“Easy booking process and a great day on the broads after a very poor start.
We arrived at the boatyard on time at 9.30am for our day hire to then find that they were running way behind already ! Along with several other groups we were left standing around for 30 minutes to then be greated by a staff member who ushered us all into the office for another wait !
Finally onto the boat. The induction was just about as basic as it could be, with a 'couldn't care less' attitude from the staff member.
Very poor first impression and customer service. No way to treat a customer. All in all we were left with the distint feeling that we were just an inconvenience, just getting in the way, If we had not paid in advance we would have just walked out and left straightaway.
The broads are a great place to spend a day. We are planning to return for a longer stay next year, just not with this company.”
“This was our second time hiring a boat from Barnes Brinkcraft. There were plenty of things we liked about the boat, and we always enjoy spending a day on the Broads. However, there were a number of design issues that really affected our experience.
We were travelling with a toddler, and getting from the outside into the cabin felt quite awkward as the access was very narrow. The steps also had to be taken backwards, and every time we turned around we ended up bumping into the sharp edge of the gas hob, which didn't feel particularly well thought out.
The seating area inside was also quite impractical. The table was so wide that we couldn't easily slide onto the sofa, and we had to turn the table each time, which was surprisingly difficult.
Another issue was visibility when the canopy was down. While it's great to have protection from the sun or rain, if you're around 5'8" or taller it's almost impossible to see out properly without crouching down, which made steering uncomfortable.
At the rear of the boat, the seating area also felt less secure than it could have been. Because there's an open gap, it seemed quite easy for someone—especially a young child—to fall overboard. A small gate or removable barrier would make a big difference and would be a worthwhile addition to this type of boat.
Our biggest disappointment, though, was the fridge. We specifically paid extra to hire this boat because it had a fridge, as we were out for the whole day. When we boarded, I asked a member of staff whether it was working because it didn't feel cold. I was told it would start cooling once the engine was running. Unfortunately, it never did. It was little better than a cool box for the entire day, which was really disappointing considering we'd paid extra for that feature.
We also had an issue following our previous hire and emailed the company about it, but never received any response or even an acknowledgement, which was disappointing.
Sadly, because of these experiences, I wouldn't hire this type of boat again. While there were definitely positives, the combination of the design issues, the non-functioning fridge, and the lack of response to our previous feedback means I'm not sure whether we'd use Barnes Brinkcraft again.”
Dear Lucie
Thank you for taking the time to leave such detailed feedback, and for choosing Barnes Brinkcraft for a second time.
I’m sorry that the Sunrise was not as comfortable or practical as you had expected, particularly when travelling with a toddler. The layout of this type of boat, including the access steps, table position and rear seating area, will not suit every group. Some of our other day boats have a gate or barrier at the rear of the cabin, which can make them a more suitable option for families with very young children. We will make sure our team considers this when helping customers choose the right boat in future.
We are particularly sorry about the fridge. As you had specifically chosen and paid extra for a boat with this facility, it should have been working correctly. You also raised the issue before leaving and were reassured that it would cool once the engine was running, so we fully understand your disappointment when this did not happen.
I’m also sorry that you did not receive a response to the feedback you sent following your previous hire. We have checked our records but have not been able to locate your earlier message. Nevertheless, you should have received an acknowledgement and we appreciate how frustrating it must have been to feel that your concerns had been ignored.
Thank you again for highlighting these points. We will review the fridge fault and share your comments about the layout, canopy visibility and rear access with our day boat team. We hope we may have the opportunity to welcome you back on a different boat that is better suited to your family.
Yours Sincerely
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Not the newest of boats for hire but quire adequate for a day trip, steering was somewhat vague even allowing for "it's different in a boat on water" but there is a knack to it and soon mastered to ensure a pleasant stress free day. Facilities are some what cramped for the larger guests and required some careful manoeurves. Basic instruction at handover but helpful staff on return. Overall a good day out.”
Thanks Michael, we're pleased you enjoyed your day aboard Sunrise and found everything clean, easy to use, and ready for a relaxing trip on the Broads.
We hope to welcome you back again soon.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Hired this day boat on the Broads for 5 adults and 2 dogs, the absolute best way to beat the recent heatwave and catch a breeze. Clean boat, lots of space, simple to navigate, an overall excellent experience and an enjoyable pub lunch along the route. Highly recommended. We would definitely book again.”
Thanks for the lovely review. It sounds like you picked the perfect way to escape the heatwave, and we're pleased Sunrise had plenty of room for everyone, including the dogs.
Thanks for the recommendation. We’ll look forward to welcoming you back for another day on the Broads.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“From arrival to the end of our 4 hour boat hirer it was perfect. The guy checking us in was brilliant and helped us with all we needed. 4 hours was enough and the boat had all that was needed and big enough for a family of 6.”
Thanks for the lovely review, Justin. We're pleased everything went smoothly from the moment you arrived, and it's great to hear the team helped get you confidently underway.
Sunrise is a great choice for a family day out, and we're glad she had everything you needed.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
