How to find good presents for people new to the narrowboat experience.
Narrowboat Beginners
If friends or relatives are new to the idea of canal cruising on narrowboats, then maybe they would like something useful for their next trip.
- If they have already had one holiday and enjoyed it, then perhaps another could be booked for them? (See: 'Holiday narrowboat cruising in England')
- The appropriate canal guide is essential for any excursion, and makes a very useful gift for beginners and experienced boaters alike – provided they do not already have one.
- Keys do not float, so maybe one of the many types of floating key-ring should be considered. In this case it does not really matter whether the recipient has one or not – people always carry numerous keys!
And then there is the matter of water safety. Maybe some sort of lifejacket is appropriate?
Lifejackets for Narrowboats
Professionals who work on the waterways always wear lifejackets, but newcomers and holidaymakers often do not bother. Hire companies will usually supply lifejackets on request, but it is much better if boaters have their own. Non-swimmers ought to wear some sort of flotation device when on deck, and even confident swimmers can get into trouble if they fall into a lock or bang their head while falling into the water.
Lifejackets make excellent presents for boaters, but there are so many types and sizes that it is probably not a good idea to get them for somebody else without prior consultation – and size matters. Children need smaller lifejackets than adults, and of course very large people need larger lifejackets.
It is not only humans who are at risk, since pets can easily jump off narrowboats. It is possible to buy flotation devices for dogs in many canalside chandlers.
Lifejackets for boaters make excellent presents, but there are so many types and sizes that it is probably not a good idea to get them for somebody else without prior consultation.
Experienced Boaters and Boat-owners
Regular narrowboaters will already have all the essential equipment, but safety equipment such as a lifejacket might still make a good present.
Additional books about the areas they cruise regularly are be worth considering, as are good maps of the area. If you know which canal guide(s) they already have then maybe consider finding an alternative one since different guides show different information.
Boaters are often proud of their boat's name, so personalised clothing (sweatshirts with the boat name for example) might go down well, and car number plates (made up with the name of the boat) can be used to mark permanent moorings.
Whatever you decide to buy as a present for a narrowboat enthusiast remember, there is limited space on a boat.
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