Broadsword

Thanks for the clarification - I wasn't aware about the change to the moorings opposite the Ferry... I thought the PH ones were BA 24 hr moorings, but admittedly, as it's my home base, I never use them! I don't have much more to add to this discussion - but will keep an eye out for a further response from the BA...

Sue, our doggie lifejackets have very useful handles

JM, you probably remember when I tipped over a half-decker in a squall at Thurne (though I don't really want to remember it!) Although we were absolutey fine and called no-one except the yard, by the time we were out of the water, Police, Ambulance and BA were all in attendance and there was a helicopter overhead!

I'm not arguing with the logic of that Robin, but I don't agree that dedicated quiet moorings are not achievable and I am grateful to Adrian Vernon for at least taking the suggestion seriously! Many of the more remote moorings are just that already, as most of the big beasts stay away (opting for proximity to the staithes, pubs etc.) or can't get to them (Horsey/Catfield for example) So, to put up a sign on all of them may not be necessary. Bearing in mind that, by definition, those of us who rough it are tougher and more resilient than the rest of you to reserve say, the further end of Paddy's Lane (away from Barton Turf) or the smaller side of Ranworth/Malthouse moorings should not be difficult or cause significant problems. I have suggested several areas where I think it would be very straightforward and am sure there are others - across the river from Horning Ferry; one of the two mooring stretches as you enter South Walsham; The moorings by the mill at Potter, before you get to the busy area by Herbert Woods; the upriver end of the Acle Bridge moorings, either side etc. Sorry about my Northern Rivers bias!

SwanR, and anyone else who feels offended, please don't - I manage with absolutely none of these luxuries... but I am not saying you can't have them. We are content with enough electricity to charge a 'phone or power a light so that we can read in bed, and a simple gas stove that we use outside wherever possible, to annoy our neighbours with the fragrance of bacon. Our toilet is a Thetford Porta-Potti and in the remaining places where we can, we use the toilets and showers provided (thankfully there are still quite a few.) For us, part of the fun of being on our boat is leaving much of that stuff behind for a few days of simplicity. We have no fridge so, every day we take a walk to find the shop and buy what we need for that day... etc. I understand, of course, that not everyone is mobile, fit and able to live that simple life and accept their right to enjoy the pleasures of the Broads and their need of some on-board support to do so. I don't think this is the main reason for this problem though! All I ask is that your happiness and enjoyment of your boat shouldn't greatly erode my happiness on mine; is that unreasonable? I would be just as annoyed if you were a private owner running your engine for ages a few feet from me, as I would if you were a hirer. I have hired and used motor cruisers and never found it necessary to do this. I am all for more shore power points Vaughan (especially if it stops the engine noise...), but some of us would be happy to see continued investment in shore showers and toilets!

Well, I watched - and wished I hadn't bothered. Very poor quality production and Len Goodman is a dreadful presenter, with an awful voice! Sorry!

Correction to my earlier post - it was the hire companies Mr Vernon was meeting with - not the hirers! London Rascal, your lengthy post underlines exactly why I have made the suggestion of some designated quiet moorings. Whilst the hire companies continue to provide boats that need to have their engines run whilst stationary, those of us who are greatly irritated by the practice should have some protection from such a blessed nuisance!

They can use them at How Hill, please - even if they don't work, as long as the sight of them slows the Hooray Henry's down! I still have the scar from when I spilt me tea down me front!

I had a very pleasant reply from Adrian Vernon at the BA, responding to my suggestion of designated quiet moorings, where engine noise would not be permitted at all. Apparently it has been raised before, but there is concern that by introducing such areas it might suggest noise is acceptable elsewhere. However, he is meeting with hirers and other boating bodies and has said he will raise the suggestion for discussion.

Sounds a lovely evening, thanks for sharing this Peter... but almost a 50 mile journey for me! Mind you, it would be nice to see you again and buy you a pint! The last time we met was at that evening in PH when they were discussing the Coastal defences...

Not necessarily, but if not they have to be pretty sophisticated, so as to allow a calculation which takes account of the movement of the vehicle/vessel carrying the gun... I doubt the one you met was that clever!

The Greyhound, Hickling - as the landlord bought me a very nice Scotch on my birthday and the food was great! Are we including Norwich - if so.... where to start?!

Haha! You're right, of course, it is not that big a problem, though we have been irritated on occasions! Love, love, love Cockshoot Dyke, pity it's too small and awkward for motor cruisers... like Gays Staithe... Barton Turf... White Slea and a few others...

I have emailed my totally brilliant suggestion to the BA

OK, I realise I may be in a minority in my hope and expectation of quiet moorings - and admit, I am not aware of the demands of the more recent additions to hire fleets (thank goodness) so, how about this for a suggestion? Could we not have at least some moorings that are designated as 'quiet' where it is absolutely NOT permitted to run your engines, except when arriving or leaving? I am still at a loss to know why the most modern boats have to be the most disturbing (as seems to be the case from this thread) but at least this way, I could be assured of some protection from morning and evening engine noise. For example, on the Northern Rivers, at Malthouse the moorings to the left of the dyke could be 'quiet'; Cockshoot dyke could be 'quiet' for its lower half (if I can't have it all; Paddy's Lane could have a 'quiet' stretch etc and the moorings on the far side of the river at Horning etc. etc. You can add your own suggestions. I don't imagine the BA would bother to explore such a simple solution, but it could work. If it were quickly discovered that, amazingly, more people wanted the peaceful moorings than otherwise, the balance could be shifted easily, just by moving signs!

I am afraid I agree largely with Peter on this subject, however, I am not sure where the driving force for the ever increasing complexity on Broads boats comes from. Is it an industry desperately trying to hang on to customers so forced to meet their increasing demands? Is it greedy yards wanting to grow ever bigger and therefore trying to attract a different kind of boater? I'm really not sure... Personally, I would never part with the kind of cash required to hire one of the new boats with all the mod cons - don't need them or want them. Certainly, I feel a boat that needs to run its engine for lengthy periods whilst moored close to others, just to provide for all the mod cons, is IMHO an undesirable nuisance... I have used cruisers, and when I did, they were able to provide quite decent hot water and enough battery power for modest use on a family boating holiday, just through daily boating. Hotel rooms they were not... but it's not what I wanted. You have to time your showers sometimes, but hey, you're on holiday, who cares?

Someone on another forum is looking for an outboard for a 10 foot dinghy... If it's not too scary, I suggest you take a look at the thread...

Motoring around the shallow Broads really does not compare to a Channel crossing! Why not see if a friendly member would take you aboard for a day, probably in the Northern Rivers? I am sure it would help your good lady overcome the phobia. Encourage her to get involved, handling the boat, ropes, etc... just sitting watching others is not the best way for a nervous crew member to get comfortable with boating...

Erm, Senator, it seems you should have used a tongue in cheek smiley... too subtle for the forum?

That won't go under the bridge...

Well, that was a joy to watch... thank you!

Interesting thread this... I think I bought my little mudweight fairly cheaply some years ago, but it is the real thing... I thought shape had something to do with the effectiveness as well? The traditional upside down flower pot shape helps with creating the suction effect, doesn't it?

How is it affecting the Mere itself?

Noooo! One of our favourite places to moor up! I do hope they can sort it out quickly... Keep us informed - and pictures if possible!