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Spark Of Light


Broads01

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Herbert Woods have restored Spark of Light for the 2017 season https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/boating-holidays/our-boats/spark-of-light.html

There are no internal photos yet apart from the cockpit view but it looks very appealing.  Alas for 4 people for a week in peak season you have to part with £2177! 

As mentioned on previous threads,  Richardsons have Jomaric for next year (I wonder who's copying who?). I guess these boats are vinyl records (popular at the moment I know)  in a world of digital downloads so it'll be interesting to see if they're a success and more classic boats become available for hire. 

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  • 1 month later...

I am getting the feeling that this may be an emerging market - I know that Martham has its fleet of wooden hire boats, but I can't help but feel there are others 'testing the water' so to speak as to how this may work out financially (after all a woody needs more attention to it) and for their customers if enough over the period of a year wish to pay out for such.

Certainly, I think there are a large group of people out there who would love to have a classic boat for a week, much as there are those who hire a classic car as a treat or will pay top dollar for a small and boutique hotel experience it is finding them and tapping into this stream.

As to the boat, I think it is nice Herbert Woods have done what needed to be done and that was that - they could have gone too far and turned it into something that looked really classic outside, but step inside and is fitted out as if one of their new build modern boats. It is tasteful and classic and takes you back in time and I love the lights in the rear cabin though I guess the oil lamp has a bulb in it and not a wick for safety!

A good while ago now I emailed Herbert Woods suggesting that their modern builds and any classic boats be part of a new premium range, called Blue Star. They would play on the history of the yard, going back to bespoke crockery on board - perhaps simple white china with a blue band which come to a point mid way around the cup or plate, with a five pointed blue star. Bespoke bed linen too - quality cotton, simple white with a blue band at the top and centrally placed about a third of the way down from the top of the duvet again the blue star.

Backing this up would be and enhanced fit out of their new builds and some motifs and reminders of the fact you were having something special and distinctive, perhaps too guaranteed earlier hand over and late return and this may be doable since the boats in this class would be few (or exclusive).  Sadly I did not have a reply but I think now they have Spark of Light it would be fitting.

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I didn't know you could hire vintage boats. I expect the hire and insurance would be expensive. Could you imagine the damage what could be done if was hit?.

Also Is there market for hiring theses out?.  I'm mean like I said I expect there expensive to hire. So If that's the case surely they would have to be a very very high standard. If was me and it ment a new top notch boat or an oldie to hire. Sorry it would be the new top notch. 

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Quoting from the website

"Therefore a refundable damage deposit of £500 will be payable in addition to evidence of boat handling experience."

It would be interesting to know how one has to evidence suitable experience. Also what are the conditions attached to the £500 deposit. That alone would put me off completely.

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Should you want to hire a classic boat, there is as I mentioned Martham Boats along with the relatively new venture of Little Ships - which is to my mind that bit more special should you want a classic boat from yesteryear.  For the lover of yachts, Hunters Yard have some beautiful sailing boats. 

I think this is why it is uncertain for the likes of Herbert Woods how this will work out in the long term - they are not a small bespoke operation so their main hope is encouraging someone perhaps who has hired from them previously (hence the known experience) to try Spark of Light as an alternative.

I think a £500 refundable deposit is very fair, after all it is refundable and usually you should not expect any loss of the deposit especially if you are experienced.   Should you be new to Herbert Woods they may ascertain someones level of experience by providing a trial run but with very little (if any instruction) to see how the Skipper handles the boat before hand over, and if they need some guidance it will of course be offered to bring them up to speed.  Clearly they don't want something of this value and heritage unduly damaged so anything they can do to avoid such they will.

I would very much welcome the return of refundable deposits for all hire boats replacing the non-refundable damage waiver scheme.  Perhaps set at £200.00 for a week, thus being a reminder to be that little more cautious and careful.  But that has been discussed many a time in the past.

The issue is, Little Ships as an example is smaller, more bespoke and frankly offers something very different to the usual - it therefore might attract a boat loving couple (possibly owners) who want a break on a classic boat to take them back to a different time - personal service, no large yard to go to etc.  Herbert Woods on the other hand are a large yard and so this craft with its premium price tag and that deposit and experience requirement may not suit the same type of customer.  But time will tell.

People have great affection to traditional things, or they do not and so I am sure to many who do Spark of Light in her current condition without all the modern conveniences larger, newer boats may have suits them right down to the ground and they would happily pay a premium for the experience.

 

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6 hours ago, SEAMASTER said:

I didn't know you could hire vintage boats. I expect the hire and insurance would be expensive. Could you imagine the damage what could be done if was hit?.

Also Is there market for hiring theses out?.  I'm mean like I said I expect there expensive to hire. So If that's the case surely they would have to be a very very high standard. If was me and it ment a new top notch boat or an oldie to hire. Sorry it would be the new top notch. 

As I said in my original post Seamaster,  £2177 in peak season for 4 people,  so very much at the premium end of the market.  I realise the boat will cost considerably more to maintain than a modern boat though so I think that's reflected in the hire charge. 

According to HW FB page its first hire is 20th May.  I'm on the water then so I'm hoping I get to see it up close.  I love the look of traditional Broads Cruisers. 

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I'm gob smacked about the price. £2177. £544 per person that works out at. That is crazy money. Well if they can get that good luck to them. You could buy a boat for that. It be interesting to see what they are like and how there fitted out. And be interesting to speak to hirers who have hired it, to see if it's worth the price it is.

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  • 3 months later...

Whilst I applaud the preservation of a "woody" I find it a shame that the "big boys" feel they have to grab a slice of the market from smaller specialist yards such as Martham and Little Ships .

herbert Woods could easily justify the expense as a marketing and advertising tool without hiring her out, if she is used to give, for example , local ill children or those who are disadvantaged a day on the Broads it would be a massive PR boost as well as a special day to remember for the children.

i understand that it is an open market place but sometimes the big boys need to take a step back

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29 minutes ago, CambridgeCabby said:

Whilst I applaud the preservation of a "woody" I find it a shame that the "big boys" feel they have to grab a slice of the market from smaller specialist yards such as Martham and Little Ships .

I understand how you feel and I agree with you. It may be though, that only the big yards now have the logistics to be able to afford the maintenance.

 

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9 hours ago, CambridgeCabby said:

Whilst I applaud the preservation of a "woody" I find it a shame that the "big boys" feel they have to grab a slice of the market from smaller specialist yards such as Martham and Little Ships .

herbert Woods could easily justify the expense as a marketing and advertising tool without hiring her out, if she is used to give, for example , local ill children or those who are disadvantaged a day on the Broads it would be a massive PR boost as well as a special day to remember for the children.

i understand that it is an open market place but sometimes the big boys need to take a step back

How do you know we don't all help sick kids? 

Also I think Martham have a very different offer to that of Little ships, Herbert Woods boat is very different to ours.

Also how do you know we don't all get along and  help each other?

We have not finished ours ready for hire yet, but I am not doing it to make a packet, I just like old boats, I have a few and would like to justify having so many and I like them out on the water, I am sure it will be hard work so lets just see how it goes..

 

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Looking forward to a classic fleet Clive... one day it will happen ;);) 

Spark looks spot on... brilliant to see done... really really hope to see more!

But come on Clive though lets see some pics of yours!

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