“Well appointed boat with a fine layout. All electric with 240v inverters. Did not use shore power, so relied on batteries. Our trip started on 24th October so dark nights was the norm. The lowest power percentage was 90%. Enjoyable holidays with he beauty of the broads all around”
“The Sonnet was the correct size for two complete novices, but it was far too small for a week's holiday (with or without two dogs) - it felt like being in a cupboard on water.
The main bed is ridiculously small, and utterly impossible for two people to sleep in it, so my husband had that one & I slept in the lounge which was like sleeping on stone due to the extremely thin foam topped ply.
I appreciate that space is very much at a premium on any boat, but the addition of numerous hooks on any spare wall space would be a massive improvemt to living on board during your holiday - there is absolutely no where to hang up dog leads, back packs, coats, hats, life jackets....
The shower is miniscule, and although it has a seat for a sit down shower, it is impossible for a normal sized person (I'm 5'7") to stand up in it so you spend your entire time feeling like you are in a cupboard.
In October the boat was very cold at night due to the sliding roof hatch not fitting correctly, and hence cold air flooding into the cabin through the brush edged gaps. The heater is very effective but the fuel pump makes a loud knocking noise that would be impossible to sleep through (esp if you are in the lounge) so we didn't have it on over night finding the boat to be full of condensation in the mornings.
My overall view is that Sonnet is very shabby and not worth the price, even out of high season; it needs a bloody good clean / refurb (the sofa in the lounge is disgustingly dirty & very uncomfortable), and it needs curtains for all of the lounge windows if you have to sleep in there.
The microwave was a bit of an issue because it blew the mains power most times it was used; and the speedomter system did not always come on, so we frequently cruised along not really knowing what speed we were actually doing.”
“This was our 4th holiday on the Broads using different boats. We found Sonnet 1 a nice boat to use. The layout was good and we both found the bed to be very comfortable. The heating worked really well and we were never cold. We felt that the welcome bag was a nice touch. The boat seemed well equipped with all we might need. On the downside we had issues whenever getting aboard at the bow. There is quite a drop to the steps and there were no hand rails to use. We resorted to holding the door or the GPS mast for balance. More hand rails could be added. Although we would not use Sonnet again we do not regret our choice of boat.”
“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)
Note no boat over 6 feet has passed under Potter Heigham in several years as Broads authority have not dredged it. We asked the pilot! Also nothing much going under Wroxham Bridge to Coltishall - we went in the car on the way home.
Tips: Bring your own bedding as their pillows were rubbish. When you bring your own towels bring a shower / bath mat and oven glove.
This boat is suitable for 2 adults, It does sleep 4 but might be too cosy!
We would book with Barnes again but upgrade to Elite. We enjoyed our stay!”
Hi Mark
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review — we’re really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay on Sonnet 2 and found the boat comfortable and easy to handle, and that our team looked after you well.
You’re absolutely right about the shower — many boats on the Broads are designed for guests to sit down while showering, as headroom can be limited in places. We’ll also be replacing the pillows and sorting out the draught issue you mentioned, so thank you for highlighting those. If you are looking for a slightly bigger bathroom lots of people rate Royall Swan. Its a similar layout but the bathroom is in the middle of the boat
All the best
Sara from Barnes Brinkcraft
