Anyone own a canal boat for hire?

[Simpo Two]

I'm looking to hire a small/medium narrowboat for a long weekend and ATBE would rather support a PHer than a big corporate. Anyone got one?

[Nevin]

I've got three, but we're up in Scotland so probably no good for you.

And FWIW, the big corporates are all pretty small really

[Simpo Two]

Hi Nevin - yes Scotland is too far for a 3-4 day break unfortunately. I already learned that prices in the Hoseasons catalogue are a good chunk higher than booking directly with a boatyard, Blakes' pricing structure in incomprehensible, so if there was an individual with a boat not being used who wanted some cash, even better.

[Andrew[MG]]

Nevin said:

I've got three, but we're up in Scotland so probably no good for you.

And FWIW, the big corporates are all pretty small really

Where are you? Have you got a website?

[Nevin]

Andrew[MG] said:

Nevin said:

I've got three, but we're up in Scotland so probably no good for you.

And FWIW, the big corporates are all pretty small really

Where are you? Have you got a website?

Based at the Falkirk Wheel. www.capercailliecruisers.co.uk

To the OP, most companies we know have stopped using Hoseasons or Blakes because they don't do much for your bookings and their commission is pretty steep too.

[Simpo Two]

Nevin said:

To the OP, most companies we know have stopped using Hoseasons or Blakes because they don't do much for your bookings and their commission is pretty steep too.

Yes indeed, the internet has allowed boatyards to market and sell directly - the role of 'agent/middleman' is not as crucial as it was other than the 'household name' aspect. However I was surprised to find such a difference in prices between direct and agency booking, expecting them to have a deal whereby the retail prices were the same, but the agent took a trade discount.