Boating and the like... !

[Method]

Ok this is something ive been seriously thinking about for a while now, but i cant find anything that i actually want to know - so i thought i'd throw it out here for the wonderfull people of BCF to assist if possible.

Now for those who know me, this may be a bit of a shock - so dont laugh, as i havent raely told anyone about it - but i need help and answers now so its out in the open

Right, ive been wanting to go boating for a long time. I have the River Nene and the Norfolk Broads right on my doorstep, which lead out to other networks- so bountifull oportunity to soak up the lovely scenery on a nice day

First thing i need to know, is do i require any licence to drive a boat on these networks? The general oppinion appears to be "No - just competent", however i havent found anything conclusive to support this, and me being me - i want to know for sure, i hate getting in trouble

Hire companies dont seem to require anything, they give you a crash course on the boat before you take it away.

Im not interested realy in hiring a boat for a day / weekend or anything - which leads me onto my next question:

Is there any restriction on what types of boat are allowed where? I understand there are obvious size issues which need to be checked before going anywhere - so you dont get stuck halfway through a gate etc, and i also understand there are speed limits that need to be checked first and observed also - but i mean in terms of Narrow Boats, PowerBoats, Speedboats etc...

Anyway, thankyou in advance for any advice you may be able to give me Also if anyone has any handy websites / forums i would greatly appreciate that aswell!

(I get the impression that vast majority of "boaters" do not share the same need to have internet forums and websites like us bikers)
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[CaNsA]

All your questions now answered in the form of a pic.

https://georgepanago.yooblog.gr/files/2007/08/gr-wally118-w7.jpg

no fukka will ask you for any documents ever!!!!!!!!*




Unless you're black, then you will get pulled over by the river police every 200yards

[Ariel Badger]

JFGI....
https://backup.the-norfolk-broads.co.uk/viewtopics.cfm?Forum=38&SRow=-9&ERow=20&sortby=TitleDesc

Ask these guys.
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[piazza]

Was one of my greatest holidays ever on the broads in a rental boat.I got to the place late as i drove from Glasgow with me g/f so there was'nt time to get shown the boat properly (no boating in the dark without appropiate lights)

So there we are 10 minutes lesson 28ft cruiser fucking hilarious sailed by a man in a row boat with a speed camera,i was drinking a beer and smoking a joint no worries. 8o)

We went round in circles for 30mins trying to turn round lol also saw someone crash into a bridge i laughed so hard i crashed into the bank.

Watch the speed limits,don't think a license is needed i'd never been on a boat before.Do it :up: :D

[SlimRick]

I had a 23ft Norman Cruiser for a few years, on the broads you will appreciate the space of a wide beam boat - if you're off on canals you'll need a narrow beam. The hire company aren't gonna rent you a wide beam if it won't fit though. No license necessary for driving the boat, and you can cruise along with a beer in your hand. 4mph speed limits on canals and most rivers, except where they become wider and it may become 8mph.

[Method]

Is there a website or a book or anything that details useable rivers / canals networks with speed limits etc?

Im sure there must be somewhere - like an AA map or something lol
____________________
CBT Aug '03 ... Gilera GSM 50 ... Honda NSR 125 Aug '04 ...
Full Test Dec 04... Suzuki GS500 Jan 05... Suzuki SV650 Mar 07... Gixxer 6 K5 May 08... Oh and my 'Rado
My Bikepics.com - No Brakes, No Gears... No Fear.

[SlimRick]

Ordnance survey do maps of the waterways, with speed limits. The limits are pretty well signposted along the way, but the general rule is that if your wake is breaking against the bank you're going too fast
You can pick the maps up from Chandlers or you might get a copy from the library.

[bazza]

The RYA website is a good place to start: https://www.rya.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

(bazza - ex RYA windsurfing instructor)
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"That's it. You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college."
'98 Ducati 750SS, '08 Suzuki GSX650F ©2004-2014, Bazza's Harmless Banter

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Nichlosons Guides seem to be the standard for canal boaters.

