“My 4th time with Barnes having last tried a competitor who I shall not name. My return to Barnes says it all. The boat (Serenade 3) was spotless in collection and ready early. We had a fantastic holiday.”
Thank you Duncan - for both the review (we are blushing a bit here) and the picture
We hope to see you again soon
Kind regards,
The Barnes Brinkcraft Team
“Your staff are very well adept to ignore the paying client. To be told at 1300hrs that the boat will be ready in one hour. HA. 1600 HRS eventually. We were openly put in our place. "The elite boats" get the service. Perhaps other boatyards have the edge on you. Well they do in my experience over 40 years. Thanks for a dismal start to our experience. Couldn't think of a more unresponsive occasion to be ignored and clearance of your busy period. Perhaps some common sense could be applied. However I doubt that your owners are even bothered. First and last choice of Brinks. Good luck in the future. I do not wish any ill to any company. You reap what you sow.”
Hi Alan
I am sorry you felt ignored. Unlike some boatyards, we do not clean the elite fleet boats first, but clean the boats as and when they come back to the yard.
We also try to communicate very clearly that boats will become available between 2 and 4 pm. Given that the staff have a 1/2 hour break at 1 pm we should not have promised that the boat would be available at 2. but we will use this review as an opportunity to learn and improve our customer service
All the best,
The Barnes Brinkcraft Team
“We have had another good week with your services and craft, we have booked another week with you on a elite boat looking forward to our experience. Thanks Kate for giving good advice along with your whole crew your's sincerely Fay and Alan Fay.bright@outlook.com”
Thanks Fay
We are very much looking forward to seeing you again soon - and we’ll pass on your comments to Kate (she will be chuffed)
All the Best
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Working my way through the process was fairly easy, however I received acknowledgment that my payment had been received but no acknowledgment that the boat had been reserved.”
“Sonnet 2 - 2 adults and a dog. Well informed before and on arrival. Staff were helpful. Bed was comfy and everything worked. Spacious apart from the shower - my husband couldn’t stand up in it. I’m 5 foot and I was ok. Sliding roof both or all was great in the good weather.
Sonnet 2 could do with some new draft excluders on the roof and a new door seel on the bow. (Reported to staff)
Tips: Bring your own bedding as their pillows were rubbish. When you bring your own towels bring a shower / bath mat and oven glove.
We would book with Barnes again but probably upgrade. This boat is suitable for 2 adults,
It does sleep 4 but might be too cosy!
We enjoyed our stay!”
“Booking and communication was good.
We enjoyed the property and time in Wroxham.
We weren’t totally aware that the day boat was moored away from the property (lady at the desk incorrectly said we could put it near but that obviously wasn’t possible)”
“The holiday was very good. We did have an issue with the telly not working but that was sorted. We did have a problem with water egress on the bed and clothes got wet in the side also. We did report it when we got back and we did take pic of the wet sheet. We had a very good tuition on the boat handling from a ladt called Daisy. Overall the holiday was very good it was just a shame about the water egress!.”
Hi Les
Thank you for the great review, despite the leak. Unfortunately, it does happen occasionally (the wind and tide blow about the boats... and after a hot summer....) It is worth pointing out that we have a team on standby to come out to the boat and fix things like this as soon as we are able
Kind regards,
The Barnes Brinkcraft Team
“We were a party of 4 , on Concerto 1
, the boat is older and was well used, a little snug , and a little tatty in places.
There were one or two problems to be made to boat yard.. relatively easy fixes , ??
none of that stopped us from enjoying our holiday, the scenery was beautiful, plus we saw several kingfishers ,beautiful houses and a few ducks and geese , not forgetting the magnificent swans. No coots or more hens though?
Would do it again”
Hi Cathie
Thank you so much for your 5⭐ review! We’re really pleased you had a great time on the Broads and spotted so much wildlife – those kingfishers are something special. Concerto 1 is one of our mid-range cruisers and, after a busy season, she’ll be getting a good spruce-up ready for 2026. Thanks again for choosing Barnes Brinkcraft – we’d love to welcome you back aboard soon!
All the best,
The Barnes Brinkcraft Team
“Well oiled machine. Boat was looking tired compared to photos online which must be on day it was purchased. Boat size was great for 4 adults but would have struggled for storage if all bedroom were used.”
“The boat we had leaked water and was very cold draughts all through the boat had loads of problems they fixed most of them but they couldn't fix the rain water or all the draughts”
Dear Michael
So sorry to hear your boat wasn’t as warm and watertight as it should have been. We’re glad most issues were resolved during your stay, but we’ll review this carefully to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
All the best,
The Barnes Brinkcraft Team
“Even though the boat had a few issues, such as major leaks in the saloon. We can honestly say had a great time.
On return the receptionist was so lovely and staff all helpful”
“We have used the facilites at the boatyard during our holiday recently on the Broads and also in previous years. The staff have always been pleasant and accommodating.
We decided to book our next Broads holiday with Barnes Brinkcraft because of this. The staff who dealt with my phone booking were very good and professional and dealt with my booking promptly.
We look forward to seeing you next August.”
“Our family had a fantastic holiday staying at Barnes Brinkcraft in the holiday home Waterside, it has ample space and very comfortable, with the added bonus of a day boat so we could explore and enjoy part of the Norfolk Broads waterways.”
“Never had a problem with Barnes Brinkcraft, staff very good and proffessional. Sorry to say, although the Rhapsody class have some really good features i wouldn't have one again. Just too techno, don't need all that extra management on a boating holiday. Back to diesel next year. Had two really good holidays this year. Love Omega!!”
“Friendly and attentive staff where nothing was too small to deal with. Comprehensive overview of the boat. Swift attention to a small fault on the boat. Overall a pleasant and relaxing holiday. Thank you.”
