Boat-Hire

MK AFLOAT - Day Hire Boats - Mary Jane & Meadowlark

 

MK Afloat offers self-steer day hire boats for a special day out!  Each of our boats takes up to 10 family and friends for you to enjoy the very unique Grand Union Canal through Milton Keynes. Our boats, Mary Jane & Meadowlark, have all the features of a semi-traditional narrowboat, including tiller steering, gallery, toilet compartment, and open outside deck.  In the gallery there is a sink, gas hob, and fridge.  Forward of the cabin is a covered open air deck which can be enclosed by side screens.

Mary Jane & Meadowlark are designed for easy operation, whilst giving you the feeling of real narrowboating. They are powered by a modern diesel engine with a single lever operation for forward and reverse, and the hire price includes all the diesel, gas and water you will need.

What Does it Cost: Mary Jane January to December - 9.00am to 4:30pm Weekdays £150 Weekends & Bank Holidays £200 Meadowlark January to December - 9.30am to 5:00pm Weekdays £150 Weekends & Bank Holidays £200

How to Book:

You can check availability and book online here.   If you have any questions please call us on 01908 672672 - the office is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.  Full payment is required online by credit card or debit card to secure the booking. A refundable £75 deposit will also be collected from your credit card or debit card, this will be refunded directly back to your card on the boat being returned undamaged, on-time, and in a clean condition. Please be aware that the deposit can take up to 10 days to show back on your original payment method.  Terms & Conditions of Hire. 

Boater's Handbook - Safety Video

If you are new to boating and hiring a boat for the first time, please see this video, containing boating basics and important safety information:  Boater's Handbook DVD - Canal & River Trust. 

MK Afloat:   Question & Answers 
MK Afloat:   Pubs & Cruising Times 

Alcohol Policy:

                         Alcohol on Board: Although some people are lead to believe that there is no such thing as drink driving limits on boats and canals, this is incorrect! You are still in charge of a mechanical vehicle. 

Large amounts of alcohol will not be allowed to be bought onto the Day boats, and if any hirer is under the influence of drink of drugs when boarding the boat, they may be unable to go out. This is completely down to your handover staff member. 

During your day hire there must be at least 2 adults within the group who were shown the driving procedure during handover who are within the legal alcohol limit at all times. 

Other members on the hire boat are allowed to enjoy some alcohol, but do need to do so safely, anyone who is not deemed to be safe will be removed from the boat at any point of the day, this is not to spoil your fun but to reduce risk of accidents or harm. 

We do receive calls from boat owners on the canal if hire boats are causing any concerns. 

Please be aware if you are refused handover due to risk of being over the limit or have to be removed from the boat due to this at any point in the day, you will loose both the hire fee and your refundable deposit. 

Please drink sensibly