One thing that puts many people off pursuing a canal boat holiday is the belief that they need a license and a huge skill set before setting out. Yet, when it comes to canal boat hire , it is not as complicated as you first may think. Taking the right precautions and conducting some pre-holiday research can leave even the most inexperienced boater in good stead.
Throughout this article, we will explain the ins and outs of driving a canal boat, what it requires and how you can put your knowledge into practice with stunning boating holiday destinations. These ins and outs will include the answer to the question ‘do I need a license to drive a canal boat?’ , some must-know manoeuvres, and so much more.
Do I need a license to drive a canal boat?
Canal boat holidays have quickly become one of the most popular holiday choices in recent years. First off, you do not need a license to drive a canal boat of this kind. These holiday canal boats are made with everyone in mind, both the beginner boater and the highly experienced one. With speed-limited engines and simple controls, the boat is designed to allow you to drive the vessel after a short instructional initiation beforehand.
Although you don’t need a license to drive a canal boat, good care and focus are needed when handling any sort of vessel. With this limited speed and simple controls, learning to drive a boat can take as little as an hour before you set out. Unlike driving a car or flying a plane, you will not need an official license to drive a boat on boating holidays.
Initiation with Locaboat
Any boating holidays in France, Netherlands or Germany that you book through Locaboat will begin with an initiation. Instead of a prearranged lesson or required license, this relatively short introduction will give you all the instructions you need to handle and drive the boat. A Locaboat technician will come on board your boat and explain the engine and the boat’s equipment.
After getting equated with the boat’s layout and inventory, you will then be given a lesson in the handling and rules of driving a canal boat. This will mainly include the simple act of steering the boat correctly when to speed up and slow down, as well as understanding signs and lights along the numerous canals and rivers. After the short initiation, you will have all the skills and know-how to drive your boat safely and enjoyably.
Is a canal boat difficult to drive?
Taking into consideration the many types of vehicles there are, driving a canal boat is relatively simple. With limited controls and a top speed that equates to a fast walking pace, there are very few things to think about when driving. As the boat is powered from the back, you will often have to push the boat away from the bank until you can get your propeller into deeper water. Once you are away, you can set your boat into the forward gear and pick up some speed.
You will steer the boat using a tiller. This is extremely simple, as long as you remember that pushing to the right will make the boat head left and vice versa. It is important to plan ahead and be patient whenever you approach obstacles and turns within the waterway. You should also take care to remember that the slower you are going, the slower the boat will be to react.
Most canal boats will pivot from a point about halfway along their length, so you should always be aware of both the rear and front of the boat. When you are turning into narrow gaps, you will need to keep an eye for the back of the boat. All in all, driving the boat won’t be too difficult and taking these precautions and staying aware of your surroundings will keep you out of harm.
Must-know boat manoeuvres and locks
One thing that may seem all-too-new to first-time boaters is navigating the many locks that are found throughout the canals and rivers. Although manoeuvring through the locks isn’t extremely hard to do, knowing how to beforehand can help with your confidence. Some of Europe’s canals have very few locks, while others, such as the Canal du Midi, famously have many. Those who choose Canal du Midi boat hire will encounter several different lock types, and having the know-how will help you have a far more pleasant trip.
Generally speaking, it will take you around 15 to 20 minutes to pass through a lock and varying rules depending on the country. For example, in France and the Netherlands, you must keep your engine running as you enter the lock. However, in Germany, you will need to shut the engine off. Types of locks along Europe’s waterways include electrified locks with a lock keeper and automatic electrified locks without lock keepers. Locks without keepers will need to be opened by you, either manually or via the controls.
Details of how to operate them will be given to you or explained at the departure base, but in some cases, a radar detects your boat and sets the operation in progress; in other cases, an electronic smart card or a remote control system is used – this control will also be given to you at the departure base.
Boating holiday destinations
As you don’t require a license to drive a canal boat , the opportunity for boating holidays on Europe’s many waterways are endless. Western Europe, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, provide some of the most fascinating destinations and routes to explore. One of the most famous European canals, the Canal du Midi, is a favourite of canal holiday-makers. Running from the Mediterranean coastline in the south of France to the city of Toulouse, a holiday along the Canal du Midi is an endlessly rewarding one.
The famous River Shannon in Ireland is another must-visit boating holiday destination. Flowing through the heart of the Emerald Isle, a River Shannon boating holiday allows you to truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and nature of Ireland. Wherever you choose to go, not needing a license to drive a canal boat means you are free to explore the many waterways of Europe right away!
