.png.5ff10cca1d0967e44a17e4a2edde2a80.png)
Cal
-
Posts
1,209 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
15
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Articles
Posts posted by Cal
-
-
If they are allowing stern mooring at their sites again then I am not sure why they are not allowing double mooring. The boats will be the same distance apart.
-
-
This looks good value for money.
-
1
-
-
3 minutes ago, oldgregg said:
If you're thinking about bathtub types but also a similar sort of size to a Hampton, what about a Calypso? They're huge inside for their size.
Richardson's are selling a Serene Gem here - it's the only one with a price on it. The photos on the sales website are a bit broken, so take a look on the hire listing.
That looks to be a good boat for the money.
-
9 minutes ago, Matthew12 said:
https://www.norfolkboatsales.co.uk/used-boats/bounty-27-aries-924.asp aft cockpit bounty 27 that's was in the Barnes Fleet and has a quiet nanni
I always liked these and that does look nice and tidy inside.
-
3 minutes ago, NorfolkNog said:
I've a feeling this was the only boat on the Broads with a 1 rating but could be wrong. Good boats sell almost before they are advertised. If it's hanging around it will be for good reason.
No the Breakaway we hired from the same yard had a similarly low rating when they were hiring it as a holiday cruiser rather than a day boat, in fact I think at one point it had a no star rating, and that was an alright budget boat. In fact it got us into boating so it can't have been that bad!
NBS also have for sale a Hardy/Barnes ex hire boat which if you like the sedan style boat is a good boat for the money. Again this has hung around unsold for a while. It just depends what people are looking to buy at the time.
-
1
-
-
11 minutes ago, marshman said:
Its been in the fleet a long long time and might be looking a bit tired which may be why its not gone sooner?
It has been in the fleet a long while but certainly every time we have seen it out and about it has looked as well turned out as any other boat from that yard. I'm fairly certain there is a deal to be done on that boat that would bring it under the OP's budget and it has the makings of a lovely little boat with a bit of cleaning and tidying up.
It is perhaps being overlooked because people are buying bigger older boats for a similar price. You have to be in the market for a smaller boat for it to appeal.
-
1
-
-
5 minutes ago, boatsboatsboats said:
Beautiful boats @Lulu and @CambridgeCabby I will have to come back and ask about cleaning and maintenance routines as your boats all look beautifully cared for! The Broom Skipper is cracking and I love the layout and sense of space and light inside. BUT the lack of stern access would be difficult with the dogs when stern moored. It would make it difficult for one person to take both dogs off for early morning/late night walks, I think, so that is another one to cross off the list. It seems a bit stupid to put the dogs so much at the centre of our decision making but those are the kind of practical issues that could become a real pain. I want to make it as easy as possible for us to use the boat that we buy.
The Ocean 30 is indeed lovely and certainly could be a possibility in the right condition at the right price. This one is gorgeous, though out of our budget (and sold!) https://www.nya.co.uk/boats-for-sale/aquafibre-ocean-30-2/
As you say @Mouldy, canvas v fixed roof is an important consideration for all-weather use, and another point leaning us towards a bathtub. Thanks for noting the risk of damage to centre sliding canopies from hire crews sitting on the roof! Something to bear in mind.
We have actually been returning to the idea of a Hampton Safari, mostly because it feels like a 'safe' choice, even if the space is limited and it's likely that we'd grow out of it quite quickly. The Mk III is the one we would prefer, for the bow well. I know it has a sunroof rather than canopy but that's ok (and avoids the types of canopy problems Mouldy mentions above). What are the downsides of a Safari other than lack of space?
Have you considered something like this one:
https://www.norfolkboatsales.co.uk/used-boats/sheerline-24-brink-of-peace-2-608.asp
It has been for sale for a long while now so I strongly suspect that you would get it within budget and it will hold it's money well. No bow well but it does have good stern access.
-
10 hours ago, Mouldy said:
But the advantage of a fixed roof is that it will be warmer in the winter than canvas if you intend to use it all year. The trade off is obviously that it cannot pass under all of the bridges, which is where a centre cockpit with a sliding canopy gives the best of both worlds. However, they can be draughty and there could be extra costs for repairs to the roof or winch, should issues arise.
We looked at an Alpha 32 before settling for our sedan cruiser and found that it needed attention to the canopy runners to allow the windows to the rear to close properly and some strengthening where it had become deformed by years of hirers sitting on the canopy during its time in a hire fleet. Estimated costs for repairs to the roof were well into four figures.
