canal boats

[malteser1]

do you need boating experience for a canal boating holiday?

[Prudie]

I haven't done it for years but no you don't, just a really strong arm to do the lock gate winch thingies (forgotten the name but involved lots of turning)

[marval]

Have a look at this, They answer that question.

http://www.waterwaysholidays.com/faq.htm

[Maydup]

No experience necessary, but lots of strength and energy required for opening and closing locks and for jumping on and off the boat a lot.

[malteser1]

thank you all,especially usefull website

[emmie]

look out for Waterboatman, a poster on here, who usually posts first thing in the morning, he is is involved in narrow boats i believe...

[Jonathan-Joe]

A little mechanical knowledge will help with the engine. Usually the boat hirer will brief you at the start with all you need to know and leave a book of instructions.

[ladybird49]

Dont jump off the boat onto the bank whilst its still cruising along .wait until the boats right at the towpath and virtually stopped before stepping off
Wherever you hire from will give you a few minutes of instructions , so listen well
If you have little kids on the boat and they want to be on the stern ( the back of the boat ) with you make sure they have life jackets on . If youre not sure how locks work look at this demo

[ladybird49]

and again : )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au_E9nUY7mY&feature=related

[lardhelmet]

When we went last year (on the Norfolk Broads), we had a lovely bloke go through everything in the manual and then took us for a little trip. He was very serious about the H & S issue. When we got on the water, we realised some of the other boaters had obviously not given the instructor their full attention

[JonnyBoy12]

No, but you need at least 2 or more sensible adults who do not mind water and who do not damage barges. The best company I know of to rent them out to is below. They expect a party of 2 to 12 people. See site below:

http://www.anglowelsh.co.uk/

[ladybird49]

Just google narrowboat hire and the place you want to holiday from .
where would you like your holiday?

[waterboatman]

No, you don't. As others have said the place you hire your boat from will go through the entire introduction with you. Listen carefully. Don't try anything you are not sure of, boats won't let you take liberties! If you do end up in the canal, and it happens often, Seek medical advice as soon as possible as there are all sorts of nasties just waiting for the unwary. You're hirer should tell you about this, if not, ask. Be sensible and have a great holiday.

[emmie]

WBM, i told the poster you would advise, so cheers, and as someone who almost took a narrowboat down a weir, can say that accidents can happen and very very quickly, too many sherberts during the day.... but all was well after one of our happy band got us back on track. It's a great way to holiday i know

[waterboatman]

lol em! When accidents do happen, as you say, they happen very quickly indeed!

[emmie]

Indeed, it could have been a bit or a lot nasty, but a fun day out i must say, the pubs were lovely, food good, and the weather was glorious, what more could you ask for.

[ladybird49]

And another thing drinking a bit to much alcohol and cruising along dont mix ...
need your wits about you

[LDC134]

Make sure you hold the lock handle tightly with both hands - my friend let go and the recoiling handle hit her full in the face, she was very lucky not to lose her eye. That horror story aside though, we had a great time !

[ladybird49]

Thats because she took off the " brake " ive seen accidents because whoever was winding the lock took the brake off , its there for a purpose so when you wind the lock the "brake " stops the paddle dropping and virtually throwing the windlass off and hitting someone full pelt in the face , when winding the windlass you hear the " brakes" cogs "