Your questions

Some questions we get asked more often than others. Below, we've written out the answers to a few of the most frequent.

About your holiday

1. What clothes do we need to pack?

The most essential item is flat, rubber-soled shoes. Heels and smart leather soled shoes are not compatible with decks and riverbanks! Clothes should provide good mobility for getting on and off your boat. Other than that, pack for a standard British holiday with traditional unpredictable weather. You may also like to bring something smart for an evening out in Norwich or one of the other towns by the river.

Though we provide wardrobes and drawers, storage space is limited on most boats. Please try not to bring too much with you.

2. Are there any age restrictions?

No, we think a Broads holiday is great for people of any age. However, we recommend that at least half of your party have good mobility for moving about on deck and mooring. We also advise against bringing children under 6 months.

3. Where do we leave our car?

Topcraft offer car parking for the duration of your holiday in our secure garage. Like the majority of boatyards, we make a small charge for garaging of just £18 per car per week for this. Cars are locked away in our garage for the duration of your holiday. Our boatyard has CCTV recording all movements outside of business hours.

4. Do we have to bring provisions with us?

Yes, our boats do not come with any supplies. If you do not wish to carry any provisions with you then we suggest these options:

a) You can order online at www.tesco.co.uk and have your shopping delivered to the boatyard. We will place it onboard your boat ready for your arrival.

b) Shop at your first overnight stop along the river. Beccles, a 2hr cruise away, has Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets within easy reach of the Yacht station.

5. Can I bring my pet?

Generally, yes. Obviously there are some animals better suited to a holiday afloat than others. Dogs seem to take to the water best, though we prefer you not to bring puppies. We also request that you bring a bed / blanket for your dog to sleep on.

Our Topliner classes of boat are designed with the safety of pets and children specifically in mind. They feature enclosed walkways around the boat instead of open decks. We are also happy to lend buoyancy aids for dogs for the duration of your holiday.

6. How much can we see in a week?

It is quite possible to see all of the navigable parts of the Broads in a week. A Broads holiday is not really about going everywhere though. Broadland has a slower pace of life, after a couple of days you should be quite happy just going wherever the river takes you.

About your boat

1. What time can we collect our boat?

The official handover time is 4pm. However, we prefer to get things done earlier than this and aim to have most boats ready for 1pm. If you let us know when you are hoping to arrive, we will endeavour to have your boat ready for you.

2. When do we have to bring the boat back?

We will need to have your boat back by 9am on the final day of your holiday. If you wish to return your boat at a slightly more leisurely 11am then this is an option for an additional charge of £25. You will need to book this though as it is available on a first come, first served basis.

3. Are the boats easy to handle?

Yes, our boats are designed to be driven by people with no prior experience. If you can drive a car you should be fine. You will receive detailed instruction on the safe operation of the boat before you embark on your holiday. We do not let you leave the boatyard until you are happy you can handle the boat competently.

4. Can we drink the water?

We install water filters on all of our boats but recommend that you boil water before drinking or simply take bottled water.

5. Do you have a cot we can borrow?

Yes, we do have a cot, though it is not suitable for use on all of our boats. Please call us if you think you might need it.

6. Is there anything special we need to bring with us?

All you really need to bring is food, clothes, towels and toiletries. We provide bed linen, tea towels and washcloths. There are also towels available for overseas visitors. The galley is fully equipped and every boat has a colour television, radio, and DVD player. Princess Royal and Lady of the Lake also feature PlayStation 2 consoles.

If when you have inspected your boat you find there is something that you particularly require over and above the normal inventory, we will endeavour to provide this for you.

7. Can I bring my own 240v appliances?

Yes, but it depends. A generator running off the boat engine powers the onboard 240v. This generator has limited capacity so you will not be able to use anything requiring more than 2Kw of power. Please call us if there is something specific you would like to bring so we can advise.

8. Do you provide lifejackets?

Yes, we provide lifejackets for the whole family. We also recommend that they are worn whenever you are on deck - particularly so when mooring.

9. Can we bring our bikes with us?

Yes, though there are limits. On the Topliner classes there is space for 2 bikes. On Princess Royal you can bring 4 bikes. Our other craft unfortunately cannot accommodate bicycles.

10. How much fuel will our boat use?

It depends on the size of the boat, how much cruising you do and also how you drive. On average last year, the Lady Fair class used 50 litres per week, the Topliner classes used 65 litres per week, and Princess Royal and Lady of the Lake used 85 litres per week. These are the average figures and it is certainly possible to use a lot less without too much difficulty.

About the Broads

1. What is the speed limit on the Broads?

The speed limits vary between a sedate 3 and 6 mph. All of our boats, like those of all other hire companies, are limited to 6mph. Comfortable boats go just as fast as streamlined boats.

2. Do I need a fishing licence?

Yes. The Environment Agency Rod Licence will allow you to fish on the Broads. Licences are available online, or from a Post Office.

3. When is the fishing season?

The fishing season runs from the 16th June until 14th March.

4. Are there any locks on the Broads?

No, the Broads are lock-free.

5. Are the Broads tidal?

Yes, the closer you get to Great Yarmouth the more effect the tides have. At the far reaches of the Broads the tides are barely noticeable.

About Topcraft Cruisers

1. How many boats do you have?

We operate a fleet of 10 boats from our base on Oulton Broad. We also have a new boat under construction in our boatshed.

2. Do you offer any discounts?

There are occasionally discounts available for late bookings within 10 days of the start day. Please call us for information.

3. Are you affiliated with any other companies?

We are an independent family run company. We do however have a relationship with Hoseasons Holidays who act as agents on our behalf handling bookings and payments for us.