Caribbean 39 Survey

Another visit to Broadland Boat Centre again today. I have Surveyed this River Cruisr twice before and also issued it with a BSS certificate. One of the earliest mass-produced forward drive river craft. Built by FB. Wilds in Horning Norfolk. The Caribbean was introduced in 1966, they became very popular hire boats..... with at least 60 craft built. Usually a 4-6 berth Hire Cruiser with forward saloon and 2 double cabins, however this one has been converted and refitted into an open plan two berth layout. The perfect liveaboard.

You have to know what your doing when lifting these long lowliners..... theres very little bulkhead support, its the glassed in floors that hold the boat together.

Now open plan

Broadland Boat Centre are busy with lots of work on..... boat owners can feel spring in the air!

Pre-purchase Survey

I was Surveying down at Brundall today.

Freeman 27 at Broadland Boat Centre. Good facilities at BBC, they can lift the boats in and out of the water very quickly.

This is a Bourne 35. I Surveyed this about a month ago. The sale went through ok with the usual list of jobs to do.... most of the woodwork is being carried out by Brundall Marine Services... part of Brooms.

Rebuilding the base of the gas locker to the correct regulations.

Lots of woodwork completed, but still some work to do.... and some rain water leaks to rectify

All new running gear including a new shaft

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

Funding for Broads conservation projects up for grabs

The Broads Authority will be offering grants for sustainable conservation, educational and tourism projects from April despite significant cuts to its government funding. Since 2002 Defra has given the Broads Authority a £200,000 a year Sustainable Development Fund to award to local innovative or best practice projects which meet certain criteria. During that time the Broads Authority has awarded grants worth £1,647,000 to 195 projects, which have attracted £5,523,700 in match funding. From April the money will no longer be ring fenced by Defra for spending on such projects but the Authority has still committed £150,000 to the Sustainable Development Fund, which includes administrative costs, for the coming financial year. John Ash, SDF Administrator, said: “The Fund has been a huge success in getting many innovative projects off the ground. It has funded renewable energy projects and it has encouraged local organisations and communities to come up with new ideas for achieving social, economic or environmental sustainability.”
In the future the Authority is particularly keen to encourage conservation projects linked to education and projects involving young people. It will only fund renewable energy projects if they are ground-breaking.

A panel meets four times a year to award funds. The deadline is 18 March for the next panel meeting on 12 April.

If you would like to apply for funding first contact John Ash on 01508 550116 or email: sdf@broads-authority.gov.uk for advice on the eligibility of your project. More information on the Sustainable Development Fund and an application form can be found on http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/. 

Swedish Doublender!!

I surveyed this unusual boat at Stalham Staithe today.Originally built as a cargo ship for the Stockholm archipelago in about 1955. A traditional Swedish double-ender whose design is based on the Viking longboat. This example was brought from Sweden to the Norfolk Broads by her current owner five years ago, but she would be equally at home on any inland water or estuary.

With the Vendor at John Williams Yard in Stalham, all going well she will keep the boat on the Broads

Which is the front!!

This was next door at Stalham Museum... 'White Damsel', a Yarmouth Half Decker built by Walter Woods and donated to the Museum by his daughter, a very rare boat.... shame its not being used!

Six Yarmouths were built in all - I suspect all were built before WW1 for members of Great Yarmouth YC - which subsequently merged into NBYC. Number 1 burnt during the war, 2,3 & 5 are sailing, 4 is being slowly killed in the Museum of the Broads! Not a bright way to preserve a boat that could and should be sailing!