These were thought to be natural features, but recent research suggests that they are the result of digging for peat. There are no locks on the system, but there are tides. Working with the tides speeds your progress, and one or two low bridges cannot be navigated at high tide. Occasional stretches of the system are high banked, artificial cuts, but the majority is beautifully rural, with some pretty villages, ancient churches, atmospheric pubs, windmills and a Roman fort. Night clubs are practically non-existant, friendly moorings near pubs are common, mooring miles away from nowhere is easy.
Wild life abounds and the natives are amazingly friendly.
There are many boatyards that rent out boats. Diesel engine, gas cooking and heating, small electric fridge, flushing toilet. Sailing yachts are also available. Boatyards ususlly give newcomers about an hour's worth of instruction - then you are on your own. Hoseasons and Blakes both operate on the Broads as agents for many of the boatyards.