Feruary Hiring.

[Guest]

I'm sure it may have been asked before, so if somebody could point us to the right thread or give us any info on hiring boats over the winter. We are torn between a riverside cottage and a boat again but are aware that a lot of yards do stop hiring the boats out at the end of the season. What we could do with is maybe a few yards that do stay open. We are looking to be going the middle to end of February. Thanks.

[Hylander]

Herby Woods at Potter Heigham are always available. Ask for Corrine.

Monica

[Guest DAYTONA-BILL]

I think Royalls from Wroxham hire throughout winter, as do (i believe) Freedom boating holidays at Horning. They`re the only two i know of, if this helps.

[NorfolkNog]

Hi Neil

I have hired from Royalls in Feb a few years ago but they have cut down their winter hire now and will only do March - Nov. Shame as they are a very good yard. They used to be regarded as the winter specialists.

Herbert Woods as mentioned is probably a good bet but don't forget DRL at Ludham who hire in winter (we have just booked with them again for February). Worth checking with Freedom also who I believe hire in winter. Faircraft Loynes also hire in winter but a bit pricey.

February is a great time to be out (as is December)

[Guest DAYTONA-BILL]

Bloody cold too i would imagine

[Guest]

for the replies chaps, we will give those a look. Failing getting one we can either afford or like it will be a little challet up Potter Heigham.

[Hylander]

Forgot to mention that Herby Woods also do some smashing holiday bungalows. We always hire Broadlands right by Potter Heigham bridge in January and it is like a sauna inside , one thing you will not be is cold. You can also park your car right outside at the rear of the bungalow.

[Guest]

Aside from yards that hire over the winter, it's worth mentioning that there is a small chance that the weather can be really bad in Jan/Feb.

Over the past ten years, there's been a couple of bad winters, the last being earlier this year. Many of the Broads and some sections of the rivers actually froze up, affecting navigation and the ability to pull into yards for water etc.. Most water points are turned off and the hoses removed anyway.

In 90% of years the winter weather is no problem here as long as the boat has some form of heating, and as people have mentioned, the whole area becomes beautifully quiet, often you can cruise all day without seeing another moving boat, and moor anywhere with plenty of space.

[NorfolkNog]

Hi NN

If you do decide on a boat – prices in February can be very reasonable. You could try ringing Woods, Freedom and DRL. Ask about prices, you might be pleasantly surprised. DRL for example are offering 2012 holidays at 2011 prices if you book before the end of Dec and I’m sure other yards will have similar offers. Worth speaking to them direct.

I’ve been out in winter many times (including the snow last December) and with the warm air heating you are snug as a bug, honestly. You can’t beat it.

Strowager is right to point out about the conditions, places like Ranworth and the Ant above Barton can and do freeze in severe weather. However the main rivers should be OK. Water can be a problem but there are places where it can be obtained all year – DRL, Freedom and Woods as mentioned, Ranworth as long as its not frozen, Ludham Bridge, Boulters, Horizon often have a hose connected in winter, Moonfleet, there are others. The Southern rivers are more of a problem. It just needs careful planning. And yes, the great beauty is you can, and do, cruise all day without seeing another moving boat.

[Oddfellow]

Freedom used to hire througout the year, but we've taken the decision to close over Christmas and New Year this time.

BUT, we're open in January and throughout February. PLUS, 2012 prices are currently equal to or LOWER than 2011 prices. However, there's a price review taking place on or around 1st November. Also, if you book now, you can secure the holiday with just £50.00.

For 2012, we're adopting a different pricing strategy and reviewing prices more regularly. Basically, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is likely to be. This allows us to remain extremely competive.

[Oddfellow]

Stowerger mentioned the bad winter weather.

Actually, the worst of the weather for last Winter was in December. January warmed up and February saw us send out a record number of boats.

However, despite Jan warming, Ranworth was still ice bound for quite some time but I beleive this was the only major long-term frozen section.

It's worth noting that we do not permit travel beyond Stokesby between 1st November and 31st March - Northern rivers only during this time.

[Guest]

Yes, the main period of freeze last winter was late December, around Christmas.

That shows how flukey our weather can be though. In any average year, January and February are by far the coldest months in the UK, as anyone who has to scrape the windscreen of the car will attest !!

This photo was taken at Womack in January 2002.

[NorfolkNog]

It was so cold last December that there was even ice on the river at Surlingham. But yes, Ranworth and Womack are among the first places to freeze up in cold weather.

Sounds a very good deal from Andy BTW