1. Check In
2. Cruising your Narrowboat/Boat Hanling & Safety
3. Speeding
4. Health and Safety
5. Helpful suggestions to get the best out of your holiday
6. Guest Arrival Agreement

1. Check In

Cruising a narrowboat or simply choosing to remain in the Marina and use the boat as a base means a new experience for the vast majority of timesharers.

The accomodation is different, things work differently when you are floating on the water....... if you are going to arrive late, we simply cannot leave a key hanging outside the office with an explanation of where to find your allocated boat.

Some resorts can do that with land-based accomodation. Most people are familiar with the basics of an apartment or house. They are not familiar with a narrowboat. A boat will bring wonderful new experiences but it can also bring with it, new dangers.

We have therefore set specific arrival times for guests and these are set out in your booking confirmation. Tuition, as well as cruising itself, can only take place during daylight hours. In all circumstances, please contact your destination marina by telephone or e - mail at least 24 to 48 hours before your designated check-in day to indicate your expected arrival time. If you are compelled to leave a voicemail message, please leave a contact number. Please help us to help you. Thank - you very much.

The check - in and tuition periods are carefully structured and because of the nature of the product are time consuming. We fully comprehend the desire of many to arrive and get out onto the canal straight away. However, we would be doing you and our product a great dis-service if we were to allow this to happen. Without the induction training and the knowledge it imparts, you will not be able to maximise the benefits of your Canaltime holiday, and for this we make no apology. Tuition is therefore compulsory and is only available on your designated arrival day. The only exception to this is if an agreement is made in advance. The company reserves the right to levy a tution fee of £20.00 for tution outside of check in periods. Those choosing not to cruise will receive a shortened induction programme which will exclude much of the material relevant to controlling the boat on the canal itself.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at Reception. You will then be asked to sign our 'Arrival Agreement', the current copy of which is reproduced on this site. Click here to view a sample document. Please note that the Company reserves the right, at its own discretion, to alter any or all of the terms and conditions of the Arrival Agreement without notice. Please note that a deposit of £500.00 is payable by credit card only. Personal cheques will under no circumstances be accepted. The deposit is refundable subject to the safe return of the boat and its inventory at, or prior to, the specified time.

You will also be asked to pay a utility fee, currently £149.95. This fee is payable for each week or part week of occupancy, cruising or non - cruising, and covers the cost of diesel and gas and electricity. It can be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard), debit card or in cash. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

Once the formalities have been completed, you will be guided to your allocated narrowboat by a member of the friendly and knowledgeable Canaltime staff.

2. Cruising your Narrowboat

Every week on changeover day, our dedicated and knowledgeable staff confront the whole myriad of emotions and states of mind amongst our guests. Fear, trepidation, excitement, amusement, confidence, arrogance, happiness - you name it, we've just about seen it all.

Our role is to make sure that you get the very best out of your cruising period and we will do all in our power to pass on, as far as we can, our advice, knowledge and experience during the tuition period. We will do this to the best of our ability in order that you will derive as much as possible from your visit to us. Therefore we ask for your full cooperation and commitment and an acceptance that all that we pass onto you is done for the benefit of yourselves and all of those around you.

To further assist you in this respect, a publication issued by
British Waterways, covering Basic boat handling & Safety, entitled "The Boater's Handbook" is available for download by clicking here.

Your health and safety is paramount and without a proper framework of knowledge at the beginning of the experience, your enjoyment could be seriously compromised. We want to be sure that you get the most out of your valuable and hard earned holiday time.

 

3. Speeding

Everybody should be aware that the speed limit on the canals is 4mph but that the recommended 2 - 3 mph is the optimum pace during normal cruising. You should also slow right down when passing other boats and fishermen. Most of us know the reasons why. Essentially, it is downright inconsiderate to other boaters. However, excessive speed also creates wash which can also permanently damage the canal bank and those creatures who live on it. Please - slow down. You are on holiday to relax and escape from the stress of modern living - take it easy and we will all derive the benefits.

 

4. Health and Safety

Canaltime takes its responsibilities very seriously indeed in terms of its commitment to guests as well as other users of the canals, including the flora and fauna. Each of our craft is fully licenced and insured and has a regulatory Boat Safety Certificate and Gas certificate.

After check - in, you will be given familiarisation training which includes our own specially commissioned video. This introduces you to the Canaltime narrowboat and takes you through how it all works. It also introduces the rules of cruising together with what is and what is not acceptable within the cruising etiquette. You can take notes and raise any questions with your allocated boatman/trainer. The televisual part lasts up to an hour and this will be followed by practical training complementing the video presentations. For your comfort and safety, the videos remain on board throughout your holiday which together with the extensive boat manual gives you two excellent tools for reference. It is crucial to follow the established procedures which are in place for the safety and comfort of guests.

Lifejackets are available for all of you, though we find most of you over the age of 16 years decline. However, they are available and we insist that children aged 16 years or under use them at all times when outside the boat cabins. The Company will not allow any boat to leave its Marina mooring if there are children on board without lifejackets. In addition, the Company will not accept responsibility where lifejackets have not been worn.

Please be aware of potential dangers in and around water.  Do take care and pay attention to potential hazards, particularly when moving about on and around the exterior of the boat, getting on and off and whilst mooring and passing through locks. If somebody falls into the water, make sure that you follow safety procedures. Also, make sure the person showers thoroughly straight away to minimize any potential health risk.

Please note that the Company reserves the right at all times to limit or rescind the right to cruise subject to the safety considerations of guests and craft.

 

5. Helpful suggestions to get the best out of your holiday

a) Do not bring too much luggage. Cases are not a good idea as storage on a narrow boat is limited. Folding, collapsible bags are best.
 
b) Do not bring your best clothes. Be practical and remember to bring something warm and something waterproof. This is England and whilst we do not suffer monsoons, it can (and does) rain at a moments notice.
 
c) Change down and try and get into your lowest gear - slow down and relax, you are on holiday, not taking part in a race.

d) Always consider your fellow boaters and others using the canal and its environs - this includes the wildlife.
 
e) Do not cruise the narrow boat whilst under the influence of alcohol. This is a dangerous practice and there are more and more cases of boaters being breathalysed by the police.
 
f) If you bring bicycles, you may do so entirely at your own risk. In addition, you must supply sufficient matting to protect the roof of the boat from damage.
 
g) Note that walking or sitting on the roof of the boat whilst it is in motion is extremely dangerous. It is easy not to notice the arch of a bridge!

h) When outside the cabin, children under sixteen years old should wear lifejackets at all times. These will be provided at reception. A refundable deposit is levied. Lifejackets are also available for other age groups.
 
i) If anybody should fall in the canal - turn off the engine at once.
 
j) Always take out personal insurance to cover the duration of your holiday - even if you are arriving from the UK. Many Brits do forget! Don't let it happen to you.
 
k) Avoid bringing the laptop!
 
l) Follow the simple daily service schedule.
 
m) Remember, if you are out of the marina, cruise at least five hours a day to keep the power system charged and try not to burn power unnecessarily. It is pretty inconvenient if the lights go out!.

6. Guest Arrival Agreement.

In order to save time at check-in, would RCI guests please print a copy of the Arrival Agreement. Please read the document carefully and sign.....please do not forget to bring it with you on your holiday! We look forward to seeing you.
Please click here to download and print document.