Broads01

That is sad news. Its one of the loveliest spots to sit for an outdoor drink.

How do you guys stay warm after you've switched the heating off at night? Having experienced quite a few very chilly spring and autumn nights I was wondering how you get on when it's freezing or below. Is it just a case of loads of layers and thick duvets?

I love the old Astons, but it's boats still on current hire I was thinking about here particularly. Merlin is a good call, anyone know how many years it's been at Maffetts? Yes there's tons of old rag and stick kit around I know. I was also thinking about Hawaii from Richardsons which I think dates from about 1969.

Back in 1986 when I was a teenager my mum and dad took us on a boat then named Whispering Teal from Mistral Craft at Loddon. It was boat registration M258 and 28 years later you can still hire it from Richardsons (where its been since the year after we had it) where its now Norfolk Gem. I know that there are many other boats on current hire that have been around a lot longer than Norfolk Gem. What's the longest serving boat you can think of and did you hire it way back?

I agree Kadensa, especially when travelling South. Slack is easy most of the time, low water I've found to be less so, before low water can be scary. I remember years ago when I was a teenager and my poor dad being scared out of his wits by the way the tide pulled us along. This isn't something you want at all.

Ah yes I remember in the 80s and early 90s that was quite a busy yard. All the boat names were ladies names beginning sh e.g. Shannelle. They used both Hoseasons and Blakes at different time. When they stopped Herbert Woods took over the site briefly about 1998 but it didn't last for some reason. The site looks a bit sorry for itself now and I always think of Alan Johnson boats when I pass there.

I agree Iain. I haven't had much luck getting through Potter at all in recent years. The exception was April 2013 when on Bright Horizon and the water was unusually low. As I recall if the pilot can take you through he'll prefer a time leading up to low water rather than when afterwards when the water is rising.

Great info and pics, thanks Geoff. Yes a great design and great value I'd agree.

Travellodge at Acle is great. I've stayed there many times as I too have a mega journey to get to the Broads and generally travel the day before hiring. The rooms have just been re-done and you can't beat it for value for money. I would tend to avoid the Little Chef next door for breakfast as I think its over priced.

Fair enough Geoff. Was the bed ok? I remember reading reports that it was too short.

Ooh interesting. Clive if you could let us know all fleet details before your booking discount runs out at the end of September that would be extra marvellous!

Great stuff Geoff. Richardsons still have time for the personal stuff then even though its a high volume operation. The Star Gems are great, just wish they'd swap those hideous arm chairs for a decent sofa but maybe that's just me.

Pyes Mill is a lovely spot for the night and a pleasant short walk to town as others have said. We usually have a chug to the Staithe in the morning then and get water and provisions. If Pyes is full, there are 2 hire yards on the right, Maffett Cruisers and Pacific Cruisers and you may be ok to stop there if you check with them first.

There's a great view from both the Wherry and the Commodore but with the Wherry being on top of the pub car park puts me off.

Its very hard to narrow down to one favourite place Grace. I love Ranworth Staithe both the bussling activity and the scenery. I've always avoided mooring for the night there for fear of noise which is a bit silly really. I intend to put that right when I'm on Broadland Wave 2 in early October. I've always loved Cockshoot as well, Langley Dyke, Bramerton, Coltishall, Salhouse. . . .

I love the South too Neil but the main reason for hiring north and then travelling South (as opposed to hiring South) for me is loyalty to Richardsons. I am keeping my eye on Pacific, Maffett and Freedom though as the value options because I realised recently I haven't hired from the South since I last went with Pacific in 2006. There are some fantastic boats available from the Brundall yards of course, just too pricey for my current budget. The question is, if I did hire from the South for a full week, would I go north for part of it? The answer is yes probably. I love the north and South for their own distinct appeal and I would miss the north if I didn't go there.

Good news June. I thought you might end up with Richardsons in the end! You have two contrasting boat styles there each with their own pros and cons. I've hired Crown Gem and it was great except didn't like it in the rain when the cockpit felt cramped and enclosed. It would be good to hear how you get on.

Just need to put the record straight about Richardsons Chocco. You said the price had doubled since you booked. In fact Richardsons are very consistent in their pricing between one year and the next and tend to be amongst the best value you can get. There was some reorganizing of price bands for 2014 which was swings and roundabouts between some boats cheaper at certain times and others going in the other direction. Don't forget short breaks on a per day basis are always more expensive than full weeks. My guess is you won't find an equivalent boat cheaper than what Richardsons are offering for the same period but I'll be happy to be proved wrong. Having said that, if I was in your position I'd look to hire on the South side then stay north when you're on your Richardsons boat. That way you get to see all the Broads but save time and fuel crossing North to South.

I enjoyed your tale Jaws, thanks for posting.

Wow Paul. I've just watched Broadophile all the way through and I thought it was fantastic. Its the best YouTube Broads video I've ever seen - beautifully shot, well edited, informative and yet very personal. I've been coming to the Broads a long time and so I know all the places you went to very well but I still loved watching them. I've never been on the Electric Eel though and I will now thanks to your film.

I agree 100% about Gliding Light Jonzo, having looked aboard recently myself. On paper it looks a good value 6 berth, in practice the layout is pretty hideous in my view.

I like the bunch of guys at Horizon too. My last few hires have either been from Stalham or Acle and whilst I can't fault the high volume, super efficient service at Stalham I love the personal service at Acle. When I called there in May more than one of them remembered my face from the 2 hires I had from last year. I'm hoping they receive their share of the platinum boats at some stage.

About time I uploaded a few photos of our week.

Does anyone know if this will be available online anywhere for those of us without Sky or Freesat?

Thanks guys that answers my question. Seems like a nice stop off en route for Beccles.