There are a multitude of reasons why someone would need to employ a boat mover to relocate their boat for them, these include, but are not limited to:
1. Moving your boat to Brokerage.
2. An emergency has arisen whilst you are out cruising.
3. A hire company has the need to move boats between locations.
4. Relocating to a new home mooring.
5. Want to cruise different areas of the Inland Waterways System.
6. Your boat requires repairs at a different boatyard.
Starting out small approximately 10 years ago, we began moving newly built hire boats from a base on the Southern Oxford Canal to a base at the western end of the Kennet & Avon Canal. From this we began being asked to move other hire companies boats for them.
Since then, having gained our RYA Helmsman's Certificates and becoming fully insured to move other peoples boats, we have moved away from hire companies to moving boats privately and for boat brokers, in doing so covering a vast amount of the Inland Waterways System.
When quoting for a boat move we use www.canalplan.org.uk to calculate the best possible route to take taking into account all your requirements. The results from www.canalplan.org.uk are then used to provide you with the best possible quote. Once quoted, should a boat move overrun the price quoted will not change.
Once a move has begun we contact you on a nightly basis, mobile signal permissible, to inform you of our progress. When a boat is delivered we make sure it is cleaned inside & out, and the water tank is filled.
Prior to the move commencing we will ask you a series of questions to ascertain what equipment and facilities are onboard. Anything that we consider we may need that is not onboard, we will bring with us. As a matter of course though we will always bring bedding including duvets and pillows, cleaning equipment, life jackets and locking equipment (we all have our favourite windlass after all).
As part time fendermakers we know the importance of good ropework so will always bring extra mooring lines and side fenders with us. Bow and Stern fenders take a little longer though. Should you consider your mooring lines need replacing this can also be arranged for when the boat is delivered.
Once a move has begun we carry out engine checks and weed hatch checks on a daily basis; If anything untoward is found that we are unable to rectify ourselves, we are covered by River Canal Rescue. Prior to handing the boat back to you we ensure the boat has had a thoroughly good clean through. If you are not moving on immediately we ensure any solid fuel fires are extinguished and cleaned out, the electrics are isolated, the gas system is isolated and the water system is drained down. As a matter of course, and should facilities be available, we empty cassette toilets. If requested we will also ensure any pump-out toilets have been emptied.
Regarding fuels, our experience has taught us where to find the best value fuels around the system, so if the route we are taking with your vessel is passing one of these places, we will always recommend topping up the tanks there. However, if not, and should you request it, we will ensure your tanks and gas bottles are topped up as close to the final destination as possible. In all cases this will be in addition to the cost quoted for the move.
Accompanied Moves
We have on occasions been asked to carry out Accompanied Moves, where the owner of the boat remains onboard for all or part of the move. These we are more than happy to carry out. The costing remain the same however the owner, especially if new, gains from our experience.
Examples of Accompanied Moves are:
1. Just bought a boat and feel you need someone to help relocate it.
2. You are a single hander and need some help with the locks.
3. You would prefer some ‘benefit from experience’ prior to attending a formal course.
CONTACT US
For general information call us on 07588410050 or send a message using the form below.
For Steerage and Accompanied Move quotes, we request that you complete the form below stating the start location and destination, including waterway, so that we can provide you with a comprehensive quote for the move of your vessel. If you have a time scale in mind please include this as well.
