Marine Surveyor on the Norfolk Broads.

My services are totally unique in the Surveying world as I guarantee a ‘24 hour delivery’ of a personalised and comprehensive survey in PDF (electronic) format with a bound quality hard copy on request, and i carefully construct a choice of survey options to meet my client's needs.

 
 
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 32

I had a trip to Horning on the Northern Broads today to Survey this Motor Cruiser for Pre-Purchase.

The Aquafibre Sapphire 32 was launched in 1983 as the charter version of the popular Broom 32 production model. It is the smaller sister of the Crystal 37, generally configured as a 4+2 berth and can instantly be identified because of the much smaller cabin moulding projecting upwards onto the flybridge area. This model was very popular at home in the Norfolk hirefleets, and a large number were built for Ireland and other markets. It is often considered to have slightly more elegant lines than its larger sister, mainly because of the differences to the aft cabin.

Aquafibre was founded at Neatishead, Norfolk in the 1960's by a consortium of local boat-builders. The majority shareholders were Robert Richardson and John Linford, who had 30% equity each. The remainder was divided between Martin Broom (Broom Boats), Rip Martins (later of Martins Plastics), Vicktor Bell (Bell Boats), David Millbank (Jenners of Thorpe) and Dawncraft of Wroxham. Dawncraft soon sold their share to David Millbank. John Linford was tragically killed in a light aircraft crash and his share was sold to Martin Broom. Rip Martins also sold his share around the same time.

Robert Richardson felt that he was the main customer of the business and so sold his share to Martin Broom around 1975 to embark on his own operation. Aquafibre was often identified as being Broom's 'sister' company and almost all of their boats up until 2009 were moulded at Wendover Road.

Aquafibre also provided mould development and consultancy services for many other major boatbuilders as well as producing their extensive range of models from the Rackheath facility.

Sadly, in May 2009 the vast Wendover Road site at Rackheath closed its doors for the very last time. Production of sister company Broom's mouldings moved entirely to their Brundall site.

As a point of info Haines no longer use any Broom mouldings products.

The staff at Ferry Marine lifting her out. Very professional set up now at Ferry Marine. The guys are always on time and pressure wash the hull as part of the lift.

Surveyors comments:

This hull had the epoxy-copper anti-fouling gel-coat that had been applied from new. Its developed in the mould application during the manufacture. It produces a hard, abrasion and damage resistant surface that repels fouling and is self cleaning. It also has anti OSMOSIS qualities. It has an ultra smooth surface has low friction against water that results in higher speed and reduced fuel consumption when compared to conventional antifouling. Its quite common on Broads built boats…. I see it regularly on some of the later Broom boats.


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

Freeman 26

Today I spent the day at Mermaid Boatyard in Brundall on the South Norfolk Broads Surveying this Classic Cruiser for Insurance purposes.
Using the same hull as the Freeman 25, this Freeman 26's superstructure was developed from the Freeman 22 Mk2. Notice the return of the step in the deck and larger cabin windows. The Freeman 26 offers larger accommodation and together with the Freeman 22 Mk2 formed the back bone of what is generally known as the Freeman range.

Over 300 built between 1965 and 1973. They are ideal for the Broads, but most can be found on rivers, though they are cable of making passages in estuarial and sheltered coastal waters in fair weather.

The boats were fitted with a number of engine options from new. This model was fitted with the Perkins 4107 diesel. I have Surveyed some with twin Petrol’s.

 

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

Broadland Holiday 1954

Kayla promotes Broads lifejacket campaign

A nine year old girl who won a Broads Authority competition to promote its lifejacket campaign last year is back holidaying on the Broads with her grandparents this week.

Kayla Dyne from South Ockenden, Essex, is on holiday with her grandparents, George and Gloria Dyne, who have been holidaying on the Southern Broads for over 30 years.

