Troyboy

You might be pleased to hear that modern outboard engines are reasonably good at charging your batteries. They are not as good as the diesel inboard engines but not bad all the same. Make sure you set your fridge correctly so that it keeps everything cool but doesn't flog itself to death when there is no need. Get an additional length of shorepower cable because you often get moored too far from an available electric post for one cable. It's all good fun.

Regarding the 240v hook up. If I am correct you only have 1 leisure battery and a starter battery. Depending on what electrical equipment you will be using the 1 leisure battery won't last long with the fridge and some lighting. If you moor up at an electric post and plug the boat in you can charge up the batteries and use the 3 pin plug sockets without worrying about the charge left on your battery. (TV, toaster etc) I'm not familiar with an inverter and how they work but I'm sure someone will explain about them. I hope this makes sense and helps

We had a night at Richarsons boatyard on the Heron Quay. We moored on the right just as we came in. It was a lovely mooring for the night. Only 10 minutes from Tescos. Not brilliant for walking the dog but you can't have everything.

I wish we were still there. Enjoy you lucky people

We passed it last week to and from HWs. It looks a mess but as has been said there seems to be less rough looking live aboards than there used to be. It always intrigues my wife when we see such boats. As the saying goes. The light is on but no one's at home.

Good luck with your new boat I hope all goes well. I looked at the boat and it is as new. I don't know how many petrol tanks it has on board but if its only 1 then it is worth investing in another. It gives you an extended cruising range and peace of mind knowing you have a second tank to fall back on. I've had a couple of Vikings in the past so although my knowledge is limited fell free to ask if you are stuck.

It's threads like this that put me off buying another boat. We have just had a week on a hire boat and to be fair we had no issues but I did witness some very stupid behaviour by let's just say a same sex group on two boats. I love the northern broads but they do attract some idiots whereas the southern broads tend to be a bit more gentile. Still a wonderful place to be and as we all know there are some lovely quiet places to moor.

I haven't been to Brooms for about 6 years. I think the last pumpout I paid for was about 5 yrs ago at Sutton boatyard. £10 I think it was. I suppose everything is going up in price.

We've just come back from the broads today after a week hiring from HW. Unfortunately the fridge packed in so we went back to the yard where a new one was fitted very quickly. Whilst I was there I got a free pumpout as we were 5 days into our 7. I didn't realise how expensive it could have been for 1 pumpout. £18 for one sounds expensive. I suppose I'm out of touch.

That dog doesn't realise how lucky he is. Your blogs are making me very envious. I'm going to look at a boat on Saturday morning before we go to HW to pick up Evening Light. Can't wait to get back on the broads.

Loving those 360° images. We are down on Saturday for a week on Evening Light. We were thinking about going south and this wetting my appetite. Thanks for posting.

That is brilliant. It's marvellous what you can do with modern technology, which is leaving me behind all too quickly. I'd love to see more like it. Thanks for posting.

Mill House Farm moorings looked a nice alternative to Acle Bridge. I walked past them last month when we moored at Acle. I thought that it would be a great place to Moor. Good for the dog, 10 minutes walk from the Bridge Inn. Very peaceful.

Great picture of Finlay retrieving the dummy in the river. Lovely dog. Very jealous of the time you are spending on the broads. Enjoy.

Nice to read Kate. We spoke to you on St Benets moorings last month (Scarborough and fellow beater). 19 weeks is a great use of the boat. Lovely dog as well. Keep enjoying the broads as you do.

Have you mentioned the Faircraft 33 for sale at Boatshed Norfolk. It looks a nice boat inside and out and a lot of boat for the money. Apologies if I'm going over old ground.

I think most of the relevant points have been covered by the replies that you have received. I think that the boat you have mentioned is unsuitable as a livaboard. It may be an attractive idea when you are seeing the broads in the spring, as summer approaches, but in the depth of winter it will be a entirely different prospect. Your budget doesn't allow much choice. Lovely idea in the right circumstances but quite difficult to achieve for most. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I think you passed us yesterday going up the Ant. We're you in convoy with Fandango. Two nice boats.

I see Cool Breeze is back up for sale Bogart. Its a Viking Seamaster 28 with an inboard diesel engine. The 1st owners had it moored near us at our marina. I think they had it for approximately 6 to 7 yrs. It wanted for nothing and really was looked after well. Very nice boat. The only downside is that it has a cassette toilet. Not the end of the world but pump out is better. There is also a Faircraft 33 aft cockpit for sale at St Olaves marina. Advertised on Boatshed Norfolk. It has a modern looking refit but I don't know anything else about it. I hope this helps.

The river is lovely on the other side of Beccles Bridge.

I'll vouch for this. Having had two previous boats I'm hoping my next one is my last. If that makes sense.

It's great to see you out an about at this time of the year. Very jealous.

Hello everyone. This is my first post so be gentle with me. Here's my tuppence worth. I've owned 2 Viking boats both with an outboard. The petrol issue is a bit of a faff but not a difficulty that would put me off buying a boat I liked. The Viking 275s mentioned will be able to hold 2x25 litre fuel tanks. Or as I had 1x25 litre and 1x10 litre fuel tank plus 2x 10 litre Jerry cans for refills. All of these fit quite easily in the fuel locker so there were no safety issues. To get fuel you will need to walk to a petrol station and in fairness I wished they were a bit closer to the river. But good exercise for those who like that sort of thing. The outboard engines are really easy to maintain and make for very quiet cruising. Regarding the Shetland 29i that's for sale. I looked at this boat 2 yrs ago at NYA when it was for sale for £64000 ish. A lovely boat in my opinion. For some reason it has had two owners in 18 months. It is approximately £8000 more than 2 years ago which is what has happened to most prices since Covid. I do think it is pricey. I hope this helps.