TERMS & CONDITIONS
Our priority is to ensure that your holiday experience is enjoyable and that you take home happy memories. We hope that we will be able to resolve any queries that may arise easily and quickly.
DOGS
We welcome dogs but would appreciate if you bring their blanket or basket as they should be kept off seats and bedding. Your pets should never be left unattended in your boat as any damage/soiled furnishings will not be covered by our insurance and a charge will be made.
FISHING
An environment agency rod licence is required, and no live bait is to be kept inside the boats.
BICYCLES, CANOES & PADDLEBOARDS
Bicycles are not permitted as it is not possible to store them on the roof due to low bridges and there is no storage space onboard. Canoes & paddleboards must be towed behind the boat and not stored on the roof (they will need to be carried past the locks). Please note that any canoes or paddleboards will not be covered by our insurance and are used at your own risk.
BOOKING
A boat is not booked until a deposit has been paid and a confirmation of booking has been received. Failure by the hirer to pay the balance on time may lead to the cancellation of the holiday and loss of deposit paid.
PARKING
Free parking is provided at our hire base. However, all vehicles and contents are left entirely at the owner’s risk.
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
The 230-volt supply on the boats is not a pure sine wave supply and we cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to computer equipment or personal appliances. We recommend that you only use the supply for charging and not direct use of laptops, etc.
PROPERTY
We regret that we cannot accept any responsibility for damage to hirer's property, baggage, personal effects, etc, howsoever caused. Any property belonging to passengers left on boats can be returned following receipt of postage and packing charges.
RETURN
The boat must be returned, on time and in a clean, undamaged condition - failure to observe this will attract an additional cleaning charge of £50, and the making good to Country Craft Narrowboats of any loss sustained. The boat is available from 2pm on your day of arrival. Please ensure it is returned by 9am and vacated by 9.30am on your last day. Failure to return the boat on time may result in a charge of £50 for each 30 minutes or part thereof. Country Craft Narrowboats cannot be held responsible for delays caused by previous hirers not returning the boat on time. The hirer must report any equipment or items lost or damaged upon return and a charge may be made.
CANCELLATION
Hirers are advised to take out their own insurance to cover cancellation in the event they are not able to take their holiday. Should the hirer cancel the booking, we will make every effort to rehire the boat. If we are successful the hirer will no longer be liable for the balance due, but the deposit will be retained to cover expenses. If we are unable to rehire then the hirer remains liable for the balance of the hire charge. Should we be unable to provide the boat booked, or a suitable alternative, we will refund all the money received in full and the hirer shall have no further claim. We reserve the right to substitute a suitable boat at no extra cost to the hirer, should this represent a downgrade then we will refund the difference in the hire cost. Should a customer decide to curtail their holiday we reserve the right to retain any monies held and charge a fee to cover the return of the boat to the base.
STOPPAGES, RESTRICTIONS & DELAYS
Bookings are accepted on the basis that Country Craft Narrowboats cannot be held responsible for any work programmes, delays, restrictions, or stoppages imposed by the Canal & River Trust and no compensation can be made for any resultant inconvenience, consequential or other loss to the hirer. Country Craft Narrowboats cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by unforeseen defects, obstruction, damage, or severe conditions arising on the waterways. Country Craft Narrowboats can accept no responsibility for loss of time, non-fulfilment of programmes or any expense due to any defect, breakdown or accident to the boat, equipment, or machinery. Bookings are accepted on the understanding that should unusual circumstances arise, and the cruising area is restricted no compensation can be made for any resultant inconvenience.
HANDOVER
The hirer is responsible for making all members of the party aware of the terms of the booking and the hirer and passengers undertake to receive and abide by all instructions given during the handover. We reserve the right to refuse to handover the boat to any person who is not suitable, competent, or responsible for the hire. Should this arise, then all money paid will be refunded in full and the hirer shall have no further claim. We will repossess the boat at any time if the hirer is not behaving responsibly, persistently refusing to treat the boat/canal or other canal users with due care and attention or if the boat or any persons are at risk. In these circumstances the hirer remains liable for the total holiday cost and the cost incurred in returning the boat back to base, no refunds will be payable.
Boats will not usually be hired for stag or hen parties except at the discretion of Country Craft Narrowboats. We are unable to hire a boat to any person under the age of 21 and no persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to steer the boat unless under adult supervision. Only the persons named on the booking form may occupy the boat during the period of hire unless prior permission has been sought.
INSURANCE
Hirers should check that they have adequate insurance of their own to cover personal injury to, or personal effects of, the hirer or crew as this is not covered by our insurance. Full insurance cover is held for the boat and its equipment, and this covers people named on the booking form for any third-party claims that may result directly from the operation of the boat. The hirer will only be held responsible for the first £50 of each claim. However, if damage has been deliberately caused, or caused by the hirer’s negligence, we reserve the right to make a further charge. Country Craft Narrowboats cannot be held responsible for any personal injury unless it results from their proven negligence. The hirer is responsible for any claims made by the Canal & River Trust for loss of water or any damage to property caused by the hirer. Boats are not insured to cruise after dark and all equipment is used at the hirers risk.
ACCIDENTS
The hirer is in sole charge of the boat and is responsible for its safe navigation. Accidents or damage must be reported immediately, together with the time of the incident. In the event of any accident or damage to the boat, other craft, persons, or property, it is the responsibility of the hirer to obtain the names and addresses of the other parties involved, together with those of any witnesses. If another craft is involved, its name and licence number must be noted. Do not admit liability under any circumstance.
DISABILITY/REDUCED MOBILITY
Whilst narrowboats, towpaths and locks may present a challenge to the less mobile, we will endeavour to work around these with the hirer to enable accessibility.
If any member of the booking party has reduced mobility or a disability which may affect the hire it is the hirers responsibility to inform Country Craft Narrowboats at the time of booking.
Do not admit liability under any circumstance or attempt/arrange any repairs to the boat without Country Craft Narrowboats' authority.