CAPTAIN’S LOG BOOK

3 Welcome aboard

4 General information

5 Advice on handling the boat

11 Safety measures

13 The Hapimag canal cruiser – Your floating home

14 Practical advice

17 Inventory

20 Glossary of boating terms

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

WELCOME ABOARDTravelling on the waterway, being your own captain and choosing your own stops. Be amazed by the countryside, moor up and explore the area. Enjoy the idyllic ambience on the sun deck and sample a glass of wine from the region. Drift along past alleys of trees, wide fields and sleepy little towns or sponta-neously stop and visit. Feel the wind in your hair, experience freedom and independence on the water and allow yourself to be surprised at what the next day brings.

As you are the captain of ‘your’ own boat, this logbook is a precious guide for organizing your vacation on the waterways. It will not only explain the manoeuvres like mooring your boat, or taking it through a lock, it will also be a wonderful souvenir of your boat vacation.

If you have any questions on the captain’s log book or the routes, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail.

alsace@hapimag.com | midi@hapimag.com | mueritz@hapimag.com

The operating company or the base personnel are responsible, locally for technical support, parking spaces and bicycle hire.

Enjoy an unforgettable boat vacation with Hapimag!

4

Arrival at the departure basePlease check the holiday information regarding the opening hours for boarding your canal cruiser. On arri-val at the departure base, please proceed to the reception office to complete formalities. If you are de-layed, please inform the base.

Car parkingUpon arrival at the port of departure you can park your car in an enclosed car park. Please pay and make your booking directly on site (see Booking Information for prices). We recommend that you make use of this service and do not park your car on an unguarded site.

Instruction on handling the boatYou receive your boat key locally and all the documentation you need to complete. Once you have made yourself at home on your boat, the equipment and accessories will be explained to you. Please do not he-sitate to ask questions. After the briefing, there is a test drive with a technician, during which you can be-come familiar with the houseboat. Please note that often several houseboats are reserved for the same day of departure. We therefore request you remain patient and cheerful as not all houseboats can be in-structed at the same time. Make yourself comfortable on board until it is your turn. Tip: If you have unloa-ded your luggage, it is best to reload it in the car as it takes up space on board unnecessarily.

Returning the Hapimag canal cruiserOn the last day of your holiday please leave the boat at the starting point by 9.00 at the latest.

– Please ensure that you return on time and remember that the next member will be taking over the boat the same afternoon.

– Bring the boat back in clean condition (empty refuse bins, clean cutlery, fold bed linen and blankets, clean kitchen and bathrooms).

– If the ordinary time necessary for cleaning is insufficient due to uncleanliness, we will have to invoice you for these extra costs.

GENERAL INFORMATION

5

You don’t need to be experienced; steering the Hapimag canal cruiser is quickly learned, but requires a certain amount of attention at all times.

DepartureAfter starting, keep the clutch disengaged and let the engine idle slowly for a few minutes.

StoppingA boat has no brakes and takes some time to respond. To bring a boat to a halt, use the reverse gear. Manoeuvre carefully to avoid damaging the propeller.

RopesAlways make sure your ropes are correctly rolled up and ready to use. A rope that has twisted itself around the propeller causes unnecessary trouble. When you take over the boat, check to make sure all the ropes are in place and in good condition.

Keeping on courseDue to the sluggishness and low speed of the moving boat, an inexperienced helmsman has a tendency to change direction too quickly in order to bring the boat back on course, resulting in a zigzag motion. You need to remain calm and steer gently to keep on course. Please remember that a boat responds considerably more slowly than a car. For your own safety, it is advisable to carry out all manoeu-vres at a very low speed.

Top speeds/Rules of the waterways– Speed restrictions are in place on the canals and junction canals. Information on the maximum

permitted speed can be found in the river guide/route planner.– It is prohibited to drive after sunset.– Drive in the middle of the canal and do not cut corners. The water on the bends can be shallow.– Reduce speed on approaching blind bends and bridges.– When a boat comes towards you, you must reduce your speed and drive on the right. However, your

boat must always be 1.5 metres from the bank.– Don’t forget to look in front and behind you regularly.– Always listen for a change in the sound of the engine to be able to react quickly.– Be careful near the canal banks (posts, tree roots, rocks or sand).