For the last six years they have been hiring cruisers from Silverline Marine, run by Colin and Lesley Dye at Brundall.
Kayla entered a competition in the Broads Authority’s Broadcaster visitor magazine to design a badge or sticker carrying an important safety message.

She said: “It’s very important to wear a life jacket. If you don’t and you fall in you can get very hurt.”

The Broads Authority launched its Wear It safety campaign in April to warn boaters to wear life jackets after five people died while boating on the Broads last year. None of them was wearing a life jacket and it is believed that four of them might still be alive if they had been wearing one. Wear It posters are now displayed at boat yards around the Broads and hire boats have all been issued with keyrings displaying the safety message.

Kayla was presented with one of the keyrings, a Wear It wind-up torch and a Broads goody bag as her prize.
Kayla, who has been accompanying her grandparents for three years and is already selecting next year’s boat, says she loves the Broads because it is so “calm” and she loves being outdoors.

She is also a keen fisherwoman and has beaten her granddad in a contest by landing a 16-18lb pike at Coldham Hall, on the River Yare.
Gloria, 65, from Basildon in Essex, said they often came to the southern Broads twice a year.

“We just love it,” she said. “My husband is a driving instructor and he loves slowing down. It’s so peaceful and we love being on the water.”
George, 63, said: “I love the freedom and the friendliness of the people here. This yard is very special.”

Sheerline 740 Forward Steer.

I had a visit to Sheerline Boats at Thorpe in Norwich on Friday. This was one of their early boats they were renovating for a new owner. She was built in 1985. They are quite rare these little forward steer Sheerline 740’s and don’t come on the market that often. It is a superb day cruiser or converts to a most comfortable overnight boat.

The boys at Sheerline busy polishing the hull ready for the hand over.

The forward helm position has twin sliding overhead canopies for all weather cruising and the craft's height and width make the majority of the UK inland waterways available. This boat originally had one roof, but Sheerline have divided into two to give the boat a more modern feel and it represents the twin roof version of their newer models.

The newer model they are producing has two interior layouts - Flair and Finesse. Both have a fully equipped galley and a shower and toilet compartment to provide full comfort facilities. The Flair option could be considered a day boat for up to 12 people, converting to occasional use as an overnight boat with berths for two people - either as two singles or a large double. The Finesse option is a mid-engined craft and overnight accommodation is achieved with a fixed double berth in the aft cabin. The forward saloon has a high quality wrap-around settee that converts to an additional double berth.

Take a look at their website for more details:

http://www.sheerlinemotorcruisers.com/pages/index

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

Hampton Safari Mk III

I surveyed another little Hampton Safari River Cruiser yesterday. I’m always impressed by these little Broads Cruisers and I totally understand why they are so popular… they are the perfect floating caravan and very affordable.

Please search my Blog (box top left) for the Safari History and other various models i have inspected over the years.

Surveyors comment:

Prices vary…. Boat prices have slumped since the recession, but still expect to pay 18K for a beauty. 12K will find you an ex hire needing some TLC.

They always seem to have a few blisters (osmosis) on the bottom, but don’t worry to much. Ive never seen one with blisters that have reached serious proportions that would affect the structural integrity of the boat.... the hulls thick and well built.

Its always worth pulling up all the floor boards and checking all the softwood floor joists for any rot.

Water test the window seals with a hose pipe. They can be expensive to remove and restore.

Walk around the decks, foredeck and coach roofs. They should be solid underfoot.

Mk II versions… check the sliding roof has not cracked in the corners.

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

Broom 30 Coupe Event

Norfolk Boat Sales and Broom Boats are delighted to announce that the new Broom 30 Coupe will be on show at a preview event at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club on Saturday 18th August.

Taking place from 12 noon until 6pm, the event will provide an opportunity to look round two of Broom’s newest boats, as well as to enjoy a cream tea or glass of wine, along with entertainment from a popular local blues band.

