First boating holiday?
Never driven a boat? You'll be fine. We'll show you how.
No licence, no experience, no jargon. Just pick your cruiser and we’ll teach you the basics at the yard. Then it’s you, the river and the quiet of the Upper Thurne.
You don't need a licence or qualification to hire a cruiser on the Broads.
Rivers have low speed limits, so everything happens slowly and calmly.
The River Thurne by Hickling is calmer than the busy southern hire bases.
A small yard where you talk to the people who look after your boat.
How your first boating holiday works
Four simple steps, from booking to waving goodbye at the end of the week.
1
Choose your boat
Cruisers sleep from 2 up to 9. Tell us who's coming and we'll suggest the right one.
2
Arrive and settle in
Park at the yard in Martham, load up and unpack. Arrive from 12 noon on your first day.
3
Your handover
Before you set off, we’ll show you how everything on board works and take you out on the river to practise steering and mooring. Take as long as you need, because there’s no rush.
4
Off you go
Explore at your own pace, moor up where you like, and bring her back to Martham by 9am on your last day.
Your first day, step by step
Here's exactly what happens when you arrive at Martham for your first boating holiday.
1
Arrival
Arrive from 12 noon on your first day and park at the yard. If you arrive after 5pm, we'll check you in and show you out the following morning. Coming by train? We can collect you from Acle during office hours, and we're happy to take supermarket deliveries at the office if you let us know in advance.
2
Life jackets
Life jackets are included in your hire, with children's sizes available, or you're welcome to bring your own. Bringing a dog? Pack a buoyancy aid for them too.
3
Boat controls
We show you how everything on board works, from the steering and engine controls to the cooker and heating.
4
Safety equipment
We show you where the safety equipment is kept and how to use it, including the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, horn, mud weight and boat hook.
5
Your free trial run
Every hirer gets a free trial run before setting off. One of our team takes you out on the river so you can try steering for yourself.
6
Manoeuvring and mooring
On your trial run you practise slowing down, turning and mooring up, the bit most first-timers worry about, until you're comfortable.
7
Questions before you go
Ask us anything before you leave the yard. Take as long as you need, because there's no rush.
8
If there's a problem during your holiday
Contact us straight away and we'll take immediate steps to sort it out, wherever you're moored. Out of hours, call 01493 740249.
Want a head start? Watch our short Learn how to… videos before you arrive.
It's a floating holiday
Every cruiser comes ready to live on. Bring your clothes, your food and your sense of adventure. The boat has the rest.
Take a look inside
A quick look inside Tumblehome, our 2-berth cruiser.
What to bring
Food for the first night, soft-soled shoes, warm layers and waterproofs (even in summer), towels, and a torch. Soft bags pack away far easier than suitcases.
Not your average hire boat
Hand-built in wood, right here at Martham
Most of our fleet was designed and built at our own yard in the 1940s and 50s. They're traditional wooden boats that fit the landscape, and they're steady and forgiving to handle, a lovely way to start.
And because we built them, we know every one inside out. If anything puzzles you during the week, just give us a ring.
An easy first week from Martham
You don't need to go far. Short, relaxed hops are the best way to build confidence.
Day 1 · Hickling Broad
The largest broad, almost on the doorstep. Wide open water, reed beds and big skies.
Day 2 · Horsey Mere
A peaceful mere near the coast. Walk to the beach to see the seals, there all year round, with pups from November to January.
Day 3 · West Somerton
A quiet upstream mooring and a short walk to the dunes at Winterton.
Feeling confident?
Head down the Thurne to the River Bure and on to Horning and Wroxham. We'll talk you through it at handover.
First-timer questions
Do I need any experience or a licence?
No. Most of our guests have never driven a boat before. Your handover covers steering, mooring and the river rules, and we stay out with you until you're comfortable.
Is it hard to moor?
It's the bit everyone worries about, so we practise it with you. The trick is to go slowly, and there's always someone on the bank happy to take a rope.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. We provide children’s life jackets in a range of sizes, so just let us know your children’s ages when you book. Children should wear them on deck at all times, and the calm, slow rivers make it a lovely family holiday.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on all our boats and bungalows except Broadland Minstral and Quiet Hours. There's a £35 pet charge.
What if something goes wrong?
Give us a call. You'll have our number from the start, and we'll talk you through it or come out to you. Out of hours, call 01493 740249.
Can I do a short break instead of a week?
Yes, no problem. We offer short breaks of 3 or 4 nights, perfect for a first taste of life on the water. 3-night breaks run Friday to Monday or Saturday to Tuesday, and 4-night breaks run Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday. Just tell us your dates when you book.
Not sure yet? Try a day boat first
Hire a motor launch for a few hours on the Thurne and see how you get on. Lots of our holiday guests started this way.
See day boatsPrefer to sail?
If you've done some sailing, a traditional Broads yacht could be your perfect first holiday afloat.
First time sailingReady for your first week afloat?
Tell us who's coming and when. We'll recommend a boat and answer every question, however small.
Check availability Call 01493 740249