Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. They are part of the agreement and contain legal obligations and liabilities of the hirer.
Ducklings Narrowboat Hire Terms and conditions of hire
Effective from 21/04/2021
Effective from 21/04/2021
You are strongly advised to ensure you have adequate personal travel insurance, which should also cover any of your potential liabilities in this agreement.
For the purpose of these terms and conditions “Ducklings” means Ducklings Narrowboat Hire, “The Hirer” means the designated Skipper and lead hirer named on the Handover Certificate. Where there is more than one Hirer, they shall be individually responsible and liable under this agreement.
Terms
‘Hire fee’ Is the cost of hiring a boat including any extras ie dogs, skippered hire
‘Booking deposit’ is 25% of the hire fee total which is payable at time of booking. Where bookings are made 4 weeks or less in advance the total hire fee is payable at the time of booking.
1. Booking
1.1 Bookings will be considered confirmed and binding once the completed and signed booking form has been received by Ducklings, together with a 'Booking Deposit' of 25% of the 'Hire Fee Total.'
1.2 Ducklings will hold a provisional booking open for 5 days only. If we have not received the required booking deposit within 5 days, we reserve the right to cancel the booking.
1.3 You must be 21 years old or over to book boat hire and there must be a minimum of 2 participating adults named on the booking form. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings from single handed boaters, however experienced, due to insurance limitations.
1.4 Operating , entering and exiting the boat can be physically demanding at times and requires a level of physical ability. We will go through this in your tuition prior to handing the boat over to you to ensure you feel able to continue. We can however sometimes offer a skippered service if required which you would need to arrange prior to booking and would be chargeable (price on request). THE HIRER MUST MAKE RELEVANT ENQUIRIES AT THE TIME OF BOOKING SHOULD A MEMBER OF YOUR PARTY HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS WHICH MAY AFFECT THEM DURING THE HIRE PERIOD. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: MOBILITY PROBLEMS, CLAUSTROPHOBIA, AQUAPHOBIA. Ducklings will not be held liable for cancellations or interruptions to hires due to health problems and will be subject to clause 5 of these terms.
1.5 We are more than happy to accommodate dogs on board our boats, at a cost of £15.00 (maximum 2 depending on size). Dogs are not allowed on the furniture and we ask you must bring and utilise the animals bedding, both for the comfort of your animal and to encourage compliance. Dogs must not under any circumstances be left on the boat unattended.
1.6 Children are welcome however will be the sole responsibility of the adults on board and must be supervised at all times. Life jackets are available on request
2. Prices
2.1 the 'Hire Fee' is the total amount you must pay Ducklings to hire the boat for the duration of your booking. These are laid out on the website
2.2 The 'Hire Fee' is inclusive of fuel, bed linen, towels and gas, plus tuition on boat handling and safe navigation at the start of your holiday. If a booking includes dog/s, bowls and towels will be provided.
2.3 The ‘total price’ payable to confirm a booking is the sum of the Hire Fee plus any requested extras eg dogs, skippered hire charge etc.
2.4 Skippered hire may be available in some circumstances by prior arrangement and price is available on request.
2.5 Dogs incur a £15 non refundable cleaning fee payable at time of booking.
3. Payment
3.1 A non-refundable payment of 25% of the Hire Fee is payable at the point of booking (the 'Deposit'.) The Deposit shall be treated as part payment towards the total price payable and will once paid be subtracted from the remaining Hire Fee total.
3.2 The total balance 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, the Hire Fee including refundable security deposit are payable in full at the time of booking.
3.3 Payments made by cheque (drawn from a UK bank only,) telegraphic bank transfer or via our website www.ducklingsnarrowboathire.co.uk. We also accept payments by Paypal, if you prefer. Any questions, please give us a call on 07951 298720.
3.4 Cheques should be made payable to “Ducklings Narrowboat Hire.”
3.5 Post-dated or undated cheques are not acceptable.
3.6 International bookings
(a)The bank fees for money transfers for International bookings shall be the responsibility of the hirer and, Ducklings shall not be liable for currency exchange rates. The hirer must ensure that that the correct amount in GBP is paid after any fees are added by the bank.
