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FlyingFortress
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Posts posted by FlyingFortress
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1 hour ago, ScrumpyCheddar said:
Our day today involved a Old BBC TV series what involved boats..
I expect you all remembered Howard’s Way what ran from 1985 to 1990 on Sunday nights.. A British Dallas 🤣🤣 Shoulder pads, big hair and Boat building.
Anyway we decided to visit where it was filmed. Basically any excuse to visit a pub is always a good shout. So off to The Jolly sailor at Old Bursledon Southampton. It’s on the river Hamble lovely location lots of boats. Right next door to the pub is a house where the character Jack Rolfe lived and next door to that is the Elephant boat yard but in the Tv show it was called the mermaid boat yard. We had a lovely afternoon it’s worth vist especially if you’re a big fan like me 😎😎
Blimey.
A real blast from the past.👍
When I was at Warsash School of Navigation ( basically marine college as a Navigation Cadet) it was our mission on a weekend to take one or more of the college boats up there for an afternoon session. Did it successfully several times but of course as navigators we knew stuff about tides and all that 🤫
I do remember one time either mis calculating the tide or more likely staying for one or three too many and ending up high and dry.
It took a load of muscle to shift that boat back onto the wet stuff as the boats were around the size of ships lifeboats I would guess around 7 to 8 meters. 🫣
The mud up that way took an awful lot of Dhobying to get out of our clothes.😫
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4 hours ago, Vaughan said:
Is that an informed comment? Hire boat operators are in the seasonal tourist business and have to make their decisions a year in advance. Not just from the marketing point of view, but to try and decide how much of a business overdraft you can afford, to cover the cost of materials and labour, to try and present your hire fleet in good order for next season's customers.
Oh, please tell me about that! I have just spent the last 3 days trying to extract my credit balance out of a bank where I have held my current account for sixty years, after they decided to close it, as well as cutting me off from all communication by "on line" or telephone banking. And all this because of BREXIT.
So I am made to feel like an alien to my own country. At least I still appear to be allowed to own my own boat on the Norfolk Broads, so I will continue to "fight my corner" from there.
So write to your MP.
Oh just remembered you live in France 😞
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11 minutes ago, Vaughan said:
An article has just come up on the EDP website, entitled :
Navvies vs Parkies : Civil war at Broads authority. MP's concerns over illegal use of funds.
A long article but well worth reading.
Mmmmmm
Very interesting.
Maybe I was wrong about the FB group. Happy if I am. 👍
Also quite impressed with my own MP for getting involved 👍
I think I need to write to him again.
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Just a little tip in case you have to raise the mud weight again before the installation is complete.
If there are no octogenarians available of course 😥
When on a stern mooring.
Start engine
Let go stern ropes.
Proceed to bow or send crew.
Take in all available slack on mud weight rope and make secure again.
Engage clutch in of engine forward.
Boat will move forward slowly and will break the suction that the mud weight has formed with the river bed . Put engine in neutral and get octogenarian to pull in mud weight. If this does not break the suction then the application of a little throttle may be required.
If this fails, tie up stern ropes and return to the pub as you were never destined to leave in the first place.🫣
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17 minutes ago, BroadAmbition said:
Then simply tie the stern rope first as you should be coming. In against the tide. The tide itself should be enough to stop the bow drifting out but even so you will still have both ropes at hand. Once the stern is tied off simply tie off the bow.
Hmmmm, I solo helm 'B.A' often. I'd be wary of using the method you describe above and would always tie the bow off first, reason being as you correctly stated berthing into tide - BUT - there is a chance the tide will get between the bow and the bank and start pushing the bow off / away from the bank whilst one is busy tying off the stern. Then you would be in the situation of playing tug of war against the tide and boat being swung out and if it got far enough out you would beyond the point of no return unless of course you have the strength of Garth / Popey or the Hulk! Bow first for me every time berthing solo into tide
I have a boat booked this May and due to a relationship break down I’ll be asking the boat yard if they will honour the booking for one instead of two. Your opinion on this would be very welcome ?
