Aylesbury Day Boat Hire – Frequently Asked Questions

Our hire times vary by season.

• Spring & Summer: 09:00 – 17:00
• When daylight hours shorten: Return time is dusk

The boat is equipped with the essentials for a comfortable day out.

On board you will find:

• Two-ring gas hob
• Kettle and lighter
• Cutlery and crockery
• Four folding chairs (for use when moored)
• Small radiator at the bow end of the cabin for cooler days

Fridge:
There is no fridge, but there is a cigarette-lighter socket suitable for an electric cool box. A cool bag also works well.

No previous boating experience is required.

Before your trip you will receive a short training video to watch. On the day of your hire a member of our team will also provide:

• A safety briefing

• Instruction on steering and boat controls

• Guidance on operating canal locks

• Help through the first lock

Most people feel confident operating the boat after the training.

After making your booking, you will receive a training video to watch before your hire date.

On the day, a member of our team will:

• Welcome aboard, Catalina

• Provide a health and safety briefing

• Explain the boat controls and boating etiquette

• Give practical instruction on steering and handling

• Assist you through the first lock

This ensures you feel confident before setting off.

Even if you have previous boating experience, we will provide the training necessary to familiarise you with Catalina and any specific considerations when travelling along the Aylesbury Arm.

Fuel is included in the hire price.

Hire rates:

• Monday (excluding Bank Holidays) – Thursday: £144
• Friday, Weekends & Bank Holidays: £180

We recommend bringing the following for an enjoyable day on the canal:

• Food and drinks for the day

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Sunscreen and hats in summer

• A cool bag or electric cool box, if you wish to keep food chilled

Cutlery, crockery, a kettle and a hob are already provided on board.

Please arrive around 15 minutes before your hire time.

This allows time for:

• Boarding the boat

• A safety briefing

• Basic training and instructions

Your hire period begins at 09:00, so arriving slightly early helps ensure you can make the most of your day.

Yes — dogs are welcome on board.

Please note:

• We do not provide life jackets for dogs
• Dogs remain the responsibility of the hirer

Alcohol is permitted in moderation.

However, the person steering the boat should remain responsible and capable of safely operating the boat at all times.

Safety on the canal is our priority.

Yes, parking is available in the Marina, where the boat is moored.

Full arrival details and directions will be provided once your booking has been confirmed.

Our recommended route is:

From Circus Field Basin, through Locks 14–9, to Wilstone, where the canal is wide enough to safely turn the boat around.

To allow plenty of time for the return journey, we recommend turning around no later than 13:00.

You may moor on the towpath side of the canal where:

• The water is deep enough for the boat

• The bank is clear of vegetation

• It is safe to step on and off

Please do not moor on lock landings (the area immediately before and after a lock), as these areas must remain clear for boats using the lock.

Yes — decorations are permitted.

However, all decorations must be removed at the end of your hire, and the boat must be returned in the same condition it was received.

Everyone is welcome to hire our day boat. However, this is a self-drive hire, so at least some members of your group must be able to:

• Steer the boat
• Get on and off safely
• Operate canal locks

Important:
The step from the pontoon onto the boat can vary depending on water levels. When water levels are low, the step down may be deeper.

If you have accessibility concerns, we recommend contacting us before booking.

Your safety is important to us. The boat carries:

• Life jackets for all passengers over 1 year old
• First aid kit
• Fire blanket
• Fire extinguisher

In the unlikely event of a breakdown:

1. Call the contact number provided during your training.

2. Ensure someone in your group has the what3words app, so we can locate you easily.

We will:

• Attend to assess the issue
• Attempt to repair the fault
• Tow the boat back to the basin if required

No. The boat is not licensed or insured for overnight stays and is not designed for sleeping on board.

Catalina is strictly a day-hire boat and must be returned at the end of the hire period.

Our day boat operates in most weather conditions.

If you decide to cancel your booking due to a forecast of rain, the booking will be non-refundable.

Weather warnings are handled in accordance with the official guidance at the time.

• Red weather warning – We will contact you to reschedule your booking.

• Amber weather warning – You may be offered the option to reschedule, depending on the type of warning issued.

• Yellow weather warning – Bookings will normally proceed as planned.

If the Aylesbury Canal Society needs to cancel your booking, we will either:

• Offer an alternative hire date, or

• Provide a full refund