FIND ME A SECONDHAND...RIVER BOAT

Offshore boats can certainly venture upstream, but dedicated river boats are optimised for inland cruising. So this month, we are back on the river, decked out in a straw boater and striped blazer, glass of Pimm’s in hand (once safely moored for the afternoon, of course).

Key features to look for in a river boat include easily accessible decks, as docking (be that in locks or outside waterside pubs) tends to be far more frequent; a hull designed to run efficiently at displacement speeds whilst creating minimal wash; larger rudders that operate well at low speeds; and layouts aimed at living aboard and socialising more than wave-bashing and sunbathing. Here are three great examples that offer all of this, plus one modern take on dayboat river cruising.

BROOM OCEAN 29 

BUILT 1995 PRICE £67,000

Ocean 29 is an interesting name for a boat so clearly intended for inland use. Although there’s no reason at all why this boat couldn’t put to sea, its performance and its hull configuration are ideal for gentle river cruising.

Even the builder was based by a river – Broom’s yard was situated on the picturesque Norfolk Broads at Brundall.

We say ‘was’ because although the company still exists, and indeed is in the same location, boat building has now ceased after more than 100 years of production. The business now focuses on its marina and boat hire operations.

INTERIOR

The layout is straightforward and effective. A clear sliding cabin door and a couple of steps lead down to a saloon with an L- shaped dinette to starboard converting to a double berth and a galley to port.

There is a separate forward cabin with a transverse double berth and a pretty decent hanging locker. The heads doubles as a wet room with a shower.

EXTERIOR