BarnsBrinkcraft, Wroxam, Norfolk affiliated to Hoseasons

We have had boating holidays before as two couples so this was nothing new. However, we did book well in advance with BarnesBrinkcraft (one of the more established companies on the Broads) and having studied the various options in our chosen price range settled for the craft Rexmore 1. Booking on-line went smoothly and the administrative procedures all worked well, we were asked our estimated arrival time (13.00) and advised that the boat would be ready at 14.00hrs. As it was we boarded at about 14.30 and a very helpful young man came to show us the ropes with a bottle of bubbly in hand, a nice touch. While we were all supplied with life jackets I did notice the boat lacked a life belt, that was soon rectified, as were extra ropes to aid double moorings. It really wasn't until we had departed that some of the minor shortcomings on the boat became apparent. The main one of these was the sliding canopy. It did slide for the first couple of days, then went 'crunch' and had to be assisted manually thereafter. It was obvious that this must have had a few mishaps over the years as there were bits missing and it was out of true, hence the drafts whistling through the main cabin of an evening. The gaps in the roof also allowed a variety of wildlife in, (especially those of the eight leg variety). Then we discovered the shower leaked and the window wiper was faulty. The fore cabin billed as a two berth was about the size of a three-quarter bed and too small for two large adults. Luckily we had booked a boat that is advertised as sleeping 6 to 8 for just the four of us. It would be a very tight squeeze to have a party of eight.That said, it was very clean and appeared to have a reliable engine and that's what really mattered. The best description I could apply is that of 'a tired boat" passed it's best and not one that deserved a four star rating. In this respect, perhaps a little overpriced.