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We usually have great trips but unfortunately this boat (Little Tern, which we after a slew of issues we rechristened with a more fitting name) had a number of issues which meant that our weekend was not smooth sailing. In the rear bathroom there was a leaking toilet which meant both the bathroom floor and the rear cabin's floor were wet, the basin plug was wedged closed and very slow to drain, the filter drinking water was not working so we had to use bottled water, the leaky toilet stopped flushing on the Sunday afternoon (due to a fault rather than a full tank) , and the engine coolant bottle sprang a leak. Given the cost of the boat for a weekend it wasn't a great experience.
15 Sep 2026
Boat was great, ABC were great and there are some spectacular views and quiet stretches, but the canal is overcrowded with live-aboard residents and abandoned or sunken boats. This means progress is tricky sometimes and usually very very slow, therefore not possible to get to intended destination. Finding spots to moor up has become stressful, meaning less stops to enjoy the many businesses along the canal.
15 Sep 2026
All staff were delightful from start to finish.
15 Sep 2026
The booking was straightforward on line but it was possible to speak to a friendly person on the phone for queries. Communication from marina was helpful and mostly timely.
15 Sep 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you found the booking process straightforward and appreciated having the option to speak with a friendly member of our team when you had questions. It’s also great to know that you found the communication from Marina helpful. We’ll certainly share your kind comments with the team. Thank you again for choosing ABC Boat Hire, and we hope to welcome you again in the future. ABC Boat Hire
17 Sep 2026
The canal trip that we had planned had to be changed, during to problems on the canal (broken lock; fallen tree across the canal). ABC made those changes for us quickly and efficiently. The marina got a boat set up for us on very short notice. The boat was clean, and well equipped. The guys at the marina clearly explained everything we needed to know, and sent us on our way.
15 Sep 2026
Really great clean (very large) barge
14 Sep 2026
Would have given five stars except that I can hardly read the information on this website. ABC Boat is really stepped up when the boat we were due to have from Aldermaston was delayed by a fallen tree. We were quickly and efficiently directed to Springwood Haven, where we found ourselves in a **** and span almost new Boat. The Coventry and Oxford Canal were utterly beautiful with pubs strategically placed along our journey. The weather cooperated which increased our pleasure considerably.
14 Sep 2026
Please refer to my initial comments
14 Sep 2026
Great service from the company due to the issues on the canal. Hand over went well and the holiday was brilliant. Travelled up to Chirck for a couple of nights and then back to Ellesmere for another couple of nights. Boat was in good condition and clean when picked up.
14 Sep 2026
We originally booked our holiday to start from Wrenbury Mill but due to issues on the canal, Wrenbury Mill is not currently connected to the network. After a couple of emails with customer services they provide us with a number of other options. We picked the boat up from Whitchurch marina and had a good handover with the guys there.
14 Sep 2026
Beautiful area to explore, a lovely relaxing week. A few hours cruising, then mooring up in lovely villages with good amenities and sharing a glass of something nice with friends. Perfect.
14 Sep 2026
We have hired with ABC for a few years now and the experience as usual was excellent. Our original booking was unable to go ahead due to stoppages on the network, so we were given different options for other locations to start from. We had a great time on the Shropshire Union canal on Canada Warbler from Gailey. The guys at the booking office and yard were great. All helpful and made our holiday start off well. Canada Warbler was tip top, beautifully clean and well presented. Disappointed that our week went so quickly. Can’t wait to book again. Thank you.
14 Sep 2026
Great staff, everyone helpful, and a great barging holiday had by all.
14 Sep 2026
Our experience with ABC was great. All staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the boat was spotless.
10 Sep 2026
We had a great trip, With good weather and pleasant company from other boaters.
10 Sep 2026
