“Just had a great family holiday on the Barnes Brinkcraft Tempo.
The boat was excellent, very clean well equiped and well appointed comfortuble and enough space for 4 adults and two large dogs.
The staff were great. nothing too much trouble
really enjoyed our week, so much we have booked for next year already.”
“This boat was easy to handle, with a marvellous driving position on the top. Tempo was well equipped, the combi oven was easy to understand. The heating was effective and again the controls were simple to operate. We were given good instructions on how to operate the boat. The driving equipment was first class with information on speed, fuel and water dials.
We traveled at around 2 1/2 to 3 mph and cruised for around 5 hours per day for 4 days. The final cost was £38.
We had an amazing experience and have already booked for next year.”
Sounds like you had a brilliant time aboard Tempo, Chris. What a lovely photo too, with blue skies and everyone looking very happy at the helm!
Thanks for your kind words about the team. We'll look forward to welcoming you back in the spring.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“We had the most amazing 11 days in this boat - went all the way to Norwich and back to Wroxham - had a slight tecknical problem which was fixed as soon as we put a call in , 100 percent service and a Hamper to die for - loved it 5th time on the broads and we will definitly be back with Branes Brinkcraft . Thank you.”
It sounds like you had a proper Broads adventure, Ian. We’re glad the team got your technical hiccup sorted quickly, and it sounds like the hamper went down rather well too!
After five Broads holidays, it’s lovely to hear you’ll be choosing Barnes Brinkcraft for the next one.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“We have just returned from a fantastic week on Tempo 5.
This was our 3rd holiday on the Norfolk Broads but first with Barnes Brinkcraft. The team were brilliant from the moment we arrived. They were friendly, welcoming and took time to explain everything fully which made us feel confident before setting off.
Tempo 5 was an amazing boat - spotlessly clean, spacious, comfortable and equipped with everything we needed for a wonderful week.
This year we ventured onto the Southern Broads by crossing Breydon Water. We were a bit apprehensive about it and had been worrying about the tides, bridge clearances and whether we'd make it safely. Looking back our worries were totally uncalled for. With advice from the Rangers and careful planning we crossed Breydon Water twice without any problems and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We cruised from Wroxham to Horning, Acle Bridge, Reedham, Beccles and Stokesby before returning to Wroxham.
Every stop had something different to offer from peaceful riverside moorings to pubs with delicious food and a warm welcome.
Thank you for giving us such a memorable holiday and we would 100% recommend Barnes Brinkcraft whether it's a first boating holiday or like us returning to explore more of the Broads.
We can't wait to come back!”
Julie, thank you for such a lovely review. We're delighted your first holiday with us was such a success, and that Tempo 5 helped make exploring both the Northern and Southern Broads so enjoyable.
Crossing Breydon for the first time is something many guests are a little nervous about, so it's great to hear it became one of the highlights of your trip. The guys at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station are so helpful for anyone crossing Breydon, we're so glad they gave you the confidence to try it. Thank you for recommending us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for your next Broads adventure.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“We had a great time. Weather was fabulous, so were the Broads. It’s a few years since we last visited. Tempo 5 was very well equipped & the boat handled well.
A couple of issues made the break less than perfect. Listed below in the order they occurred:-
1. Required to hand in my car keys in order that car can be moved during our boat trip. Reluctantly agreed. If this had been
Made known before the booking I wouldn’t have booked as I never agree to do this. I really care about my car.
2. On take over of Tempo 5 battery life was 55%, presenting power anxiety given no electrical hook ups available on first night.
3. Drive failure on one occasion, despite engine power being available. Z drive??
4. Inverter failure on 3 separate occasions although Barnes Brinkcraft Engineer talked through reset procedure over phone.”
Hi Stephen
Thank you for your detailed review. We’re really pleased you had a great time on the Broads and found Tempo 5 well equipped and easy to handle, although we’re sorry these concerns took the shine off an otherwise enjoyable break.
We ask for car keys because our team may need to move vehicles within our own site. This allows guests to park close to their boat while loading and unloading, rather than carrying everything across the boatyard. This is explained in our FAQs, and our team is appropriately insured to move vehicles on site. However, we completely understand that some owners are uncomfortable handing over their keys. In these circumstances, we can arrange an alternative parking space where the car will not need to be moved, and we’re sorry this option wasn’t made clearer when you arrived.
We’re sorry the battery reading caused you concern. As explained during the handover, the boat’s batteries are charged whenever the engine is running, so a reading of 55% would not prevent you from using the boat or require an electrical hook-up that evening. Running the engine would recharge the batteries and provide the power needed on board.
We have no record of a loss of drive being reported during your holiday, so we cannot say with certainty what happened. However, a brief interruption can occur if the controls are not fully transferred when changing between the boat’s two helm positions. The correct procedure for switching helm positions forms an important part of the handover, as the controls must be properly disengaged at one helm before being engaged at the other.
The inverter protects the boat’s electrical system and may cut out when too many high-powered appliances are used at the same time, such as a kettle and hairdryer. Our engineer was able to talk you through the reset procedure, but we appreciate that having to reset it on three occasions was frustrating.
Boats do have slightly different operating systems from cars, and some aspects of their electrical and steering controls require a little more care. This is why we provide a detailed handover before departure and telephone support throughout the holiday.
Thank you again for your feedback. We hope the fabulous weather, beautiful scenery and time spent exploring the Broads will tempt you back for another visit.
Yours sincerely
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Nice boat although we had upgraded which cost us more that double what we had already paid - so was a little disappointed. Beds not made which for the price you would have thought they would be. Smell from toilets was not nice water that came out was not nice.”
Dear Nicola
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.
We’re pleased you liked Tempo, although we’re sorry to hear that some aspects of your holiday were disappointing, particularly after choosing to upgrade.
As with all our boats, bedding is provided but the beds are not made up before arrival. We appreciate this may not have been what you expected and will review how clearly this is explained before booking.
The boat’s water is filled from the mains but, as on most boats, it is stored in an onboard tank. It is therefore intended for washing and cooking rather than drinking, and we recommend bringing bottled drinking water.
We were also sorry to hear about the smell from the toilets and the condition of the water. In very hot weather, toilet smells can become more noticeable, particularly if the holding tanks need pumping out or there is a partial blockage. Had we known during your stay, our team would have been very happy to come out, investigate and resolve the problem for you.
We hope you were still able to enjoy your time on the Broads, and thank you again for bringing these points to our attention.
All the best
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
Thanks for the lovely review, Ian. We're pleased Tempo suited your crew so well, including the dog! It's great to hear you made good use of the galley, and that the welcome hamper got your holiday off to a good start.
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
