| Posted By |
Discussion Topic: My first time questions
Similar Threads That Might Help :
A couple of (sort of) first time questions|
First time in a long time|
Questions,questions,and more questions|
Looking for first boat - some questions|
question time|
More First Timer Questions!!|
-- Page:
1
2
3
4
|
|
ukdeveloper |
|
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: May 2023
Add To Ignore List
|
Hi there,
We're a family of 4 (well 5 now with the dog) who usually hire a villa in the med somewhere as a holiday. This year however we've decided to hire a boat and do the Broads. Im so looking forward to is, as we all are, but cannot help being a little worried too.
Just wondering if anyone could put my mind at rest regarding the following: (I will have a jolly good read too).
We're planning to sail as much as we can, and make brekkie on the boat and eat out for lunch and dinner. Everywhere I "google" and "you tube" seems to say things like "if you plan on mooring at this pub for the night, it's best to get here in the mid afternoon".
This is ok, but then what do you do? Just sit there and wait until dinner?
Also the routes which I have found seem to suggest a 1 hour sail to the next destination, what do you do then? Just moor up and stay there until you go for something to eat in the evenings.
Then there's the mooring itself. This terrifies me. LOL. What if you struggle to moor the boat. What if you struggle to FIND somewhere to moor the boat. Im guessing you can't just stop the boat anywhere you like and drop anchor so to speak
Im truly scared (not having done this before) that we would sail somewhere, not be able to stop (cos it's busy) and then sail on, an on and never find somewhere to stop and eat etc.
Im sure everyone is like this their first time though. LOL
|
|
Paladine |
|
Mudplug Juggler
Posts: 9392
Joined: Jul 2008
Add To Ignore List
|
Welcome to the forum, ukdeveloper. If you wouldn't mind given a bit more information, it might make the answers more relevant. e.g.
What is the name of the boat you're hiring? (this will determine which bridges you can get through);
What is the duration of your holiday, and approx. dates? (this gives an idea of how far you're likeley to be able to travel and how busy the moorings will be);
Is your party two adults and two children? If so, ages of children? (will they need to be entertained?)
If you take a look just above the grey line above your post, you'll see (very small) links to similar first-timer questions, which may help you.
There are on-line videos available from the Broads Authority (click here and some of the hire companies, which might be of use.
Whoever you hire from, they will give you give you a brief introduction to your boat and take you on a supervised 'hand-over' river trip, to show you how to handle the boat. IMPORTANT - if you are uncertain about anything you are shown, get them to show you again...and again, if necessary. Do not be fobbed of with the 'you'll be OK, you'll soon pick it up' type of comment.
One hour sailing between destinations is simply not enough to keep the boat's batteries charged. Most yards suggest four hours of engine running a day - this does NOT mean sitting on a mooring with the engine running for four hours. You will have some very unhappy neighbours. Running an engine on a mooring does happen but is very much frowned upon. Use that time to explore the waterway - don't be in too much of a hurry to get anywhere.
Some of the pubs have their own, bookable moorings. Check out the websites of any that might interest you.
Read as much as you can and watch the videos, take things slowly and I'm sure you'll have a great holiday.
"...the decision taken by the Authority was to adopt a brand name which included the words “National Park”. That term is only to be used for marketing purposes and the legal regime within the Broads remains unaltered." [Harris v BA 2016]
|
|
Dzign |
|
Been Posting For a Long Time
Posts: 1591
Joined: Mar 2013
Add To Ignore List
|
A lot of the time you are on the boat you may not be cruising it's a very laid back holiday, sitting about not doing much is very much a part of boating (not just the Broads). the most popular moorings tend to fill up first, that doesn't mean you won't get in later rather you are less likely to find a spot at the most desirable moorings. The moorings at Acle for instance are rarely full but the free ones (24 hr) fill up first but there are plenty of others there. If you plan on mooring at Ranworth try to time it so you get there when others have had breakfast and likely to move to other moorings for there dinner.
Regulars tend not to move so much as non regulars, and are happy to chill, read a book maybe fish if it's in season that is.
Mooring can be a challenge but follow the guidance given in the packs supplied by the boatyard ie always moor into the current/flow especially the closer you are to Yarmouth where the tide runs strongest, always moor if possible at slow speeds if you do happen to hit another boat you will kiss it not crunch it! most private boats are only to happy to help you in if only to save any possible damage to their boat.
Get your head round the fact that you are not going to get anywhere fast, don't leave your evening spot till the last minute.
L
|
|
Jean&Brian |
|
Moderator
Posts: 2323
Joined: Nov 2008
|
Hi and welcome to the forum.
Both the above are good advice, all I would add is don't fret just take everything slowly don't over plan and just enjoy the experience.
Wherever you stop talk to people, most will only be to happy to help with mooring up and with suggestions for your next days trip.
Brian
|
|
annville |
|
Been Posting For a Long Time
Posts: 1546
Joined: Oct 2013
Add To Ignore List
|
Hi UK I would suggest a (bath tube) type as they can get under most bridges and you can walk all round them (safer for mooring) They also have more usable space nsid, As to what you do when you get there. you can Sunbathe?read a book ,go into the pub,watch Tv,open a bottle of wine and sit on the river bank or deck or go for walks, or look around the villages or other sites, Of course you dont have to stop at the first place you come too you can sail further then moor up. As to stopping at a pub or restaurant it's like any where you take your chance, one trick is not to follow the rest,and not sail or not far on the first day this lets all the others fill up the moorings then the next day they are empty, most places accept Horning are full on certain days then half or empty on other days, only us regulars get to now which days are vacant,BUT! there are lots of places to moor just not outside pubs it's just at remote places, so take some cans of food for when you can't get to a restaurant, it often comes down to how far o you are preparid too walk, or get a taxi. The only thing you need concern yourself is to moor into the tidal flow, and boats steer as do forklifts unlike cars (watch your rear). Enjoy. John
|
|
ukdeveloper |
|
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: May 2023
Add To Ignore List
|
Hi we're a family of 4 (3 adults & 1 x 17 y/o)
Hired Harmony 3 from Brinks and will be coming mid July for a week.
This message was edited by ukdeveloper on May-22-23 @ 5:57 PM
|
|
ukdeveloper |
|
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: May 2023
Add To Ignore List
|
So if you planned to go out for an evening meal in Ranworth for example, your advice would be get there after breakfast? So what would you do for the day etc?
This message was edited by ukdeveloper on May-22-23 @ 5:21 PM
|
|
Dzign |
|
Been Posting For a Long Time
Posts: 1591
Joined: Mar 2013
Add To Ignore List
|
Nothing.....enjoy
L
|
|
flonker |
|
Forum Regular
Posts: 606
Joined: Nov 2004
Add To Ignore List
|
Hi. Your questions, your concern is good.
Your holiday date is of importance.
Devon, Cornwall. The Costa Plenty. The Norfolk Broads, it is relevant. At certain times they all come under pressure.
However, fear ye not. You have at your disposal, on this forum, a wealth of local experience, and that includes those who have kept their boats here for some considerable time..
Dwile Flonker
|
|
flonker |
|
Forum Regular
Posts: 606
Joined: Nov 2004
Add To Ignore List
|
Nothing.....enjoy
There is so much to do.
There is an embarrassment of riches.
So much to see.
However you need to make an effort.
Yu will be well rewarded for a memorable holiday.
Trust me.
Dwile Flonker
This message was edited by flonker on May-22-23 @ 5:58 PM
|
Reply to Discussion
May-22-2023 @ 10:06 AM
