Broads Advice

[dog]

Hi all,

Am thinkin of taking my boat up to the broads by water for a spot of leisurlely cruising later this summer. Does anyone have any advice/experiences to share??

Also- where/how do I get a BSS certificate, am used to the muddy old crouch and do not have one yet-presume I will need one on the broads?

Thanks in advance.

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[boatone]

Unfortunately, you dont just 'get' a Boat Safety Certificate !
An examiner has to effectively survey the boat before issuing the certificate which costs around £50-100 depending on who you use. It is quite likely that you will need to carry out some imoprovement work before you pass - few boats in my experience have managed a modification free exam!
Suggest you contact the Broads authority to see what their regs are. They used to have their own but were due to come into line with BSS sometime around now.
You can find out all abouit the Boat Safety Scheme<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/AbouttheScheme_2.asp> HERE </A>

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsontheweb.com/> Website, Photo Gallery, Chat Room, Burgees</A>

 

[dog]

Thanks for the link boatone, hopefully the remedial works would not be too much as I refitted her last year. If Ive done things right then all should be ok.

have a graet weekend.

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[broadnorfolk]

caught me napping - the boat safety scheme won't be implemented on the broads until 2005 (and then staged over 3 years) so no need for a cert yet.

You will need to pay a visitor's toll, either 7 or 28 days - phone the Broads Authority in advance (01603) 610734 or pay at a BA office when you get here.

Otherwise, the main hazard is low bridges (depending on your air draft) - if you pick up a copy of the BA freesheet (the Broadcaster) it has maps with bridge heights/opening times and various attractions marked. Apart from that, get yourself a mudweight and you're away.

Best pub up our stretch (Brundall) is Coldham Hall Inn, but very busy on weekends.


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[eddieperkins]

Hi,
At the risk of stating the obviouse go down on the ebb tide and in through Lowestoft, you should be able to go under the bridge if your air draft is not excessive. Follow the channel into Lowestoft as their are shifting sandbanks out there, very Crouch like! Locking in through Mutford lock is no problem and there is a waiting pontoon available. The Port control (Channel 14) will let the lockeeper know you are coming. You can get the licence at Oulton Broad Yacht Station, would not advise stopping at the Yacht Club in Lowestoft as it is expensive and once through Mutford lock there are plenty of free mooring spots. You do not need a BSS on The Broads yet. Sea toilet allowed if just visiting. The Broads are tidal and the tide can run fairly fast in places, usual precautions when mooring and wear a lifejacket. Good maps (yes, maps not charts) are available most everywhere (perhaps when you get your licence) and show moorings, speed limits, bridge air drafts etc. Swing bridges listen out on channel 12, if your air draft is below 8' you can go under most if not all of them. Power boat racing on Oulton Broad on most Thursday evening during the summer, starting at 6pm is worthe the visit on its own. Plenty of good pubs at the right price. The popular Reedham Ferry Inn run a booking system on weekends. Great regatta weekend at Beccles on August bank holiday, but you may have to book a mooring. Plenty of free entertainment!! If visiting Norwich drop your anchor alongside as there are some who think it funny to untie mooring ropes, or take a noisy dog!! it worked for us anyway. Dont be put off by all the horror stories about getting through Great Yarmouth to the North Broads, its just planning tides and airdrafts to get under the bridges. If you go through whilst the tide is still ebbing though you need some power to keep going against the flow. Probably worth a stop at Great Yarmouth Yacht station now as they have improved it and cut the heavy charges of yesteryear. Go for it and enjoy.
Regards,
Eddie

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[Bejasus]

I have passed Gt.Yarmouth Yacht Station 4 times in the past week and it is now extremely busy with holiday makers. Lowest bridges are Thorpe Railway - 6ft on High tide, Beccles - 6ft 5in on high. Potter Highham 6ft 8 on High but very narrow at this. Beccles Regatta 4-6 August.Excellent Fireworks display at Oulton Broad on August Bank Holiday. Lowestoft Air Festival 31st July - 1 st August. Lots of other events thru June/July & August.
Lowestoft Harbour Bridge 2.2 metres in the centre of the arch at mean high water springs. Contact Harbour Control on VHF Channel 14.

Mutford Lock Control - 01502 531778 £6 per vessel per transit. Low Water draft is 1.75 metres.
Oulton Broad Yacht Station - 01502 574946

The new magazine, Norfolk Afloat, will give you all the information you need. It covers the Broads very well.


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