Thinking about buying or insuring a boat in Preveza Greece??

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Halmatic DS11O in Norfolk

I was at Goodchild Marine today in Burgh Castle Gt Yarmouth. Goodchild Marine provide a full range of marina and marine support services to boat owners and boating enthusiasts enjoying leisure time on the eastern Norfolk Broads.


I was Surveying this Power Boat today. A 36 ft Halmatic DS110 built in 1972 with twin Ford Sabre 300HP straight six turbo diesels. Top speed about 35 odd knots.


Not many of these were built... i have not Surveyed one before. This one raced in the Cowes Torquay Powerboat races and probably use to compete against the Fairy Huntsman designs.


Lots of grunt........ a real classic boat










Monday 25 April 2011

Broom 9/70

Decided to work the bank holiday Monday!!

I was in the service shed at Brooms Boats today carrying out an Insurance Survey.


This Broom 9/70 was designed to give the maximum possible space in a 32 footer whilst still providing a safe sea boat with the traditional good handling qualities of Broom craft. A slightly more compact version of the 10/70, the 9/70 was based on a John Bennett hull, with the superstructure designed by Andrew Wolstenholme, who also worked with Broom's own design team to provide the interior layout.

The aft cabin has a double bunk against one side, and incorporates an en-suite shower and toilet. The forward cabin was fitted with V-berths as standard although this could be replaced with a second double if preferred. Adjacent to the galley, a forward toilet served for day use and for guests. The design retains the twin helm positions, and as with the 10/70 there is no sliding door access to the saloon.

The standard specification provided for twin 62HP Volvo MD31s although a more typical configuration for river and coastal use was twin 110HP Volvo TAMD30As.

This was next door... a Classic Wooden Broom 45... what a beauty! 
The 'Albert' was built by Brooms, based upon an Arnott Fowler hull with a Martin Broom designed superstructure.


Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision.
Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at


steventruss1@aol.com

Saturday 23 April 2011

How to Buy a Classic or Wooden Boat – Tips and Advice | Classic Boat Magazine

How to Buy a Classic or Wooden Boat – Tips and Advice Classic Boat Magazine

Project 31




I was back down at Upton Dyke on the Norfolk Broads yesterday carrying out an Insurance Survey and a Boat Safety Examination on this Motor Cruiser. This is the boat that launched Marine Projects of Plymouth, now famous for their Princess range of motor cruisers. About 200 Project 31’s were built between 1966 and 1974, based on the popular Senior 31 hull and superstructure.

The boat usually has a large cockpit and open backed wheelhouse, this ones unusual, as it has a bolt on aft cabin!

The round-bilge hull form is capable of semi displacement speeds, up to 17 knots with, for instance, a pair of 75HP Volvo outdrives, or in a few cases about 20 Knots with two 130HP petrol engines. But most as this one is fitted with the less powerful 45HP Perkins diesels, giving a top speed of about 12 Knots… ideal for inland waters.


This was also at Upton yesterday.....My favouite Yacht on the Broads ZOE.

Dating from the turn of the century this is the only Victorian counter sterned Broads yacht in hire.
  

You can hire her for a holiday if you wish!

Friday 22 April 2011

Buying a boat advice

When buying a boat there are some key steps you should follow to make sure you get the perfect boat for your needs. Here you'll find my top tips to buying a boat.

Set a budget

Before you set foot on a single deck you need to think about how much money you want to spend on a boat. This might be a monthly repayment or simply an amount of money you are prepared to invest in your hobby.It might well change as you start your search but you have to narrow the market somehow and price is an easy way to do it. It's worth remembering that if costs get out of hand it's very difficult to have fun, and fun is why you're here.

Costs to consider
  • Boat purchase price / monthly repayments
  • Moorings - approx £350 per meter per annum ie 10m craft costs £3500 pa
  • Fuel
  • Servicing -  approx £500 per engine per annum
  • Maintenance and lift out from £500
  • Insurance
  • Survey report

Unless you are a qualified marine engineer or just very lucky, you need to call in a surveyor on most boat purchases.Boats are fairly complex machines whose components and overall build need to be professionally scrutinised. The purpose of a survey is not to nit-pick and chip away at the offer price, it is to avoid a bad boat, one that will require serious and on going remedial work. Other, more serious or expensive issues or faults can be discussed and the offer price negotiated accordingly. 

