Ray

I wonder if if would be feasible or popular enough to be worth doing, to consider boat specific discussions? As a Safari owner I've noticed several questions about them lately and any answer is of interest to all Safari owners given their age and popularity. It made me wonder that if all such queries were grouped together it could become a very useful resource over time. Of course the same applies to other boats and I guess there could be a danger of speading posts too thin if there are lots of seperate forums, so it is just a thought really.

Good luck, I'm pretty sure she has been moored there for some time by the current owner. John and Lynne man the office, John is a Herbert Woods director and very knowledgeable and helpful as is Lynne.

This has just arrived in my inbox, although you may have already seen it https://www.watersidemarinesales.co.uk/boats-for-sale/hampton-mk-3-sparcol.html May need a little updating but with a recent survey to view could well be worth a look at such a competative price! (I bought from Waterside and found them very fair and helpful)

Well it's completely different to my Safari outside doors, sorry that doesn't help, unless it indicates that it may not be original (or mine isn't!)

It seems there is an investigation under way following a defective throw bag line during an exercise. More detail here https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/safety-warning-about-defective-throw-bag-rescue-lines

Welcome! I know no better place for helpful advice, a new boat owner myself I would have made several costly mistakes with out the help of forum members!

They also now have an online store, Coopers Direct - http://www.coopersdirect.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=101 I'd be interested to know if you find a good replacement, it's on the "to do" list for my Safari as well.

True enough, the voice recorder works almost intantly though. But that's not ideal, maybe userul in the odd situation but as you rightly say, not so easy for a conversation.

A WhatsApp group should work fairly well. On the northern broads I tend to get a weaker signal after Horning on the way the Wroxham but it's usable for most things other than streaming.

"Open the .... bridge" "Get out of the way" "Don't forget the beer" https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B079VY94BY/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bVCm2h_c_x_3_w?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=T7WKZQDBEJC6BK5DDDY6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=6cc8e8ab-1bc5-52d6-a9fb-1b8ee3df0680&pf_rd_i=461111031

Their web site is saying open 7 days a week so hopefully you should be OK

She's a beauty! Congratulations!

Lots of Cuckoos this year, particularly at a wild mooring a little north of Ludham Bridge just over a week ago. The flippin' thing cuckood all through the night!!!! Very few Coots though and I don't think I've seen a single Moorhen. Quite a few Grebes with chicks though.

Sounds like a great event! Good luck to all contestants... I will be doing my best to help everyone concerned by not taking my boat out at all that weekend!

It's decided! We are going ahead, it's booked for 4th June! I'm actually really excited about it, we love the boat and of course the broads in general so anything that keeps us on the water, not to mention the added confidence in the trickier moorings, is worth every penny. Again I have to thank you great group of people for your advice and input and special thanks to Alan for a great recommendation

I see, yes I can picture that now. I hope to speak to someone later to see what the options are.

That's interesting, I hadn't appreciated that much difference between mk2 and mk3, I thought it was only superstructure and layout.

That's true and a very fair point... there is another aspect though, although I certainly need more knowledge and skill I could also do with a new knee and my wife a new shoulder! I'm working on the skill and knowledge but maybe some mechanical/electrical extra crew wouldn't hurt meanwhile

Good to know and glad you're pleased with it. Can I ask where you had it done please?

It's amazing what a skilled helm can do! The answer I think must be that it's some kind of magic they use!

Well the cost of having it fitted was an eye opener, I plucked a figure out of thin air as I do when I don't know what I'm talking about and was thinking about £2k. Spending 25 to 30 percent of the boat's overall value needs some consideration, despite it making her worth a little more, if/when I come to sell there is a limit to how much a small 1975 boat is ever going to make. I'd spend that much on a necessity but I'm not so sure about a luxury (unless I win the lottery) Excellent advice all round concerning painting and anti fouling... I'd hate to think of how often I'd have got things wrong and how much money I would have wasted without all you great forum members and your friendly, helpful and freely given help and advice. Thank you one and all

Good question about the thruster! The biggest problem is our home mooring, Herbert Woods at Potter. No complaints about the Marina, it's very nice, the people are friendly and helpful and it is near home. But like all Marina berths room to manoeuvre is limited and even though with a Mk 3 I can go into my bay forward or stern on it just always goes wrong lol My lovely wife and sole crew member (the Admiral) can only step ashore with the boat close alongside either side or stern. I tend to get almost in to the point where our younger selves would just jump down with the ropes, but it's not close enough anymore and by the time we have hesitated the wind is taking us off. Getting into position a second time is never as easy as the first shot where you have time to choose the best line and things quickly descend to something distinctly pear shaped. Married 40 years ago this week but if we can't sort out mooring we won't see a 41st anniversary!!! (Probably )

I see what you mean about the thruster, I've put a question to the owners club so it will be interesting to see if anyone has tried! Sounds like I can leave the paint for the time being at least, thanks.

Thanks Griff.