The Fair Commodore is a four to six birth thirty-five foot cruiser available from
Norfolk Broads Direct. The boat is of a modern design with sleek lines and is
on the whole, world laid out. The boat features dual steering positions and
bow thrusters making it a versatile and very easy boat to maneuver especially
when mooring
or when turning in a tight position,
very good for those who are boating for the first time.
Let's take a look onboard starting with the two cabins.
In the bow cabin you have to single births that will convert to a double bed if needed
There are small storage areas below the births along with a good-sized closet to the
right as you enter the cabin.
There is also a mirror and handy coat hooks.
The starboard cabin has a good size double bed
it also has a sizable closet along with a set of drawers and your very own TV.
Bedding is provided along with hand and shower towels, but we would recommend that you
maybe bring along a few extra towels
if you're on the boat for a week or two.
So, on to the main saloon where you'll find the last double birth which is easily
converted from the main seating and table area.
And two prove this I was able to make the bed up and return it to a seating in
just around three and a half minutes.
We also found that there is an extra bit of storage underneath the seating
that you could use to store a small case or two.
Now, it is worth pointing out that we were on the Fair Commodore for two nights
and both Easty and myself
found our respective beds to be surprisingly comfortable and very roomy
in fact more comfortable than many hotel beds that we had stayed in.
That's not bad for a couple guys with ample midriffs and one of us been
6" 2.
The galley or kitchen is a typical size for this kind of cruiser
so if you are boating for the first time he might find it a little tight, but
you'll soon get used to it
and you'll be frying up a breakfast before you know it.
Actually the Fair Commodore is well-equipped with everything you might
expect in the kitchen.
Including a four ring gas cooker with oven and grill
and even a microwave.
There is also a full-size fridge which is cleverly placed in the saloon area.
Bread bin, pots, pans,
dishes, plates, cutlery,
and a good selection of cooking utensils are all provided, as are glasses
and the all-important teapot and kettle.
And to our relief we also found a corkscrew and bottle opener.
Norfolk Broads Direct thoughtfully provided washing up liquid, scourers and j-cloths.
Of course, these are the typical sorts of things we all forget.
OK, heading up to the saloon area, we of course have the earlier mentioned seating and
table
along with a, TV, DVD
and a PS2 complete with two controllers for the kids.
We didn't find any PS2 games
so we assume that you will need to bring these along.
There are a couple drawers and cabinets one of which contains a safe big enough
to hold keys and any valuables,
which really does offer peace of mind when leaving the boat.
You then have the lower their position
where you also find it well equipped music center with radio and all iPhone
an iPod docking cable... Nice touch!
Norfolk Broads Direct also provide a very detailed manual
covering everything you'll need to know about the boat,
along with important information such as where and how to dump your rubbish.
You're also provided to the map free of charge along with some helpful brochures on where to visit.
There also to bathrooms on board,
the first is ensuite to the rear cabin in with a toilet, sink and very nice shower.
Easty said they had no troubles with the 6" 2 frame
and the earlier mentioned ample midriff.
In fact, he found it quite roomy.
The second bathroom is between the lower steering in position and forward cabin.
This was smaller and some adults
may find it a little cramped.
In fact at 5" 10, I found it very hard to stand and shower in there.
But, it is perfect for kids
Again Norfolk Broads Direct thoughtfully provide a roll of loo
paper in each bathroom.
And there is also of course hot water and heating throughout.
On the upper deck you'll find the second steering position where you have
full control, including our much loved bow thrusters.
This is an excellent position for relaxing and watching the Broads slowly pass you by.
Our only concern was that although the Fair Commodore features a large sunbathing area,
this does restrict outside seating so other than the double seat at the steering position,
there's no other outside seating.
But hey, you might like that if you prefer to lay on deck and soak up the rays.
We're not sure that this boat comfortably birth six adults for any real
length of time but it could be perfect for four good friends
and is most certainly a great family boat.
All in all
the Fair Commodore as a beautifully designed and comfortable cruiser
that is further enhanced by the company's little touches.
It's well equipped with the essentials and because it is steering positions
and bow thrusters
it is incredibly easy to maneuver and moor.
To find out more and for pricing on Fair Commodore, go to norfolkbroadsdirect.co.uk.
and to find more barbecues
Places to visit and where to eat and drink on the Broads, make sure you
subscribe to us at www.the broads.tv
We'll see you soon.