Surveys predominantly form part of a used boat deal but can be employed for new boat sales.  

Choosing a boat type
The market can be broken down into several different types of craft. Open day boats, sportscruisers, flybridge and aft cabin cruisers and wheelhouse designs. But before you get to design types you need to ask yourself how and where you will be using the boat. River and coastal boats are designed for different tasks, if you know you are going to spend a couple of years on the river you will enjoy the experience a whole lot more if the boat you are on is designed for that job. Boats, especially second hand models, do not necessarily lose money all that quickly so you can afford to buy the right craft and change your boat along with your cruising style.

Ask yourself
  • Where will I use the boat and for how long?
  • How many people will be on board?
  • Will we (all) overnight on the boat?
  • How agile are the crew, is deck access a priority?
  • Do I want to be sheltered or out in the elements
Dayboats
Any boat is, in theory, a dayboat, that is a boat you can send the day on. But what we really mean here is a smaller open craft, possibly with a small cuddy cabin, that is designed for harbour and inshore use. These can be of any speed and be powered by inboard or outboard engines. Smaller, lighter boats are perfect for trailing and are therefore easier and cheaper to maintain with home storage an option.

Sportscruisers
The most popular form of cruiser, a boat that offers a degree of interior accommodation, these fast, stylish craft can start from smaller, trailable sizes and run up to large, multi-million pound vessels. Almost always inboard powered, vessels over 30ft can offer hardtop option for the cockpit. For families, craft over 24ft can usually sleep four.

Flybridge
The idea of placing a flying bridge atop of a wheelhouse has been around almost as long as the motorboat itself but in the last 20 years this versatile design has really taken off. The winning mix sees a sheltered, comfortable accommodation on the deck level, usually including a lower helm position and a separate upper deck for a more exposed and exciting experience.

Aft cabin
As the name suggests, these boats work in a cabin in the stern of the boat in place of a cockpit. This delivers more and very private accommodation away from the forward interior sections. A usual bi-product of this design is a raised aft deck where seating and an outside steering position can be sited.

Wheelhouse
The classic motorboat design delivering a sheltered steering position and saloon on the deck level. Practical in nature, modern design now builds in more light and access in the form of cockpit and side deck doors and overhead hatches and sunroofs.

Buying a boat..........To be continued

Buying a New Boat? | News | News & Events | RYA

Buying a New Boat? News News & Events RYA

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Nidelv 24

I was at Sutton Staithe today.....2 minutes from home. The boat building tradition at Sutton Staithe Boatyard dates back to 1808, when the Norfolk trading wherries were built here. They now build boats to your exacting specifications, ranging from 6ft pram dinghies to luxury cruisers. With their highly skilled team and an excellent boatshed, they can offer a complete range of services.

Todays Survey on this Nidelv 24. I have seen a few of these boats on the Broads. For a small family this is a practical and comfortable weekender. A roomy and light cabin with a cosy u-shaped sofa aft makes meals and sleepovers enjoyable. A large bathing platform and safe bathing ladders make it easy to enjoy a refreshing swim from the boat. The Nidelv 24 has a time-tested and sturdy hull that moves nicely through the water.




They have a good hoist at Sutton Staithe.....quick and simple to get the boats out for inspection


The first Nidelv boat was launched as early as 1929. It was built by Nils Nilsen who at the time already had 18 years experience as a boat builder. A genuine love of his trade and a desire to develop more and better boats led to the foundation of The Nidelv Yard.

In the beginning Nidelv found its customers especially among the many ships officers in the Arendal area. The pleasure boat became a popular means of recreation during long holidays. The boat also raised their status in the maritime community of Arendal. The Nidelv boats were in a class of their own in terms of craftsmanship and quality, and soon customers from all over Southern Norway were arriving.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Norfolk Broads Outdoors Festival

A packed programme of over 60 events will kick off the first ever Broads Outdoors Festival, showcasing the best of the Broads, which will run from Saturday May 7 to Sunday May 15.


