Ts & Cs
1.1 You must complete the online booking form on Waterways Holidays which is available through the links on the website www.waterwaysholidays.com
1.2 Your booking is complete once you have received confirmation in writing from the Company via e mail (the “Confirmation of Booking”). This will be provided following the Company’s receipt of your 25% deposit in cleared funds (see clause 4).
1.3 You must be 21 years old or over to book and there must be a minimum of 2 participating adults on the booking form. We are unable to accept bookings from single handed boaters, however experienced.
1.4 The Company cannot accept bookings from hen and stag parties. Same sex groups of 3 or more people should contact us first before making a booking.
1.5 We welcome ‘clean, flea free’ dogs and include one dog per booking without charge. A second dog, is chargeable at £25 per booking. We require notification at the time of booking if your dog is part of your party. Absolutely no dogs on beds or furniture at any time, and no wet dogs on the boat. Please bring your own dog’s bed and towels etc and keep your dog’s water bowl on the deck, not inside the boat due to the wooden floor. Your dog must not be left unattended on the boat. Pets are not covered under the company’s insurance policy and the Hirer is liable for any costs incurred by us for extra cleaning, damage and any delays re-hiring the boat incurred as a result of pet damage.
1.6 The maximum continuous hire period is 28 days with specific approval this may be negotiable.
2.1 The “Hire Fee” is the total amount you must pay the Company to hire a boat for the duration of your booking. This shall be in accordance with the prices published on our website for the selected boat and dates at the time of issuing the Confirmation of Booking.
2.2 The Hire Fee is inclusive of a tank of fuel, gas, bed linen, towels, discounts (see clause 2.4), plus tuition on boat handling and safe navigation at the start of your holiday. The hire fee excludes a compulsory non-refundable Damage Waiver fee of £50 payable on balance of hire (see clause 12). Whilst water supply and moorings on the canals are normally free of charge, any costs incurred are the responsibility of the Hirer. Where pump-outs are required to toilet tanks mid holiday. the cost is the responsibility of the Hirer, unless carried out at the Company’s base at the end of the holiday.
2.3 The total price payable is the sum of the Hire Fee, plus the £50 damage waiver, combined with any optional extras chosen at the time of booking.
2.4 We may on occasions offer promotional discounts to the standard prices advertised on our website, or for bookings over consecutive weeks. Any such offer shall be made at the sole discretion of the Company and may be withdrawn at any time.
3.1 The Company reserves the right to amend prices quoted in published information due to errors or omissions. Any such changes shall be notified to you as soon as possible.
3.2 You shall be at liberty to cancel the booking 12 weeks prior to the holiday start date if the amended price is significantly higher than the original price quoted.
4.1 A non-refundable payment of 25% of the Hire Fee is payable at the time of booking (the “Deposit”). The Deposit shall be treated as part payment towards the total price payable.
4.2 The balance of the Hire Fee together with the Damage Waiver £50, plus the full cost of any optional extras must be paid at least eight weeks before the date on which your holiday is due to start. If your holiday begins less than eight weeks from the date that the booking is made, these sums are payable in full at the time of booking.
5.1 Payments may be made by credit/debit card, but bank transfer is preferred if possible.
6.1 The Confirmation of Booking is a contract between you and the Company which confirms the details of your chosen holiday (boat, dates, optional extras, costs and fees, payment schedule).
6.2 Once a Confirmation of Booking has been issued to you by the Company, you are responsible for making payment in accordance with these terms and conditions (see clause 4).
6.3 If you wish to change the dates of your booking, the Company shall use reasonable endeavours to facilitate this (subject to availability). An administration fee of £50 will be charged at the sole discretion of the Company.
7.1 If you cancel the booking giving the Company at least eight weeks’ notice in writing, you will forfeit the Deposit only.
7.2 In the event of cancellation less than eight weeks’ before the date on which the holiday is due to start, the Company shall use reasonable endeavours to re-let the boat for that period:
(a) If the Company is unable to re-let the boat for that period, you will continue to be liable for paying the Hire Fee less any deposit already paid.
(b) If the Company is able to re-let the boat for that period, you will forfeit the Deposit only.
7.3 Where a booking is cancelled, an administration fee of £50 will be charged at the sole discretion of the Company.
7.4 Failure to pay the total price payable as shown on the Confirmation of Booking at least eight weeks’ before the date on which the holiday is due to start shall be treated as a cancellation and will be subject to the above.
8.1 All full week holidays start and finish on a Friday from Packet Boat Marina, Uxbridge.
8.2 All weekend holidays start on a Friday and finish on the following Monday from Packet Boat Marina, Uxbridge.
8.3 All mid-week holidays start on a Monday and finish on the following Friday from Packet Boat Marina, Uxbridge.
8.4 Boarding time is at 2:00pm on the day of arrival. You must advise the Company if your arrival will be delayed by more than 2 hours.