Navigation signsThe explanation of the traffic signs can be found in the canal guide or route planner atlas.

ADVICE ON HANDLING THE BOAT

6

MooringYou normally moor a boat side-on. On rivers, you should use the harbours and mooring points listed in the river guide. On canals, you can moor anywhere you like – take care, though, not to disturb other boats. Blind bends are not suitable for mooring. You should also not moor too close to bridges or locks or tie to the trees. Where there are no bollards or mooring rings on the bank, you should use two mooring stakes. To cast off, first loosen the stern of the boat. Make sure you do not block the towpath with a rope. Always manoeuvre at a very low speed.

Mooring on canals

Bridge yes

Mooring

Crew member

A boat has no brakes and takes some time to respond. To bring a boat to a halt, use the reverse gear. Manoeuvre carefully to avoid damaging the propeller.

1. Reduce speed (on rivers, steer against the current).2. For beginners, it’s easiest to steer for the bank at a sharp angle (approx. 45 degrees) with

the engine disengaged.3. A member of the crew should stand at the bow with the bow line ready. When you have reached the

bank, the crewmember goes ashore with the line while the captain ‘brakes’ using reverse gear. 4. Keeping hold of the bow line, the crew member on the bank walks towards the stern of the boat.

Once there, he is thrown the stern line. Now with the bow line, loosely trapped under his foot, he uses the stern line to pull the boat side-on to the bank.

5. First he ties up the stern line to a bollard or peg, then the bow line. When the boat is securely tied, turn off the engine, not before.

You should take special care to– Make sure not to jump off the boat, but rather sit down on the edge to insure a maximum of safety,

when stepping down from the boat. The river bank is not always very stable, so be very careful. – Always manoeuvre at a very low speed.– Never run parallel when approaching the bank, otherwise the boat’s propeller churns up the shallow

canal bed at the bank and can easily be damaged.– Never let the ropes block the tow path.– Never tie the boat to a tree trunk or branches of a tree.– Always check your boat is not tied up too loosely.– Never turn off the engine before the boat is tied up.

7

Steering

BoatPivotal point

Car

The stern rotates around the pivotal point

The front rotates around the pivotal point

8

Casting off

Crew member

1. Start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes. 2. All passengers should be on board except for one crew member who unties the ropes. The stern line

should be untied first, rolled up and passed onto the boat.3. Now untie the bow line and pull the bow towards the bank with this line. When the boat is again at

45 degrees to the bank, roll up the line and return to the boat.4. The captain engages reverse gear to pull away from the bank. 5. Once you have reached the centre of the channel, engage forward gear and head off on your journey.

You should take special care to– Never cast off forwards from the bank, otherwise you will hit the bank with the stern and the propeller

can easily be damaged.– Always start the engine before untying the ropes.

Knots

Palstek: used for fastening a boat to a mooring ring.

Round turn and two half hitches: used for fastening the fenders or mooring the boat to a mooring ring.

Clove hitch:used for fastening a rope around a post, spar or stake.

Cleat hitch: Securing a rope to a cleat.

9

LocksThanks to the locks, your canal cruiser can climb or descend hills. The locks are just as much a part of a bo-ating holiday as the water itself and quickly become routine. Passing through a lock is a simple manoeu-vre, as long as you stick to some basic rules. Locking takes on average 10 – 15 minutes. During the locking procedure, you must keep the engine running, otherwise you cannot manoeuvre the boat. Normally, seve-ral boats can pass through at the same time.

Approaching the lockIf the lock gates are closed, stop about 150 m before the lock and tie up the boat. There is probably al-ready a boat in the lock. You must wait until the other boat is out of the lock and has passed you. Then you proceed into the lock. Please also take note of the instructions in the information sheet on board and in the waterway guide.

All locksLocking downstream

When locking up and down stay at least 2 m from forward and rear lock gates.

Locking downstream1. Proceed slowly into the lock. Never try to let the boat drift into it, because you cannot manoeuvre the

boat if the propeller is not turning. As soon as the boat is in the middle of the lock basin, engage re-verse gear to stop. One member of the crew at the bow and one at the stern each pass a line around the bollards on land and keep the lines in hand throughout the locking procedure. Important: Never fasten the ropes to the cleats or coil them around your hand since they have to be handled quickly so that the boat can follow the up and down of the water level in the lock.

