Dragonfly Narrowboat Hire FAQ and Links
What is provided?
The boat is fully equipped, it comes fully fuelled, serviced and cleaned and with fresh bed linen, tea towels, toilet rolls, and washing-up liquid. Please look through our extensive inventory. Towels can be provided for overseas guests on request. All that you need is clothing, suitable footwear, rainwear, toiletries, food and drink. If you are unable to bring some groceries with you, then just order online and they will be delivered and onboard waiting for you.
Other usefull items to pack.
Binoculars. CD's and DVD's. Mobile phone 12volt car charger. Towels for pets.
What should I avoid packing?
Large solid suitcases. Due to the limited space on a narrowboat try to use soft-sided fold-flat cases which take little space when empty. No mains (240v) or gas operated equipment.
Where are you located?
We are on the Llangollen Canal, near to Nantwich in Cheshire. To cruise to Llangollen and back will take 1 week. Please click on this link to obtain the location map of Swanley Bridge Marina.
When can we pick-up the boat?
The boat will normally be available by 2.00pm for Saturday afternoon departures, and by 9.30am for Wednesday morning departures. The boat should be returned and vacated by 9.30am for a Saturday finish and 2.30pm for a Tuesday finish. If the boat is returned late, it will cause a delay for the next hirer; in this event we reserve the right to charge for the late return, or if it is returned in a dirty condition. Please remember that your last day is the start day for another family holiday.
What instruction do we get?
Some weeks before your holiday you will receive a booklet covering all aspects of operating and handling the boat through locks and along the canal. On board is a comprehensive boat manual giving details of the boat equipment.
At the start of your holiday we will show you around the boat and explain how all the boat systems work and how to operate safety equipment. We then accompany you along the canal and through the first lock giving full lockside
instruction. When you are quite happy handling the boat on your own we leave you to enjoy your holiday. No previous experience is necessary, the boat is very easy to handle.
Heating and Bathing facilities
Full central heating with radiators and a boiler keeps the boat warm on the coldest of days. There is also a hot water storage tank to provide plenty of hot water, and you even have an airing cupboard. The shower room has a full size shower, with a normal mixer tap to control the water flow and temperature.
Toilet facilities
The toilet is a modern water flush toilet, made of ceramic and fitted with a macerator and discreet pump-out holding tank.
Mobile Phones / Cameras
There are two car type 12volt cigar lighter sockets fitted; all that you need is your in-car adapter to plug-in.
What if something goes wrong?
The Boat Manual provided on the boat has a list of useful contacts covering most emergency problems. We also have a dedicated 24 hr. number that you can ring, and, even at night, we will always come out for an emergency. We are also members of the canal equivalent of a roadside (canalside) rescue organisation.
Pets
Well-behaved pets are very welcome, but please keep them off the bedding and upholstery. Please bring the pets own bedding or cages and feeding bowls, towel etc. A small extra charge will be made for each pet.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed provided that you have the correct rod licence / permit / day ticket, for where you are fishing. Please note that, for health and safety reasons, any form of live or dead fishing bait is not allowed on the boat.
Bicycles
Due to the very limited storage space, only one folding bike. We do not allow storage on the boat roof due to the possibility of damage to both your bike and the boat.
Maps and guides
A Nicholson map of the four counties and Welsh canals is provided, others can be purchased at the marina or even from www.amazon.co.uk. You will not get lost because all bridges are numbered and junctions have signposts. You will also find that canal people are very friendly and ready to help, just ask.
Where can I moor?
You can moor virtually anywhere along the towpath to explore the surrounding area and places of interest, for the country view or next to one of the many canalside pubs.
When do I need to book?
The earlier the better, popular holiday dates are booked very quickly, especially with the early booking offers which we run. Just give us a ring, or send an Email, to check the availability of your chosen dates.
Informative Links
Boater's DVD
An excellent DVD, especially for the novice boaters, which is on the official British Waterways website - Waterscape.
Boater's Handbook
The online copy of the Boater's Handbook.
Jim Shead
Comprehensive canal related information compiled by Jim Shead, a waterways photographer and writer, including photographs, maps, route planning, history and articles.
Knots for Boating
Grog's animated knots is a superb site showing how knots are formed by animating rope!
Llangollen railway
A heritage railway line running through 7.5 miles of the scenic valley of the River Dee.
Nantwich Website
A very interesting and informative website about Nantwich and surrounding areas.
RYA
Home page of the Royal Yachting Association.
Swanley Bridge Marina
The beautiful new marina on the Llangollen canal, close to the historic market town of Nantwich and the starting point of your holiday with Dragonfly Narrowboat Hire.
Swanley Brokerage
Fancy owning your own boat? The brokerage office at the marina is open seven days a week, with helpfull and knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of boats for sale - it must be worth a visit!
Ten Top Network
Ten Top Network is aimed at promoting the very best attractions, accommodation, business links, and news available online. Extend your holiday in North Wales by visiting the attractions and staying in one of the many hotels to be found from this website.
The Considerate Boater
We fully endorse all aspects of what the considerate boater website stands for; a very good site.
Waterway Routes
DVD video journeys along the canals and waterways of Britain.
Wrenbury Village Website
A most impressive village website packed with local information about the local community, things to do, places to stay and much more.
