Broom 39

Today’s assignment was to carry out a Pre-purchase Survey on this Broom 39, the successor to the popular Ocean 38, with an improved bathing platform with built-in steps. The name change to 39KL emphasises the good handling provided by the keel. The 39 followed the example of the 42 CL in using the narrow "eyebrow" style side windows and a black frame for the front windscreen.

Interior design follows the traditional layout of aft master en-suite cabin, with separate shower and toilet. The split-level living space offers a deck level saloon, and a galley and dinette area forward, before the standard V-berth forward cabin.

The 39KL is normally fitted with a single engine if intended mainly for river use, this one has a larger plant D6 model with 370HP. Twins were fitted for offshore cruising.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surveyors comments:
Look after your engine

This is perhaps the single most item to pay attention to – at the very least ensure there is an adequate antifreeze in the cooling system to prevent freezing and that the raw (salt) water side of cooling systems are flushed through with an anti-freeze mix. It’s also worth filling the fuel tank so that condensation can’t form within it – the diesel bacteria that all too easily clogs fuel filters thrives if there’s water in the tank. This is also the best time to give the engine an annual service, including changing engine oil, plus oil and fuel filters. That way it’s ready for spring and the motor will benefit from the protection offered by the new engine oil. Ideally you should also check out whether any other work is needed on the engine/drive installation. Start by checking for wear in the cutless bearing that supports the propeller shaft either at the P bracket or the shaft log. The bearing should be a snug fit around the propshaft, but if there is more than 1mm of movement when the shaft is moved either up and down, or from side to side, it should be replaced.

Is there any damage to your propeller? The propeller should also be examined. Is there any damage to the outer edges of the blades? Are there any areas where the metal has a pink tinge? This is a sign of de-zincification due to inadequate anodic protection.

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

Searay 370

A fantastic example of this popular Sea Ray model built in 1992 to european specification, with twin diesel engines and shaft drives. This boat is equipped to the highest spec and has been regularly maintained.

 

Check out the spec.....you wont find a better example....

This boat has been in Karl Sharps (Marine Engineer) ownership for the past 11 years, during that time she has been used on the Norfolk Broads (perfect with the low air draft and low Broads bridges), East coast and more recently the French Canals and Mediterranean.  They have found her to be safe, comfortable and reliable in all situations.

The two Mercruiser 254 Turbo AC engines @ 220HP each, deliver smooth, quiet and economical power through ZF 630V gearboxes. New PSS seal systems fitted 2010.

A Westerbeke 6/8kva, 3 cylinder diesel generator provides power to all onboard mains equipment when away from shorepower, including an all electric galley (3 ring hob, Panasonic stainless microwave combi oven), fridge(12/220v) 2 reverse cycle aircon units, Mastervolt battery charger, hot water boiler, flat panel lcd tv, dvd/vhs combi. Waeco 1500w pure sinewave inverter also fitted to supply silent power to tv equipment.

Full engine instrumentation:- tacho, oil pressure, temperature, volts. Also, engine sync., fuel tank x 2, water tank and holding tank guages and a SeaRay systems monitoring panel with alarms for engines and pumps etc.

Navigation equipment is a Raymarine integrated system with 10" colour radar/plotter with heading sensor, auto pilot, tridata and gps. Skanti VHF/DSC radio with remote handset. Remote controlled searchlight, nav. lights, docking lights, deck lights etc. Trim tabs, winch and FM200 fire system all controlled from the helm.

Fitted with both bow and stern thrusters.

The toilet has a fresh water vacuflush system with a manual diverter valve to holding tank or overboard discharge. Tank emptying is by shore based pump-out or onboard mascerator.

Horsey Mere Open Regatta

Horsey Mere Open Regatta 11th and 12th May.

The first time this Regatta has been held on Horsey since the turn of the early 1900's. All classes welcome to the multiple allcomers races over the weekend. Ale, food and entertainment at the Nelson Head Saturday evening. East Norfolk Trading Cider bar at the Regatta for the weekend.

Any questions just email me at steventruss1@aol.com

Horsey Mere Open Regatta 11th and 12th May

Horsey Mere Open Regatta 11th and 12th May.