That's awful for you, you have my condolences and I do hope you get permission to solo helm, if not surely you have mates that would jump at the chance of a week afloat or even a forumite in here to assist / enjoy?
Griff
Must say that's the way I would advise as well.
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4 minutes ago, Bogart said:
Hi
Thanks for the replies. First yes Waterside pics only show a portion of the boat nothing from galley backwards.
New upholstery maybe pity they could not get any to fit correctly. The fact there was pictured an old oil filled radiator
I assumed no heating other than that think borne out as not mentioned anywhere in the specs.
Regards engine size I have looked up a few of these and seem a right old variation of makes and sizes.
I just thought it looked a bit pricey.
Think you need to read the specs again.🫣
Oil filled radiator are often used as a supplement to blown warm air heating or as an alternative when on shore power.
BBC do still have the Braemore former Moore's Boats don't they?
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24 minutes ago, Vaughan said:
I think Barnes Brinkcraft should get you to do their brochure descriptions!
Seriously though, I agree. These boats are an evolution of experience, designed to be really adaptable to cruising on the Broads. I have memories of so many happy times in a boat such as this, and not only on the Broads.
As Neil says, the lack of a centre cockpit means you don't get so much of a view when in the lower reaches towards Yarmouth but apart from that, what is missing??
I advise you to just make sure before buying, that you get an inspection by a surveyor, to make sure that there are no unforeseen mechanical problems "lurking under the floorboards".
Don't think Barnes have any of these anymore. 😁
I did accompany a former moderator on this site when he test drove his from BBC He is taller than me and a bit thinner on top. He did remove the top layer of skin on his head on the front door 😥
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52 minutes ago, Mouldy said:
It wouldn’t be for me, aside from the fact that I’m not a big fan of ‘bathtubs.’ There will always be things to do to a used boat to bring it to an individual’s standards. For me, there are two major issues with this one - 30hp may be a little under powered for a Broads cruiser, especially if you intend to cruise the southern rivers, where tidal rise and fall will affect the boat’s performance. Secondly, I’m not convinced on the practicality of a composting toilet.
Unless you have a boat built, using a mould that you like and getting it fitted out to your requirements, finding something that satisfies all of the items on your wish list, will probably mean that you’ll never find a boat to suit. You need to decide in what areas you are prepared to compromise, find something that comes close to your desired style and specification and make necessary changes over time to get it how you like it.
The 30 hp is on a shaft so I would think it would be quite enough.
Mine has and had only 8 hp more and can break the speed limits in all tidal conditions apart from a full ebb when transiting South to North through Great Yarmouth
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51 minutes ago, Happy said:
I was told by a well known boatyard owner that if a boat had fitted covers over the windows outside it was because the windows leaked?!
Not sure about that.
I would think it would be cheaper to have the windows re sealed than have covers made.
Although not for me I do know some who has exterior covers on their boat and swears by them. Apparently cuts out a lot of condensation and is great insulation for winter cruising.
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This is what I have.
Had her for almost 20 years so there must be something good about them. I do know this boat and IIRC she is in good condition.
Good points.
Gets under all the bridges except THAT blooming bridge.
Split sliding roof so almost like a cabriolet car when both are fully back. You can of course choose which one to open depending on wind direction.
One level so no upping and downing.
Wide beam so very stable.
Hardly any steering input needed to keep a steady course.
Nice sociable front saloon for having guests.
Ideal for 2 couples as both have en suite and still have access to galley and saloon when the others are still turned in.
Big windows for a good view out.
Downsides
Low down so limited view over reeds.
Big windows can be a problem with misting up. Also people can see in. I have fitted a film over all windows except front saloon ones so have like privacy glass.
Difficult view when stern mooring. I stand on helm seat and operate controls with my feet.
Needs a bow thruster but I see she already has bow and stern fitted.
If you are taller mind your head at the doorways. I promise you will only do it twice.😫
Apart from that the fact we have had one of these all that time must say something about the boat type. In fact when we considered changing her a few years ago we were only going to change to a newer model.
