Holiday questions

[Paulf]

Hi Norfolk Broads group,

I'm currently on the Solent with a 570 and I would like to broaden my boating horizons.
I've looked at a map and the more inviting location seems to be the north Broads taking in Potter Heigham.
Does anybody know of good places to launch and store a pickup and trailer for 3-4 days outside of the school holidays?
Some of the best scenic routes advice would be much appreciated too.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[vreagh]

When I took my Shetland up to the Broads in the 70s, I found the boatyards were very offish. The usual reply to my request to use the slipway was a refusal and "why have you brought a boat here, we have plenty to hire to you ?" If you go, don't forget to register the boat with the Broads Authority before arriving.

[blebrocq]

I have regularly trailer my boat(s) to the Broads. I used to have a Black Hawk (same hull as a 570) & would launch it from a slipway in Loddon - Boatyard was called Princess Cruisers. £10 in & £10 out, free storage of car & trailer.
The Black Hawk would just go under Potter Heigham bridge.

I now have a 4+2 (which won't go under PH bridge !) & I last launched it at The Waveney River Center. Mainly because It was free for me as I am in a marina on the Thames owned my the same company (Tingdene)
Hope that is of some help.
Regarding routes, all the rivers are nice, we always go to Geldeston (via Beccles for petrol, food etc) over to Reedham, then Rockland St Mary,
Thorp St Andrew, Norwich, then up to the north, for Wroxham, (take a ride on the the narrow gauge steam railway from there) Coltishall, then Neatishead, Potter Heigham, Used to love Horsey Mere, but can't get through Potter H. anymore.
You have to be aware of the tides, especially transiting from South to North (or vica versa) always go through Gt Yarmouth just after low water.

The Broads are great to cruise on, no locks & lovely scenery.
Bob

[Paulf]

Thanks Bob,
That's really good info, how long does it take to get to Potter Heigham from Loddon?
I'm not so worried about Great Yarmouth as I have a 60hp Evinrude but I'm hoping a 5hp auxiliary will see me right most of the time.

Paul

[blebrocq]

Hi Paul.
This may help:

Times & distances.pdf

Trust me, it does pay to get the tides right, there are speed limits on the broads, & crossing Breydon water going against the tide takes a long time, also running up the river on the other side of Yarmouth is really hard work, the flow is very fast when out going.
You may find your outboard does not like going slowly for long periods. is it 2 stroke ? My Black Hawk came with a Mariner 60 2 stroke when I bought it (from Pool Harbour). 1st holiday on the Broads was interesting, the plugs kept fouling, & it was not happy !
2nd holiday there I fitted a 5HP auxillary on the bracket (already fitted) & coupled the steering to the main motor. That worked well, except for having to re-fill the tank every hour or so. After that I changed the main motor to a 25HP 4 stroke, which was much better. (but no more planeing !!)

Bob