01603 782207

Your Holiday Afloat

There are so many things to enjoy about a Norfolk boat holiday, and we know you’ll have a great time. Here’s just a few things to remember while you’re cruising the waterways.

Stop When & Where You Like

You are welcome to sensibly moor anywhere unless stated “No Moorings”. There are many places that you can moor free of charge; however there are also places where there is a charge for mooring, such as the yacht stations at Norwich and Great Yarmouth where facilities are available. All hire boatyards that belong to the hire boat federation allow visiting craft to moor free of charge at selected times.

Rules On The Waterways

There are a few very simple rules on the waterways and these are fully explained in the Skipper’s Manual provided on your boat.

Speed limits

Your boat has not been built for speed but is perfect for watching the world go by and for admiring the sights. On the Norfolk Broads, there is a speed limit of between 3mph and 6mph.

Fishing

On the Broads you can fish at any time except the closed season (15th March to 16th June).

You will need an Environment Agency Licence, available from Post Offices these should be obtained before your holiday.

Eating In or Out

All of our boats come with a fully fitted galley, however many people choose to eat out at the riverside pubs.

The Broads Authority operates a quality charter scheme for pubs, cafes and restaurants so you can be assured of a good eating experience.

Heating & Washing

All our boats are equipped with warm air heating.  There will be plenty of hot water for showers and/or baths. Our recommendation is to run the engine for a minimum of 4 hours per day to charge the domestic batteries and heat the water to provide you with enough hot water for that evening, with larger families or groups of friends it’s well worth staggering your showers.

Toilet pump outs

Toilet pump outs are available at boat yards, yacht stations and some public mooring spots, charges apply.

Pets

Our dog friendly boat holidays mean there is no need to leave your best friend at home. Pets are welcome on board all of our holiday cruisers and there are plenty of areas to let them off to stretch their legs. Dogs are payable on arrival; £25 per dog for a short break and £40 per dog for a week.

A refundable £20 deposit is required for the loan of a dog life jacket and there are a limited number of these so please call the office on 01603 782207 to make sure we have one available for you.

Safety

Safety is absolutely paramount on and around the water.

Norfolk Broads Direct provides buoyancy aids for all of your party, and we even have lifejackets available for dogs (refundable deposit of £20 applies).

Bridges

Wroxham, Potter Heigham, Wayford and Beccles all have low bridges through which some boats will not pass at anytime; these are clearly marked as you browse through our selection of holiday cruisers. Our cruisers also have a plaque on board to remind you. When navigating Wroxham and Potter Heigham Bridges we insist that you use the Bridge Pilot Service; the pilots are the final judges of whether your cruiser may pass under the bridge safely. Please be aware that there is a nominal charge for the pilot service at Potter Heigham Bridge.

Water and tidal conditions may make these bridges impassable to all boats at certain times. However, this will not prevent you from enjoying these places as there are lots of free mooring spots and boatyards close to where you can moor up and stay overnight.

*Please note that due to tidal conditions we cannot guarantee that any of our cruisers will pass under Potter Heigham bridge. The Bridge Pilots’ decision will be final.