JawsOrca

Paul.. Sorry ... I'm really really sorry..Although the bright side.. She's further away from us at somerleyton!!! Time to dig those spare fenders and ear plugs out! Don't forget though there's now a spare mooring at Loddon? Have fun.. (P.s I love you really folks.. Grace don't encourage her!!)...

Thanks MM if you have spare rhond anchors they would certainly go to a welcome home! Thanks to Mark we have seen the rhond anchors at Jeckles in Oulton but they arent cheap, they wont be used that much I think so I think its a waste to buy new Thanks Mark, any you have spare would be welcome, the more the better!

Hello, to the forum and welcome to norfolk! Don't worry my parents apparently done the same thing lol... thankfully I've not done that yet but came close on a hireboat one year when they forgot to fuel it up! We have a number of very very noisy members so before they ask, we need pictures of your boat and details where you moor Enjoy your time in norfolk and on the forum,

Andy I'll drop you a PM, although it will probably be in the morning

to the forum Vanillaiice99.. please feel free to share more details!

Thanks Franks, more than happy to wait, fenders are mainly for spares and covering the marina berth as mooring is going to take a bit of practice! (pesky wind if you get me lol!) Thanks Andy, we have new cables but the throttle control itself could do with changing to a morse control.. as its a bit pitted and does't quite fit.

so there we go! Ice cream from these guys in the middle of summer.. heaven!

Hi All, We are on the lookout for a couple of things: 2 x Norfolk type Reed Anchors, they seem expensive new and there's no point getting new also I can't find them down here. A morse/teleflex single throttle control, Ideally an top mount (MT3 type) although open to a side mount type for 33c cables. Some large fenders (Thanks again steve and debs you may have noticed that we used them on the boat!). We could do with some corner ones for the mooring and swim deck. Thanks in advance.

The signal generally given by a vessel being quanted is "that bored fed up look".. A vessel with limited manoeuvrability is generally pretty evident due to the zig zagging of "Ferry gliding" although it's all pretty normal for norfolk! I know this easier said but personally we have brought the boat to Norfolk expecting that there's going to be the odd bump, we've not painted the hull overly well again expecting to repaint it. Thankfully in all the years on the broads I've had little bumps and the only damage to our boat was actually caused by a stupid owner jumping on to the hire boat and driving it like a complete moron (Mum and dad know what I mean) . We had a close encounter with experienced hirer over the weekend, they was determined to get the boat into a non existing gap and expecting that the bow thruster was going to do all the mooring for them , we stayed calm and moored the boat for them but it shows when it gets a little more busy I'm probably not going to be so mellow and calm but it's nice to know that Orca is really well laid up and we can repair most damage easily ourselves. With regards to the damage waiver, I'm sure I asked the yard before and was told that the value charged is the excess on the insurance policy. I guess you should get it back if no damage and I'm sure I used to get it back when hiring although I can't remember. I agree it should be charged as it encourages people to be careful (as long it's returned).

Sorry to here your trip there David. At least you tripped away from the water but its easily done.

Hi Frank, when we were selling the last boat someone didn't come to look because the pullpit wasnt stainless (it was the original mild steel). Personally I like the look of stainless pullpits too. My parents boat doesn't have a traditional one but instead it has a single bar in the centre, like a pilot boat. It does make mooring up easier not having the standard pullpit but it's still nice to have something to hold on to. Whilst its yours do what you prefer although when you come to sell it you may need to install one

Gareth aim for yarmouth for about 15:00 and you will have the current behind you all the way saving fuel! It's 1.5 hours from Stacy arms (or about 2 hours from Acle) so you can use those at a time check. If you find you think you will get there early then just ease back the throttle. Have a brilliant trip, the south is so much better than the north

Hi Gareth, which way are you going? If south to north then aim for yarmouth for 14:39. If north to south I'd go for about 15:00. Enjoy!

We've got two converted lifeboats in the marina here. At least they have been repainted I guess but with house prices so high anythings possible. Ones for sale: http://www.premierhouseboats.co.uk/#!aria/cpep

Completely agree, Brilliant asset to the broads! Good luck to them. I love using the one in salhouse and will certainly look out for this one! As discussed on the earlier post I'm sure they have all the sanitation needed otherwise the local councils will soon be on top of them.

