We made a good choice

[Mikefule]

After spending time in this forum and doing lots of research, last year we bought a Zodiac 310 and a Mariner 9.9.

There will be times when a bigger boat would be better and times when a smaller one would be more convenient, but this seemed a fair compromise.

Today, on a side branch of the Ouse, near St Ives (Cambs) anchored out of sight and sound of the rest of humanity, having passed through a gap between overhanging trees and riverbank that would have stopped anything bigger than our little boat, nothing could have been better. A picnic in the sunshine, followed by jumping and swimming from the boat, sunbathing "on deck" and watching the wildlife - what a way to spend a summer's afternoon. Nothing else but a small SIB would have allowed us to do this.

[Fenlander]

Mike. Great that the choice has worked out for you.

I've been about the river from Godmanchester to St.Ives on and off for 50yrs. Those little cuts are great places to get tucked away. There's one from near Godmanchester that takes you right to Hartford by-passing the main river. Used to get through there frequently about 25yrs ago... mostly using a canoe with transom stern and 2hp... sometimes when conditions were right in a 16ft GRP boat.

I can't remember... are you heading out on the sea once the outfit has proved OK?

[Mikefule]

Plan is to go on the sea when time allows. It's that year when one son finishes university and the other starts and "us time" is a a bit scarce.

[Fenlander]

Know what you mean... we have one girl part way through uni attempting to spend all our savings... another just taking first steps into the workplace and needing loads of support.

Hoping to get out this week but on the day weather and tides coincide I'm told there is something else we should be doing!