A packed programme of over 60 events will kick off the first ever Broads Outdoors Festival, showcasing the best of the Broads, which will run from Saturday May 7 to Sunday May 15.

The new nine day festival is designed to give a boost to tourism in the lull between Easter and Whitsun.
The festival was the brainchild of Bruce Hanson, Head of Tourism at the Broads Authority, who inspired Broads businesses, organisations and charities to work together to promote collectively the many different ways to enjoy the Broads.

“The Broads is primarily known for boating, but there is so much more to do and we want to show that off as well,” said Bruce. “The festival will give people the chance to do things they might not otherwise do and see things they might not otherwise see. So many partner organisations and businesses have really pulled together to produce a fantastic programme of events and I’m amazed myself at all there is to do.”

The festival will be launched at Whitlingham Country Park on Saturday May 7th marking the start of over a week of walking, canoeing, cycling, geocaching, train trips, boating, art and photography.

Some of the guided walks which range from 1.5 to 8 miles take people to wild parts of the Broads, which are not normally open to the public. The  choice includes dawn chorus walks, (if you can get up for 5am!) wildflower walks, ghost, keep fit and beach walks and a walk taken by the Methodist chaplain of the Broads, biologist Briant Smith, at Upton Fen. Heigham Holmes National Nature Reserve will open on one of its rare occasions.

There are evening strolls, family days out and a Techno Treasure Hunt at Ranworth which will take you into the world of geocaching.

Imaginative outings combine train journeys with guided walks, cycling and boat trips. They include a visit to the Land of the Windmills on the River Yare arriving by train, and walking back to Reedham along the Wherryman’s Way, with tours of the historic wind, steam and diesel pumps.  A “Huff and Puff” alongside the Bure Valley Railway suggests huffing one way on foot or bike then puffing back by train. Another visit to Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve sends you off paddling by canoe downstream and on a guided walk before returning to Salhouse Broad by canoe.

On the morning of Saturday 14 May you can try your hand at canoeing for free at any of the 10 Broads Canoe Hire Association centres throughout the Broads. The CanoeMan will be running guided canoe trails combined with walks through Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden as well as an otter spotting canoe trail from Honing Lock to Barton Broad. You can spend a day on a bush craft course learning survival techniques or go sailing aboard the oldest surviving trading wherry, the Albion.

This year the Broads Outdoor Festival is linking in with some events at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival including cycling tours in Bowthorpe, art installations by Liz Ballard and Sorrel Muggridge and the wonderful Festival Jazz Boat at Horning.

A special festival website and brochure giving full details of events will be launched on April 15th. The brochure will be available at Tourist Information Centres around the county, libraries and information racks throughout Norwich and the Broads the following week. Visit http://www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk/ or  http://www.enjoythebroads.co.uk/

Monday 18 April 2011

Bayliner 2655

Friday was spent at Horning Surveying this Sports Cruiser. Designed for coastal work normally but surprising popular on the Norfolk Broads.While some boat owners say the Bayliner quality is suspect, I think if you find a good one, they can be entirely trouble free and easy to maintain.

Builder/designer: Bayliner Marine, West Columbia, US.

Friday 15 April 2011

Halmatic Arun 52 Ft TSMY

I had a trip to Lowerstoft today to Survey this Little Ship. Originally built as a Fisheries Protection Vessel for the North Eastern Sea Fisheries. Converted in 1998 into this Offshore Motor Yacht and powered by twin Sabre Man V10 527hp diesels. Eight berth accommodation in four cabins, two toilets and shower compartments. A Rare and unusual aft cabin semi displacement Motor Yacht with raised bridge deck.

'Hauled out' at Haven Marina in Lowerstoft after a 6 hour trip from Brundall on the Norfolk Broads


527 HP V10 Sabre diesel engines..... the exhaust noice sounds fantastic... tons of space in the engine room


This is what she looked like before her conversion back in 1998


Halmatic also built the Weymouth 34 and Nelson 44 all known for thier sea keeping qualities.