Thanks Guys, we did think about Jeckles but we was in the day before and didn't quite spot them, but good to know they were open on the bank holiday. Thanks Andy, I didn't actually think of trying the yards, I'm always a bit reluctant to go into yards for things like this considering I bet they go more important things to do but good to know the welcome would be there and next time Thanks a lot Clive that looks spot on!! We did give up yesterday and will source these bits from here, we have a few very very good motor factor type places here although I do still want to find places up there as I really don't want to have to rely on suppliers down here .. So thanks again chaps

Monday 4th May. Awoken in the middle of the night by the hellish sound of rusty cogs and scratching metal, it seemed like a monster from London had entered the Broadland countryside! A quick peer out the windows one could see some lights and action going on towards the nearby railway line, at least it’s not those pesky Lithuanian outboard engine thieves. Slowly the London railway monster vanished into the distance and the captain dosed off to sleep once again. Awoken by the sun managing to find a gap in the curtains, it was up to a warm morning so doors and windows open and another teenage type breakfast of Jammy dodgers and Jaffa cakes before packing the bits back into the car and sweeping away the mess made over the weekend. Although a cut short trip, it still felt like the crew had a relaxing time away and it was clear that Orca is certainly transformed from an unloved plastic rain trap to a comfortable, and despite the odd expected niggles list, a capable Norfolk broads cruiser. The feeling of given the boat back is also firmly gone now so the “years” of work were starting to pay off. The drive back south is no longer plagued with tears as it’s known that the crew will be back aboard Orca before we know it!

Sunday 3rd May The 1st mate was disappointed that the promised thunder storms didn’t happen.. I have no idea why someone would look forward to a thunder storm but still. But it was still a gloomy morning and quickly followed by quite a bit of rain. Waiting for the rain to fade away, as forecast , the ships cook (Note, The cook is also the skipper so the food always tastes perfect) cooked up some bacon sandwiches. One of the local geese was also making themselves known by peering at the galley window, although unfortunately, duck food wasn’t on the fitout shopping list so, Bob (Named after my annoying uncle) went hungry today, although I’m sure they know how to tempt food from the other boaters. Unfortunately the rain didn’t quite stop so the waterproofs installed and the crew trundled back up to the village for spares and provisions. Beccles is lovely unfortunately a bit too wet for too much sightseeing today so we didn’t spend a whole lot of time about and no camera.. next time : ) Back to the boat and pack away the bits. The rain was slowly clearing, the 1st mate did his checks and the captain did the skilled work of turning the key, unfortunately thumper once again didn’t want to quite play ball considering it had gone midday and it should have! Words were past alone the lines of “Thumpers still got a fuel leak”. Leaving Beccles before has always been a sign of going home it’s been the last corner before the final trudge back to the boatyard although this time it felt good. Thankfully no kids in sight at the sailing club. The trip down to the Waveney river centre was nice and relaxing and sadly quickly flew by, although it was nice to see a few hireboats making their way south towards Beccles and all given the friendly wave even those refusing to budge from the upper helm considering the drizzle of rain. Water and fuel was taken aboard at the Waveney River Centre. 30 litres of red diesel for £44! (£1.25 ouch!) although it’s nice to have a full tank for the first time (Note Orca is fitted with antisyphon devices… Captain quick to inform chief engineer that the fuel gauge hasn’t budged so add it to the newly evented “fix list”. Leaving the WRC the plan was to head to Loddon to overnight. The trip towards Somerleyton was again nice and relaxing and Orca was performing well and a tad bit of wind made steering interesting. Quickly Somerleyton swing bridge appeared and was open with the tide behind us we steadily approached the bridge at idle to stick to 6mph. Suddenly a Brooms cadet appeared and going as if racing to get through the bridge as if it would shut before they made it, even though thet clearly have enough air draft if it was to shut, unlike us! Once through Orca casually proceeded past the still open bridge. As we passed the entrance, the captain uttered to the chief engineer “Oi is everything good?” The unexpected reply “Erm well actually we have a fuel leak and the belts kinda worn and she probably cannie make it too long” “What happens if the belt breaks, it can still run?” “Nope it drives the water pump” “We got spare belt though, aint we, Like I (Captains hat firmly applied) said we needed” Sadly knowing the answer before it was uttered “It will be OK go on” Doing the quick safety estimation, Chief engineer worried about the belt, fuel leak just means Orca’s a pain to start but knowing it has two primer pumps so sign, but the tides flowing out quite quick. The captain turned the boat around and headed into the marina, mooring up at Orcas berth skilfully. Engine off, car keyed located in the car heading to Halfolrds for a spare belt, the unsurprising reply from Mr Halfords “Lol, what do you want one of those for, we stopped selling those years ago! But I’ll get you one for Tuesday” “Dave Mate, Any ideas where we get one today?” (Mechanics are always a Dave (Well Orca’s one is)). “LOL lovely bank holiday ennit, bye!”. Anyways copper washers found for the fuel leak at least that can be fixed. Back to the boat, lovely sunny day, sail boats and the chuck of BMC’s and Perkins 4108s could be seen and heard just beyond the marina. On Orca the chief engineer swearing in the engine bay. The captain determined to still have a bit of fun, dug Jaws out and with the reluctant help of the 1st mate got the pesky outboard going, although now he had a reason to sware! Unfortunately Jaws is a pain to control so after a few moments (mainly the fear of crashing into every boat in the marina) Jaws was put back to bed! Thoughts then turned to food, as it did and a glimpse at the time, 6.30pm! meant a quick call to the local pub.. Table booked for Orca’s crew for an hours time! Food was delightful! I had the “Dukes Burger” Dave had pork belly and the lord’s special chips! Both meals bloody lovely! Desert was apple crumble and Brownie with honeycomb sorbet for the captain, again lovely! Washed down with Wherry and Suffolk cider! The pubs down south are all lovely but this one is now our favourite and thankfully it’s now our local! (Well local to our second home!) It was dark by the time we finished and a full moon. The walk back down to the marina was very spooky and thoughts could easily turn to what ghosts and ghouls could terrorise this part of Broadland.

