Are you going to enjoy the new watery
life? A good way of getting an impression
of the ‘feel’ of canal boating is to visit a
boat show. The largest waterways festival
in Britain is Crick Boat Show, held 26-28
May this year and conveniently just off the
M1 near Watford Gap Services.There are also many hire companies
operating throughout the 2,000 miles of
the inland waterways system so it’s easy
to give canal boating a try.
Choose a hire boat around the size you
think you might like, or slightly bigger. And
perhaps omit the bow thruster if you
would like to test your boat-handling skills.
Choose a canal which doesn’t have too
many locks, but include a tunnel if you are
worried about how you might get on with
that aspect. Make sure the brochure
shows plenty of home comforts such as
central heating, and comfortable seating
with plenty of space down below.
Don’t worry about learning the engine
controls and how to work the locks – the
hire company will have staff on hand to
show you the ropes and ensure you’re
happy with boat handling, probably
staying on board with you for the first
hour. They’ll also supply maps, guides
and contact phone
numbers.
Single-handing?
Yes for sure. I do
most of my boating
single-handed. The
whole ethos of the
canal life is: “take it
slowly”. There is a
4mph speed limit
on most waterways.
Plan everything
from mooring to
locking and any
nibbles or drinks
you’ll need
underway, you can’tThree-quarters of narrowboaters are
aged 55 or over, but it’s true to say that
cruising is enjoyed by the grandchildren
too. I’ve read that it is one of the few family
holidays enjoyed by all generations, even
teenagers. They enjoy burning off their
energy, rushing ahead to prepare the next
lock, and knowing they are being useful.
Lifejackets are a good idea. There is no
guardrail around the outside of the boat
and, although it is glibly said that you only
need to stand up if you fall overboard, the
locks with their deep and churning water
will certainly be a potentially dangerous
part of any cruise.
The same can apply to cruising pets
- the side deck is so narrow a dog may
set off from the bows to the stern and get
forced into the water by, say, a fender rope
hanging down the side of the cabin. I’ve
seen this happen twice.
Narrowboat marinas are often
picturesque and peacefulSome traditional canal boat decorations
include roses and castlesPractical Boat Owner t http://www.pbo.co.uk 31
CANAL BOAT CONVERT
More reading
■ The monthly Waterways World
magazine combines DIY ideas, new
boat reviews, troubleshooting advice,
boats for sale and historical articles,
and publishes an annual guide listing
marinas, boatbuilders repairers.
■ For a detailed buying guide check
out Inland Boat Owners’ Book by
Andy Burnett and Graham Booth.
■ The Canal Boatbuilders
Association offers a free download
Guide to Inland Boating from
inland-boatbuilding.co.ukABOVE Shallow canals mean narrowboats
sometimes run aground too