Conditions of Hire
1. Booking
A boat is booked when the signed Booking Form together with one quarter of the total hire fee (to the nearest £) has been received and acknowledged by the Company.
2. Balance of charges
The balance of the hire fee is due not less than six weeks before the hire start date. For bookings made within six weeks before the hire start date payment in full must accompany the booking form.
3. Cancellation
In the event of the Hirer cancelling the booking for whatever reason, we will immediately endeavour to re-let for the whole or part of the booked period. If we are successful, a charge of 15% of the hire fee is made. If we are unable to re-let the entire booking, the Hirer remains responsible for the whole of the original hire fee or that part of the booking unlet.
4. Cancellation Scheme
The Hirer may protect against loss of fees as specified in para. 3 by subscribing to our optional Cancellation Scheme on the booking form.
5. Age Limit
The Company will not let a boat to any person under 18 years of age.
6. Company's rights
The Company reserves the right to refuse to hand over the boat to any person, who, in their opinion, is not suitable to take charge. In this event, all money paid will be refunded in full and the Hirer shall not have any further claim. The Company also reserves the right to decline to accept any booking without giving a reason and the right to repossess hired units from unsuitable hirers.
7. Take over and return
The usual time for take over is 3:00 pm on the starting day, subject to unavoidable delays. Boats are let on the understanding that full instruction will be given as to the operation, control and use of the boat and its equipment and the Hirer signing a boat exceptance certificate. Thereafter, the Hirer is responsible for the safe operation of the craft and its equipment. On the return date, and in the interests of subsequent Hirers, boats must be returned by 9:00 am and vacated by 9:30 am, in a clean condition. Failure to return the boat at the agreed time incurs a further fee equal to twice the daily rate for each day or part day it is overdue and the making good to the Company of any loss sustained.
8. Delays
The Company cannot accept responsibility for delays or non-fulfilment of programmes caused by breakdown, obstructions or unforeseen defects, damage or repairs to our boats. If, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to provide the boat booked, or a suitable alternative, all money paid will be refunded in full and the Hirer shall have no further claim.
9. Insurance
Insurance on the boat and equipment with Third Party Risks covered up to £2,000,000 is provided by the Company and is included in the hire fee. The following items are excluded from this cover: speeding, sill damage and malicious and intentional damage to the boat, other vessels, their equipment or the waterway.
10. Accidents and responsibility
The hirer must report any accident by telephone immediately and make a written report listing names and addresses of witnesses. The hirer must not admit liability under any circumstances and no repairs may be put in hand without the consent of the Company.
11. Loss of water from the canals
The Hirer is responsible for any claims made by Water Authorities for loss of any water or damage to property as a result of negligent use of lock paddles or other property
12. Navigation
The Hirer shall at all times comply with the bye-laws of British Waterways and other Authorities and must observe the speed limits applicable to each waterway. Navigation between sunset and sunrise is not permitted.
13. Hirer's property
We regret that we are unable to accept any liability for loss or damage to Hirer's or passengers' motor cars, baggage or other property, however caused.
14. Live Bait
Under no circumstances can live bait be brought on to the boats.
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