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Great staff and boat layout, but had an issue with the engines coolant that kept dropping after the engine was shutdown. The boats tick over speed was also quite fast causing us to require pulsing into neutral multiple times. Finally the exhaust was a bit smokey in some of the locks. ABC always have the best team and layouts, and this was no exception with the newer fitted out 'ploiver' class we had - the galley was lovely with some extra space at the front. If able, try to avoid the models with a 'Barrus' engine which will fix the potentially bad throttle + mild exhaust smoke.... 4/5 overall, a great experience and wonderful holiday but not perfect - the boat could have been tested a little more before hire.
16 Jul 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback — we're really pleased to hear that you had a great holiday overall and enjoyed the layout and galley of the newly fitted ‘Plover’ class boat. It's always fantastic to hear that our team continues to meet expectations, and we're grateful for your kind words about the staff and overall experience. We would like to thank you for the feedback regarding the engine to help improve our service at ABC Boat hire.
20 Jul 2025
Great staff and boat layout, but had an issue with the engines coolant that kept dropping after the engine was shutdown. The boats tick over speed was also quite fast causing us to require pulsing into neutral multiple times. Finally the exhaust was a bit smokey in some of the locks. ABC always have the best team and layouts, and this was no exception with the newer fitted out 'ploiver' class we had - the galley was lovely with some extra space at the front. If able, try to avoid the models with a 'Barrus' engine which will fix the potentially bad throttle + mild exhaust smoke.... 4/5 overall, a great experience and wonderful holiday but not perfect - the boat could have been tested a little more before hire.
16 Jul 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback — we're really pleased to hear that you had a great holiday overall and enjoyed the layout and galley of the newly fitted ‘Plover’ class boat. It's always fantastic to hear that our team continues to meet expectations, and we're grateful for your kind words about the staff and overall experience. We would like to thank you for the feedback regarding the engine to help improve our service at ABC Boat hire.
20 Jul 2025
Out with the companies control but very sadly the Kennet and Avon canal running down to the a Thames is really run down and it’s hard work with it so overgrown, so few moorings due to the amount of non leisure boats and so many locks in a state of disrepair. Sadly we fear it won’t be long before this becomes too hard to navigate for the leisure boater. The Thames was amazing though.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind words and honest feedback. We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic experience with ABC Boat Hire and that our team and your boat met expectations. It’s always lovely to know our staff helped make your trip enjoyable. We completely understand your concerns about the condition of the Kennet & Avon Canal. While it’s outside of our control, we share your hope that more attention and care will be given to its upkeep to preserve it for future leisure boaters. We're glad to hear the Thames portion of your journey was a highlight! We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon.
24 Jul 2025
Boat was in excellent condition and was very clean and comfortable.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic first experience on a narrowboat holiday. It’s great to know our team helped you feel confident and supported, and that the boat was clean, comfortable, and in excellent condition. It sounds like you really embraced the adventure—even helping others along the way! We’d be delighted to welcome you back next year for another canal journey.
24 Jul 2025
Good and reliable but technical conditions could be better.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your continued support and for recommending ABC Boat Hire! We're so pleased to hear that you've found our staff friendly and helpful, and our boats reliable over the years. We truly value your loyalty and your honest feedback regarding the technical condition of the boats — it's something we take seriously and are always working to improve. Your insights help us enhance the experience for all our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
24 Jul 2025
Very friendly and helpful staff. Good narrow boats, only technical status could be better. We have been used ABC Boat Hire services for many years.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your continued support and for recommending ABC Boat Hire! We're so pleased to hear that you've found our staff friendly and helpful, and our boats reliable over the years. We truly value your loyalty and your honest feedback regarding the technical condition of the boats — it's something we take seriously and are always working to improve. Your insights help us enhance the experience for all our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
24 Jul 2025
Beautiful countryside with many interesting sites and stops.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad your first narrowboat trip was a great experience. It’s wonderful to hear that our team made you feel supported and that the orientation and onboard guide were helpful. Exploring the countryside by canal is such a unique way to travel, and we’re thrilled you enjoyed the journey and the sights along the way. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
24 Jul 2025
Convenient dock and car park for loading/unloading; small hardworking team ensured a friendly, hassle free, efficient handover, departure and return. Rock Sandpiper immaculate.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind words and great feedback! We’re so pleased to hear that your experience at Anderton Marina was smooth and hassle-free, and that Rock Sandpiper was in immaculate condition for your trip. It’s always lovely to know our hardworking team made a positive impression and helped set the tone for a great journey—especially with such a convenient location for exploring Chester. We’d love to welcome you back for another canal adventure soon!