The Broom 30 Coupe exemplifies the very best of British boatbuilding and shows how Broom Boats are leading the way in modern styling and innovative design. With low air draught and compact design, the 30 Coupe is ideally suited to the inland waterways, and provides all the luxury of a bigger boat in an affordable 30 foot model.

Also on show will be the Broom 370. This latest aft cabin model demonstrates cutting edge technology and contemporary styling whilst upholding Broom Boats’ reputation for quality.

For more information or to secure your place please email Janine or Mathew at sales@norfolkboatsales.co.uk or call 01603 711811.

Broom 30 Coupe Key features • Triple skylights across saloon, galley and forward cabin • Contemporary interior design throughout • Comfortable 'relax and view' seat on foredeck • Large bonded windows give light and airy interior • Low air draft - ideally suited to inland waterways • Luxurious double berth owner's cabin • Spacious cockpit for entertaining

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

　
　
　

Classic River Cruiser for Sale

I had the pleasure of Surveying this Classic River Cruiser today.

‘Glitterwake’ is a real survivor, and has great charm and character. She was built by the famous Jack Powles of Wroxam on the Norfolk Broads in 1937. She is a registered small ship no: 164175, built of mahogany on oak. She had a major rebuild in 1991 in Oulton Broad. The new owner Mr. Lodge who is a competent boat builder has spent the last two years working on her at Wayford Bridge and has replaced the deck as well as approximately 250 feet of new mahogany planking. She’s now in immaculate condition and up for sale at the end of the season. The new owner could be involved in the last few months of the refit, and having a say in the last few fittings, furniture, carpets and curtains etc.

Power is a BMC 2.5 Commander 50HP diesel.

Offers around 48K....

Email Andrew at marion.lodge@keme.co.uk for more information... he has tons of history, pictures and original paperwork.

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

　

Increase in Broads tourism could have knock on effect

Visitors to the Broads increased by 4.2% last year to 7.4 million with a 2% increase in spending and jobs in the tourism sector.

The 2011 figures released by STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor), the leading model for calculating the volume and value of tourism, show that visitors spent £469 million compared to £437 million in 2010. Jobs dependent on tourism rose from 6,236 to 6,367. There were 7.1 million visitors in 2010.

Bruce Hanson, the Broads Authority’s tourism officer, said that the tourism figures had shown a steady rise year on year.“Tourism in the Broads has held up well in an extremely difficult economic climate and we should be very proud of this result,” he said. “This is a tribute to the extremely hard work of many people in the Broads holiday industry who have pulled together and paid particular attention to the need to continually improve the quality of the Broads tourism offer. The efforts of Broads businesses, working closely with the Broads Authority, have resulted in everyone becoming a winner—the businesses, the environment and the visitors.”Mr Hanson strongly believes tourism drives the economy of the Broads and that this success will have a knock-on effect to the wider community.“The challenge is to maintain this momentum,” he said. “Broads Tourism, the organisation representing Broads businesses, is committed to this agenda and I am confident it will continue to ensure the prosperity of the region.”

Barbara Greasley, Chairman of Broads Tourism, said: “I have been extremely encouraged by the findings of the STEAM report. Over the last few years Broads businesses have really identified the need to maintain and improve the quality of our tourism offer. This has resulted in a great deal of investment being made by individual businesses. These results show that all the investment and hard work has been worthwhile.”

Broom Ocean 37

I had a visit to Brooms Boats again today to Survey this Ocean 37 for Pre-purchase. Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental this boat has a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now 'corridor' in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

Most boats like this example were fitted with twin side mounted 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed.

An interesting fact is when this model first came on the market by Broom in the 70's they were - wait for it - only £12-13,000!

Surveyors comments:

Make sure the boat was actually built by Brooms. Although mainly early ones (early seventies) there are a surprising number that were Aquafibre mouldings fitted out by other yards. There should be a builders plate with the build number. Telephone Brooms, think it is still Andrew Stone or he may just have retired, or see them at the Southampton Boat Show. Bound to be there. They will tell you the history and confirm the build.

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