Viking Seamaster 27 Cruiser

Today I was Horning Surveying this 27ft Cruiser at Norfolk Yacht Agency.

Viking Seamaster was one of the oldest and most respected builders of river and coastal cruisers in this country, and had an outstanding reputation for quality and value for money. In 1970 Viking Mouldings started to trade and was managed by 3 ex employees of Seamaster Boats Ltd. The Viking range was developed and in 1981 Viking Mouldings bought the Seamaster Company and have used several additional hulls to increase the Viking range of boats. Today Viking Mouldings trade from Great Dunmow, Essex and the crew boasts over 200 years experience between them and have over the years have produced in excess of 1300 craft.

 

With a cruiser for all, the range starts with the Viking 20 fitted with a 15 hp Honda outboard engine at £17K. Top of the range is a Seamaster 30 aft cabin fitted with a single diesel engine with shaft drive at £96K.

A fold down screen gives a low air draft... ideal for the Broads...

Very well equipped this example with
Vanette oven with grill, stainless steel sink/drainer with mixer tap, toaster and Matsui microwave, Fridge, Engel chest freezer, Phoenix combi inverter and battery charger, Heating, Shore power, Hydraulic Bow thruster and more!



This boat has the 50hp Nanni diesel... its a Cat C boat suitable for coastal trips in fine weather.

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

Children fly their flags for the Broads

Primary school children from across the Broads will be busy designing magical flags as part of the Broads Bunting Competition.

Hundreds of youngsters have been asked to design a pennant on the theme of ‘The Broads - Britain’s Magical Waterland’ to fly at events throughout the summer.

Pupils from Neatishead and Salhouse Primary Schools will launch the competition as part of English Tourism Week on Friday March 16th at 10.30am at Salhouse Broad.

The event will also mark the launch of the Enjoy the Broads campaign 2012 which aims to encourage people to come and discover all the Broads has to offer. Over 175,000 brochures publicising what there is to see and do in the Broads will be distributed nationwide.

The ten best flags will be woven into strings of bunting to decorate the launch of the Broads Outdoors Festival on May 5th at Whitlingham Country Park, and at Broads events throughout the summer as well as to fly from the Vintage Broadsman.

The pupil with the best entry will win their school the use of Broads Tours’ trip boat, Vintage Broadsman, for an evening, either for a party or to sell tickets for a fund raising event.

The Broads Authority’s Education Officer Nick Sanderson will be visiting schools to inspire pupils about what makes the Broads magical before they begin their designs.

Sealine F37 Motor Cruiser

I was at Norfolk Yacht Agency today in Brundall on the South Norfolk Broads inspecting this Sealine Motor Cruiser. The F37 is a very capable cruiser and one of the last of the old style and incorporates some very good design ides- the swivelling fly bridge chair but for one. We took her for a River Trial this afternoon (see vid) and performance and handling were very good....

Down side I suppose is access to the engines.. But apart from this there are no other flies in the Sealine ointment. If you decided to buy this Sealine it is unlikely you will be disappointed-unless your 6ft 3” tall or want to spend hours fettling with the engines!

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

Sealine S28

I had a trip out to Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today on the South Norfolk Broads. Norfolk Yacht agency are heading into their busy period this time of year, and are busy prepping new boats for their Stock collection and Brokerage. They have a vast range of New and Pre-owned boats for sale from their two offices in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

This Sealine S28 is another example of Sealine's excellent use of space relative to the overall length of the boat. This model manages a very large cockpit and interior with all the luxuries normally associated with much bigger boats. The accommodation on the S28 is second to none for its class. She offers a large galley area incorporating a fridge freezer and full washing up facilities! The forward area of the saloon features a large u shaped seating area that in the evenings creates a large double berth. The aft cabin again features a large double berth. Located between the two sleeping areas is the toilet and shower area. This features a full toilet and hot and cold shower.

Surveyors comment:

After Inspecting dozens of these boats over the years they tend to go through Survey very well. This model was a 1998, this was the year when the RCD was brought into force, so its important to check all the boats paperwork with the Yacht Broker prior to purchase.

What is the RCD
The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) is a trade directive that became law on the 16th June 1996. A two-year introductory period was allowed for and therefore new craft placed on the market after the 16th June 1998 had to comply with the mandatory requirements of the Directive.

NEED HELP! MY CONSULTATION & INSPECTION PACKAGE OFFERED

· To inspect the craft for Essential Safety Requirements and Boat Safety Standards.
· Issue Boat Safety Certificate.
· Supply Declaration (Certificate) of Conformity.
· Advise on Hull Identification Number (HIN) compilation and location.
· HIN registration with RYA or BMF where applicable.
· CE plate supplied and advised marking.
· Consultation and conformity assessment during fitout.
· Compilation of Boat Manual (excluding technical drawings & diagrams).
· Compilation of Technical Construction File

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

Drowning

Every year at the seaside and on lakes, rivers and canals people drown. Please ensure that tragedy does not mar your holiday on the Norfolk Broads. Never take risks that may result in you falling in. Always hold on to grab rails when walking around the decks. Non swimmers should stay in the cockpit while the boat is in motion and wear a life jacket available from the boat yard. Remember racing crews all wear them! If anyone falls in get help to them quickly by hooking their clothes with a boathook, by throwing the boats life ring, by getting to them by dingy; or -only if you’re a strong swimmer- by getting promptly into the water yourself to rescue them. Be wise-work out on the first day of your holiday by having a safety drill for everyone on board, and a rescue plan in case anyone falls in.


