in Skipton with no facilities ,luckily I have now got a mooring with electric hookup and a water supply for £70.00 a month so a good saving ,but the life is good and would choose no other ,but it is not for everyone.

Happy_saver_4

First of all reputable hire boat companies do give some tuition. But unfortunately all hire companies are not reputable. Also what can happen on change over day the yard is very busy. Renters arrive and are naturally excited .They exaggerate their experience and knowledge so they can be off on their canal holiday without waiting for for some tuition. I think it would help renters if all hire companies enclosed a simple ' how to' guide when confirming the booking.

Regarding living on board it is a great life with a real community spirit. But as Sue says " not for everyone". Residential moorings are extremely difficult to obtain almost like hen's teeth. The best way to find moorings is to visit the the canal in the area you wish to stay and chat to other boaters.

They're are a few forums with lots of very useful and interesting information. Click on the following links to see a couple http://www.canalworld.net/ and http://www.justcanals.com/

Hope this helps those that's interested

wallbash

Ist time poster , brings up a 6 month old thread , AND leaves a link

Smelling Spam !!


Happy_saver ,,, get a life, Wot a lot of bilge water.
If it was not for the likes of Niki 9 a complete beginner, using the canals for recreation, they would still be overgrown silted up ditches.
I also take it you were born with your expertise and never had to learn.
To any Newbies out there, take a Canal holiday, there great fun .

Happy_saver_4

wallbash wrote: »

Ist time poster , brings up a 6 month old thread , AND leaves a link

Smelling Spam !!


Happy_saver ,,, get a life, Wot a lot of bilge water.
If it was not for the likes of Niki 9 a complete beginner, using the canals for recreation, they would still be overgrown silted up ditches.
I also take it you were born with your expertise and never had to learn.
To any Newbies out there, take a Canal holiday, there great fun .

What are you smoking? :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Liz_the_Whizz

wallbash - :iloveyou:

wallbash

Liz the Whizz I think you are cute to !

Happy_saver_4

Liz_the_Whizz wrote: »

wallbash - :iloveyou:

Why don't you and Ballwash hire a boat together. Just say when & where so we can come and watch the fun :j :rotfl::rotfl: