FAQ's for Rainbow Cruisers boat hire
What experience do I need to hire a boat
Boating experience is always a handy thing to have when hiring a boat on the River Thames but no experience is required to hire our luxury boats.
Once your booking has been confirmed we will send you some information about the River Thames, please take the time to read this as it will give you some important information about boat handling and the River Thames that will help to make your boat trip safe and therefore an enjoyable experience.
The boat handover
A safety and boat hand over procedure will be given to you prior to your hire time starting. This will take between 45 – 90 minutes depending on your boating experience.
You will be shown how everything works on board your boat and then taken to a large practice area for you to get acquainted with the controls of your boat.
Are lifejackets provided
Top quality Crewsaver lifejackets are provided free of charge to all crew members from baby to adult sizes. Though it is not compulsory to wear these we advise that children under 16 and non swimmers wear these at all times.
What are the hidden extras
Nothing is hidden.
You pay the appropriate rate for the boat and the non refundable accidental damage waiver plus the fuel that you use. The boats have a digital hour meter which only registers when the boat engine is running. The only extra cost is if you return the boat late or in an un-tidy condition where a valeting fee of £50
will be charged.
How much fuel will I use per day
From experience most of our hirers on average drive the boats between 4 – 6 hours per day. You will be charged £6.00 per hour for fuel when you return your boat, 4 hours = £24 and 6 hours = £36. There is a digital hour meter at the helm for your reference. This may be paid by card, cash or cheque.
What time can I pick the boat up
If you are hiring just for a day we would like you to start your boat handover between 08.00 – 10.00 depending on what time other boats are booked out.
When do I have to return the boat
We request that our cruiser boats are returned no later than 5pm and day boats by 6pm so that they can be valeted and refueled ready for the next day.                                    Â
Exceptions may be made if prior arrangements and costs have been agreed.
What if the river conditions are not suitable for boating
If we have to cancel due to yellow or red boards being displayed at the locks by the Environment Agency there will be no charge to you or us.
What are Red and Yellow boards
These boards are displayed at locks by the Environment Agency when river conditions change?
Red Board
Caution strong stream
We advise users of all boats not to navigate because the strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.
Yellow Board
Caution stream increasing
We advise users of all un-powered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to find a safe mooring. This is because river flows are likely to strengthen and red boards could be displayed very soon and without warning.
Yellow Board
Caution stream decreasing
We advise users of all un-powered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to navigate with caution.
Please visit www.visitthames.co.uk/riverconditions for an update on river conditions.
What if it rains
Please bring suitable rainwear.
Our cruisers have a canopy and covers on them so your hire will still go ahead. Our day boat has no rain cover so if there is heavy rain on your hire date we will simply arrange another hire date for you. If you wish to cancel then the cancellation fee will apply.   Please note that sometimes weather forecast can be wrong.Unless it rains on your hire date the cancellation fee will apply to you.
What’s on board our cruisers
Our 270 CR cruisers come with towels, bed linen, complimentary toiletries, DVD’s, games, maps, torch, cutlery, glasses, mugs, crockery etc and a comprehensive boat manual. Electrical appliances on board include microwave, DVD player, stove, kettle, fridge, air conditioning and a hairdryer. Please note there is 110 volts and 12 volts power (cigarette lighter socket) on board not 240 volts.
All our boats also have a cool box on board so you will need to bring some ice along with you.
How many people can our boats carry
Our deck boat can carry a maximum of 8 people regardless of age or size.
Our cruisers can carry 6 people with room to sleep 4 in comfort (2 adults & 2 children).
Is there a toilet aboard on our day boat
Sorry there is not a toilet on our day boat but nearly every lock along the river has toilet facilities and locks are approximately 30 minutes apart.
Are pets allowed on board
Sorry under No circumstances are pets allowed on our boats.
What age do you have to be to hire a boat from us
To hire one of our boats the hirer must be aged 25 or over.
How do I operate the locks
All locks on the River Thames are operated by a lock keeper seven days a week and are free to use. Lock keepers are there to help everyone pass safely through their locks and are a fountain of knowledge about the river.
Locks are simply to use, the golden rule is to enter and leave them at dead slow speeds.
Staff from the Environment Agency aim to man the lock during the following hours. However, you are advised to check with notices displayed at the lock or look out for an unmanned board which means you'll have to operate the lock yourself.
January - March 9:15-16:00
April 9:00 - 17:30
May 9:00 - 18:30
June - August 9:00 - 19:00
September 9:00 - 18:00
October 9:00 - 17:00
November - December 9:15 - 16:00
Lock keepers lunch 13.00 – 14.00
Where can I moor the boat
There are moorings at regular intervals along the river, some more obvious than others. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide to moorings. The lock keepers should also be able to point you in the right direction.
If you wish we can arrange overnight moorings for you at Windsor Marina or Bray marina free of charge.
What do I need to bring
First rule - travel light. Having the appropriate footwear is important; high-heeled shoes and smooth soles are not very good for operating in an outdoor boating environment - trainers are acceptable but can be very slippery on wet fibreglass decks. Cheap canvas boating shoes are a good investment. Your casual clothing should be suitable for the outdoors but remember to include waterproofs and warm clothing too.
Where can I take the boat
Anywhere along the non tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and Lechlade in Gloucestershire.
A day’s hire from Penton Hook Marina without stopping will take you down stream to Kingston Bridge and back or going up stream you could reach Windsor, but don’t try to cram too much into your day as the real pleasure of boating is to just slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Our boats are fitted with tracker devices to ensure that they are not taken past Teddington Lock onto the tidal Thames.
Where can I find out more about Boating on the River Thames.
Please visit www.visitthames.co.uk for a comprehensive guide to the River Thames and what it has to offer.
How fast can I go
The River Thames has a strict speed limit of 8 kilometres per hour, approx 5 mph. Our boats are limited to this speed.
Drinking and smoking aboard
The drinking laws that apply to the road also apply to the river. Smoking is not allowed on board. There is plenty of time to smoke at locks which are about 30 minutes apart, if you do decide to smoke on board and burn the upholstery or carpet you will be charged for replacements as your accidental damage waiver does not cover this.
Car Parking
You may park your car free of charge at Penton Hook Marina which is covered by CCTV. Please display the parking permit that will be given to you on arrival by our staff in your windscreen (A maximum of two cars per boat). |
