oldgregg

But who watches TV adverts now? I for one mostly watch YouTube or OTT services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and some TV programmes that I've set to record and then skip the adverts... That's becoming the way a lot of people do things (although they probably skip the recorded programmes and just go to iPlayer). I've been very surprised by how quiet it is this year. We had no trouble getting moored anywhere we went in July. Much quieter than last year even...

I think the master cabin on those is a bit deceptive. Yes it looks cramped in photos, but actually there is room to sit upright in bed (under the flybridge 'hump') and a decent amount of room at the end of the bed at full headroom to walk around, with useful storage etc too. It doesn't photograph well, but it works quite a bit better. We had Contessa last year after having had Santa Christina a couple of times in the dim and distant and didn't find that cabin cramped at all (and I'm 6'2"), in fact I'd say it's a very cleverly-packaged boat which somehow packs a huge amount of space into 37 feet. They also handle excellently, have lots of space on the flybridge and fit in mooring spaces that a 45-footer has no hope of.

We know what the issue is and it will be resolved within the next few days....

O2 seems reasonable these days actually. Maybe not always the fastest data speeds, but it seems to have decent coverage. My work phone is on O2 and seems to have signal most places whereas my own (Vodafone) doesn't always quite manage it. EE doesn't seem any better than Vodafone, particularly when you consider how much of a premium they charge for their 'superior' network.

That was my though, yeah. The long run of moorings down from Bridgecraft / BBC.

What I mean is that they're considered to be perfectly fine for 200,000 miles plus, and there are some Priuses around with absolutely ludicrous mileages. People would consider 100,000 on one not to be a big deal. Done right, a hybrid is just fine. Done badly, they will of course be a nightmare.

They do, and a life span of well over 200,000 miles.

There are some about, but they're not very good yet as they're using more conventional battery technology. While the technology is there, it is very expensive and much like a car the boat needs to be designed around the batteries to make the most of the package. With motor manufacturers ditching combustion engines over the next 20 years, we will see a major change in boating as diesel-engined craft will seem horrendously old tech at some point. But don't expect it just yet.

Yeah it's such a shame. I love those boats, particularly (and I know some will disagree) the MK1 with the moulded seat / hatch on the foredeck. A classic design, built like brick sh outhouses and turn on a sixpence.

Those things handle brilliantly, though a quick look at the underside tells you why!

Yeah I think Bill is still around. The boats in question were indeed part of his Broadland Riverine Boatcraft hirefleet. I know the plan with the AF38 and 42 was for them to be refitted into 'luxury' hirecraft, and I think sadly at least one of them is partly ripped out inside.

Yeah, there are not a lot of places in Wroxham to moor a private boat - But a hire boat has more options.

I was talking about those the other day. How long have they been out on the hard now? It's such a shame.

If you want to be near facilities, pubs etc then I do think it's easily done. Stern-on at OBYS is £13 with electric, and Beccles YS £13.50. That rises to £17.50 and £18 respectively if you need to be side-on! We encourage all of our owners to plug in whenever they can in order to keep the batteries in good condition.

I see Vodafone now have a 4G/5G router available called a 'GigaCube' which appears to have two ethernet ports (and WiFi) and from what I can see from the specs online it might be 12V powered as well. https://www.vodafone.co.uk/gigacube/?cid=aff-wvm/mltprd/_1403995_/prch/5.18/pid=4150339&awc=1257_1563190841_ec5634a56ad86476364f0e7fcdd724c5#gigcube-plans At the prices they're quoting for 'Unlimited' use, this would be a good gadget for those of us who don't always have the option of being out of contact with the office... 5G isn't coming to Norfolk just yet, but prices are the same for 4G and having a 5G capable unit isn't such a bad thing. Other networks are available, and some work better on the Broads... But it's a handy all-in-one solution for some people potentially (provided that it is in fact 12V so that you could just cut the brick off the power lead).

Are both sides now open then, Vaughan?

Isn't it £12? On that note, does anyone know if the basin is open again? They were doing extensive works to the moorings in May as I think the marshes are too wet in winter to get the work done (the digger would sink!).

I don't think anyone is saying she's not a good boat - But the problem is she's only really useful during office hours, and unfortunately the incidents on Breydon have been very naughty and not kept to the timetable so the Lifeboats etc have had to do the real work.

Ah... This is the nature of Broads forums sadly. The average age was never particularly low, and now those early days of NBF were fifteen years ago we have lost a fair few folk from those times. Polly reminded me of the grass monster... I do remember Roy telling me the tale of that on Ranworth Island back in 2006 I guess it must have been. Sad times. My thoughts are with Gill and his family.

Yeah - Can't fault them. And those figures speak for themselves! That's a huge reduction in consumption.

Yeah indeed. We've all done it, but it's always very much a case of flick the engine on at the last minute and then get out of there (quietly).

It was a setting on your user group. I've changed it.... You must have been going some to reach the limit of 100 per day, though!!

A good vintage, as well!

The trouble is in that sector customers will come to expect it and then everyone just ignores your pricelist for the next few years and waits for the "wolf at the door" sale.