Barnes Brinkcraft Bewertungen 44

Thank you for a great week on the water, just what we both needed. Cracking little boat the Belmore. Staff very friendly and attentive, great tips on mooring and pubs and inns etc. Enjoyed being shown around the yard when we returned and a look at some of the newer boats. Hassle free pick up and return. Found some truly beautiful places to moor up. The price of the boat suited our pockets. Caught a lot of fish while watching the sun go down with a nice cold beer. Thank you for sending my trackey top back in the post. I wouldn't hesitate to use Barnes Brinkcraft again. Special thanks to the guy who showed us around the boat, top banana.

Avoid avoid avoid.

This summer we were peacefully moored up in the Northern Broads when, at 6:30am a hire boat crashed into us while turning around. We stumbled outside to see the boat, but they didn't stop or wait, and we only got the name of the boat and not the reg.

We knew it was a Barnes boat, and immediately after we found the damage to our boat we called them assuming they would want to make things right and they would be happy to help. We couldn't have been more wrong.

While the staff we spoke to were all polite, we got passed to the managers eventually, Daniel and William, both of whom are the kind of people you immediately regret meeting wherever you run into them. Rude, belligerent, unhelpful, obstreperous, and unkind: but worst of all, fantasists who think that a problem will disappear if you ignore it. They refused to take any responsibility for the incident and wouldn't engage, stopped replying to emails, and I can only assume decided after their rudeness to begin with that I would just give up and go away.

Fortunately for us, CCTV footage confirmed the incident exactly as we had described it, and proved their boat was involved. We took it to our insurers and filed a claim, and in the end after a long and painful experience for everyone, Barnes had to admit liability anyway and we kept our no claims bonus, while their insurers were liable for the £5000 it cost to repair our boat.

Their attempts to avoid responsibility only created animosity between us and them, which I can assure you won't be of any benefit to them. Everyone I spoke to throughout our long saga, from people at the BA, hire boat yards, boat builders, other boaters, every single one of them had bad things and only bad things to say about Barnes Brinkcrap.

I cannot recommend avoiding this company enough.

Serenade 3. The boat was a little disappointing. The only person who could view the river was in the cockpit. Difficult to see surroundings.nowhere to sit outside of the main lounge area . Living space was below viewing windows. The opening roof was really good but would have been dreadful if poor weather. Internally It was tired. Bathrooms not particularly clean. Toilet seat stained yellow 🤮Seating cushions dirty & stained from guests standing on them to get out. Beds uncomfortably and under mattresses very grubby. Linen and towels nice.Loved the broads but we wouldn’t recommend this boat. The staff were really friendly and helpful.

Again, as with many of these reviews, inane conversation with abrupt female staff about why I wanted to settle up diesel bill before we left rather than just leaving my credit card details, crossing my fingers and being 'billed later'. Serious customer service short comings which is a real shame as the holiday was good. If you can psychologically remove the obnoxious, patronising and condescending staff out of the experience it was otherwise good.

We'll definitely come again to the Broads but we'll just book with another company and hope the staff are pleasant about the basics.

You just cost your company next year's business with your tedious attitude.

Very disappointing. Our greeting was somewhat abrupt and not very welcoming. Then, after loading the boat we were told we could not travel upstream to Coltishall where we had organised a pub lunch. The reason given was that Barnes Brinkcraft would not allow us to pass under the bridge at Wroxham. No mention was made of this when we booked and paid for the hire of the boat! Coltishall was our intended destination.

He asked had we asked whether we could go to Coltishall when we booked. I replied no - because all their publicity included suggested trips to that destination. His reply was that nobody ever wanted to go in that direction. Pathetic and annoying.

Why on earth when all the publicity on the website said we could - including suggestions for day trips to Coltishall! Very disappointing.

We rented an electric boat. Never ever again. There were significant problems repeatedly encountered on starting the engine. We followed the instructions we had been given to start the engine but it repeatedly failed. It was impossible to go faster than 3 mph downstream and on the return leg we struggled at just over 2mph. Everything overtook us at around 5mph - including swans and canoeists. Most embarrassing and frustrating.

We reported all of this on our eventual return - unfortunately to the same person who's was disinterested other than to tell us he had explained how to start the engine so he "wasn't at fault." but he would have the boat checked out by an engineer. He then disappeared.

I've hired day boats many times from Wroxham but never again will I from this company and never again an electric boat based on this experience.

Thay get two stars rather than one because the weather was splendid and the person who took our booking on the phone was pleasant - albeit failing to mention we were not allowed to travel upstream to Coltishall.

