SwanR

To be fair my hire will be five years ago by the time Simon has this boat so who knows what may have changed in that time.

Ah now I actually went back to my holiday tale to refresh my memory as to what I had written at the time as it was back in 2016. You might like to take a look. I've mentioned over the few days what I thought of various aspects of the boat. Strictly speaking the Skipper's Manual at the time said that you should only run the heating for two hours without the engine on. We had a debate about this on my holiday tale. There was an immersion heater as well so whether that was heavy on the batteries for keeping the water hot I don't know. But you get the shore power lead so have the option to find hook up. There were bow and stern thrusters and a rear view camera, which was useful for stern on mooring. The steering was a little heavy but it kept a good straight course but you seemed to need to keep the revs quite high however the engine was quiet and you do get a tank of fuel in your price so this wasn't a concern. All in all it was a boat that I would take again.

All I can say is that I avoided reading this topic until this morning because I knew that it would only wind me up. Timbo’s post was the redeeming feature. Otherwise far too much sexist conversation for my sense of humour bypass to cope with!

Thank you Marshman. The knowledge of folk around here is so much appreciated.

Aha, good choice. We did our first March hire on Rose Emblem and I would take that one again. I seem to recall being told that FM bought it from a private owner as opposed to it being one they built. Would highly recommend the yard as well.

I’m sure you’ll be happy with them. Curious to know which boat you went for if you’re happy to share that information.

I was just browsing a couple of the hire boat company websites. I see that Norfolk Broads Direct have decided to stay closed until January but Broads Tours is open for day boats. The text below is from their website. https://www.broads.co.uk/news-update-december-2020/ News update December 2020 December 3rd 2020 Norfolk Broads Direct will remain closed for holidays until the 1st January. This is obviously very disappointing for everyone – especially those of you who had a holiday planned with us. We hope that 2021 will herald something resembling a return to normality – but it does need all of us to do our bit to make it happen. Online booking remains open for those looking to book holidays in 2021. We look forward to seeing you as soon as it’s safe. In the meantime, if you’re lucky enough to live locally our sister site Broads Tours has reopened for day boat hire –Weekdays only from 9am to 4pm.

Oh Howard, I had wondered whether you were coming down. Was going to keep an eye out for you to say hello. Ah well ... next time ... hope you are both keeping ok.

Imagine if anyone told children that the presents had got to be quarantined for x number of days to ensure they were clear of COVID!! Hope the elves are socially distanced up in Lapland.

I see this thread has very quickly moved away from boating and the Broads to totally unrelated subjects. So do we have any members getting out on their boats now? Anyone looking forward to Christmas afloat?

Sadly it seems that coastal erosion has defeated the cafe at Winterton-on-Sea. It is reported that it will be demolished on Friday. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-55162793

Great topic. Thanks Ray. My memory is much more recent and like Grace, I’ve probably told it before. It was the first time I ever saw Cockshoot Broad. Had seen the moorings on one of Robin’s videos and was happy to find somewhere that we could have a walk. But I had no idea what we would see until we opened one of the hatches in the hide. Wow! So beautiful. You can’t ever repeat that in quite the same way once you know what’s there.

Thanks for sharing, great video, loving your sense of humour. :)

Great photos and memories on this topic. I’ve very much enjoyed reading it through. Thank you to everyone who has shared here.

Trouble is that a mobile phone’s primary function is not making and receiving calls anymore. I don’t necessarily like it but I have become caught up myself in being online far more than I used to be. Sometimes you need to shut off from it all. But communication happens in so many ways now and increasingly they’re all available on our mobile phones.

Another vote here for O2.

I have a friend who has already put her tree up. She's had a rough couple of years beyond just this pandemic. Putting her tree up has brightened her day and given her the fight to look forward with hope. Personally ... we won't be putting ours up until much nearer the day.

Enjoying your videos Robin. I’m putting a few things together just to give people a glimpse of places we all love while they can’t be here.

I did read that a lorry had lost its load.

We watched this being done using a number of oil drums filled with water and the boatyard staff being also on board and helming a forward steer cruiser under the bridge ... just!

Hi MM ... sorry, I don't have any answers but here's some photos taken 26th September after we had some very heavy rain here, probably for at least 48 hours. It took quite a long while to go back down. These were taken just near the stern on moorings opposite the yard I think you're talking about.

I looked at Fair Consort on NBD's website earlier. New updated centre cockpit launched this year or last year ... can't quite remember. But it came up as less than £1100 for one week mid-October all-in. That seemed like a very fair price to me.

A very well reasoned post JM. This can't be taken lightly and it's about doing one's best to be safe. But you're right about those struggling with life on their own, or stuck in small accommodation, not a patch of greenery in sight. Despite the grey skies I am determined to get out for even a short walk every day, especially weekends. And lockdown 2 also means stay home and bake a cake. :)

At least you’ve got a reason for how you’ve been feeling. That must be a relief in a way. I know someone else who had shingles earlier in the year and the doctors didn’t recognise it immediately because everyone was looking out for Covid. Hope you’re soon on the mend.

Morning Ian. Hope today is a better day for you.