Madam Butterfly is a wheelchair accessible cruising boat, equipped with a hospital bed and other facilities to allow able-bodied carers, friends and family to accompany those with mobility problems on cruises along the Basingstoke Canal.
There is ample storage, a gas cooker, electric refrigerator, accessible shower and toilet, central heating and a dining area. Kitchen equipment, china, cutlery and glasses are provided, as is bed linen. Fuel is included in the price.
Madam Butterfly offers sleeping accommodation for up to 7 people. Wheelchair access to the boat is via a dismountable gang plank onto the rear deck. The front and rear decks have safety rails and are large enough for a wheelchair when cruising. Hydraulic lifts give ready access to the cabin and front deck for those in wheelchairs.
Pets other than assistance dogs are allowed on board only by special arrangement in advance.
Self-drive hirings are open to both novices and experienced boaters alike, because full tuition tailored to individual requirements is provided at the start of each cruise by trained volunteers from the Accessible Boating Association. For those families who might not be able to self-drive, the Accessible Boating Association have day boat for which they provide a crew and can take up to 10 passengers for 3 to 6 hours cruises on the canal. More details about this can be found on the Accessible Boating Association’s website.
