We hired three times, off season around 15 /20 years ago - between caravans. We enjoyed it, but had our fill of it. Hiring is I would suggest the way to go, to see if you even like it first. It was very nice starting up on a morning and having breakfast being cooked whilst still on the go.
The Broads was always where my parents liked to spend holidays, never on boats, we couldn't afford it - but because my father's family originated there.
Rather than hire from an agency, ring one of the boatyards direct to discuss hire I was told. Many are/were summer boats only - no heating available except from the engine coolant. Some had an FBH or gas heating - a point to check if you intend early/late summer/ winter use. Manoeuvring in strong wind can be difficult too
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I see so many bought, once loved and then neglected boats around.
You cannot beat a caravan, for an impromptu few days away, especially if it is parked in your drive ready to use at a moments notice. Mooring fees put us off buying a boat, site fees put us off having a static, having a motor-home parked in the drive doing mostly nothing, put us off those. The caravan only costs us the initial cost, plus occasional parts and a bit of extra fuel when we use it. The rest of the time it costs only depreciation and we all love it. A comparable boat would be much smaller in space.