Tips and FAQs

You can be the captain of your own boat – no license or previous sailing experience is required.
The only exceptions are some areas in Germany and Luxembourg, where a license is mandatory.

A canal boat holiday means freedom!

• In most areas, you can moor almost anywhere along public canals and rivers.

• All boats have equipment for mooring along the banks.

• Some private areas may have restrictions, but it’s rarely a problem to find a place to stop.

• If you choose to stay in a marina or harbour, a small fee may apply.

Included

• Rental of boat and all onboard equipment

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Bed linen

• Towels (not included with Nicols, but can be purchased as an extra)

• Demonstration of the boat’s functions and controls

• Technical support during your trip

• Map of the cruising area (available onboard)

• Mooring fees (except in Ireland and the Netherlands – in some areas, small marina fees may apply)

Not included

• Travel to and from the base

• Fuel

• Deposit insurance / damage waiver

• Mandatory or optional extras

• Travel and/or cancellation insurance

The base staff will direct you to the nearest supermarket or grocery store.
Since the boat is empty at the start, you will need to stock up on food, drinks, and essentials.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in towns along the canals.

Yes, all boats are equipped with life jackets.

• Check before departure that there are jackets in the right sizes for everyone.

• Other sizes can be provided by the base staff.

• For small children, we recommend bringing your own life jacket.

• Rental boats often have large, approved types (like ferry vests).

• Light swimming vests are not approved as safety jackets.

• Feel free to bring your own comfortable life or swim vest.

• Children should always wear life jackets while sailing.

• There are no life jackets for dogs, so bring your own if needed.

If you experience any technical or mechanical issues:

• Contact the base where you started your trip immediately.

• A technician will come out to assist you as soon as possible.

• Report any defects as soon as you notice them.
  Waiting until the end of the trip may invalidate a complaint, as the base needs a chance to fix the problem during your holiday.

Yes, fishing is allowed – and often excellent!
You’ll need a fishing permit, which the base staff can help you obtain.

Yes, bikes for both adults and children are available at most bases.

• We recommend booking in advance through Seatravel.

• You’re also welcome to bring your own bikes, but avoid overloading the boat.

• Always lock bikes when not in use.

Note: No bike rental is available for narrowboats in the UK.

Yes, up to two dogs are welcome onboard for an extra fee.
Remember to bring your own dog life vest if needed.

• Pick-up: Between 15:00 and 18:00 on your departure day

• Return: By 09:00 on the final day of your trip

We recommend arriving at the base a few hours before pick-up to make the most of your holiday.

Yes.
Most bases offer free public parking, and some also have fenced or garage parking available.

We recommend 4–5 hours of cruising per day.
This allows you to see a lot of the region while keeping the boat’s batteries charged.

All boats have 12V sockets (like in a car).

• Bring an inverter (12V→230V) if you wish to charge laptops, tablets, or cameras.

• Internet access is available in some areas – check with your base for details.

Usually, no refuelling is needed during your holiday:

• There is enough fuel for 10–14 days of cruising.

• The water tank lasts 2–3 days and can be refilled at ports along the route for a small fee.

• If the water tank runs dry, turn off the electric water pump immediately to prevent overheating.

Operating the locks is easy and fun!

• After the first lock, it quickly becomes routine.

• Some locks are manual, others automatic or operated by a lockkeeper.

• Many locks have small shops or cafés, perfect for breaks and chatting with other boaters.

• For most guests, the locks become one of the highlights of the trip.

Pack light and practical – use soft bags instead of suitcases, as storage space on board is limited.

We recommend bringing:

• Passport, health insurance card, driver’s license, and travel insurance documents

• First aid kit and high-factor sunscreen

• Non-slip shoes with rubber soles

• Mobile phone (check roaming settings to avoid high bills)

• One large bath towel per person

• Work gloves for handling ropes and locks

• A 12V→230V inverter for charging electronics

When you arrive at the base:

1. Visit the base office to sign final papers.

2. You’ll receive a comprehensive briefing on how to operate the boat.

3. Instructions cover everything from mooring and steering to using the kitchen and oven.

4. We recommend both the skipper and co-skipper attend – two people remember better than one!

5. Feel free to ask questions or request a test drive with a technician if you’d like extra reassurance.

6. Inspect the boat carefully before departure and report any issues immediately.

This briefing is a key part of your boat holiday and ensures a smooth and confident start to your journey.

A security deposit is required and can be paid by credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard) or in cash.

• The deposit is refunded once the boat is returned on time, clean, and without damage.

• It may take 3–4 weeks for the deposit hold to be released on your card.

• Bring several credit cards, as most cards have a spending limit of €2,000–3,000.
  This limit can be reached quickly when the boat deposit is blocked at the start of your trip.

• Do not throw toilet paper into the toilet – use a bag beside it.

• In many regions (such as France and Italy), wastewater is discharged directly into the canal – do not swim there.

• Swimming is allowed in lake areas in Germany, Portugal, and Poland, as well as in rivers like Charente and the Lot in France.

Do not drink water from the boat’s taps.
Bring bottled water – plan for about 1–1.5 litres per person per day.

• Fill the water tanks before departure.

• Save water whenever possible.

• Only hot water is available after the engine has run for at least 30 minutes.

• After showering, press the pump button (if the drainage isn’t automatic).

For safety reasons, sailing at night is not allowed.

Make your holiday even more enjoyable by adding:

• At least one bike for quick trips ashore

• Insurance to reduce your excess

• Final cleaning service

• A barbecue grill