Broads01

I remember Richardson's doing their logos, around 2015 I think. I'm not a fan of the Hoseasons one either and I like the idea of each yard being distinctive. I completely agree about Silverline and I'm looking forward to returning to them next month.

I like the Silverline logos on their hulls, reminiscent of times past when boatyard flags where the thing. Is that new this year?

Can I ask, what is it about Crewsaver which sets them apart?

Thanks gents. I like the look of the one in your link, Malcolm. Yes I'm on a Friday start.

I'm hiring from Silverline next month and for solo hirers like myself they ask you to bring your own auto-inflating lifejacket. I've seen them on Amazon for £65 upwards - do you have any recommendations for particular makes or features?

How do you acquire it so regularly, Simon? Do you untie any occupying boat and push them off on to the broad? 😊

I was going to say Horning Ferry as well, with Woodbastwick moorings opposite.

Ferry Marina have refitted Rose Emblem and it looks good, albeit I'm not convinced about the grey upholstery. I do like the way they've opened up the view between galley and saloon. I had this booked for a week late September but changed for Silver Emblem for an extra £300. I'm now wondering if I did the right thing. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4814815195222355&id=198981940139060

Here is Sanderson's in July 2021, their last year as a hire operator. Not a huge change from the first picture, boat styles excepting.

I can imagine it would feel cosy in that little fore cabin with its port holes. What year would that be?

That's a fair comment although Golden Bridge only needs about 6 foot 9 so there's a fair window either side of low water.

I think the subject of mooring for the night in Norwich has come up before. Just to say I've only done it once in recent years but I very much enjoyed it. It was a Monday night so pubs were quiet and I had no disturbance at all.

Is it viable to mudweight at Salhouse in the inlet at the downstream end (next to the path leading to the car park) or is it too shallow?

Oh dear, the sad economic facts of life. I only ate there once and it was very nice. They were busy there last July when we sat out in their veranda for a drink. I guess they were always up against stiff competition with the Bridge across the road.

Only 100? A quiet day then by the standards of summer.

Looks like a good plan, Andy. My own preference would be Oulton rather than Somerleyton for Saturday. I don't find Somerleyton that interesting, to be honest or maybe I'm missing something? Then again, if you stop at Oulton Broad Yacht Station, there's actually a very nice gift shop just along the road....

I agree and it's unenforceable as well. If you want to take a wander down the road to one of the other pubs then it's nothing whatsoever to do with The Ferry.

I asked Bridgecraft last year with that and they were tentatively ok as long as I was present. They're main concern was parking space there is very limited and I think a delivery van had got blocked in there not long before - either that or it had hindered a customer. If you're booking a later slot though I'm sure it won't be a problem. I had a really good experience with a Sainsbury's delivery to Caley Cruisers last year. It was very necessary that time given we'd flown to Inverness. Caley are used to it with customers and are relaxed about whether you're in attendance or not. They even had a store room seemingly full of arriving customers' shopping.

"As space is limited we may move your boat along the moorings to make best use of the space available." That's not something I've seen anywhere else but seems reasonable and potentially helpful. I'd draw the line if someone double moored with me without permission though.

Not very clever thieves then. It feels like stealing a car off someone's drive and then parking it further up the same road.

London Bridge (and possibly Vaughan's boat also) is unusual for a Pearl 38 in that the side hatch is on the starboard side rather than above the helm seat. Having hired the design a few times, the helmsman's hatch is one of it's best features because it enables the helmsman to have open air when the canopy is closed, a benefit for which I've been grateful in poor weather. I'm curious to know why London Bridge has the hatch on the "wrong" side.

Ah yes and it looks like it was still in Stalham Yacht Services colours where presumably it started out as River something - River Hamble?

I also hired Song of Freedom and it brought back childhood memories on Aston Goblin some 36 years earlier.

Absolutely, one of the great joys of hiring is the variety.

It's true, Carole, at least for us regular hiring types. I do feel a sense of ownership not only whilst hiring a boat but also when I see the boat on later occasions. The only other boat I've hired twice is Broadland Wave 2 (2014 and 2017). I loved it on both occasions and the sense of ownership feels even stronger. Remind me which yard you ran, Vaughan and what your boat used to be called?