BroadScot

For years we hired from Dick Sabberton at Summercraft, one Easter Mrs Sabberton (Gwen) phoned me to say if we could drive down a day earlier we could take the boat over on Good Friday. A no brainer that offer! Arrived friday morning, and as usual did shopping in Roys etc, (Had driven down overnight) However, I would normally at 10.30am go for a pint in the Kings Head, but not this day. Why? Simples, I did not realise English drinking laws forbid bar open till mid day!!!! Good Friday. My father in law dually opened the boot, and burst open two cans of lager in Roys car park. Never made that mistake again I can tell you all lol

Frankie boy was a great entertainer in my book! You play Green Door as many times as you like! Bang goes my chances of the 50 an in club when its due!

MrOrca, try that "Nice" Mr Osborne at 11 Downing Street, he may buy the engine off you, after all, according to him we are rolling in it again!

When we were graded I was made up to Technician, my boss said no way am I paying you and extra 9d an hour. Rather than lose my job, I was regraded to Approved Lecky. As it happened our foreman left for more money elsewhere, and I got his job with an extra 1/- an hour think it was. Just crazy that SJIB idea, so many left the trade because of it. 1983 I was made redundant as my boss retired. So I too been self employed ever since. But due to health reasons not worked full time in years. The good bit though, it meant I could drive down from Scotland three times a year to have my Broads fix! My wife being a teacher found it a great way to chill out! Sorry for going off topic. Hope you get your fuses sorted out ok.

I am just about to officially retire as a Electrician this friday. We were given pig skin gloves doing that job, I remember some of the young lads getting the odd burn scar. A mate of mine started as an apprentice with the trusted GPO but came over to my trade, more money! lol. Oh and of course not like now, a 5 year apprenticeship. Ah happy days.

Strow I can assure you IT was the done thing to solder with a gas gun and molten tin solder to heavy single core VIR wire connecting to a BusBar Chamber in 1965. I agree that today it would be frowned upon.

And to think we use to solder those ends not crimp them lol Maybe 50 years ago it was the modern thing to do! lol

Its my new i5 Lappy wat did it Strowager lol Its fast!

This may answer your Question about the NBF being offline http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denial-of-service_attack

White and Pink Champagne had freezers fitted in them from new in early 90's lol Posh or what! Oh and a Mini Bar too.

Just looked at the pics on Richos site, its defo been given the Richos magic wand treatment! lol The engine use to be in the saloon, made a great towel drier lol You'll be fine at 5ft6" Errr hope you can reach the roof handles lol Only joking!

Depending which Star Gem you have hired, I think it is Star Gem4 (Z300) I hired many times when it was in the AJ Fleet at Acle (Shallon2). Like all these boats I am sure Richos have refitted it back out to a good standard. Its very roomy for two, in my day it had a recliner chair, yes even in the 80's! lol Comfort of a very high order. Breakfast bar was handy also then, Being 6ft tall though, I found the bed a tad tight, perhaps this also has been upgraded. I am sure you will have a great holiday on Star Gem, enjoy!

Jon, is she an old Porter & Haylett like the Aqualine?

I hired Silver Harmony in late September early October last year. A very good yard and boat, but no entry to the yard before 2pm.

I have hired from all positions, for many years it was the Aston Concorde Class centre cockpit. It was a dream of a boat to handle in any weather conditions and with the roof down no upholstery was soaked. The draw back as the years went by was the up n down to both forward and strern access. Today if I hire its a forward sterring, all on the one level and the throttle to the right so I can stand and look down the boat for reversing stern on. I agree regarding the vista viewing with centre but, as said it and DOES get very draughty even turning the boat into the wind moored up. You pays your money and takes your choice as they say, my old knees says all on the flat! lol

Since Sunway House closed the Hoseasons standards have reduced also. Take away staff who knew boating and move from the Broads was always going to be a big mistake I think.

Hoseasons should take lessons from Richerdsons in how to set out a quality brochure. Its far superior to Hoseasons effort! IMHO

Any additions to the hire fleets, has to be commended I think

Hi fellow and fellowess Broads lovers. Another NBF member here. Able to use my normal handle, plzd about that! lol Looks a clear and informative site.