(b) It is the hirer’s responsibility to arrange travel to our base at Tewitfield, Ducklings shall not be liable for any losses due to travel delays. You must inform Ducklings as soon as possible to inform us of any delay to your arrival so we can arrange to meet you at another time, this will depend on our availability.
4. Confirmation of Booking
4.1 The confirmation of booking is a contract between you and Ducklings which confirms the details of your chosen holiday including dates, costs, fees and payment schedule.
4.2 Once a Confirmation of Booking has been issued to you by Ducklings, you are responsible for making payment in accordance with the terms and conditions contained. We ask you to check the details and contact us within 48 hours if you have any unanswered queries.
4.3 If after receiving your Confirmation of Booking you wish to change the dates of your booking, Ducklings will make reasonable endeavours to facilitate this (subject to availability.) An administration fee of £25 will be charged if the booking is changed. Please be advised that changes to your holiday date will be more difficult to accommodate, the closer you get to your holiday dates. *Deferred dates due to COVID 19 government closures will not be charged an administration fee.
5. Cancellation
5.1 If you cancel the booking giving Ducklings at least six weeks’ notice in writing, subject to confirmation of receipt by Ducklings, a cancellation form will be issued and you will forfeit the Deposit only.
5.2 In the event of cancellation less than six weeks before the date on which the holiday is due to start, Ducklings shall use reasonable endeavours to re-let the boat for that period:
(a) If Ducklings are 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. Therefore we highly recommend that the hirer takes out holiday cancellation insurance.
(b) If Ducklings are able to re-let the boat, for the period of the booked holiday, Ducklings will issue a cancellation form and you will forfeit the Deposit only.
(c) If within two weeks of the booked holiday dates, the boat has not been rebooked and you remain liable for the Hire Fee, Ducklings will offer the holiday as a reduced price cancellation, in an attempt to reduce your liability. If Ducklings are only able to re-let the boat at a reduced hire cost, for the period of the booked holiday, Ducklings will issue a cancellation form and you will be liable to pay the Total Hire Fee, minus the deposit paid by yourself and reduced hire fee paid by the last minute customer (if applicable.)
5.3 When a booking is cancelled, an administration fee of £25 will be charged. *Deferred dates due to COVID 19 government closures will not be charged an administration fee.
5.4 Failure to pay the Total Hire Fee as shown on the Confirmation of Booking at least 4 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 terms and conditions.
5.5 Cancellations part way through a holiday are not permitted and you remain liable for the full hire cost plus any further costs or losses to Ducklings as a result of the boat being un-returned, returned early/late and or us having to collect the keys from you before the end of the hire See clauses 7.1 (v) and 8.3. You will be notified by email of additional charges once we have obtained our boat, returned it to the marina and completed our checks
5.6 If your holiday cannot take place as a result of COVID 19 government closures you will be offered a deferred date of the same duration. Deferred dates will not be subject to additional charges.
6. Arrival and Departure
6.1 All holidays start and finish at, Tewitfield Marina, 2 Lapwing House, Chapel Lane, Tewitfield, Carnforth, LA6 1JH. *Occasionally due to canal closures your holiday may require to start/end at an alternative location on the canal, we will notify you of this in advance or the time we receive knowledge of canal closures. *Transport from/to Tewitfield can be arranged in these circumstances.
6.2 Boarding time is at 2.00pm on the day of arrival. You must advise Ducklings if for any reason your arrival time will be delayed by more than 1 hour. (Tel: 07951 298720) Occasionally, the boat may be available for boarding earlier than 2.00pm, subject to previous time of return. In these circumstances, Ducklings may inform you of any early availability on the day of your arrival.
6.3 The boat must be returned to the point of departure on time, undamaged and in a clean and tidy condition by 09.30am on the last day of your holiday. We ask you plan ahead on your return journey, to fulfil the time obligations on the day of return, as any delay affects the next booking arrival time and may have a negative impact on another customer's holiday. You must call or text us after you moor up the night before you return the boat, to inform us of your whereabouts, giving us the opportunity to consider your timings on day of return and positively advise you to ensure the boat is returned in a timely manner and that you avoid any unnecessary charges and avoidable delays to the next customer's departure.
