LadyPatricia

Thanks Mowjo That was the type of boat we originally wanted but when we took insurance, tolls and moorings in to account (our budget has to cover the first year) those extra 2-5 foot make quit a difference to the costs. Now we have done a lot more homework I may take another look at costings for that size boat. That does seem a good price for an elysian 27, most we have seen have been 8.5k and up so a look at the costings again could be worth while. We don't want to go any more than 10k all in for our 1st boat. Go on call me tight Please do drop us a message if you see any more in a similar price bracket. Steve

Thank you all again for some sound advice. Frank, that is actually one of the boats we want to look at while in norfolk in a couple of weeks time. The same marina also has a 24ft Norman diesel which with a little TLC could be a nice boat. It's a little cheaper but then the budget will cover bits we want to add. NOTHING will be bought without a survey Steve

Thank you all for the help. It would appear a diesel powered boat with a displacement hull is the way to go Onward with the boat hunting Steve

Hi John Thanks for the quick response. It would appear it is something we should take in to account when buying then. I've just noticed you are located in Brundall. Is petrol readily available on the Southern Broads or is diesel the best way to go? Thanks Steve

Sorry guys 'n' gals, another possibly silly question. We've been looking at several ads for secondhand boats. Our budget isn't huge but we are only looking for a 22 - 25ft max boat. Our question is this: on the ads we've seen the boats seem to have either a displacement hull or a planing hull. Which is best for the rivers and what difference will we notice between them while at the helm and cruising? Apologies if it is a stupid question but not sure if it's something we should consider in the purchase. Steve & Deb

We will be on pacific star for the week and have booked a mooring. I hope they keep the 'better moorings' if there are any for those who have reserved We have noted that many posts are made regarding the good food and hospitality afforded at the Ferry. We are really looking forward to our visit Steve

HA, that doesn't fill me with confidence. We have booked a mooring at the Ferry in Surlingham for the 27th of this month. We have never stopped there before. What is wrong with the moorings there? Steve

I find a quick phone call to the guys at Yarmouth yacht station to check bridge clearance is all thats needed. I must admit the thought of crossing on our first ever holiday was a little worrying but that was mainly down to what I had read on the internet. In reality there were no issues. Now we are a little more experienced (by no means experts) we do check tide time and use the to our advantage on all our cruising on the southern rivers. It's amazing the fuel you can save over a week Steve

Thank you all so much for all you replies and help. After reading all your replies it looks like we will give this one a miss. For so many to comment on the rudder 'not looking right' does start the alarm bells ringing. We will continue our search while on the broads from 27th sept. Steve

Hi Frank We may well still buy one that is already on the broads. We've only looked at this one today as it had the 'free delivery' bit Nothing has been agreed on this one. I was just after some info as to if it seemed a reasonable deal. We are actually on the broads in 2 weeks time on holiday. During this time I've already got 2 or 3 boatyards or marina boat sales planned for visits while we are there. It's a big purchase for us so I want to make sure we get the best boat and the best deal we can for our hard earned cash Steve

Thank you Timbo. We went to look at the boat today, the photos are ones I took while we were there. It's advertised as just having been anti fouled, not sure if an expert eye can tell by a picture. They have offered that we can keep it at the marina on the thames while we look for other moorings so we would be able to use her. Our preferred choice though would be to move her to the broads. Thought it a nice offer though and not one that would be made if they had any inkling that the boat had any issues. Is that the case or am I being too naive? It is a little scary doing this as a novice and not knowing the pitfalls

We have seen 2 Norman 24's that we are very interested in. One marina has said they will do an inspection and sort out the insurance for the first year, approx £150 fully comp. they will also deliver within 200 mile included in the price. That would get it delivered to the broads. Does this sound too good to be true or is it about right. It is a Diesel engine, not sure of the type of drive although only the rudder is visible from the back. I will try to attach a picture. The boat also has no hot water. What prices are we looking at to get running hot water on the boat, no huge issue as we can boil a kettle for washing ect. Hope you lovely people can help Steve & Deb

Thank you Alan, we are still working out how to find things here

Thank you Frank ...... And Griff I'm fortunate to have a fully expensed company vehicle so the travelling to and from is not really an issue. I pay up front through a large amount of company car tax though I actually spoke to a gentleman at Broadsedge but he has no permanent moorings available right now, he did say to call when we have chosen a boat and he would be able to help us with a temp mooring until we found something permanent. Great customer service. We are looking both North and South so keeping all options open. Looks like our week on pacific star may be a perfect time do some hands on research lol Steve

Thanks for the replies, I'm doing as much research as I can on the internet. We are actually up on the broads at the end of the month for a week. Our intention is to stop in and see Jon @ Wayford. We will look at as many boats as we can while we are up there. Steve

Evening all Doing a little more homework on the costings of buying our first boat. Can one of you lovely people confirm the toll to be paid for a freeman 23 would be £196.36. The length is 7.09m and the beam is 2.29. Can anyone also point us in the direction of moorings. My homework so far has shown moorings can be anything upwards of £180 per metre per annum. Just looking for a basic mooring to start with no too worried about electric or water. Hope some of you can help. Any advice at all on buying a boat will be greatly received. Steve & Deb

Thank you all for the likes and responses, you're all very kind. As has already been said, with this jewel in the crown on our own fair shores why would you want to go anywhere else

Posted this elsewhere so if you have already read my poem i do apologise. I hope you enjoy it and I'm sure a lot of you will understand what I mean THE NORFOLK BROADS. For 42 years you mean't nothing to me Your peace and your beauty I did not see Then 3 years ago you entered my life Through a boating holiday for me and my wife. From that very first meeting you stole my heart The way you grabbed me, right from the start And when I'm not there, there's a continual burn The urge, no the need, that I have to return. I see you for, maybe, 3 weeks a year I've talked about a move just to be near The meandering curves, the way that you flow There's no place on earth that i'd rather go. During my visits what beauty I've seen A more tranquil place, I don't think I've been. The otters, the heron, a kingfisher or two Are a few of the reason I return, as I do Oh Norfolk Broads please explain this hold That you have on my heart but which can not be told At every opportunity I will always return For that flame you ignited will eternally burn. Steve

Thank you for the welcome. Iain, I have taken your words of wisdom on board in the past on 'the other' forum. Look forward to more input on the many questions we will have over the next few months. Steve & Deb

Evening All Just a quick hello from Deb and myself. We are regular hirers on the broads and hoping to take ownership of our first boat in the next 12 months ( if we can find something suitable at the right price ) We will no doubt bombard you all with question regarding ownership and the ups and downs Once again hello to everyone Steve & Deb