8.5 The boat must be returned to the point of departure in a clean and tidy condition by 09.00am on the last day of your holiday.
9.1 You (and all other members of your party) agree to the following conditions of hire:
(a) Not to exceed the speed limit of 4mph, or travel at a speed which creates a wash that breaks on the bank.
(b) To slow right down past moored boats.
(c) Not to cruise between sunset and sunrise.
(d) Not to navigate on tidal waterways or rivers.
(e) Not to operate the boat after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. We must draw your attention to the fact that it is considered an offence to be drunk in charge of any boat on the waterways.
(f) To observe and comply with all applicable Canal and River Trust bylaws and regulations.
(g) To act responsibly and safely at all times, and to always follow the guidance and advice provided by the Company at handover on boat handling and safe navigation.
(h) To be respectful and considerate to other boat users, and members of the public using or living by the waterways.
(i) Not to smoke inside the boat.
(j) Not to allow dogs on beds or furniture, or to be wet on the boat.
(k) Not to bring flammable or otherwise hazardous substances on board the boat including barbeques.
(l) Not to bring live fishing baits on board the boat.
(m) Not to part with possession of the boat, or share it, except with members of the party registered on the booking form.
(n) Not to exceed the maximum number of people the boat is designed to sleep.
(o) Not to sell or transfer the booking.
(p) Not to use your own electrical appliances or equipment which have not been approved for use on the boat by the Company. The use of chargers for mobile phones, portable audio devices or laptop computers are permitted.
(q) To ensure that the boat is always locked and secured whenever it is being left unattended.
(r) To take good care of the boat and leave it in a clean and tidy condition at departure to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company.
(s) To ensure that all kitchen equipment (including, but not limited to, crockery, cutlery and utensils) are washed and put away in the cupboards provided.
(t) To permit representatives of the Company reasonable access to the boat at any time during the holiday.
(u) To return the boat to the point of departure by 09:00am on the last day of your holiday.
(v) To ensure that all items listed on the boats inventory are present when your holiday commences, and returned to their rightful place in good, clean, working condition when returning the boat. Any discrepancies or breakages must be reported to the Company at the end of your holiday to avoid being charged, minor discrepancies will be covered by the damage waiver.
(w) To notify the Company immediately in the event of any accident, breakdown or damage sustained to the boat in any way whatsoever.
9.2 If you fail to comply fully with any of these obligations, the Company will treat this as a Breach of Contract (see clause 15).
9.3 Where any of these obligations are breached resulting in additional costs being incurred by the Company, these costs will be passed on to you and you are liable to reimburse the Company in full within seven days of receiving such notification.
10.1 In the event of any accident involving a member of your crew or our boat, you must contact the Company immediately with the information below. You must not admit liability under any circumstances.
(a) Details of any other boats involved. (including boat names and index numbers where known)
(b) Names and addresses of all persons involved, and of any witnesses.
(c) Full details of the accident including the location, date and time, actions taken and damage caused.
(d) Where possible, provide photographic evidence of any damage to the boats or property, and of the surrounding area.
10.2 If you are a witness to any other accident not involving our boat, you should advise the Company as soon as possible.
11.1 In the unlikely event of a breakdown, you must contact the Company immediately where upon appropriate action will be taken (see clause 16.3).
11.2 All repairs are the responsibility of the Company and should not be put into the hands of others without our authority.
11.3 You must not tow or be towed by any other boat without the Company’s permission.
11.4 Blockages or damage to the toilet caused by misuse (i.e. flushing wipes or incorrect grade toilet paper) are not covered by the Damage Waiver, and will be the subject of a £100 fee that will be charged to you.
12.1 A non-refundable premium of £50 per hire is payable in addition to the Hire Fee. This protects you from any liability for minor accidental loss or damage to the boat and/or its inventory during the hire period. The following exclusions apply and the Company reserves the right to claim the full cost of repairs, replacement and/or compensation from you should any of these events occur, be reported or witnessed;
(a) Speeding.
(b) Malicious, negligent or intentional damage to the boat, its inventory, the waterway, other boats or structures.
(c) Damage to the stern gear caused by hitting lock cills.
(d) Blockages to the toilet caused by misuse.
(e) Return of the boat in an unclean condition or late return of the boat.
(f) Unauthorised removal of items listed on the boat inventory.
(g) Taking the boat onto tidal waters including the Tidal Thames, or rivers.
13.1 The boat is fully insured against public liability and third-party risks; however, this does not cover you or your party for personal injury or your belongings.
13.2 You are strongly advised to take out personal insurance to cover personal injury, loss of belongings or the cancellation of your holiday.
