Steering, speed limits and driving on the right

Steering using a tiller

Pushing the tiller to the right will make the boat head left and vice versa. The back of the boat goes in the SAME direction as the tiller is pushed; the front of the boat goes in the OPPOSITE direction as the tiller is pushed. The boat will take a few seconds to respond. It pivots from a point about halfway along her length.

Speed limits

Normal cruising speed on one of our day boats is a maximum of 3 mph. This is a moderate walking pace so you will find yourself overtaken at times by people walking along the tow path.

You must go even slower past moored boats, anglers and other waterway users. This is referred to as “Tickover” speed.

Don’t let your boat create a breaking wave or a lowering of the water along the bank just ahead of the boat.

Look out for swimmers, canoes, punts, rowing boats and sailing dinghies. Remember they cannot always see or hear you approaching. Slow down so that your boat isn’t creating a wave. Give them plenty of room as you pass.

Drive on the right

Unless you are passing another boat, you should stick to the centre of the canal where it is deepest. However, if another vessel comes towards you, move over to the right of the canal to pass them. It’s the opposite of driving on a road in the UK.