Boat hire,
for a day afloat.
Find local boat operators who cover your area, compare day boats and skippered trips, and see the price before you book.
What to expect
from your pro.
Boat hire covers a few different things. A day boat you drive yourself on a river or canal. A skippered trip, where a skipper runs the boat and you enjoy the view. Or a private charter for a birthday, a family gathering or a work event on the water. What is on offer depends on the local waterway and the operator.
Self-drive hire is only offered where the operator and the waterway allow it, and the operator should give you a full safety briefing before you set off. Passenger boats are licensed, and the rules depend on where the boat goes and how many people it carries. A boat carrying more than 12 passengers needs a passenger certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Smaller passenger boats are often licensed by the local council. If you are not sure, ask the operator which licence they hold.
On AYS you choose the type of trip, the date and the size of your group, and local operators offer a fixed price or send a quote. Say if anyone in the group is a child, a weak swimmer or needs step-free access.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Self-drive day boat
A small motor boat you drive yourself for a few hours or a day, where the operator and waterway allow it.
Skippered river or canal trip
A trip with a skipper at the helm, so your group can relax, eat and take in the scenery.
Private charter
The whole boat for your group, for a birthday, anniversary, hen or stag party, or family day out.
Corporate and team events
Boat trips for team days, client events and meetings on the water, often with catering arranged on board.
Coastal and sea trips
Skippered trips along the coast, wildlife spotting or sightseeing, run by operators licensed for those waters.
Fishing trips
Skippered fishing trips with the boat, local knowledge and sometimes rods and bait provided, depending on the operator.
Short narrowboat breaks
Hiring a narrowboat for a short break on the canals, with a handover and briefing before you leave.
Booked in
three steps.
Add your postcode
See the boat hire pros who cover your area and their prices.
Choose a pro and a time
Book a fixed price job, or ask for free quotes if your job is not standard.
Pay securely and relax
You pay through AYS when you book. Cancel free up to 24 hours before.
How the price
is worked out
Standard trips, such as a set number of hours on a day boat, can be booked at a fixed price shown before you pay. Private charters and events are quoted. The price depends on the type and size of boat, how long you hire it for, whether a skipper is included, the number of people, the day and season, fuel, and extras such as catering or decorations. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
How to get
ready
- Tell the operator how many people are coming, including children, and anyone who cannot swim well.
- Ask what life jackets they provide and in which sizes, especially for children and dogs.
- Wear flat shoes with good grip and bring warm, waterproof layers, even on a sunny day.
- Arrive early for the safety briefing, and make sure whoever will drive the boat listens to all of it.
- Check the weather the day before and ask the operator what happens if the trip cannot go ahead.
Choosing the right pro
Every boat operator on AYS passes a photo ID check and a review by our team before they can take bookings. We ask operators for insurance and any qualifications, and they can show these on their profile. We do not check boat or passenger licences, so ask the operator which licence they hold, and for skippered trips, what qualifications the skipper has.
Do I need a licence to hire a boat?
It depends on the boat and the waterway. Rules differ from place to place, and we do not check them for you. A self-drive operator should give you a full briefing before you set off. Ask the operator what, if anything, you need before you book, and whether there is a minimum age for the person driving.
How are passenger boats licensed?
A boat carrying more than 12 passengers needs a passenger certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and should not carry more people than its certificate allows. Smaller passenger boats are often licensed by the local council. The right licence depends on where the boat operates, so ask the operator to show you theirs before you book.
Will we get a safety briefing?
You should. A good operator explains how to use the boat, where the life jackets and safety equipment are, what to do if someone falls in, and any local hazards such as locks, weirs or tides. For self-drive hire, the person driving should take part in the whole briefing and ask questions before setting off.
Are life jackets provided?
Most operators provide life jackets or buoyancy aids, but sizes and types vary. Check before you book, especially for small children, and say how many you need. Children and weak swimmers should wear one at all times on deck. If you bring your own dog, ask whether the operator has a dog life jacket.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators may cancel or move a trip if wind, rain, high river levels or rough seas make it unsafe. Ask what their policy is when you book. On AYS, free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the start time, and the operator will contact you if the trip has to change.
Can we bring food and drink on board?
Often, yes, but rules vary. Some operators welcome picnics, others offer catering or only allow drinks bought on board, and some do not allow alcohol on self-drive boats. Whoever is driving the boat should stay sober. Ask the operator what is allowed, or book catering separately for a private charter.
Boat hire
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Read before
you book.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer boat hire?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.