Maddybc

Thanks, this is helpful. I’m new and didh’t mean to indicate I needed something special (fridge), I wrongly assumed it would be included. Normal cool box will work for us. Thanks for the info!

Thanks, I’ll have a look!

Thanks, I’ll check them out.

I’m still a newbie. Didn’t even know what a picnic boat before today was so didn’t realise fridges aren’t the norm. Don’t need a hob or anything special, can bring my own cool box. I’ll check out Watford Marine. Thanks!

Hi all Last year I had an amazing long weekend on the broads staying on a cruiser which was too tall for us newbies to try to go under any bridges. We were on Bure most time spent in Salhouse and Ranworth broads. This year there will be 5 of us who love creature comforts and a 1yr old Bernese Mountain Dog so we’ve opted for self-catering on land and hiring a day boat to explore. The house is on Barton Broad and has a mooring so we have direct access to SUP/Kayak. We’ll be there in July. We’d like to hire a boat that comfortably accommodates us all (plus a toilet and small kitchen ideally, but fridge/cooler is minimum) for 2-3 days in a row. - Any recommendations what/where to hire around there? - Do companies let you keep day boats overnight (for a fee)? Any thoughts or advice on the boat or anything welcome! Thanks Maddy

This is the hard part because we loved the boat we had too, it worked perfectly for us. The debate is currently whether we find one of those lovely self-catering places with river access and a small boat for the duration or if we stick with the big boat and get under Ludlum at low tide! Haven't researched yet, budget will likely dictate. :) Can't wait whatever we do!

Not sure if you will see this but I wanted to come back to thank you all again for the guidance and advice. We brought the non-stick pan and warm blankets and wouldn't have wanted to be without them. We absolutely lucked out with the weather. Went to Ranworth, had lunch there but it was very busy. We ended up spending two nights at Salhouse Broad, leaving during the day and then returning later as we just loved it there and it was quiet, so peaceful. Had fun feeding the ducks, swans and geese too . We had no trouble navigating or manoeuvring the boat, it was big but easy to handle (for my hubby & friend, I prefer looking after the drinks!). Absolutely amazing time! As predicted, we are already planning our next trip, but longer next time! Happy boating! Maddy

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my post. You've shared some great tips and insights I'm not sure I would have come across otherwise. Not only am I planning this trip, I'm already thinking what I will do on the next one! Roll on April!

Thank you for all the info, it's really helpful! We will be going the weekend after Easter on the Fair Regal (8ft 8 inch tall) from Norfolk Broads Direct. Apparently at high tide it wouldn't go under Ludham Bridge. Having read a description of Ludlum Bridge (on a deep curve with limited visibility), I'm not sure we're keen to go that way anyway! My hubby has spent a lot of time on narrow boats and is comfortable captaining, but I'm keen on a low stress, chilled time. So happy to avoid anything that could be complicated. I love boats so much, I'd happily just mud anchor in one of the quieter Broads and enjoy just being on board with that lovely scenery. Thanks for the suggestions so far, any other advice will be greatly appreciated. Maddy

HI Maurice Thank you, your reply was already helpful. I had found Salhouse and noted it as a potential place to stay. We are looking for peaceful and scenic views, keen on a slower pace, so would avoid busy places. 3 adults, no kids/pets. We are interested in finding pubs for lunch or dinner so ideas on where to stop are helpful. I've heard there aren't many in that area, we are happy to cook on the boat too, so only interested in eating at places people would choose even if there were plenty of options. We only have an evening and 2 full days boating so happy to potter around in the Broads, not looking to go as far as Great Yarmouth, had considered boating a little up River Ant but the first bridge is too low for us to feel comfortable. We aren't sure about mud anchoring. Hubby prefers being next to land overnight. Are there likely to be many people around in April? Many thanks Maddy

Hi all I tried posting earlier, I can see it in the forum but it is missing the content, so posting again. I've never been to Norfolk before but have booked a long weekend on the Broads as I love boats! Going in April - we'll cope even if it rains the whole time but hoping we have nice weather! Our boat is quite tall so some limitations as to the bridges we can go under. We will be starting at Wroxham and will be mostly on the River Bure it seems. Where should we plan to moor at night? Are there fees we should be aware of (or can avoid)? Any recommendations of places to visit or places to stop to eat? Nearly 3 mos away but I can't wait! Any other advice for a first timer, that we should take into account when planning? Thanks Maddy