Le Boat Boating Hub :
Your source for boat handling, safety, and cruising tips
Ready to go wherever the water takes you? No licence or any previous boating experience is required to enjoy a holiday with us, just a sense of curiosity and the desire to explore. Whether you’re new to boating, have boated with us before, or are an expert cruising with us for the first time, on this page you’ll find everything you need before setting off on your adventure, so you can start prepared and navigate our waterways with confidence.
Discover what to expect before and during your trip: from your pre-departure briefing to boating etiquette, cruising times, and practical tips to make the most of your time on the water. You’ll also find how-to videos, articles, guides, and essential safety information to make your holiday easy, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.
On the Boating Hub:
Planning resources | Boat handling advice | Learn about boat safety | Navigation restrictions
Planning resources
Good planning sets the course for a smooth and stress-free boating holiday. Here you’ll find practical guides and useful information to help you prepare before you step on board: from pre-departure essentials to advice on what to expect during your cruise. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to the water, these resources will help you make the most of every moment on board.
Planning resource – blog posts:
Our most experienced boaters reveal their holiday tips
To help you make the most of your boating holiday and navigate the waterways with confidence, we asked our community of Le Boat Owners to share their expertise with us.
Read the article
Boating holiday route planner: how to plan your perfect trip
As your houseboat holiday approaches, it’s time to start planning your route. Read our planning tips and begin getting into the mindset for your boating holiday.
Read the articleHandling your boat and navigating the waterway
Our useful boat handling and navigation (PDF) will give you a good overview of how to handle your boat, including passing, overtaking, mooring, going through locks and understanding signs on the waterway. The following videos will also help. All of this information will be given to you during your pre-departure briefing and is available on board inside the Boat and Navigation Manual, but reviewing before your holiday will aid your understanding and will help you to become confident with the boat and the waterway more quickly.
Video guides
Essential checks before you depart
Navigational maps, ropes and knots
Steering and manoeuvres
Locks
Rules and regulations
How to moor your houseboat
Responsible cruising
Boat handling advice – blog posts:
How to moor a boat in 4 simple steps
Whether you’re new to boating or revisiting the mooring technique, approaching a quay, bank, or mooring point can feel tricky at first. But with a little preparation and the right knowledge, it soon becomes second nature. So, how to moor a boat?
Read the article
How to go through a boat lock: step‑by‑step canal lock guide for beginners
Master how to go through a lock with a boat in simple steps. This complete guide covers lock procedure, safety tips, and how to navigate automated or manual canal locks stress-free.
Read the articleLearn about boat safety
Your safety, and the safety of your crew, is our top priority. In this section, you’ll find key information and downloadable materials designed to keep you safe on the water. From boating etiquette to on-board safety tips, these resources ensure you’re well-prepared and can relax knowing everything is under control.
Top safety tips
We want you and your crew to have a safe and enjoyable holiday so please read and abide by our safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents and injury while on board. The guidelines will be given to you at base, but it is a good idea to read these at home, before you holiday, to ensure you have a good understanding by the time you arrive. You are required to nominate a captain and a 2nd-in-charge’ who will be responsible for the safety of the crew and can take charge in case of an emergency. These persons must receive a briefing session by one of our base technicians who will show them how to safely control and navigate the boat. Their signatures are required on the pre-departure paperwork to confirm this instruction has been given and understood.
Boating under the influence of drink or drugs is dangerous, significantly increases the likelihood of serious accidents and is not permitted by law. Even once you have safely moored, drink in moderation to avoid accidents when getting on & off and moving about the boat.
We strongly advise all passengers to wear life jackets while on deck, particularly when inside locks (compulsory in some locks/regions) and when mooring where the risk of accidents is greater. Children and non swimmers are also at greater risk.
When driving, be alert and pay attention at all times. Stay within marked channels and always refer to your waterways map to identify navigational hazards (weirs, shallows, strong currents, swimming areas, bridges, tunnels and locks) and pass them SLOWLY and with caution. Always obey local speed restrictions.
Boat boat safety – blog posts:
Boating etiquette: 8 common courtesies on the water
Boating etiquette, often called the unwritten rules of boating, is the set of common courtesies and safety practices that help everyone enjoy time on the water responsibly. Discover the most important rules of boating etiquette that contribute to a positive atmosphere on board.
Read the article
Boating with children: our best boating tips
Going on a family boating adventure is like opening a treasure chest of shared moments, laughter, and the thrill of exploration.
Read the articleNavigation restrictions
Bridge repairs, lock maintenance, or temporary low water levels are all elements that may affect your navigation during your boating holiday.
Our base teams know their cruising regions inside out and will always keep you informed of the latest conditions and the best routes to follow. Your safety and enjoyment come first, so at times we may advise against travelling through specific sections if local conditions make them challenging.
Remember, waterway conditions can change quickly, so while it’s not always possible to share updates in advance, you can use the information at the link below as a guide to the latest navigation restrictions across our regions.
