| TERMS & CONDITIONS
Booking
The booking contract is made between you (the hirer) and Cheshire Cat Narrow boat Hire (the Company) and is made under the English Law.
The contract is effective once a completed booking form signed by the hirer, together with appropriate payment is received by the Company and a booking confirmation is issued.
Prices and Payment
The initial payment must be sent with the booking application and unless otherwise agreed is 20% of the total price.
An invoice will be issued as confirmation of the booking showing the balance of the hire payment.
The balance of the price is due not less than 42 days before the boat hire start date. The balance due date will be notified on the invoice. Should the balance not be received by the balance due date, the holiday will be re-advertised to be re-sold and the deposit will be forfeited.
For bookings made within 42 days before the hire start date, payment in full must accompany the booking form.
Cancellation by You After The Balance Has Been Paid
Notify us immediately by telephone and in writing if you wish to cancel your holiday. Your cancellation will be acknowledged by us in writing. We will then endeavour to re-let for you. If we are successful in re-letting all of your holiday at the original price, then the deposit and balance will be refunded. If we are only successful in re-letting part of your holiday at a lower price of that originally paid we will deduct the difference from the remaining amount.
If we cannot re-sell your holiday then the full amount will be forfeited.
You are strongly advised to take out holiday insurance when booking.
Returnable Security Deposit
A sum of £150 per boat is to be added to the hire charge as a security deposit. During the week following the holiday this sum shall be returned to the hirer by cheque less any deduction in respect of loss, damage, late return or additional cleaning etc.
Letting to Minors
The company will not let the boat to a person under the age of 18 years of age. No person under the age of 18 may control the boat, unless under the direct supervision of a responsible adult member of the party.
Accommodation
No boat can carry more than the licence permits.
Embarkment
It is a requirement of British Waterways that boat instructions are to be given to at least two competent members of the crew who will be subsequently taken for a trial run to show that the boat is in good working order. Where the hirer is not familiar with the working of locks, they will be taken throughout the first lock. Tuition will be given by a representative of the company.
Hire Period - Collection and Return of Boat
The hire period commences following the handover of the boat to the hirer, this will usually be between 2.00pm - 4.30pm on Saturday, and no later than darkness or 6.00pm. Ends at 9.00am the following Saturday returning to boat to Swanley Bridge Marina. Late return will be charged at £50.00 per hour deductable from the security deposit.
Your Pet
Pets are allowed on the boat. Hirers must provide their own pet baskets or blankets. All pets must be properly house trained or caged as appropriate, must not be left unattended and must not be allowed on bedding or chairs.
Hirers Special Responsibilities
If there are any infirm or disabled members in the party it is the hirers responsibility to enquire from the company, when booking, as to the suitability of the waterway. The company cannot guarantee that it will be able to help in any circumstance but all practical consideration will be given.
Fuel. Gas. Water Pump Out Etc.
The cost of diesel fuel consumed is included in the price. If refueling becomes necessary it may only take place at the premises of suppliers designated by the company. The boat is supplied with a full spare gas bottle, the cost of which is included in the price. If an exchange cylinder is required during the period of the hire, the company will reimburse the cost to the hirer provided the replacement is of the same size and make as that provided by the company and a VAT receipt has been obtained.
Toilet waste tanks will be empty at the start of the hire period, pump out advice will be given by the company representative on handover. If a pump out is required a boat yard can charge £10 - £14. This is a charge to the hirer.
Repairs
Repairs are our responsibility and should not be put into the hands of others without our authority. Any malfunction of the boat must be notified as soon as is practicable to the company. Contact details will be issued on handover.
Delays
The Company shall not be liable for any matters arising from any cause beyond the Company's negligence or wilful defaults, including (without limitation), death or personal injury of hirers, their crew and passengers; loss or damage to property; non-fulfilment or interruption or the booking or delays; breakdowns; mechanical problems; defects damage; restriction on cruising; obstructions; repairs or damage to waterways; non-availability of routes; navigational works; storms; floods; drought; loss or shortage of water or other weather conditions; rationing; shortage or non-availability of fuel; or in respect of any consequential loss, damage, expense, injury or claim. Hirers are recommended to take out personal insurance cover against injury/loss of belongings.
Safe Navigation
Whilst in charge of the boat the hirer is expected to take all reasonable care to ensure its safe navigation. The appropriate navigation bylaws must be observed at all times including those related to speed limit and cruising after dark, which strictly forbidden. In the event of an accident the hirer must immediately inform the company with full details together with names and addresses of witnesses and the name of any other boat involved. In no circumstances should any member of the party admit liability.
Car Parking
Ample car parking space is available within the marina. No charge is made for parking however we regret that no responsibility can be taken by the company for any damage or loss to your vehicle or property when left on the marina property.
Availability of Craft
If due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control the company is unable to provide the hirer with the boat/s booked or a suitable alternative, the company will refund all hire charges paid in full, but the hirer shall have no further claims upon the company.
Breakdown
The hirer shall have no claim upon the company as a result of any breakdown or failure of the boats, its engine/s or equipment. Where such a breakdown is caused by the negligence of the hirer, the company shall have the right to claim upon the hirer in respect of expenses involved in rectifying the matter.
Company Reservations
We reserve the right to refuse to hand over a boat to any person who, in our reasonable opinion, is not suitable to take charge of it. Examples for which the company may consider a person not suitable are age, ill health, disability or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this event all money will be refunded in full and the hirer shall have no other claim against the company.
Complaints Procedure
It is the company's policy to respond to any complaint or problem which may arise as soon as possible. Should a problem arise at the start of or during your holiday, please contact the owner immediately (you will be given a contact telephone number which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Company Policy
The company operates to a very high standard and encourages customers to relay any problems promptly. We wish to encourage reporting of problems as soon as possible, mainly those on health and safety grounds. |
