Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions form a binding contract between FloatingDreams.co.uk (the company) and you (the hirer).

1. Our narrowboat is not considered to be booked until a completed booking form and a 25% deposit, or full payment if booking has been made within six weeks of holiday start day, has been received by the company and confirmed in writing.
2. The balance of the hire fee must be paid no less than six weeks prior to the start of the hire period. Bookings made within six weeks of the start of the hire period should be paid for in full at the time of booking.
3. Should the hirer cancel the holiday the following charges will apply.
   • 5 Weeks or Less – 30% of Total Booking Fee
   • 4 Weeks or Less – 40% of Total Booking Fee
   • 3 Weeks or Less – 60% of Total Booking Fee
   • 2 Weeks or Less – 80% of Total Booking Fee
   • 1 Week or Less – 100% of Total Booking Fee
   • If the boat is re-booked, then a charge of 10% will be made in any event. It is recommended that you arrange your own cancellation protection to avoid loss of the holiday cost due to cancellation by yourself in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
4. The hirer must be at least 20 years of age. The company reserves the right not to handover the boat to anyone who, in the company's judgement, appears not to be suitable to take charge of it. All monies paid will be refunded and the hirer shall have no further claim.
5. A damage deposit of £150 is payable on booking. This will be returned within two weeks of the end of the holiday, provided there is no loss or damage to the boat or its contents and the boat is returned on time.
6. The boat must be returned on time - if for any reason the boat is returned early by the hirer, the hirer shall not be entitled to any refund.
7. The company insures the boat, its contents, and the hirer's liability to other parties. This policy does not include personal accident or the hirer's personal belongings so we advise that you make your own arrangements to cover this. We cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to hirer's property, baggage, motor vehicles etc., however caused.
8. All repairs to the boat are the responsibility of the company and shall not be arranged without our authority. The only required maintenance by the hirer is checking the oil, lubricating the stern tube, and possibly clearing the weed hatch.
9. No more than six people may be carried. The steerer must be at least 20 years of age or be supervised by someone over the age of 20 years and must be below the legal alcohol limit for driving. One other person must be below the legal limit for drink for purposes of lock and bridge operation. Passengers must not sit on the roof or be allowed on the side decks as these practices are dangerous. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the boat.
10. The hirer, or nominated person, is in complete charge of the boat and is responsible for its safe navigation. The hirer shall, at all times, comply with the by-laws of the British Waterways board or the appropriate navigation authority. The hirer will be responsible for any claims made for loss or damage resulting from improper use of locks, tunnels, or bridges and for any claim made for damage due to excessive speed or inappropriate navigation. The boat is not insured for navigation during the hours between sunset and sunrise. The hirer shall not enter tidal waters or tow another vessel without prior consent of the company. In the event of an accident. the hirer shall notify the company immediately and obtain names and addresses of witnesses. Under no circumstances should anyone admit any liability.
11. The boat must be returned to the marina, (or just outside if assistance is required), by 9 a.m. on the final day of hire and must be vacated by 9.30 a.m. in a clean condition. Hirers are responsible for refuse disposal before vacating the boat. We reserve the right to make a charge if the boat is returned dirty or late.
12. The boat must be returned to the marina, (or just outside if assistance is required), by 9 a.m. on the final day of hire and must be vacated by 9.30 a.m. in a clean condition. Hirers are responsible for refuse disposal before vacating the boat. We reserve the right to make a charge if the boat is returned dirty or late.
13. The company will not be liable for any loss or damage to personal property including injury caused by events or circumstances beyond the company's reasonable control, not due to the company's proven negligence.
14. While we take every care to service and maintain the boat, no responsibility will be accepted by the company for loss of time or expenses through breakdown, damage or defects to the boat, obstructions, water shortage, or for repairs to either our boat or the waterways system. If we are unable to provide the boat for the booked holiday period, we will refund all money paid in full and the hirer shall have no further claim.
15. The hirer must nominate at least one person to be responsible for the boat and the safety of all on board.
16. The hirer will be given full instruction on the safe navigation, handling and control, the use of all equipment on board and will then sign a “Boat Acceptance Certificate” confirming that they have received this instruction and are confident of the responsibilities implied under English law for the safety of both crew and passengers.