Broads01

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?

Fear not, your chance to cover the entire navigation hasn't passed. You can still go back south tomorrow as far as St Olaves Bridge and then that's the south Broads done. How about it?😄

Like it! Do you have the rudder turned hard in to the quay, I.e. opposite direction to the bow thruster?

Wow, I like doing the cruising hours but you guys did some miles today. Thanks for writing up so comprehensively each night, I'm enjoying your story. Flooding pictures are a sorry sight.

Re reversing out, I like the idea of a line holding the bow, I'll try that. Yes Kate, I have rudder hard in to the quay and then short bursts of forward throttle kicks the stern out. Even so it can be a challenge in windy conditions. It's one of the situations bow thrusters come in to their own when you have them because they can make a forward exit a piece of cake.

I'd be interested to know that too being on a sedan cruiser later this year.

I guess being right by the A47 they're in a good location. Hopefully the business will continue.

I agree Neil although at the moment even a low air draft boat isn't much good for getting through Wroxham. I suspect Beccles might have a small window around low water.

Have I understood correctly, the folks on Amber Gem 5 have bought the boat and kept its hire fleet name (which seems to be a common choice)?

Look forward to hearing about it. I know the Melodys have a strong following. Watch your clearance at Great Yarmouth and St Olaves but you probably don't need me to tell you that.

There's very little passing under Wroxham at the moment I'm afraid. I'm guessing Aqua Emblem will need about 6 ft 10 so it'll need a big drop in levels to get through.

I'm very pleased to read about Mill House Farm moorings being back open. The closed signs last week didn't look temporary but evidently they were so.

I love your Salhouse idea, it makes me think I want to do something similar.

When I wrote about Potter I had no idea anyone would head there as a result 🙂. Glad to be of assistance 👍.