Narrowboat Holidays and Narowboat hire -  Rules and Etiquette for the Inland Waterways

 - Going aground and meeting pairs of boats.

 

Running Aground - General rules for releasing yourself

Firstly, everyone on the canals does from time to time, don't get too embarrassed, it is an event "part and parcel" of Narrowboat holidays and Narrowboat hire.

The moment you realise you have a problem put the boat in neutral and try and find out what has happened.
Generally the best thing to do is to reverse slowly out of the shallows, as going forward hard will only make the problem worse. It is also worth remembering that the draft of the boat is less at slower speeds, so keeping the speed down may be important.
Move all spectators away from the end that has hit bottom , to lift the boat an inch or two at that end, and then  pole the boat off, which is often the quickest way of solving the problem anyway.

If passing a boat that has grounded, slow right down and give them as much space as you can, so as not to push them further onto the mud. if you feel confident enough you may also offer to help pull them off.

 

Meeting Pairs of boats during Narrowboat hire

From time to time you will find boats travelling in pairs as motorboat and "Butty", the "Butty" an unpowered craft being towed. The arrangement is often used by Hotel boats and working boats, some enthusiasts as well, who just need the extra space.

This arrangement has it's difficulties even in experiences hands as the "Butty" without power has no means of stopping or slowing and is vulnerable to jack-knifing and generally being blown off course by side winds etc.

Always give way to the pair and at locks in certain circumstances the boats may have to go through consecutively, without a boat coming the other way between them.

Also be prepared to give way to such boats a bridges, even if you arrive first. They will often also be older boat requiring the full depth of the middle channel.

If you meet a "Butty" being bow hauled by the crew  do take care not to pass on the side of the rope!

When such pairs moor they usually  "Breast Up" - mooring parallel, so be prepared for this.

 

 Enjoy your  Narrowboat holiday ... and your fellow boaters

Narrowboat holidays on the Inland waterways are almost unique in their ability to help people relax and slow down from the more hectic pace of normal life, but this must not be at the expense of safety or consideration of other canal users. Please take onboard the traditions of helpfulness and cooperation that have been nurtured and encouraged over the years, making the waterways community the companionable experience that it is. A little help offered by catching a rope or helping at locks may make enduring friendships which may extend beyond your narrowboat hire holidays and who knows whom you will meet. And finally do show a little sympathy for the novice, we've all been there and a little knowledge shared can make a big difference.

 

Enjoy your holiday!

 
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