Beware Gt Yarmouth Port

[pennycar9]

A couple of weeks before christmas I went into Gt.Yarmouth to take on some fuel at the fueling berth just by the lifeboat station, simple job, We were in the port no longer than half an hour.

I have received an invoice from Eastport for £70.00 for entry and exit fees.

When I contested the invoice, I was told it has always been the case, Bo--ocks I said, I have been in and out of here for years and never been charged.

Apparently, if you call in for fuel, or overnight at the Town Hall Quay, thats going to cost you £70.00, If you want to call in, have both bridges lifted, call up to the Berney Arms for lunch, both bridges lifted on your way out, then there is no charge levied.

Good innit.

Paul

 

[EdWingfield]

I went in last August 23rd (Sunday eve) at 20.00 with a 10m yacht and made fast alongside the Lydia Eva. I was at sea again by 08.00 next day. No charges.

Was I lucky then?

 

[D3B]

Hi Paul.
Happy New Year to you and Susan.

When I was at Lowestoft, one of my enjoyments was to take friends out on a chilly winter day. Quick run up to Yarmouth. Into the entrance, up to Town Bridge, turn around and go back out again. They all throughly enjoyed seeing Yarmouth from the river, an aspect many would never have seen.

I wonder if the HM would charge me for that?

Doug

 

[Fire99]

Holy Moly Magelain. That sounds astronomical for a visiting charge. Makes the Solent sound positively cheap.

Looks like any visits to the quay will be in 'emergency' situations only then.

 

[EdWingfield]

It looks like I got away with it. I see the Port website gives,

Charges

Vessels are liable for tolls but certain waivers are in place for vessels visiting the Norfolk Broads.

 

[LittleSister]

Great Yarmouth is a port that goes out of its way to deter visiting leisure craft. Hence it doesn't even appear in some pilot books! You would have thought that a town like this with a shaky economy and a lot of derelict quayside land would be looking to encourage, not discourage, yachting visitors.

We've stayed on the town quay overnight (and have got the hull scratches, the bags under the eyes, and the dogsh*t on the shoes to prove it) on our way into the Broads for a visit. We were not charged, but then we didn't see anybody to charge us, and as far as we could tell (there was no information) there are no facilities. Bridge lifts have to be booked the previous working day (i.e previous week if bank holiday, we realised, arriving on a bank holiday!) and have very restricted hours. Information about when the bridge is booked to lift (or even how to book it!) is hard to come by.

I think it's probably the most unwelcoming and unpleasant port I've ever visited, and will go out of my way to avoid stopping there again.

 

[pennycar9]

I went in last August 23rd (Sunday eve) at 20.00 with a 10m yacht and made fast alongside the Lydia Eva. I was at sea again by 08.00 next day. No charges.

Was I lucky then?

Yes you probably are, you may get away with it because the port office only opens from 08.30-1600. But be aware, when you passed Brush Bend and under the Beady Eyes of the Port Control, you were logged in and out, they are looking up your records as we speak to find somewhere to send the bill to.

Seriousy though, Gt. Yarmouth is possibly the most unwelcoming port on the east coast.
the moorings offered are unsafe, unsecure,und a lot of money for getting no services.

In the current edition of Anglia afloat, there is an article about the possibility of pontoons on Hall Quay. I think I just saw a pig flying over Lowestoft.

There is a letter in one of the magazines on this forum from someone else who has been stuffed by East Port.

Enter at your peril.

 

[leomagill]

This all cheers me up(not!), I'm planning on going in there this year, luckily just passing through to visit the broads so should be ok and only a stinkie so shouldn't need any bridges lifting(I'm only 9' high).
I shall make sure I mention visiting the broads when I contact them.
As previously said you'd think the town would want visiting boats to spend money there but I guess eastport isn't the town council and just can't be bothered with us.

 

[Fire99]

I guess eastport isn't the town council and just can't be bothered with us.

I think 'nail on head' springs to mind. It's been privately owned and run since 2007 (so the site says) and by the looks of things is only interested in commercial traffic. Tourism and all that 'annoying' malarkey is just not on their radar as no doubt the port company doesn't see any profit in it.

However, the Council should have some backbone and understand the invested interest tourism and private boat owners do and potentially would bring to the area.
Sadly I think things would have to get alot worse before they got better. (i.e. Port traffic would have to plummit before a change of tack would occur)

 

[pennycar9]

This all cheers me up(not!), I'm planning on going in there this year, luckily just passing through to visit the broads so should be ok and only a stinkie so shouldn't need any bridges lifting(I'm only 9' high).
I shall make sure I mention visiting the broads when I contact them.
As previously said you'd think the town would want visiting boats to spend money there but I guess eastport isn't the town council and just can't be bothered with us.

Dont forget to buy your Broads Toll Licence before you go on to the Broads.

Lowestoft is a far better bet than Yarmouth for small boats and you can get in to the Broads system quite easily. There are 3 marinas here and a good Yacht Station and Moorings on the Fresh water side of the Mutford Lock.

 

[moondancer]

If you refused to pay I wonder if they could enforce it under contract law.

They would have to demonstrate clear and reasonable display and explanation of charges and also that your actions amounted to acceptance of a contract.

I wouldn't pay if you felt that the charges weren't reasonably pointed out to you before you berthed. Let them try to prove reasonable contract existed between you. My money would be on them dropping it.

 

[lyc]

A couple of weeks before christmas I went into Gt.Yarmouth to take on some fuel at the fueling berth just by the lifeboat station, simple job, We were in the port no longer than half an hour.

I have received an invoice from Eastport for £70.00 for entry and exit fees.

Good innit.
Paul

Which boat were you in Paul? Was it a commercial boat or your own?

 

[Sandyman]

This is Norfolk we're talking about. They still Que up there to watch the street lights coming on.

I wouldn't pay it. No way.

 

[Athene V30]

This is Norfolk we're talking about. They still Que up there to watch the street lights coming on.

What are street lights?