andyg Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 I follow a few hire yards on FB not all on the broads. it's good to see all the posts from the yards showing us what there upto over the winter months, upgrades repairs etc. An interesting post last weekend from bridgecraft, showing us them lifting Tay bridge out, on the face of it she didn't look to bad a few scraps and scuffs. Well apparently not a sizeable lump of the toenail ( I think that's the right term ) needed cutting out and repairing. To me the sheds these guys work in all winter look cold and damp places, I bet they dread winter. Saying that I'm aware of two yards neither on the broads that do the winter maintenance on there car parks. Kris Cruisers and bridge boats at Ely. Sod doing that in the freezing cold. Re painting a boat out in the open must cause a few difficulties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoggy Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 1 hour ago, andyg said: a sizeable lump of the toenail ( I think that's the right term ) needed cutting out and repairing A true jack of all trades, boat builder and chiropractor.... You gotta love auto correct. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatingman Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 Bridge Boats at Ely do have two large sheds to work in but for some reason as stated by Andy they do work outside in the winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
addicted Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 No better yard to deal with on the Ouse. Certainly the only one I'd trust our boat with. Carole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilB Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 5 hours ago, andyg said: I follow a few hire yards on FB not all on the broads. it's good to see all the posts from the yards showing us what there upto over the winter months, upgrades repairs etc. An interesting post last weekend from bridgecraft, showing us them lifting Tay bridge out, on the face of it she didn't look to bad a few scraps and scuffs. Well apparently not a sizeable lump of the toenail ( I think that's the right term ) needed cutting out and repairing. To me the sheds these guys work in all winter look cold and damp places, I bet they dread winter. Saying that I'm aware of two yards neither on the broads that do the winter maintenance on there car parks. Kris Cruisers and bridge boats at Ely. Sod doing that in the freezing cold. Re painting a boat out in the open must cause a few difficulties. Not many of their boats are painted now but quite a few were when I worked there, we tried to get them all done before Christmas as the weather was often better. After Christmas I tended to concentrate on the engines, I could run them up and sit on them to keep warm! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyg Posted November 17, 2021 Author Share Posted November 17, 2021 1 hour ago, NeilB said: Not many of their boats are painted now but quite a few were when I worked there, we tried to get them all done before Christmas as the weather was often better. After Christmas I tended to concentrate on the engines, I could run them up and sit on them to keep warm! I forgot you worked there Neil, they really do have a cracking fleet now. The prices are looking quite favorable compared to the broads at the moment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyg Posted November 17, 2021 Author Share Posted November 17, 2021 1 hour ago, Boatingman said: Bridge Boats at Ely do have two large sheds to work in but for some reason as stated by Andy they do work outside in the winter Use to pass by there all the time. Another waterway I'd like to try... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoggy Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 6 hours ago, Smoggy said: A true jack of all trades, boat builder and chiropractor.... You gotta love auto correct. Doh! I've been bitten by the same auto correct bug, that was supposed to be chiropodist. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 Andy, I recommend the Fens and Bridge boatyard. The rivers are quiet and very scenic in the main, the locks are few and far between and easy to operate, some of the tributaries make the Chet look wide and the pubs are generally good, mooring tend to be free and for 48hrs. On the Cam you can moor directly outside the Fives miles pub on a decent quay heading for upto 48 hours without booking all for free with good food and beer on the doorstep. Cambridge is also free however for some reason the quay heading has fallen into disrepair with bolts sticking and unmown grass, personally I would rather pay a fee there and get a better mooring. The 15 boats tend to be compact and date mainly from the 70's and early 80's although they have 1997 Alpha aft cockpit and 4 relatively modern narrowboats I still tend to hire the old favs Sunseeker and Sunquest as they can fit into the moorings easier. They are all solid, well cared with updated fixtures and are decent value. Black Prince have 4 narrow boats running from the yard as well. Neil 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatingman Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 Glad you support Bridge Boats Neil We hire the Sundancer's they suit as well Very good 48 hour moorings at Clayhithe with the Bridge pub adjacent As you say quiet and peaceful We like going up the lodes as to Burwell and Reach It is another world Ray 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoggy Posted November 18, 2021 Share Posted November 18, 2021 Wicken lode is a must do when on those rivers, it really feels like winding you way up a hill on the water, and back down on the way out, it's not obviously it's flat but feels like it. Not done those rivers for a good few years now. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.