I think Meg has the engine in the middle cabin like ours. When we first got her ex hire fleet the engine could be a bit intrusive but I fitted sound deadening and even our old Lister was quiet enough. Now have a Nanni.
Price seems pretty good too. I was offered a lot more than that early last year for mine when prices were silly.
Any other questions please ask away either on this thread or by PM
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42 minutes ago, Vaughan said:
They were indeed! A period in pub history that is definitely best forgotten.
But perhaps my memory goes back further than that, in my dotage! I can remember back to when beer was delivered to the Buck in Thorpe by Bullards brewery dray, drawn by two shire horses, with brasses gleaming. The wooden barrels were stacked up on racks behind the bar counter and pints were served direct from the barrel tap.
I also remember so many character landlords, such as Simon Whitmore at Surlingham, who would come out and sound a fanfare on his post horn, when you left in your boat after a good lunchtime session. Or Harry Last at Coldham, where a tame swan would come waddling into the bar among all the locals, and stand there until someone gave it a beer.
I suggest 3 main reasons for the decline :
1/. There are very few character landlords left, where you always felt specially welcome whenever you called in.
2/. Pubs are now almost all owned by chains, who charge impossible rates for the tenant to make a living.
3/. Pubs are no longer places where you just call in for a drink with the locals, at lunchtime or before supper on the way back from work. Nowadays, you go there for a meal, which may or may not be a pleasure. But how many other people do you actually talk to, when sitting at your table? Do you know any of the locals, at the bar? Do you even want to know? They are just not the social centres of the community, as they always used to be.
Of all your very valid points above I think 2/. Is the most relevant sadly.
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I think MM it's because a lot of folks post on internet fora what they remembered from their young days and look back with rose tinted glasses.
Pubs in my youth were pretty rubbish with Watneys Red Barrel and if you were lucky a mince pie for lunch.
Then some blooming genius discovered Proper beer again and Pubs started selling it yippee.
Then people wanted more than a pie for lunch and pubs started selling it yippee
Then people wanted more than chicken in a basket and pubs started selling it yippie
Then there was Real Ale again and pubs started selling it yippie.
Then folks wanted more than a burger for dinner and pubs started selling it yippee
Then folks wanted craft beer, whatever the f££k that is and gourmet restaurants and pubs started selling it. A cautious yippee
Then it was decent ale but burgers at £15 a go and folks stated giving it a miss.
Then there was rubbish ale at £5 a pint and burgers at £15 a go , you have heard me preaching about The Norfolk Business Plan before, 🫣
Then they take over two absolute dives on the Broads and turn them into most successful places, The White Horse at Neatishead and The Lion at Thurne.
And folk on here complain that they don't serve Fosters or good old Boddingtons and don't do chicken in a basket.
These two places are very successful and deservedly so due to serving good quality ale at reasonable prices for the area and decent quality food at again a reasonable rate for the area but no blooming Yorkshire Bitter with a great big head, this is The South where us shandy drinking ####### drink beer with no head, and blooming enjoy it without moaning .
If you want Yorkshire Bitter, go to Yorkshire, or Lancashire or Scotland or Wales or any blooming place but Norfolk
Norfolk has been my home for 30 years or more.
It is your holiday destination. Don't turn it into the home you left behind to come here.
Gosh a rant.
😵😫🫣
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Not sure I would frequent a pub that did Mild and Chicken in a basket.
Did that with my parents in the 1970's .
Don't want it now 😫
And BTW I go to a local pub at least 4 nights a week and eat out at least Twice a week. More when on the boat.
It's like all the folk who said they would be back in the pubs when they banned smoking.
They lied.😵
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Pretty easy really 🍺😁🍺
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11 minutes ago, Meantime said:
When I'm on the boat every lunchtime and every evening you'll find us in a pub somewhere. Apart from the vary occasional BBQ all evening meals are also in the pub.
However The Lion at Somerton is one place I don't get to very often, mainly because of that bloody bridge that your quite keen to see remain as it is because it keeps the hordes away from the Upper Thurne. I guess you cannot have it both ways!!!
