Terms and Conditions

Self-Drive Boat Hire

  1. The CONTRACT does not take effect until we have received and accepted a completed booking form or the hirer has accepted the terms and conditions on our online booking system including payment in full: the hirer’s minimum age must be 21 years.

  2. A DAMAGE DEPOSIT of £70, in cash only, must be paid before boarding the boat. This will be returned in full at the end of the day as long as the boat and its equipment are returned to the Wharf in a reasonable condition and by 5:00pm.

  3. We cannot be held responsible for DELAYS or RESTRICTIONS to cruising arising from obstructions, damage or repairs to the navigation and associated structures, ice on the canal, shortage of water or other causes beyond our control.

  4. Boat handling tuition will be given at the time of boarding after which the hirer will be responsible for the boat and its equipment.

  5. The boat must be collected by 9.30am and returned to the Wharf by 5pm or the damage deposit will be forfeited. The boat should be returned in a clean and tidy condition otherwise a charge of £20 will be made.

  6. UNSUITABLE HIRERS. We reserve the right to decline a booking or to refuse to hand over the boat to any person who in our opinion is not suitable to take charge. In such cases we will refund the booking fee in full and the contract will be discharged without any further liability to either party.

    We reserve the right to repossess the boat at any time where an accident or damage has occurred or in our opinion is likely to occur because of the unsuitability of the hirer or where the boat is found to have more passengers aboard than specified on the booking form (DO NOT pick up extra passengers). In such cases we shall not be liable to refund the booking fee.

  7. OWN EQUIPMENT You may not take on board live fishing bait, firearms, portable heating, lighting or electrical equipment or anything which may cause a danger to the boat, its occupants or equipment.

  8. BREAKDOWN Should the boat suffer a mechanical breakdown you must notify us as soon as possible. Under no circumstances must repairs be put in the hands of unauthorised persons. We shall not be liable for any consequential loss that you may suffer as a result of such breakdown.

  9. ACCIDENTS You are responsible for the boat and its safe navigation. In the event of an accident involving the boat or any other craft, person or property it is your responsibility to establish the name of any boat involved together with the name and address of the owner/hirer and report these facts to us as soon as possible. You MUST NOT ADMIT LIABILITY to any other person.

  10. INSURANCE The boat is insured but you are responsible for loss of or damage to the boat, its equipment or any third party up to a maximum of £150. We are not liable for death, personal injury or loss or damage to your property or that of any passenger unless it is caused by our willful negligence. You are advised to make your own insurance arrangements should you require such cover.

  11. RESTRICTIONS You must NOT TOW CRAFT, ENTER A LOCK or take part in any RACE. You must NOT ALLOW PERSONS ONTO THE ROOF of the boat or to ROCK THE BOAT deliberately. In such cases we reserve the right to repossess the boat and shall not be liable to refund the booking fee. You must navigate with caution at all times, observing the relevant bye-laws and instructions.