Hired a day boat for the day. Boats are very tired. An hour into the trip found out that we had no water despite the pump switch being on and tank showing full. Couldn't boil a kettle or wash hands after using WC. Rang company but signal kept dropping in and out. Wanted to know where we were as I assumed they were going to send someone out - but not sure if that was the case because of poor signal. Didn't want to wait for them to come out as this would waste time on the broads so told them to leave it and we would get some bottle water. This turned out to not be easy and finally had to buy a few bottles from a pub as no easy access shops. Boats are obviously not checked before they are sent out which is not good enough at £205 for the day. When returned to yard told young guy about problem - perfunctory apology and said he'd get engineer to look at it! Should have been checked in the first place - no excuse. Won't be using again or recommend as there are plenty of other companies on the Broads.

I booked and paid a deposit on 2 January this year. We were due to sail on 12 September coming. I am 83 with limited mobility as is my wife. We had invited a mature grandson to crew the vessel as i would not be able to do so. Unfortunately he was told in April that his university course requires him to undertake a field study trip. The dates clashed with our boat trip in September.
I would not be able to manage the boat on my own and had no alternative but to cancel my booking. I did try to find somone else to help but failed, even allowing for dates into next year. My family already had holidays booked this year and no one was able to commit to any dates next year.

I made the booking by phone with a lady called Kate. No mention was made of cancelling. At the time, I was just happy to book and I attach no blame to her. It was Kate that I emailed on 19 April to cancel and then ask for a refund of my deposit.
My request was answered by Jules. He said that, in spite of my disability, no refund could be made as stated in the T&Cs. However, in the T&Cs it also states that refunds would 'depend on the circumstances'. I just wonder what circumstances are required to qualify for a refund. Jules didn't tell me. If anyone has any mobility problems, beware the of lack of flexibility this company offers towards such people as us in their customer service.

We hired the Prelude 3 having hired the Prelude 2 last year. A great boat all round. A few niggles with the generator were swiftly sorted out by the engineer (Ben) who followed up with a call the next day. Had a fab engineer last year too (Phillip) who sorted out an issue with the power cutting out at How Hill during Storm Kathleen. Made it across Breydon Waters up to Norwich and back no problem. As returning customers we received a fabulous hamper too. Thanks again have a good season.

Getting blocked from writing a review from all plat forms do not book with these "people" their customer support is appalling refused responsibility for a sharp object at side of steps which opened a big cut on my leg if it had been a toddler it's face height god forbid no first aid kit on the boat and basically said its your own fault.

Avoid this company!!

Substandard boats that leak.
Boats sent out not cleaned properly. Poor levels of standards and onboard equipment.
EXTREMELY poor customer service and no concern with any issues raised. The owner shouts and bullies his way through any complaints. He spoilt what was left of the holiday with his terrible attitude
WE WILL NEVER BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY AGAIN. We have already booked for next year with Norfolk broards direct as the service level and boat quality
was on a whole different level .

We stayed in one of the holiday cottages recently and had numerous issues with the cleanliness (black mould, dead flies stuck to windows, someone's hairs in the bath, dirty linen and towels etc etc) and issues with the central heating.
I contacted them and they sent an engineer to give us new towels and linen and try to clean the mould. Unfortunately the mould on the ceiling remained and they sent someone again but it still didn't go.
I emailed them about it and they ignored me regarding the cleanliness despite me sending them some photos but sent someone to fix the radiator two days before we had to leave and then they were advised the heating still didn't work properly but didn't come out again.
They've since responded to my concerns regarding the cleanliness and insinuated I'm lying about my family's health and making up things because I chose to email rather than keep going into the office. Which I did because I don't like confrontation.
It was supposed to be a 4 star accommodation as well.
On the plus side the engineer Paul and one of the ladies who came to try and clean the mould the second time were really lovely and apologetic and kind.

We were a group of 5 pensioners having had several years of Broads boating holidays. We decided to switch from our normal go-to boatyard and give Barnes Brinkcraft a try. Big mistake! We booked Prelude 2, which is a premium boat. The boat was clean and we recieved a complimentary hamper which was really nice quality. The handover experience
was rushed and was done by a young lad who was not very clear and who told us to ignore one particular button, which turned out to be absolutely essential for starting the motor. We all listened to his instructions so there was no mistake here. We did not leave the boatyard until Sunday morning so there was no staff to ask and we wasted some time trying to figure out why the boat would not start. This was the most uncomfortable boat we have hired. The two smaller cabins had very restricted legroom. The forward cabin bed was rock hard and so high we struggled to climb in. The condensation dripped on our heads all night. The rear cabin had gaps in the rear doors so it was permanently cold due to the bad weather. We were happy to be together so none of this bothered us too much. On returning to the boatyard on Friday for the Saturday hand back we moored exactly were the staff told us to. Saturday we were up early, loaded our cars and were just leaving the boat more than 30 minutes early when the same boy who did the handover started untying the boat to move it. My very mild-mannered brother-in-law asked him to wait a minute as my sister and I were still on board and just about to get off and he apparently went to his dad (the boatyard owner), crying and saying we were bullying him. We make a point of never being rude to anyone so we were absolutely astonished when the owner came shouting and swearing at us, saying we had upset his son, who was only 16 and then threatened to throw my (70 year old), husband in the river. We have never ever been subjected to abusive language before and threatened with physical violence. Fortunately we were all so stunned we just let him have his rant without reacting. This is an absolutely truthful account and we leave it to people to make up their own minds about this. I only wish we had checked them out on Trustpilot before booking since it seems we are not the first to be abused in this way.

