NotDeadYet

Paddle boarders are much easier to spot and avoid than the other, lower examples of personal water transport, as well as swimmers. However, like AndyG, they all worry me in congested places - I really don't want to hurt anyone, by accident, anyway.

I agree, but there is a window to stick your head out. Also thinking about a couple of PMR radios or just sticking to the top deck, rain or shine.

Going back to Skyway, she will do wonders for our personal fitness - the only way in (not including the windows) is up the outside steps and down the inside ones. As for loading our stuff, that may be through the window!

I have some irrelevant past experience with this kind of laddery thing, but these days an elevator or a davit/derrick would be more appropriate :-) Thanks for the info about the boat - we are very much looking forward to our week.

I agree, but we are 2 up and the 'bathing platform' looks to be a handy step off holding both ropes. Leaping off those high sides ain't for us! As always, beam winds may be a factor.

That's the plan!

Yes, thanks Paul. I hope to take a lot more photos, although a Captain's Blog video is not going to happen!

Yes, I've asked the yard for the air draft, but I'm expecting to not get into Thorpe, for example.

Any members with experience of this boat? It's fairly new on the water and the online info and photos are a bit scant, so any info would be useful. (Being idiots, we've booked it anyway, lol) Thanks and best boating wishes to all for 2022.

Rubbish - see my later post!

I may not have made my point very well, andyg. I check as much as possible and am aware that, once I set sail, I can't just ring down to reception for an extra blanket. However, having supplied the yard with full details of all on board and stated which beds should be made up, at their request and well in advance, why do they then need to tell me that, if the bedding's wrong, tough luck? It's the attitude that's wound me up, not the capitals.

Perhaps I'm unusual - I read everything! Even though odd bits of info are found here and there, not in one place. If it is so important to warn me about bedding, it perhaps should be stapled to my sign off sheet and pointed out to me. At the end of the day this little strip of paper is simply the yard covering its you-know-what in case there is a cockup, never mind who is at fault. Further to the fault aspect, I'm sure the boat hire business is not easy, and some clients are probably irritating in various ways. However, it is a hospitality business and it is by no means the only business having to deal with issues - it's managements job to identify the issues and develop ways of dealing with them without defaulting to 'blame the client' mode. Sorry, but that's not good enough.

This shouty message was next to the TV on our last hire boat. I say shouty because it was in capitals, although the reminder to return the boat on time on the same slip of paper was not. I quote verbatim: PLEASE CHECK THAT YOU HAVE THE CORRECT BED LINEN ON BOARD BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE YARD. CALL OUTS CANNOT BE MADE FOR INCORRECT OR MISSING LINEN. I can't recall ever having a similar message from any other hospitality venue, be it hire boat, country cottage, hotel or whatever. Perhaps I'm missing something, but in my world, that's your job boatyard, I've got my own checklist to keep me busy. Any thoughts?

Lol, our Brinks boat had a similar Samsung oven, helpfully accompanied by a Sharp manual, and the fridge had no icebox at all. The fuel gauge showed over half on return, but our refund was just under one third, and the waste tank gauge didn't work at all. Rather more small disappointments than I expect after paying quite a lot of money.

Two weeks ago we saw three (separately, not a flock!) on the Ant between the Stalham turnoff and Wayford Bridge.

Yes, similar for us. We were parked for a bite on Barton Broad and the winch would not get it up. Because of the overhang (it's under the bow, starboard side) it's quite hard to pull it up by hand, as you know!. Anyway, into Gaye's Staithe for easy road access for the man (Greg) from Barnes, who shot up from Yarmouth and sorted it - the winch clutch needed adjusting. The second failure was because one of the switches had failed. As we were en route through Wroxham to Coltishall, called in at Barnes, who replaced the switch. The fridge had to be taken out both times, luckily without emptying it or even switching it off!

Ouch. Especially with a non functioning gauge so you can't get your money's worth without jeopardy!

I am, only because the weather was generally cool and windy last week when we were there - that's the way it goes.

Showing her age here and there, but still a nice boat. We hired her for slipping under the low bridges, easy handling for two seniors (once accustomed to forward steering), separate loo and shower, electric winch (unfortunately failed twice), single level, and maybe other reasons I can't remember. Big downside for us was the bed, which is small and rather hard - it is, however, offset so both sides are accessible. The potentially important waste tank gauge was not working (and when did a pump out away from home go up to £15?). Already wondering about next time!

Sorry we went quiet for a few days due a couple of boat issues. Anyhow, back home now and the weather went glorious as we drove back, lol. Despite the Met Office, we had a great time, with plenty of wildish mooring, such as this one. Back soon, I hope.

Fair point.

Why would you start your engine at 2120? Happening now and similar last time we were here.

Funny, he never said.

Just gobbled up the tarts - excellent - having scored the last slot on the side at Ranworth. Great day all round. Started by meeting MauriceMynah (might not be a real name), who kindly appeared and took our ropes, then up to Potter for pump out, water, fish and chips. Exchanged pleasantries with some sailor person, who got under way straight at us just we were emerging from H Woods. Quite a windy day, so loads of fun with more sailors on the way to a pint at the Malsters. Every day should be like this

OK, that's two of us with tarts on board.