The narrowboat

Stern styles

Your choices are traditional, semi-traditional or cruiser style, but few boat hires offer traditional, which provides only enough space for the person at the tiller to stand (it does, however, offer more cabin space). Semi-traditional has two benches on either side of the boat in front of the tiller, protected by side walls but open to the top. This allows several people to keep the boat driver company but takes away from cabin space and so is usually found on longer boats. The cruiser stern is larger with a half-moon railing to allow others to perch beside the driver. Several people can occupy a cruiser stern, but remember to leave space for full turns of the tillers.

I prefer the cruiser stern because there’s more room to stand in front of the tiller, making it easier to gauge clearances when passing through bridges and entering locks. Cruiser sterns have probably also saved a few people from falling off the end of the boat although that might be balanced against those people who’ve fallen off the railing and into the canal.

Conveniences

Conveniences include microwaves, extra closets, shelves, Wi-Fi, multiple three-prong outlets, airing cupboards (where you can hang damp clothes), additional toilets, wood stoves, toaster, coffee maker. Some boat hires offer first-class boats that feature expensive wood paneling and granite counter tops. Such boats usually are longer.

Consider yourself fortunate if you hire a boat with Wi-Fi, but test the connectivity before you leave the boat hire. Ask for help if you can’t connect but don’t be surprised if the hire staff gives you a blank look. They’re probably a lot more knowledgeable about turning a lock than upgrading your OS. Of course even if you can connect to the router, it only works if the boat is in cellular range and often speed and data are limited. The Wi-Fi is there to check your email, not binge watch Netflix.