Our third day boat rental but first in the school summer holidays.
Boat was dirty, had unattached galley table, tea towel was wet, mooring ropes full of knots & very unpredictable steering.
Mentioned faults before & after setting off and again by email with no response after ten days.

Had a good time at wroxham on our boating holiday but would like to give Martin a special mention he was very helpful nothing was to much trouble when we couldn't get the TV to work

Review of the hiring and satisfaction of Lullaby 1 from Barnes Brink Craft Horning Norfolk 29th July to 02nd August 2024. (4 nights and 3 days)

1. Booking was difficult due to Barnes internet system not connecting and kept dropping out, so had to revert to Hoseasons as their system of interrogation much easier to handle. (prices the same)
2. Paid the deposit no problem and then balance, had a communication from Barnes for passenger info on 15/07/2024, how many berths required bedding, rowing boats and how many cars.
3. Filled in all relevant info and posted off to the address shown on sheet on the 15/07/2024. A further communication on the 20/07/2024 suggested that I had not sent the info off, not that they had not received it! so replied again against their E-Mail. this was followed by a telephone conversation stating not received, I explained that I had no bounce back from my e-mail already sent and please check against spam and Junk filters but the view was it was my end and not their fault? I reminded them that not receiving a response does not mean one has not been sent and suggested that they should have their screening checked but no it must be my end!!
4. Following my conversations it became obvious that customer focus was not part of there training.
5. I had advised them that I would be arriving at 1.30pm and they stated that collection was between 2 and 4pm, guess who was the last one to get his boat at 4.10 pm. The explanation was that the carpenters had jobs to do to the boat, replacing a toilet roll holder and screwing down a wayward strip of trim around the engine compartment. Having been in the boat building industry in my earlier life words fail me as I watched the lack of urgency in work being done! One wonders how they would react if all their customers turned up at the deadline time of 4pm, time to get some more staff and be more considerate with the customer.
6. Boat handover was fine and engine and maneuvering gear was very good as was the all-electric oven and hob units, however the rowing boat that we hired was a renovated sailing dingy that was extremely unstable and nearly caused me to fall in due to lack of balance so could not use , when mentioned in boat hand back the staff member stated why did I not ring them at the time , my view was if they had the correct boat as shown in the advertising why did they not provide it ?.
7. Something had seriously gone wrong with the interior of this boat; it looks like they have had a refit as the saloon seating is so high from the floor that your feet do not reach the floor so they have placed a bar style rail around the seat for you to put your feet on. The cupboards on the Port side now extend beyond the helmsman’s seat causing the fixed seat to be off-center to the steering wheel and so forward that any one of a normal size will find it very difficult to get on the seat and your left knee will foul the steering. The mid-aft cabin on the starboard side looks like it has been reduced in size, the bathroom hand basin is now under the side deck walkway and the tap for it is out of sight, so no chance of using it to do your teeth or wash your hands, the whole shower module is not set up to drain properly as you have to use your flannel to move water of the various ledges, not very hygienic!
8. I found the attitude of the staff to be they are right and this is the system when in fact for the customer there is no perceived system as you have to keep going to the reception and all you get is the boat is not ready yet we will ring you ,I’m still waiting, as it was me who informed them that the repairman had finished, looking on the computer screen the staff members answer was so it is! There is no sense of urgency as no one looks to be managing the whole yard, this being evident when returning the boat with 2 members of staff flat out trying to fill the fuel tanks and pumping out as boats returned. It took me three trips to the office to establish the procedures required to check out, get my car and where to unload our cases from the boat.
9. I believe I was dealt with in the main by family members who seemed to have poor customer facing attitude, no how was your cruise Sir or was the boat ok for you, no offer of a refund for a so-called rowing boat that was a reclaimed sailing Dingy that was dangerous to get into due to lack of stability.
10. In short, I will not be using their yard again.

Seen previous reviews 3rd time booking through Barnes Brinkcraft and had no complaints. Staff excetionally helpful and professional. Has an issue with starting the boat on day 3 ( our fault ) engineer appeared within 15 mins checked everything out explained what we were doing wrong. On arrival the night before check out staff approached and asked if all resolved after engineers visit with no prompting.
Boats are boats ( similar to caravans not hotels) of course you have to make allowances for shower pressure etc and luxury items. too many snowflakes and Karens in my opinion. cant wait to book again had a fantastic time.