Apologies for this webshop link, but it does list some of the guides for you.

https://www.canalshop.co.uk/acatalog/nichs.html

or try British Waterways

https://www.waterscape.com/features-and-articles/category/boating

Pat

ps speed limit for canals is 4mph (fast walking pace)
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[The Shaggy D.A.]

First off, you have to give way to sailboats

I've been a few times to the Norfolk Broads, using Hoseasons, both on the North and South Broads. They tell you everything you need to know before taking the boat out, and you get a map showing speed limits and limits of navigation. For a first time out, I'd say go with the North Broads, as they aren't affected by tides, so you don't wake up in the morning with your boat on its side on a mudbank

https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/AvailabilitySearchboating.aspx?ArticleID=2&HolidayType=3

[Kitten]

[Azonicben]

I`m a Lock-keeper for British Waterways on the river Trent up here in Nottingham.

A lot of your questions have already been answered so thumbs up to everyone.

With regards to buying a boat, there will be a lot for sale at the moment, due to financial climate, most boats are weekend playthings and people are selling as they are a luxury you can do without, also the scrapping of the cheap diesel doesnt help, you will be paying pump prices from now on unless you liveaboard and fiddle your Power and domestic deisel claims (heating etc should still be red deisel prices through an allowance)

Dont start too big! decide cruiser or narrowboat

License, No you dont need a driving license as such but the boat will need a boat safety certificate, insurance, and a Bw licence (tax disk) for Bw waters. The Environment agency also have similar procedure depends whose water you are on.
You can get Day/week/month/explorer licenses from Bw but you will still need the safety cert and insurance as we wont issue without them

As far as boat restrictions go, Buy anything you want within reason. A 100mph F1 powerboat will only draw unwanted attention pootling up the canal, only other one is personal watercraft jet skis are not allowed most places.

Your biggest choice depends where you want to go i suggest getting the Nicholson guides for your area and figure out where youll want to go, its no good getting a 45ft x 13ft cruiser if you are restricted to 3 miles between locks and bridges you cant get through.

You`ll also need to look into moorings most have now been put out to tender by Bw.

Theres the option of a "time-share" depends how often you want to use it.

Buy a lifejacket, and WEAR IT! they dont do much stowed in a locker, i lost count of drownings last year a lot werent wearing lifejackets.

People treat canals and rivers with far too little respect, its nothing like offshore etc etc a big river like the trent things can and do go wrong.

Oh and everything for a boat either costs £500 or £1000 doesnt matter what

Hope that helps, hope to see you up the Trent one day
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Cbt-23/09/07.....Theory-16/09/08.....Das passed 10/10/08.....
Current bike- GsxR750 K4. Broken: Cbr400rr (Nc29) Sold: Hyosung GT125R

[benjami]

What happens if you're caught speeding?

Three points on your boating* licence?


*read - imaginary.

[Kitten]

[Azonicben]

[piazza]

Christ sounds like fun now don't it

[plugger147]

Azonicben when we had our boat and we were using harbour slipways 9 times out've 10 we were asked for proof of public liability insurance or no launch.Would it still be needed for an inland boat?
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Tristan the wrote: just whipped off my trousers to find a big bruise on my arse, caused by matt rear ending me...

[Azonicben]

It will vary from yard to yard.

For a Bw license to be issued, you need to have your Bsc(safety cert) and proof of insurance. Most yards with slips "Should" check your license first.
Our problems come with some of the more "friendly" boatyards, who will launch your boat without being arsed with the paperwork.

Frankly youd be a fool to go out without insurance, you only need to be caught by the wind and glance another very expensive boat to be hot water.
I`ve seen it happen in my lock, nice if clueless old couple on a big 70ft steel Nb, came into the lock to tie up opposite a brand new immaculate 45ft plastic being delivered. cocked it up and promptly removed the swim platform passarelle and half the stern drive
Insurance had ran out some week previous.
____________________
Cbt-23/09/07.....Theory-16/09/08.....Das passed 10/10/08.....
Current bike- GsxR750 K4. Broken: Cbr400rr (Nc29) Sold: Hyosung GT125R