Thanks Grace, I'm trying to make it a bit fun lol and get the atmosphere which is too easy to forget! I think I've got the dinghy race there.. it was truly "interesting".. but they are all very skilled sailors. Yesterdays one coming up...

Saturday 2nd May A cold but sunny start, Orca’s heating fired up to take the chill off and to assist with mopping up the condensation from the windows. A quick teenage/Norfolk breakfast consisting of biscuits and other general rubbish the chief engineer checked Orca’s thumper before gently encouraging it to come to life, yup just like most of us on a bank holiday morning it didn’t quite want to awake but eventually it did. The way this engine was behaving anyone would think it’s an old girl looking for an easier life instead of the spring chicken it really is.. ok maybe a spoilt teenage brat. Ropes cast off at about 10.30pm, Orca followed three traditional broads sailing boats out the marina who were slowly being quant poled before catching the wind and galloping off .. The crew carefully studied the bright height boards, whilst remembering that only a few weeks ago some poor cruiser neaped herself for some weeks, “How tall are we again?”, “8 foot? Or was it 8 foot six?” “Ok lets go for 8.6 to be safe.. what’s that board read” “8 something?!!” “Ok pass me the radio, let’s get it opened”. After scratching places which shouldn’t be scratched, channel 12 on the vhf radio was selected; “Somerleyton Bridge, Somerleyton Bridge, Motor Boat Orca, Motor Boat Orca, Over” “Somerleyton” was the reply although you could sense what was actually meant [What do you want Orca, it’s 10 o’clock on a bank holiday weekend, sod off!] “Good morning, Somerleyton Bridge” (suitable level of sarcasm) “Orca, Can you advise when you can open up for us, Over” “15 mins” again in the tone of [Now seriously sod off and tell your matesso I can go back to sleep] “Somerleyton, Orca, Many thanks, Over” (I never say Over as I always expect a reply although in hindsight I probably knew I wasn’t going to get one this time! Being a true gentleman Orca’s skipper allowed one of Richardsons finest rainbow coloured bathtubs go first followed by the three sailboats, (well I wasn’t going to argue with those things!). With the tide behind and a hoot on the loud air horn to thank the sleepy bridge attendant for his service Orca easily navigated through the open bridge. Getting a grip of the boat it quickly started to sink in that Orca is safely in Norfolk(Suffolk) and handling well, perhaps it was the sceptical of traditional sailboats tacking around the sparkling reflection of the river followed closely by a famous bathtub or perhaps the side of a big bird of prey catching the wind whilst looking for his next take away meal (sorry I’m no philanthropist or whatever the word for bird spotting is ) Somehow Clives boat managed to get past the sailboat although that boat was galloping at some 6 and bit MPH between tacks (By this time the skipper had worked out how to use the GPS and change the speed to Norfolks “MPH” system) and it was quickly my turn to try! A helpful word from the 1st mate; “That’s the boat from our yard.. Don’t hit it” With Dave’s words of encouragement ringing in my ears in did the brain numbing calculation of “Next tack” although as that tack approached the wind seemed to build up to and the sailboat was certainly in full gallop so the only way to make sure Orca and “Whispering Reeds” (They are always called something like that) was going to get through our first encounter was to give Orca some gas.. Gap found, Orca’s throttle was pushed forward and thumper responded hitting supersonic planning speed within moments. During the movement the mutual glances of fear passed back and forward between both crews “If we don’t make it alive, it’s been fun!”