[Single Parent Hiring Boats]

4 hours ago, FreedomBoatingHols said:

As not everybody is on the FB page (I am not any longer due to over-modding), please allow me to confirm Freedom's position on hiring Solo or to lone parents. 

The overriding point is one of safety.

Whilst we will hire to solos and lone parents, it is not a guarantee.  

We will ask relevant and pertinent questions at the booking stage to determine experience and skills and we will discuss the matter internally before accepting a booking. 

Newbie solos are unlikely to have an overnight booking accepted. Likewise for lone parents of toddlers or children who require a great deal of their parent's attention. Also, we will not hire large boats to solo pilots. 

This has never changed for us and there is no outside pressure or influence (currently or anticipated) that will cause us to review this. 

Common sense......... it'll never catch on .

[Single Parent Hiring Boats]

Is there any way to deal with Bridgecraft direct? All I can see is the Hoseasons site which requires two adults (18+).

[Single Parent Hiring Boats]

This, unfortunately, is the reason I have not returned to the Broads. I've hired a narrow boat before and had a great family holiday a few years ago on a large Herbert Woods boat. My wife had a knee injury that preventing her from helping much of the time. My boys were, I think 11 and 8 at the time - all the mooring was done with the help of my eldest.

My attempts to book a short stay with my two sons were met with a definite no or no response at all from the boatyards that I contacted. The eldest has just turned 15. Any idea at what age they are considered as an adult?

[Day boats]

Thanks for that. I've been browsing this site since before my trip last year and never noticed the day boat section.

[Day boats]

Aha!

I took my first trip on the Broads last summer with my family. We had a great time but will be doing something else this year. I have a day or two free so was going to take some time to see a few of the areas that we didn't get to see last year - probably with my 11 year old son or possibly alone.

After my visit last year my idea of a day boat was the little blue things that I saw moored up outside Herbert Woods. I noticed some differences in volume and condition of weather gear but little else. I assume that at £150/day there are more substantial alternatives.

 

I probably want to spend some more time on the Ant and around Barton Broad but would also consider the Thurne beyond Potter Heigham. I'm not fussed about cooking gear but getting out of the weather and possibly a bit of heat might be nice if the weather turns.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

[Day boats]

Apologies for what may be an obvious question but are all day boats created equal?

Is there much to choose between those from different yards? I was hoping to get up for a short break before Easter but it might have to be a flying visit after all.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice - I've never used a day boat before.

Simon

[Mystic Horizon 1 & The Rascal]

Most enjoyable. I think you'd be surprised how many people have taken the plunge and had their first Broads Holiday as a result of your blogs.

We had a very enjoyable week in July with the kids and felt much more comfortable about where to go and what to do thanks to you.