NorfolkNog

I’ve been following this thread with interest and wondering whether to make any comment. I hope regular visitors will know that I always try to put a positive slant on Broads businesses wherever possible. However my one and only hire from Silverline was not my happiest experience. Following the handover I folded down the windscreen (it was one of the centre steer Alphas). The day was hot and sunny but quite windy. Mrs Silverline came rushing across the yard and berated me for folding down the screen as “it spoils the look of our boats” I was a bit perplexed at this but not wishing to offend put the screen back up. As soon as we got down the dyke I folded it back again where it stayed most of the week. The boat broke down in the middle of Breydon and had to be towed back to Great Yarmouth. Although this was not our fault and we lost most of the days cruising, the reception on our return was frosty to put it mildly. There was nothing I could complain about as such but I felt more like a naughty schoolboy than a customer. Compare that with the warmth of Jenny at Swancraft or Stephanie at Bridgecraft. Lovely people. I hate to knock any Broads business. I agree that the boats are very well presented and accept that the yard have their devoted followers. I also respect the views of Peter and others who have spoken up for them. But I’m afraid its Bridgecraft all the way for me and Swancraft of course when the lottery comes up and I can buy my own boat!

Thanks John, no worries, we seem to be running on this thread now so back on track!

I'd frame that

Thanks John. Would there be any chance of moving the Silverline posts over to this thread once the Royalls one is unlocked?

As no one else seems to want to do it I'll have a go. Any chance of continuing the Silverline saga on this thread pretty please? I think Royalls are dead and buried by now. Also there is a separate thread on anti foul. Many thanks.

Thank you Ray and Jeff

As the OP on this thread it does seem to have wandered off somewhat even by NBN standards The stuff on anti fouling is most interesting but I believe Peter has started a new thread on this. Perhaps we need a new thread on the Silverline debate too. It's just that anyone looking for info on Royalls could understandably be a bit confused (I know I am) No offence intended of course

Hi Simon Bridgecraft are a fantastic yard and I must say they have really looked after us. We are with them again in June on board Tower Bridge this time. It's always worth giving them a bell, they are a very "can do' yard rather than a 'can't do' yard if that makes sense. In my experience the smaller yards are usually more willing to be flexible. Having said all that, and in fairness to Bridgecraft, I think it is better if you are known to the yard and ideally a previous customer! Swancraft were also brilliant with us when we hired but of course we had history!

Faircraft Loynes will hire but not cheap. I would suggest go for Herbert Woods. They do have boats for hire in February (I know as we are going with them in February and have done for the last few years). They offer a winter discount too. A great time to be out on the rivers!! https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/boating-holidays/winter-boating-holidays.html

Agree Peter. I only went with them once but the boats were immaculate. Swancraft, now Royalls. Very sad.

When we were out in December we heard that Royalls had gone even though they were supposed to carry on until the end of 2017 Now it looks to be official Barnes Brinkcraft buy out Royalls Boatyard read press release here https://t.co/dhLWZ8HRCp https://t.co/23BEG6FrsO

I nicked this photo of the Serenade helm position from Twitter. I must say one of my first thoughts wad that visibility looked a bit restricted.

Really gutted to hear this sad news. I sadly never had the pleasure of meeting Iain but always enjoyed his wise words and friendly banter. Deepest condolences to all his family and friends.

Ouch indeed, of course the 1200 brochure price will be nett of fuel and damage waiver :-o Having said that we have booked Evening Light in February for a very reasonable price

Price is 1200 in high season but 600 in off peak which is not tooooooo bad......

......sorry my mistake, the picnic boats are only 24 foot

I think this is the same hull that they are also using for the new picnic boats. Andrew Wolstenholme design?

Fingers crossed indeed Peter

Hi Tony As promised I checked for photos of Swan Roamer which we hired from Swancraft a few years back. I'm very sorry but although we took lots of photos we don't appear to have taken any of the boat interior, apologies about that. However it does/did have a whirlpool bath which meant it had a particularly large hot water tank which was very useful. It also had a dual battery system. The boat was very well fitted out with a good heating system and was very comfortable. I'm sure that you have made a good choice and will be happy with the boat.

Hi Folks A couple of pictures of the Horizon basin taken a few days ago. There were no boats moored on the main river.

Just spotted this via Twitter. I make no comment! Pub owner sentenced over bouncy castle safety issues https://t.co/8gdrCANJ6i https://t.co/3T9r0eVHju

Thanks Grace Hi Tony, I'll have to be a bit brief at the moment as we're still on the Broads, but when we get back on Wednesday I'll try to dig out some suitable photos of the boat's interior. We hired Roamer from Swancraft at Brundle, who were a small family run business. The fleet was bought by Richardsons at the end of the 2015 season, so I can't comment on the boat under their ownership. Sorry I can't be more helpful at the moment, but if you leave it with me I'll do my best.

It probably will be on hire fair regent is one of their winter boats (3 in class)

Sound plan John

Good luck indeed, we need pubs supported and thriving