Rental Terms and Conditions.
1. BOOKING.
The booking of Acorn can not be considered complete and secure until the 25% deposit is paid and the details have been confirmed by email. At the onset of your holiday on board Acorn we also ask that you bring two forms of identification with you, preferably your passport/driving licence and a recent household bill. These are for identification purposes only and will not be retained.
2. BALANCE OF HIRE FEE
The hirer is responsible for whole of the hire fee and the balance must be paid 21 days before the start of the cruise. Should the hirer cancel the booking with less than six weeks’ notice before the booked start of the holiday we will make every effort to re-let Acorn, but if this is unsuccessful the hirer is still responsible for 50% of the hire fee. No further charges will be made.
3. INSURANCE
Acorn does carry full hire insurance, however this does not cover the personal effects of the hirer and we would advise you to take out your own personal property insurance should you feel the need to. There is a refundable deposit of £80.00 which is payable and is to be added to the 25% deposit. When you return from your holiday you will be refunded this deposit via bank transfer on condition no loss or damage has taken place. (Please note; we are aware that Narrowboating does come with it's own risks, ie, navigation of locks and the likes of. All hirers are expected to be respectful of Acorn and the waterways at all times, but we are very aware that contact with locks does happen and this is not considered damage by the hirers, knocks and scrapes of the blacking do happen even to the most experienced of handlers and is not held against the hirer as an act of damage, as long as the structural integritory of Acorn remains intact - if this were not the case it would be clear the hirer would not have been acting in a manner conducive the to safe and proper handling of Acorn). Any damage to the contents of Acorn, ie, breaking of fixtures or fittings will be chargable on a 'pro rata' basis but the hirers liability stops and ceases at the maximum amount of £75.00, as is being held for security deposit.
4. HIRER'S PROPERTY
We regret that we cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to hirers or passengers, property baggage, motor cars, etc however caused. Acorn does however carry Public Liability Insurance.
5. BREAKDOWN
In the unlikely event of any breakdown whilst on board Acorn, including that of hot water and/or heating, 24/7 rescue is in place to a Gold Level Standard and these details will be provided on the start of your holiday.
6. REPAIRS
Repairs are the responsibility of Drifting Wood. We must be notified immediately any repairs are necessary and they must not be put in the hands of others without our authority. The hirer shall be responsible for any costs arising from damage or breakdown caused by the hirers fault or negligence.
7. RETURN OF BOAT
Acorn must be returned to Grindley Brook at the agreed time. If there is any reason you fail to do this a charge could be made dependant on circumstances. All attempts must be made to contact us in the event of a possibly late return.
8. ACCIDENTS
The hirer is in complete charge of the boat and at all times is responsible for its safe navigation. In the event of an accident the hirer must notify Drifting Wood immediately with full particulars and names and addresses of any witnesses.
9. NAVIGATION AND BYLAWS
The hirer may only navigate inland waterways and must observe all bylaws and regulations, including temporary restrictions, governing the use of the particular canal being navigated. Copies of the relevant regulations may be obtained on application to British Waterways. No craft may navigate the waterway after sunset or before sunrise. Acorns cannot be used on any rivers or ship canals. Please be aware that if this is not adhered to the insurance in place will not be valid and any resulting damages or claim will be charged to the hirer.
10. CLEANLINESS OF BOAT
At the end of the holiday Acorn must be returned to Grindley Brook Wharf in a clean and tidy condition. If the hirer fails to do so we will be at liberty to retain 50% of the deposit to cover the extra cost incurred in cleaning the boat. Retention of 50% of the deposit will only occur should Acorn have obviously not been 'respected'. As a courtesy to all who travel on Acorn you are asked to only smoke in the outside areas please.
11. PETS
1 Pets are allowed on Acorn at no extra charge, however we do ask that your dog is kept on a lead at all times whilst at Grindley Brook Wharf and kept off any seating and bedding – please feel free to bring their beds along!
