Broads Boat Hire

[Slighty]

I'm not sure if this the place to put this, but here goes.
We have a cruiser on the Thames, but for a change of scene next year fancy hiring a boat on the broads with some friends.
Does anybody have any recommendations on which company to use? We want someone based in an ideal location, with a decent spec of boat and offering a good general service.

 

[NEB]

Broom Boats now have a hire fleet with some nice models, also Norfolk Yacht Agency. These tend to be a little on the high side so will have restrictions with bridge heights and tides etc. If you want something that will go under most bridges then try Richardson's Platinum range or Norfolk Broads Direct. I'd avoid booking anything via Hoseasons like the plague, they double booked numerous holidays, go direct to the boat yard.

 

[Seastoke]

Take your own

 

[Silvercloud]

I would try Broom.
They have some nice boats and they are always well presented.

 

[rafiki_]

In a week we travelled all the river network on the Broads. Lots to hire from, try Hoseasons or just google hire boats Broads. The Gucci boats are from Connoisseur.

 

[NEB]

The Connoisseur boats were built in the 80's, a few in the early 90's by Porter and Haylett. They were sold to Le Boat who left the Broads several years ago, 30 were passed onto Herbert Woods who have done little work to them since. We had one a few weeks ago which was a late booking so not much choice, a great design of boat for the Broads but very tired now.
Richardson's on the other hand have boats that are even older, but they have been extensively refitted so despite not being the latest designs offer good value. They also have a range of new builds that are now the Gucci boats, bow and stern thrusters, electric canopies, winches, reversing camera, mood lighting etc, etc.
Hoseasons name is now mud, some yards withdrew boats from hire to sell them, Hoseasons were informed early on but they did not inform the holidaymakers until the last minute, by then it was too late for them to rebook other boats as they were all booked. They have also been double booking holidays across the country, there's quite a large Facebook group with lots of angry people.

 

[Easticks28]

Broom Boats now have a hire fleet with some nice models, also Norfolk Yacht Agency. These tend to be a little on the high side so will have restrictions with bridge heights and tides etc. If you want something that will go under most bridges then try Richardson's Platinum range or Norfolk Broads Direct. I'd avoid booking anything via Hoseasons like the plague, they double booked numerous holidays, go direct to the boat yard.

Me too. They are currently being very naughty over the VAT cut on tourism. Vat Tourism Cut To 5%