2. As soon as the upper gates are closed, the lock keeper opens the sluices in the lower gates to lower the

level of the water in the lock. Pay out the ropes as the water level drops. While locking down make sure the rubber strake (edge) of the boat does not get hooked on the lock wall.

3. As soon as the water levels out, the ropes are taken in. The boat can then leave the lock slowly and ca-refully.

4. To allow the crewmember to get back on board there are stepladders recessed in the lock gates or walls. Take care, these are mostly slippery. You can also stop a short distance after the lock. Your crew-member should never jump from the lock wall onto the boat, as this can be extremely dangerous.

10

Locking upstreamThe procedure is very similar to locking downstream, except in the opposite direction, since the boat enters into the lock at a lower water level and leaves it at a higher one. At least 100 m before the lock one crew member should go ashore and wait on the lock side for the boat.

1. Proceed slowly into the lock. As soon as the boat is in the middle of the lock basin, engage reverse gear to stop. A crewmember on land takes hold of your ropes, passes them round the bollard and re-turns them to you. Important: Never fasten the ropes to the cleats or coil them around your hand since they have to be handled quickly so that the boat can follow the up and down of the water level in the lock.

2. The crew on board must make sure the ropes remain taut even when the water level rises. Do not try to avoid bumping another boat by using your hands or feet. Always use the boat-hook.

3. As soon as the water levels out, the upper gates of the lock are opened.

4. Now you can take in the ropes and your crewmember can come back on board. The boat can leave the lock.

11

Life jacketsThere is a lifebuoy and a sufficient number of life jackets on board the Hapimag houseboats. If you have children on board, request children’s life jackets for them before you depart and put these on the children in the port.

Fire extinguisherThere are fire extinguishers on board all Hapimag canal cruisers. During the instruction time a member of staff will show you where the extinguishers are located. If you have to use the fire extinguisher during your journey, please inform the base upon return.

Personal safetyYou can increase safety on board your Hapimag canal cruiser by keeping small children inside the boat du-ring locking, mooring and casting off manoeuvres by wearing the correct footwear (trainers or sports shoes with rubber soles) and by always carefully rolling up the ropes.

Children on boardPlease pay special attention to small children on board, especially if they cannot swim. Make sure that they always wear their life jacket, in the ports, on the boat, and of course during the passing of the locks. It is safer for small children to stay inside the boat while passing the locks, mooring and casting off.

BreakdownsThe breakdown service is available to you every day. Please see the information folder on board for the times. If you suffer a breakdown, please ring the base immediately and provide the following information:

1. Your surname and first name2. Name and type of your canal cruiser3. Your exact location and the number of the last lock you passed through4. If you have a mobile phone on board, your phone number 5. Describe the type of breakdown

A mechanic will come to you as quickly as possible. Please remember, however, that he will need some time to travel to your boat depending on the location. Please do not attempt to carry out repairs without instructions from the base. If the office is not manned, you will be connected to an answering machine. In this case please leave a message after taking account of the above-mentioned aspects. Please also state the time of your call. Messages left on the answering machine are listened to at regular intervals during the day.

GasGas is used to operate the cooker and oven. For safety reasons, would you please note the following:

1. Never leave the gas cooker unattended whilst cooking.1. If you notice a suspicious smell of gas, check the cooker, stop the engine, open the windows, do not

smoke and call the base. You will be told how to proceed, or someone will be sent from the base.3. If required, the Technical Services Department can exchange gas cylinders en route.

SAFETY MEASURES

12

FuelDo not store any inflammable items near the fuel tanks. You will take over the cruiser with a full fuel tank. Normally the fuel should suffice for a two week trip with a daily cruising time of about 4 hours.

If the engine is running longer than this and you have to fill up the tank, please call the base.

13

THE HAPIMAG CANAL CRUISER – YOUR FLOATING HOME

KitchenThe Hapimag canal cruisers are equipped with a modern and practical kitchen, comprising of: – Gas cooker with oven and grill– 120 l refrigerator– Sink with hot and cold running water

Please note the inventory list from page 17 of the captain’s log book.

