Kinrooi (De Spaanjerd marina)
About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Kinrooi in Belgium is the starting point for this Linssen motor yacht charter. Boats leave from the Linssen Boating Holidays partner base at De Spaanjerd marina on the Maasdijk. From here you can cruise the Meuse Lakes and the Meuse, and spend time on the Maasplassen, a large water sports area in the south of the Netherlands.
Heading north or south on the Meuse
Your trip starts on the River Meuse. Head north into the Netherlands for Roermond, Venlo and other stops. Or head south via the canal to Maastricht and on into Belgium. The historic cities within reach include Roermond, Maastricht, Liège, Namur and Dinant. Along the way you can enjoy the rich culture and good food of both Belgium and Holland.
Travelling times can vary a lot from one trip to the next, depending on local conditions at the time. It makes sense to plan loosely and let the water set the pace. In the base's own words: "Slow down... and start living."
Planning your route
The team at Kinrooi can help you plan your own tour, so that it includes as many of your own ideas as possible. Detailed route suggestions are available on request. You can contact the marina at Jachthaven De Spaanjerd, Maasdijk, 3640 Kinrooi, or by phone on +32 (0)471 47 67 61.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
Aqua-Libra Yachtcharter is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The closest canal holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
