Boat hire in the Thames

[eaglet2000]

I have just spent four wonderful nights cruising at Norfolk Broads. The hired boat at Horning was in very good condition and the Bure / Ant Rivers are easy to handle. Next year (probably end of July or beginning August 2018), we are planning to hire a boat in Thames. Can anyone recommend a reliable boat hire company along the Thames? We would like to hire for 4 or 5 nights and the boat we require should have 3 cabins (for 6 people) excluding the lounge area. I was told that boat cruisers for hire in Thames are not usually equipped with bow thrusters. Are bow thrusters necessary for novice boaters especially during mooring in Thames river? I found bow thrusters very helpful in the Broads. How much distance should I expect to cover along the Thames for 4 or 5 nights (about 4 hours driving each full day, and two hours for the first and hand-over day)? Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Pump-Out]

Hobbs of Henley.
Book a boat called Midsomer.
http://www.hobbsofhenley.com/midsomer

 

[No Regrets]

Nice....high end but nice!

 

[eaglet2000]

Nice boat but it does not look big enough for 6 adults. What is your opinion on Kris Krafts and Caversham Boat Services? How much distance will I cover in 4 or 5 nights cruising?

 

[boatone]

Check out Le Boat - they have large enough boats and you can cruise one way between Penton Hook and Benson or vice versa in that time.
http://www.leboat.co.uk/holidays/de...ames/cruises/the-heart-of-england-short-break

 

[Hugh Foulis]

LeBoat might be the only hire firm with anything big enough for OP requirements.

Typed this and forgot to post it, beaten to it.

 

[plumbob]

I have just spent four wonderful nights cruising at Norfolk Broads. The hired boat at Horning was in very good condition and the Bure / Ant Rivers are easy to handle. Next year (probably end of July or beginning August 2018), we are planning to hire a boat in Thames. Can anyone recommend a reliable boat hire company along the Thames? We would like to hire for 4 or 5 nights and the boat we require should have 3 cabins (for 6 people) excluding the lounge area. I was told that boat cruisers for hire in Thames are not usually equipped with bow thrusters. Are bow thrusters necessary for novice boaters especially during mooring in Thames river? I found bow thrusters very helpful in the Broads. How much distance should I expect to cover along the Thames for 4 or 5 nights (about 4 hours driving each full day, and two hours for the first and hand-over day)? Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

Kris cruisers from Datchet are far superior to the other hirers IMHO. Passing cruiser traffic can moor and use their services, best during the week. Their boats are always well turned out and well equipped.

 

[BB1]

True, Paul is very good.

 

[NEB]

Another recommendation for Kris Cruisers, look at Lady Annalise and Lady Elisabeth.
Both modern large boats with 3 or more separate cabins and a bowthruster!
I looked over Le boats yard back in April and it looked like the boats had little winter maintenance with scruffy, dirty hulls, patchy anti foul etc.

 

[prof pat pending]

I looked over Le boats yard back in April and it looked like the boats had little winter maintenance with scruffy, dirty hulls, patchy anti foul etc.

In all fairness, most hire boaters will be more interested in the interior than the condition of the antifoul.
I've used Le Boat on many occasions and always found them to be well maintained and fitted to a good standard.

 

[The Glassman]

Another recommendation for Kris Cruisers, look at Lady Annalise and Lady Elisabeth.
Both modern large boats with 3 or more separate cabins and a bowthruster!
I looked over Le boats yard back in April and it looked like the boats had little winter maintenance with scruffy, dirty hulls, patchy anti foul etc.

Plus another one!

 

[miket]

And another.
Used Le Boat on Canal du Midi this June. Very adequate if you don't know any better.
Would we use them again elsewhere? No. We would rather pay more and get better.

 

[eaglet2000]

Thanks for your feedback. How much do I expect to cover in distance in four nights (if I start from Kris Cruisers at Datchet)? What are your recommendations for stop-overs to spend the night. I usually prefer to stop near a place where there's a pub/restaurant for dinner and some sightseeing. Is this route along the Thames as interesting as the Lnagollen Canal in Wales or the Norfolk Borads?

 

[Actionmat]

It depends how much time you want to spend at that wheel and which direction you're heading. Head down river and you'll comfortably do a round trip to the Palace moorings at Hampton Court. Head up river and you'll cruise through some lovely scenery, past Windsor Castle, Cliveden(a beautiful part of the river, just before Cookham). Make it to Hurley Island for a BBQ(weather permitting), you can book a mooring in advance by calling the lock. One nights stay then turn back down river again.
Alternatively, hire a boat from Caversham and head to Pangbourne or Beale Park.