HemsbyPie Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Good afternoon all. I would really like to hire a boat for a week or 2 on the broads, but the wife has a bit of a water phobia (born for a bad Dover-Calais crossing many years ago, but these things obviously stick with people!) She is willing to give day boat hire a go but I was wondering if you can hire boats for the night (so you could motor somewhere during the day, moor up & stay the night then motor back the following day?) Any help would be much appreciated HP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExMemberBobdog Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Whispering Reeds at Hickling hire their 'Bittern' picnic boat out for short periods and are pretty flexible. http://www.whisperingreeds.net/bittern/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanessan Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Do you think she might try a long weekend - ie Friday pm to Monday am? If you have a large enough boat on the upper reaches of the Bure for example, there would not be too much movement unless it was very windy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broadsword Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Motoring around the shallow Broads really does not compare to a Channel crossing! Why not see if a friendly member would take you aboard for a day, probably in the Northern Rivers? I am sure it would help your good lady overcome the phobia. Encourage her to get involved, handling the boat, ropes, etc... just sitting watching others is not the best way for a nervous crew member to get comfortable with boating... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVIDH Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 George Smiths in Wroxham hire out a Bounty 28 cruiser for upwards of one night. Here is their link: http://www.georgesmithboathire.co.uk/short-break-holidays Regards David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 When are you looking to hire one? May make a difference as to what is available. Early season may get you a 'Picnic' boat. I must add that I'm not sure if Richardsons have those from Geo.Smiths as several were up for sale but if Clive sees this he may be able to help I'm not sure if this still the number but worth a try:- . 01603 398123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oddfellow Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 We at Freedom will do this. Freedom by name - Freedom by Nature. Flexible hire from any day to any day. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffbroadslover Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Jonzo, I had the same thought as you did so had a quick look using the link. At the bottom of the page it shows a copyright date of 2016 !? Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oddfellow Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 A simple bit of code will publish whatever date you fancy to a web page - easy to make the copyright date look current. You should read nothing into that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVIDH Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 They definitely have stopped hiring the weekender boats - I called for clarification and was advised to call Richardsons though they may have thought I wanted a 3 night break. Their other website address was www.dayboathire.co.uk - not .com. The former is still alive but looks untouched for a while. I did think of Freedom, though at £300 plus for one night it looks impractical to me. In the past I have noticed Herbert Woods boats go out and then return the next day when moored opposite on the riverbank, probably at last minute but may be worth a try. Regards David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrundallNavy Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We saw two picnic boats out yesterday from NBD at Wroxham, I'm sure you could overnight on one if required, or you could try Ferry marine in Horning they also have picnic boats. Doug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oddfellow Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 The cost of readying a boat is always the same whether it's for one night or 14. From the boat yards point of view, the costs are pretty much all upfront. It make it worthwhile, there's a minimum charge of three nights. And don't forget, the cost you see on the web site is not like other operators - it includes your fuel deposit. The only costs above what you see are optional extras. Take it easy on a short break and you should get the vast majority of your fuel deposit back. That's not to say that we won't do better deals - but it all depends on the situation and the yard's workload at the time. We're terribly short right now as my good lady Nicola (who some of you will know) has been terribly ill in hospital and I've not been to the yard now in two weeks as I run the office, house and children. When the weather is warmer, there's also Freedom pod for a Flamping trip. This is designed to offer low-cost overnight floating accommodation with prices starting at just £90. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deebee29 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Sorry to hear about your good lady Andy. our best wishes and hope she feels better soon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bound2Please Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We both hope the Wife is better soon Charlie and Wench 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riyadhcrew Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We wish her well Andy. Not much fun being a permanent baby sitter when you have a business to run as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oddfellow Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 She's home now, but still quite unwell. Thanks for your good wishes. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riyadhcrew Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 We're up that way at the beginning of April and I'll stop by to say hello. We hope the "boss" gets better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPEEDTRIPLE Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 2 hours ago, FreedomBoatingHols said: The cost of readying a boat is always the same whether it's for one night or 14. From the boat yards point of view, the costs are pretty much all upfront. It make it worthwhile, there's a minimum charge of three nights. And don't forget, the cost you see on the web site is not like other operators - it includes your fuel deposit. The only costs above what you see are optional extras. Take it easy on a short break and you should get the vast majority of your fuel deposit back. That's not to say that we won't do better deals - but it all depends on the situation and the yard's workload at the time. We're terribly short right now as my good lady Nicola (who some of you will know) has been terribly ill in hospital and I've not been to the yard now in two weeks as I run the office, house and children. When the weather is warmer, there's also Freedom pod for a Flamping trip. This is designed to offer low-cost overnight floating accommodation with prices starting at just £90. I was going to suggest your good selves Andy, but you beet me to it. Andy`s comment re operational charges is a very fair point, and if you go for one of these small overnight boats, they may rock and roll a bit, so if Mrs H pie is concerned about boat movement, then a larger more stable wider beamed cruiser (which would in fact be better to compare as it is what you would be hirimg) is a much more sensible option. Freedom pod is good for what it`s intended for, but to convince a sceptic, i think it`s way too small, especially when you consider H pie`s original post where he`s trying to get Mrs H to come for two weeks. As for the picnic boats from Ferry Marina etc, i think you may find they`re not insured, or fitted for overnighting. I know Ferry Marina refused somebody to have one overnight a little while ago. I honestly think it`s best to look at Freedoms website, pic the sort of boat you would want for two weeks, then book it for a night. You never know, Mrs Hpie might love it, so a quick call to Andy (Freedom`s owner), and they would more than likely let you hold on to the boat for a few extra days, subject to availability of course?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExMemberBobdog Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I'd still go for Whispering Reeds, Bittern is a lovely little boat. You'll be up on a beautiful part of the Broads that few get to see (look at all those posts moaning about not being able to get under Potter Heigham Bridge). You could pootle from Hickling to Horsey (you'd have time to get down to Potter or West Somerton and then back to Horsey if you wanted more time on the water), moor up at Horsey Staithe, have a good meal and a few beers at the Nelson Head, and pootle back to Hickling next morning. Quiet waters, wildlife in abundance ... what's not to like? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadScot Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I have looked through Bittern when we stayed at the houseboat there. It is a very well fitted out boat, as Boddog said. You would not be disappointed hiring from there. Iain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wussername Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I have hired this boat out two or three times. Just for a day trip. Great boat. Cannot fault. The staff at the boat yard know the area very well and offer good advice. You will find a unique Broads experience, relax and enjoy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyMorgan Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 You can hire one of these for two days, e.g. one night, be my choice: http://www.huntersyard.co.uk/our-boats/cabin-yachts/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadScot Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 4 minutes ago, JennyMorgan said: You can hire one of these for two days, e.g. one night, be my choice: http://www.huntersyard.co.uk/our-boats/cabin-yachts/ You can indeed JM, but I believe he is trying to help his good ladies fears/phobias. If the Dover ferry scared her then, a wobbly yacht won't help matters IMHO Iain 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyMorgan Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 49 minutes ago, BroadScot said: You can indeed JM, but I believe he is trying to help his good ladies fears/phobias. If the Dover ferry scared her then, a wobbly yacht won't help matters IMHO Iain Maybe it was the sound of the engine & the stench of the exhaust? 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.