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Narrowboating for Beginners: What Americans need to know when considering a narrowboat vacation in the UK

by Jennifer Petkus

A practical introduction to UK narrowboat holidays

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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A practical introduction to UK narrowboat holidays

Jennifer Petkus’s guide covers the everyday tasks and unfamiliar systems involved in taking a narrowboat vacation in Britain. Its topics range from steering, mooring and operating locks to using the stove, toilet and engine, with illustrations and diagrams—including a lock flowchart—to support the explanations. The book also addresses situations such as a boat coming adrift or a canal running out of water, alongside information about bridges and boat regulations. The description notes that links and some practical details have been updated, while directing readers to the book’s website for current information.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • First-time narrowboat holidaymakers seeking an introduction to boating tasks and terminology.
  • American travelers considering a canal holiday in the UK.
  • Readers who value illustrated explanations and practical reference topics.

Themes

Narrowboat travel in BritainBoating skills and equipmentLocks, mooring and canal navigation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Third edition updated for 2021, includes updated hyper links and expanded information about locks, turning in a winding hole and drone and two-way radio regulations. And the obligatory what a horrible, no-good, very bad year 2020 was.

If you enjoy Narrowboating for Beginners, you might also enjoy my other canal guides: Cycling the Canals of Britain or the Adventures of a Solitary Cyclist: The Midlands and Boating, Biking and Hiking the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

Updated for 2018! Includes new information on what to do if your boat is cast adrift or if your canal has run out of water. All links have been updated as well.From teaching how to steer a narrowboat to how to flush the toilet, Narrowboating for Beginners will help a first-time boater pretend at least a delusional self-confidence when given the keys to a 60-foot-long, 15-ton metal boat. Topics include how to turn a lock, moor, swing a bridge, light the stove, tie a knot and start the engine. Includes many illustrations and diagrams, including a lock flowchart, scannable QR codes and numerous shortened URLs.If you buy the paperback edition at Amazon, the Kindle version is included free.Visit NarrowboatingforBeginners.com for up to date information.

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