A Beginners Guide to Canal Boating 
- What Boat? -

This page last updated 07/03/2000
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Boats come in many shapes and sizes, but to my mind if you wish to travel the canals the only way to do it is on a narrow boat. For hire craft, these come in lengths of just over 30ft sleeping just 2 people to up to 70ft sleeping as many as 12. All as the name suggests are narrow at only 6ft 10in beam (this so they fit the narrow locks you almost certainly will encounter). 

Narrow boats, besides coming in different lengths and internal layouts, also come in 3 main general types of design. Cruiser style, Semi traditional, and traditional. The main difference here is in how the stern of the boat is designed. All but the very smallest of boats also have a bow deck for relaxing in. The variety of interiors avaliable are also broadly similar.
A Cruiser style has a large rear outside deck where as many as half a dozen people can stand or sit in comfort while cruising, usually this has rails around the sides for safety.
	A Traditional style is where the roof of the boat extends almost to the tiller, and there is only room for the steerer and perhaps one other person to stand outside, the more closed in design offers better protection from the more inclement weather. The design also reflects more closely the traditional look of a narrow boat.
A Semi Traditional stern is a compromise between the two, it has a large outside deck like the cruiser, but instead of rails for safety, these are replaced by continuing the sides of the boat almost to the tiller, so giving from the side the impression of being a Traditional style boat.

  Below is a 3D cutaway sketch of a narrowboat (picture courtesy of Alvechurch Boat Centers) It is one of their Swift class boats, 63ft long and is a Semi Traditional style. It shows the level of comfort you can expect from one of the leading hire boat operators.

Different hire companies offer different types of boat, all usually have a good range to choose from, so I would recommend that you look at details from more than one company before choosing your boat, as somewhere out there is a boat which will match almost (if not exactly) your requirements for number and type of berths and cabins, the degree of luxury within the boat, the style of build and design (from boats with traditional boatman's cabins to ultra modern concept designs) and be available from a base suited to the part of the canals you wish to visit. 

What would I suggest you particularly look out for when choosing your boat? Well the thing which is most often overlooked to the detriment of the holiday is the exact arrangement of the sleeping accommodation. 

Boat companies usually quote the maximum number of people the boat will accommodate. The question is will you be able to easily use all the berths? Are some bunk beds suitable only for small children? Do some beds double as seating in the dining area? Is the mix of single and double beds right? And with the correct number of cabins for privacy? Many hire companies give a reduction in the hire cost for unoccupied berths, so consider having a boat which will sleep more people than are actually coming.

Many people also neglect to consider whether the boats facilities will still be conveniently useable at night. If some of your party turn in early for the night will the rest of the crew need to pass through their cabin for the bathroom or kitchen? The same query for early risers who want that cup of tea. 

It is also important to consider where the boat's base is. The distance you will be able to cruise in a week  is surprisingly limited. Probably around a hundred miles at most, depending on the number of locks you meet on the way. So it is important to consider carefully where you wish to cruise before making a booking.  Here again, browsing the brochures of a few companies will help as they give a good idea of what is available from each base. (see also my where to cruise section)

If it is your first holiday you may wish to visit the boat before committing yourself. Most companies encourage this.

What comes with the boat? The inventory on hire craft these days is usually all encompassing, and all companies will supply you with a list of what you will find on board before you book if you ask, usually this information is contained in the brochure anyway. Apart from your personal belongings, the only things you will need to bring with you are towels and washing up equipment (some companies even supply these, especially for overseas visitors) food and drink.

Many hire companies will even shop for you if you send a list of what you require in advance . A torch for finding your way to your boat after the evening visit to the pub, and a camera to capture the scenery are always worth remembering, as are a pack of cards and a  good book. Don't neglect the suntan cream, even in Britain if you are going to be in the fresh air for most of the day, with the sun reflecting from the water you will be glad of it. Many companies also supply a small "welcome kit" of things like matches (for lighting the gas stove), a sewing kit, washing up liquid and so on. Some even include a bottle of wine or tea and coffee, but don't bank on it. Clothing is also best kept casual ( unless you plan to visit plush restaurants along your way) and do bring plenty of layers, rather than one or two thick ones. Whatever time of year you chose to cruise you may come against a cool evening or morning, or a hot afternoon

Here is a typical inventory (courtesy of Alvechurch boats) for a standard boat