First time on the water?
Never hired a day boat? You'll be fine. We'll show you how.
No experience needed. Hire one of our electric or diesel day launches, let us explain the boat and its controls, and spend a full day exploring the quiet Upper Thurne.
We explain the boat and its controls before you set off.
Life jackets and car parking at the yard come with every day launch hire.
Reach Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere and West Somerton without passing Potter Heigham Bridge.
Our team will suggest a route to suit your hire time and the conditions on the day.
Your day launch at a glance
Everything you need to know before you book.
Electric or diesel
Choose from our electric and diesel day boats.
Up to six people
Room for family or friends, with space for a picnic on board.
Full day
A full day runs from 9am to 4pm. Longer hire of up to a week is available too, subject to availability.
All included
Life jackets, car parking and a handover explaining the boat and its controls all come with your hire.
Your day, step by step
Here's what happens when you arrive at our riverside boatyard in Martham.
1
Arrive and park
Come to our riverside boatyard on the Upper Thurne. Car parking at the yard is included in your hire. Full-day hire runs from 9am to 4pm.
2
Life jackets on
Life jackets are included with your hire.
3
Your handover
We explain the boat and its controls before you set off, and answer any questions.
4
Plan your route
Our team will help you choose a route to suit your hire time and the conditions on the day.
5
Off you go
Explore at your own pace. Bring a picnic to enjoy on board or stop at a visitor mooring along the way.
6
Head back in good time
Plan your route so you have enough time to return to Martham before your hire ends.
7
Need help while you're out?
Just give us a call on 01493 740249.
Where to go on your day on the river
All of these are on our side of Potter Heigham Bridge, so no bridges to worry about.
Hickling Broad
The largest broad, with wide open water, reed beds and big skies.
Horsey Mere
A peaceful mere near the coast, with plenty of wildlife to spot.
West Somerton
A quiet, reed-lined trip upstream from Martham.
First-timer questions
Do I need any experience?
No. We'll explain the boat and its controls before you set off, and help you plan a route.
How long can I hire for?
A half day, a full day from 9am to 4pm, or longer periods of up to a week, subject to availability.
How many people can come?
Our day launches carry up to six people.
What about the weather?
Speak to our team before setting off and we'll suggest a route that suits the conditions on the day.
Can I go beyond Potter Heigham Bridge?
Yes, water levels permitting. Our day boats can pass under Potter Heigham Bridge, so you can explore further down the River Thurne. Just plan your route so you have enough time to get back to Martham before your hire ends.
What to bring
A picnic, warm layers and waterproofs, sun cream and a hat, and shoes with a good grip.
Loved your day? Stay longer
When you're ready, a traditional motor cruiser lets you spend a few nights on the water, with a full handover and free trial run before you set off.
First time motor cruisingReady for your day on the water?
Tell us how many are coming and how long you'd like, and we'll help you book.
Check availability Call 01493 740249