Important practical check list before you travel:   please print this out

Bring a bicycle aboard or rent one, being extremely handy for shopping and other errands.
A flash light and a 12 volt plug adapter for large and small size sockets will be very useful (although most boats have a large size socket.)

In case you run short of time travelling to the departure base and risk arriving too late please call the base manager; this also counts for the arrival base.

Better do a maximum of shopping in one of the large supermarkets; do not forget salt, sugar, herbs, toilet paper, dish-cloths, dish-washing liquid, hand soap etc. If you are travelling by air or by train we can prepare a FPP-hamper with basic articles inside for you. Please ask us for full details.

Most bases are near free public parkings but often there are also garages or locked open parking lots on payment.
Have yourself being well informed at the base to avoid misunderstandings on the eventual parking fee.

If this kind of parking has not been reserved then it will not be mentioned on the Voucher.

From the base manager you will receive a document with his telephone number on it. The best you can also give her/him your mobile phone number.

You yourself are responsible for the correctness of the inventory. Of course you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, is everything for this on board? Please check if everything is there and in good condition.
If you have special demands concerning bath- and bed linen please mention this immediately before departure as then your wish can still be fulfilled.

Try out all technical equipment before departure, inclusive of the window washer (if there), the toilet pumps, water taps, the fridge/freezer and the cooking-plate.
Although everything has been checked by our technical service before leave they will appreciate your attentive help!
If you see something that is not correct please immediately mention this, we will be thankful for this.

If you are inexperienced you will get practical instruction on the departure base: convince yourself that you understand the explanation and do not hesitate to ask questions, such as about moving backwards etc.
On board there is a book with navigation charts and instructions: it is important to go through this book thoroughly!
It will also inform you on openings of bridges and locks, places to take in water, depths, dangers etc.

Take your time to get familiar with the boat. Beware of shallow spots that can damage the propeller and put the gas handle a moment on free between moving forward or backward: this way you prevent the reverse gear to be damaged.
Moving backwards with a boat is not easy: train yourself in this on wide water.
At some places you can take in water (see the chart) and on some spots you will have to pay a small fee.

Train yourself together with your crew and try to use the same commands to avoid misunderstandings.
Never coil a rope around your hand or wrist but always take care that you can ease off a rope.
Arrange the ropes neatly on deck and take care that nobody can be entangled or that a rope gets into the propeller.

Sailors have the following saying: keep one hand for yourself and one for the boat, which means that on deck you must always keep a hand free to secure yourself.
 

The crew should get familiar with the ropes right from the start, this spares a lot of miseries and enjoyment of your mishaps when passing the locks. Never tie a boat down in a lock but always let ease off by a mooring-mast or a mooring-ring.

The lock-keeper is being paid by the Voies Navigables de France but a small tip or a nice cigar is not forbidden.

Have a nice Vacation!

Partners France Passion Plaisance and team Holidayboat.net/Vakantieboot.nl
www.holidayboat.net www.vakantieboot.nl