Boat Ahoy!
If you looking for ultimate freedom then why not try boating in Norfolk?
You can spend leisurely days cruising the Norfolk Broads in your very own motor launch - exploring the waterways and enjoying self-catering accommodation with a difference. Or why not take a day trip and explore the Norfolk countryside from a different angle?
| | Past and present
During the 19th century Norfolk's broads and rivers were used predominantly for transporting heavy loads but the railways gradually took over this role.
The Broads then became a popular recreational destination for well-to-do Victorians and Edwardians and the variety of wildlife attracted naturalists. The traditional wherries and commercial vessels have gradually been replaced by pleasure cruisers and yachts and the Broads has become the domain of holiday makers. | Where to start
You can start your boating holiday or day trip from a variety of villages and towns in Norfolk including Wroxham, Ludham, Potter Heigham and Loddon.
Today's boats are very easy to handle with motor cruisers and yachts from 2-12 berth available to hire for short breaks and longer periods. With over 125 miles (200 km) of lock-free waters to explore, as well as the stunning coastline, you won't get bored on a boating holiday in Norfolk. |  | Boating basics
Here are a few useful tips to make your boating holiday flow smoothly;
Your holiday cruiser is bigger (up to 48 ft), heavier (around 10 tons), and worth more (maybe £50,000) than most cars, so do take care with it.
Your boat has no brakes - to stop it, you put it into reverse - and it takes much longer to stop so you must think ahead. The river is always moving, and your boat will be affected by the winds and tides steering straight may not keep you on a straight path.
Steering a boat is different, because the rudder is at the back, so it's that end (the stern) that moves. You'll be facing the front (the bow), but always think about the back end or you may find your stern swinging into other boats or the bank.
Manoeuvring your boat should be done at slow speeds - a quick burst of power with the helm hard over will kick the stern around, but slow the engine quickly afterwards. Most boats turn better in one direction than the other. When viewed from behind, most boats propellers turn clockwise - these will turn better to the left (port) than to the right. | | | Safety on the water
Here are some important rules to follow to make sure you have a safe and happy time on your boating holiday in Norfolk:
Do please wear buoyancy jackets and keep a special eye on children.
Don't jump off a moving boat and don't sit on the front deck of a day boat.
Don't try to stop your boat by pushing with your hand or foot.
Don't approach anyone in the water stern (back) first - that's where the propeller is. | | | 
Useful Links
Boats for hire
Click here for details of boat hire in the Norfolk Broads
Broads Authority
Nautical questions?
Check out the Royal Yachting Association web site for lots of information about safe boating.
RYA
Swallows and Amazons Ahoy
Find out about the Norfolk Broads as seen through the eyes of Arthur Ransome's books.
Coot Club
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