Hoseasons / Blakes Brochure Collectors - A Favour?

[Ray]

Our boat, Dakota (E469) started life on the Broads as Swan Regent of Swancraft Cruisers (Brundall) circa 1971.She is a Bounty DC30 variant, I don't think there were many, maybe 3, in this design.

In the intervening years and before we got her some remodelling and refitting has been done, although she is still a GRP hull with varnished wood topsides.

If anyone has her hire page/panel in a brochure with layout diagram and photo I would love a photocopy or a photo taken on a smart phone to compare then and and now. 

Very grateful if anyone can help 👍

[vanessan]

Looks like I had this marked as a possibility for our first trip back in 1982. Hope it’s the right one.

 

[vanessan]

If that is the right one and you need a better shot Ray, I can have another go.

[Ray]

Looks right! Thank you very much indeed. If it's possible to get a better shot I could print it out!

The sides look painted which is interesting!

This photo was from last Autumn, I have just had the sides revarnished in January, so the faded look has gone now

[Gracie]

14 minutes ago, Ray said:

Looks right! Thank you very much indeed. If it's possible to get a better shot I could print it out!

The sides look painted which is interesting!

This photo was from last Autumn, I have just had the sides revarnished in January, so the faded look has gone now

Oh Ray she's a cutie, love the steps too 

Jay and Grace x

[Ray]

It's my homemade dog gangway! The sides fold down and the bottom part slides up!

[MauriceMynah]

2 minutes ago, Ray said:

 The sides fold down and the bottom part slides up!

I had a girlfriend like that.

[Vaughan]

Here you go, Ray.

 

This one as advertised new, in Blakes catalogue of 1971.

 

And again with photo, in 1975.

I can send in a higher resolution, if it helps.

[vanessan]

Vaughan’s look better than the one I posted but if you still want another I can oblige. 

[Ray]

Brilliant! Thank you! Varnished topsides when new as well so the renovation work (before I had her) took her back to how she was.

I'm biased but I do like that look!

[Ray]

1 minute ago, vanessan said:

Vaughan’s look better than the one I posted but if you still want another I can oblige. 

As long as it's not too much trouble as it is great to see how she evolved when in the hire fleet. 

[Ray]

Originally a Mercedes engine! 

Now has the good old, noisy but run forever BMC 1.5, which I assumed had been in from day1

[Vaughan]

Not surprised they took the Mercedes engine out. They were not a success, in Broads hire boats. I think anyone who worked for Richardsons in the "old days" would agree with that!

[Vaughan]

1 hour ago, MauriceMynah said:

 

1 hour ago, Ray said:

 The sides fold down and the bottom part slides up!

I had a girlfriend like that.

 

But what was she like on a "beam reach"?

[Ray]

4 minutes ago, Vaughan said:

Not surprised they took the Mercedes engine out. They were not a success, in Broads hire boats. I think anyone who worked for Richardsons in the "old days" would agree with that!

I guess I automatically think Mercedes equals good.... The power of advertising!

[Vaughan]

An interesting example of inflation.

In 1971, the peak period price was £72. 

Ten years later it was £220.

No wonder there was a drastic recession in Broads tourism in the early 80s!

[Ray]

I seem to recall the late 70s and early 80s as a time of high inflation and high interest rates. (How could I forget, I got my first mortgage in '78)

[vanessan]

1 hour ago, Ray said:

As long as it's not too much trouble as it is great to see how she evolved when in the hire fleet. 

I will have a look and see what later brochures I have too. 

[Ray]

 

35 minutes ago, vanessan said:

I will have a look and see what later brochures I have too. 

Thank you, it's great to see her history like this!

[Guest]

It's a lovely looking boat you and Gill(?) have there Ray mate 

Jay 

[Ray]

Thank you and yes the boss' name is Gill ☺