[Hire Fleet Changes 2024]

There's a few Herbert Woods boats that look like they're leaving the fleet and are up for sale on the Waterside Marine site.

An Amber Light, a Florida Light, a Glistening Light and a Shining Light.

Mind you Hilight is still for sale from last year and the Sparkling Light that also went up for sale at the same time has only just sold.

[A Connoisseur Inspired By The Rascal]

20 minutes ago, petersjoy said:

Like the first photo, you've just got the back of my old boat in. Nice to see she's been looked after.

Saw her a couple of times last weekend. She still looks great. 

I do have a soft spot for those Aston Concorde class boats.

[A Connoisseur Inspired By The Rascal]

9 hours ago, oldgregg said:

They're a great boat, like others have said it's just a shame HW haven't looked after them better.

I don't think I saw a single hire boat, elite premium classic or budget, that didn't look like it couldn't do with some TLC in the shed. I don't think it's fair to single out HW for external appearance. Their boats didn't look any worse than Richardson's or Barnes. 

[A Connoisseur Inspired By The Rascal]

Have just spent 11 nights on Silver Light. Yes, the outside looks far from spotless. Rust streaks from the rubbing strakes, marks and scuffs on the hull, the rubber all-around fender could do with someone digging out the mud & moss, and the topsides need a good clean BUT everything inside was spotless and everything mechanical worked faultlessly. Pretty good for a 30yr old boat if you ask me. 

The side entrance is only really a hassle if you moor side on with the starboard side to the bank and hhe pros outweighs the cons in my opinion having that self-contained aft cabin.

Oh and didn't we hit the jackpot with some beautiful early autumn weather.

[Returning To A Boat After Many Years]

30 years for me for the same class of boat - Aston Nevada Oct 1985 to Song of Freedom Oct 2015.

Or 14 years for exactly the same boat - Aston Broadsword Oct 2001 to Sweet Freedom June 2015.

[Long serving boats]

Talking of ex Aston boats still going strong, don't forget Andy's Song of Freedom - ex Aston Vanguard; Sweet Freedom - ex Aston Broadsword; and Rambling Freedom - ex Aston Mars (?).

I hired Aston Nevada in about 1985/6 from the Loddon yard with my parents, saw her for sale at Wroxham as Vada when I was on the broads last year.....I was tempted.