Broads01

I was about to say that's an iconic Broads view that's completely unchanged but then I noticed there was no quay heading in those days.

I'm another Swancraft fan having hired Roamer this year. They're good value compared to the competition but significantly more expensive than Richardsons budget boats. The interiors are a class above, however. Symphony has been mentioned and that's a great shout for a cheaper option.

I received my Richardsons brochure this week having requested it online. In the past I've received one automatically as a customer but not this time. However not everybody wants a brochure so making it request-only seems a logical step. It's a superb brochure - not only the boat detail but also in terms of the number of pages devoted to selling the Broads as a holiday destination and providing guidance on handling a boat. There's also coverage of Richardsons' holiday park destinations. In the light of the discussion about the demise of Hoseasons brochure it's good to see Richardsons still very much keeping their brochure on. Regarding the fleet there are no new designs included but two more Commanders for next year. I haven't done a boat by boat comparison to 2018 (I'm almost that geeky but not quite) but I did spot Crown Gem has gone. All the other older two berths are still there, however, including Mermaid, Serene Gem and Tropical Gem. The usual set of Horizons and Bountys remains - long live budget boating.

Yes I always think of the yellow post as the symbolic dividing line.

Alan, I'm very sad to read this and very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences.

Sometimes Google can find Web pages more effectively than searching for them yourself on the website in question. So it proved just now when Google brought up https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/brochure-request. Tantalisingly, the page has a 'Request brochure' button but clicking it just takes you to a page stating 'Sorry no brochures are available to order'. I'm now thinking the 2019 brochure could, in all seriousness, become a rare collector's item.

Interesting! Perhaps they're trying to produce as few copies as possible. I assume you're a previous customer and that's why you received one. I haven't booked through Hoseasons for many years (I could never see the point) so I probably don't deserve a copy.

I was always similarly anorakie, Fred. I remember a phase in the 80s where a few boatyards swapped from Hoseasons to Blake. Amongst them were Barnes Brinkcraft and Faircraft Loynes so it was strange to see the Hoseasons logo return to their current fleet.

Once upon a time as a child and for years after I used to love receiving the Hoseasons brochure each year. Then that darn Internet went and ruined everything and booking online became the thing. In recent years, the Hoseasons brochure became a shadow of its former self, now with tiny photos, lack of prices, wrongly labelled photos and only a partial view of the Richardson fleet. Nevertheless I fancied giving it a try once again only to find the option to order one on the website no longer seems to exist. On a more positive note, the larger boatyards are all producing good old fashioned colour brochures with large boat photos and transparent pricing. There's still something very nice about having the paper version, especially in winter when you want to be transported to sunnier times.

Like the 'boggo' word, sums up what you mean very well. What do you mean by Brooms being 'wrecked'?

I agree. I do like Loddon Staithe for a daytime stop but overnight I prefer the relative space and tranquility of Pyes Mill.

Thanks Malcom. Langley Dyke is an oft missed gem, I love it there.

Hi Henry, and welcome. I work in Bristol and I think it's your boat I regularly walk past. I always like spotting ex-Broads craft when I'm out. Is yours the one below? The aft cabin has been converted to a galley. Was that your choice?

Wow from the comments so far I think you'd have to pay me to watch this. Whilst there's nothing at all wrong with "mature" presenters I do wish TV bosses would take a risk on new people rather than sticking with the same old safe bets.

Thanks Jonathan, enjoyable write up and photos.

I always enjoy your write ups and photos, Malcom. Looking forward to the rest.

Congratulations Robin. I'm a complete convert to autos, having bought my first one last year after 28 years exclusively in manuals. I would never go back now - autos are so much more suited to modern traffic conditions and such a more relaxed driving experience.

I'll be really interested to see Mayfair up close. I was seriously considering hiring it this year because it looks such good value.

Neil, you're thinking of Mistral Craft. My parents hired Whispering Teal (Alpha 32 forward steer) in 1986 when I was a teenager. I think that was their last season and Whispering Teal became Norfolk Gem. My memory of Walklin Cruisers is a small fleet of wooden centre cockpits (Bourne 35s possibly) all named "Fire.." something.

I've looked aboard and it's a decent boat. The aft cabin is lovely and the saloon is fine although I'm not a fan of the armchairs which I think look dated. I think the Swancraft boats are a bit nicer for not much more money but Sparkling is a good alternative.

I don't mind cleaning at home but on a boat it's a different matter and if I was in a syndicate I'd happily pay to have the boat cleaned. Thanks for a superb write up and photos, David.

Vaughan and others who've contributed, I continue to be in awe of your historical knowledge. Cards on the table, I had no idea that any stretch of river anywhere was named as 'xyz reach'.

Ferry, competitive on price? I'm happy to be convinced Helen but whenever I've checked the prices don't look competitive. I deduct £150 for fuel and damage waiver charged elsewhere and the result is invariably still on the high side.

Of all the places you could stay for a week why anyone would choose GY is unfathomable to me, especially on a top class hire boat. People are bizarre.

Hmm I'd be surprised if Richardson are flexible on that although Swan Roamer is available Saturday to Tuesday if I recall.