As has been previously stated, the ‘perfect’ boat probably doesn’t exist. Every style has compromises and the decision as to which of your requirements you can live without has to be your decision.
We opted for a Broom 29 Sedan, which due to its airdraft does prevent us from visiting parts of the Broads, but it is usable through the year, gives a great view from the helm and is cosy even in winter so to us, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.We opted for an aft cockpit cruiser with canvas so that we could remove the hoods in good weather and be in the fresh air and fold the arch to achieve a low air draft of 6'6" for inland use. The covers also provide good shelter in wet weather and with the diesel heating on can be used even in cold weather although the air draft of 8'6" with the hoods up does mean that we occasionally have to get wet when we need to get under a low bridge
As someone else has already pointed out what is right for one person is not right for another.
-
1
-
-
You don't have to limit your visit to the southern Broads with a weeks break. There is plenty of time to do the north and the south in that time.
There is plenty for the kids to do in Great Yarmouth for example.
-
18 minutes ago, boatsboatsboats said:
Fantastic - many thanks @OldBerkshireBoy that's a great tip and I will follow it up. It sounds like a solid prospect.
What are people's thoughts on Perkins vs BMC? Or the old diesel engines vs the new e.g. Nanni? And where is the engine positioned in the Broom 30? If under the helm, are there any issues with engine noise?
Thanks again!
Having hired boats with BMC's, Perkins, Barrus and Nanni, I can say that the one we much prefer is the Nanni. It is quieter and smoother and runs on fresh air.
-
3 hours ago, boatsboatsboats said:
Ray, your boat journey is exactly where our thinking has gone - we started looking at smaller Vikings and Shetlands before realising that they really wouldn't work for us. Then at e.g. Safaris and Sheerline 21/24s, which are tempting in terms of purchase price. But I suspect the 'value for money' will come from having a boat that we really enjoy being on and use a lot, which probably means having more space and the capacity to take friends and family with us. I also started this process saying that the last thing we wanted was a floating bus, but have come around to appreciate their advantages (and charms!)!
Broom Skippers - thanks for this suggestion - I had discounted as thought wouldn't get through the lower bridges but good to know that's not the case (PH excepted, which is ok). Better visibility would of course be great. I know there's a trade-off in terms of driving position and am generally willing to take the trade off - I like looking at reeds! I also like the sociable driving/relaxing space in forward drives. But recognise that visibility is likely to be the main dissatisfaction with a boat like this, and that it is also likely to make solo-use much harder. As you all say, it's all about compromise and deciding which compromises are acceptable.
Alpha 35 centre - really helpful to get this recommendation but I think 35ft is just too big for us. I did have a look around Richardsons yard at the weekend and don't think there is anything in the boats now listed that we will go for.
To summarise, some boats that we would be seriously interested in (if they are in budget obviously) include:
- Calypso 28
- Bounty 28 or DC 30 (the DC30 was on our list already - how do they hold their value?)
- Centre cockpit Alphas - does anyone have an Alpha 32 or views on that?
- Broom Skipper or Broom 30
Coronavirus is an obvious complicating factor - in normal times we would go and see as many boats as possible and would happily have travelled away from Norfolk to view and find the right boat. In current times that's not an option so we will only be viewing boats that we would seriously consider buying. I am very conscious of Marshman's warning about the current market and lack of choice. If we need to wait a few months or even till next year for the right boat that's ok. That said, we are ready to jump whenever we find a good buy.
I will continue reading the forum though probably won't post as I don't have much to contribute at the moment! Please do PM me if you know of any 'good honest boats' of the types we've discussed that will be coming up for sale. And I will definitely update when we have a purchase!Genuinely thanks for such great recommendations and advice. I think with your help we can avoid joining the 3 boats-in-a-year club!
I wouldn't discount the Alpha 35 purely on size. When we hired Viscount from Richardsons we found it to be very easy to handle with the two of us. Viscount had the saloon at the rear and the second bedroom in the middle which I think would be my preferred layout over the bedroom at the rear.
As I said previously the ideal boat just doesn't exist. We have had Naughty-Cal for 13 years now and while she ticks the boxes in a lot of ways there are downsides as well.
-
Of the boats that Richardsons have for sale at the moment I think the Alpha 35 centre cockpit would be my choice.
