Broads01

Fascinating video, the Broom 29 seemed to be the one with which they had the biggest challenge. But there you go, Malcom, when you want to cruise the Ant you know what to do now!

I don't follow what you mean there, can you explain?

I completely agree.

Crown Cruisers weren't at Somerleyton for very long, if memory serves.

I remember the Alpha Craft hirefleet versions of these, not sure if they had one or two. One was called "Starfire" as I recall and had a full size 3 seater household sofa in the saloon. It's still on the Broads I think. I would imagine the airdraft is quite sensible.

Fantastic photo.

I'm sad about that, Vaughan. Your ongoing passion and deeply held connection to the Broads is always evident, despite the increasing sense of despondency and frustration that's evident too. I hope you and Susie will return.

Which hirefleet was that?

What a grim view of our beloved Broads world you have. Stay away if that's your wish, it's your loss. I'll keep boating as long as I'm blessed with good health to do so.

Never mind wellies, I think you need waders or even a dinghy!

I bet passing them on the Ant could get interesting.

What, Le Boat setting prices artificially high and then immediately discounting to make it look like a good deal, surely not! Joking apart, Le Boat are terrible at loading on prices for add-ons. Fuel is charged by the engine hour (so the total can bear no resemblance to what you've actually used), they charge for cleaning and their damage waiver and parking charges are ridiculous.

Having looked through the interior photos of all 3 boats listed I'm struck by the originality of the interiors. If these were classic cars rather than classic boats buyers would pay a premium for such unmolested patina. They're very much a blast from the hiring past but strangely endearing for that.

I'm blessed that both my children first accompanied me boating when they were babies and continued to do so throughout childhood and I have lovely memories of those times. I'm similarly blessed that both now in their 20s they still want to come with me (albeit alas not every visit!). I think it's easier when your children are brought up with coming to the Broads than it is if children are introduced at a later age.

Those are about right for August prices. Easter or October half-term are considerably less of course. A Richardsons Pearl 38 this time next year is about £1000 including fuel.

Ouch, that's a pretty long list. Having hired on the Great Glen in Scotland, it would be a lovely boat there. The canal sections and locks are wide enough for hotel boats.

I didn't realise Rockland and Surlingham would be an issue. I don't think it would be for me after all.

What were the hidden costs, Jean? That's a fair point. Evita is 42 foot long so not out of the ordinary on that respect but it's beam puts more pressure on stern moorings. Imagine it moored at Ranworth, it would limit the width available for its next door neighbours.

One of NYA's super luxury offerings is Evita: https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/nya-private-charter-nyap/evita-bh2740 It caught my eye on the latest series on the "2 Men on a Boat" channel because the interior and too deck are sumptuous to say the least. Trouble is, being 13 ft 9 wide the and almost 10 ft tall the Ant and Chet are out of bounds. Despite that, if money were no object I'd love to hire it (only £3600 + per week in August next year, mere pennies ahem). What do you think?

Have they fitted them to all of their older craft? If so that's a bad omission given the benefits of a thruster. I did look at Bronze Emblem for next year which I like as a boat as 2 berth compact centre cockpits are in short supply. I might have been prepared to pay the premium price but was put off because I thought it didn't have a thruster.

I think it's more complicated than who might have the best reviews online. I do read reviews but I have to filter out a lot of nonsense from people who moan about next to nothing. I've had nothing but good experiences from Barnes whereas with NBD their handover day was sloppy and slow and the boat was over-priced for what it was.

Of all the boatyards when I visited earlier this month, Ferry had by far the most boats left unhired. Not only was there not a single space to be had on their main frontage, they also had boats on both sides and more filling up the mooring opposite the Ferry Inn. I've long said their prices are set too high and I can't understand why they leave them that way.

I would say the cars could also be 1960s if that's a Rover P5 in front of the pub and a Ford Zephyr/Zodiac to the left.

I was intrigued by this picture which hangs on the wall at The White Horse in Neatishead. I didn't realise that the river once flowed so close to the building. Can anybody date this?

Thanks for the write up and photos Helen, an enjoyable read as always. I really like the photo you took at Dutch Tea Gardens of Graham relaxing against the sunset in the background, it tells the story.