By 2003 when we started Norfolk Afloat the balance was swinging the other way – with many more private boats and a big decline in hire craft.
Today the holiday hire fleets on the Broads are down to approx 900 and weekend and short-breaks very popular as well as the original week-long hires. Today there are many more day boats running too. Private boats ownership and operation has swelled to several thousand, particularly thanks to the sales operations of Norfolk Yacht Agency, Norfolk Boat Sales and others.
Going back to when we started Norfolk Afloat, one yard, Brooms, was successful in both hire boats but also building and selling private boats. The first edition of NA included a review I did of Broom’s super new 450, then an ocean-going twin engined six berth motor cruiser aiming at international waters. Price then – £445,000 – today probably a million!