Timeshare Consumers Association

Timeshare in Boats

Canal/Narrow Boats, Houseboats, Cruisers and Yachts

Many companies selling timeshare in   boats promote the sale on the benefits of the exchange system – not to use the boat itself. This is very misleading.
The three independent canal boat operators in the UK are:-
    *     Canaltime Ltd
    *     Stratford Court Cruisers (latterly known as Ethos Narrowboats Ltd). Closed 1 December 2008
    *     Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd ("Narrow Boats at Barton Turns Marina" & "Houseboats at Barton Turns Marina", Classic Cruisers, Bray and Dames de la Mer, Turkey). Barton Turns boats moved to Mercia Marina early 2009    See Here
Each company uses a range of "agents" to sell on their behalf.
Because timeshare in boats, especially in low season (blue) is not very popular for exchange – nobody likes ice breaking or walking alongside a dry canal – many salesmen tell lies to get consumers to purchase.

Up until 23 February 2011 the purchase of timeshare in a boat was probably (see here) covered by the UK Timeshare Act 1992, (see here) and the 10 day voluntary code operated by credit card companies does apply - see : how to cancel

But from 23 February 2011 the purchase was certainly covered by the Timeshare Regulations.

Purchasers who have been told lies may have to take legal action to get out of the contract   Telling substantive lies in order to obtain a signature on a purchase agreement is "misrepresentation". See here for a list of typical misrepresentations.

Points to bear in mind when buying into a winter week (RCI "blue" season)
Canalling in winter can be dismal:

Cold, wet (although boats have central heating) and short days limit cruising.
Perhaps ice breaking!
Canals are often closed for periods in winter (October - March) for maintenance. These weeks are called "non cruising weeks". See the British Waterways annual list of closures
But you might be planning on swapping your week with an exchange company.
Remember that exchange companies need to find someone to use your week if they are to keep their system functioning smoothly.
What do you think their prospects of finding someone to exchange if it's cold, wet and closed ? And the RCI Points valuation of winter weeks is one tenth the valuation of a peak summer week.
You may be limited to using only one exchange company - see exchange companies - which limits your choice and may cost you more than is necessary