Abingdon Boat Centre

 FAQ

Please find below a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions we get from our customers and general public that we think you will find useful. If however you require further information please feel free to contact us by following the above link.

1. How do I go about booking a boat?

2. Can I book on-line?

3. Do I need to book in advance?

4. Can I book in advance on an hour’s let?

5. Can we cancel a pre-booked hire?

6. What time do we have to be back?

7. We are arriving late can we have our time extended?

8. What happens if we don’t turn up?

9. Do I need a drivers License?

10. Do I need any previous experience?

11. Do I have to pay for fuel?

12. Do I have enough fuel?

13. Are there any locks to navigate through?

14. What happens if we are late back?

15. Do you supply Life Jackets?

16. Where can we go and how far?

17. There is a problem on the river ahead and we cannot get back on time, what do we do?

18. We have damaged the boat what do we do?

19. Our rope is wrapped around something in the water, what do we do?

20. There is a problem with our boat what do we do?

21. Where can we park our car?

1.          If you are interested in hiring one of our boats then please ring us with your requirements and availability. We will only take bookings over the phone or in person. Our staff will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have. Our contact details can be found below or on the above link.

 

2.  Currently we are not able to take any bookings on line.

 

3.          You can book in advance. We will only take advance bookings on a full day’s hire of a boat. Please note that these bookings are only confirmed bookings so you will need to plan ahead. Under normal conditions we will not accept cancellations on confirmed bookings.

 

4.          No, if you require a boat for an hour you will need to come down a book the boat along with your payment.

 

5. Any pre-bookings made are non-refundable.

 

6. All boats must be returned to us by the end of your stated period of hire.

 

7.          No, if you arrive late your boat must still be returned at the end of the stated period of hire.

 

8.          All bookings are processed and non-refundable.

 

9.          No, however, you must be over the age of 18yrs. You may be asked for proof of identity, if you cannot provide this then we reserve the right to refuse you a boat.

 

10.        No previous experience is required. Our staff will take you through the pain free process. This will only take about 15mins for the complete novice and then away you go.

 

11.        Your hire charge is inclusive of fuel.

 

12.        Yes, even the electric boats have enough charge on a full days hire.

 

13.        This depends on the length of hire. For a one hour period of hire, then no because there is not enough time for you to experience this.  However, any other period of hire then yes if you wish to.  All locks are manned by the Environment Agency’s Lock Keepers. They normally operate the locks for you excluding lunch times.  However we will brief you fully before your period of hire commences.

 

14.        Time appreciation is the responsibility of the hirer. If you are late back then you will be charged accordingly. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions under section 10.

 

15.        We supply life jackets if requested.  There is no charge for this.

 

16.        Up or down river its your choice! Remember you must stay on the navigable part of the river only. You will be briefed by our staff on suggested routes and popular stop off points and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

17.        Please telephone us straight away and let us know what the problem is. Any delays along the river is often relayed to us in advance by the river authorities.

 

18.        Contact us straight away with any details that you may have. Your security deposit will be withheld until further investigation has been carried out. Remember damages and losses have to be paid for and this comes out of the security deposit. All boats are given a full check by our staff on your return.

 

19. All ropes on your boat are the responsibility of the hirer and must be kept inside the boat. If your rope is loose in the water then it is a real possibility for the rope to wrap around the propeller of the boat and this can cause severe damage to the boat.  In this event, then your security deposit will be retained by us. However, you must inform us immediately if you suspect that your rope has been caught around the propeller and then we are able to send a member of staff to you to stop further damage of the boat. This will be pointed out to you on briefing before your hire.

 

20.        If you suspect there is a problem with your boat, then make sure you are moored up in safe location and switch off the engine.  Please ring straight away and we will then decide our course of action.

 

21.        We have car parking facilities but spaces are limited. There is a public pay and display car park just 5 minutes walk away from us across the river.

Home

Boat Gallery

Where to find us

Terms and Conditions

Hire Charges

FAQ

Chandlery