SPEEDTRIPLE

Thanks John. While it`s true i could have bought a boat of my own, we worked it out that the realistic MINIMUM annual running costs to keep even a small boat, such as a Hampton, or DC30 etc would be at least £3,500 per year, and that`s without costs for holidays, such as fuel, gas etc, which we considered we could`nt justify, especially when you consider we would only be able to use for a maximum 4 weeks per year, and more likely, only 3 weeks per year, so syndicate ownership was the way to go. Regards to all ........................ Neil.

Personally, i think that`s absolutely disgraceful. I would have thought it would have been better to promote a small local Norfolk family business rather than a larger and more highly funded corperate affair. It seems to my synical mind that it probably WAS`NT trying to promote the Northern Broads, more likely something to do with "business interrests" if you know what i mean?. It`s obvious the production team wanted to use Freedoms, so why would the BA want to re-direct them to Herbert Woods?. Read into that what you will, but i know what I think. I think the BA have lost Freedoms a golden opportunity. Regards to all ............................ Neil.

Thanks Matt You never know, we may be cruising in a Thunder and Lightning convoy one day, and i don`t mean the weather either?.

Yes, Alan is spot on. When we were on holiday, we were moored in one of the Brundall yards and walked round just to look at them from the outside. We were invited to have a look over them, so took them up on their offer. As for me, i can now officially announce that we are afloat at last. We`ve bought a share in Lightning, and will be on her for what i`m hoping will be a meet at the Coldham hall in early October. WWEEEEEEEEE afloat at last. Regards to all ......................... Neil.

And if anyone should know Howard, it`s you, come on admit it? :

Hi Mandy, have you thought any more about buying into any of the syndicate boats?. Regards to all ..................... Neil.

It`s always nice to see old boats being restored. I saw an old Seamaster 25 (circa 60s) which was for sale, and had literally been fully dismantled with a complete new interior. It looked absolutely stunning inside and out, and this was reflected in a high price, but then it did look just like a brand new boat. As for being worried about it being a big boat to handle first time, i`m sure there are RYA approved motorboating coarses available on the broads (anybody have any info?) where they can give you full instruction on your own boat, so why not book one of them?. It might even help to reduce the cost of your insurance too. Regards to all .......................... Neil.

Was`nt us John, i`ve been watching BTCC on tv all day while Karen made a cake. And that`s down here in not so sunny Dorset. Regards and best wishes to all on Friday Girl ..................... Neil.

Glorious sunshine down here in sunny Dorset, but i was still building a wall in the front garden though : . Seriously though, avery happy easter from Karen and me, and we hope you`re all having a good time whatevr you`re doing. Regards to all .................. Neil.

Hi Roy, the wheels are in motion. :Stinky

I recommend wherever you stop, get a taxi to Loddon and have lunch at Rosie Leas. We`ll be in Suffolk in 4 weeks time, so will have to find somewhere within 20 minutes of Loddon as we`ll be in there for breakfast or lunch on several days. Regards to all ............................. Neil.

Hi Roy, PM Sent re the sale of Lightning shares for sale. Regards and best wishes ............................... Neil

That`s actually a very good point. I was brought up in a large town and seen it all, but for those that have had, dare i say it, a sheltered upbringing, incidences such as Jan reports could be more than a little disturbing, possibly even frightening?. Personally, my skin is very thick, i`ve had loads of insults hurled at me because of my appearance when i was at school, and i grew up and learned to ride it. Yes, sometimes it was upsetting, but i learned how to deal with it in my own way. It`s maybe one of the reasons why i`m prepared to speak my mind, because i`ve had to learn to stick up for myself. But for someone who has had a sheltered upbringing, and been protected from what you could call, tough society, any acts of misbehaviour, even moderate ones, could as i said above be very frightening. And as for Mowjo,...... Don`t tell such blatant lies in open forum again,........ you`d spill your beer, not your tea. :party:. Regards to all ................... Neil.

Hi Ian, they may have owned Summercraft in the 80s or so, but Summercraft have been going since the 70 at least, as i can remember some of their boats in the Hoseasons brochure. The ones that come to mind are "Gossamer Girl", "Grand Girl", and "Galaxy Girl". All were all timber construction, with a similar design, but different lengths. Back on topic, you can`t go wrong with Swancraft Mandy, a first class family yard, with some excellent boats, and the old ones in the fleet are just as well maintained and presented as their new ones. Regards to all ......................... Neil.

Having a Jimmy Riddle over the side is nothing new. I`m sure if we`re all honest, most of us have done it at some time, be it on the broads or around the coast, or even offshore.?. The difference is, anybody with the slightest bit of shame would at least do it when there`s nobody about. As for doing it in front of everybody, especially a woman, is`nt that an act of indecent exposure?. The best thing to have done would be to have reported it to Broadsbeat, quoting the boat name and registration number, AND the fleet operator, informing them that you`ve also reported it to the police. If they`ve done what they`ve done all over their boat, it could also be a health hazard to others that hire that boat the following week. Regards to all ........................... Neil.

