Picking up the boat / returning
Most boat hires will have you pick up the boat in the afternoon, to give the cleaning staff time to prepare the boats returned that morning. You may pay a penalty if you’re late to pick up or return a boat. By the way, remember to wash dishes and generally clean up after yourself before returning the boat if you don’t want to eat the damage deposit.
Some canals are deeper than you think and locks can be very deep. You’ll notice that Canal & River Trust employees and volunteers are always photographed wearing buoyancy aids.
Buoyancy aids / life jackets
You may have to ask the boat hire for them, but realistically few people ask. I strongly recommend them for children. Some canals are so shallow that someone who falls in could simply stand up to avoid drowning, but people do drown in the canals. Locks are especially dangerous with steep sides and deep water.
Terms and conditions
Drinking and driving
I think most boat hires are aware that people on the water will consume alcohol. Check your terms and conditions. Obviously you should not drive the boat when under the influence of alcohol.
Definitely don’t drink or text or take selfies while turning a lock.
Child drivers / pets
Check your terms and conditions but usually children can drive a boat when under the supervision of an adult. Most boat hires allow pets but might require a damage deposit. You probably didn’t bring a pet with you from the states, but if you have UK friends on your boat, make sure their dog won’t cost you the deposit.
Repairs
If your boat does break down, immediately call your boat hire. Don’t call a boatyard to have someone fix your boat, because you’ll probably have to pay for those repairs out of your own pocket.
Engine checks should be done with the engine turned off, especially when checking the propeller shaft for weeds. It’s not good enough to put the throttle lever in neutral because it can slip back into gear. Oil and water levels should be checked on a cold engine (or at least turned off for about 15 minutes).
Driving hours
You can drive from sunrise to sunset. It shouldn’t be so dark that you need to turn on the headlight.
It’s unrealistic to expect that anyone will read the boat manual word-for-word, but it’s a good idea to at least leaf through the manual and an even better idea if several people do so. Hopefully one of the crew will remember some important piece of information when needed.