NorfolkNog

That's interesting, never knew that That's quite understandable, I've had a hire boat parked in HW yard for 8 hours while we went through the Bridge. Not good economics, I suppose it just depends how keen you are to visit the 'other side' We didn't do it last year and probably won't bother this year. I begin to wonder if the harder it is to get through the more folk are desperate to do it! I think the hire yards are a bit naughty, there is very little that stands a remote chance of getting through these days and statements like suitable tides would be better qualified by twice a year if you are very lucky!

That's fair enough. It was just a general observation not knowing the OP's circumstances. Perhaps the Martham or Bittern route would be the way to go if getting above the Bridge is a must.

Well fair point although a standard dayboat would be more like 100 quid, maybe even cheaper from Phoenix fleet or even Maycraft. Just depends how desperate folk are to go through the Bridge. I once did a very good deal by paying cash but I'm not saying who with. Agreed a picnic boat would be a waste for 2 but say if 8 of you shared the cost it would be a good way to spend a day. Also HW are running some brand new picnic boats based on the their new moulds

No doubt they all smiled and waved a friendly greeting

I'm not surprised Barnes haven't replied! looking at Serenade I would guess its air draft would be around 7 feet but as usual I could be wrong, I usually am! Water levels are not usually good in April, its more to do with wind direction in the North Sea rather than rainfall. I really think your chances would be virtually nil. Sorry! You are lucky to get six and a half feet under Potter Heigham these days. Why not hire a day boat and do it that way? we've done that several times and its a good way to explore the peace and quiet above the Bridge. As Grendel says Martham boats would fit under but probably a bit academic now as you've already booked! I'm sure you'll have a great time though

More than the price of a pint! I've not looked but I'll have a stab at 75 quid 

Good on the Norwich fans - hope the pillock was arrested

Stick to your guns Poppy, well done! PS do I see a sign on the bank which says "Poppy" Idiots!

Hadn't thought of that Perhaps BR or Poppy could enlighten us?

There is a 'no mooring' sign. Not sure who would enforce it, BA probably. It's the same sign as on the little used fishing platforms just up the river

I think this might be the one

They are but Whelptons are hire boat federation members so hire boats can moor there if there is room among the flappy stuff! (stern on job)

A good option although the bank is very low down on that corner, only few minutes walk though Watch out for the yacht with the pointy bit out front ,

Don't think so Neil Both Lightening and Fireman Sam were safely tucked up when we passed which may explain why it's been quiet lately

Sorry to hear about that Grendel I'm not sure if this will work but it does show what muppets these folk are. An old saying Pay peanuts, get monkeys

This is the boy I suspect, normal mooring position?

No, just pull over. It's tight but if you meet another boat slow right down, there should be enough room depending on the boars moored on the right bank. There shouldn't be a need to reverse.

This has been covered many times. As Ian says it takes maybe 5 to 10 minutes to the end. It's not quite as narrow as it was! But still narrow, care needed. You can moor either on the public moorings on the left (room for 3 or 4 boats) or on a hire boat at Whelptons yard on the right if there is space. Just take it slowly and carefully. I've got loads of photos I will try to post later.

True but if you saved a few grand on the deal it could be worthwhile. I believe these guys do a fair bit of continental work. Just a thought. Mind you with all this Brexit palaver I doubt if the exchange rate is much good at the moment.

Take a look at Boat-Shift Transport

There's one of those moored at Brundall Gardens but I don't think its the same one. I think Royalls had two of them. I'd agree, the engine seems very small indeed, I'd be very wary of going up the Bure against the ebb!

Well absolutely. Different yards have used different winding arrangements too. We hired them extensively from Swancraft and never had a problem, similar with Bridgecraft (touch wood)

When the lottery comes up (ha ha) a centre steer Alpha 35 (or even better the rare 32) would certainly be on my short list as would any Alphacraft. But like everything its always best to get the advice of an expert if you are in doubt. There is a design flaw with the centre steer Alphas in that the canopy is not a good fit and compounded by problems with the double cable arrangement which raises and lowers the canopy. However when properly maintained and set up they shouldn't cause any problem.

I'm wondering if it's actually up and running yet? The EDP article seems to imply it's a proposal (unless I've misunderstood - with the EDP highly likely)