Boat Hire - ‘Merlot’, 'Shiraz' and ‘Barney’

For that special day out for up to 12 family, friends or colleagues we are pleased to be able to offer you the chance to be the skipper of your own boat for a day. Take a leisurely cruise north from Cosgrove to Stoke Bruerne passing through the rolling Northamptonshire countryside and local pubs, or south through Milton Keynes and see the new city from a different angle you will be amazed how peaceful the city is from the canal, with its parks and canal side pubs. Bring your own picnic or stop at one of the many pubs for lunch.

Our dayboats are traditional narrowboats of all steel construction, powered by a reliable diesel engine with very simple controls and tiller steering, with large open well deck fitted with roll down side screens; the cabin area has a separate toilet compartment; the galley area is fitted with a gas hob, fridge, sink with running water; the boats comes equipped with a kettle, cutlery, crockery, tea, coffee, sugar, towel and tea towel. We will give you ample tuition before you cast off.

Day Hire Prices

1st March 2024 to 31st October 2024  09:00 to 17:00
Monday to Friday £170-00
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays £210-00

1st November 2024 to 28th February 2025 09:00 to 16:00
Monday to Friday £160-00
Saturdays, Sundays £190-00

23rd December 2024  to 3nd January 2025  09:00 to 16:00 £220-00

For a touch of luxury or if you do not feel confident to handle a boat we can arrange a skipper for you; just relax having given your cruising orders £130-00

Evening Hire Prices

While daylight permits: 18:00 to 21:00
Weekdays or weekends: £110

All Day Hire Prices

While daylight permits: 09:00 to 21:00

Weekends: £300
Weekdays: £240

The hire charge is due in full at the time of booking. For all dayboat bookings a £100 refundable cash security deposit against damage, late return or the boat being returned dirty, is required before departure.

Use of locks at Stoke Bruerne and Fenny Stratford is not permitted.

Prices include insurance and fuel, and buoyancy jackets if required. There is no VAT to be added.

Please note that 12 people is the legal maximum allowed on board, subject to any Covid-19 restrictions.