NorfolkNog

Hi Alan Just spotted this, losing my touch. We've been out every December for a good few years now. I'll post a bit more later but basically the pubs are all open, it's often colder in April and water is available in quite few places. You don't need any Artic gear just an extra duvet and make sure your heating is up to scratch! It really isn't difficult and it's a great time to be out. Apart from a few liveaboards you pretty much have the moorings to yourself.

The Bridge Inn at Acle as well as the appropriately named Dog Inn at Ludham Bridge are also doggy friendly. To be honest I think most pubs on the Broads are. Down South, the Ferry at Surlingham and The Locks. Some of the more gastro type might be worth double checking before you visit eg Coldham Hall and Waters Edge, not sure if they allow dogs.

Hi Robin A very warm welcome, good to have you aboard

Kiss bottom smiley, now there's an idea Might be some homework for young Alan  We could have some fun with that Re winter, Grace, a very kind person has been on the case for me so I remain hopeful! Fingers crossed (and thanks for asking)

This thread appears to have developed into a discussion about the Alphacraft Lowliner 42. I wonder if it would be possible for some extremely clever, cultivated Mod to split it?

I think that particular model is generally regarded as one of Alphacraft's less illustrious designs. Rapide was a boat I didn't hire from Swancraft so I comment specifically but I'm sure they made the best of the design. It used to hire reasonably well as I recall

Hi All There was an earlier thread on this http://www.thenorfolkbroads.net/forum/topic/7478-swancraft/#comment-106801 but yes, Swancraft have sold their hire fleet to Richardsons as of now. The yard will still be operating but concentrating on new builds, engineering, repairs and refurbs. I'm a little bit biased but they did have one of the most modern and best maintained fleets on the Broads. The damage waiver did go up a little in recent years I admit but I didn't worry about a few quid when hiring boats of that quality. In addition the boats were so well maintained they seemed to run on fresh air so the fuel bill was always so small its a bit of swings and roundabouts. Also in fairness most of the fleet was under 10 years old. We hired from Swancraft for many years. they were always friendly, accommodating and nothing was too much trouble. I couldn't begin to list everything they did for us, it really felt like being part of the family. I shall miss them greatly. Good as the bigger yards are I just don't think you get the same personal level of service. I suppose economies of scale will take over in the end. Very sad. And they used to let me have a boat in December

Precisely, hence the train. Outside Norwich City most buses finish about 5 or 6 and often don't run on Sundays either.

I think that's far and away the best plan. The train only takes about eight minutes and is only 3.50 return. I can't remember the taxi fare but I dont think it's much.

I'll stand to be corrected but I'm pretty sure all buses through Thorpe into Norwich finish in the early evening. I'm not aware there is a night service. Commissioners Cut is fine in daylight and provides good access to the main road through Thorpe but as I said I wouldn't fancy it in the dark particularly after a beer or two. I've moored at most of the manned, or should it be personed Yacht stations in winter. There's nothing to stop you doing so but clearly the BA try to discourage you, an example being the closed signs they put up at GY in the winter which I ignore. I guess at Norwich it will still be at your own risk as in summer the difference being they may not monitor the CCTV or maintain the gates. Just an observation.

Ha ha, thanks both it'll put my beer down and pay more attention honest!

I've not seen that one before, good 'innit Blissfully quiet on the river too - winter is definitely the time to be out Compare that with the summer!

Last train from Norwich to Brundall on a Thursday is 23.00 hours. Time for a last one in the Compleat Angler We don't drive so use the trains quite a bit, its a good service around the Broads. If you can moor at one of the Brundall boatyards the station is just at the top of the riverside road next to the Yare pub. Commissioners Cut is a handy mooring I agree but in the dark in winter I don't think I'd be so keen. It's a bit of a walk to the road along a rough track and it's not lit. In fact a taxi from Norwich to Brundall probably wouldn't break the bank. We've found Courtesy Cars good and reliable. Have a good one, and please let us know how you get on!

To quote from the BA website The Broads Authority runs yacht stations at Norwich and Great Yarmouth. These are staffed daily from 8.00am to 8.00pm from the Saturday before Easter until the first week of November. That's shame. I suppose there is nothing to stop you mooring there but it would be at your own risk. I've certainly seen live a boards moored there in winter. With Christmas lights even.

Love it

We've also moored there many times. As Ian says Friday and Saturday are busy on nearby Prince of Wales Road. There are now security gates and CCTV. The guy at the Yacht Station told me incidents are very rare. Just remember to drop your mudweight. Also if you moor towards the Bishops Bridge end of the moorings it will be quieter. But then again if you are out anyway it shouldn't matter! Enjoy!

Sorry for the drift Andy, both Swan Reflections are superb Boats and only a couple of years old. Well worth the extra (IMHO of course)

I'll second that Grace and if you can watch it from the pub window even better

PS forgot to mention, we hired Reflection 2 (shaft drive) in May and it ran like a sewing machine. Very economical too - we used 80 litres in 2 weeks.

Here Grace Hi Andy Roamer has shaft drive so the engine is inside. There were/are two reflections, one with shaft drive, the other with hydraulic, ie rear mounted engine. However I have to say having hired several boats from Swancraft the level of maintenance was so good that the engines were very quiet and we never found noise or vibration an issue. The engine compartments are very well insulated too. In the main they favoured Beta diesels although one of the Reflections is a Nanni.

Is this the boy?

Hi Mark, yes that's right, as long as you turn after the yellow post from the North you'll be fine. Because of the natural restriction of Potter Heigham Bridge fewer boats can get up there and to be honest it's a far cry from the hot spots where damage is more of a risk. You'll be fine particularly if you avoid peak season. Main thing to watch for is this lot

Hi Mark I’ve done this many times but yes, care is needed as the entrance to Meadow Dyke leading to Horsey is quite narrow and hard to spot until you are quite close. Keep an eye on the posts, remember when travelling away from Great Yarmouth the red posts are to port and when travelling towards GY the green posts are to port. Look out for the yellow post, this where you need to turn when approaching from Hickling. If approaching from Martham turn before the yellow post and look out for the entrance to the dyke. I’ve attached a photo – this was taken a couple of years ago but I don’t think it has changed much. Horsey is a lovely mooring but as others have said it is very narrow. I have reversed out a couple of times which can be interesting! There’s a very pleasant walk to the beach and also a superb pub in the Nelson Head. Well worth the effort of getting there. Meadow Dyke is narrow too, it can be interesting meeting a tacking yacht down there! (been there got the T shirt) Others may know better but I believe that the BA cordon off the entrance to Horsey Mere in winter, something to do with protecting wildlife but I’m not sure of the details.

Do tell........

Hate to say this but we've been on the Broads every December for the last ten years or so, including the snow in 2010 Without doubt it's our favourite time to be on the rivers