Otter 31

I Surveyed this little Narrow Boat yesterday at Haven Marina in Lowestoft. Sea Otter the builders are based in Staveley, Derbyshire and are renowned for their high quality alloy boats and excellent customer care. They are made from a marine-grade aluminium alloy, the same sort of material used for harbour work boats, oil rig support vessels, the Swedish Navy, the Thames water police, some cross-channel ferries and life-boats.

Boat Spotters ! Hull numbers are engraved in the engine bay. 

Lovely day for boating at Haven Marina...

Surveyors comments:

I noticed when driving her into the dock that they are light in weight, so a strong gust could be more of a problem than with a similar-sized steel boat; but have you ever tried to push off a steel boat which is wedged firmly against a bank? You can do it single handed with a pole when you have a Sea Otter.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

Last Weeks Survey Assignments

The start of the week was inspecting this Broom 39 at Barnes of Brinkcraft. The 39KL is the successor to the popular Ocean 38, with an improved bathing platform with built-in steps. The name change to KL 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.

Another Pre-purchase Survey at Barnes of Brinkcraft today with Norfolk Boat Sales. These types of inspections are becoming increasingly more regular, IE customers now wishing to buy their own hire boat! This is the third Alpha 35 I have inspected in the last four weeks.....The vessels are stock boats, and any works required carried out in the given time scales, and the vessel is then handed over into private ownership.

Another 7 year project I have been monitoring nearing completion at Martham Boats. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden cruisers designed for inland waters...Anyone recognise her? 

Had a trip to Portsmouth last week as well.... long drive! Great course though on the latest 'Report Writing' at the IIMS. Wow... how Portsmouth has changed since my Navy days..... very cosmopolitan down on the Waterfront. 

This was last Saturday at Bramerton on my live aboard boat... drying the laundry in the hot sunshine. 

 A nice looking 'Seawings' to Survey Wednesday at Brundall Bay. Take a look at the Hardy Owners Club, some nice boats up for sale. http://www.hardy-owner.org.uk/marketplace.php

'Boat Wrapping' in Brundall...... is that the end of all those cleaning and polishing products!

Over at Horning on the Northern Broads with Norfolk Yacht Agency on Friday Surveying this very clean looking Bounty 27. In the mid 1970‘s Bounty Boats bought the mould tools for the hull and superstructure of the Elysian 27. This had been a hugely successful model already, produced by Appleyard Lincoln & Co, and later J.G.Meaks. The model is probably best known as a Bounty 27 Aft Cockpit (AC).

Shot of Portsmouth 

Had to add this from the week before. Friend of mine has built a replica of the Motor Boat out of the film Apocalypse Now! This was cruising down the Southern Broads at Reedham... The Broads Authority love her!!

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 

Bounty 37 for sale in Norfolk UK

I was at Summercraft today Surveying this Bounty 37 River Cruiser. At its peak Bounty were employing 85 people, across 3 sites and producing up to twelve craft a month. Such was demand that sometimes local sub-contractors were used to fit out the mouldings to the Bounty design.

Almost all the craft produced were for hirefleets. Bounty themselves ran their hirefleet until the end of 1989, so the company knew what both customers and operators wanted from the craft, and it was an ideal showcase for their range of craft. Many of the craft are still in hirefleets, though a higher number are now also in private ownership.

Summercraft have a great reputation for looking after their boats. Check out Norfolk Yacht Agency s website as im sure there might be others for sale. 

In addition to the high numbers produced by Bounty Boats many were constructed by other yards. Bounty were happy to sell the mouldings to yards for their own production, which only added to their success and sheer numbers of their designs around. Genuine Bounty produced craft carried a black plastic plate with their name on it, along with boat type and build number on it.

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

Rebel Class Half Decker for sale on the Norfolk Broads

Its time for a change again!.....I've decided to put 'Rebel Chieftain' up for sale. Shes designed for the open waters on the Northern Broads really and not ideally suited here in Brundall. Ive attached some pics, so please put the word out. Shes in great condition and has new sails. Please email me at steventruss1@aol.com for more details.