A number of boat hire companies have invested in new boats for the 2009 season.  This shows their commitment to keeping up a high standard of value to their customers (you and me).  New boats usually bring new technology with them and added features for your comfort on holiday.  Many already have such things as central or warm air heating, for the colder months of the year.  Modern appliances like T.V. and CD Players are now quite common on most boats for hire.

On the Norfolk Broads, Ferry Marina at Horning have taken delivery of new boats this year. So cruising on the River Bure will be even more relaxing and comfortable!  On the Oxfordshire canals, both Oxfordshire Narrowboats at Radcot and Clifton Cruisers at Rugby have spent money on new narrowboats for the 2009 season and beyond.  Reading Marine Company at Padworth have bought new boats to cruise the Kennet and Avon Canals, so life will be very pleasent for those hiring these brand new canal boats!

Finally, right up north in Inverness, Caley Cruisers have invested in new boats to tackle the Caledonian Canal from Loch Ness southwards to Fort William.  These boats are not only suited to canal work but also able to be safe and dry on the open waters of the Scottish lochs!  So why not enquire more about these boats and where to take them on holiday with you this year, somewhere in Britain.

2.  Always have one hand for the ship and one hand for yourself!  In otherwords, always have at least one hand holding onto a part of the boat. When going forward along the side decks (many are very narrow, nowadays) always have either two hands and one foot on the boat or two feet and one hand in contact at any one time. This way you are unlikely to loose your balance and fall overboard!

3.  When underway, if you are the captain (skipper), let everyone know when you are either changing direction, or a wave (wash) from another boat is going to make your boat move, violently. This will warn others to hold on until the incident is over!

4.  Try to wear nonslip footwear when its wet or the deck is wet and slippery.  Too often boaters wear nothing and bare feet either slide or get hurt on deck fittings. A stubbed toe can be painful!

5. Avoid the temptation to drink lots of alcohol when the boats on the move. Trying to moor up when the crew is tipsey may be funny to those watching, but is very dangerous for those under the influence of drink! Damage to your boat and others can be expensive, with insurance companies unlikely to pay out, if you have been drinking.

6.  Very often you see people hanging over the side of the boat when underway.  If you want to sit on the side decks or right up at the bow, then have your body inboard and your legs dangling over the side.  This way you can hold on to a handrail or guardrail, for safety.

7. Do not fool around when your boat is on the move, it’s just too dangerous!  Wait until you are safely moored up alongside to mess about, if you need to.

These seven tips just cover the basics, but doing just these few things will make your boating holiday safer and more enjoyable!

The type of boat often determines the activities you will be taking part in for your vacation.  Sailing offshore is quite different from the Grand Union canal!  Houseboating on a Kentucky lake is restful compared with fishing for tuna off Florida’s east coast!  Each of these examples offer great experiences and you should endevour to try each and everyone of them in your lifetime. 

 Boating is so diverse.  I have been fortunate to experience so many different types of messing about in boats that I find it difficult to say one is better than another.  Try as many ways of being on the water as you can.  Let your family try all sorts of activities involving the water and they will thank you later in life for giving them that experience.

White water rafting is an experience that everyone should try, at least once in their lives.  It is both exhilerating and exhausting at the same time.  Staying in the boat is the prime concern but also controlling the inflatabe as it travels down stream is important.  Why not try it?

Why not start collecting somethings on holiday?  Many people have a collection of items they have brought back from places far away, just to remind them of wonderful memories.  It could be something small, like a smooth stone, or a postcard; look around you when on holiday to find something that you would like to bring home with you. 

Texting might have replaced postcards from holidays but photos are still used by everyone. Take some photos on your mobile phone or digital camera and send them to your friends and relatives.  A few of my friends have collected sand from various locations around the world, in small jars.  They display them back home and point out the differences at get togethers.  Sounds a bit boring but it can be the starting point of tremendous stories to be told during the evening.  Think about collecting something on your holiday.

1. know which dates you are available to travel – this will dictate the price. Prices vary widely from low season to high season. Some hirers also have mid season prices. You may be able to book a weekend only or a mid week break. So consider these options when booking.

2. How many of you are going on the boating holiday? This will effect the size of boat. Smaller 2 berth boats are for couples whereas larger boats can accommodate up to 8 people. So will it be a quiet week away for you and your partner? Or a party atmosphere with all 8 of the family and friends? Handling a larger boat need not be anymore difficult than your average 2 berther. Mainly because you will have more hands on deck! Especially when mooring up for the night.

3. This one is similar to the first – how long are you going away for? The reason for this question is to do with your clothes. A long break will require lots more gear to be taken than just a weekend away. Clothes for the day and something warmer for the evenings.

4. What type of boating holiday is it? A canal based break may require slightly more work ( with locks) than say a break on the Norfolk broads or river. Houseboating on the river or lake will be very relaxing.
Sailing offshore will offer it’s own challenges, but can be very exciting!

5. So, where are you going? Canals, rivers, norfolk broads, sailing or houseboating? All offer a tremendous holiday. Also the whole family can get involved with each day being different in some way from the previous.

6. Reality now kicks in. How much can you afford to spend on this boating holiday? This may be quite easily in your price range or you could team up with your close family or friends and split the cost between you. Hiring a slightly larger boat and sharing the cost may just prove cheaper than paying for the whole holiday yourself.

7. Finally, what extra gear do you need to take with you? Ask when booking what equipment such as bedding, cleaning etc. is included in the rental. This is useful to know before you load up the car with unnecessary stuff!

Think about these things before booking your boating holiday and have a great time.