NorfolkNog

Faircraft Loynes used to do that. As I say no one has ever restricted me! (I must look trustworthy)

Indeed. Swancraft. Bridgecraft - no restrictions, no problems, everyone's happy

This is the stuff I use MM but sure others will have other recommendations https://www.cricklewoodelectronics.com/Heatshrink-Sleeving.html

True - needs to be a solid joint particularly on a boat.

You need a solid joint particularly on a boat. I would echo the solder and heat shrink method - I use this often on my old radios. I get various sizes of heat shrink sleeving from Crickelwood Electronics. Good stuff. Soldering is a bit of a knack. Clean joints are vital and don't use too much solder. Multi core is easiest to use. For my radios I use the old fashioned lead stuff - the modern lead free has a higher melting point and (personally) bit more difficult to use. Plus an iron for the size of the job - small iron for delicate stuff! Good luck!

Ditto - I've moored at Reedham numerous times in winter. No hoses but the water is still on. Can't speak for the electric We've also moored at Yarmouth and bunked over the fence to go to the shops. Also moored at Norwich - again to go to the shops and a quick pint. I'm not sure I'd fancy mooring overnight at GY or Norwich in winter though. No problem with Reedham and very handy for the pubs!

Ha! Not quite but yes, if I had the choice of sitting on a boat in the dark when moored or being in the pub it's not too hard!!! We like to cruise as much as we can during the day athough it's suprisingly sunny quite often and you do get heat through the windows. We usually put the heating on for half an hour when we get back from the pub and then get under the duvets. If you're quick with the comfort breaks you don't get chance to get cold. Pop the heating on again before we get up. I can't say we've ever been cold and I'm sure that Mrs Nog wouldn't hesitate to let me know if she was!

To be fair I think it's more the customers than the staff. I dont go in them very often but from observation when I do (eg Glasshouse in Norwich) customers will try to cluster particularly as the evening wears on. This puts pressure on staff and is uncomforable for other customers. Paradoxically I have found that the smaller pubs are safer as they are easier to manage and customers seem more willing to stick to the rules.

True, although we have been finding that the good pubs (not your Wetherspoons etc) are run very well and staff make sure everyone sticks to the rules. It's probably safer in the Bridge Inn for example than your average supermarket. A lot of people don't wear masks in shops and are rarely challenged. We use public transport a lot as we don't drive and the same applies there sadly. https://beertoday.co.uk/hospitality-covid-1020/

Ah, thanks Lady V - that was taken last year. Apologies to the OP They did offer to pay so no harm done I'm sure

........there yer go..... but no reason to see it when you moored up, I wouldn't worry!!!

Great write up and pictures, thank you. I wouldn't worry about the water at Beccles. There is a fee to moor there (certainly overnight) and the sign giving the details is near the harbourmasters office I think. But you weren't to know and did offer to pay, I think your conscience is clear! The guys there and at Oulton Broad are very good and helpful. I'm wondering if your missus doesn't drive? Its often said that children handle boats best as they have no driving experience. That stretch of the river to Geldeston is beautiful indeed. Glad you made it. Again you did exactly the right thing going slowly under. That bridge is deceptive and caught many people out. There is quite a substantial rise and fall there so care is needed. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

Always worth bearing in mind. Not being able to go South would be a drawback. Always done it in winter but it's necessary to juggle your dates to fit the tides with the reduced daylight. As has been mentioned, the peace and tranquillity is amazing. you can moor anywhere and certainly, in December, pretty much have the river to yourself.

Rain, I agree. Done every December for last 16 years. Magical. The only thing that will stop me this year is Covid and that's looking almost inevitable. ....or even better in the pub Helen!

I had exacly the same thought when this thread started. I've come across private boats when they clearly hadn't a clue. Helped several. It makes sense that they may well let friends and relatives take them out.

So it does appear that Richardsons are NOT hiring in November which may just leave Faircraft Loynes and Herbert Woods?? With local lockdowns coming thick and fast now, November might just be the last chance to get out. Busy now though apperently.

Update

Leaving a 15 foot gap between boats being one of them!

Live a board?

I think the OP might stand a good chance as I think the gauge is a bit pessimistic and a big advantage of this boat is the narrower beam. I think it would be well worth checking with the pilot. The mobile number should be in the Skippers manual. Mrs Nog has the number on her phone but she is in the land of nod ATM.

You might be in with a chance, give the pilot a bell, they'll soon tell you. Could be quiet up there if not much is getting through.

Glad you're enjoying it and supporting the local pubs too!! Always good to have life jackets on too particularly in this weather when surfaces can be wet and slippery. Please continue to let us know how it's going if you can!

Look out Helen!!!