.. Once safe Orca’s throttle retarded down a couple of hundreds rev’s , looking back hopefully not too many ducks, fish and roe dear were killed (disclaimer: events are dramatised for effect and no animals, humans and boats were harmed). The plan was oulton for lunch, the rest of the passage down was largely uneventful, passing the odd gym palace and waving even though it’s probably pointless considering it’s hard to even see through windows let alone a replying wave! And noticing that the bathtub had quickly vanished into the distance with what must be it’s retired concorde engine! (and no GPS Speedo). Oulton broad appeared like an oasis amoust the endless reeds although it was sad to see a somewhat empty OBYS, the captain skilfully/luckily glided Orca against the yacht stations banks under the instruction of the Yacht master who kindly mentioned “You came in there as if you had full thrusters” “Oh hell yes, I’m in full control here with all of that stuff” was the captains really…. Yup he got the irony! Noticing our first slip up being a huge lack of Norfolk sized fendoffs the harbour master suggested we moved Orca over to the floating pontoon. “LOL watch it mate there’s no wind pointing that way!” Although the captain quickly navigated Orca over there without hitting anything! Orca was locked up and the crew had a leisurely walk around the park, apparently they stumbled around some brightly painted caravans on one side of the broad, perhaps a 70’s hit? Lunch and beers were had in the wherry hotel with a few of Orca resting at the yacht station. Before returning to Orca the crew just couldn’t walk past the chandlers and got the customary Broads map and some canopy ties to replace those damaged over the winter. Thumper quickly restarted this time around and Orca’s was comfortably reversed out of the yacht station heading further upstream to Beccles. The trip to Beccles was really relaxing, Orca was performing well and the crew were starting to relax and let the boat take the strain. An hour and 40 mins later the other monument of Mr Beeching success (?) came into view which now also “Welcomes visitors to Beccles” well in about 30 mins time. Turning past the house on the hill, the skippers (Note the skipper and the captain are generally the same person!) worse nightmare came into view. The horizon was dotted with white sails. Beccles sailing were proudly having one of those race days! and boy it was a busy race there looked to be thousands of the pesky things. No time to think, Orca’s throttle was retarded to just on tick over, captain checked the speed 3.5mph.. and she cannie go any lower considering the sidewind and the need to steer with the current behind. Sticking to the right side of the river, the first couple boats wizzed past no problems, phrew, although it quickly became clear that the rest were aiming for a buoy positioned on the right side of the river, just in front of my track which gave the dinghies just enough space to turn around but clearly not enough space for all of us. I’ve not witnessed the real look of fear in the eyes of a dingy sailors before although I did today, it was along the lines of “Please don’t go there, someone will die”.. Spotting a gap on the other side of the river the captain did a quick turn to port and checking the depth gauge Orca hugged the wrong side of the river even despite the look of contempt for the racers this side but at least everyone was safe and no one died! Leaving the kids to enjoy their race Orca arrived at her overnight stop of Beccles, The yacht master suggested we moored side on just in front of the bridge, which we did. The captain is truly getting the hang of handling the alien outdrive and managed to turn in front of the bridge and land the boat (blind side) without hitting anything again! Engine off, it was a long day but it’s nice to be in Beccles and have a lovely mooring, although shame there’s truly local pub so it was a walk into town and a cooked chicken and chips for dinner before listening to the radio and reading some of the tourist junk found in the tourist information shop before an early night.

