Take the helm of a traditional half decker, built here at Martham Boats, and spend the day sailing the quiet Upper Thurne. From our riverside boatyard at Martham you are close to the open water of Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere, with reed-lined rivers and Broads wildlife all around.
Check availability or call 01493 740249
Half decker hire at a glance
- Seats up to six – room for family or friends to share the sailing.
- Gunter rigged with a mainsail and jib, plus a full awning.
- Hire times: by the day from 9am to 4pm, or for a short break or a week.
- Price: £98 per boat per day, plus a £50 refundable security deposit.
- Included: buoyancy aids and a full briefing on the boat. Car parking at the yard is free on day hire.
- Dogs welcome – just let us know when you book.
- Season: half deckers are available until the end of October.
What it costs
A day's hire is £98 per boat, not per person, so a full boat of six works out at about £16 each. We take a £50 security deposit, which is returned as long as there is no damage during your hire. When you book online, 50% of the hire is paid in advance.
For a short break or a week, choose your dates on the booking page and you will see the price before you pay. If you would like to camp aboard, mattresses can be added to your booking (see below).
Is a half decker right for you?
A half decker is an open sailing boat that you sail yourself, so some sailing experience is needed. Please tell us about your sailing when you book and we will help you decide whether a half decker suits your group.
Never sailed, or a bit rusty? Book a sailing taster with an experienced helm on board, or a sailing tuition session with one of our instructors (minimum three hours).
Where you can sail
Our base on the Upper Thurne is ideally placed for open-water sailing. Hickling Broad, the largest broad, gives you wide open water to stretch your sails, and Horsey Mere is a peaceful spot near the coast with plenty of wildlife. Your route on the day will depend on the wind, the weather and the time you have, and our team will help you plan a day that suits the conditions.
Your day, step by step
- Book online or by phone, and tell us about your sailing experience.
- Arrive and park at our riverside boatyard. Parking is free on day hire.
- Buoyancy aids on – they are provided for everyone, or bring your own.
- Your briefing – we take you through the boat before you set off.
- Set sail and enjoy the day. If you need us while you are out, call 01493 740249.
- Back by 4pm on a day hire.
Staying out for more than a day
Half deckers can be hired for a short break or a week, and you can camp aboard under the full awning. Up to two mattresses per boat are available – please add them when you book. Free parking is for day hire only, so for a short break or a week please add car parking to your booking.
Our half deckers
We have five half deckers in the fleet: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Walnut, Jayanne and Jaylene. All five were built here at Martham Boats. They are all gunter rigged and seat up to six, so larger groups can book several and sail together.
What to bring
A picnic and drinks, warm layers and waterproofs, sun cream and a hat, shoes with good grip, and gloves for handling ropes.
Half decker questions
Do I need sailing experience?
Yes, to hire a half decker yourself. Talk to us about your sailing before you book. If you have not sailed before, a taster with an experienced helm is the best way to start.
How many people can go in one boat?
Up to six. If your group is bigger, you can book more than one half decker.
Is the price per person?
No. £98 is for the whole boat for the day, plus a £50 deposit that is returned if there is no damage.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Buoyancy aids are included in the hire, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on our half deckers. Please let us know when you book.
What if the weather changes?
Your route depends on the wind and weather. Speak to our team before setting off and we will help you plan a route that suits the conditions on the day.
★★★★★
“Fantastic location to rent a half decker for a day sailing on the Broads. Wonderful boat & location. Friendly team in the office and quay got us on the water quickly. Lifejackets provided.”
Ready to sail?
Check dates and book online, or call our bookings team on 01493 740249 and we will help you plan your day.
Want to spend a few nights on the water? A traditional Broads yacht is the next step. Rather not sail? Try one of our day boats.
