An introduction to better boating

A boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads is a unique and exciting experience and many of our customers are first time hirers who have no experience of what to expect on a boat, how to handle one or the vital safety relating to boating.  At Summercraft we ensure that before you leave the yard, to enjoy your holiday, you are taken through a thorough handover procedure by one of our highly trained staff.  They will explain all aspects of your boat, basic river safety and boat handling.  All customers will be taken out onto the main river close to the boatyard to learn how to perform a series of manoeuvres.  We believe that by gaining this experience BEFORE leaving the yard ensures that our customers receive maximum enjoyment of their holiday.

To this end, we have included a series of videos produced by the Broads Authority, which we think are extremely useful, which give further information, which you may like to study before your holiday.  We are always happy to answer any questions you have, especially ones relating to safety or boat handling, so please do not hesitate to contact us before or during your holiday. 

By clicking on the following links you will be taken direct to the Broads Authority website.

CHAPTER ONE - features a general introduction to the Norfolk Broads and boating holidays
Click here to view chapter one

CHAPTER TWO - features an introduction to a typical Broads hire boat including a demonstration of the controls along with information on lifejackets and suitable footwear

Click here to view chapter two

CHAPTER THREE - gives information on basic boat handling and explains the other types of river users you may meet during your holiday

Click here to view chapter three

CHAPTER FOUR - looks at the work of the Navigation Ranger including dos and donts of the river and what to consider when planning your routes

Click here to view chapter four

CHAPTER FIVE - features instruction on how to reverse and turn your boat

Click here to view chapter five

CHAPTER SIX - features instruction on how to moor your boat alongside

Click here to view chapter six

CHAPTER SEVEN - features how to moor safely and includes mooring techniques and basic knots

Click here to view chapter seven

CHAPTER EIGHT - features instruction on how to moor your boat stern on

Click here to view chapter eight

CHAPTER NINE - features advice on where to moor, making the most of the Broads wildlife and your part in preserving the Broads

Click here to view chapter nine

CHAPTER TEN - features information about bridges, pilots, procedures and gauge boards

Click here to view chapter ten

CHAPTER ELEVEN - features information about passing through Great Yarmouth and crossing Breydon Water and mooring against the tide (please note that Summercraft prefer only experienced hirers travel through Great Yarmouth, for more information, please contact us)

Click here to view chapter eleven

CHAPTER TWELVE - featuring information on the rules of the river and boat handling advice

Click here to view chapter twelve