Narrow Boat Hire Glossary
Barge
Long thin boat designed for canals. Also known as a narrow boat or a canal boat.
Boat Pole
Long pole that lives on top of the narrow boat. Will get you out of trouble if you get stuck in some
reeds or if your narrow boat needs an extra push away from the bank.
Bridge Number
Each bridge that crosses the canal is numbered or named to help you to find your position
on a map.
Cruising
The correct word for ‘driving’ a narrow boat. Also used to describe distances- eg ‘3 hours cruising
time’.
Fenders
The rubber bumpers that hang on the side of your narrow boat.
Gunwhales
The ledges that surround the side of your narrow boat and can be carefully walked along.
Locks
The first thing to master on your narrow boat holiday! The engineering device that uses
gates and water levels to help your canal boat go up or down a hill.
Lock Key
The metal arm that is needed to operate a lock.
Marina
A canal boat village. The picturesque locations where your barge hire adventure begins!
Mooring
The correct word for ‘parking’ your narrow boat.
Mooring Pin
A metal stake designed to anchor the ropes of your narrow boat to the bank.
Paddles
Part of a lock. Can be opened and closed with your lock key to control the water levels.
Staircase
A series of locks, one after another.
Tiller
The steering control on a narrow boat. A pole at the back of the narrow boat which is connected to the
propeller and can be moved from side to side.
Towpath
The footpath that runs alongside the canal.
Weedhatch
A panel on the deck of the narrow boat that gives access to the propeller and occasionally has to
be cleared.
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