We regularly book with Le Boat, usually from Benson on the River Thames. The booking staff are brilliant and it is so easy to speak with someone. They understand our needs and are extremely helpful. T... See more
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Le Boat are world leaders in river & canal boat hire in the UK, Ireland, Europe & Canada. Find out more about 'self-drive' boating vacations.
Platinum House, St. Marks Hill, KT6 4BH, Surbiton, United Kingdom
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LeBoat's Vessel Presentation, Emergency Support and subsequent senior management engagement fail miserably.
10 day trip of a life time - 3 couples on a Vision 4.
We arrive at Port Cassafieres.
A/C not working. Inverter kept tripping - not synced with the air conditioning unit.
Delayed our departure by a day.
Replacement portable A/C unit could not work other than via shore power.
Instrument panel - NONE of the gauges worked - we had no visability of the fresh water, grey water, fuel tank or black tank status.
Generator kept tripping - hot water only available when engine running or shore power.
1st gas bottle in kitchen - not full - it ran out within a few days. Spare on the bow cupboard - was EMPTY!!! Had to use the 3rd bottle in the BBQ.
Broom to sweep deck was useless - UV damage - head broke off with only light use.
What does this small breakage say about the prep of a boat prior to rental...???
Emergency back up notification process is a TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. Gentleman in UK answers phone - does not have phone numbers of any of the local staff. All he can do is write an email which won't be reviewed until the next day (9am).
No overhead light in first cabin - only side lights - ie not a thorough check of the boat and its systems prior to departure.
Two pax had sleep apnea machines - we requested prior to departure that suitable AC power was made available in the cabins. Staff at Port Cassfieres were not notified prior to our arrival.
Fortunately - and not by design - 2 extension cords were found prior to departure.
Nil maintenance of bikes in place - one bike - a new bike mind you - the deraileur blew up - had to be replaced.
Intermittent alarm's went off every night waking pax - ie the systems were failing and without instrumentation - we could not diagnose.
Bow thrusters and Stern thrusters FAILED.
Repaired in situ..and 2 days later, the bow thrusters failed again (most likely a failed bearing - ie nil preventative maintenance in place). Not fixed for the remaining journey.
10 day cruise...Le Boat do not provide clean sheets / towels until after 14 days !! ie the boat started to smell...including the heads - yuck !
So we used showers ashore...but...
at Port Hompes - the showers and toilets were filthy..and there was no toilet paper for the ladies. YUCK!
Castelnaudary - shower was COLD - no hot water.
Wives in the shower - the timer switched off whilst they were in the shower - they had to, in the dark, leave their cubicle to switch on the lights and resume their showers.
The Galley - poorly supplied with kitchen equipment - eg no cooking knives - we eventually got a kitchen knife at Hompes.
Lastly - there is NO sound insulation on board - walls are paper thin. Every cough, conversation etc etc travels around the boat - YOU HAVE NO PRIVACY!
Lastly I requested to meet with Le Boat Senior Management - to discuss our experience in a polite but structured way. There are numerous ways they can improve systems to ensure the above doesn't happen again....their response...was deafening ! Not interested.
Last but not least - we were promised a reduction in the hiring fee for the boat....at Por Cassafieres, Port Hompes, Castelnaudary....in emails afterwards...
Only after our return home to Australia were we offered a miserly 10% reduction and refund in the boat hire.
I WILL NEVER, EVER, EVER, AGAIN USE LE BOAT FOR THE HIRE OF A CANAL BOAT or indeed any other associsted companies that manage boats on behalf of owners.

Reply from Le Boat
Your agents were all very helpful and I am very pleased. They answered my emails and questions in full. Will definitely use your company again if we go on another boat holiday

Reply from Le Boat
Very easy to make a booking and very good telephone support

Reply from Le Boat
From the first contact our agent provided excellent and knowledgeable advice on routes and boats available. Highly recommended’

Reply from Le Boat
Enjoyed searching for destinations on your maps - in conjunction with Google Earth.

Reply from Le Boat
They are easy to reach by email or phone. Very informative! They guide you thru the process so that you can make the best choices that fit your vacation needs! Can hardly wait until we start our journey from Smiths Falls!

Reply from Le Boat
We've had at least 15 trips with them, and it's always a real pleasure thanks to friendly and helpful staff, and fabulous boats.
It's a brilliant way to spend a few days pottering about on the water with friends or family.

Reply from Le Boat
Found the agent very helpful and informative during the booking process.

Reply from Le Boat
Easy booking and helpful staff. Can’t wait for the holiday!!

Reply from Le Boat
Absolutely everything about this experience was exceptional! We loved every minute! Check in was fast and easy, the boat was spotlessly clean (and I'm very particular!) We did have a couple of mechanical issues on route but Le Boat Techs appeared within 20-30 minutes max and made quick and efficient repairs right away. We thought we were in the middle of no where and they would magically materialize! The Rideau is absolutley beautiful and we had the best vantage point from our flying bridge. Our young Standard Poodle loved it as much as we did. A couple of things we suggest for improvement are that proper barbecues be added to the boats as currently there are only outdoor flat surface griddles that they refer to as barbecues. We were on the Horizon 2 and even though there is room for a full size fridge/freezer, there is a small fridge and our boat had no freezer at all. There needs to be a proper fridge/freezer. Thankfully we had a couple of coolers as the refrigeration system on the Horizons 1 and 2, isn't adequate. The bathroom was wonderful. Loved the separate glass walled shower and the head didn't have any 'boat head' odour. Overall the only thing we would do differently the next time, and there WILL be a next time, is we will go for two weeks. One week was NOT enough :-). Thanks Le Boat for being so great!

Reply from Le Boat
Our journey was outstanding, thanks to the staff who were delightful, welcoming, and highly professional.

Reply from Le Boat
The journey was fantastic, with the team being both delightful and highly professional.

Reply from Le Boat

Reply from Le Boat
The fantastic communication and helpful information made the whole booking experience easy

Reply from Le Boat
The help received during booking made it easier to find the perfect vacation to create great memories with family and friends! As a returning customer for our 6th LeBoat vacation around the world we appreciate the special nature of these experiences!

Reply from Le Boat

Reply from Le Boat
Great service over the phone from Le Boat Customer Service for help in planning a first time trip. Also excellent website.

Reply from Le Boat
Good communications especially when selected type of boat and location not available.

Reply from Le Boat
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