Personally, although i think it`s a good idea, and can be done, the other way is to get an established management company to do all the leg work, and syndicate owners stump up the cash. I did wonder a little while ago whether it was possible, or feasable, to get somebody like BCBM, or any other management company, to purchase a boat that several possible owners would like, and set up a syndicate. I was thinking about an Aquafibre Lowliner 38 fitted for 4. I can see the problems, who else would be interrested, would the management company be interrested, and who would you contract to do the maintainance etc etc etc. It seems to me you`d need somone to do something like re-mortgage their house, or something equally as drastic to get the ball rolling. I seem to remember Clive (CRicko) voiced a slight inquisitiveness when syndicate ownership was mentioned in another thread, so maybe if you`re reading this Clive, is this something Richardsons could branch into?. Regards to all ....................... Neil.

Hi Mandy, i`ve been seriously considering buying into one of the BCBM syndicate boats, because i can`t really justify the sheer anual expense of keeping a boat of our own, so syndicate ownership is the way for us. We`ve looked over several of the BCBM boats, and have to say the owners look after them VERY well. Alan told me about Ranworth Breeze too some while back, but to be honest, that style of cruiser is not suitable for our requirements, passing through the bridges being one of them. As nice a boat as she is, we need more space, and less airdraft. We`re looking at Moonlight Shadow, or Thunder or Lightning (Lightning is Thunders sistership), though Thunder is a little more than i can justify. It may he;p you to know, every time we`ve spoken to any of the syndicate owners, they`re all very happy with the syndicate system, and all look after what is in reality, THEIR own boat. Good luck, and kindest regards ......................... Neil.

I thought the Saberton family were the owners of "Sabina marine"?. I know it was owned by "Peter and Angie Saberton" in more recent years, maybe even now?. Anybody have any ideas?. Regards to all ....................... Neil.

Hi Mandy, you could always give John and Linda a call at Maffett cruisers 01508 520344 and ask if their boat "Jay" is available?. she`s a 32ft aft cockpit Aquafibre, which sleeps 3-5 in 1 double, 1 single, and the dinette. She has a huge aft cockpit which is ideal for the dogs, and is a lovely boat. Karen and i hired her for a weekend last October for the Autumn meet at Coldham hall, and were very impressed with it. Regards and best wishes ........................ Neil. PS, i forgot to say, she`ll be a lot cheaper than hiring through Hoseasons. ......... Good luck.

When we were on the Fens 4 years ago, we hired one of the Sunquests (Elysian 34) for a week. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet, and were surprised at how few boats were around, though there were plenty of marinas with lots of boats, very few were ever out on the rivers. As far as moorings go, GOBA (Great Ouse boatowner association) have quite a few, with some of these being just the riverbank, with no piling. I think you have to be a member, or any club you belong to must be affiliated, (or somethinbg like that?) to use them. The fishing was also excellent too. Regards to all ........................ Neil.

Yes, we hired Pacific Emerald for a weekend a couple of years back for the October meet at Coldham hall. It`s a bit tired in places, but still well presented, and very spacious. The only gripe i had with it was the central heating was next to useless, but they may have changed it by now. If you`re looking for a boat for an October break, then if you wanted to go on the Southern rivers, i`d recommend Maffett cruisers "Swallow.". She`s an all timber fwd drive traditional boat with a full sliding roof. Really comfy,. and being all wood, very warm when it`s cold outside. Karen and i have hired her several times, and will always be happy to do so again. Regards to all ........................... Neil.

Hi Gracie, I know this is an old thread, but did you ever get sorted in the end for a boat for your break, if so, what have you booked?.

Does this mean you`ll be putting some out on hire then Clive?.

We were considering hiring a dinghy, and heading up north, i`d` love to venture further up the North Walsham and Dilham canal, but i`d feel safer in a dinghy than one of the canoes from Wayford bridge, especially with young children on board. The only problem is Maffett Cruisers don`t have rowing dinghies. Regards to all ...................... Neil.

Hi all, Last Sunday Karen and i, along with one of her friends, went to the Bournemouth Pavilion to see Gabrielle. She was excellent, apart from the the band being a bit too loud, and sometimes making it difficult to hear her sing. Gabrielle first came to fame in the 90s, so maybe she will be there some time. I think one of the main reasons why "nostalgic music" is becoming very popular is because there`s so many young people that listening to radio stations other than radio 1, and are taking to the sort of music you can actually hear, dance to, and understand the lyrics to. Add to that the exceptional variety of different types of music, and it gives the youngsters of today a lot more choice. Sadly, some of the "golden oldies" singing voicesa are passed their best, and some are no longer with us, but with modern technology, we can all enjoy their music for ever. Long may we play them. Regards to all ..................... Neil.