Broads01

Lovely picture. I don't remember there being a mooring in that location on the main river.

Thanks Dan. So it was on the Boat Database all along, including a photo of the boat with it's current name "Harmony" and it's current livery. The photo when the boat was "Kingfisher Elan" takes me back. Kingfisher were a decent operation I think in their days at what's now the Freedom site. Then they became Line Azzurro and everything went downhill very quickly.

Ah, thanks Howard. I remember it well. The Anchorcraft boats were always turned out well in their distinctive light blue. Even though the boat has always been white since it's been in Bristol I think Paul may well be right as the 32 centre cockpit is so rare relative to the 35. I remember Bridgecraft acquired one of the Forth Bridges from them (possibly others?) but they didn't take Crystal, probably because they already had Tower Bridge. So when you hire Tower you must wish it was 3 feet shorter 😊

I knew the Ferry House at Surlingham (fantastic pub) accepts bookings but I didn't realise the Reedham Ferry did so, that's useful to know.

Some good advice given so far it's refreshing to read some balanced views as opposed to the unfair criticism of the North Broads that sometimes goes on. People will tend to say "ooh, in the summer you have to moor for the night by lunchtime" which is complete nonsense, as long as you're prepared to be flexible as others have said. The North Broads also has it's quieter areas, for example above Wroxham Bridge if your boat will pass through, Upton Dyke, Dilham and the like. Going south is nothing to get nervous about - just follow the well publicised guidelines about Great Yarmouth and Breydon and you'll be fine.

Happy birthday Robin!

I've often wondered the same thing Howard as it's been in Bristol for some years and this is the second time it's come up for sale in the last couple of years. Alas there's no Broads number. I once tried a conversation with the previous owner but he wasn't very forthcoming.

Enjoyed reading about your long days Jay and the photos are great. I like covering plenty of river mileage also although I have to admit not quite so many miles as yourself. I'm also with you on the dogs issue. We have a dog for the first time this year and on my recent trip I appreciated being able to take him in The Lion at Thurne.

Hi Simon. I've come to the conclusion that the height gauge at Ludham is a work of fiction (have a read of my recent holiday tale, the post about Thursday 23rd May and you'll see what I mean). Another option you have if you're in doubt on the day is wait until all's clear and tiptoe right up to the bridge ultra-slowly with a crew member positioned appropriately to make a judgement of the gap between boat and bridge. If they're in any doubt, just back up and have a look another day. I think the style of boat you hire is very much down to personal choice and for me part of the fun of hiring is having a different boat each time to fit the time of year, crew and what I want to be doing. Royale is a nice looking boat and a good choice in my view.

My impression from my recent visit was that BBC are operating a much reduced fleet of 3 boats this year. On passing Acle the first time, all 3 were in the basin and on the second passing 2 remained. They were nicely presented externally with new BBC logos on the bows. Their Facebook page is actively promoting their offering.

Great photos Jay. At the Commodore was there any mention of the £10 being refundable against food?

Great photos Jay. At the Commodore was there any mention of the £10 being refundable against food?

Indeed, Jay, I can remember the Commodore moorings being on a poor state but it's a few years since I've moored there. Certainly looks more inviting now though.

No ensuite on Jazz I'm afraid. I missed saying I used both beds, starting on the saloon bed when my son was with me for the first part of the week. The saloon bed isn't the easiest to assemble, involving a large drawer which has to be pulled out and stored within that two deep and very heavy cushions. Once you've assembled it, there's a big gap between the main sofa cushion and the additional ones, so it's not that comfortable. My son wasn't very complimentary about the double berth in the cabin but I found it just right and I slept very well.

I hired Brinks Jazz for a week in May 2019 and here are my thoughts. The boat was built in 1991 by Porter and Haylett/Connoisseur Cruisers not originally for Broads use but rather the French canals. It has dual steering, combining a fairly standard forward drive layout (with internal steering forward) with a roof-mounted external position. The bow area has a well with seating as per a 'bathtub' but unlike a bathtub the bow is pointed in shape which can make stepping aboard more of a challenge. Also a challenge are the unusually narrow side decks which resemble those of a narrow boat but nevertheless can be negotiated with the aid of the hand rail. You can tell the boat was built by Connoisseurs from the trademark side door on the port side near the stern with stern mounted engine and absence of traditional stern access door. To access the roof deck there are deep steps from the stern. Up top it's very sparse, having no windscreen and the only seating being a hard (and somewhat uncomfortable) double helm seat. Nevertheless the top steering position was the one I used by far the most as it provides fantastic views over the Reeds and far beyond. The steering wheel is the highest point of the boat and piloting bridges like St Olaves and Ludham requires some contortion from the helmsman of the top steering is to be used. Air draft is 7 feet 10 so not especially high by dual steer standards. Surprisingly, the helm view is not as good as you might think for manouvering - because the side decks are so narrow and the position so high, the extremities of all the decks are obscured by the superstructure resulting in a degree of guesswork to estimate how far away the quayside is. Access through the side door requires very steep steps inside to be negotiated. Once inside at the stern there is a cabin which can be configured either as a double or as single bunks (the top bunk simply lifts off to form the outer half of the double berth). Floor space with the double set up is fairly limited but storage is excellent with deep hanging space and plenty of shelving. Also at the stern is a toilet with washbasin. This is cramped and the toilet bowl almost comically small. However, what works really well is the separate shower just forward of the side door. This is spacious and avoids the usual issue of getting everything im the toilet wet when the shower is used. The forward half of the boat is an open plan galley/saloon area with galley across the boat and the sink area looking forward. The galley is a reasonable size with good storage, full size fridge and microwave. The cooker is dated, caravan-style, however, being a two burner hob and small oven and grill. The narrow side decks give good space inside and it feels like you're on a boat wider than its actual 11 foot. There's a long straight (not L shape) sofa which converts to a double bed. The saloon area also has plenty of storage. The interior helm has good visibility forward but almost non-existent visibility to the rear, even by forward-drive standards. The heating is variable temperature and works well. There is shore power, solar charging and an electric mud weight. Overall I really enjoyed Jazz and the combination of top steering with all the advantages of a forward drive works really well. This is one of Barnes' cheapest boats and yet the equipment levels make it excellent value. Being a compact boat it's easy to handle with the exception of lack of sight of the side decks as mentioned. It is, however, not a boat for anyone with even the mildest of mobility difficulties with its deep external steps and steep side access (give me a conventional stern door anytime!). I apologise for having taken no internal photos. I'd intended to do so on departure but cleaners were standing by waiting for me to vacate.