Broads01

I agree about the interior. It's one of those pubs dominated by dining tables and dining chairs whereas if I'm not eating I like something a little comfier.

I'm setting off early tomorrow on my drive from South Wales for a week aboard Royal Velvet 2 from Barnes Brinkcraft. I'll be the solo human this time but once again Suzie our faithful Shih Tzu will be afloat with me. I'm planning to stay north and have no particular plans other than visiting a couple of pubs I'm yet to try. Give us a wave if you see us.

Enya at NYA looks stunning even though peak season price is £3450.

I think the popularity of September with hirers and the fact that this year July and August seemed relatively quiet indicates the price-sensitivity of boating holidays. Hiring in September is significantly cheaper than in the summer and so if you don't have school-age children, why would you choose to pay peak prices? I've booked a 4 berth boat in mid-September 2024 with a hire charge of around £1100. The same boat in school holidays is just under £2000.

I agree scuffs and so on were present, David and to be honest exterior cleanliness wasn't perfect. I think that's the practicalities of running a volume operation versus a small family one. I had no cause for complaint though and, as I've always found with Richardsons, spotlessly clean inside and everything worked.

Brinks Symphonies? (I think Richardsons Symphonies might be a bit cramped for 8 chaps per boat).

Our October trips overlap Helen, but only just. I'm afloat from this Saturday until Saturday 7th. If I'm able to stop in Horning Friday afternoon I'll see if you're around to say hello.

They're not delapitated in the slightest. I was sad to see them go, especially having hired from them only last year in their last season. This summer I hired Silver Mystique from Richardsons and everything was in excellent order. Richardsons run a good business.

Very good point, Simon. I feel the same, in all walks of life, the few spoil it for the many. I don't doubt though that litter is an issue land owners have to account for and that's very sad.

Roy's photo of the saloon proves contrary to what I first thought it doesn't have the original upholstery. The trouble is the styling suggests the same era. Good spot Dan, the headboard on the stern double looks original. Having said all that, I've no doubt it's a well maintained boat so it'll be a good buy for someone at the right price, whatever that is.

I think it's unlikely they'd let the boat out if there was no passage under Ludham. What's probably more likely is they'd offer you alternative boats at the last minute which I appreciate might not be want you want.

The BA website has a list of places where you can buy cards https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/facilities/electric-boat-charging-points

The interior needs some work on the basis of those photos. It looks like it still has the original Brister Craft upholstery.

I always liked the look of Melody, especially as aft cockpit hire boats are an endangered species. I've looked aboard and it's compact to say the least but would be very comfy.

Yep, I've been very impressed with Bridgecraft on both my hires with them. No I don't think so. They post photos of the repair work on their Facebook page each winter and it's very impressive. They seem to make holes in hulls magically disappear. Having hired with them with a dog twice I don't think their pet charges are noticeably higher than elsewhere. I do agree about the interiors though. The colours and materials have a budget look about them but their boats are excellent value nonetheless.

From that photo it looks like water levels are high.

Oh dear, what a horrible thing to happen. Fair play to you for having a smile on your face in the last photo. Not sure if HW have cancellation insurance that would give you a part-refund?

I agree. I love mudweighting but only for short periods during the day because of the dog and because I like the chance to walk. I did intend to try mudweighting overnight on one trip last year when I was dogless but windy conditions put me off.

Has the toll increase led to an increased number of non-payers impacting on the deficit?

I don't think it's much different from taking your car for a service and leaving your key so they can move the car around. Not all airport parking companies are bad. The one we used recently at Bristol Airport provided a "meet and greet" service for a reasonable price and they were excellent.

Yes, Barnes normally ask for your keys and park your car for you and then get it out when you return. The reason is they have very limited space, so they park the cars up tightly end to end. They do have some "normal" spaces on the right as you approach though, next to their marina. On my last hire, they directed my daughter to park there on the basis she was leaving midweek. Hopefully, if you phone and explain your situation they'll be able to accommodate.

Looking forward to reading about it. What's a GSD?

I guess if Bella Signora had an issue at Ludham at any time then other Richardsons boats would also and there would be staff around at the bridge to get you through. I seem to recall this has happened in the recent past when water levels were high.

Thanks for sharing this, Neil, I've started working my way through all the detail. The author has certainly put some hard work in. It's always worth sharing something that's been on the dreaded FB. Some of us try to avoid all the FB dross more than we have time to pick out the good stuff.

Really good to see you back doing the videos, Robin. I'm looking forward to watching these.