BURSCOUGH BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Slow Luxury on the Cray: A 47‑ft Cruiser Stern Narrowboat from Burscough
A practical guide to hiring the Cray — a luxury, 47 ft cruiser‑stern narrowboat based at Burscough Wharf — for short breaks or extended canal holidays.
Slow Luxury on the Cray: A 47‑ft Cruiser Stern Narrowboat from Burscough.
Settle into the Cray and trade traffic for towpath rhythm: a bright, well‑appointed 47‑ft narrowboat with a family‑friendly cruiser stern, spacious cabins and a fully equipped galley designed for comfortable, self‑powered exploration of Lancashire’s canals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Luxury fittings and full onboard comforts
Cray is a bespoke, luxury narrowboat with high‑quality fittings throughout: spacious sleeping areas, a fully equipped galley and full central heating for comfort on short breaks or longer holidays.
Tuition and confident handling
Hirers receive hands‑on tuition from helmsman‑qualified staff so novices can learn to handle the boat and work canal locks with confidence.
Flexible breaks amid Lancashire countryside
Short breaks or longer canal boat holidays are available, with a choice of routes through the surrounding countryside complemented by five‑star, family‑run customer service.
What the day feels like
What the holiday actually feels like
Life aboard the Cray is deliberately unhurried: mornings awake to wide windows and natural light, afternoons spent at the front seating area watching towpaths and fields pass, and evenings warmed by central heating after cooking in a fully equipped galley. The boat is designed for quiet, easy handling so couples, small groups or families can learn the ropes and relax into the canal pace.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Cray’s onboard fittings include a flat‑screen TV, DVD player and DAB/FM/Bluetooth radio, plus full central heating for year‑round comfort.
Front bedroom with a full‑sized double and foam mattress, plus a make‑up double option to provide sleeping space for up to four adults.
The rear galley is fully equipped with a 4‑ring cooker, oven and grill, fridge with a freezer compartment and a microwave oven.
Bathroom comprises a shower over a four‑foot bath, sink and a flush macerator toilet.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need previous experience before booking a canal boat holiday?
No. Complete novices are welcome; full tuition is provided at the start of every holiday, with tutorial videos sent at booking and a comprehensive handover until you feel relaxed and confident.
When do I need to pay for my holiday?
A 25% non‑refundable deposit is required at the time of booking; the outstanding balance is due at least eight weeks before your holiday start date (or in full if booking less than eight weeks before start).
Do I need insurance?
Hirers are recommended to take out personal insurance to cover injury, loss of belongings or cancellation, as with any holiday.
What are the handover and return times for the boat?
The boat is available from 15:00 on your holiday start day and must be vacated by 09:00 on the final day.
Will staff teach me to drive the boat?
Yes. Staff provide a practical demonstration and on‑board tuition and will stay with you until you are confident to proceed alone.