Getting started

Hand Over Procedure
Our Hand Over procedure is very comprehensive to take into account of the types of boats we hire and the cruising conditions you may encounter. For instance Loch Ness and Loch Lochy are large bodies of open water which can occasionally get rough (usually no more than 3ft waves).

Safety Video and Talk
The Safety Briefings commences at 12:00 hrs with a Safety Video. It is important that as many crew members as possible attend this. It is followed by the Boat Handling Instruction.

Boat Handling Instruction
The Boat Handling Instruction is split into 2 groups, Shaft and Outdrive, depending on the vessel booked. For this we require your Skipper and one other competent crew member. If you are already experienced then you will simply need to demonstrate your competence to us.

Boarding

Your vessel will be available to board between 12:00 and 14:00. Once onboard we will demonstrate the interior and daily engine checks.

Departure in supervised Convoy
Departute from the boatyard (usually between 14:30 and 15:30) is done in small convoys, travelling along the first 5 mile canal section, locking through Dochgarroch lock and onto Loch Ness for your first evening. Most people opt for Urquhart Bay Harbour (where a berthing fee of £8 applies) for their first overnight stop.From here it is 20 minutes walk into the village of Drumnadrochit. During the summer months it may be possible to travel to Fort Augustus on your first evening, however this is weather and daylight dependent. We will give advice about weather and berthing locations during your safety briefings.