Recommendations for Holiday Hires.

I’m a complete newbie when it comes to such a topic but I have always wanted to take a short break on a #Narrowboat

I was hoping this would be a place to ask for some recommendations on good ethical people/companies to hire from?

As for location I would be looking for somewhere near where i grew up #Stourbridge #Stourport .

@narrowboat

  • JohnSmith@feddit.uk
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    I would echo what @TheNumberOfGeese@feddit.uk said about a hire place giving you an introduction on the basics. You should insist that.

    Canal & River Trust Boater’s handbook is a a good place to start. They also have a bunch of Youtube videos that’ll prepare you well.

    Here are a few random suggestions based on my mistakes and experiences:

    • don’t try to cover too much distance per day
    • cruise really slow and you’ll enjoy more
    • too high boat speed is a recipe for mayhem
    • locks may seem scary at first, but they are really easy so long you don’t let water in too fast too quickly
    • help others at the locks and you’ll have nice chats as a bonus
    • the boat really does not steer unless there is propulsion
    • try to learn to use steering and propulsion as gently as you can; shouldn’t take much practicing
    • reverse gently if you beech your boat, and if that doesn’t help, the long pole is your friend (also very useful when your boat ends up stuck across the canal!)
    • if you are into slow cooking, lamb/beef/vege stew gently bubbling during the day as you cruise is heaven