Broads01

I never knew Stalham had a station. Where was it located?

I like the sound as well. I associate it more with the south Broads because of the speedier tidal flow. Because I've not started a holiday in the south for a long time and I've crossed from the north, the sound makes me feel I've travelled somewhere.

I completely agree Johnstone about Richardsons and their response to rectifying faults. I've not had to call them frequently because everything tends to work without issue but when I have, they attend promptly and positively.

Thanks for writing Dave, a really enjoyable read. Iike the church mooring too, an underrated spot and very often vacant.

I like Salerno, Bof. It's 10 years since I hired it now but the refit it had not long before I had it has held up well. It's a long time since I travelled to the Broads by train. The split ticket thing is good and I've used it on other routes. Alas the added cost and hassle of taxis to and from Stalham always puts me off.

I completely agree. Alas it make a prime site for developers though.

Hi Bob. Glad you had a good week. Oh dear indeed, of all the Broads riverside pubs the Rising Sun has possibly one of the best locations and yet by your account they've messed up. Thanks for the info though, maybe just a drink there next time I'm in Coltishall.

I very much enjoyed your write up once again Vaughan and thanks for the boat review. I'm looking forward to Swan Roamer even more now which will share some of the same benefits I'm sure. On the toilets subject, I have a dislike for the old hand pump type and I prefer the electric ones plus I always top up with water every day anyway so hopefully we won't have an issue.

Interesting point about charging. I saw the signs at Wroxham Broad this year - are they new? Also, I recall a discussion a while back where it was stated that collection of a fee for mudweighting was unenforceable. I think Salhouse was the subject of that thread.

On my last few hires from Richardsons the staff doing the fuel refill on return have specifically asked "Do you have any issues to report?". I've sometimes had a couple of minor niggles and they record them on a clipboard. This has left me reasonably sure the issues will receive attention, so all in all really good service.

Good to know David. Yes I know it's great value, one of those boats that Richardsons price lower than they're own equivalents for no obvious reason. I think plenty of customers spot that hence why it gets booked up. The same thing happens with Contessa (which I have next year).

Great tale, thanks for sharing. It takes me back to when my children were younger and some lovely memories.

Enjoying this David. I'm very interested to know what you thought of Swan Rapide. I had Grecian Girl in 2011 and it was OK but with a quirky cabin layout. I've never looked on Swan Rapide but from the interior photos it looks a very decent boat.

Interesting question. There are more knowledgeable folk than me to say but I believe the answer is yes, with exceptions. Exceptions that come to mind are South Walsham Inner Broad and Breydon (which I know isn't technically a Broad anyway). Where you have to keep to marked channels like on Barton no-one would thank you for mooring within a channel.

It's a good job I booked my short break on Swan Roamer last May, more than 12 months in advance of the trip. Yes it's high end, ish (makes a change for me) but it's not a new boat any more. I know there's a few new 2 berths about but they're outnumbered by the larger stuff.

Good news about the Rushcutters. When we stayed overnight at the Oaklands Hotel in August I considered it for food but I was put off by some bad reviews online, so good to know it's worth visiting. Great tip re the pontoon at Great Yarmouth. A nicer spot than the Yacht Station I feel and it's free. I'll try that next time I'm going from south to north.

There used to be signs about a mooring fee at Acle per Pedro's but it was never enforced. I'll always want to moor at Acle but I tend to go at the far upstream end (beyond the posts or necessary) and enjoy the walk to the Bridge. I did so in August and nobody came for a fee.

I don't resent paying for a mooring, provided the charge is reasonable which, more often than not it is. However, on the basis of the photos this meter is an ugly structure which will detract from the aesthetics of the location. I'll avoid mooring there.

Good question Snowy. Yes, as others have said, Richardsons are fine with it and I've hired single-handed from them on 3 occasions. I also hired single handed from Freedom in 2012 when they were still at Horning. Herbert Woods are the opposite unfortunately. I rechecked with them earlier this year when I visited and it was a definite no. What their reasoning is, I don't know, it makes no sense to me.

I wish they would build more two berths but alas the larger boats give a better return on investment because they can be let for a much higher price. In other words, it doesn't cost much more to build a 6-8 berth boat than it does to build a 2 berth one but the income from the boat in terms of hire price is considerably larger.

I've never bought a boat Robin, but I've bought a few houses over the years, not to mention cars so I know the keen seller type well. In your position, I would calculate a price I was prepared to pay, taking in to account all the risks you've identified. I would then offer that on the basis that was my one and only offer and I'd be prepared to walk away, "deal, or no deal" if you like.

Hi Bryan. I always enjoy your tales, thanks for sharing. You had very bad luck with the weather. Funnily enough I also have Swan Roamer next year (4 nights, 29 May - 2 June), so I'm already looking forward to your April tale.

I wouldn't expect the north to be crowded at all early October. However if you're set on coming back as late as possible, I wouldn't take the Thursday evening option because then the only practical night mooring would be Great Yarmouth Yacht Station (which I guess you may be happy with in which case that's fine). I'd moot at Berney or Burgh Castle Thursday night and set off as soon as fully light. You'd be a bit later than slack but close enough to be safe.

They still do buy second-hand, if the Swan Craft boats and Dominica are anything to go by. If they were to acquire more good used kit it would combine well with the new builds I feel.

That's the way to do it. That'll be me on Contessa in a year's time and it doesn't even have a windscreen.