BOAT rides on the restored canals through Stroud are expected to finally start next month.
The new trip boat Endeavour has been craned into the water and is now moored in Ebley in readiness for the pleasure trips to begin.
Sourced especially for the Cotswold Canal Trust outings, Endeavour's arrival at her home mooring marked almost the end of a nine-month-long project, said trust spokesman Clive Field.
After finding and funding Endeavour more than 60 trust members had now volunteered to take her tiller, he said.
They would now be trained for their various roles as Endeavour is guided along the newly-navigable section of the Stroudwater Navigation.
Mr Field said: "Some of our trips will require the operation of the Ryeford Double Lock.
"This means the mechanical movement of nearly 800 tonnes of water and, with 12 people floating on top in an eight-tonne boat, that needs attention, care and skill."
He added: "We will get the operation up and running as soon as possible, all being well on a date in May.
"The wait will be worth it, there are so many things to see and enjoy at water level when travelling at the natural pace of life, boating pace."