|
Questions answered
> Home > Questions answered
Frequently asked questions - Holiday Narrow Boats (FAQ’s)
Are the holiday narrow boats centrally heated?
Yes, all our boats are centrally heated . There are hot water tanks on the boats as well so that you can have a shower at any time.
Are the holiday narrow boats comfortable?
Yes. Fixed beds normally have an interior sprung mattress, or are 5” high density foam mattress’s which have to conform to special standards to ensure that you are comfortable.
Is there a fridge on board the holiday narrow boats?
Yes, there is always a fridge. Normally this comes with a small freezer compartment.
What is the cooker like in the holiday narrow boats?
All our holiday narrow boats have gas cookers (the gas is included in the cost of the holiday). These all have 4 rings, as well as an oven and a grill. Please remember that cooking times can vary compared with the more usual natural gas at home.
Is linen provided in the holiday narrow boats?
Yes, all berths are supplied with a full set of freshly laundered linen, two pillows, a sheet and a duvet. Are towels provided? One bath towel per customer is also provided.
Can I bring my Hair Dryer on the holiday narrow boats?
All of our boats are fitted with a 240v hair dryer
Do we need a driving licence the drive the holiday narrow boats?
No. You will be fully trained as part of the handover routine in how to drive the holiday narrow boat and operate the locks by one of our RYA qualified instructors. Your instructor will not let you commence your narrow boat holiday until he is fully confident in you being able to handle the holiday narrow boat. The show round and training can take around an hour at the start of your holiday.
Is my holiday narrow boat licenced for all waterways?
Your boat is licenced for the rivers Cam, Great Ouse, Nene and Middle Level Navigations. These are shown on the map.
Can I bring my pet on the holiday narrow boat?
Yes on some of our boats please refer to the holiday narrow boat layouts to find our pet friendly holiday narrow boats. There is a charge of £20 per pet per week.
Can I charge a Mobile Phone or Camcorder on the holiday narrow boat? .
Yes, all of our boats have in-car chargers and 240v power supplies
What happens if we have a problem with the holiday narrow boat?
We provide you with a Holiday Narrow Boat Manual which stays with you on your holiday. In the event that you are unable to resolve the problem yourself we have a 24 hour, 7 days per week, emergency service if you have a problem. At night we will only come out for an emergency.
The Rivers
What speed can I do on the holiday narrow boat?
The rivers have a limit around 4 mph, (about walking pace) with some wider rivers having a slightly higher figure usually 7mph. When working out the timing of a route, you need to also allow about 15 minutes per lock as well. This means that in one hour you should expect to cover either 4 miles, or do 4 locks, or a combination of them both!
Will I get lost on the holiday narrow boat?
Unlikely, but we would recommend that you buy a guide for your route either when you book, or from the Hire Base before you set out. They are not only useful for your route, but also for pinpointing pubs, shops and local points of interest. If you are uncertain when you get to a particular junction, just ask. Remember the locals are friendly. We have never lost a boat yet !
How deep are the rivers?
Most rivers are between 3 and 7 feet deep. We supply buoyancy aids for the crew prior to your departure.
Can I bring a cycle on the holiday narrow boat?
On all holiday narrow boats apart from Flying Fox and Fenland Fox we can offer a cycle rack to carry 2 cycles.
Can I hire a cycle?
We have a limited number of cycles for hire at our March base. We advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
Can I fish on the holiday narrow boat?
Fishing is allowed provided that you have a current E.A. rod licence. Most clubs will not object to you fishing from the boat, but some may require you to purchase a day ticket. This varies from area to area. Please check with the boatyard on arrival.
Can I stop anywhere?
Just about. Please do not moor you holiday narrow boat near bridges, junctions, locks or in other company’s boat yards without their permission.
Will the children enjoy it on the narrow boat?
Yes, in fact if they are 10+ they will probably take over! They just love to drive the boats, under supervision of course (and where else could they do that?) If you have active children try the river Nene with plenty of locks and open countryside. It is very rare for children to get bored since there is always something for them to do.
Are there pubs beside the waterway?
Yes, these are marked on the maps and cruising guides
Can I park my car at the base?
Yes there is plenty of car parking at our base, which is free to our customers for the duration of their holiday. We regret that we are unable to accept responsibility for loss or damage to customer’s vehicles.
Will I have enough fuel in the holiday narrow boat?
Yes, you will take over your boat fully fuelled. In most cases there will be plenty of fuel for your holiday. Occasionally, such as on an extended holiday, you may need to refill during your holiday, and you will be advised about this situation at the start of your holiday. If this is the case, you will be asked to obtain a receipt and the boat yard will refund you the cost on your return at the end of the holiday.
How do I get water?
There are water points along the waterway, normally at least every 4 – 6 hours cruising. Always try fill up with water at least once a day. Remember you are not connected to the mains!
What do I have to bring on the narrow boat holiday?
The boats come comprehensively equipped for your holiday. Really all you need to bring is clothing and food. It is best to have rubber soled shoes for working the boat, and you should bring some wet weather gear, in case of inclement weather.
What happens if I have to cancel the narrow boat holiday?
You are advised to take out cancellation Insurance Cover to protect you in the case of cancellation.
Can you recommend hotels locally for the night before the narrow boat holiday?
We recommend you check the accomodation list for accommodation before or after your holiday. Visit their websites for further details. If you wish to extend your holiday with a shore based short break Common Right Barns is worth a try.
Can I take the holiday narrow boat over at times other than shown?
Yes, we can arrange for a member of staff to be available at a time to suit you. Obviously we can only perform the show round during day light hours, so if arriving in the evening, this will be performed the next morning. There may be a charge for this service.
|
