What Happens During a Handover?
A canal boat handover is a relaxed, step-by-step briefing that shows you exactly how to use the boat safely and confidently before you set off. It covers steering, safety, locks, and what to expect on the canal, with time for questions and reassurance. At Canal Boat Day Hire at Apsley Marina in Hertfordshire, no one leaves the mooring until they feel comfortable and ready.
The handover is designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience — calm, clear, and never rushed.
Arriving at the Marina
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed and given time to settle in before anything begins. There’s no pressure to rush straight onto the boat.
At this stage, we’ll:
Confirm your booking details
Answer any initial questions
Make sure everyone feels at ease
This sets the tone for the day — relaxed and friendly, not formal or intimidating.
The Safety Briefing
Safety is always the first priority, and the briefing is delivered in plain, easy-to-understand language.
You’ll be shown:
How to move safely around the boat
Where life jackets are stored and when to use them
Safe behaviour for adults and children onboard
What to be aware of while cruising and mooring
Life jackets are available for both adults and children if required, and children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Learning the Boat Controls
Next, you’ll be talked through the boat itself. This is where many first-time boaters realise how straightforward everything is.
The handover includes:
How to start and stop the engine
How the tiller works and how to steer
How to control speed smoothly
How to reverse and line up the boat
You’ll see how small movements create gentle changes — nothing sudden or complicated.
Understanding Canal Etiquette
Canals have their own rhythm and unwritten rules, and these are explained clearly during the handover.
This includes:
How to pass other boats
Speed awareness and wash
What to expect at bridges and bends
How to share the canal considerately
This knowledge helps you feel confident and relaxed once you’re underway.
Locks Explained (and Demonstrated)
Locks often look daunting to first-timers, so they’re explained carefully and without jargon.
You’ll learn:
What a lock does
How to prepare the boat
What role each person can take
How to stay safe while using locks
When you reach your first lock, you’ll always be assisted, so you can see everything in action before continuing on your own.
Route Planning Together
There are two routes available from Apsley Marina — one heading north and one south along the Grand Union Canal.
During the handover, the route is discussed with you based on:
Your confidence level
How long you’d like to cruise
Whether you’re keen on locks or prefer fewer
What kind of day you’re hoping to have
Nothing is fixed — the plan is shaped around you.
Information You Receive in Advance
Many guests arrive already feeling prepared thanks to the confirmation email sent after booking.
This includes:
A link to the CRT boat handling and safety video
A link to the CRT Boaters’ Handbook
Your booking details and timings
Free parking information and a car park map
Full contact details for the day
Everything is still covered again during the handover, so there’s no pressure to memorise anything beforehand.
Ongoing Support After You Leave
The handover doesn’t mean you’re suddenly on your own. Support is available throughout your hire if you need it.
Guests often get in touch about:
Lock questions
Cruising times
Turning points
Local recommendations
That reassurance is a big part of what makes canal boat day hire so beginner-friendly.
Optional Skipper Support
Some guests choose to hire a professional skipper for the full day or evening.
This is popular with those who:
Feel nervous about handling the boat
Want deeper boating knowledge
Are considering buying their own narrowboat
Want to relax as a group without one person steering all day
Even with a skipper onboard, guests are always welcome to have a go at steering if they’d like.
Conclusion
A canal boat handover is a calm, supportive introduction to life on the water. From safety and steering to locks and route planning, everything is explained clearly and at your pace, with help available throughout the day. Whether it’s your first time on a canal boat or you’re building confidence for future boating adventures, the handover ensures you set off feeling informed, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the experience.