NorfolkNog

Hi Simon Memory failing with old age but I think around mid 1990's. They still had the two yards then at Loddon and Beccles. We were caught the wrong side of Beccles old Bridge by a torrential rainstorm overnight. We had to wait all day for low tide and eventualy the guys from the Beccles yard reversed the boat through the Bridge and still scraped it slightly. We hired the boat from Loddon and only just got it back in time!

This is as recent as 1995 yet probably only a fraction of these remain

There were just so many yards back in the day, Some of our early hires which I don't think have been mentioned yet: Lady Lorna from LL Cruisers at Wroxham (Hoveton) a Hampton, first year in hire if memory serves Falcon from Easticks at Acle - again virtually brand new boat and probably the most unfriendly yard I've ever hired from Aston Concorde from Loddon - think it's the yard now owned by you know who And a classic woody - Eskdale from Dale Line at Horning.

Indeed. Remember the saga of the Surlingham Ferry. That didn't end well either.

Dog in the manger approach. Always has been. John and Tracy were the last ones to really make a go of the Berney. Driven out by unrealistic rent demands. Look at the Golden Galleon....no proven connection of course......

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23638224.south-norfolk-investigate-beauchamp-arms-noise-complaints/?ref=rss

Bow thrusters are by no means essential but are very helpful. I'd certainly recommend them for first timers.

Maybe get one adult with one rope and the kids with the other. Make sure they step ashore carefully and wear their life jackets! I'm sure you'll be fine.

If it's the one I'm thinking of (ex Swancraft) It will be dual helm. The inside one's not good but the upper helm gives good all round visibilty. I agree, big boat for 2 adults to handle but bow thrusters do help.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23589494.neighbours-war-landmark-location-norfolk-broads/

Wonder if Wild Craft could be one? Not been in for a while but sampled this last time. Quality was excellent, good pub

I always use the Shorebase tide tables exclusively and they've never let me down yet. http://www.norfolk-broads.org/index.htm Highly recommended. I think they might have something to do with our old friend Strowager as if you look carefully there is an old phone dial icon in there. If it is him he was always very good on the technical side (no doubt still is). During our recent visit to Beccles we were told we had no chance of getting through the bridge at the time we wanted. Quick check on the Shorebase table and straight through, no problem. Certainly the 'bible' for me.

Said it many times, you get the service from Bridgecraft that you will never get from the big yards. Highly recommended

Couldn't agree more Neil. Swan Reflection 2 was the last boat we hired from Swancraft and (I think) their penultimate build. Paul is a 'thinking man's' boat builder and the quality is excellent. He would build to your specification as well. The 31 is perfect for a couple (IMHO), compact but not cramped. Low air draught and will slot into those smaller gaps. Great handling too. Bet it would be cosy in winter too. Just need those numbers to come up..........

Saw quite a few Pacifics out and about and certainly a yard I would consider. We enjoyed our time down South, much more quiet and peaceful. This may have been partially due to the early morning/evening transit times. Bumped into Tracy (ex Berney Arms landlady) and she said they could predict how busy they would be based on tide times.

Good but sad journey home, thanks M I agree, price of some boats, very expensive. Bridgecraft provide very good value fortunately. I would also agree about smaller boats for a couple. When the lottery comes up I'll get Swancraft to build me a 31 foot Alphacraft

We've just returned and it was very noticeable the high number of Richardsons older boats out. Ditto Herbert Woods. I do wonder if cost is really starting to bite. We moored in Faircraft Loynes yard, they had a few boats out but not many.

Still here M (last day) It was absolutely fantastic down South. Quiet, I think the early/late Yarmouth time helped. We don't mind getting up early and from 6 to 9 the rivers are empty. I would strongly recommended it. Sun is out now but very windy apart from the gazebo in the Bridge Inn garden What have you booked out of Interest?

Yes, by boat M Had to wait for the Bridge after leaving Caxton Club but got through at about 7 foot 3. The Locks is a fabulous pub. Waiting for Reedcutter to open at the mo. Really quiet darn sarf, wonder why.....

Ha ha! The 10 quid mooring fee at Ranworth will sort them out no problem mooring here at Geldeston and me and Mrs Nog have found a quiet corner. Best time to be on the Broads is December, moor anywhere for free and loads of room in the pubs. Magic.

Very busy at the Locks tonight No sign of PJ in Beccles I'm afraid but will look on the way back

Posted 18 minutes ago 32 minutes ago, NorfolkNog said: That’s a very vibrant shade of gin, Howard! Morello Cherry Mrs Nog assures me

It's beer o'clock

No, very quiet surprisingly. There's a little market on in the square though and Mrs Nog is looking at the tat

Safely in Monica land