Broads01

I must admit until you said that I hadn't associated those particular photos with the former Alphacraft basin. I remember it well indeed I think Alpha were there until about the mid 2000s. Thanks for pointing that out.

I'll second choosing a Swancraft from Richardson having hired Swan Roamer this year. Although we hired in late May, the brushed canopy runners which Jean mentioned really felt fantastic as there wasn't the merest hint of a draft. The standard of fit out was a class apart and my wife (who's nowhere near as much a boater as me) really appreciated it.

I'll second that (see my review) and ridiculously good value for money.

I always enjoy your writing and photos David. The week you were aboard seems a good Autumn week to get in the draw. Was that good luck or did you swap with someone?

I enjoyed the video and as it's only 10 minutes long but packed with clips of different places I shall enjoy watching it again.

Broads01 (Simon) Brinks Jazz 5 Friday and Saturday Just me

Ah, brings back happy memories. I hired with my son back in 2006 when he was just 11. At that time there was no warm air heating but its been improved since then. I think the design has stood the test of time well. I hope Richardsons hold on to their Serene Gems, one of which I've also hired. In fact, Fred, Emerald is a mere 43 years old according to the boat database.

The side of the boat seems to have acres of white GRP towards the stern and only a long diagonal letterbox for a window. It doesn't look right.

I recall Hearts Cruisers had one in that shade of blue in the 1990s. It was called Heartbeat.

I've visited the Lion twice this year and loved it on both occasions. I need gluten free and to have a gluten-free beer on draft (Redwell Steam) is a rare treat and its lovely to drink. The food and service was also excellent on both occasions.

Thank you Helen for a great write up and photos. You certainly covered some miles, well done. Hardley Mill, wow I had no idea it was open to the public, I'd love to see the views from the top.

Thanks Bryan. Yes the easy sliding canopies was another aspect of the design that appealed. I only normally cruise with the roof shut when it's raining so for me a showery day demands an easy sliding roof which you always have on a forward steer but a traditional centre cockpit can be a major manual operation to raise and lower.

I have Benmore booked for next year and with the comments on this thread I'm starting to worry about visibility, especially in bad weather. However I chose it to gain a couple of inches lower air draft between it and a standard centre cockpit which could make the difference between getting under Wroxham Bridge and not.

Pacific Sunshine is now on the Pacific Cruisers website http://www.pacificcruisers.co.uk/small-boats.html. It looks very nice - ex Sutton Staithe boatyard possibly? Alas both Emerald and Moonlight have gone, presumably to fund the new purchase. I have very happy memories of hiring both.

Me too, probably Friday-Sunday.

I really like the Holly & Teak, both on this boat and previous. I think it's a good combination of practicality and looks. Richardsons have been using it for quite a few years now.

I completely agree, engine great and handling absolutely fine.

Here are my thoughts on Contessa having hired for a week in September 2018. Contessa is 37 foot dual steer design built on the late 1980s. It shares its DNA with the much more common 32 foot design (e. g. Distant Horizon, San Julian) but with an additional bunks cabin to make it a 6-8 berth and the galley towards the rear instead of forward. The first thing you notice about Contessa from the rear is how high the stern deck is, sufficient to make access a challenge at some stern on moorings. My mother (who is 76) was in the crew and is fortunately able-bodied but even for myself it was sometimes a clamber to get aboard using the rear grab handle as a makeshift step. Side-on moorings presented no such issue as the side decks have steps down to a much lower level. Once aboard however, the helm position is typically high for a dual steer and views over the scenery commanding. The boat lacks an exterior windscreen which would give some protection from wind. Air draft is officially 8 foot 6 but in reality probably less and bridges at Ludham and Great Yarmouth were negotiated comfortably. There is a seat behind the helm and plenty of outdoor deck space for the crew. A door next to the helm provides the only entrance to the boat and there are fairly steep steps to reach the central saloon. To the rear there is fairly spacious galley which has been refitted at some point with a good size fridge. There's no microwave as this is a 12 volt only boat. There's a handy fold out shelf in the galley corridor which is useful when cooking. To the rear of the galley there's a good size shower and toilet compartment. The toilet is of traditional type but with welcome electric flush in place of the pump handle. Also at the rear is a comfortable double cabin with a good size bed. Headroom above the bed is limited by the deck above but there is good headroom and space at the end of the bed by the rear window. Returning to the saloon, the L shape sofa is a good size and comfortable. It has a tatty look about it unfortunately however thanks to the base cushion having been replaced by one in mismatching and older fabric. The flooring is much more cheery having been refitted with the holly and teak variety. There's plenty of cupboard space opposite the sofa but unfortunately the TV is laptop size and far too small for the saloon area. Often with 12 volt boats the TV has a 3 pin socket which can be borrowed for phone charging but in this case the wiring is hidden away. The only power source for the entire boat is a car style 12 volt socket near the TV so be sure to come equipped with a USB adaptor. The interior helm position (used only on one wet day) has good forward visibilty but rear visibilty is absolutely non-existent. Leg room at the interior helm is limited. Ahead of the saloon the forward heads is to port which again is a reasonable size but limited headroom in the shower. To starboard is the bunks cabin where I slept myself on the lower bunk which is large enough for a 6 foot adult like myself, even if headroom in bed is so limited it doesn't allow sitting up. The top bunk is limited in width by the side deck. The fore cabin has a standard V berths arrangement with insert to make a double bed if required. As is often the case, however, using the insert cuts out most of the available floor space. We needed the heating early mornings and evening and this worked very well throughout the boat and can be thermostatically controlled. Typically for Richardsons, we had no issues that warranted a call out as everything worked as it should. The only niggle, which we reported on our return was an annoying whine from the propellor which was noticeable at all but very low and very high revs. A friend who'd hired Contessa earlier in the year had the same issue and had the boat lifted on that occasion with the issue explained as being related to a new prop. Contessa is priced keenly by Richardsons and probably due to the lack of 240 volt is significantly cheaper than its smaller sisters. We found it to be comfortable and excellent value for money. Photos to follow.

Looks good Clive. For me to hire a sedan it has to have a large sunroof I can get my head out of at the helm. What's the plan for the roof?

Good start, Helen, I shall enjoy reading.

Thanks for the review and excellent photos Malcom. The exterior looks superb as Summercraft always do. The interior has changed little since I hired her in 2010 and it looks very much up together. The only thing which has changed for the negative in my view is the covers for the base of the sofas which now unfortunately don't match the backs.

I think Sandersons charge far too much for what they're offering. Pacific and Freedom are much better value. I really like both. Freedom have the advantage of any day to any day hire, especially handy for short breaks or if you want to go for between 1 and 2 weeks.

So Herbert Woods have been shopping at Brooms then. I agree, David, 240 volt and a microwave isn't a big ask. I'll be interested to see the interior photos of this one when it's complete. On the toilet thing, I think a single toilet on a 4-6 berth is a mistake. Expectations have moved on from what they once were and personally whilst I'm happy to "utilise on shore facilities" when I have the opportunity, I don't expect to have to do so or avoid using the toilet on the boat. With a single toilet and even with a crew of 4 let alone 6, you might need a pump out every other day.