Hello All, New Member

[damedwave]

Hi All, New Member.   Coming to the broads in September Hopefully !!! In a cottage by Ferry Marina been in a Cottage the last two years for Fishing and before that hired a Bathtub type Cruiser which let us down a few times in the week but it was like me getting on in years.

Thinking of hiring a cruiser next year I've been looking at You Tube and seen some good Video's by Robin (the London rascal) excellent info etc. can anyone recommend a good size cruiser for two brothers one in 60s other late 50s both fairly short at just over 5ft, concerned about helmsman position and visibility and moving manual canopy if it is heavy being short may be disadvantage also would like to get up Coltishall if possible so needs to get through Wroxham Bridge, I've looked at a few boats but seen some reviews  that concern me, any Help appreciated. 

[Ray]

Welcome aboard damedwave, there will be some good suggestions coming along soon I'm sure, there's a lot of useful knowledge among the group.

Meanwhile welcome again 👍

[Mouldy]

Robin did a blog on Western Light, now from Herbert Woods.  They’re getting on a bit now, but originally from Porter & Haylett (Connoisser  Cruisers), Wroxham.  Being based the Coltishall side of the bridge, they were designed to pass under it and the canopy is operated by a winch, so is relatively easy to operate.

As stated and as Robin observed, they are showing their age, but are spacious cruisers, with the engine at the stern, so quiet when underway.

They may not suit, but have a look at Robin’s review for a better idea. 
 

Hello and welcome, by the way.

[OldBerkshireBoy]

 

[Polly]

Welcome to the Forum 😊

[grendel]

[Turnoar]

Welcome! Maybe Mayfair from Maycraft, the Hampton boats are rare these days but very practical. For two and ease of mooring etc. it could fit the bridge.

[CambridgeCabby]

Ferry Marina have a few 2 berth newer craft that will normally pass under Wroxham (using the pilot ) either the bath tub type or aft cockpit 

 

[grendel]

all of Marthams boats pass through wroxham, and you dont need the pilot, as they all pass under potter heigham, wroxham is easy, I had over a foot clearance last time I took one through.

[TheQ]

Having been lent a Marthams boat for the 3 Rivers Race Guardship several times. I was impressed with their standard of maintenance of what are very old boats. The ones I've had have been immaculate with modern facilities.

https://www.marthamboats.com/

 

 

[grendel]

and they pass under all bridges most of the time.

[pastboating]

Hi,

As you are at Ferry Marina try to look at Bronze Emblem. My wife and I hired her when she was River Hart from Stalham Yacht Services. A very easy boat to handle and with a winch operated canopy. We went through Wroxham and Potter Heigham easily in the early 90's.

[damedwave]

Thank You  all for the Welcome and the ideas, I will have a look and get my Brothers opinion as he will want some things for an easy life.