The company could improve massively by sending the majority of the staff on a customer care training course! Some of the rudest, obnoxious, cocky individuals I have ever come across. The only recommending I would do is to say, STEER CLEAR !!

Very disappointing
When we booked our holiday, the photos of the boat on the website which were lovely clean and new looking were not what we ended up with.
Our boat was tired old and tatty. The curtains were old and tatty, horrible old carpet in lounge area, the hoover which they supplied us with hardly had the strength to pick up anything anyway. Old cutlery.
No thought to customer comfort. It would have been nice to have had a few hooks on the backs of doors or anywhere really as space is at a minimum in these boats which is expected. Only one full length mirror in bedroom 1, not in bedroom 2 which could have easily been put on the bathroom door.
No towel rail in en-suite bathroom.
The only consolation was the amazing views of the broads made up for what the boat lacked.
I’m sure you could do better to improve customer satisfaction and it wouldn’t cost the earth.

These notes are intended for the benefit of those that may make the choice to book this craft through the same route as we did and to raise awareness, all comments are intended /offered without prejudice.
We were on holiday for 5 nights on the Norfolk Broads having booked a Medium rated craft DUET supplied from Barnes Brinkcraft of Wroxham for 2 adults. We handed back the craft a day early due to wet ingression and cold conditions aboard, the issues were reported to B/B, on their feedback card submitted to the booking office. At this time there has been no contact from them.
The handover and introduction to controls/equipment was very brief with a repair needed to the bed, the edging was loose with screws/nails sticking out, however we found ourselves on our own very quickly. We made our way to Salhouse Broad for the first night stopover and it was at this point that standards and limitations with this craft started to become clear.
With having had time to visually inspect the interior by my wife on route, it was apparent that the changeover clean down of the whole place had been done to a very basic and poor standard. I have compiled a list below,
CLEANLINESS AND FUNCTIONALITY OF THE INTERIOR
Lounge area
Worn out, tired and grubby seating with dog hair all over ( Requiring a thorough brush down then our own supplied throws to be used before using the seating)
Floors and steps dirty with dog hairs being swept up then required washing by hand. The supplied mop had to be thoroughly cleaned/bleached before use it was in a very dirty condition and in fact put dirt on the floor.
BEDROOM CABIN
No mattress protector supplied ( described as included )
Bed, had dog hairs in it, again needed a thorough brushing out
No heating ( Night-time and early mornings were cold)
Hatch combing and small windows leaked and were drafty
GALLEY
One burner ring kept failing to relight ( There are only two gas rings )
Water under the cooker cupboard at floor level. This had to be mopped up each day, this caused the wooden frame of the base cupboards to crumble (Pics available)
No cabin heating despite trying all ways to start the system , cold in the mornings and evenings.
HEADS/SHOWER
No independent water heater, for any hot water the engine had to be run for at least 20-30 mins to get sufficient to wash ( Not appropriate for early morning start up ) There are rules about early morning and evening noise.
It may be said that we should have called the boatyard for assistance, but the real answer is that the vessel should not have been released without a full and proper check over. Hygiene and cleanliness are vital to maintain healthy welfare of customers. Maintenance and proper upkeep of the goods being hired are the norms, these are are the basics of hiring. It could have been easy to quit and go back home but that is not the answer .
HANDLING OF THE VESSEL AND GENERAL TRAVEL ON THE BROADS
The vessel is quite high as laid out in the booking information with a total height of 8ft4” however it becomes apparent that most bridges are well below the clearance needed, therefore severely limiting you to where you can go. This should be made MORE/ CLEARER to anyone considering this boat as a choice.
Internal engine compartment delivers a very noisy driving experience with viewing driving position right on top of engine hatch.
Windscreen wipers small/short and inefficient and have been retrofitted away from manufacturers original position. Rainy days the windows steam up terribly with no demisting facility ( Making navigation difficult and possibly dangerous ) Windows had to be kept open to try and help!
Lack of bow thruster makes docking and maneuvering difficult, the boat is high and the bow catches the wind especially in breezy/windy conditions that we had.
There have been many changes on the broads since we last did a Broads boating holiday some 14 yrs ago, we noticed enormous stretches of bankside moorings that were either PRIVATE, or clearly Signposted NO MOORING and that was just on the main rivers. In busier summer periods or even at weekends you have to be very quick to get somewhere to moor overnight. Most paid moorings are approx up to £12 per night and some on an hourly day rate of £3 per hour.
Overall with the correct boat for your needs it still can be an enjoyable and relaxing holiday but be aware of the costs and keep away from busy times.

I saw the reviews, but our experience was top notch
In Prelude One boat
Helpful, kind and friendly staff
We had a wonderful family Broads experience
Thank you