NorfolkNog

Back on topic? Ye gods! Not for a while I'm afraid Iain.

would it be in idea to start a thread on damage waivers/ general damage to private craft??

Drifting off topic somewhat (no change there then) on the way to Dilham you would pass Hunsett Mill. The fisrt picture was taken in the very early 80's and would be in the twighlight of its glory (chocolate box) days. The second was taken in 2010 probably very shortly after the extension was done. It caused a lot of controvosy at the time I recall but was all above board with planning approval obtained I believe. Make up your own mind!

Broads Beat out and about today in the sun. Looks like a good view of Ricko's wetshed too

Its just struck me that we don't have any pictures if anyone is not familiar with the moorings at Dilham. Here are a few if these are of any help. As can be seen the moorings are on a dogleg but there is room in the basin to turn with care as others have said.

Upton is well worth the effort IMHO - the White Horse is an excellent pub Dilham also well worth a visit too. Agree fully with advice so far. The mooring basin is a bit tight but can be turned with care. I believe Hathor has even been up there. The final approach to the Staithe is quite narrow with a few private boats moored on the port side. One trick with Dilham is to use the Horning approach and try to moor mid to late morning. As others have said I would tend to avoid peak times to be on the safe side. Like Potter Heigham the Bridge at Wayford does limit the boats that can get there too.

In fairness our recent experience was more akin to BB's. Following our recent problems HW collected the boat from Wroxham and even refunded our fuel deposit in full. I certainly can't fault them for the way they have treated us.

Hmm, I think in deference to HW they were probably just reading by the book. Not ideal I know. As Griff has said he has no problems hiring Jewels for the lads week. There are times, I think, when the smaller yards like Swancraft and Bridgecraft come into their own. Because they can think on their feet and be flexible. For example Bridgecraft don't normally hire in winter but were willing to accommodate us for which I was most grateful. Richardsons, good as they are, don't do winter hire. So perhaps small is beautiful sometimes?

Sorry I forgot you were hiring from HW - that would obviously be the best deal

Agree with Mark, the Pleasure Boat and Nelson Head in particular are excellent pubs and I would heartily recommend them. Also Phoenix fleet hire dayboats (as do Maycraft I believe) worth checking prices. The Phoenix fleet ones are electric and wonderfully quiet. They handle well too.

Yes, probably a good time to go. It should be fairly quiet and of course its the closed season for fishing which helps as well. Maybe avoid Horning/ Ranworth on the Sunday as it will be busier with private owners over the weekend. But you should be fine. As others have said take it steady and enjoy!

Hi Steve You don't say exactly when you are going but I'm guessing April/May? Apart from school holidays it will probably be less busy at the 'hotspots' like Ranworth and Horning but still quite popular. You can book a mooring at the New Inn in Horning but the deal is you have to book a meal although the mooring is free . The other 2 pubs are day boats only during the day but you can moor overnight for a fee (10 quid I think) Otherwise you should get on the public moorings if you can arrive a bit earlier. Its nothing like as busy as the main school holidays though!

Pubs! Now you're talking. As Grace mentioned the Bridge Inn is a must IMHO. Excellent pub. If you moor at Salhouse Broad and don't mind a walk you can get to the Fur and Feather at Woodbastwick next to the Woodfordes Brewery. The Ferry at Stokesby has changed hands recently and looks to be on the up. Horning is always a popular spot although the moorings get very busy. The White Horse at Upton is a superb village pub but access via Upton Dyke can be a bit tricky as its very narrow. The White Horse at Neatishead has just won the CAMRA rural pub of the year award and definitely worth a visit. Few to be going on with and I'm sure the other good members will have recommendations too Enjoy!

