Ray

Absolutely agree, I lived, worked and suffered London for 60 years and then retired to Norfolk. I have never regretted it for one second and hate having to go back to visit relatives etc. In 18 months here we have been in a heatwave and cut off for 2 days by the Beast from the East. I walk my dog on the beach every day and I feel like a kid again

Good luck.. you'll never look back!

Beautiful!

Lots of good thoughts and ideas, thank you folks. The Bounty 30 seems a good option also the Calypso. Love the Alpha 35, not sure if it's quite what we need though I certainly wouldn't rule it out as it's the sort of boat I used to hire and enjoy very much!

Good point, it won't be an easy choice! I feel maybe we could go a little longer/wider without going up too much. It's going to be more about layout than size hopefully... :)

We have owned our first boat for a year, we have improved her and it's fair to say we love her to bits. But I'm sure those of you with many years experience won't be surprised to know that as fully addicted broads boaters we are now thinking whether something else would suit us even better! So we have a Hampton Safari Mk3 with bow thruster and a few years old Nanni replacement engine, also a favourable survey carried out the summer. Nothing in life is guaranteed but clearly she should be saleable. We are thinking about what would be slightly larger, a little more modern in interior modelling, yet still an easy to manage, all on one level (due to the odd stiff joint) boat. There is no rush for us to make a decision or even start looking but I'd like to really weigh up and properly consider the alternatives. Definitely would want inboard diesel, front steering is OK as long as it is a helm position that can be opened up in good weather, but stern helm position would be welcome. A double berth bunk with access both sides (or the room to fit same) would be ideal. Larger than a two berth boat but only for the space as only two berths will ever be required. Budget - up to, but no more than £40k. I've come to really respect the depth of knowledge of the members here and how freely and friendly it is shared... so, if you have a moment I'd love to hear your thoughts please.

The EDP are reporting that three people were rescued from the water at Horning late last night. Another reason for a big thank you to all the rescue services. Wishing those involved a speedy recovery from their emergency.

The main thing I learned from failing my first test was to tell no one when the second one was!

Very sad news, sincere condolences to his family.

As a related matter of interest is there any sign of the improvement in battery design from the electric car industry benefitting the boat industry? I'm thinking of the leisure and heating aspects not the actual engine.

Interesting to see the process, no doubt about it ending up as 'another cracking boat'

Reserved moorings and perhaps a skipper/crew for these Club Class boats too? Nothing wrong with supplying what people want but it doesn't sound like my idea of a boat holiday. I'd fear getting a surcharge for removing my pork pie crumbs

I would always choose a so called wild mooring by choice if one is available, especially those little spots where just one boat can squeeze in. But sadly no where is really "wild" - someone, somewhere owns the land. I have every sympathy for those with a small river frontage with a dwelling, clearly this intended for personal use and is literally private. It would be great to have more places accessible on the edges of fields, farms, estates etc. Not with any provision by the landowner, simply a blind eye and a lack of 'No Mooring' signs.

You can't beat a Melton Mowbray pork pie, I could probably become an addict

Having cooked the black pudding presumably you pop it in the bin where it belongs?

She's a beauty!

Welcome, we all learn from the answers when someone comes with queries to solve.

Hi and welcome

Many congratulations, lovely photos! I guess you are nearing the end of your probationary period and will soon enjoy full tenure

Was this Anacapri by any chance. It's from my photos taken about the same time but I'm not sure the background scenery is right for near Stokesby.. although it may have changed over the years!

Thank you... poor old girl it's sad to see her like that. I wonder where I got the idea she had been blown up, it always seemed a bit extreme! That final resting place photo makes a great image though I must say, an art shot!

I took this shot sometime in the 80s, I believe she was blown up in the end but I don't know her name or how she ended up in this sorry state. Anyone remember her or know the story?

All the best drivers fail their first test! Commiserations Robin, I well remember the disappointment of failing my first test. All will be well in the end and everything that happens on the way to a full licemce adds to your well of experience

Folks fishing who cheerily pack up and move from a BA mooring? Never met one! I never bother to ask, just cruise on by. I could of course ask and press the point but although I can just shrug off any unpleasantness it would sufficiently upset my wife to spoil the whole point of stopping there in the first place. I always go as wide and slow past someone fishing as circumstances allow. Quite often on rivers like The Ant for example there is no option to go wide if a boat is coming the other way. Fishermen seem to have perfected a dead eyed stare of malevolence with which they attempt to dissolve you. Waving and smiling back doesn't help their mood any but makes me smile. What on earth makes people fish from their boats at places like Ludham Bridge and Howe Hill is beyond me, no wonder they look so miserable! I expect to be told that they are not all like this, I accept the truth of this and apologise to those few, it's just that I have never met them. I also expect to be told that many helms are rude and inconsiderate, I accept the truth of this too. Apart from the ones who don't know better and the occasional "don't give a damn" charmer perhaps treating helms with a bit of civility would go a long way towards reciprocation. This has been my first rant, forgive me for getting it off my chest but it is an honest reflection of my experience every time I take my boat out.

Hi and welcome You could try Sutton Staithe Boatyard, about 15 or 20 minutes from Hemsby up the A149 Probably best to contact them first - Sutton Staithe Boatyard Ltd Sutton Staithe Norfolk NR12 9QS Tel : 01692 581653 Email: info@suttonstaitheboatyard.co.uk