Berth Holders & Customers’ Spring Newsletter 2025
Hello to all our berth holders and customers from the team at Cox’s Boatyard. Spring is finally upon us after a busy winter working on the boats and on our new workshop project, which is progressing well. So far February and March are quite different to those same two months in 2024 when there was flooding throughout the Broads. Instead, this year we have seen some extremely low water levels over the winter months.
Wherry Albion – Late last year we had the great pleasure of lifting this delightful craft out of the water for her three-yearly inspection and to carry out work on the hull. We ended up replacing several hull planks and one frame at the bow. The hull was then coated up several times before she was lifted back into the water.
Satisfaction Questionnaires – In early February we sent out our mooring questionnaire, so thank you for all your replies as we had nearly a 50% return which is a good response for any satisfaction survey! The responses are all being read and sorted through. The most common comments were regarding the wet conditions experienced last year due to the high river levels and the difficult ground conditions in the dinghy park. Secondly, it looks as if everybody would like the space next to the slipway itself. The first issue is being addressed gradually as we replace the old wooden piling with steel and install the GRP Grating. The latter we have limited space next to the slipway, but we will see if we can improve this.
This mooring questionnaire will only be sent out once every two years, but we will still be sending out the customer satisfaction questionnaire that relates to work carried out on the boats every year as this is a good way for us to learn where we can improve to meet and hopefully exceed, our customers’ expectations.
Workshop – The two old workshops were removed just before Christmas and the groundwork necessary for large machinery to work on the site commenced shortly after that. The large steel piles around the new building were installed and the necessary 102 piles are now all completed. This piling work has of course been quite muddy, but we are now working mainly above ground so there is less mess, and we are able to clean up the area as we go. The project is due to be completed in mid-June when we should hopefully be able to move in and start using our superb new workshop.
Parking and movement around the yard will be tight in early spring, so please park sensibly to save space for others. If in doubt about where to park, please ask in the office. Also, please be careful driving into the yard as the new workshop area has been fenced off and that narrows the road slightly.
Free II – This Freeman motor cruiser came into the workshop late last year to be painted and to have a bow thruster, new engine and toilet system with holding tank fitted. The craft is now a shining example of the type of work that we carry out in the workshop.
Norfolk Punt – The work shown here is on a Norfolk punt, which has had the cockpit and forward deck area rebuilt. Once the woodwork on the craft is complete the craft will be coated up.
Wild Goose – This craft has been in the workshop for several months and has had the bottom totally re-planked. She has been stripped down and revarnished, along with a variety of other work carried out involving replacing ribs and recoating. The craft was originally named Sleeping Beauty and will be launched in the early spring.
Mitek Electric Outboards – We are the main east coast agent for these outboards which are made in Italy, and which demonstrate Italian engineering at its best. The main difference between this outboard and many other brands is that the electric motor is under the cowling, not in the water, and the Mitek outboard has a conventional metal leg with metal prop. The outboard is quiet and runs on very little electricity, meaning it has a long range when the correct batteries are installed. We have recently fitted a Mitek outboard on another craft, which is also performing very well, as do the other electric outboards we have supplied. If you are interested, please contact the office for more information.
Please follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the work we are undertaking on your behalf and to find out other interesting information about the marina.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Newsletter. Enjoy your time on the water in the coming months and thank you for your continuing custom and support. Do not hesitate to contact the office on those new e-mail addresses if you have any queries or comments, and please continue to return those satisfaction forms!
Eric Bishop
Manager