Brand New Small 2-3 Berth

[Broads01]

New 2 berth boats have become something of a collectors item in recent years,  with hire operators tending towards going large to recoup their investments.  Adventuring Light breaks that mould.  Not only is it 2-3 berth,  its old style dimensions being 29 foot by 10. I think it's got potential, even though I can't work out why the saloon berth doesn't extend to a double. 

https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/boating-holidays/our-boats/adventuring-light.html

[BryanW]

I will reserve judgement until there are interior pictures available.  I am a bit concerned at the 10ft width, how wide is the bed?

Good that yards are starting to build what I would call 'Broads Boats' and with the width I would hope that Potter Heigham bridge is a definite possibility.

[SwanR]

Looks like a nice little boat. Always interesting to see what the yards are building.

[Vaughan]

I notice it comes fitted with a shore power connection. Now there is a step forward!

Can't think what it needs a bow thruster for though. . . .

[NorfolkNog]

I think this is the same hull that they are also using for the new picnic boats. Andrew Wolstenholme design? 

[Maxwellian]

What an expensive boat. I could have three weeks with Swallow for almost the same price. Much rather have that than a new boat. 

[NorfolkNog]

......sorry my mistake, the picnic boats are only 24 foot 

[NorfolkNog]

Price is 1200 in high season but 600 in off peak which is not tooooooo bad......

[Broads01]

The price looks on the high side unless the interior is exceptional.  Herbert Woods do tend to price high then discount later and I've always wished they'd keep things simple and just offer the lower price in the first place (like Richardsons). 

[dnks34]

The only thing that puts me off the smaller vessels is the amount of movement when climbing on/off or moving around inside & sitting etc. 

We once owned a 10ft by 27ft and it did sway quite a lot,  with a wider boat its not so noticeable.

[JawsOrca]

Nice to see little boats being built! I'd hire it if I had to... 

Shame its got a bow thruster though, that will knock the hire price up too and keep it high as it will be burnt out all the time... strange.. evenso.. Nice to see someone catering for couples..

[Maxwellian]

I look at a week during May half term. £1500.

 

[dnks34]

Ouch!

Initial outlay aside for 2 weeks hire on that it costs more than it costs us to keep our own boat moored, tolled, insured even including a luxury maintenance budget for the year!   

[Broads01]

That's the price inclusive of damage waiver and fuel deposit but yes,  it does look silly,  especially when there are some lovely 2 berths around for much less and with much more space. 

[NorfolkNog]

Ouch indeed, of course the 1200 brochure price will be nett of fuel and damage waiver :-o 

Having said that we have booked Evening Light in February for a very reasonable price

[JawsOrca]

It's not cheap to build boats though.. Everyone goes on about how HW has an old fleet.. it's nice to see them building and investing in their fleet and the broads. Hopefully once it's paid for itself then the prices will come down.. you can't compare the cost of hiring with private ownership. But top marks from me.. looks brill look forward to seeing them out earning their keep.  Hope to see more of the same!

[ZimbiIV]

A new Silverline boat

http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/silverline-marine-silv/silver-coral-bh2422

one of the top hire fleets.

How do HW justify their price?

paul

[JennyMorgan]

6 hours ago, Vaughan said:

I notice it comes fitted with a shore power connection. Now there is a step forward!

Can't think what it needs a bow thruster for though. . . .

Not sure that I see the need for shore power either and certainly don't see it as a way forward. Dependency on a very limited resource, e.g. a shore power hook-up, means limited moorings and increasingly early stopping times to ensure a connection, a factor that will surely make these boats unattractive to the more experienced hirers. Personally I would want a boat that is reliably independent of shore power, not reliant on it. 

[dnks34]

3 hours ago, JawsOrca said:

you can't compare the cost of hiring with private ownership.

I did say initial outlay aside! 

[Paul]

did I read that right, 1500 quid for a week in May, surely that's two weeks? By comparison, Pacific Cruisers Diamond is 850 all in for that same week. We were on board her a few weeks ago and she is virtually as new. 

[SwanR]

11 hours ago, ZimbiIV said:

A new Silverline boat

http://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/silverline-marine-silv/silver-coral-bh2422

one of the top hire fleets.

How do HW justify their price?

paul

Thanks for posting this Paul. I have been waiting to see the details and internal photos on this boat as we would love to hire on the southern Broads again at some point. 

However I am disappointed to see that the bed is the wrong way round yet again. What is this fascination with putting the headboard in the middle of the room? I realise it saves a few inches because of using the space under the window but it's not good for tall people. That's another option off the list then. Shame.

As for the shore power debate ... it's not essential but it is a "nice to have" if you're hiring early or late season. Makes so much difference for keeping the heating on during those very chilly evenings.

[ZimbiIV]

Jean,

I have other objections to beds that way on.

Nowhere to put reading glasses or book or a glass of water and for some possibly teeth!

paul

[ZimbiIV]

Another thought IF it is a free standing bed it could be pulled out into the cabin.

Give Colin/Lesley a ring and ask if is.

paul

[Vaughan]

10 hours ago, JennyMorgan said:

Not sure that I see the need for shore power either and certainly don't see it as a way forward.

I notice it is fitted with 2 TV screens apart from all the other electric bits, so it is going to use a lot of battery power. Whilst I thoroughly agree with you that a boat should be autonomous, for proper enjoyment of the holiday, unfortunately nowadays they are not.

It is a matter of choice. I am sure you don't want them running their engines on moorings, either? If they don't even come equipped with the cable and its fittings, then there is no choice.

[Broads01]

There is something to be said for smaller boat dimensions.  When mooring space is scarce,  a 29 foot boat can be squeezed in to a gap a 35 foot one can't.  Similarly a 10 foot beam could come on handy for a tight stern on gap.  But would I choose a smaller boat over a larger one with more internal space?  Probably not,  if I'm honest.