7. Your Obligations
7.1 you (and all other members of your party) must agree to these terms and to the following conditions of hire:
(a) Not to exceed the canal speed limit of 4mph, or travel at a speed which creates a wash that breaks on the bank.
(b) To slow right down to 'tick-over' when passing moored boats.
(c) Not to cruise between sunset and sunrise.
(d) Not to navigate on the Glasson Arm, tidal waterways, or rivers.
(e) Not to operate the boat after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. 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 by-laws and regulations.
(g) To act responsibly and safely at all times, and to always follow the guidance and advice provided by Ducklings, at handover, on boat handling and safe navigation.
(h) Not to walk/climb along the side sills of boat, but to pass through the boat interior if wanting to move position from the front to the back.
(i) To be respectful and considerate to other boat users, and members of the public using or living by the waterways.
(j) Not to smoke inside the boat.
(k) Not to allow dogs on the beds or sofas or leave them unattended on board the boat (at any time.) Only use the towels and feeding bowls provided on board for the use of pets.
(l) Not to bring flammable or otherwise hazardous substances on board the boat, e.g. barbecues, petrol or any other flammable liquid, calor gas appliances.
(m) Not to bring live fishing baits on board the boat.
(n) Not to part with possession of the boat, or share it, except with members of the party registered on the booking form and handover certificate. (o) Not to exceed the maximum number of people the boat is designed to sleep i.e. 4.
(p) Not to sell or transfer the booking.
(q) Not to use your own electrical appliances or equipment which have not been approved for use on the boat by Ducklings. The use of chargers for mobile phones, portable audio devices or laptop computers, are permitted. Please note that boat-friendly hair-dryer is provided, we ask that do not use your own.
(r) To ensure that the boat is always locked and secured whenever it is being left unattended during your holiday.
(s) To take good care of the boat and leave it in a clean and tidy condition upon return to the reasonable satisfaction of Ducklings handover staff member.
(t) To ensure that all kitchen equipment is washed and put away in the cupboards provided.
(u) To permit representatives of Ducklings reasonable access to the boat at any time during the holiday.
(v) To return the boat to the point of departure by 9.30am on the last day of your holiday. It is the hirer’s responsibility to allow enough time to ensure a prompt return. In the event of delay the hirer shall be liable to pay the sum of £45.00 per hour or part hour of the delay in returning the boat. This condition is strictly enforced in the interest of subsequent hirer's of the boat, whose holiday would be adversely affected. If unforeseen circumstances arise and you must leave your holiday early and are unable to return the boat to departure point, you must arrange with us the collection of your keys, subsequently he hirer will be liable for any costs or losses that arise from this and will be invoiced separately.
(w) To ensure that all items listed in the boats inventory are present when your holiday commences, and returned to the place in good, clean, working condition when returning the boat. Any discrepancies, damage or breakages must be reported to Ducklings at the end of your holiday when the boat is returned to Ducklings handover staff, to avoid being charged for.
(x) To notify Ducklings immediately in the event of any accident, breakdown or damage sustained to the boat in any way whatsoever.
(y) Not to bring bicycles on to the boat.
(z) Not to part possession with the boat overnight
7.2 If you fail to comply fully with any of these obligations, Ducklings reserve the right to treat this as a breach of contract.
7.3 Where any of these obligations are breached resulting in additional costs being incurred by Ducklings, these costs will be passed on to you the hirer and you will become liable to reimburse Ducklings in full within seven working days of receiving such notification. In these rare circumstances, Ducklings will issue a 'Hire Damage Liability Form', documenting the damage, and costs incurred. The hirer will then be liable for the 'Hire Damage Fee'.
7.4 COVID 19 additional obligation- It is your responsibility to act in line with Government regulations regarding COVID 19 safety advice and restrictions.
8. Accidents
8.1 You must call 999 in a life threatening emergency, it is your responsibility to keep track of your location during the holiday.
8.2 If you are concerned about the health of anyone in your party 111 can be used for non-life threatening situations.
8.3 In the event of any accident involving a member of your crew or our boat, you must contact Ducklings on (Tel: 07951 298720) 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 number, where shown.)
(b) Names and addresses of all persons involved and 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 boat(s), or property, and of the immediate area where the incident occurred.
