Broads01

Hoseasons have long been irrelevant in a Broads context as far as I'm concerned. Hire operators who run their businesses properly run decent websites which eliminate the need for Hoseasons. I have fond memories of the time when Hoseasons and Blakes brochures were the link to all boats available but that time is long long gone.

I agree Jim. The fact that the other toilet wasn't right either is also cause for concern and could be a symptom of the same issue I guess. Horrible customer service in my view. Glad you still enjoyed yourselves Mandy.

Le Boat have gone for the ultra premium market in recent years. You only have to look at their Vision' class to see what I mean. They like building boats that are miles too wide for the Broads and as Dan said the weird Herbert Woods agency arrangement thing has evidently bitten the dust. Can Herbert Woods please offer the ex Connoisseurs at half decent rates instead of pretending that 20 year old boats are in the luxury class?

Yes I wanted Glimmering Light solo 3 years ago but I was turned away. On that occasion I had Crown Gem and wasn't disappointed. I'd be interested to know what you go for.

That photo of Admiral reminds me of what an elegant design it was. I guess in 1986 it was close to the end of its time in the hire fleet so count yourself lucky Jim! I would find it hard to choose a single favourite because boats are so different and no one design is perfect at everything. If I had to choose one I'd pick Gainsborough Girl from Summercraft which I hired in 2010. I love the dual steer design and the Brister interior was great. I loved Distant Horizon as well even though the interior is less fancy and its missing a screen up top. They don't go under all the bridges of course so I couldn't hire one of those all the time.

Thanks for the info Clive. Glistening Gem and Blue Gem perhaps?

Ah I notice Richardsons pops up frequently in the replies. I never hired from them at all until 2005 but since then I've hired from them much more than anyone else. My list so far: San Elena Salerno Distant Horizon 1 Serene Gem Crown Gem 3 Jamaica 1 Bright Horizon 1 Tropic Horizon 1 San Francisco 1 In a bit over 2 weeks I'll be on Broadland Wave 2.

Just booked Bright Horizon for a week next Easter for myself and my daughter. Bizarrely, despite hiring many many times for over 30 years, this will be the first time I've rebooked a class I've already had. That's not been deliberate, more to do with the wide choice available and being able to pick the right boat for the crew and time of year. I was last on Bright in April 2013 and loved it. It's great value for a boat with two ensuite cabins and handles beautifully. So do you chop and change boats like me or is there a special boat you keep coming back to?

I guess what I'm saying is there is absolutely no case of misinformation at all.

I agree the tides shouldn't put anyone off going south. From my own experience passing through GY at slack water is by far the easiest and most stress free. It avoids any worry about bridge clearance as well so in my view its still the best advice for first timers. I think a lot of people don't go south because they like to just pootle about slowly on the north without bothering to do the extra distance to go south and back. There's nothing wrong with that and although I like the south sometimes staying north is good.

The date 14th August 1981 will always stick in my mind. This was the start of our cruise on Consul 3 (a Broom 30) from Norfolk Broads Yachting Company Wroxham. I was 10 years old at the time and I think life was never the same again after that. I posted some pictures previously:

Good stuff. Its not just me then, the Broads did something to me over 30 years ago at the age of 10 and i've no idea why either!

As others have said David, you won't be disappointed. The stretch between Beccles and Geldeston is exceptionally quiet, almost boat free at times. You feel as if you've left the Broads altogether.

We hired from Astons at Loddon when I was young on only my second Broads holiday. It was Aston Goblin in the Wizard class. I've never seen the boat since it left the hire fleet and I know a lot of them are around. I like that design and the larger ones like Rambling Freedom because they're Broads boats through and through. Sand Cougar at Sandersons another current fleet example. Yes those Martham boats will still be there for a while yet I feel. I seem to recall Silver Jubilee is a relative youngster, built in the 1970s.

I agree Jonzo, and the Connoisseurs aren't the only Woods boats to be over priced. I like that design too, even though I prefer a proper aft door over one on the side of the boat.

Having really enjoyed 'Broadophile' before I've just watched 'Rubadubdub' for the first time. It was equally good. I love the calm, peaceful vibe and the wildlife photography is stunning, especially the Swallowtail butterfly at How Hill.

Good choice Andy. I haven't hired Antigua or Highland Gem but I did hire their big sister San Elena a few years ago. I've also hired Northern Light from Herbert Woods which is similar but priced higher as you would expect. Its a very good design with a spacious ensuite fore cabin. The sun roof within the sliding roof is a brilliant idea and I can't for the life of me work out why it hasn't been copied since these boats were built. The rear patio doors and large aft deck are also a great benefit and unusual for a centre cockpit design. The aquafibre 38s (as per Sovereign, Sunlit Horizon etc) sort of have that but the aft well isn't so big.

I'd forgotten Far Horizon, probably because I'd never hire a boat that doesn't go under Ludham. The Ant just can't be missed, even on a short break. I remember Clive saying once before the Acle staff do have to watch windage which might limit what can be based there. I hope the Moonfleet base can still be used for overnight moorings next year. Its a really good place to stop being quiet and yet very convenient for the town. The public staithe nearby only has room for 2 or 3 boats.

It makes sense given the size of Moonfleet to run 2 hire bases rather than 3. What it will also do is increase the Platinum choice at Acle which until now has been a class of one (Sparkling Horizon)!

Well Dan, given the number of times you've been this year the loyalty discount is an annual discount for you! Seriously though, the loyalty discount is still a brilliant benefit and not bettered elsewhere as far as I'm aware.

Maybe I'm easy to please and Richardsons biased but I actually think their current offer is quite good. I can't remember anybody discounting prior year prices before as opposed to just holding them. How good the offer turns out to be depends on how much prices increase for 2015 (if at all) after the offer ends. I haven't seen any other offers to tempt me away from Richardsons just yet although I'm keeping my eye out. Woods and Barnes are good at offering last minute discounts but not very good at setting tempting prices in the first place - not good for those of us who like to book early!

Ah ok so the dangly things even out the clearance rather than as I previously thought making it lower on the upstream side. Thanks for clarifying.

Ah yes, Wayford is a stealth bridge, that's to say it sneaks up on the unawares because it doesn't get talked about like Potter and Wroxham. Also it has those horrible dangling things on the upstream side which aren't easily visible until you're close. I'm surprised we don't hear of more mishaps there.

Great write up and great pics John. You've sold me the benefits of getting up super early. I'm intrigued though, why didn't you want to arrive at Beccles at tea time? I don't think I've ever seen Beccles mooring completely full.

It will be fab to see the new boat when complete, whatever the name! Now I'm sure it will need thorough on water testing before being released to the paying public. I would be more than happy to volunteer my services for no charge!