The first time this Regatta has been held on Horsey since the turn of the early 1900's. All classes welcome to the multiple allcomers races over the weekend. Ale, food and entertainment at the Nelson Head Saturday evening. East Norfolk Trading Cider bar at the Regatta for the weekend.

Broom 37 Continental

I was carrying out an Insurance Survey today. When you want to insure a boat, or have to renew an existing policy, your insurance company will need an Insurance Survey in order to determine its insurability for the intended use. This type of survey is often referred to as a Condition and Valuation Survey.

The Broom 37 Continental was launched in 1968 and was succeeded by the Broom Crown, basically the same boat but with restyled superstructure and interior which remained in production up to 1986. The boats were designed by John Bennett, moulded by Aquafibre and fitted out to high standards by CJ Brooms & Sons of Brundall where I was at today. Brooms produced 186 Continentals and 83 Crowns.

With a reputation as immensely sea-worthy and bringing together all the key layout features that have characterised Brooms boats ever since, the 37 Continental can fairly be said to be the grandmother of "Aft Cabins - Forward Thinking"!

Twin v-berths in the forward cabin and two singles in the aft cabin provide permanent berths for four, whilst the settee in the saloon converts to another double berth. All boats feature interior and exterior helms and have sliding doors on both sides of the saloon giving access to the side decks.

Power is almost invariably provided by twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels.

 
 

LOA:	37ft 0in / 11.28m
Beam:	12ft 4in / 3.76m
Draught:	3ft 0in / 0.91m
Min. Air Draught:	8ft 6in / 2.59m
Hull/Deck:	GRP
Hull Form:	Semi-displacement
Cruise Speed:	10 knots
Max. Speed:	17 knots
Fuel Capacity:	2 x 100 gals / 454ltr
Water Capacity:	100 gals
Build Period:	1968-1978
Number Built:	186
Previous Model:	?
Successor Model:	Broom 37 Crown
Market Value:	£55,000 - 65,000

Surveyors comments: Older Brooms models may have windows seals that are leaking and causing damage to internal woodwork. To stop windows leaking you may have use a non-hardening caulking so that the caulking can move with the expansion. To deal with this problem, you may have to remove the frames, rebed them and refasten them less tightly than they were previously installed.
 
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

Alphacraft 35

Today’s assignment was at Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham Surveying one of their older boats an Alphacraft 35. Yet a further extension of the 29' with a longer aft cabin normally outfitted as a four/five berth. The main body of the boat can either be on one level like the 32' or with a normal raised cockpit area. They tend to Survey well... popular cruisers. A ‘Fold back’ electrically operated roof allows open air living, and access to the majority of the inland water ways.

Barnes Brinkcraft have added new cruisers to its fleet every year for the last six years resulting in a range of 35 high quality modern cruisers and a total fleet size of 100 operated from a modern base in Wroxham, the capital of Broadland.

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

Hunter Horizon 26

I had a trip out to Loddon on the South Broads today to Survey this Hunter Horizon Yacht for pre-purchase. The Hunter Horizon 26 is a David Thomas design for Hunter Boats, intended to be a slightly larger, more cruising-orientated version of the 25 foot Hunter Delta, itself a development of the very successful Hunter Sonata 24 foot one design cruiser-racer.

Introduced in 1984, the Horizon 26 design was one of the first small British-built boat to have what was then the unusual feature of an aft cabin and aft heads. The design was a success, with about 160 built in four years, and led on to the later Horizon 27, 272 and 273 variants. Although fin and lift-keel Horizon 26s were built, the majority were twin bilge keeled, these twin keels being fairly deep and giving good performance under sail. The Horizon 26 design remained in production until 1988.

The Horizon 26 was designed to have the choice of an outboard in a cockpit well, typically 6 to 9 hp, or a small inboard engine - usually a 9 hp Yanmar like this version.

 

 

If an inboard is fitted it is often a Yanmar 1GM. The alternative outboard is fitted in a well in the port side cockpit locker. As this means this cockpit locker is of little use for fenders etc. the under-companionway space occupied by an inboard become locker space

 

Marine Surveyors operating across Ireland

I was back at work today carrying out this Marine Survey on the River Shannon.

