Boat Handling

Boat Handling

• Go slow whenever you can
  What's the hurry?  The faster you go, the more you're going to miss
• Watch your wake
  Your 'wake', the waves you're causing along the towpath or riverbank can destroy natural habitats for rare or endangered plants and wildlife.  If you're making waves - or even worse, if your wake is white and splashing around, you're going far too fast - please slow down.
• Keep in the middle
  Canals and rivers may not be as deep as you think.  The deepest part is always going to be in the middle, so try to stay there.
• Pass on the Right
  Almost all overseas customers will be comfortable with this (except Australians and Kiwis - Hi Brian and Emily, by the way!).  Those from the UK and Eire may instinctively want to veer to the left.  Please try not to, but don't worry too much if you forget the first couple of times, other boaters will generally be quite understanding.
  Boats working in the channel will normally signal to tell you which side they'd like you to pass, or display a green or white light on that side.
  The only caveat to this is Commercial Vessels - Large commercial tankers and barges always need the deepest water.  If the deepest water is where you happen to be, they need to be there too, so move out of their way - if this means passing on the wrong side, then so be it.  Also remember that they do not have the same stopping and manoeuvring ability that you have!
• Beware at Bridges
  In some areas it's still seen as a local sport by many young people to chuck things off bridges into canals - bikes and shopping trolleys are especially favoured.  These can cause obstructions under the water, so (yes, you've guessed it) slow down when approaching a bridge.
  Occasionally you'll see groups of young people hanging around on bridges - they'll rarely provide a problem for you, if you're worried just smile, give a 'thumbs-up' or wave and they'll usually reciprocate.
  Some bridges can also be quite low so keep in the middle and mind your head.
• Speed limit 4mph MAX
  Most boaters will eventually come to believe that this is too fast anyway, but please, for your own safety, sanity and financial wellbeing (there are hefty fines for speeding) please keep well below 4mph.
  (You should only ever reach 4mph whilst going downhill).
• Think ahead
  Not hard at less than 4mph, but you'll soon become very relaxed on your narrow boat - so try to think ahead, especially for bridges and bends.  If you're ever unsure what's coming up, simply pull over to the towpath, moor for a moment and go take a look!
• Don't move after dusk
  As the sun starts to set, you should be starting to moor. 
  Simply put, you're not allowed to move after dusk.