Narrowboat handling Courses .

[canals are us?]

Well, as you know I'm in the process of buying a 50ft narrowboat, paid the deposit and full survey being carried out on Sunday the 25th. Thanks for your recommendation

 

I am now looking for a recommendation for a practical training course on everything narrowboating. Ie use of controls, lockwork, steering etc. Everything for a total novice.

I think spending 2-3 days training will be invaluable to me

 

The nearer to Birmingham the better. I need to know and get as much experience before I move the boat 53 miles

 

Many thanks . James

[Ray T]

We did a course with these:

 

http://www.willowwrentraining.co.uk/

 

Based in Rugby, so not too far away.

[Flyboy]

I know these come highly recommended, both do RYA helmsman courses :-

http://cruisingschool.co.uk ( Rod Fox )

01562 777685

07973 737765

Rod usually operates from Stourport so you get some very useful River training as well as canal.

 

T.R. Boat Handling

http://trboathandling.com ( Terry Robertson )

01785 824012

07947 337492

Terry operates out of Norbury Jnct.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Flyboy

[keble]

The RYA inland waterways helmsman course is really good for a start.

My link

The web site above has a search tool.

 

I used Wildcat near Banbury, a very good day out!

Edited to correct fat finger syndrome

Edited November 16, 2012 by keble

[Janet S]

I'd also recommend the IWA Inland Waterways Helsman's course...I did mine last year as a prerequisite for my weekend job conducting handovers.

 

Well worth the money, and it's surprising what you learn, even though you may have been doing it for years!

 

Janet

[steven wilkinson]

http://www.bearboating.co.uk/cruises.htm

 

In Leeds - so a bit further North than you were looking!

[jaywalker]

Have you got an experienced mate/mates who would help you take the boat home if you bought the beer. Then go on the course with a bit of practice under your belt.

[canals are us?]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations, very much appreciated I'm just in the process of considering them.

 

Many thanks, James