Narrowboat and Canal Boat Hire for Barge Holidays at Mercia Marina Good quality boats at discount prices in the heart of the English canal system

 

The dining /galley area is at the front of the boat separated from the central bedroom by a toilet, with a further a toilet and shower room between the middle room and the end room. (Except for 4 berth boats which have a single bathroom) This means at night each of the rooms has access to at least one toilet and hand basin without disturbing other rooms, while on your canal holidays.
The toilets are water flushed into a foul water tank and the hot water for both shower and taps provided by the engine.
The boat is provided with a 240v electricity supply by an inverter from the batteries.
This runs the lights, television/vDVD, CD/radio and other equipment onboard quite adequately, though it is recommended that you run the engine for at least 4hrs a day to charge batteries and heat water, which  most people will do anyway during the of travelling on their canal holidays
The galley cooker is gas, includes 4 rings and a separate oven and grill. This is accompanied by a comprehensive array of cooking utensils, cutlery, crockery and glasses for the relevant number of people according to size of boat.
Filtered drinking water is also available at the sink. Towels, bed linen, duvets, tea towels etc are provided, as are washing up liquid, toilet paper and a complimentary bottle of wine.
Hanging space for clothes is can be found in the middle and back rooms of the larger boats and in the bedroom of the 4 berth boats. Further storage space is provided under each bed.
For the cooler months a gas central heating system is also installed.

Fuel 
The Narrowboat fuel is deisel and the boat is provided with a fuel tank holding about 50gallons ( more than sufficient for the average week’s cruising). Three cylinders of propane are also provided for the cooking and heating facilities, again a generous quantity sufficient for all but the most demanding weeks, though cylinders may have to be changed as each empties.
 

Engine
The Narrowboat engine is low maintenance, requires very little attention with clean exhaust (for a diesel)once warmed up. Instruction on how to check oil & water will be given on arrival, though it is unlikely that you will need to top up either.

Handling 
For the novice (or those requiring) a swift course on boat handling including how to manage a lock will be given.This will also include safety issues, including lifejackets etc…