Broads01

Yes to the bolt type for the sliding roofs. I had to call them out on the first day to replace one of the bolts because I discovered it had broken. Thankfully the bolts weren't in the position you describe but rather were towards the back of each roof. I'd agree rear visibility was poor but I don't think it's notably worse than any other forward steer cruiser in my experience. If I ever found a forward steer boat with good rear visibility I'd be pleasantly surprised. Re Regal Star, nice design and in fact I'm hiring Belmore TC later this year. I'm not expecting to pass through Ludham though and hence planning to go south for much of the week. I believe they need 8ft 10 or thereabouts. If you want a sedan for the Ant, you might be better with Duet which needs 8 ft 3 I believe. Still no guarantees with Ludham though.

Looks worse than I've encountered. I think I'd have been OK with it except I am prone to motion sickness and that's where I might have found it hard.

At least you didn't go all the way to Watford this time 😊.

Well done on this, I can see how much work has gone in to it. I haven't seen anything else similar and I can absolutely see the use of it. I have a couple of suggestions. Firstly, it looks as if you've been determined to fit everything into 2 printable sheets of A4 and I think that makes everything look a little busy and squashed. You could allow yourself further pages and have 5, one for each main river or you could dispense with printing altogether and go for an online format. Secondly, I think it would benefit from more consistency in the layout in terms of placement of numbers and abbreviations. I like the idea of placing main river numbers on the right and dykes and Broads on the left but you also have some main river numbers on the left. I would put all main river numbers on the right and have one column for longer distances and one column for the breakdown. Abbreviations need to be to the right of the main word I think rather than a mix of left or right. I hope that's helpful. I'm a software developer by trade so just offering a view from that perspective.

I guess you never watched Jeremy Beadle then! Mainstream TV used to pay £250 for funny clips of other peoples misfortune. Yes I watched that years ago. I didn't like that much either because most of it was contrived for the camera. Just because filming others' misfortune isn't new doesn't make it right.

It is a fact of life, yes but I agree with Vaughan nonetheless. I have a dashcam too but that's not the same because I have one to protect myself, not to make money from others. Anything which makes money from other people's mistakes and misery is distasteful in my view.

Excellent. I have happy memories of hiring Emerald back in 2006. Back then it still had space heating but I think Pacific did some updates over the years. When I visited in late March I took this photo when she was at Waterside Marine.

Those rangers know their stuff, don't they? I guess they've seen Horizon 35s pass through on enough occasions to know very accurately what clearance was needed. I'm amazed the tide can turn 2 hours earlier than expected.

The good service from Horning Pleasurecraft continues.

By coincidence, when I arrived at Barnes last month to board Encore, Belmore TC was moored adjacent. Can you tell from this picture which of the two might be very slightly higher than the other? Talking of high freeboards, for Belmore I think I'd better take a stepladder.

Thanks for writing up, Malcom, you've made me want to be back at Oulton Broad. I'm hiring Belmore TC in September and intending to pass through Somerleyton. I've never had to request the bridge open before - is it worth us being there around low water like you did so we don't have to?

Very kind offer, Griff. I'd gladly take you up on it if I was available.

Have either of those ever happened in practice?

I think one of the best benefits of syndicate ownership is being able to have extra time aboard just for the cost of fuel and pump out. I'd love that but I don't think Mrs Broads01 would love it quite so much alas.

Your friends from Beccles made me smile, cruising all the way back to Stalham so they could drive to Lathams, they must really love it in there (can't think why, I can't stand the place). I'd have moored in Herbert Woods though, there's always space in there because it's such a big site. Thanks for a superb write up, I've really enjoyed it. I enjoyed your video last year too - do we have one to look forward to this time?