Broads01

Beautiful picture. Bridge Broad came to mind.

I like the look of that cover for colder weather, it's not something I've ever had on a centre cockpit boat.

I've always thought it's a boat Richardsons have put in the wrong price band. It's priced in the bottom 4 berth band making it the same as the Bounty 37s for example (which are also brilliant value of course). I booked the first week of September 2018 which was over £200 cheaper than smaller dual steers like San Julian for the same week. It would have been even less the following week or week after but it was already booked for the 3 weeks after I have it.

Ah so you nabbed the same bargain as me. OK good, I'm not quite as tall as you so sounds good, thanks.

Forward steers with full sliding roofs can be draughty too, the draughtiest I've had being Concerto (Bounty 37). If I'm having a forward steer I always tend to choose a full roof over a sun roof though. Oh dear and I've just booked Contessa for a week next year knowing I may need to sleep in the bunks cabin. Are they shorter than 6 foot do you know John?

Hi mjt. Alas Summercraft aren't my favourite people at the moment since the snooty way they dealt with my request to moor there in May. Having said that I've hired from them twice and they run a decent business and I've no doubt the Grande Girls are nice boats. If you search in the Holiday Tales section, there's a member called Mouldy who's hired them more than once as I recall and always in late September. You could pm him in case he doesn't pick up this thread. I've hired San Francisco from Richardsons which is the 35 foot version of the same design. It has an island double which I found very comfortable (I'm 6 foot 0).

I think the main difference is Commander has a scissor berth arrangement in the fore cabin instead of an island double.

Hi Griff. I'm on the north Broads Monday 21st-Friday 25th on Tobago 3 and I'll come and say hello if our paths cross.

I'm mulling over what to hire for my second trip next year, 95% certain to be with Richardsons because I'll get 20% discount as it's my second booking in the year. There'll be 2 or 3 of us aboard and all wanting separate cabins. I was wondering if anyone knows the lengths of the quarter berths on Glistening Horizon and Blue Horizon/Gem. I know they all have saloon doubles but I can't be bothered with all that making the bed every night faff!

I'd be interested to know how busy the bank upstream of Broads Boating Company has been peak season. I'm planning to overnight there week after next.

Ah, Hawaii, the last of the Caribbeans still on hire. That'll be the end of an era to say the least.

This is a good news story I feel. It's a lovely location and that 2005 picture reminds me of how smart the Moonfleet boats always were. Much as I'm loyal to Richardsons, their takeover never felt quite right. The Simpson family have the business in their name at last, it's taken a year or two!

Is that their two wooden hire boats (Swallow and Merlin)? Do you have a link? I'd be sad if Maffetts are to stop hiring. My late father hired Merlin and I've always been able to see myself following him.

So the Broads in July and August isn't fun? I think you must be thinking about somewhere else. If not then I couldn't disagree more. I love quiet out of season but I'm with you Grace, I love the bustle and the buzz of the peak season too, Bure around Wroxham and Horning included.

Yep, reproduction versions and I used to have a 1947 one like Robin's. They come up on eBay from time to time.

Tight squeeze Griff. I've moored before where Gold Gem is but wouldn't have thought of going where you did. That's a good tip as the main moorings fill up so quickly.

Great tale, thanks for writing. I've never heard of an issue like that with a boat throttle before, I'd be interested to know what might have caused it. The yard next to the New Inn was Southgates and was in the same group as Herbert Woods in the 80s and early 90s under the Pennant Holidays banner. Southgates finished in 1992 I think when Pennants finished.

Spot on Doug, I'd feel the same. I much prefer Richardsons policy of not offering last minute discounts on the basis that their prices are low in the first place.

The auctions have ended. The 1967 brochure was at £21 with only a few minutes to go but finished up selling for £53. The 1968 brochure sold for only £19.99 eBay is an unpredictable world.

Hi there, some good advice so far. I like the Staithe at Stalham, worth a look if you're not late in the day. Richardsons is a good bet any day of the week to be honest. Even if it was a turnaround day they have the luxury of the quay towards the edge already mentioned plus the quays in the boatyard itself that aren't used for turnaround. If in doubt, check at reception.

Good to know you're sorted Andrew, I felt sorry for you left on your own. Have a great week.

The weather makes a big difference in my experience. A good spell brings out the privateers and last minute bookers. It's been mixed of late so that would make it quieter.

Is the cafe at Hardley Mill new? I last went south in 2015 and I don't remember it.

Tell him indoors this mobo enjoys the fun of negotiating his way past a tacking yacht or indeed a group of tacking yachts. I also think the sight of a tacking yacht working their way back and forth on a windy day is a rather nice.

It's hard to know where to start Paul, you'll discover and enjoy for yourself. There's already a mass of info here on the forum but places that come to mind to eat are Surlingham Ferry, Rush cutters at Thorpe, Commodore or Wherry Hotel at Oulton Broad, Ship at Reedham, Fisherman's at Burgh Castle. My list is by no means exclusive.