Today’s assignment was to Survey this Aquafibre 30 at Bells Boats in Brundall on the South Broads. Bell Boats Ltd is an established family run business (for over 60 years) and offers a wide range of services for the boat owner permanently or temporarily based in Norfolk.
Aquafibre was probably one of the most common known boat makers on the Broads. Aquafibre were a prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were often outfitted by a variety of boatyards, including Brooms of Brundall and Bristercraft at Wroxham. Unfortunately Aquafibre ceased trading in 2009, marking the end of an era in Norfolk boat building.
As far as I am aware, Aquafibre were producing Broadland craft since the late 1960s. You will often also notice Aquafibre craft badged with different names depending on the outfitter.
Before starting the engine, here are some basic checks to follow:
Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.
General:
Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.
Running Checks:
Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.
On Your Return:
Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
Aquafibre was probably one of the most common known boat makers on the Broads. Aquafibre were a prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were often outfitted by a variety of boatyards, including Brooms of Brundall and Bristercraft at Wroxham. Unfortunately Aquafibre ceased trading in 2009, marking the end of an era in Norfolk boat building.
As far as I am aware, Aquafibre were producing Broadland craft since the late 1960s. You will often also notice Aquafibre craft badged with different names depending on the outfitter.
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| Good strong crane at Bells Boats.. looks like it could lift virtually anything on the Broads... |
Before starting the engine, here are some basic checks to follow:
Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.
General:
Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.
Running Checks:
Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.
On Your Return:
Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
I was at work when Steven surveyed this boat for me, and I made a bad mistake not getting time off work to attend, and not having a full survey.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Steven recommended a good local boat engineer, who showed me how the various boat systems work, and found some minor faults, one of which needs immediate attention - since the survey the bilge pump fuse had blown, and when replaced, the pump ran but no water was coming through. On reading Steven's blogs I find that he recommends a more powerful back-up pump in the bilge, which I think an excellent idea and will fit one asap. I have also bought a Whale Gusher hand pump as recommended by Steven in his survey. I strongly recommend that anyone new to boating gets a full boat survey and attends in person.
I was lucky, my error of judgement and ignorance of the boat's workings could have cost me big-time, especially in the very cold weather recently. My thanks to Steven and engineer Will for their very helpful advice.