This was a one off from Haines. A 36 footer based on the Elegance model, like a mini 42 version. This was a boat for all the family with a 6 berth layout, or all the live-aboard comfort you would need in one open-plan.

Powered by a single Nanni 62hp, she has hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, 240v shore power, battery charger and inverter and a superb upper deck.

Surveyors comments: Haines have an excellent reputation for build quality and I can never fault them after Surveying dozens of different models. Choice is everything when buying your new Haines, from hull color to layout, or from the color of the window blinds to the number of drawers in your master cabin. Haines will expertly customise your craft to accommodate your every need.

Thinking of Buying a Boat in Ireland 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

More History on Raisena

'Raisena' was built in 1932 by Herbert Woods at Potter Heigham and was the first Bermudan-rigged cruiser which he built for private ownership. Herbert Woods was a great believer in the qualities of Bermudan over the traditional gaff, and was responsible for changing 'Madie's' rig when she was owned by him in 1938..

'Raisena's' first owner was Sir Alexander Rouse, a civil engineer who spent much of his working life in India, and came to East Anglia when he retired. He had been responsible for building a large part of New Delhi, and named his boat after a town that had previously existed on the site of the new city. During the 1950 's. 'Raisena' was based at Oulton Broad, where she was raced and cruised by the builder, undertaker and water-diviner, Billy Youngs and his family.

Billy Youngs was one of the great characters of the Broads, who could hold a pub audience spell-bound with his anecdotes relating to his profession and his sailing exploits. In those days the boat was exceptionally well furnished, with comfortable arm chairs, settee beds and even a bureau.

After a brief period in the ownership of Geoff Priest, she was sold in the early sixties to Mr and Mrs Victor Hoyle, who maintained her beautifully and loved her dearly. She was cruised by them but hardly ever raced. Her present owner, Martin Broom, bought her in 1972. He has refined her appearance by shortening the length of the cabin, and her performance by reducing the surplus weight, including the heavy cruising gear installed for the convenience of previous owners. Amongst this was the powered mast winch, a Saunders Roe outboard (rare and interesting item, this) and a quantity of loose furniture. Modifications to her sail plan and Martin's general tuning of the boat, together with his expert helmsmanship have made her the fastest all-round cruiser in the Class.

Martin's attitude towards cruiser racing is reminiscent of those early owners of the big-class yachts in the pre-war years when life revolved around the regattas and boats were towed from place to place with the sole objective of winning races - or at least getting first gun. This approach may not be approved of by some, but even critics must admire the way in which the biggest and most powerful Broads Cruiser is handled today.

Racing Over the past ten years, 'Raisena' has been the most successful of all cruisers - winning the Coronation Cup, Claret Jug, Wroxham and Oulton Week trophies, and being the fastest boat over the Yare Navigation Race course. Like most of the larger cruisers, she is best handled in a light to fresh breeze.

In very light conditions she will sometimes come off second best to 'Ladybird' and 'Achievement', and in a heavy blow to the smaller boats which come into their own in that condition.

For me, as someone who has raced against 'Raisena' since the early fifties, there is no more awe-inspiring sight than that great hull and tremendous spread of sail roaring up on a broad reach in a fresh breeze and being sailed to its full capacity. The sight of 'Raisena' with 'Ladybird' and 'Cirrus' racing in close competition gives us now some conception of the days when 'Madie', 'Bonito', 'Queen Mab' and their like competed so fiercely.



　

Connoisseur 1070FB

Today’s assignment was at Richardson’s at Stalham, just 14 miles from both Norwich and Great Yarmouth, this site covers some 20 acres and is the largest Norfolk Broads boat base.

They often have ex-hire boats for sale, or sometimes like in this case if you’re after something particular they may pull one out of the fleet for you to buy.

This Connoisseur 1070FB was created for Connoisseur’s European bases. Sometimes known of as Merchant - a name Le Boat/Connoisseur used for the class for the last few years they hired them.

Around eight were produced and four were bought by Richardsons and brought back to Norfolk, early 2011 to become “Astral Gems”.

The class features the same forward arrangement as the 900FB but has a double and bunk cabin aft. They were built with a second toilet though those that have been brought back now feature one shower room & one toilet.
 

Unusual ….but they make the perfect floating holiday home!