5 important points for Newbies on The Norfolk Broads. Are you thinking about a holiday on The Norfolk Broads but never been before? Hundreds of people visit The Norfolk Broads for the first time every year - many of them come back again ... and again...
This video will give you an idea of what to expect and some helpful pointers.
Please subscribe to our channel, to help it grow! tinyurl.com/r8tos6k
Norfolk Broads Authority: www.broads-authority.gov.uk/b...
ADDENDUM - MUD WEIGHTS, thanks to Herbert Woods -
www.herbertwoods.co.uk/boating-holidays/boating-guide/boat-handling/mooring-on-the-broads/kots-and-achoring/
The mud weight allows you to moor in sheltered tide free water, e.g. Salhouse and Ranworth Broads. When doing this, remember that the boat will swing around the mud weight, as will any other boats with mud weights, so do not choose a place too near other boats or obstructing channels. Do not be afraid to let out a generous amount of rope which allows the mud weight to ‘set’ and prevent drifting. Do not moor up for the night in this way if strong winds are forecast - as you may drift as your mud weight is dragged along with you.
Head up into the wind in the desired place, and bring the boat to a standstill. Make sure the weight is secured by its rope and the rope is attached to the deck cleat/ring at the other end, and then gently lower it into the water so that it does not get stuck in the river bed.
If, when leaving a mooring the mud weight is difficult to lift, pull the rope as tight as possible, secure it to the cleat and, under power, move the boat slowly astern for a short distance. This will free the weight from the mud.
Put the engine into neutral and raise the mud weight. Rinse off the surplus mud by swinging the weight to and fro in the water before stowing it carefully on deck.
Attributions:
Potter Heigham Bridge
Andrew Bone cc 2.0
Wroxham Bridge
Mark Oakden cc attribution 2.5 generic licence
Breydon Water
Pete Chapman and is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license
Breydon Water 2
Bob Crook Breydon Water
CC BY-SA 2.0
Breydon Bridge
David Medcalf / Breydon Bridge, from Breydon Water /
CC BY-SA 2.0
Bow thruster
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
Nol Aders, CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk Broads - text commentary:
Number 1- Best place to hire your boat?
In the North Norfolk Broads the main boatyards are at Wroxham, Stalham and Potter Heigham. In the South, Brundall is popular.
If you haven’t been before, the advice is to start in the North.
You can book your boat direct with the boatyards, like Richardsons, Barnes Brinkcraft, Herbert Woods and more. Or Hoseasons.
Number 2- What’s the best type of boat to hire?
If you’re a couple, then a small boat will suit you fine and you will be able to moor in smaller spaces.
If there’s 4 or more of you you’ll need a bigger boat but you’ll also have more hands to help with the mooring
I strongly suggest that you choose a boat with a bow thruster, which will make mooring easier.
Hybrid boats reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday.
Number 3 - Out on the water
The most important thing is safety - yours and the people around you.
Cruise on the right hand side of the river.
Max speed is 6 mph .
Give way to sail boats
several of the nature reserves don’t allow dogs.
If you have a bigger boat, you may need to lower your windscreen or wait for lower tide before you can go under the bridge.
If you’re in the North Norfolk Broads you might consider visiting the south side of the Broads. This will involve crossing Breydon Water.
Number 4 - Mooring the boat
Once you get used to it, it’s all fairly straightforward. Your boatyard crew will demonstrate how to moor the boat
If you’re starting from Wroxham or Potter Heigham, a good place to head for is Acle Bridge.
Similarly, if you’re starting from Stalham, think about stopping at How Hill.
The moorings are all well signposted. Most are free for 24 hours. Private moorings charge a fee.
Some mooring are rear on, where you have to reverse the boat into the mooring space.
We’ve generally aimed to cruise in the morning and arrive at our destination before lunchtime.
If you can’t find a mooring, which is unusual, you can use the mud weight, which is at the front of the boat. This acts as an anchor. Not in the main rivers!
The 5th consideration - Planning before you go
A very useful App is Visitthebroads. Another good App is the Aweigh app.
The Broads Authority website: www.broads-authority.gov.uk/b...
Make sure that you know what is included in the boat’s inventory, then take things that you need which are missing. These are likely to include towels, washing up stuff, bin bags, toilet rolls and so on. Oh, and don’t forget a torch, a first aid kit and binoculars.
It’s best to moor up somewhere close to the boatyard on your last night.