Terms and Conditions

Holiday Boat Hire – Terms & Conditions

The following are terms for use of Mary Mabel for holidays.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all narrowboat hire bookings made with Life Afloat Boat Hire Ltd, hereafter referred to as “the Company”. The person booking and hiring the boat will be referred to as “the Hirer”.

1. Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed once either the deposit or the full hire fee has been received by the Company. The remaining balance must be paid no later than six weeks before the start of your holiday. Placing deposit payment confirms the terms and conditions have been read and understood.

2. Cancellations

To cancel a booking, the Hirer must notify the Company by both telephone and in writing. A cancellation fee of 20% of the booking value applies regardless of the reason for cancellation. If cancellation occurs within six weeks of the start date, the Hirer remains liable for the full cost. However, if the Company is able to re-let the boat for all or part of the original period, the cancellation fee will be reduced accordingly.

3. Navigation Restrictions

Occasionally, the Canal & River Trust may enforce closures for essential maintenance. While such stoppages may affect your cruising route, they are outside of the Company’s control and do not justify cancellation or refunds.

4. Hirer Eligibility & Group Requirements

Boats will not be hired to individuals under 18. Anyone under 18 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. The number of passengers must not exceed the vessel’s licensed capacity. If your group includes any guests with mobility or accessibility needs, please contact the Company before booking to discuss boat suitability.

5. Company Rights

The Company reserves the right to refuse handover of a boat if the Hirer is deemed unsuitable to operate it safely. In such cases, the Hirer will receive a full refund and no further claims can be made. If the booked vessel becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control and no suitable alternative can be provided, a full refund will be issued.

6. Hire Period & Return

Boats are available for collection from Stanley ferry at 10:00 a.m. on the day your holiday begins. Full instruction and a handover procedure will be given upon arrival. Boats must be returned, clean, to the designated meet point by 3:00pm on the final day. Late return may incur charges, especially if the Company must retrieve the boat. Bookings require a minimum of two nights. 

7. Fuel & Waste Management

Your boat will come with a full tank of diesel and an emptied toilet holding tank. This is typically sufficient for a two-week trip. Hirers are responsible for properly disposing of all general waste during their trip by using the Canal & River Trust’s designated waste and recycling bins that can my found on the canal and river maps that are provided.

8. Damage Waiver & Deposit

A non-refundable damage waiver is included in the hire cost, but it does not cover:

• Speeding-related damage
• Damage caused by hitting lock cills (rudder, skeg, or stern gear)
• Intentional or malicious damage
• Loss or damage to onboard equipment
• Late or unclean returns

The Hirer agrees to cover any damages or costs not covered by the Company’s insurance policy. A £250 refundable damage deposit (cash only) is also required at the start of the hire.

9. Repairs & Maintenance

Any repairs must be managed by the Company. Do not attempt to engage third-party contractors without prior approval from the Company.

10. Delays & Liability

The Company is not liable for delays or losses due to factors outside of its control, including:

• Mechanical failures or breakdowns
• Waterway closures or repairs
• Weather conditions (e.g., flooding, ice, drought)
• Fuel shortages or rationing
• Personal accidents, loss, or damage to property
• Any form of consequential loss or inconvenience

11. Navigation & Responsibility

Hirers are responsible for safe navigation and compliance with canal regulations. Cruising in poor visibility or after dark is prohibited. A Boater’s Handbook will be provided. The towing of other boats or use of tidal waters without consent is not permitted.

In the event of an accident:

• Contact the Company immediately
• Do not admit liability
• Record names, addresses, and boat details of any parties involved
• Complete the provided accident report form

If the Hirer causes an accident that leads to an insurance claim, they may be responsible for paying the policy excess.

12. Car Parking

Free parking is available on-site; however, the Company is not liable for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents. Hirers are advised to remove valuables. Left-behind belongings can be returned once postage and packing costs have been paid.

13. Pets

Well-behaved pets are welcome aboard. Hirers must supply their own pet bedding and accessories. Pets should not be left unattended and are not allowed on beds or furniture. A maximum of two animals are allowed on board per booking. Any damage caused by pets will be charged to the Hirer. 

14. Insurance

All boats are insured for public liability and accidental damage. This does not extend to personal belongings or accidents involving the Hirer or their party. We recommend arranging separate travel or personal insurance for your trip.

15. Feedback & Complaints

If you encounter any issues at the start or during your trip, please report them immediately so we can resolve them. Any complaints after the trip should be submitted in writing within seven days of your return. The Company is not responsible for early terminations caused by weather, personal circumstances, or navigation restrictions.

