Gracie

Mean't to add, Happy 50th Birthday Colin, what a wonderful way to celebrate, have a lovely time Grace

Apologise if this subject has been done before but wondered if anyone has had experiences with these parties good or bad. In twenty years of hiring we have never once encountered a problem with these boats, been moored near several over the years and always had a bit of a laugh and banter with them. I know some people are totally opposed to them and for good reason if they have experienced problems, who can blame them. About five years ago I helmed an all female party of 6 of us and only one other girl had been on a boat before, I remember laying down a few rules about the do's and don'ts when mooring etc and told them always to be respectful to other boaters, we had a bloody good time and intend doing it again in the future, you have been warned Lol We used to moor up in out flats and put our heels on to go into the pubs once moored (how blonde is that Lol), we found locals and other boaters to be friendly and helpful and had really great fun. I don't want to start arguments with for and against, but nice to read other peoples experiences. Grace

We hired from Herbert Woods a couple of years ago, I won't go into too much detail but picked the Boat up on the Saturday got as far as Acle for going South and took it straight back very early on the Sunday morning. There were major problems with the Boat and the whole family felt they couldn't spend another night on board let alone a whole week. Herbert Woods were brilliant, they were very apologetic and offered us a similar boat in their elite range and told us we could keep the boat until the Sunday as we had wasted a day sorting everything out, obviously we took them up on their offer. Excellent Company and Service, Anyone can mess up and have problems but how they recover the situation can make all the difference and they certainly did for us. Went back to Richardsons the next year though only because we adore them and I missed them (take note Clive) Grace

Kathleen, so sorry to hear about your daughter, I have two sons of my own so can't imagine what you are going through. As for a gift I am with Iain (Broadscot) you being there with lots of cuddles and kisses, hope she gets well soon, no better way to recover than on a Boat on the Broads (a couple of bottles of something nice should help). Will be thinking of you both. Grace

Only if you get your kit off Frank

Awe bless him, I thought you were going to say something like One Direction or Kylie Minogue, Grace

He may not be an angel captmatt but he is adoreable and the amount of famous people he has met, does he have a favourite so far? Grace

Oh Lori, brilliant, that's exactly the sort of thing I would do, I think we should start 'The Dumb Blondes Section' on here Grace

She's absolutely beautiful Grace

Andy what a shame, can it not be both just joking. I am married but there are some very nice chappies on here. Grace

You can easily go off people you know BroadScot Lol Grace

I know what you mean Dave I did try that this morning but it didn't work I was looking in all the wrong places then hubby asked that question and I got cross Lol. Frank, although I don't own a Boat yet, we have never had a bad day's holiday on our hire boats, once we were cruising along and it was raining with, howling winds and thunder and we absolutely loved it, going across Breydon in a storm is sheer magic, the choppier the better. Grace

Bless you Frank, What a lovely attitude Grace

Why is it when one loses their keys as I did this morning some bright spark (my husband) asks "where did you lose them?" if I knew that, they would'nt be lost would they. I did eventually find them down the back of the sofa, how they got there is any ones guess, but now late for work so having a really bad day. Is it just me or are any of you guys having a bad day? Grace

Apologise for wrong information, I thought I had read somewhere that only hire boats were taken through. Grace

Yes there are pilots for both bridges, not sure but don't think they take private boats through. I think the only boats getting under Potter nowadays are the little day Boats, we have'nt been under for a few years now which is a shame, would love to get up to Hickling again. Also hired Star Gem a couple of years ago, lovely boat. Grace

Just watched the link and have to say a very handsome man you are Clive, now if that does'nt earn me a free holiday then what will Grace

"the White Horse is still accessible though" Good to see you've got your priorities right Howard Lol Grace

Sue, I don't believe for one minute your bum is big but are you really going to risk having Frank on board. If there are reports of a man over board from the 1st March we'll know who it is lol Grace

Listen gents, take no notice of Frank, when us ladies ask if our bum looks big in this you lie, lie, and lie Grace

Hi Frank Thank you for that, I thought there may be an issue with Insurance with this type of thing and only asked the question to make conversation, I certainly would not expect a responsible boat owner to let someone take their Boat for a 'jolly' Grace

I would gladly do it for you John, a beer or three would be lovely but a week aboard Friday Girl even better Grace

Not simple enough for me it would seem. Grace

Just googled Boat Buddys, unless I have missed something there seems little mention of Insurance, what if an accident occurs involving another boat or personal injury to the boat buddy, just a thought. Grace

Hi Alan Never heard of Boat Buddy before, by the title I can imagine what it's about. Is it just between friends or would you allow strangers to use your pride and joy? Grace