Broom 36

It was another Survey day at Brooms today. Its been a busy month in Brundall, probably my busiest ever! If you're in the market to buy a boat and you have the means, now may be the absolute best time to get a deal – possibly the best buyer's market in a generation. With sales knocked flat by the economy and many dealers flush with inventory that is expensive to maintain, serious buyers can expect both a substantial price break and a handful of perks if they are willing to put their money down.

The Broom 36 was part of the fast offshore range with a planing hull but without a keel, making it a fast boat for offshore passages but less suitable for inland cruising.

The interior layout makes the most of the limited space with an offset double berth in the aft cabin as well as separate shower and WC cabins. The deck saloon has to double up as the dining area, with steps down to the galley, forward heads and guest V-berth.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo's, typically 220HP. This boat had my prefered option the Perkins Sabre M255TI 225HP.

Surveyors comments:

The grease cups for the rudder tubes should be tightened down a couple of turns before each long trip, and the stuffing boxes checked every 100 hrs running. The rudder gland packing is 5/16” x 5/16” Sq. The grease cups for the rudders on nearly all the Broom models are situated below the aft berth. Keep grease cups full of light machine grease.

The propeller shaft glands should be checked every two weeks for leaks. These are situated aft along the propeller shaft behind the drive couplings. These glands are adjustable to stop water coming in, to adjust the glands turn the thin lock nut about 2 turns, then turn the large nut onto the thin nut, then lock it off. The glands should never be over tightened but should be tight enough so as to allow a drip of water to issue from the glands every 60 seconds approximately. If the glands are adjusted to tight this will cause heat and is liable to damage the gland packing.