Bathroom fittings and waterEach cabin on a Hapimag canal cruiser has its own shower complete with toilet and washbasin. Hapimag canal cruisers each have a large water tank with enough capacity for two to three days of normal use. Ho-wever, we advise you to check the water level every day and fill up with water whenever possible. You will normally find a water supply in every harbour. Warm water is heated by the engine. It usually stays warm for around 5 to 6 hours. Consequently, we recommend leaving a period of time between showers rather than everyone on board showering immediately after each other. The toilets are equipped with a pump flush. Please do not throw any objects other than toilet paper down the toilet. In the Müritz houseboat ter-ritory the boat waste-holding tanks must only be emptied at extraction stations.

The cabins (berths and storage space)The cabins have comfortable berths that serve as double or single beds. You will be given the bed linen at the departure base. Storage space is limited on a boat. Each cabin has a small cupboard with clothes han-gers and shelves. We therefore recommend you restrict your wardrobe to absolutely necessary items.

Electricity, gas, heatingDepending on the type of the canal cruiser, there are two to three cylinders of gas on board. The boat has 2-pin shaver sockets in the bathrooms and you can charge your mobile phone or any other 12 volt device from the cigar lighter. Don’t forget to bring the charger with you. Our boats are now equipped with a shore connection, which means that you have 220 V on board (3 sockets) once you have hooked up to the power network in a harbour. Our boats also have a shore connection, i.e. you have 220 V on board (3 so-ckets) when you dock the boat in the port and connect to the power supply system there or when the en-gine is running (current converter on board).

HeatingYour houseboat is equipped with a hot-air heating system in the lounge and sleeping cabins and with to-wel dryers in the wet rooms, which can be operated simply and practically. These also ensure pleasant warmth in your houseboat in the pre- and post-season. For your own safety never leave the heating on when you leave the boat.

14

PRACTICAL ADVICEBikesA bike is the ideal method of transport en route for going shopping or visiting the villages. You have the option of ordering bikes at the same time as booking. Of course you can take your own bikes from home. Please remember to bring bike locks (chains) with you, to protect your bikes from theft. For your own com-fort do not take more than four bikes on board (lack of space). The prices for bike hire can be found in the ‘Booking Information’. Every boat in France is equipped with yellow high-visibility vests as these are com-pulsory when cycling at night in France.

BinocularsIf you own binoculars, bring them along. They will help you see more of your surroundings and nature.

CameraMake sure you take your camera, as there are numerous magnificent views along the waterways.

CleaningThe charge for cleaning the Hapimag canal cruiser inside and out at the end of your holiday is included in the extras. The time required for this cleaning is calculated on the basis of the boat being handed back by you in clean condition (especially kitchen and bathroom). If the time calculated for the final cleaning is in-sufficient due to excessive dirt, we will have to invoice you for these extra costs.

ClimateWhatever the weather, life on board a Hapimag canal cruiser is always an experience.

ClothingTake casual leisure wear with you, not forgetting a woollen sweater for cool evenings, rain-wear for wet days, a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream.

DoctorIf you need a doctor, enquire in the next village, with the next lock-keeper or call the base and give them your location.

First-aid boxWe advise you take your own first-aid box and your own personal medicines, as these may not be availa-ble everywhere locally. You will find a first aid kit on board.

FishermenBoating enthusiasts are not very popular with anglers. Reduce speed when passing and do not run over any fishing lines. That will go a long way in establishing good relations between anglers and boating ent-husiasts.

FishingIf you want to go fishing, we can inform you at the departure base where to purchase fishing permits. Tra-wling from the boat is strictly forbidden.

GamesBring your favourite games with you onto the boat. You will rarely again have such an oppor-tunity of spending enjoyable and undisturbed evenings with your family and friends.

15

GangplankAll Hapimag canal cruisers are equipped with a gangplank.

GastronomyThe folder on board includes addresses of restaurants en route.

