VetChugger

38' is not particularly big when compared to hireboats generally. There are many around this length and a good few very similar to "Ibiza". If there are many more than two of you going you will appreciate the space! Everyone starts somewhere and you will be surprised how easy to handle the boats are with basic common sense. You'll enjoy it and return again and again! Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

Alternatively for an easy and compact solution that you can hide away when not in use have a look at these... http://www.waudbys.co.uk/products/details/62.html I have one and it works very well. Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

Its harder to not have Google desk top than to have it! There are countless instalations and downloads that try and give you this on the sly! Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

Unashamedly pilfered from Radio Broadland. Oulton Broad YS ...... pontoons have risen some! And a dramatic photo on Caistor Beach Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

Come on someone?? Even I want to know where this is. Looks familiar but I can't place it. Favourite would be one of the big yards like Richardsons or, as has already been suggested, Moores. Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

And one at the Maltsters at Ranworth. Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

Many folk seem to forget or conveniently ignore the fact that the areas "guarded" by Wroxham, Potter, Beccles, Wayford and, to a certain extent, even Ludham bridges are in this attractive state because access is limited. I don't think there is any coincidence in the fact that many peoples favourite stretches just happen to be the other side of these bridges. I'm as frustrated as the next person when I can't get my boat under a bridge but this is forgotten on the occasions I do and enjoy the quality of the scenery and the peace and tranquility. With regard to the points about mooring improvements, I think this is at the mercy of the inflated property market. You only need to look in estate agents to see prices at places mentioned like Wroxham and Horning to illustrate the unlikely prospect of the BA ever being able to purchase river frontage to provide moorings. The Waveney River Centre is at the pinnacle of examples that, if you want facilities, you will pay through the nose for them. As for a new cut from the Bure to the Yare! What's the hurry?? It seems to me that all the points being mentioned centre on areas that are an essential part of the Broads identity. People have enjoyed watching boats struggle to get under Potter and Wroxham for years! There are many posts and observations of trepidation at the prospect of a Breydon crossing. We all know that, with common sense, there is not a problem and these parts of a holiday on a boat are parts of Broads folklore. Leave it be! As things are there are parts of the Broads that will suit most tastes. All you need to do is explore and, if you like a spot, stop and enjoy. Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk

I do like Throwers..... the pies and pasties!!! Then the fancy buns and cakes.... On the slight upside, The Lion at West Somerton has opened a "shop" in the pub. I realise not many will get there because of the dwarf like nature required to access the navigation but it makes this opening more of a service to the community than a gesture to holidaymakers. I've yet to have a look myself but suspect I'll have plenty of chances over the winter when my cruising area suddenly shrinks to just Hickling and West Somerton as destinations! Trevor http://www.normanboats.co.uk