14.1 Subject to clause 14.3, the Company cannot accept liability for matters arising beyond the Company’s reasonable control, or not due to the Company’s negligence or wilful default including without limitation:
(a) death or personal injury of Hirers, their crew or passengers; or
(b) loss or damage to your property (including, but not limited to, baggage, bicycles, motor vehicles etc.); or
(c) non-fulfilment or interruption of the booking; or
(d) delays, breakdowns, mechanical problems; or
(e) restrictions on cruising, repairs to waterways, non-availability of routes; or
(f) acts of god (including, but not limited to storms, floods, shortages of water, ice, and other weather conditions); or
(g) non-availability of fuel; or
(h) in respect of any accident, loss, damage, costs, injury, expense or any other inconvenience or claim for compensation whatsoever.
14.2 We accept no liability for any loss of income or revenue, loss of business, loss of profits or contracts, loss of anticipated savings or for any indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind however arising and whether caused by tort (including negligence), breach of contract or otherwise, even if foreseeable.
14.3 Nothing in these conditions excludes or limits the liability of the Company:
(a) for death or personal injury caused by the Company’s negligence; or
(b) under section 2(3), Consumer Protection Act 1987; or
(c) for any matter which it would be illegal for the Company to exclude or attempt to exclude their liability; or
(d) for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
14.4 In any case in which the Company are proven to have been negligent, except for personal injury or death, then the extent of any such liability shall be limited to the cost of the hire fee less any damage waiver or cancellation charges.
15.1 If there shall be a material breach of any of these conditions by you then the Company reserve the right to repossess the boat at any time. In the event of this happening, you will remain liable for the full cost and no refund of any sums you have paid the Company will be returnable to you.
16.1 The Company reserves the right to refuse to hand over a boat to any person who, in its opinion, is not suitable to take charge of the boat. In the event of this happening, the Company will reimburse all sums you have paid the Company within seven days. You will have no further claim against the Company.
16.2 If the boat shall for some reason become unavailable before the date on which your holiday is due to start, the Company will notify you as soon as practically possible, and will reimburse all sums you have paid the Company within seven days. You will have no further claim against the Company.
16.3 If the boat is damaged or suffers a breakdown during your holiday which cannot be rectified within 24 hours of being reported to the Company, the holiday will end. The Company will refund you on a pro-rata basis for each full day of your remaining holiday from the point that you notified the Company. You will have no further claim against the Company.
16.4 We have the right to repossess a boat at any time if in our reasonable opinion you or any member of your party is unsuitable to remain in charge because of their age, ill health, inexperience, suspected or actual influence of alcohol or drugs or any other reason, or because of irresponsible behaviour which is causing or is likely to cause danger to you or any other person(s) or damage to any property. In this situation, we will have no further responsibility or liability and no refunds will be made or expenses met.
16.5 The Company may amend these Terms of Conditions of Hire at any time. Any changes will be communicated to you if they will become effective before or during your holiday.
17.1 Fishing is permitted from the foredeck (bow) of the boat subject to you holding a valid rod license from the Environment Agency, and you do it within season. The use or storage of live fishing bait on board the boat is strictly prohibited.
17.2 Canoes and kayaks may be stored on the roof of the boat so long as suitable protection is used to avoid damage to the paintwork. The Company cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
18.1 Your vehicle will be parked within our secure car park at no extra charge. However, the Company cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused to your vehicle. You must supply your car registration to us upon arrival to be logged onto the handover form, for us to pass onto the Carpark, to avoid a parking fine.
19.1 If you are unhappy with any aspect of the boat or your holiday, please contact the Company immediately by telephone and preferably by e mail in order that we can rectify any issues at the earliest convenience, allowing you to be satisfied and continue with your holiday. Complaints made at the end of, or after your holiday by customers seeking monetary compensation will have forfeited their rights to seek such monetary compensation by not allowing us to have remedied the complaint during their holiday.
20.1 In making a booking the Company will ask for personal information such as your name, postal address, email address, telephone number and payment details. The Company may use this data to inform you about news or information we think may be of interest to you. Your personal details will not be passed on to any 3rd party. By booking with us you are deemed to have consented to the use of your personal information for these purposes unless you opted out at the time of booking. If you decide at a later date that you would prefer for your information not to be used in this way, please notify us in writing or by email at louise@southernnarrowboats.co.uk.
20.2 The Company is committed to protecting your privacy. We will only use the information that we collect about you lawfully, and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
21.1 If any term or provision in these booking conditions is found by any court, tribunal or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be wholly or partly illegal, invalid, void, voidable, unenforceable or unreasonable it shall to the extent of such illegality, invalidity, voidness or unreasonableness be deemed severable and the remaining provisions of the booking conditions and the remainder of such provision shall continue in full force and effect.
22.1 The contract embodied in the booking is governed by English law. and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
