Project 31

I was back down at Upton Dyke on the Norfolk Broads yesterday carrying out an Insurance Survey and a Boat Safety Examination on this Motor Cruiser. This is the boat that launched Marine Projects of Plymouth, now famous for their Princess range of motor cruisers. About 200 Project 31’s were built between 1966 and 1974, based on the popular Senior 31 hull and superstructure.

The boat usually has a large cockpit and open backed wheelhouse, this ones unusual, as it has a bolt on aft cabin!

The round-bilge hull form is capable of semi displacement speeds, up to 17 knots with, for instance, a pair of 75HP Volvo outdrives, or in a few cases about 20 Knots with two 130HP petrol engines. But most as this one is fitted with the less powerful 45HP Perkins diesels, giving a top speed of about 12 Knots… ideal for inland waters.

This was also at Upton yesterday.....My favouite Yacht on the Broads ZOE.

Dating from the turn of the century this is the only Victorian counter sterned Broads yacht in hire.

  

You can hire her for a holiday if you wish!

Lady Christina Renovation

Adam and his wife have taken on a challenge - the restoration of a 1936 40ft 7 berth teak on oak Windboat. Christina was found in a run down condition, but her structure was remarkably good in general, and it was considered that she was well worthy of a major refit. Adam says he wants to find out some more history on her (Windboats lost all their records in a fire and were not much use). Her current name is Lady Christine and she's been out the water for around 13 years now. Its a heck of a project but any advice, ideas, good contacts would be massively appreciated as there is a lot to do. Adams based down in Winchester, Hampshire but hopes to have her back on the Broads when she's done.

Beautiful looking Motor Cruiser.... keep up with the build on the  Norfolk Broads Forum

How Time Flys!

Time for another Boat Safety Examination on Brookwind.... its been four years! It seems like only yesterday I was testing her. Picture shows her in Richardsons sheds at Stalham.

Mr. Jones has owned her for over 30 years. A Graham Bun Classic Broads Motor Cruiser, built in the 30's.  Teak on Oak construction, 'only the best were built from Burmese Teak'.  She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for inland water ways. A BEAUTY!

Nicked this pic of Horning.org. Brookwind out where she belongs....

Dawnstar is also moored in Richardson sheds. I surveyed her about a year ago. A Jack Powles Classic.

Jack Powles design again, but built for seawork.... up for sale this beauty.... a steal at 18K (open to offers). Contact:

Richardsons Stalham