Broom Skipper

Todays assignment was an inspection on this Broom Skipper at wroxham. This one was'nt manufactured by Brooms, it was fitted out by another Yard (Norfolk Broads Yachting Company in Horning). The production built version shares the same round-bilged GRP hull as the Ocean 30, designed by Mr R.M. "Rip" Martins who was a naval architect, the Broom 30 is distinguished by its midships wheelhouse saloon, with sliding doors on both sides. The superstructure and interior were designed by Mr Martin Broom and four pre-1968 boats had a mahogany superstructure and teak-laid deck, after which time the construction was all GRP. Wooden uprights in the forward windscreen and wooden wheelhouse door frames were also phased out in later models. Most people are surprised by the spaciousness of the interior, which provides four single berths in two cabins, a wheelhouse/saloon with a convertible settee and sunroof, two bathrooms and a 'corridor' galley. Some boats have had a helm position retro-fitted to the aft cabin roof, behind the wheelhouse/saloon, increasing air draught to 9ft. The 'Skipper' variant of the Broom 30 was produced with a soft-top and hinge-down windscreen and sides to the wheelhouse/saloon to give an air draught suitable for the Upper Thames, the Broads and other cruising grounds with low bridges. On these models, the wheelhouse is smaller, with a larger saloon and galley aft.

As this was not an original version it had a BMC 1.5 diesel installed. Engines are mostly Perkins 4-cylinder diesels in the originals....ranging from 35 to 70hp in either single or twin configurations.  The difference in top speeds between these is only about 1 knot.

What to look for if wanting an original Brooms built skipper.... Bulkheads are always 'glassed in', Perkins 4108 engine, Gas locker sited above the Transom, Build number on a Brooms Plaque at the helm + number on back of the draws.

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