8.2 If you are a witness to any other accident not involving our boat, you should still advise Ducklings as soon as possible.
8.3 Ducklings cannot be held liable for un-fulfilment of your holiday due to health related incidents, the hirer will be liable for costs or losses to Ducklings in these rare situations. However the extent of this will be at our discretion in light of the circumstances.
9. Security Deposit
9.1 We no longer ask for a security deposit for your hire, however Ducklings reserve the right to claim the full cost of repairs, replacement and/or compensation from you should any of the following events be reported or witnessed: In this case you will be invoiced via email.
(a) Speeding fines or costs of damage to other boats due to speeding or dangerous cruising.
(b) Malicious, negligent or intentional damage to the boat, its inventory, the waterways, other boats or structures.
(c) Blockages to the toilet caused by misuse.
(d) Late return of the boat.
(e) Return of the boat in an unclean condition.
(f) Unauthorised removal of items listed on the boat inventory.
(g) Damage or extra cleaning caused by dogs.
(h) Where additional cleaning is required due to smoke
(i) Failure to return the boat to the departure point within the allotted time frame and costs or losses to Ducklings Narrowboat Hire arising from this
(j) Loss of any of the keys supplied for your holiday
(k) Where damage results in us requiring to make a claim on our insurance you will be liable for the excess charge.
10. Insurance
10.1 The Company provide insurance cover against loss of or damage to the boat, our equipment, and against public liability claims,
10.2 The Company reserves the right to charge The Hirer for malicious, negligent, or intentional damage. The Company shall not be liable for any consequential losses, loss of profits or indirect losses.
10.2 Dogs are not covered by the company's insurance.
10.3 You are strongly advised to take out personal insurance to cover personal injury, loss of belongings and the cancellation of your holiday.
11. Liability
11.1 Ducklings cannot accept liability for matters arising beyond Ducklings' reasonable control:
(a) death, illness or personal injury of Hirers, their crew or passengers.
(b) Loss or damage to your property (including, but not limited to baggage, motor vehicles etc.)
(c) non-fulfilment or interruption of the booking
(d) delays, breakdowns, mechanical problems
(e) restrictions on cruising, repairs to waterways, non-availability of routes
(f) acts of nature (including, but not limited to storms, floods, shortages of water, ice and other weather conditions.)
(g) in respect of any accident, loss, damage, costs, injury, expense or any other inconvenience or claim for compensation whatsoever.
12. Breach of Contract
12.1 If there is a material breach of any of these conditions by the hirer then the company reserve the right to repossess the boat at any time. In the event of this happening, the hirer will remain liable for the full cost and no refund of any sums paid to the company will be returnable to you.
13. Company Regulation
13.1 Ducklings 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, Ducklings will reimburse the total hire fee minus the non refundable booking deposit within seven days. You will have no further claim against Ducklings.
13.2 If the boat shall for some reason become unavailable before the date on which your holiday commences, Ducklings will notify you as soon as practically possible, offer an alternative date or a full refund. You will have no further claim against Ducklings. *Refunds for COVID 19 government closures are unavailable, you will be offered a deferred date which will then be subject to our usual cancellation policy.
13.3 If the boat is damaged or suffers a breakdown during your holiday which was not through your negligence and cannot be rectified within 24 hours of being reported to the company, the holiday will end. In this unlikely event, Ducklings will refund you on a pro-rata basis for each full day of your remaining holiday, from the point that you notified Ducklings, or if you wish, rebook your remaining days at an available and convenient date for both parties. You will have no further claim against Ducklings.
13.4 Ducklings may amend these Terms and Conditions of Hire at any time
14. Parking
14.1 Parking is available at Tewitfield Marina. However, neither the Marina or Ducklings can accept any responsibility for loss, nor damage caused to your vehicle or its contents, whilst parked.
15. Website
15.1 The website is intended as a general guide and the company will not be liable in the event of any differences in the boat supplied and reserves the right to make modifications. Additional images and or videos available upon request and visits to the boat can be arranged prior to booking.
16. COVID 19
16.1 Ducklings have taken measures to act in line with Government regulations and advice. A COVID saftey document will be included in your information pack upon booking and is also available on our website here.