Thursday 14 April 2011

Birchwood 330 Challanger

Today’s Survey at Brundall on this Birchwood 330. These were unusual... not to many built and most were sold into syndicate. Either Volvo or Yanmar 220hp diesels. This one on 'V' drives which is unusual. A 2000 build and a lot of boat for the money at £65K. They were built from 1993 to 2001 when Birchwoods were in the final production stages befoe going bust.

 




Have to say that access is absolutely top draw, it is 12'3 wide so stable at rest and the flybridge is dramatically better than the Sealines (their competitor), proper seating for 5, seating is convertible to facing with a table between for social use and still the option of the big sunpad.

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Bss tests in Norfolk

I had two BSS tests to do today in and round the Norfolk Broads.



The first stop was on this Sealine at Cove Marina run by David Fletcher. Ive known David since I first started working in Brundall. He has a wealth of boating knowledge.

Cove Marina is a family run business in Brundall on the Norfolk Broads, offering a full range of support for your boating needs. Facilities include:

  • Two Toilet & Shower Blocks
  • Electricity & Water Points For Every Berth
  • Crane Out Facility For Winter Storage
  • Pressurised Washer & Anti-Fouling Service
  • Pump Out Facility
  • Diesel & Gas Sales
Cove Marina....In the heart of Brundall Bay

Second stop was Ferry Boat Yard in Horning. Ive surveyed this Maxum Sports Crusier in the past. Built in 2000 so should pass her BSS test with out to may hitches.


 Ferry Marines workshop and engineering team can undertake all work that you require. There is a 12 ton lift out within their main shed and also a 12 ton crane for surveys and transporters. Within thier team they have qualified gas engineers. They carry out all Boat Safety Scheme work and can provide certification for boats. The service station is located on the main river and includes diesel, pump out and Calor gas.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Coxes Boat Yard

I was Surveying this lovely old classic day launch yesterday at Eric Bishops Yard in Barton Turf. Ive known Eric for a good few years now and hes also a fellow Boat Safety Examiner. Cox's boatyard has an enviable reputation for its knowledge and expertise in the field of boat restoration. Each member of thier team has worked in the industry for many years and collectively they have undertaken major restoration projects on both classic wooden boats as well as more modern GRP designs. Over the years, they have restored a wide range of boats from all across the UK, bringing them back to their original glory. Click this link to see some of thier recent projects.

http://www.coxsboatyard.co.uk/boat-restoration-norfolk.htm


Still going strong.....built by Gibbs of Teddington/ Reg: Port & Haven 5992.
Year built: 1930 Circ


Lovely tumbleholme transom


Another Yacht being refurbished by Coxes


One of many old wooden boats undercover.....another ClassicThames Launch


Wooden boat paradise!! They still pull them out of the water up a 'greasy way'!

Read about their 'Shaft of Light' boat restoration - a 1946 flagship cruiser of the hire fleets made as good as new.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Norfolk Broads Budget 2011



The Broads Authority has set its budget for the coming year, taking account of the reductions in its National Park Grant. The budget is based on a projected income of £6.695 million, just over £4 million from Government grant and £2.68 million from the charges levied on boat owners using the Broads.

It is hoped that a bid for €900,000 from Europe to support innovative approaches to dredging and a financial contribution to care for the How Hill National Nature Reserve will boost the Authority’s income.

The largest components in the expenditure of £6.9 million will be spent on dredging and maintaining the navigation area, over £1 million. The Authority is continuing with its planned programme to remove 50,000 metres3 of silt from the system per annum. Approximately £750,000 will be spent on managing the fragile fen areas for their conservation value and improving the water quality in isolated broads. Patrolling and looking after the rivers and broads and sites used by the public accounts for a further £620,000. The Authority’s grant-giving Sustainable Development Fund continues with £150,000 allocated for this purpose.

The preparation of the budget has been particularly difficult this year because of the scale of the projected reduction in Government Grant and the need to review the allocation of costs between its different lines of expenditure. The cutback in Defra's contribution to the Authority has consequences for the balance of activity within its work. A greater proportion of staff effort will be spent on navigation functions, and the contributions that National Park Grant and navigation income make to shared costs have had to be rebalanced. A system that favours navigation expenditure to the tune of around £30,000 compared to that set out in the agreement with the national boating organisations has been unanimously agreed by the Authority’s Navigation Committee and adopted by the Authority.