2nd Instalment "The Maiden Voyage" Friday May 1st Orca’s crew (Alan and Dave) arrived a little later than expected, we had hoped to get to suffolk for about 10.30 but pesky roadworks and bank holiday drivers meant we was an hour or so later. Anyways finally we pulled into the marina and unloaded the estate car of what must have looked like enough “Stuff” to last a three week holiday! As unloaded commenced Steve from the NBN forum (SteveandDebs) came over to offer a hand in exchange for a guided tour, Steve and Debs had visited Orca during the restoration works and I think pleased to see the final outcome. It was also really nice to see fellow NBN forum member David (deebee29) and his brother walking down the marinas lane, we had arranged via the forum for an unofficial mini meet up as they were aboard one of the new lightship type hireboats and kindly stopped off whilst passing! David stepped aboard and seemed impress with seeing Orca in real life! Huge shame you had to head back but next time beers David!! As promised Dave and Alan went to take a look at Lady Patricia, Steve had problems with her during the week and Orca’s chief engineer (Dave) found some issues and politely and gently offered advice. In return Steve and Debs very kindly offered Orca a new seat (for the first engineer), very kind of you guys and it will be installed shortly! Time quickly rushed upon us and all tummies were rumbling so off to our new local we went! After a lovely round of chips and wherry ( guys!) we wished Steve and Debs a safe journey home and returned to Orca. Kind of unpacking the bits, the chief engineer quickly got to work, installing the helmsman chair and repairing some of Orca’s fuel leaky fuel filter. Captain Alan managed to cut down some non-slip material and install on the dashboard (I must admit it looks quite good – Pictures omitted  and appears to block out the glare from the sun!). Once the chief engineer gave the nod it was Engine on and Orca’s thumper coughed and spluttered. “Seems better”! Lines untied, Orca was gently navigated out the marina, a quick glance at the GPS indicated that the fuel pressure seems to be more stable and she was leaving at a saner 2.5kts compared to last week’s 4.5kts! We turned downstream out of the Marina noticing fellow NBN boat “Ranworth Breeze” although couldn’t spot her current crew so they was probably refreshing in the pub! Orca reassuring proceeded downstream with no problems even against the incoming tide, quickly the old centre of the railway bridge at herringfleet came in sight followed by the new cut at st olaves, all still well so about turn and back to the marina. Back at the free moorings; “Shall we try and practice some moorings?” “Which side?” “The blind side, starboard!” “This is going to be fun, I’ll go put some more fendoffs that side then”… A gentle kiss later Orca landed on the mooring, a subtle smirk from the captain to the 1st mate.. The 1st mate failed to understand that from the helm the blind side isn’t actually quite so blind thanks to the window in the galley which actually gives better visibly than the port side! Back into the marina the stern on mooring was also getting easier after more practice and passed without incident! Dinner was had in harvester at Lowestoft before an full nights sleep as tomorrow was really Orca’s maiden voyage!

Thanks Geoff! I've really enjoyed your tales too! Looking forward to catching you one day and sharing a few beers!

Hi all. We back in the marina although noticed a fuel leak and be nice to fix it today. Does anyone know a engineering type parts place locally to lowestoft Yarmouth. We need banjos and copper washers? ?

I had a chat with the yard here. The thief's from here came in buy water. They removed two brand new outboards thankfully cleanly... throttle cables and battery cables too. Both were bolted and secured using insurance approved devices so they have some good cutting gear. as they are only going for new outboards if you have a new outboard at least remove the cover and replace with a broads beat cover and don't leave outboards on the back if they can be removed. Apparently the police are patrolling and are catching up with them.. good luck to the police.

Lol they are like dogs.. Ive named one Bob he came right to the window begging.