Taking A Gander At Goosander

[Broads01]

30 minutes ago, andyg said:

A few ended up at herbert woods I think. 

Yes, Woods still have Florida Light (formerly Florida Queen) and Tobago Light (formerly Tobago King). King of Light and Queen of Light may have been Kingline boats, I'm not sure.

[WherryNice]

The other half of Boulters(the bit where the bungalow and moorings are) used to be Nerina Boatyard run by 'the Kens'. 

My own Broads life started there as a child in the 80's as friends of my parents had a boat there which we would borrow sometimes.

[DAVIDH]

No takers for where the monument is I see. It lies the other side of the flood defences at Berney Arms. I'd never seen it until I went to fly the drone there. It refers to the RSPB, who operate the RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water Nature Reserve. It's location is marked on the image below:
 

[Vaughan]

9 hours ago, WherryNice said:

The other half of Boulters(the bit where the bungalow and moorings are) used to be Nerina Boatyard run by 'the Kens'. 

The Kens were good friends of mine in the late 70's. Their wives were sisters.

One of the many very high quality small family yards that fell victim to the great recession of the early 80s.  The Broads has never been the same since then.

[SwanR]

Lovely write up and photos David. Enjoyed seeing where your week took you. 

[andyg]

1 hour ago, Vaughan said:

The Kens were good friends of mine in the late 70's. Their wives were sisters.

One of the many very high quality small family yards that fell victim to the great recession of the early 80s.  The Broads has never been the same since then.

Great boats Vaughan, I think tho not 100% sure they were the 1st yard to put Central heating on a boat. One of the big 42ft Alphacraft center cockpit jobs they had. I always try to hire from the smaller yards. I will be trying bridgecraft in a few weeks time and I'm looking forward to it. I want to try clives new yard but am holding back till fleetway is ready to go. I just find the whole experience of a smaller operation much better. 

[DAVIDH]

Saturday 18th June

Having driven down from Leeds on what seemed to be very quiet roads for the time of the year (even Sutton Bridge was wide open), I arrived at Goosander's coop around 1pm. The major task of unloading the car went well and after a sandwich and a drink, I decided to drive back into Roys-land to buy a few presents. It was a showery day, so I was alternating dodging into shops with walking across the moorings of Barnes and Norfolk Broads Direct. I had decided to stay on the moorings for the first night, so there was no rush to get back. By 5pm, I had started the drive back to the moorings and nestled back onboard until it was time to walk to The Ferry Inn for my evening meal. I hadn't booked a table so I was wondering how busy it would be. The moorings were full, but there was no problem securing a table. I ordered the Cod and Chips, which I'd have to say was just average. The fish was very batter heavy, and the chips just seemed dry on the inside. Perhaps it was just the variety of potato they were using. It wasn't badly cooked, and as such it wouldn't stop me returning. By 9pm, I was back onboard, and settled for the night. Not many photos for arrival day. More tomorrow.

Goosander has a nice new carpet

The picnic boats at Barnes

[Broads01]

The carpet looks nice, David. My concern would be how practical it will be compared to a hard flooring, what do you think?

[YnysMon]

Moonlight Shadow opted to replace carpet with carpet too. My memory of the discussion is a bit hazy though I can remember being initially in favour of a hard flooring but being thoroughly converted otherwise. Maybe Malcolm or Warren can remind me why…it might have been something to do with it deadening the sound of the engine (the engine being below the saloon). Mind you, the new engine is a lot quieter!

[Tempest]

6 hours ago, YnysMon said:

Moonlight Shadow opted to replace carpet with carpet too. My memory of the discussion is a bit hazy though I can remember being initially in favour of a hard flooring but being thoroughly converted otherwise. Maybe Malcolm or Warren can remind me why…it might have been something to do with it deadening the sound of the engine (the engine being below the saloon). Mind you, the new engine is a lot quieter!

We voted for hard flooring, as we believe it to be more hard wearing, longer lasting and modern in look, but a majority of syndicate members went with carpet as they believed it was warmer, especially under foot and quieter.

I still would have preferred hard flooring, and not too keen on the new carpets but, that's just a personal preference and that's also the beauty of syndicate membership where sometimes others agree with your view and on occasions they don't.

Something that we are completely cool with and respect.

The kitchen area (sorry @Mouldy...galley!) has hard flooring and looks great.....😉

[Mouldy]

6 hours ago, YnysMon said:

Maybe Malcolm or Warren can remind me why…it might have been something to do with it deadening the sound of the engine (the engine being below the saloon). Mind you, the new engine is a lot quieter!

If I remember rightly sound deadening came into it, but it was a majority decision.  I have to say that personally I prefer carpet, with vinyl  type flooring in the galley.  Laminate can be damaged, scratched and look just as tatty as carpet in time, but is more difficult to replace, I think.

[Matt]

So we ended up with carpet on Thunder about 3 years ago and I reckon if we voted again we would probably go hard flooring!

