Broads01 Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 I'm a lucky, lucky man because for next year, Mrs Broads01 has decided she'd like to come with me for a short break and we both love the look of the Swancraft 2 berth offerings. Rapture, Reflection and Radiance are all available for the date we want and all are the same price. The differences I've picked out are Rapture has plainer upholstery and no whirlpool bath. Also Radiance has an L Shaped sofa (not a curved one) and no separate dining table (according to the plan). Which is the newest? Any recommendations? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranworthbreeze Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 Here is a link to Swan Renown:- http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/boats/swan-renown/ Swan Reflection:- http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/boats/swan-reflection/ Swan Rapture:- http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/boats/swan-rapture/ Swan Radiance http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/boats/swan-radiance/ Regards Alan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gracie Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 To be honest, I would go with any one of them but like the Skipper, Renown would be my choice too, absolutely adore Centre Cockpits I think our resident experts on Swan Craft, Howard and Jean have hired a couple of the one's on your list, I'm sure they will be along soon with their expert opinions Whichever you choose they are top craft in my opinion and don't think you'll be disappointed with any one of them, good luck and let us know the one you go for Grace 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CambridgeCabby Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 very much a matter of personal taste as to which one but as others had said even though a bit pricier the centre cockpit wins any day over a forward steer with me 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broads01 Posted May 13, 2017 Author Share Posted May 13, 2017 Yes I know Reflection is smaller hence didn't list it in my title but accidentally wrote it in my post. Renown - lovely boat but given there will only be the two of us aboard probably not right for this trip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broads01 Posted May 13, 2017 Author Share Posted May 13, 2017 I love centres too (got one this August) but I love forward steers almost as much, especially for the north Broads. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gracie Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 I so agree Simon, as long as it's a boat and it floats on the Broads, that'll do for me (except flappy thingies of course ) Grace 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNog Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Pub all day yesterday so just seen this Hired all 3 from Swancraft 2 Reflections one shaft, one hydraulic lovely little 31 footers Radiance newer than Rapture 2010 from memory both lovely boats 35 foot Alpha hulls, Radiance has berth in saloon hence L shaped settee All have (or had) superb hot water and battery systems. Not hired since Swancraft so can't comment on how they have fared now. Any specific questions please let me know. Jean has certainly hired one of the Reflections 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broads01 Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 Thanks Howard. I think the 35 footers are better value given the extra space and the bath. I know I wouldn't go wrong with any of them and it's a luxury to have the choice. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNog Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Simon The 35 footers have more space around the rear berth too - the reflections are s little more tight for space but perfectly adequate. Lovely boats, Swancraft quality 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwanR Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 We've hired both Reflections and would happily take them again. They are ideal starter boats being the smaller length so very easy to steer and to moor. I would like to try Swan Renown at some future point but it gets booked up well in advance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwanR Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 I did the same. I'm not sure whether it was the only centre cockpit boat in the Swancraft fleet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Hi, Swan Reflection is my favourite Swan boat, it's nice and easy to handle and two inches lower in the water than the Alpha 35s it needs 6ft 8ish at Potter Vs 6ft 10 which means if you are very lucky you may get under occasionally. Swans had two centre cockpits Renown Alpha 35 and Regal Alpha 44 plus three dual steers Rapier, Ranger Alpha 35 and Rapide a 42 Alpha Lowliner. All are still available at Richardson's, The newest boats are Radiance 2010, Reflection 1 2011, no2 2012, Renown 2012 and finally the last boat I hired from Swans Romance which was new in 2015. So far I haven't had the heart to hire from Richardson's as I would probably only consider hiring in the North early or late and wouldn't want to see the boats covered in scratches/dents. Don't get me wrong they are a good yard and one of the best value on the Broads however they won't have the time to look after them the same way, unfortunately only Summer craft, Silver line and possibly Bridgecraft appear to maintain the external appearance all season. Internally most yards including Ricko s are of good standard Neil 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broads01 Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 Thanks to all those who posted. Reflection has had the best press in this thread which I can understand. However a decision has been made and deposit just paid - we went for Roamer. The trip is end May 2018 so over 12 months away but I've got 2 trips this year first. This'll be my first Platinum fleet boat and the first time I've had a bow thruster, exciting stuff. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNog Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Hi Simon we've been on Roamer in December, superb boat, great choice, please keep us posted! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwanR Posted May 14, 2017 Share Posted May 14, 2017 Bow thrusters are great. They give us that extra bit of confidence and control when there's only two of us on the boat. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broads01 Posted May 14, 2017 Author Share Posted May 14, 2017 I'm not convinced I'll need to bother with a bow thruster much on the north Broads, I've managed without one for so many years. I'll keep an open mind though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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