Frequently Asked Questions
We've introduced this section to the website which should answer most of your questions. Please try here first and if you need any more information then please email us at
To assist you in the planning of your journey, we suggest that you allow approximately 45 minutes per lock which includes the time taken to travel to and through each lock. This travelling time is only a guide and not a guaranteed travelling time.
Where should we moor on our last night?
You should moor no further than 1 Lock away from our base in either Windsor or Runnymede. As long as you arrive at the Lock when it opens, you will arrive back at our base on time and it will still allow you enough time to vacate by 9.45am which in turns allows us enough time to prepare your boat ready for the next skipper and crew. You may if you prefer spend your last night moored within our boatyard saving you time the following morning.
What do we need to bring with us?
While packing your favourite choice of clothes, make sure you leave room for those essentials. Deck shoes or trainers are advisable when walking around the boat. A torch comes in handy when returning to your boat after spending the evening visiting one of the Thames village pubs or restaurants. Towels are essential unless you are hiring a 5 Star Boat, coming from overseas or arriving by aeroplane where hand and bath towels will beprovided free of charge. You may even want to consider bringing a waterproof coat or umbrella just in case.
Pets are welcome on some of our boats. The boats that do not allow pets are marked with a no pet symbol.
Do we need to pay a fee to go through the locks?
We pay a licence fee to the Environment Agency every year similar to your road tax, this allows you to pass through the Locks without any charges to yourself.
The Locks are operated by Lock Keepers 7 days a week. They open at 9am and close between 4.30pm and 7pm depending on the time of year. During the months of June to August inclusive, they even have a summer assistant on duty helping you to pass through even at lunch time. Outside these hours, you may if you wish take yourself through the Locks without the Lock Keeper as long as there is day light, Sunrise to Sunset. From 2010 all locks below Oxford will have out of hours power.
How much does it cost to moor at night?
Mooring prices range from free of charge to £10.00 (2009 prices excluding marina’s) per night. Free moorings can be found at all Environment Agency mooring sites and towns such as Goring and Abingdon as well as numerous out of town moorings for peace and tranquillity.
Will we need to re-fuel the boat?
Every boat leaves us with a full tank of fuel which is enough for a minimum of a one weeks cruise, some boats have enough fuel to last 2 weeks. For most boats on a 2 week cruise or longer we normally advise to top up with about 45 litres of diesel at the start of your second week.
We suggest you fill up every day to avoid running out. The newest boats in our fleet are now fitted with a water tank gauge to assist you in your days planning.
How many hours a day do we need to run the engine to charge our batteries?
Depending on the time of year we recommend a minimum of 4 hours a day during the months June to August and 5 to 6 hours a day during all other months.
Your engine heats your water up just like your boiler does at home. When the water is cold it will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to heat up your hot water tank.
Where can we stay before or after our holiday close to Kris Cruisers boatyard?
A couple of hundred yards away from Kris Cruisers, in Datchet Village is The Manor Hotel. Visit www.mghotels.com
1 mile from Kris Cruisers is Inn Keepers Lodge. Visit www.innkeeperslodge.com
2 miles from Kris Cruisers is Premier Travel Inn. Visit www.premiertravelinn.com
What is the telephone number of a local taxi company?
Station Cars 01753 545000 or 01753 681000
If you would like to receive any information, or cannot find what you are looking for, please call 01753 543930 (or from outside the UK, +44 1753 543930) or e-mail
01753 543930
01753 584866