Broads01

There are two reasons why I would take this article with a pinch of salt. Firstly, the page dates from 2007 and if the law actually changed since I think we would know about it. Secondly, it's the Daily Mail - enough said.

There's a share now available for £2000 according to the BCBM website http://www.bcbm.co.uk/boats/broads-cruisers.html The annual budget figures published date from 2015-16 - are these still at similar level?

Vaughan, great piece, I always enjoy reading your postings about times past.

Glad to see it's not just me who loves the buzz of the North Broads in summer.

I think Whispering Reeds is a great place to hire a day boat and we had a lovely 4 hours on Bittern 2 years ago. The electric boat sounds worth having though.

I must admit the proximity of the factory has always put me off and so its one of the rare places where I've never stopped. You've encouraged me to give it a try though.

Me too, video is great and superb skill demonstrated.

I enjoyed reading your tale, John, thanks for sharing. My first visit to the Broads as a child was some 17 years after your first and it's always good to read about earlier times. I was aware of the Clifford Allen boatyard and I always think of it when I cruise past its one time location.

I'm looking forward to your review, Robin. I've always liked the saloon and galley areas on the Connoisseur, particularly on the C40/46. The design was new in the early 1990s but was years ahead of its time, just as the original designs were in the late 1970s. My only gripe is with the side entrance, not so much that it's on the side but that the canopy blocks it when you slide it back. Your only exit then is via the steps in the saloon which is less than ideal, particularly on a stern mooring. When we hired Tropic Horizon (old style 37), the saloon steps were well forward, hence to exit on a stern mooring with the canopy open, you had to walk back along the side deck for a few feet with nothing to hold on to.

What's TBMC and where exactly is it?

Great photos indeed Jay, looking forward to the rest of your tale. Are you going to go north this time?

Yep, I wait until docked otherwise its a lottery as to what the position of the chains might be.

I agree 'we all' don't. I don't who 'we' are but don't include me in that. Facebook can do many positive things, you just have to accept it will attract unmoderated nonsense and a whole bunch of stuff you're not interested in - the 'I'm having an ice cream at Loddon' thing, as has been said. If you sift through all the chaff to get to the wheat there's good stuff, both Broads-related on NBN (I'm not bothered about the other groups) and other things.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Ranworth, even in the season and I'll stern moor anywhere, I just don't like being jammed in at night.

I'm with you on that one. I'm cautious about mooring stern on for the night (generally prefer Ranworth as a day time stop) because I prefer to have some breathing space. I like mooring near pubs but prefer to be a walk away (e. g. upstream of Acle Bridge) rather than be right outside the pub.

Thanks for the advice, all. Yes Ive seen the boat out a few times, pre-2001 Hoseasons sticker included. The parking thing is a disadvantage but hire charges look like a bargain.

I'm fortunate in that my wife is very kind and understanding. She doesnt have the same passion for the Broads as I do so she doesnt want to come as often as me but she's happy for me to come solo or with my mum and daughter.

I'm musing over possibilities for my second booking for next year and I was looking at Mayfair from Maycraft as a budget solo option. There are a few interior photos on the Maycraft website but not enough to get a real impression of the interior. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience of the boat or the boatyard. I know they're one of the few remaining small traditional operators but I don't have any experience of them.

I completely understand that, David. When I'm on the Broads I feel a closeness to my late Dad like nowhere else, especially at the places I associate with memories of him.

Not strange in the least. I get itchy feet once I've been stopped for a while at lunch time, I just love cruising.

David, dont cancel just because of the electrics. Even if you don't cruise anywhere you'll be fine, just run your engine for a while as others have advised. For the amount you're going to use electric, a couple of hours would probably be fine (boatyards just say 4 hours to protect themselves). Sonnet being a modern boat may well have a battery gauge so you can always see how much power you have remaining then if gets low just start up the engine.

Indeed, Vaughan, when we met in May you identified Swan Roamer as one such Wilds hull boat. Was it definitely 1964 you saw the Caribbean? Something in my head says they were new in 1968 or 1969.

Fascinating comparison, Vaughan, thanks for sharing. I always enjoy seeing old photos showing how things have changed. What was your boatyard called?

Looking forward to your blog, Alan. How did you get 2 consecutive weeks in the syndicate - did you swap with another owner?

That's a reasonable shout David but not on a Friday or Saturday. I made the mistake of asking to stop there for water last year (with plenty of space to do so) and they rudely shooed me away. I'll try there as a last resort in future.