Getting Started
Getting started can be daunting as there are so many more requirements than simply purchasing the boat of your choice. In order to be legal on the UK's waterways, you will need to have the following:
- Licence – You can get either a rivers only licence or a river and canal licence. You can expect to pay between £200-£300 for a rivers only licence and double that for a rivers and canal license. This cost will be dependant upon the size of the boat. These can be purchased on an annual basis or by the week (if you are on holiday etc). The British Waterways own 50% of the waterways in the UK and it is this association who you will buy your license from.
- A permanent mooring – You are not allowed to roam the waterways without a registered permanent mooring.
- Insurance – This is required to protect you, your passengers, your vessel and any third parties or third party property.
