JimG

Totally agree. We go a week on Friday for a long weekend. Weather forecast is looking a dodgy!!!

Evening all. Has anyone hired Contessa from Richardson's? Looks like a lovely boat and so cheap!! £928 for a week in August. The boat I've hired (Bolero) is nearly double that!!!

Can't take credit for this but it's stunning so warned to share it!

Letter through the post from Richo's advising me that my boat should be ready an hour early Wasn't expecting that as I go a week on Friday, the start of half term

Never been to Paddy's Lane but I figured if you guys are signing then I'll sign too.

Excellent information, thanks very much. Now let's hope we can get under the bridge!!!

Are there still 3 pubs relatively close to the public moorings. Last time I was there, there was The Rising Sun, The Kings Head and The Red Lion. How far away is The Recruiting Sergeant? Are these all still open?

Steve Miller Band? Is he Ed and David's brother

Having hired Broadland Mercury, Major Gem and Ibiza, I can only echo the comments already posted. I personally prefer Ibiza as it has a 240v system and a large toilet/shower room at the back. Alas no new flooring........yet. I'm on Ibiza in a couple of weeks, can't wait

Hi Grace, Totally agree, which is why I think a well, be it forward of aft is important. It means the kids can get that outdoor feeling whilst being relatively safe. I will add at this point that my kids are aged 9 and 7. If they were toddlers they wouldn't be out of my sight!!!!

Interesting this......Robin's picture for me illustrates exactly my point. If those girls been stood in a fairly high-sided well would the concern for their safety have been so great? Perhaps not. Of course it will ALWAYS be the parents' responsibility to ensure children are safe and the front well on forward steer boats is perfect, it's just a shame (in my opinion) that this feature isn't available in other steering options. Back to Solitaire Emblem mentioned earlier. This design is perfect. A large well with a gate for easy boarding/disembarking.

Sat here watching French and Saunders and crying witn laughter. Never gets old. Brilliant!!!

Hi Dan, just had a look at Solitaire Emblem.......now that is a well and a half. Not seen this boat before Hi HA, I just think if you have young kids on board it's a lot safer with a well (feeding ducks etc), though I guess getting on and off is easier with the new bathing platform style rear.

Some of the new boat designs are fantastic. Luxurious, spacious, all the mod cons etc etc. None of them seem to have aft wells anymore though and I personally think this is a shame. I wouldn't hire one with my kids, I wouldnt dare let them out of my sight. Take the new Broadway for example. You may see a nice seat, I see a death slide (pic attached) just my opinion of course.

Hi Neil, we are afloat from Fri 24th for the weekend, northern rivers though.

Sorry to hear about this, hope you get it all sorted as hassle free as possible.

Hi all, I got mine days ago

Welcome Neil, a lovely forum this . Enjoy.

I can be there......and I love a good quiz.

The average holiday maker visits for what? One week? If you want cheap food etc then stock up before you come. Or visit the supermarkets at either Norwich, Gt. Yarmouth, Wroxham, Stalham etc before you arrive at the boatyard. I don't think The Broads needs commercialisation (is that even a word).

Hi Simon, yep, mooring at Ludham Bridge is definitely our contingency plan. And only a mile or so walk to The Kings Arms, Ludham.

Good thing is I'll be doing pretty much all of the driving. And Bolero has a door straight into the saloon, ideal for the mother, wife and kids to pass me cups of tea and/or bottles of beer.

Thanks everyone. Seems like there are plenty of options mooring wise then. As far as time goes, I guess I'll make my decision when I reach tbe Ant mouth!

Thanks Iain, rowed in the dark plenty of times so not too concerned. Leaving a light on on board is the key of course.

Advice please We (a group of thirty somethings on two boats) are hoping to leave Richardson's at 2pm on Fri 24th Oct (1st Fri of half term). Our plan is to moor for our first night at Womack and go to the Kings Arms. I've only been to Womack once before and that was out of season in early March. So will it be busy? If we cannot get moored at the staithe are there other moorings that will still allow us access to the pub? We have a dinghy, can we mudweight anywhere and row ashore. Time will not be on our side, so we need to make a decision!! The alternative is Ranworth where we can definitely mudweight, leave the dinghy in the dyke and visit The Maltsters. Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.