 

if you get chance have a look at the flooring on the hireboats that HPC have refurbed. They look really good.

[Bluebell]

35 minutes ago, Matt said:

So we ended up with carpet on Thunder about 3 years ago and I reckon if we voted again we would probably go hard flooring!

 

if you get chance have a look at the flooring on the hireboats that HPC have refurbed. They look really good.

As we going to be looking at replacing the flooring on Chiltern Lady soon, can you elaborate on what HPC have done on the hire boats please…

TIA

[trambo]

Would always go for carpet, so much nicer under (bare) foot but can understand why most hire yards go for the hard floor option. Much cheaper to keep to a good standard. The carpet used on Goosander is the hard wearing Teak-Carpet brand.

https://www.teak-carpet.co.uk

Fred

[Matt]

33 minutes ago, Bluebell said:

As we going to be looking at replacing the flooring on Chiltern Lady soon, can you elaborate on what HPC have done on the hire boats please…

TIA

I couldn’t tell you what it is but it looks nice 😊 

Plenty of photos and probably info in this thread: 

 

[DAVIDH]

I much prefer carpet. Being as the boat is used throughout the year, including December through to March, I think it's much warmer underfoot. We had carpet before this one. It did get dirty after a while, but the positives negated the negatives. Being a darker carpet, it should be less prone to stains standing out. 

[DAVIDH]

Sunday 19th June

Being as most of the Broads hire fleet was going to be out this week, I had decided to head south for a few days, and my targets today were Ludham Bridge for lunch and Acle for the evening. I was ready to depart around 9.30am, and made my way slowly out of the twisty route down the dyke, and out into the wonderful freedom of The River Bure. The canopy was partially open and it was good to be out on the river. All too soon, it was time to head down the Ant, and under Ludham Bridge. The path was clear so I hurried under before another craft could elbow it's way through from the other direction. I was able to moor on the first space beyond the yacht demasting section, turning the boat around before coming alongside. I'd arrived at 11am, and thought I would stay a couple of hours,  setting off for Acle in good time to (hopefully) bag one of the Broads Authority moorings. The sun was out now, so first on the agenda was a 99 ice cream from Ludham Stores. I notice they had a sign up at the counter saying "we are not closing". Obviously some speculation following the plans for redevelopment there.  Back onboard, I just sat and watched the boats go by. 

I was ready to cast off by 1pm, and as it had become quite breezy, allI had to do was untie and let Goosander drift out into the channel. It had warmed up by the afternoon, and the rain showers were not to return for the rest of the holiday. Warm weather was developing throughout the week, eentually to reach a high of 26c on Friday. So as I was leaving early for Acle, I felt no need to rush and kept my speed at about 4.5mph, even through the 6mph sections. Cruising in the sun, with the canopies back is what it's all about. There were boats in front of me, but they all veered to the left at the junction with the Thurne, and I was left to chug on alone. Soon thebridge at Acle came into view, as did the moorings on the left. I could see just one space - most of the others were occupied by private visiting craft - I negotiate with Neptune, who allowed me to get the boat to the bank against the stream, only to find I was being blown offshore again by the gusty wind. I had to "go around again" but didn't get permission from air traffic control for the manoeuvre. This time once alongside, I darted out to get ashore with the rope before the wind had other ideas. 

Securely tied up for the night (the boat, not me) I called The Bridge Inn to book a table. Yikes! it was Fathers Day. I should have called earlier. They managed to squeeze me in at 7pm, which wasn't that much later than I had wanted. With time to spare, I went for a walk along the bank leading from The Bridge Inn moorings, heading down towards Acle Dyke, to see how easy it would be to walk from the paid for moorings back up to the pub. It was a pleasant walk, but the grass was really quite tall in places. At 7pm, I made my way over Acle bridge towards the celebrated pub/restaurant. On arrival, the place had notices outside saying they were full for those without a reservation, and a rope across the threshold ensured you had to wait until someone came to vet you! I was escorted to a table for four (always feel guilty when there's only one of me) in the restaurant. The food was great. I had the steak and ale pie, followed by the most heavenly dessert,  a Caramel and chocolate brownie cheesecake (photo below). This dessert was worth the cruise down here alone. By 9pm I was on my way back to the boat, passing the fishermen next door to me, who told me they were not going to give up until the light faded. Though the day had warmed up, it got chilly as the night wore on. I cursed myself that with the promised good weather, I hadn't thought to check the minimum night temperatures and brought a jumper with me. I managed however, without having to put the heating on. 

Ludham Bridge

Saw this beauty go by

Seen on the walk from the Bridge Inn down towards Acle dyke

The sign outside the Bridge Inn. Best to book a table

That cheesecake. Must be on the dessert menu in heaven. Definitely book a table there!

