JimG

Looks lovely if not entirely my cup of tea! I think the original design with steps out to the upper helm is better though, especially if children are on board. They can come in and out without having to be too close to the water.

This was moored at Berney Arms in 2009 the second pic showing the non existent quay heading!

Enjoyed the programme very much, roll on August!!!

This place always makes me mad!

Day 3 We all arrived back safely from Norwich, though some of the crew not until 4am!!! (we even managed to put the clocks back) Woke up early again, 7.30ish. Breakfast was Roy's McDonald's for some and Hotel Wroxham for others. One of the crew even paid for a hotel room as he was unimpressed with his bed on Opal Gem (he's a big lad and had one of the crossover beds at the stern). Left Wroxham at 10ish, destination Sutton Staithe. Weather was colder and windier than it had been but wasn't unpleasant. Passing through Ludham Bridge was a bit Wacky Races, but plenty of moorings so we stopped for water etc. The cruise up The Ant was pretty quiet and we were surprised to find Sutton Staithe quiet too. Moored up easily and went for a couple of afternoon pints, a few games of pool and to watch the footy at Sutton Staithe Hotel. Had a table booked for 7pm, the food received mixed reviews. Most had the pie which was nice. I had steak and it wasn't the best, a little chewy. In general the place was good, ideal for families, lots of space and of course a gorgeous location. Food was nice, nothing special in our opinion (eight of us dined). Returned to the boat at 21.30, all exhausted, early nights all round.

I have three holidays booked for next year. A weeks camping in Devon, a week in Rhodes and A WEEK ON THE BROADS!!!!! I only have one countdown timer.

Day 2 Woke up about 7am with a slight hangover. Weather was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. The crew on Opal Gem were up too (good job as we needed some milk). Had breakfast on the boat, sausage and bacon buns. Is there anything better than a sausage and bacon bun with a cup of tea, eaten alfresco on The Broads? I think not. Left Womack at 10ish, destination Wroxham. We had pre booked 2 moorings outside Hotel Wroxham. The cruise was idyllic, rivers fairly quiet. Decided to go to The Shed as we'd never been. A bit tricky to find, had to ask for directions. Decent place this, lots or real ales to choose from. Had a bite to eat then headed to the Kings Head to meet up with some of the others. Played cards whilst watching the footy results come in. Decided to catch the train into Norwich and had a drink in The Compleat Angler before going Tenpin Bowling. Stayed out til about midnight getting a taxi back to Wroxham. Far too much alcohol consumed!!!

Left Grimsby at 9am approx, arrived at Richardson's at 1pm. Both boats ready Staff very friendly (Chris and Alan) and we were on our way after a quick boat tour. I ticked the 'no trial run' box, in my opinion a great option to have for regular hirers. Boat was as expected (hired last year) and is great value for money. £404 for a short break and as there were 5 on board it was just over £80 each. Beautiful cruising conditions, lovely weather and the canopy was down for the whole journey. Water levels were high, just under 8ft clearance at Ludham Bridge. We arrived at Womack Water around 4pm. Lots of space which surprised me. Had a bit of a go in the dinghy, one of the party did a spot of fishing. Walked to The Kings Arms at around six and had tea. I had a steak baguette which was lovely. I really like this pub as it's fairly lively and has a pool table and a juke box. Returned back to the boat after far too many pints of Guiness/Gin and Tonics. A great first day all in all.

Broads every time. Simple as that!!!

Thanks for the info, going off topic slightly, what has clearance under the bridge been like with the recent weather? I have 6ft 10.

A few questions about Wayford. What's the pub like? Are there moorings this side of the bridge? (South side) Can I walk easily to Stalham and/or Sutton Staithe? Many thanks.

I'm not a big fan personally, though I appreciate they can make boarding/disembarking easier. I'd rather have an aft well, ideally with a couple of seats!

Sorry but I disagree. I'm a member of the two forums in question and post fairly regularly on both. Yes it's essential that they coexist, but I don't see an issue with making comparisons, as long as the negativity is kept to a minimum.

Yes Iain that's true. My wife and mother will be there but I'm paying so its tough!

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll get myself a cigarette lighter usb adapter. Who needs 240v anyway?

ah didn't realise the other forum had been down for a while, that may explain the inactivity.

I posted a similar thread on this forum and the NBF (another forum for those unaware). On this forum I received 297 views and 20 replies (at last count). On the other I received 122 views and not a single reply. How very rude lol. This forum is very friendly, long may it continue!!

Your boatyard hasn't paid the bridge pilot, go back to Horning!

Forgive what may be a daft question?!!! If on a 12v boat, is there some kind of device I can buy for charging phones, games consoles etc. I'm thinking something generic rather than having to bring lots of different adaptors?

Thanks, good advice that. Is the chair fixed then? Could it be brought inside if raining?

There will be five of us, two of them kids so should be plenty of space. I am a little concerned about the height but I'm pretty agile I've never had dual steer, can't wait. Is the outdoor steering position good?

It'll always be feet and inches for me. Thank goodness the boat hire companies still use them for their boat dimensions.

There are some up to date photos on Richardson's website.

Have to agree, Major Gem is lovely, the new flooring makes all the difference. We hire Ibiza usually (8 days to go!!!), very similar to MJ though without the refurbishment. It has 240v though and a really spacious rear shower/toilet. Both great boats.

The layout is ideal for us as the kids will love the bunk beds. On Bolero they'd've had to share a double. It has new flooring this year too. I personally prefer the older style cruisers to the modern ones.