 

Hampton Safari River Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Richardson’s Boat Yard in Stalham on the Northern Broads, carrying out a Pre-purchase Survey on this little Hampton Safari River Cruiser.

In the 1960's, Alec Hampton's boat hire business 'Hampton Boats' at Oulton Broad consisted of a fleet of traditional mahogany cruisers. Alec then designed the mark one Hampton Safari for production in fibreglass. The length was increased from 22' 6" to 25'6" and the beam from 8' 6" to 9' 6". A plug was made from marine plywood, which was then used to form the female hull moulding. The boats were moulded firstly by Rydgeway Marine of Kessingland, and then by Bob Smith of Lowestoft.

Although a total of 256 Hampton Safaris were produced from 1969 to 1982, most were supplied to other hire-boat yards as bare mouldings for their staff to complete. During the peak years, Hampton Boats ran 14 Safari 25's in it's fleet, but this reduced to just two in the final season of 2002. Sadly, the yard has now ceased trading, and will surely be missed by the large regular clientele, some of which have been regulars for nearly 30 years.(Hamptons themselves only built one Safari for private use, in 1971 called 'Blue Tit' for John Jarrold, who was then the Mayor of Norwich).

This is the Mark II version with sliding wheelhouse/lounge. They are somewhat difficult to distinguish because individual boatyards completed the Hampton mouldings to their own spec. Mark 1's (usually) didn't have the integral molding for the gas bottle stowage under the afterdeck, or the moulded in mudweight holder on the foredeck. The control panel moulding was different and the keel was smaller.

Paul Richardson often has ex hire boats for sale. He usually ( not always) includes a paint of the topsides and an antifoul as part of the sales price. So the boats ready to go ready for the start of the holiday season.

Paul Richardsons staff were all very busy today getting the hire fleet ready for the start of the season.. this must be one of the largest working boat sheds on the Broads

'Big foot'... A very adaptable hoist.. a must for moving 100's of boats around

Surveyors comments: Check for window leaks on older models. 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.

Some osmosis blistering will be common... But usually structuraly insignificant. However, its good practice to take these little boats out of the water over the winter period and store them in the dry, out of this reducing the possibility of further osmotically induced gel coat blistering.

On older models, check all floor bearers and lower bulkheads for timber deterioration.
A good one will fetch 14K +.

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

Jack Powles 39 River Cruiser

I was back in Brundall on the South Norfolk Broads today carrying out a Pre-purchase Survey on this Jack Powles 39 River Cruiser. Norfolk Yacht Agency were the acting Yacht Brokers. Norfolk Yacht Agency’s Service Station is very busy this time of year. Thier Broadland Boat Centre offers a 'one stop shop' for the maintenance and refurbishment of motor cruisers. They have a good staff of experienced professionals, and there service station is equipped with a 12 ton gantry hoist, joinery machine shop upstairs and and engineering workshop on ground level. The centre offers quality engineers who carry out all types of work from routine maintenance to full renovation and fit-out projects.

This was a boat that I remember from years ago and was unusual. Refitted about six years ago by HMS Marine in Brundall. It is now an ideal liveaboard with one big forward cabin that contains a large double berth. The re-fit has been done to a very good standard and all the space has been utilised to it's maximum potential providing comfort and ease of use.

Jack Powles History: In the 70s and early 80s, Jack Powles of Wroxham was one of the country's major powerboat builders, alongside Brooms. They were building boats designed by Bernard Olesinski who also designed for Fairlines and Princess Cruisers. ( like the Powles 36, 38, 41,Super 38 Seagoing Motor Cruisers), but in the early 1990s they became JPC Ltd and no longer actively built boats. Many of the inland waterways Powles fleet have dispersed to other waterways, but a few still remain on the Broads.

Looks like the original 50HP 2.5 litre BMC Diesel Captain

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

Sealine 218 Sports Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham carrying out just a Hull Survey on this Sealine 218 Sports Cruiser built by Sealine International, formerly Fibrasonic Marine.  The 218 has many of the features of its predecessor, in fact, the interior is basically unchanged. The 218 was the first in the Sealine range to have two separate cabins, a definite plus in a 21' boat.

Its worth checking out Sealines new website.... and looking at their new generation of boats, the brand has never been stronger and provides great opportunities for growth in both traditional and new markets. They really are now building exceptional Sealine boats...

Horrendous today, pouring down with rain and a real gale blowing. Mathew Thwaites the owner of the yard did well getting the boat out of the water. I think most hoists and cranes were out of action across the Broads today!

Surveyors comments: A good inspection of the sterndrives is important: Check drive lift motors, bellows, props, oils, bearings, seals, sacrificial anodes etc. I recommend that all sacrificial anodes are checked regularly, failure to do so may cause serious corrosion problems

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Fairline Sprint Sports Cruiser

I was Surveying this compact Sports Cruiser in Horning today on the Northern Norfolk Broads. The acting Broker was Norfolk Yacht Agency.

These little Fairline Sports Cruisers are very popular and sought after being an ideal first time boat or family cruiser. They are the usual Fairline build quality and Sprints are always cited in sports cruisers of this size. Whilst described as 21 she is in fact 23’ including the 2’ bathing platform. Also described as 4+2 accommodation to account for the (occasional) berth on the sunbed in the cockpit.

The 210HP V8 good for 30 Knots!

The staff at Ferry Marine washing her off for Survey

Surveyors comment: Great little starter boat…they were only made from 1988 to 1991. In "normal" times they seem to change hands for 12-15k with the petrol fitted.

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