The last time I got to The Lion was over the New Year's holiday about four years ago when we were staying in the National Trust barns next to The Nelsons Head at Horsey.
Well said MT.
Last time I was in the Lion was 2007 . The last time I got under that blooming bridge
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I notice they have also slipped in a £3 charge for using a motor powered tender as well at Ranworth 🫣😫
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26 minutes ago, floydraser said:
Well as I expected, it just got very silly. Rule 2: No hate speech or bullying.
The very bloke who set it up then posts "Everyone say hi to the BA spy in our midst"
Rule 4: No moaning. But the above kicked off a list of the same old moans.
I'll stay away thanks, it's just not the way to go on.
Feel very much the same as you.
I managed to take a look on my wife's account and it did seem to me the same old names airing the same old gripes.
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1 hour ago, SwanR said:
I believe so. The full daytime closure does seem to be one day. I’m sure it will play havoc with Wroxham families getting children to school in Hoveton and up to the medical centre for appointments.
Thanks 👍
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52 minutes ago, SwanR said:
Don’t forget … closure tomorrow Monday 23rd January on Norwich Road in Wroxham near the junction of The Avenue. Closed all day with a long diversion in place.
Is it just for that day?
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Could someone who does use Facebook keep us updated on what's happening please
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1 hour ago, Turnoar said:
Not a surprise given its densely populated compared to the Norfolk Broads, the real surprise would be if anyone can pinpoint previous grant funded regeneration projects executed in GY which either met the predicated ambition or are indeed really noticeable (without being pointed out). Outer Harbour? The cynic in me says the money will get spent (offered/grabbed) but it won't make a measurable difference to many folk, and no one will notice it a year or two down the line, expect perhaps a few who may gain significantly. Appreciate this is bordering on political so for the avoidance of doubt I've no sway on that front.
Problem is Turnoar.
Just how many people's will benefit from the removal of that blooming bridge.
Not many.
Only folks like me who have an airdraft of less than the bypass bridge.
That excludes an awful lot of boats.
In fact it only benefits boats that were actually designed to fit under that blooming monstrosity in the first place 😣
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Simple answer
Yes
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3 hours ago, Smoggy said:
Shame it's on faceache, there's a lot that care about the broads but don't care for faceache.
It's not much hassle or cost to setup a web address and a forum these days.
It's not.
You are correct.
Trouble is , Faceache is easy to use and many folk live their whole lives on it.
Also, and I am trying to say this in the nicest possible way, it's for people who call programming coding. 🫣
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6 minutes ago, Andrewcook said:
What do the Broads Authorities achieve by these Charges noted in what Grendel has already said by reducing the Spaces available for Boaters wishing to Fill up with Water by being Charged for whatever the nav Committee has passes? As Griff has already mentioned has it been officially passed in his post? In my view, it will be a sad day for business at Ranworth Staith such as the convenience Store/ Cafe & Restaurant / Malsters (Pub) and visiting the Church up the Hill.
£40,000 per year
Allegedly
My Day
in The Broadscot Lounge
Posted
Also went another time when our college was tasked with trialling Fast Rescue Craft for the offshore industry. The brief was to let the Cadets play with the at The time revolutionary water jet boats as the theory was is Cadets couldn't break them nobody could.
So as young men and women ( around 19 to 20 Ish) we were let loose with these 30+ KTS boats.
We were banned from terrorising the ferries and stopped from jumping their bow waves as they went innocently up Southampton Water but we found great sport slaloming through the multi million pound yachts on swinging moorings in The Hamble and then applying the brakes, yes brakes on a boat 🤣 before hitting the Director of the college's yacht 🫣
I do have one vivid memory of when one of our girls got it wrong.
We were actually strapped in on a 4 point harness in a tandem configuration when she hit one of the mooring buoys at high speed. I distinctly remember looking up and seeing water and thinking, this is not going to end well, but thankfully the bow dug in first and we ended up upright. Shaken but not dead 🤣
Probably over refreshed from The Jolly Sailor 🤫