Trail boats
You can use a small powered boat not usually kept in the water, and delivered by trailer to one of the slipways on the Canal.
Canal and River Trust and Environment Agency licences are not valid on the Basingstoke Canal. You will need to register your boat with our trail boat scheme and purchase day permits to cover your use. Lock use (except Ash Lock) is not included in a Trail Boat Day Permit. If you want to use the locks purchase a Pay As You Go lock use permit. See our Lock Opening Times. Inflatable craft and RIBs are not permitted to use the locks.
Trail Boat Scheme
You need to register your boat with the Canal Office to use this scheme. You will need to provide evidence of third-party insurance (including wreck and salvage) and compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme (either a self-declaration of exemption) or a Boat Safety Certificate.
Following registration you can purchase day permits to use the Canal Trail Boat Day Permit.
Trail boats may be kept on the Canal for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, and comply with the general Boating Terms and Conditions
- Trail boat registration
- £17.50
- per licensing year
- Permit for standard engine boats
- £12.50
- per day
- Low emission engines - hybrid, hydrogen, battery electric
- £10
- per day