Booking & Deposits

Booking is confirmed when the deposit of 25% of the Hire Charge has been received and confirmation of the booking has been issued by The Company.

The balance of the price is due not less than 5 weeks before the start date as shown in the Booking Confirmation.

For bookings made less than 4 weeks before the start date, the full amount must be paid at the time of the booking request.

In accepting a booking The Company’s responsibility does not extend beyond the provision of the boat and there is no guarantee that any particular route will be available for navigation during the period of hire.

The Company may cancel any booking and refuse handover if anyone is considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this case The Hirer will not be liable to reclaim any costs for the hire of the boat. May we take this opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that it is illegal to be drunk in charge of a narrowboat.

Should The Hirer decide to cancel a booked holiday, the 25% deposit paid to secure their dates will not be refunded.

The Company reserves the right to cancel any booking within a considered reasonable time frame. The Company shall, save where otherwise agreed in writing, refund the Deposit and all other amounts paid by The Hirer and shall have no further liability thereafter. Under no circumstances will the Company be liable to refund any amount exceeding the amount paid by the Hirer.

Photo ID will be required as booking verification upon arrival at the boat. You must notify The Company immediately if your arrival time is delayed, boat handover time is crucial and a legal requirement. It cannot be carried out in the dark.

A security deposit of £200.00 is required on the start day of your holiday. This is FULLY refunded when the boat and its contents are returned without damage or loss or the need for excessive cleaning.

 

Under 21

The Company cannot accept a booking from any person under the age of 21 years of age. The main hirer must be over 21.  You are responsible for making all members of your party aware of the terms of the agreement.

 

Cancellation & Holiday Insurance

The Company does not provide personal holiday insurance covering cancellation, injury, or loss and damage of personal effects.

We strongly recommend that our customers obtain personal holiday and cancellation insurance.

Bookings may be transferred at The Company’s discretion and subject to availability. The deposit of 25% of the holiday cost is non refundable should the Hirer have to cancel the holiday.

 

Hirer’s Property

We regret that The Company cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to hirers, or passengers, property, baggage, motor cars, etc. however caused. The Company does, however, carry Public Liability Insurance.

 

Return of the boat

The boat must be returned to Barbridge Marina at the agreed time. All attempts to contact us, The Company, must be made in the event of a possible late return.

The Hirer is responsible for allowing sufficient time to return the boat to Barbridge Marina. If the boat is not returned on time a charge of £50.00 PER HOUR will be deducted from the Security Deposit. The boat must be returned on time to ensure adequate turnaround time of the boat for our next guests.

The Company reserves the right to hold The Hirer’s deposit if the boat is not returned in the condition presented to the hirer. Any financial damage/breakages will be the sole responsibility of The Hirer.

The Black Dog boat is a non-smoking area.

The boat is to be returned in a clean & tidy condition i.e. as it was presented during handover – all bins emptied & rubbish disposed of, all pots and crockery cleaned and put away, all surfaces & floors cleaned.

Candles and barbeques are not permitted on The Black Dog, inside or out.

 

Handover & Inventory

The Company will give such induction and training as are appropriate. It is expected that The Hirer will have viewed the Boaters’ Handbook before arrival. The Hirer will then be required to sign the Handover Document to indicate that these instructions and demonstrations have been understood.

It is The Hirer’s responsibility to check the inventory list (found on the website) and report any missing or damaged items.

 

Toilet

It is the direct responsibility of The Hirer to ensure correct use of the toilet. The Hirer will be liable to pay charges should The Company have to call out a technician to unblock the toilet due to misuse.

 

Breakdown

In the event of a breakdown whilst on board, The Hirer must notify The Company, providing full details and shall comply with the instructions given by The Company.

In the event of a breakdown of non essential items The Company will not be held to call outs to repair or replace said items.

The Hirer must not undertake or commission any repairs, adjustments or service without the prior permission of The Company. Should The Hirer not adhere to this point any costs arising from work carried out without The Company consent will be liable to The Hirer.

 

Insurance

The Company carries full hire insurance with public liability insurance.

This does not cover personal accidents or loss or damage to personal effects. Hirer’s are strongly advised to take out personal holiday insurance cover, and, if applicable, ensure their dog is insured. The Hirer will indemnify The Company against all costs, damage, expenses, liability and claims arising from negligence or neglect.

Whilst The Company provide insurance cover against loss of or damage to the boat and equipment, and against public liability claims, The Company reserves the right to charge The Hirer for malicious, negligent, or intentional damage. The Company’s liability shall be limited to the hire charge. The Company shall not be liable for any consequential losses, loss of profits or indirect losses.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall restrict The Company’s liability for death or personal injury.

 

Dogs

The Company allows 1 house trained dog onboard at any one time, free of charge. You must inform The Company at the time of booking if you are bringing a dog. Under no circumstances are dogs permitted on the beds or sofa.  Any damage will be the responsibility of The Hirer. You are responsible for bringing dog bedding, bowls, towels and blankets. The Hirer must clean up after the dog. Your dog is not to be left unattended at any time. Dogs are not covered under The Company insurance policy. The Hirer will be responsible for the dogs actions at all times during the hire period.

 

Fuel

The boat will have a full fuel tank upon departure from Barbridge. Any additional fuel required is the financial responsibility of the hirer.

 

Car Parking

The Company will not accept liability to The Hirer, or parties, car(s) during the hire period. The Company will accept no liability to any damage to The Hirer’s personal property on or off the boat. The Company has strongly advised The Hirer to take out personal holiday insurance.

 

Delays & Restrictions

The Company cannot be held responsible for any delays or non-fulfillment of holiday schedules caused by breakdown, weather conditions, unforeseen defects, repairs, obstructions, or damage to either the boat or the Inland Waterways system.

If the canal freezes and The Company states the boat cannot be safely moved The Hirer will be offered an alternative date for hire or a full refund.

If the canal begins to freeze, The Company has the right to contact The Hirer and have the boat returned to Barbridge or The Hirer must agree to take the boat safely to a place agreed by The Company. The Hirer must consult with The Company before they move the boat if ice is suspected or predicted.

 

Navigation Rules

The Hirer must not cruise in the hours of darkness, or fog.

The Hirer must not cruise or attempt to move the boat if the canal is frozen.

The Hirer must not exceed the speed limit, race or cruise, at any speed, which could inconvenience other waterway users.

The Hirer must not pose a disturbance to other boat or canal users.

The Hirer must not tow other boats or enter river or tidal waters without the consent of The Company

The Hirer must not use the boat for fishing purposes.

 

Fishing & Bikes

Fishing, fishing equipment & bait of any kind are not permitted.

Bicycles & canoes are not permitted and not to be stored.

 

Vinyl Signage

The Hirer is responsible for any damage to the vinyl lettering or signage on the sides of the boat and should damage appear will be charged for its replacement.

 

Accidents

The Hirer is held in complete charge at all times and is responsible for the safe navigation of the boat during its hire period.

In the event of an accident The Hirer must notify The Company as soon as practically possible with full details, names and addresses of all witnesses. and boats involved and report, in detail, any damaged caused.

Do not prejudge the case by admitting liability.

The hirer is responsible for and shall indemnify The Company against any claim or charge made by any Navigation Authority for damage to waterway property or loss of water.