They offer a huge amount of accommodation for the size of the boat and the raised cockpit and driving position gives better views over the reeds but still low enough air draft to get under the bridges.
No price on it yet though so not sure if it will be in your budget. These boats are popular and do hold their money well.
As for the perfect boat there is no such thing, they are all a compromise.
-
2
-
-
8 minutes ago, Meg said:
Thank you I have learned not to try and steer but get lined up and go back with minimal adjustment. i need 2 more feet at the front to achieve this comfortably. Or instead of calling out nervously stand on your boat and give some practical guidance. I need to know where to position myself so when I pivot I'm in the right place. Oh well I am sure the adventures of Norfolk Dream will eventually be hassle free, meanwhile many thanks and wave in a friendly manner if you see me..
Sometimes it is best not to have people calling out "guidance" More often than not it is not the right advice
-
The smaller commercials on the canal cause more disturbance. Not necessarily big waves or wake but a very messy short chop for a long while after they have gone.
-
2 minutes ago, MaceSwinger said:
Blimey, can't be fun getting caught in the wash of them can it?!
So long as you turn into it and hit it bow on it isn't too bad.
-
58 minutes ago, MaceSwinger said:
My first solo trip was in 2015 and I had a little Sumatra from Wroxham, Brinks Sonata. I think I'd have given birth to a brick had I passed a coaster in that!
The Sumatra is about the same size as our boat
The big commercial stuff has life boats bigger than our boat.............
-
Our mooring is opposite a busy "floating" restaurant so we have gotten used to mooring with an audience. You just learn to ignore them.
-
Do not prod other boats with a boat hook!!
That will cause more damage then just lying alongside them.
If you are going slowly into your berth and end up lying alongside the adjacent boat it is not a problem provided you do everything slowly. We moor so that the prevailing wind blows us onto our pontoon. On the odd occasion it blows the opposite way we just aim to lie alongside the adjacent boat and then pull the boat across into our own berth on ropes. No damage done and easier than trying to beat nature and aim for our own berth.
-
2
-
1
-
-
1 hour ago, MaceSwinger said:
My dad assures me that when I was young we saw a coaster heading for Norwich. I wish I could remember because that must be a real sight!
We still have the pleasure of mixing with commercial vessels where we cruise on the Trent, Ouse and Humber and commercial traffic is returning to the Aire and Calder.
We love mixing it with the big stuff
-
1 hour ago, TheQ said:
Tesco's extras in England always carry the above, and in the past have had MacSweens..
This Butcher in Norfolk exports Haggis to Scotland!!!
http://www.rutland-butchers.co.uk/haggis.php
Oh square sausage is Lorne Sausage
That's black pudding not Haggis!
-
40 minutes ago, Poppy said:
I take it you cook them in one of these
We use one of these on the boat.
https://www.jmldirect.com/kitchen/pots-and-pans/copper-stone-pans-28cm-griddle-pan
They are brilliant. No oil required and nothing sticks to them.
And you can fit lots of square sausage in there!
We also have a copperstone frying pan so we can have guilt free "fried" eggs without any oil.
-
37 minutes ago, MauriceMynah said:
That's what the bread's for!
I have no great objection to hash browns (or chips) but not with breakfast.
No the toast is for the egg yolk if you are having fried eggs.
-
You just need to practice. As others have said the more you do it the more confident you will feel.
Your boat will walk one way or the other in reverse. This is called prop walk. You need to find out which way your boat goes and use this to your advantage. If the prop walk is the wrong way for your mooring you will be better off mooring in bow first.
You also need to take account of any wind or tide as this will affect how the boat handles as well.
Don't worry about it. The more you worry and get wound up the worse it will become. Do everything slowly and if the worst does happen you won't cause any damage. The absolute worst thing you can do if you are going to hit another boat is panic and grab a fist full of throttle as this will make matters much worse. A light nudge with no throttle is unlikely to cause any damage.
You can't buy experience. The only way to get it is to go out and gain it.
-
2
-
Important Information Regarding Yacht Stations
in Broads Authority Notices
Posted
They may touch your ropes when stern mooring and sharing mooring posts.
They may touch your boat if a mooring goes slightly wrong.
They may touch your rope if they help you moor up.
There are many times someone not onboard your boat may touch it. You can't avoid that.
Avoiding double mooring just seems daft especially at Yarmouth when there are very few alternatives within reasonable distance for hire boats.