24 Jul 2025
Yes, they dealt with the booking very efficiently and answered any queries. The Canalboat was well presented and operated very well.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed cruising the Droitwich Ring — it’s a fantastic route with plenty of variety and charm. It’s great to know the booking process was smooth, your queries were handled efficiently, and that the boat met your expectations. We're thrilled you had an excellent canal boat holiday and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
24 Jul 2025
Great service from ABC, the boat was fabulous and am the staff were lovely and super helpful.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind words and honest feedback. We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic experience with ABC Boat Hire and that our team and your boat met expectations. It’s always lovely to know our staff helped make your trip enjoyable. We completely understand your concerns about the condition of the Kennet & Avon Canal. While it’s outside of our control, we share your hope that more attention and care will be given to its upkeep to preserve it for future leisure boaters. We're glad to hear the Thames portion of your journey was a highlight! We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon.
24 Jul 2025
Convenient dock and car park for loading/unloading; small hardworking team ensured a friendly, hassle free, efficient handover, departure and return. Rock Sandpiper immaculate.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind words and great feedback! We’re so pleased to hear that your experience at Anderton Marina was smooth and hassle-free, and that Rock Sandpiper was in immaculate condition for your trip. It’s always lovely to know our hardworking team made a positive impression and helped set the tone for a great journey—especially with such a convenient location for exploring Chester. We’d love to welcome you back for another canal adventure soon!
24 Jul 2025
Great service again from ABC - they phoned ahead to offer early pick of the boat, provided the usual thorough briefing before we set off, and offered to collect us when the canal was closed for 24 hours. Fortunately the canal reopened and they were grateful that we were able to return the boat, albeit later than the 0930 deadline on the original planned date.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the boat, the weather, and all those locks! It’s great to know our team could support you with early pickup and helpful updates during the unexpected canal closure. We really appreciate your flexibility and understanding—and we’re glad everything worked out in the end. We look forward to welcoming you back for another smooth and scenic adventure soon!
24 Jul 2025
First time on narrow boat holiday so a little apprehensive about driving the boat and the whole experience. Very friendly and helpful staff took us through the workings of the boat and literally showed us the ropes of manoeuvring the boat through locks etc. Boat itself was in excellent condition and very clean and comfortable. We had a fantastic week on the canal and we look forward to repeating the experience next year.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic first experience on a narrowboat holiday. It’s great to know our team helped you feel confident and supported, and that the boat was clean, comfortable, and in excellent condition. It sounds like you really embraced the adventure—even helping others along the way! We’d be delighted to welcome you back next year for another canal journey.
24 Jul 2025
It was an excellent Canalboat holiday.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed cruising the Droitwich Ring — it’s a fantastic route with plenty of variety and charm. It’s great to know the booking process was smooth, your queries were handled efficiently, and that the boat met your expectations. We're thrilled you had an excellent canal boat holiday and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
24 Jul 2025
Our fourth (and definitely not the last!) trip with ABC (unless we buy a boat ourselves...). We've used three different marinas and cruised three different routes. This time was more challenging because of weather and vandalism related lock closures. A journey that should have been feasible in seven days wouldn't have been - but we were provided with excellent information on picking our boat up. The boats are well maintained and reliable and the staff are always just wonderful. We'll be back.
15 Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your continued support and for sharing such a thoughtful review! We’re honoured to have you back for your fourth trip—and hopefully not the last (unless that boat purchase happens ). It’s great to hear that despite the challenges with weather and lock closures, you still found the journey rewarding and relaxing. We completely agree—narrow boating is the perfect antidote to the fast pace of everyday life. We’re also really pleased that our team and boats continue to meet your expectations. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!
24 Jul 2025
