Waterways Holidays partners lots of different boating holiday operators. Your contract of hire is always direct with the your hire boat operator. All monies paid, including booking deposits and balances of hire, are received directly by each boating holiday operator. Although all terms and conditions of hire are different and unique to each holiday operator, there are some general points to consider.
Please arrive at the boatyard to start your holiday at the time stated in your boat operator's conditions of hire, usually mid afternoon. If you are running late please phone the base on the day to let them know. You will receive comprehensive handover tuition when you arrive at your chosen marina on time, please make sure that as many of your crew as possible (generally at least two adults) are able to attend.
You will normally need to return your hire boat early in the morning of your last day. Please ensure that you are not late back as this may make it difficult for the boatyard to get the hire boat ready for the next hirer. You may be charged for returning your hire boat late.
Some boating holiday operators make charges in addition to the hire charge of the boat, please check the conditions of hire for your chosen boat carefully. Additional charges, discounts and deposits are specific to the hire boat chosen and are detailed on the hire boat web page. You will be informed about all additional charges applicable to your holiday at the time of booking.
The cost of hiring the boat, inclusive of VAT. The hire charge is dependent on the size and star quality of your desired boat, the length of your boating holiday and the time of year you choose to holiday, peak periods being Bank Holidays and school holidays.
To confirm your holiday you will need to pay a booking deposit (if outside of the full payment period stated in the hire conditions). Although booking deposits do vary depending on the hire boat chosen, they tend to be no more than 25% of the holiday cost.
The balance of hire is payable usually 8 weeks before you go on holiday. However, this due date does vary and you will need to double check the terms of your chosen hire boat.
Special offers may apply at any time of year. If applicable, the offer details are shown on the holiday search results page and are specific to each hire boat. Search all boating holiday special offers.
One of the most common additional charges, the damage waiver is always non refundable and protects the hirer against damage, loss or accident to the hire boat or its inventory during your holiday. The damage waiver avoids the requirement of the hirer to pay a damage deposit and therefore the hirer does not need to pay the insurance excess should there be a claim. Exclusions do apply.
A more common additional charge on the Norfolk Broads, you may need to pay for the diesel that you use during your holiday. Sometimes, you may be asked to pay a fuel deposit with the balance of hire, or to pay for the diesel used on your return. Where a fuel deposit has been paid, you will settle the difference at the boatyard on your return.
The holiday cost always includes gas for cooking and heating (where applicable).
You are welcome to bring up to two well behaved pets on most boating holidays. Some hire boats are kept pet free for people with allergies. Many boatyards will make a small charge for pets to cover the extra cleaning costs. Please do not allow pets to sit on the bedding. Any damage caused by your pet is not covered by the damage waiver, damage deposit or the boat company's insurance.
It is recommended that you obtain your own cancellation protection so that you have cover should you need to cancel your holiday. Many hire boat operators are able to offer cancellation for a small additional charge, and some include it already within their hire charge.
Occasionally you will find that the hire price of boat applies to parties of a certain size and you may need to pay extra for additional adults or berths. Conversely, a under occupancy discount may apply if you are not using the hire boat to its maximum occupancy.
You do not need to pay for a licence to hire a boat. All boats are licensed for hire already and have a licence for the waterway on which they are based. You may need to purchase an additional licence if you wish to cruise on a waterway for which the hire boat is not already licensed.
You may be asked to leave a security deposit either with your balance of hire or on arrival at the boatyard. Security deposits are refundable, you should expect to receive a full refund of your security deposit less the cost of any damage done to the hire boat whilst in your care.
A more common additional charge on the Norfolk Broads, you may be asked to pay for parking on arrival.
Generally all moorings on the towpath side of the canal are free of charge. Mooring charges typically occur on the Norfolk Broads and River Thames.
For a small additional charge, some Norfolk Broads boatyards can offer hirers a rowboat or sailing dinghy to tow behind your hire craft.
