[Will Hoseasons / Blake's Be Changing]

On 19/07/2022 at 06:36, YnysMon said:

I can't yet comment on the Northern rivers, but it does seem very quiet here down south. Beccles was less than half full Saturday, taking into consideration that the wherry Albion was also moored there. As we cruised from Norwich to Polkey's Mill yesterday evening we observed that only half of Norwich was taken, only one boat moored at Whitlingham, and one at the Commissioner's Cut (both sides now open). I missed Bramerton as I wasn't on the helm, but there weren't any boats on the 'wild' moorings in Short Dyke Rockland, nothing outside the Beauchamp Arms, one good space at Cantley, but Albion was also moored at the pub,  only one boat at Hardley Mill and one at Hardley Cross. Reedham was full, and there was one space left at Polkey's Mill, but there is an early-ish tide at Yarmouth this morning. 

I think you will see an increase this weekend. School term finishes this week .Thats a lot of families decending on the broads on and off boats. I will be on a boat with my partner and our daughters family out of Silverline in Brundall. Should be interesting to see if I'm right.

[Mooring Fees]

8 hours ago, DAVIDH said:

 The June weeks 11th 18th and 25th look busier at this stage than you would have expected pre-Covid for instance. It may be that what with escalating living costs, people leave booking until they know for sure they are going to be able to afford it.

June 16th marks the start of the course fishing season on rivers .Prices for boats and riverside properties always go up from that date.

[Bringing A Cat Onboard]

Sorry for late reply. Heres a couple of photos of KitKat sporting his life jacket on and off. He has a great time on and in the boat and was quite a celebrity with plenty of fellow boaters admiring him and even taking photos. No problem with the boatyard Barnes Brinkscraft at Wroxham. Certainly will take him again.

[Bringing A Cat Onboard]

Hi 

We are due on a hire boat Monday for a midweek break. Has anybody  on here ever brought their cat with them. Just wondered if they had some tips.

[Decreasing Number Of Hire Boats On Southern Broads]

The broads by its nature are a series of rivers, lakes, broads and marshland. The are very few places to build so called entertainment for people. Lack of mooring at Yarmouth,Norwich, Oulton Broad and most Riverside pubs is a subject the broads authority needs to address first. 

What sort of things are people asking for. As the broads tend to be empty during the cold months most entertainment venues suffer a few lean month's so it's most unlikely things will be built in the middle of nowhere next to a river. 

People who hire boats that want more do not see the downside of the entertainment industry. They would be better off going to a holiday camp thus leaving the broads to those that appreciate the peace and tranquility. 

Moan over

David

[Decreasing Number Of Hire Boats On Southern Broads]

Hi Mark.

Hired from Topline quite a few times through Blakes i think it was and  then direct from the boatyard for a better deal. Found it to be an excellent boat for our needs. It had a camera at the rear with a small screen in the cockpit as rear view a bit obscured. Seen a couple of private ones on my travels so was very surprised to see a couple still available. 

regards

David 

[Decreasing Number Of Hire Boats On Southern Broads]

Amazing and varied ideas from various people. I'm been looking at Barnes Brink craft Topliner. This is a boat i use to hire from the now defunct Topcraft fleet in Oulton Broad. Found it comfortable, easy to drive, bow thruster for mooring.Thought they had all gone into private ownership so was pleasantly surprised to see 2 are available.A bed that goes  across the boat not up against the side plus easy access to get off all round the boat.  A nice spacious place to relax and fish off the stern.My wife has difficulty jumping off and getting up the steps on centre cockpit boats. Since there is only 2 of us i would have to let my wife off and then run to the back to get off and grab a rope. At least with a bath tub i can get out of the front quickly.

Don't need to rush to get a mooring  at a pub. Too flipping noisy with selfish drunk people coming back  after closing time and tripping over ropes.  Peace and quiet and a fridge full of food plus a few bottles are all we need. 

 

[Decreasing Number Of Hire Boats On Southern Broads]

I have a saying which i use for holidays "5 weeks in 1 star i.e tent  self catering rather then 1 week in 5* all inc.Time away is more important to us. Don't need the frills . Have used   Silverline and quite pleased with them. Have not heard of Freedom. Will have to look them up. Thanks for the replies.

p.s Still one thing, if less hire boats it will be more quiet which does for me

 

[Decreasing Number Of Hire Boats On Southern Broads]

Having  been on the broads for a number of years(over 50) i'm thinking of returning after several off due to the discovery of the Captains Blog on YouTube  I previously been on boats out of Beccles, Oulton and Somerleyton plus the Brundall and Stalham areas .I prefer the south as its less crowded but I have noticed a few hire companies missing. Whats happened?

Whilst looking online i have noticed a new beed of upmarket and expensive boats available. Certainly out of my price range. I know there are the older types still being refurb but as they are pensioned off will they be replaced by more expensive ones. Mood lighting, solar panels. expensive furnishings and head lining all add up. Are the companies trying to go for more upmarket clientele ?