Historically navigation has been in a favoured position in that National Park Grant has subsidised navigation spending on the shared running costs. Now the Authority’s National Park Grant has been significantly reduced toll payers are being asked to pay their fair share alongside the conservation and recreation interests for which the Authority is equally responsible.

The Authority is planning to reduce the amount of shared cost activities, and staff, by more than the rest of the Authority's services, but has to continue to maintain them at the minimum level required to support both NPG and navigation functions.

A major restructuring involving moving from four directorates to two is under way. Thirty posts are being lost saving 10% (around £380,000) of the Authority’s annual salary bill. There are many more savings to achieve in the next 3 years as National Park Grant reduces as forecast.

The number of boats on the Broads has held up well and as a result navigation charges are increasing by just 2.5% for smaller boats and around 6% for the biggest boats on the Broads in 2011/12. The overall increase in toll income of 5% is less than was planned for in the Authority’s three year Financial Strategy for Navigation.

Broom 38

I was back in Brundall in Norfolk today Surveying this Broom Ocean 38 at Broadland Boat Centre.The 38 was designed by Andrew Wolstenholme to bridge the gap between Broom's Offshore and Coastal ranges, resurrecting the hugely successful semi-displacement Broom and Ocean 37s. Equally at home at sea or on the inland waterways the 38 incorporates a good size keel which protects the rudders and propellors, gives good steering at slow speeds and has the added advantage of allowing the boat to take the ground in drying harbours.



The wide beam allows for the usual spacious Broom aft cabin, with en suite toilet and separate shower stall, a raised deck lounge plus dinette at galley level. A compact forward V-berth provides comfortable accommodation for occasional guests, with a second toilet adjacent. A sliding door to port provides access directly to the side decks.

The 38 was available with a single 135HP Perkins diesel for displacement speeds, but most boats were fitted with twin Volvo or Perkins engines between 135HP and 265HP each. (This example had twin Yanmar diesels 250HP).

The Ocean 38 was renamed the Broom 38CL towards the end of its life to strengthen the Broom branding and bring it in line with the rest of the Coastal range.

Hampton Safari Survey

I was at Wayford Bridge Marina nr Stalham, Norfolk today carrying out a Pre-purchase Survey on this little Hampton Safari.

 In the 1960's, Alec Hampton's boat hire business 'Hampton Boats' at Oulton Broad consisted of a fleet of traditional mahogany cruisers. Alec then designed the mark one Hampton Safari for production in fibreglass. The length was increased from 22' 6" to 25'6" and the beam from 8' 6" to 9' 6". A plug was made from marine plywood, which was then used to form the female hull moulding. The boats were moulded firstly by Rydgeway Marine of Kessingland, and then by Bob Smith of Lowestoft.
 

This is the Mark II version with sliding wheelhouse/lounge. They are somewhat difficult to distinguish because individual boatyards completed the Hampton mouldings to their own spec. Mark 1's (usually) didn't have the integral molding for the gas bottle stowage under the afterdeck, or the moulded in mudweight holder on the foredeck. The control panel moulding was different and the keel was smaller.

 

Although a total of 256 Hampton Safaris were produced from 1969 to 1982, most were supplied to other hire-boat yards as bare mouldings for their staff to complete. During the peak years, Hampton Boats ran 14 Safari 25's in it's fleet, but this reduced to just two in the final season of 2002. Sadly, the yard has now ceased trading, and will surely be missed by the large regular clientele, some of which have been regulars for nearly 30 years.(Hamptons themselves only built one Safari for private use, in 1971 called 'Blue Tit' for John Jarrold, who was then the Mayor of Norwich.)

Friday 1 April 2011

Broadland Boat Centre


I was carrying out a Survey in Brundall today on a Dawncraft 30. The most popular of the uniquely Dawncraft designs - almost 100 are known on the Broads. Many were built or outfitted by Brooms and are known as either Aquafibre DC30 or Broom DC30.

Todays boat.... still going strong at 44 years old!


Some new boats being prepared for the new season and others for Brokerage.... all the top yards in the area seem very busy at the moment.