Broads01

I enjoy the business of Ludham, it adds to the challenge of the helming process for me. I wouldn't want the whole North Broads to be like that though and people make the mistake of thinking all of the North is silly busy in peak season which it's not. Yes I know how many daft day boats there are around Wroxham and Horning there are on a sunny day but there are plenty of places off the beaten track. Take the Ant above Wayford for example or South Walsham Broad. Don't get me wrong I know crowds of boats present their challenges but I still wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

I'm writing up as we go in http://thenorfolkbroads.net/forum/topic/10619-a-broads-guy-goes-all-thames/

Thanks for your replies. I'll post in the Other Waterways section.

I'm hiring on the Thames for a week from tomorrow. Would anyone object if I wrote up the trip on here? I hope it'll be of interest to some of you because I know there are Thames fans out there and if you're not maybe you could be one day. I'm hiring Capri from Le Boat at Benson, my wife and I aboard. It's a Broom 29 as per Siesta/Mystic Horizon/Brinks Duet. I've been on the Thames a few times over the years but much less so than the Broads, mainly due to boat prices and lack of availability. This'll be my first Thames trip for 5 years and my wife's first ever. Can't wait!

Another enjoyable video Robin. You made me laugh with your 'affliction' anecdote. I won't spoil it for those yet to watch the video!

What a gem this one is http://www.edp24.co.uk/business/tourism/watch_what_a_holiday_on_the_broads_looked_like_in_the_1960s_1_4529705

Robin - I've now caught up with all the videos so far and what can I say - fantastic! I enjoyed the comedy scenes with Sheila, Ludham Bridge tight squeeze (captured very well) the demo of leaving the mooring at Potter (looked spot on to me) and best of all your Breydon fun! When I cast your videos to the tv and it's just me and you in the room, so to speak, you transport me to the Broads in a very skilled way.

Hi Bob. Yes those 44 footers are great value. Your fuel bill sounds about right because you covered very little mileage. I'd have gone stir crazy only going that far (but I'm a bit obsessive about covering the miles, I love piloting the boat so much).

Good to see the photo Carol. I'm trying to get my bearings with it. Is the river out of shot to the right?

Oh dear, I'm sorry to read this. I've visited Rockland many times but never stopped the night there as for me the moorings have a claustrophobic feel about them. It's something to do with being stern on in a tight space and having the two staithes at right angles to each other. On one visit there we'd intended to stop the night but changed our minds because there was a group of drinkers who weren't the quietest. That night we ended up on the southernmost dyke that leads to Rockland (Fleet Dyke?) and it was a lovely spot from where you could walk to the village.

I like a stop at Stracey. I hope the goats are staying, they chase around after you and are hilarious!

Enjoying your write up Jon. I had Concerto 5 last September and also experienced the drafts through the roof even though you had colder weather than I did. Even so I do think the Concerto/Rhapsody layout is brilliant as the open plan galley across the boat works better than the narrow corridor ones. Sorry to read about your back problems - I get fidgety to get moving every day I'm on the boat so being stuck in bed would be a nightmare.

Enjoying your write up Robin. I haven't watched the video's yet as I'm waiting til I have a chance to link up to the tv and enjoy, looking forward to it.

In my experience the North Broads are busy the May half term week but less so than in August. I've always put that down to it being in the fishing close season. There's no shortage of moorings if you avoid the pub hotspots though.

Hi Alison. Thanks for your tale and the boat review. What made you choose Dazzling Light this time after Commodore previously and how do you think they compare?

I enjoyed that Bryan and looking forward to the video.

Yes according to the Hoseasons page Bridgecraft now have Richmond Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/bridgecraft-brid/?gclid=CI3gu_zpocwCFesW0wodKHYC6w&clickcd=50123&s_kwcid=AL!2504!3!79037563987!e!!g!!bridgecraft acle&ef_id=Vxng3wAAAYx8lilB:20160422082919:s

To echo the comments above, this is sad news indeed. I've only hired from Royalls once, being Royall Stuart for 2 weeks back in 2007 but I know from that experience what a superb business they are. I've considered hiring from them again since, especially as price-wise they compete very well with the big boys but boat availability in the week I want has always been an issue. I know they have legions of repeat hirers who book a year or more in advance. I've followed them closely over the years, both online and always enjoyed a wander up to the boatyard when I'm in Wroxham. I've also moored in their yard on several occasions, the location being a little oasis of calm away from all the floating traffic near the bridge. When I next visit the Broads in October I'll call in there and wish them all the best. I even have a Royalls boatyard mug with artwork by Nigel!

I'll look forward to your video Robin. What made you hire again now you're part-owner of Broad Ambition? You don't have to answer that now if you'd prefer to explain on the video.

Thanks again for writing Eric, it's always good to read a boat review. I looked aboard Commodore at the London Boat Show and I agree the galley is very small, far too small in my view. It's about right for a compact 2 berth!

I'm enjoying your tale Eric, thanks for writing. Always good to hear from someone who like myself enjoys putting the miles in over a week!

Was it one like this? http://www.broads.org.uk/wiki/index.php5?title=Boat_Details&BoatId=7064&BoatHistory=31461

I love doing a spot of reversing on the boat, its always very satisfying. I like mooring at Neatishead at the far end of the dyke just for the hell of it! I worry about myself sometimes!

I like Dilham too and the river between Wayford and there is as lovely as the rest of the Ant. The biggest boat I've turned there is 37 foot but there was a fair bit of room to spare. For turning in tight spots I favour the bow rope tight round a post, rudder hard over, gentle throttle approach. Kestrel - Maffetts didn't keep it long. Wasn't it formerly Citation at Sabena Marine? I can remember seeing it in the Sabena days and thinking the engine sounded like it had a few hours on the clock!

Beautifully written once again Jean and enjoying your photos too. Very interested to read about all the Richardsons Swan boats out on hire so early. It looks like Richos bought the right boats, as if we didn't know that already.