[Bluebell]

1 hour ago, trambo said:

Would always go for carpet, so much nicer under (bare) foot but can understand why most hire yards go for the hard floor option. Much cheaper to keep to a good standard. The carpet used on Goosander is the hard wearing Teak-Carpet brand.

https://www.teak-carpet.co.uk

Fred

Thanks, good choice. We had that on our previous boat, courtesy of “Jaws Orca” pricey, but worth it..

[Bluebell]

1 hour ago, Matt said:

I couldn’t tell you what it is but it looks nice 😊 

Plenty of photos and probably info in this thread: 

 

Thanks for the info. Agreed it does look nice…

[Mouldy]

If you haven’t already @DAVIDH I highly recommend you try The White Horse at Upton.  It’s one of the destinations that are nailed on for our forthcoming holiday on Norfolk Lady.  Our first ever visit there, when we were on Moonlight Shadow in May, has it firmly on our list of favourites eateries.

[webntweb]

Lovely pic of Swiftway 1 looking in pristine condition.

[DAVIDH]

12 hours ago, Mouldy said:

I highly recommend you try The White Horse at Upton.

Haven't been there in years, but will put it on my list. Many years ago - probably at least 40 - we went in and I ventured to the counter, asking if they served food. The landlord said nothing, turned around and picked up a card from behind him and handed it to me. It said "If you want food, you've  come to the wrong place" He smiled and we went our separate ways. I know the pub is now community owned and often puts on live music, so will need to plan a visit. 

[YnysMon]

We highly recommend The White Horse Upton too. We had the best quality Sunday roast we’ve had anywhere on the Broads last year, and much cheaper than some other places too. 

[Mouldy]

8 hours ago, DAVIDH said:

Haven't been there in years, but will put it on my list. Many years ago - probably at least 40 - we went in and I ventured to the counter, asking if they served food. The landlord said nothing, turned around and picked up a card from behind him and handed it to me. It said "If you want food, you've  come to the wrong place" He smiled and we went our separate ways. I know the pub is now community owned and often puts on live music, so will need to plan a visit. 

I know you’re a bit of a fan of a pie.  They do a fairly spectacular steak and ale number, that I sampled back in May.  I’ve a fairly healthy appetite, easily recognised by my expanding waistline, but even I struggled.  It’s certainly worth a visit when you’re down again.

[DAVIDH]

Monday 20th June

With the long days, the sun was up well before me. The saloon was already feeling quite warm as the sun poked it's way through the curtains. Today I was heading for Yarmouth, staying there overnight. The tides couldn't have been more accommodating. If I left at 9.30am, I would arrive at the Yacht Station around 45 mins after slack water. The current would be flowing in slowly, and I wouldn't need to turn around before mooring. So at the appointed time, I duly cast off and made my way down the Bure. The tide was still flowing out up at Acle, so it didn't take much effort for Goosander to keep tight to the speed limits. On seeing the old marina site, I called the Yacht Station, who agreed to meet me and assist with mooring up. There was space close to their offices, so I slowly came alongside, and the rangers took the ropes from me. Such an easy stressless experience. Talking to one of the rangers, I asked how busy this year was in comparison to the two previous years, when every man and his dog had converged on the Norfolk Broads. Apparantly, they would expect to take £7,000 in mooring fees on a "typical" June. The last two years, that was £10,000. This year was £6,000. He didn't think it would get to £7,000. Just an indication of how things are on the rivers now that the hoards have somewhere else to go. 

It was warm and sunny as I walked into the town. The market was being replaced by a new structure, which meant most of the chip stalls were not on-site anymore. I managed to find one however. You can't visit Yarmouth and not have chips from a stall. After that it was coffee at the McDonalds close by, and then a walk down to the promenade. Great Yarmouth was busy with visitors, but the closer I got to the sea, the more chilly the wind coming from the north was. Nevertheless, I walked a long way on the Prom, as you can see from the photos. I then followed the signposts to The Historic Quayside, and ended up walking quite a length of the Yare, this side of The Haven Lift Bridge. Sheided from the biting breeze, it made for an interesting walk in the sun. I made my way back to  the boat and thought I should book a table at The Kings Arms on Northgate Street (the main road that runs parallel to road where the Yacht Station is situated). I made a reservation for 6.45pm, so there was plent of time to just sit back and rest. 

The tide was ebbing fast as I climbed off Goosander and made my way to The Kings Arms. I've eaten there many times and have never been disappointed, so i was looking foward to it. It's a lovely place, with a large beer garden for those who want to catch the sun. I had the BBQ Chicken Breast which was fabulous, followed by white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. The food cost just £16, well below what I was paying elsewhere. Suitably stuffed, I made my wayback to the boat and watched as the sun went down and the street lights danced across the river. It got chilly once the sun went down, so I found myself a cardigan I had brought and sat in that. 

Yarmouth Yacht Station, showing how the tide was lowering the boat

Not in order, but I always like the look here as the sun goes down

Goosander back up with the tide flowing in

The seafront

Haven Lift Bridge

 

The historic docks