Broads01

I hired Brinks Benmore last year and really enjoyed it. I'm 6 foot 0 and found the helm position very comfortable. I favour an outdoor helm position on boats I hire and I had no issue, especially with the view over the screens available when standing. It's a clever design really because in one way it's a centre cockpit boat but in others it has advantages over a traditional centre cockpit in that it has a lower air draft than many centre cockpits and it has a split sliding roof that's easy to slide back and forth ( unlike most traditional centre cockpits).

I've been reversing boats for a good many years and I always knew to steer in forward gear because reverse can ho anywhere. What I've learned from this thread is "prop walk" seems to have a predictability about it in that it will send you one way or the other but always the same way with a given boat. This is useful information and something with which I'll enjoy experimenting. Points have been well made about using neutral and taking your time with which I agree. I would add on a related point that it's all too easy to become unduly fearful of touching another boat. Yes, in an ideal world and with perfect skill you'd stern mor in to a tight gap and never touch the boat either side. In reality, if you're reversing at less than walking pace or being blown by the wind in neutral, the chances of you causing damage to a boat you've 'hit' are close to zero.

That would make sense in that it brings together identical boats under one class.

Videos make a lot of sense in the current environment and would certainly reduce the amount of time needed for the real life handover. First timers still need real life guidance on the boat handling bit though I feel. I've booked a trip for next year with Caley Cruisers in Inverness (my first visit there). They actually ask you to arrive by midday do they can show you a safety video in advance of handover.

That's fair comment. In this case however, it's not so much trial by forum as trial by a very well made TV programme.

I caught up with the first episode this evening. It was absolutely fascinating. The "certain pub manager" featured strongly and I didn't believe a word he said.

How lucky you are. You still think you're immune evidently.

I can understand your thinking Peter although personally although its wonderful above the bridge I think I'd be frustrated to be up there for that long. As you know though, there's places on the north Broads that are quiet all year round.

Brilliant value for money. Mayfair has been a boat I've been fancying for a while and I'm often solo so it's good to know they're OK with that. £30-£50 for fuel sounds about right for 3 nights, depending on how much cruising you do and how you use the throttle.

Unfortunately not all companies hire to single adults, Richardsons included. Others that don't include Herbert Woods and Norfolk Broads Direct. I'd recommend Freedom (if they're accepting bookings), Martham Boats and Barnes Brinkcraft.

Welcome Dave! I'm Simon and I've posted comments on your You Tube channel to which you've kindly responded. I've been one of the people singing your praises on here. For the benefit of the uninitiated, the "series of lockdown videos" which Dave mentions isn't just any series. Every single day since lockdown began, he's sought out previous footage, re-edited to 10-15 minutes per video and uploaded so the series has grown to 84 episodes currently. Not only that, he's added new music, introductory commentary, famous quotes, jokes and some clever and sometimes hilarious "green screen" imprintations of himself. At breakfast time each day I've swapped Piers Morgan shouting at people with Dave's daily content and it sets me up for the day nicely.

Alas, Andy has since confirmed his intentions on the "Day Boats for Sale" thread. He did add "We're not closed yet" but I get the impression he's not about to change his mind.

Andy, I'm very sad to read this. I've hired from you on three occasions and each time I've really enjoyed myself and been happy to recommend you afterwards. I'll really miss the personal service and the flexible can do attitude. Darn it, there goes "any day to any day hire" for good probably. In 2018 I was so grateful you were there when Richardsons did the dirty on me and cancelled my solo booking. Last year yours and Nicky's flexibility to change dates at short notice was brilliant when my wife had health issues at the time. I wish you and your family the very best for the future.

Great story and photos, thanks for sharing.

I'll second that. I've subscribed to Dave's channel for a while and his lock down videos have been an absolute joy.

No, that's not it. There's nothing wrong with non-Broads subjects per se and I get the "Broadscot Lounge" thing even though it doesn't interest me very often. What's getting me is the disproportionate dominance of non-Broads subjects versus Broads ones.

Oh dear Andy, this looks ominous.

It's a lovely looking boat. I have a special place in my heart for Norfolk Broads Yachting Company because my parents hired from there on my first visit in 1981. We were on Consul 3 which was a Broom 30 but I remember Viceroy (your boat as I'm sure you know) being on the shortlist. It had a folding canopy in those days.

Some interesting replies and photos, and it's nice to know there's some who agree with me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't talk about political issues that affect the Broads, of which the dreaded virus is one of course. Neither am I saying debates about important issues like whether statues should be removed aren't important, I'm just saying they're not for this forum. Yes, of course, when we're able to return to more 'normal' boating there'll be more to write about. I'm sure, however, there's no shortage of boaty stuff to talk about in the mean time.

I've been feeling somewhat disillusioned with the forum of late because it seems currently, the volume of discussion about subjects nothing to do with the Broads far outweighs discussion to do with it. As I write this, I can see 10 discussions in the "Latest Posts" section, of which only 1 is Broads-related (the one about the launch for sale). This is a plea to cheer us all up with talk and photos of anything you like, as long as it relates to that glorious watery playground we all love.

Barnes, Herbert Woods and no doubt others are offering dayboats from tomorrow. I'm pleased things are going in the right direction.

Yes indeed. I have gluten intolerance but I can still enjoy gluten-free beer. Best on the Broads is Redwell Steam served at The Lion 😊

That's true and there's nothing wrong with the principle of not having a stern rail. The issue with Pegasus is that the stern deck looks to be ludicrously narrow and very close to the waterline, so the margin of safety is much smaller than on more common designs.

In the collage centre left pic I'd be very interested to know the story behind that photo.

They certainly do, fortunately. I have a solo booking for Waveney Pisces.