Boating with O2

[SussexH]

I have often enjoyed boating holidays but thought I may have to give up after being prescribed oxygen. Up to 9l/min when exercising and 2l/min at rest.

Of course not many boats could run a concentrator at such a high flow.

After a disastrous encounter with Broom Boats in Norfolk who (even though I had advised them 3 months in advance I was having oxygen cylinders delivered) they refused to allow the oxygen delivery and cancelled my holiday also refused a refund. Even though a large part of the costs were fuel, insurance and cleaning.

After ringing around, Barnes Brinkcraft came to the rescue and had a boat ready the next day. BOC pulled out all the stops and delivered to the new boatyard the next day. We were given a very warm welcome by Matthew and his team at Barnes Brinkcraft. So I had 20 bottles on board for when off the boat and my Inogen 1 5l pulse flow for when sitting on the boat. The Inogen uses very little power and a charge lasts 5 hours.

So, don’t think it’s impossible. Barnes Brinkcraft are the go to people. They have wonderful craft as long as your mobility is ok. They’re not wheelchair friendly but I doubt if any self drive boats are. I did take my efoldi scooter but didn’t use it much as the terrain is so flat.

[2greys]

We love the Broads or more specifically sailing on the Broads. I would definably recommend it as a holiday destination. Although to be honest, for me at least, a motor cruiser would be such a let down and leaving me hankering after past years when we were sailing yachts. Very happy memories, with just one regret, that we did not do it earlier in our lives.

[SussexH in reply to 2greys]

Yes I yearn for sailing too. Unfortunately life at 45 degrees of tilt in a cold shower is beyond me now.

[2greys in reply to SussexH]

Nowadays the water is heated but still reside in a very confined head, hot air central heating is also now a feature. A photo of 'Lapwing' whilst we were at Potter Heigham in 2008, waiting for the pilot to go under the bridge, one of the biggest hire yachts available.

Lapwing

[Alberta56 in reply to 2greys]

Could you really get through Potter Heigham bridge with that mast, or did it come down?

[2greys in reply to Alberta56]

Yes, the most difficult task was to disconnect the boom from the mast. The wooden mast itself, had a counterweight below the swivel point, very easy with just a push over then lower gently on top of the deck/roof. The crutches that the mast would normally be used to rest upon could not be used because it would still be too high for passage under the bridge. It was a very tight fit even so and could only be done after a dry spell, any rain and the water would be too high, even at low tide. Raising the mast was just as easy by just pushing it up manually whilst walking forward.

The most difficult task was the raising of the top sail, which was needed to catch the wind above any trees, on the calmer days. How I wish I could be able to do it all again.

[Alberta56 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you for the info. I wish you could be back on the Broads. I used to have a friend who would hire a big cruiser with his mates. When they were moored at Potter Heigham they derived much innocent pleasure from watching twits in big boats knocking their canopies off attempting to pass under the bridge. A surprising number apparently. Personally i would never have attempted it, even in our little boat.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I'm pleased to hear you got your holiday thanks to those lovely people. But the first company treated really badly it must have been so upsetting. But you won in the end. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[SussexH in reply to Damon1864]

An update on that. The involvement of a local journalist has produced an immediate full refund from Broom Boats.

[CDPO16 in reply to SussexH]

I should jolly well think so.

[Jaybird19 in reply to SussexH]

So they should and an apology too would have been in order.

[peege in reply to SussexH]

I'm very pleased to hear that too SussexH, shameless treatment from Broom Boats

[Alberta56 in reply to SussexH]

Hooray for the journalist. Broom boats were cads. So glad you got your holiday with lovely Barnes Brinkcraft. I'll remember that if I ever feel fit to go boating again. Long ago daughter and I had 2 holidays on the Broads, though looking back I wonder why companies let inexperienced nutters like us loose on the Broads. We had several mishaps ! 🙄🙄😣😵but didn't manage to sink ourselves or anyone else. I was very scared of yachts and always called Sue to take the helm. Funnily enough most yachties ignored the steam giving way to sail rule when they saw us coming and very politely gave way to us.😊

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I'm pleased you got your money back, 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[CDPO16]

So glad that you were able to get a second chance of a holiday.

[HungryHufflepuff]

It’s good to know it all worked out in the end. Including the refund, which you ought to have been given, along with an apology, right from the start.

[2greys in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Of course, It was them that cancelled the hire, they broke the contract.