Skippered Day Boat Hire – Terms & Conditions

1. Booking & Payment

A booking is confirmed once payment or deposit has been received.

The remaining balance must be paid before or on the day of the booking unless otherwise agreed.

The operator reserves the right to cancel any booking where payment has not been received.

2. Skipper Authority

All vessels are operated solely by the skipper.

Passengers are not permitted to steer, operate or control the vessel unless expressly invited by the skipper.

The skipper’s decision regarding safety, route, navigation and passenger conduct is final at all times.

The skipper reserves the right to terminate a trip without refund if passenger behavior is unsafe, abusive or disruptive.

3. Passenger Safety

All passengers must follow the skipper’s safety instructions at all times.

Life jackets or buoyancy aids must be worn if instructed by the skipper.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Passengers must not hang over the side of the vessel and keep arms and legs inside the vessel at all times.

Boarding and disembarking must only occur when instructed by the skipper.

4. Passenger Conduct

Passengers must behave responsibly and avoid any activity that could endanger themselves, other passengers, the vessel, or other waterway users.

The operator may refuse boarding to anyone who appears intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Excessive intoxication, dangerous behavior or refusal to follow safety instructions may result in the trip being terminated without refund.

Passengers are responsible for any damage caused by their actions and may be charged for repairs or cleaning.

5. Canal & River Trust Regulations

Trips operate on waterways managed by the Canal & River Trust and passengers must respect the regulations governing these waterways.

Passengers must respect other waterway users including anglers, walkers and boaters.

Passengers must avoid excessive noise and disturbance to wildlife.

Passengers must not throw litter or objects into the canal.

Passengers must respect towpaths, locks, bridges and canal infrastructure.

6. Navigation & Safety Rules

Boats will normally travel on the right-hand side of the canal and pass other vessels port-to-port.

Canal speed limits are generally around 4 mph to prevent damage to banks and moored boats.

The skipper may reduce speed or alter course when passing other boats or approaching locks, bridges or tunnels.

7. Weather Conditions

Trips operate in most weather conditions including rain.

Weather conditions alone do not automatically qualify for a refund.

The skipper may cancel or delay trips where weather conditions are deemed unsafe.

If the operator cancels due to unsafe conditions, customers may be offered a reschedule or refund at the operator’s discretion.

8. Waterway Closures & Restrictions

Canal closures, lock restrictions or maintenance works are outside the operator’s control.

Routes may be changed or shortened due to these restrictions.

Such closures or restrictions do not automatically entitle customers to a refund.

9. Cancellations

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the booking may be rescheduled or refunded.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booking time are non-refundable.

Failure to attend the booking will be treated as a no-show and no refund will be given.

10. Late Arrival

The hire period begins at the scheduled booking time.

Late arrivals may result in a shortened trip.

If passengers arrive too late for the trip to operate, it may be treated as a cancellation.

11. Capacity Limits

The vessel must not exceed the maximum passenger capacity permitted by law.

The operator reserves the right to refuse additional passengers.

12. Personal Belongings

Passengers bring personal belongings on board at their own risk.

The operator accepts no liability for lost, damaged or stolen property.

13. Liability

Boating activities involve inherent risks.

The operator shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses.

Passengers participate in the activity at their own risk except where liability cannot be excluded by law.

14. Alcohol Policy

Reasonable alcohol consumption may be permitted at the skipper’s discretion.

The operator reserves the right to refuse boarding to anyone who appears excessively intoxicated.

The skipper may terminate the trip without refund if behaviour becomes unsafe due to alcohol consumption.

15. Swimming & Entering the Water

Swimming or entering the canal is strictly prohibited during the trip unless in an emergency.

The operator accepts no responsibility for passengers entering the water against instructions.

16. Phones, Cameras & Personal Items

Passengers may bring phones, cameras and personal items on board at their own risk.

The operator accepts no liability for items dropped into the water or damaged during the trip.

17. Trip Duration & Route Changes

Trip duration is approximate and may vary due to canal traffic, locks or operational requirements.

The skipper may alter the route, turnaround point or duration if required for safety or navigation reasons.

Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.

18. Force Majeure

The operator shall not be liable for cancellations or delays caused by events outside reasonable control including severe weather, canal closures, lock failures, accidents or government restrictions.

In such circumstances the operator may offer an alternative date where possible.

19. Damage & Cleaning Charges

Passengers may be charged for excessive cleaning or damage caused during the trip.

20. Agreement

By making a booking you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.