Ray

Lots of good points made here and it does seem like a difficult decision. On the other hand it's not always winter! I say that with tongue firmly in cheek because clearly it is one of the most serious issues to consider. I love the idea and if I were considering it I think Lulu's idea of keeping a small land based home as well as the boat would be the way to go. At the moment we live in a house with a boat for a lovely and welcome "escape" so maybe living on a boat with a home, of some description, to escape to if/when the need arose would work very well. No need to burn bridges... unless you can't get under them of course, but that's another issue 😁

Good point about the music 👍 Mt first car was a VW Beetle ( old school, 6v) my second a Ford Corsair 1500, I could do any repair needed on them... these days it's not worth lifting the bonnet, although to be fair I do enjoy my modern car. Plastic waste is an international problem, you're right and something we all need to address urgently. Smog on the other hand meant being kept indoors for days on end, I had childhood asthma and there were no inhalers then! I used to love SciFi as a kid, today's internet featured in the imagination of many of the great writers in one form or another 🙂 Maybe the best world of all would be the one with the best aspects of both times and none of the drawbacks of either? 🍺

Smog, measles, mumps, corporal punishment, speaking when you're spoken to, permission to leave the table. Half term was 3 days, cleaning out the coal fire ashes.... I'd rather have been a kid today thanks. 👍🙂 Nostalgia ain't what it used to be 😁

The steps/platforms have to be included in the boat's overall length when calculating mooring fees and river tolls.

Mine too 🤞

I don't know your level of experience so please don't take offence if I'm stating the blindingly obvious. Outboard engines are fine, perhaps you are well used to them, if not then it's worth considering that a lot of broads moorings are stern on. Can be a bit of a faff and boarding and alighting can be trickier. Salesmen and I say this without criticism, will say whatever makes the sale. Many businesses, marine or otherwise will fill a budget if they know it. Caveat Emptor! As I say, I haven't the pleasure of meeting you or knowing you so sincere apologies if it seems to be patronising, that is not my intent 👍🍺

Everyone outside Norfolk is a furriner... 😉😁

I would guess the first boats to be quickly resold will be the doer uppers which will include those bought at full price but not aware they were doer uppers. While we were changing boats in 2021 we viewed some very poor quality vessels offered at premium prices, not project prices. Thanks to knowledgeable friends and a surveyor we avoided mistakes and finally have a boat that is perfect for us and in good order - we love it. 👍

The lights look great, just the right temperature (I think that's the word I'm looking for) 👍

Don't mention a budget!

It's not unusual for skilled workers to be fond of payment for their labour lol It goes without saying that on taking delivery of a brand new boat (or car) the extras requested must be of the same high standard of manufacture and the installation must be seamless. No small task when the finished article must be modified. As mentioned above I use Apps but if fortune smiled upon and I was in the market for a new boat then I think I'd like to have everything available without having to prop my phone up on the dashboard. Just an alternative perspective, there is no right or wrong 👍

That is one of the proposals Andrew but it is still in the consultation stage.

That's what I'm trying to avoid lol If not it's amazing what google can help you find 👍 Thanks for your reply and more so for the advice 🍺

What size fuses should I fit please. This would be for 12v accessories such as 12v sockets (cig lighter type) and the small windscreen heater/blower etc. Many thanks in advance.

Yes, that makes sense 👍

I wonder if the article was inspired by a briefing from the BA rather than an approach to them from the press? It may explain the emphasis on certain points as the BA seek to set the agenda from their viewpoint.

Looks fantastic, beautiful work 👍

I get a feeling of unease reading these documents... not a single concrete proposal. A call for funding by the Campaign for National Parks which is likely to fall on deaf ears given the recent pandemic associated spending. Are we going to end up with nothing but a pointless rebranding? "Welcome to the Broads National Landscape"

That's the Grendel we know and love 🍺🍺👍

Won't work? Who are you and what have you done with Grendel? 😉

Made it! Thanks for all the replies, I arrived at Ludham Bridge at 12:20ish, the tide was falling but it was still very tight.. the marker advised 8' 1" and even though that leaves some wriggle room I decided to moor up for a brew and sandwiches for a while to see if it would drop some more, low water wasn't until 16:30. Just after 13:00 I walked up for a close sighting of the marker, it was just about 8'3"... My boat is 8'3" so I pretty much decided to go for it. I got chatting to an angler by the bridge and he said " hold your breathe and I'll look out from the bank and give you a shout if it looks dodgy" I was solo helming for the first time today and his kind offer decided me. As I eased the bow pennant pole under the leading edge of the bridge a voice rang out across the water... "Go on, you could get a bus through there" 🙂 If this bus was an inch taller than my boat he was right lol but it was a relief I can tell you, we shared a thumbs up and I was through at last! In the unlikely event he is a member here, thank you! So three great things today, finally moved my boat to her new moorings, really enjoyed solo helming and against the usual stereotyping the angler and the helm can be friends. It was a beautiful day for a cruise and probably the most fun I've had in months 👍

Welcome to the forum 🙂 I'm sure that more knowledgeable members than me will be along in the morning. Meanwhile I think that the combination you are looking for may have to be booked as seperate breaks. I imagine it's possible though and sounds like great holiday! Also maybe consider a riverside property for the first part of your break rather than specifically a houseboat, you may find a wider range of options. Good luck 👍

That's what I was hoping to hear, thank you What time of day was it that you went through please?

Thank you, it is beginning to look hopeful, fingers crossed!

Either of you been within sight of Ludham Bridge by any chance? Hoping water levels are dropping enough now for me to get under. I'll probably drive up there in the morning, all being well.