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.
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
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.
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| 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
