The Roving Boat Co - FAQ's Page
On this page you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you need further information then don't hesitate to call us by phone or by E-mail.
For how long can we hire one of your cruisers?
Boat Hire is less flexible than car hire in that you hire a boat for a fixed length of time. Week long holidays usually start at 2pm in the afternoon and finish at 9.30am. Boats are available for Week Long holidays (or longer) or Short Breaks. A Weekend short break starts on Friday afternoon and finishes on Monday morning. A Midweek break starts Monday afternoon and finishes on Thursday morning. Day hire starts at 8am and finishes at 5pm. Hourly hire is also available. We call daily or hourly hire, Tasters, they are ideal for,
1:
Getting the hang of a boat or,
2:
To see if boating is really your thing. Or just maybe you want some peace and quiet and a day on the river!
Is there a minimum age?
Our insurance company stipulates that the Hirer, (or at least one of the crew), must be over 21 years of age. All male or all female groups can also incur an extra security deposit refundable on the safe return of the boat, this is at the descretion of the Company at time of hire,
Is any boating experience needed?
Our boats are extremely easy to handle having one lever to control speed as well as foreward and reverse direction. Tuition is given on handling the boat on arrival so no previous experience is needed.
Is a boating licence needed?
You do not need a certificate or licence to steer a boat up to the maximum of 12 people on UK waterways.
What does the boat hire charge include?
The hire charge is quoted for the boat with up to it's maximum number of crew, with all Bedding, Cutlery and Crockery. A full tank of fuel is provided giving up to two weeks of use, the price of any unused fuel is returned at the end of your holiday.
Can we bring our pets?
The short answer is YES. Your boat hire charge includes one pet. Extra pets are charged at £25 each. Please bring your own pet sleeping baskets, food bowls etc. There is a strict proviso that any damage to the boat or its systems/furnishings/bedding etc will be charged for. Please keep your pets under control at all times.
Where can we cruise?
The River Thames of course, from Teddington Lock to the limit of navigation at Lechlade. There is also the River Wey from it's junction on the Thames at Shepperton and the Kennet & Avon canal from it's junction at Reading. Our boats are licenced for the River Thames but if you wish to explore either the River Wey or the Kennet & Avon then a visitors licence is required. This is payable by you, the hirer.
Can we fish on the rivers or canals?
In England you can fish at any time except the "close season", between mid March and mid June. You will need a Rod Licence which you can obtain from most Post Offices. We recommend that you obtain this before the start of your holiday.
Where can we stop and moor up?
Mooring along the River Thames is split up between the Environment Agency (mooring free but restricted to 24 hrs), Local Authority ( A charge is made, varies on location), and local landowners ( some charge, some don't), although the National Trust and some Community Councils also get in on the act. One exception to the above is Abingdon where you can moor up free of charge for a week. Most pubs and eating places are free but get a bit crowded, so it is best to "book" your spot early so to speak, especially during the main holiday periods or Bank Holidays. You can also moor at most Marina's along the river, and use their facilities, although they can be a bit expensive. The Thames map that we supply with your boat covers most moorings and facilities along the river.
Can I charge my Mobile Phone etc?
If your Mobile phone, Camcorder, Laptop or Camera can be powered or charged from a normal 12Vdc car lighter socket then you can use them, but you will need to bring your own leads.
Can I bring my own Electrical Appliances?
All of our boat have 12Vdc systems only. We supply hair driers that work at this voltage but any other 240V appliance will not work.
What do I need to bring with me?
Yourself and your crew! Clothes for the duration, some food to start you off and anything else you can think of except for the kitchen sink, (there's not enough room). Anything you do bring is best carried in Hold-alls/backpacks etc, rather than suitcases, as they are easier to stow away. If you send us a list of food etc, it will be on the boat when you arrive. (Chargeable of course.) We supply complimentary Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Milk and a bottle of wine to get you started. Games, cards, a good book, CD's, iPod or Mp3 player, (there's an input on the radio), fishing rod, camera, walking shoes, money. The list goes on and on. DON'T FORGET a boat is much smaller than a house and storage on-board is limited.
What is a lock and are they difficult to operate?
Locks are BIG, look daunting, especially to the first timer, but are just big water tanks. They are used, both on the Thames and Canals to either raise or lower boats to a new water level. All of the locks on the River Thames are operated by Lock Keepers, extremley friendly and helpful people who do their job well. The Thames locks between Teddington and Oxford are powered and the locks between Oxford and Lechlade are manual. Always obey the instructions of the Lock Keeper, he will tell you where to put your boat in the lock and will help to tie it up. Believe me when I say that after one or two locks you will be an old hand. The secret is take your time and take it slow. Most mistakes are made due to too much speed.
Do we need any insurance?
All of our boats are fully insured for accidental damage, for the boat itself and its contents and equipment. Hirers are strongly advised to insure themselves against loss of property, personal accident, and, if you book your boat holiday in advance, cancellation. We can advise on suitable policies if required.
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