Boats,
on the water and off.
Hire a boat for a day or a skippered trip, or find someone to fix the engine, hull or electrics on the boat you own.
What is
covered.
Boat services on AYS Concierge fall into two camps. If you want to get out on the water, boat hire covers self-drive day boats where allowed, skippered trips where someone else runs the boat, and private charters for birthdays, family gatherings and work events. If you own a boat, boat repairs covers engines and outboards, hull and gelcoat, electrics, servicing and antifouling.
Both depend heavily on where the boat is. A river, a canal, a harbour and the open sea each have their own rules, hazards and authorities, and what one operator can offer may not be possible on the next stretch of water. For repairs, the marina or mooring often decides who can work on your boat and when.
You search by service and postcode and see pros who cover your area. Some hire trips have a fixed price shown before you book. Repairs are quoted, because they depend on the boat, the fault and whether it needs lifting out. Quotes are free with no obligation, and you pay securely through AYS when you book.
Choose
your service.
2 services in boats. Each page explains what is covered, how pricing works and how to get ready.
Boat hire
Choose boat hire for a day boat on a river or canal, a skippered trip, or a private charter for an event on the water. Give the date, group size and anyone who is a child, a weak swimmer or needs step-free access. Self-drive is only offered where the operator and waterway allow it.
Boat repairs
Choose boat repairs for outboards and inboard engines, servicing, gelcoat and hull damage, bilge pumps, electrics and antifouling before the season. Say what the boat is, where it is kept, and whether it is afloat, on a trailer or ashore, as some jobs need a haul-out.
What hirers and owners should check
If you are hiring, ask the operator which licence they hold. A boat carrying more than 12 passengers needs a passenger certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and should not carry more than it allows. Smaller passenger boats are often licensed by the local council. We do not check boat or passenger licences, so ask before you book, and for skippered trips ask about the skipper's qualifications.
For self-drive, ask what the driver needs, any minimum age, and what the safety briefing covers. Check life jackets are available in the right sizes, especially for children. Whoever drives should stay sober.
If you own a boat on inland waterways, it may need a Boat Safety Scheme certificate before you can register or license it, with examinations every four years. Your navigation authority, such as the Canal & River Trust or the Environment Agency, can tell you what applies. For gas work, use a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for LPG on boats. Many marinas ask outside contractors to register or show insurance first.
Do I need a licence to drive a hire boat?
It depends on the boat and the waterway, and rules differ from place to place. A self-drive operator should give you a full briefing before you set off and tell you what, if anything, you need. Ask before you book whether there is a minimum age for the person driving and whether experience is expected.
Does my boat need a Boat Safety Scheme certificate?
If it is kept or used on inland waterways, it may. Navigation authorities can ask for a valid certificate before you register or license a boat. A privately owned open boat with no motor does not need one, and some other open boats may be exempt. Check with the authority for your waterway, then book any repairs before the examination.
Can a repairer work on my boat at the marina?
Often, but marinas set their own rules. Some only allow approved contractors, and others ask outside pros to register, show public liability insurance or pay a fee. Check with the marina office before you book and put what you learn in your request, so the repairer knows what to expect.
What happens if the weather turns?
Operators may cancel or move a trip if wind, rain, high river levels or rough seas make it unsafe, and some repair work, like antifouling, needs dry weather ashore. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, and the pro will message you through the booking if plans have to change.
Can I book a boat for a party or work event?
Yes, a private charter is a common way to mark a birthday or take a team out. Give the date, the number of guests, the length of trip and whether you want food. Some operators offer catering, others allow picnics, and you can also book a caterer separately. Ask about alcohol rules on board.
Helpful
guides.
Work in boats?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.