Hi Neil I would think 20 years ago they were probably part of Norfolk Broads Direct, ie with Faircraft Loynes. Different animal today. I've been spoilt somewhat with Swancraft so am probably more picky than most but I must say I've been impressed with HW. Very professional and the boats are well turned out and maintained. You don't quite get the same friendly intimacy would get with say Swancraft or Bridgecraft but to be fair that's not really possible with the bigger yards. But HW have always treated me very well and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Like the sound of a video too - looking forward to it

That's very interesting Jean. According to Craigs database Rose Emblem was built in 2011 with Ferry being the only recorded owner. The thing about running the heating for 2 hours is a bit odd. The main hit on the battery is the few minutes on start up when the glow plug fires up the system. After that it is pretty self sufficient apart from the fan which wouldn't use much current. It does sound as if the batteries and/or charging system are maybe not as they could be. It will be good to get on Reflection, I'm very jealous! I just wish Richardsons would hire in winter Having said that we were treated regally by Bridgecraft in December so will certainly be knocking on their door again.

Great write and pictures Jean I am a bit surprised about the heating though. As you know we were out in December with Swancraft for many years (including the snow of 2010). Swancraft boats didn't have a hook up facility but the heating was really good and always started up fine without having to run the engine. We never had a flat battery. I know Swancraft never cut corners and I'm beginning to wonder if Ferry are a bit more economical with their batteries? You've certainly done plenty of cruising so that shouldn't be a problem. Incidentally Herbert Woods yard is good for mooring if you can get in. I'm sure they have electric too. Loving your tale, please keep it coming!

Paul is a lovely bloke, very professional and helpful too. Knows his stuff. Do please keep us posted and good luck! When the numbers come up he would be my first port of call.

Glad the survey went well, that's good news indeed. Hope you can get fixed up with Swancraft, I promise you will be very well looked after New moorings with all services laid on. Plenty of parking space too.

Hi Jean Jon's yard pretty much occupies the right hand bank going upstream roughly between the old isolation hospital and the Bridge. Worth a visit, he's a real character Dilham is well worth a look if you get chance again. Lovely stretch of river and the pub's not bad either

Great tale Jean. It's lovely when the rivers are so quiet. Good to hear about the Wayford Bridge Hotel too. Will make a mental note to pop in. Last time I visited it was under the old owners so not very impressed. Did you see anything of Jon?

Great stuff Jean, keep it coming That's the way I like to see moorings - Quiet and Peaceful - you can't beat it

Just spotted on Twitter that the Ship at Reedham has just been awarded a maximum score of 5 Well done to them. Their steak pie is excellent too

Hi Andy Sorry for the delay in replying. Many thanks for the heads up on the Reedlighter it souunds vey much to my taste, I was hopng that it wouuld be hoppy. Great stuff. I think that the new head brewer likes hops wheras the old one (ex Bass) didn't believe in them. Knowing Phil it would be kept on top form too. I know some folks do like Doombar as it's not hoppy, so if Mrs S wasn't keen that could actually be a good sign! After all the great thing with beers is we can all like different things Thanks again for thinking of me and I'm even more keen to try it now!

Wise words from Dan I think. And I agree, one shouldn’t be penalised for loyalty. I hired from Swancraft for many years. They weren’t the cheapest around but the quality of the fleet and the service was second to none. I think the cost was well justified for the quality. They never discounted to any great extent apart from the odd 100 quid which they occasionally offered through Hoseasons. They didn’t really need to offer discounts. I think Dan’s point about loyal, early bookers is a good one. I think in addition I personally got added value with Swancraft in all the help and attention they gave us which was well over and above the normal course of duty so to speak. And of course I always booked with them from one year to the next. However regarding Herbert Woods, I have hired from them many times in February. They do offer discounts which are clear and well documented. I benefited from a 5% loyalty discount, a 5% early booking discount and a further discount of 5% for payment in full. I guess the recent fuel offer is perhaps an added carrot possibly if bookings are a bit slow. I think generally though the yards should consider offers very carefully, ensure they are clear and well publicised and avoid, were possible, penalising loyal, early bookers. Of course the one advantage of booking early is that you can guarantee the exact boat you want on the exact date you want. If you hang on for a possible discount you may of course have to take your chances somewhat. I would add that I have always been very pleased with the service I have received from Herbert Woods. Their boats are well presented and the staff very helpful. I cannot praise them enough for the support we received from them recently. I would fully endorse Griff’s comments also.