InsuranceHapimag houseboats are covered by liability insurance and fully comprehensive insurance. The member must pay the excess. On payment of a fee according to the Booking Information, the excess does not ap-ply in France and only a partial excess is payable in Germany. However, you will still be liable to pay com-pensation for the inventory (including safety equipment, parasol and awning) and the interior fixtures and fittings of the Hapimag houseboat.

KeysYou will be given two keys on the day of departure: one ignition key and one door key. We would like to remind you to lock all doors and windows whenever you leave the boat, and never to leave any valuables on board.

Life on boardLife on a canal cruiser is varied and interesting. You’ll get the most out of your holiday if you forget your watch and live to the rhythm of the sun, i.e. get up early and go to bed early.

LinenLinen is normally changed once a week on Hapimag canal cruisers. For trips lasting several weeks you will be handed the linen for the entire trip on your day of departure. On board there are one bath towel and two hand towels per person. For your personal comfort we recommend you also take your own beach to-wels for sunbathing on deck or sitting on.

Lock-keepers and tipsTips for the lock-keepers are a long established tradition in French river navigation, but is not obligatory, it is up to you.

LuggageTravel bags are more practical than cases. We would advise you in any case to unpack your luggage at the departure base and take the empty bags back to the car.

Reading materialTake enough reading material with you, as you will seldom find any literature in English in the small villages along the waterways.

RefuseThere are refuse bags on board. Please dispose of your refuse bags in the containers provided at the ba-ses and harbours. On no account should refuse be thrown overboard.

Running costsOn departure and upon return the engine hours on the meter will be noted. When you return to base you pay the running costs on the basis of the actual engine hours at the rate given in the price list.

ShoesWe recommend you wear either trainers or at least shoes with rubber soles on board. Wellington boots are practical for rainy days.

16

ShoppingWe also suggest buying enough food and drink on the your day of arrival so you can stop as you wish while enjoying the great outdoors. In Alsace, the closest supermarket is 30km from base. Also, why not take advantage of the online shopping service offered by our operator and have your shopping delivered to you on the boat. market.navigfrance.com

Suggested RoutesYou can obtain suggested routes and tourist information at the departure base.

Sun umbrella and awningPlease fold up and retract the sun umbrella and/or awning during your journey and at night. You will be in-voiced if the sun umbrella/awning is lost, damaged or stolen.

SwimmingThe lakes in Germany, Étang de Thau in the South of France and some tributaries are perfect for swim-ming. However, we would not recommend doing so in the canals in France. Do pack your swimwear, as the houseboat has a glorious sun deck with a sun shade.

TheftBe sure to lock up your boat carefully when you leave and do not leave any valuables on board. Your je-wellery is best left at home. There is no safe on board.

TorchRemember to pack at least two torches with spare batteries. You’ll need them when returning to the boat at night or when mooring outside of the villages. A torch is a standard item of equipment on a canal cruiser.

Waterway guide / Route guideA few weeks before your departure you will receive a canal guide and/or route guide from Hapimag. These documents are very useful when planning your trip. They include maps and information about the number and location of the locks and their distance to each other, as well as refuelling stations, shopping facilities, restaurants and attractions. Please take the canal guide with you on your trip.

17

INVENTORYSafety Equipment Venus 38/42 Venus 34

Boarding ladder 1 1

Anchor 1 1

Bailer (DE) 1 1

Boarding ladder 1 1

Fender * *

Fire extinguisher 3 2

First aid box 1 1

Flashlight 1 1

Hammer 1 1

Hooks 1 1

Hose (FR) 1 1

Life belt 1 1

Life jacket 8 6

Log book, Operating instructions 1 1

Manual bilge pump (DE) 1 1

Red signal flag (DE) 1 1

Ropes 4 4

Second anchor with rope (DE) 1 1

Shore power cable 1 1

Signal horn (DE) 1 1

Stakes 3 3

Swimming ladder 1 1

Miscellaneous Venus 38/42 Venus 34

Bimini top (sun protection) 1 1

Sofa cushions 2 2

Stool 2 2

Cushions on Flying Bridge 6 4

Household Equipment Venus 38/42 Venus 34

Ashtray 2 2

Bread basket 1 1

Bread knife 1 1

Broom 1 1

Butter dish with lid 1 1

Chopping board 1 1

Cleaning brush 1 1

Clothes hanger * *

Coffee cup/saucer 8 6

18

Coffee maker 1 1

Coffee spoon 8 6

Colander 1 1

Cooking knife 1 1

Corkscrew/bottle opener 1 1

Crockery draining basket 1 1

Deep plate 8 6

Dessert plate 8 6

Door mat 2 2

Dustpan and brush 1 1

Economy peeler 1 1

Egg cup 8 6

Egg/mocha spoon 8 6

Fruit bowl 8 6

Frying pan 2 1

Glass for teeth 6 4

Household scissors 1 1

Kettle 1 1

Lemon squeezer 1 1

Liqueur glass (FR) 8 6

Measuring jug 1 1

Meat pot (20cm) 1 1

Meat turner 1 1

Pepper mill 1 1

Plate 8 6

Rectangular fire-resistant dish 1 1

Round fire-resistant glass bowl 1 1

Rubbish bin 2 2

Salad bowl 2 2

Salad drainer 1 1

Salad server 1 1

Salt cellar 1 1

Saucepan (16cm) 1 1

Soup ladle 1 1

Storage container 2 2

Table fork 8 6

Table knife 8 6

Table mat for pot 2 2

Table sets 8 6

Tablespoon 8 6

Tea strainer 1 1

Thermos jug 2 2

Tin opener 1 1

19

Toilet brush with holder 3 2

Tray 1 1

Universal grater 1 1

Vegetable knife 1 1

Vegetable pot (24cm) 1 1

Washing line and pegs * *

Washing-up liquid

Water glass 8 6

Water jug 1 1

Water pail 1 1

Whisk 1 1

Wine glass 8 6

Linen per person Venus 38/42 Venus 34

Bath towel 1 1

Bed sheet 1 1

Hand towel 2 2

Matress cover 1 1

Pillow 1 1

Pillow case 1 1

Pillow protecting case 1 1

Quilt 1 1

Quilt cover 1 1

Linen per boat Venus 38/42 Venus 34

Cleaning cloth 2 2

Hand towel 1 1

Kitchen towel 2 2

Owen glove 1 1

Sponge 1 1

* Depending on type of boat and base Subject to alterations.

20

Boat-hook: The boat-hook is a wooden or aluminium pole around 2.5 m in length with a hook at the end. Use the boat-hook when mooring or casting to prevent boat bumps. It can also be used for ‘fishing’ so-mething that fell in the water.

Bollard: Cylindrical piece of metal or stone, recessed into the lock wall or the embankment which serves for tying up boats.

Bow: The front end of the boat. Channel: Lane which the boat should follow. One mainly talks about ‘navigation channels’ on lakes or rivers if the silting of certain banks forces the boats to re-main on one side or the other of the waterway.

Cleat: Metal hook on the boat for tying up the rope.

Draught: The depth of the boat below the water line.

Downstream: In the direction of the mouth of a river.

Fender: Plastic cushion-like device to protect the boat from collision damage.

Lock: Locks make it possible to overcome differences in level on waterways.

Lock basin: The part of a lock situated between the upstream and downstream gates.

Lock wall: The side wall of a lock (vertical or 45º angle).

Locking: The passing of a boat through a lock. Passing th-rough the lock takes around 10 – 15 minutes depen-ding on the size of the lock and the change in level.

Mooring: Place where boats can moor.

Port side: The left side of a boat in the direction of travel.

Reverse gear: You engage reverse gear to stop the canal cruiser.

Rights of way: On canals boats travelling downstream have right of way over boats travelling upstream. In general, there are four rules which must be observed:

1. Small craft (less than 20 metres) avoid large ships2. Motorboats avoid sailors and paddlers3. Motorboats must alter their course to starboard,

otherwise give way to the right4. Overtake only with plenty of distance and at low

speed

Rope: The rope is used for tying up your boat. Starboard: The right side of a boat in the direction of travel.

Stern: The rear end of the boat.

Towpath: Path alongside a canal (sometimes a river, too); it used to be used for pulling the boats (towing).

Upstream: In the direction of the source of a river.

GLOSSARY OF BOATING TERMSOur log book contains a number of nautical terms which are explained below: