Broom 44

I was back at Brooms Boats in Brundall, Norfolk today Surveying this Broom 44 1994 model.

The 44 was produced as a Hardtop with fixed doors aft of the helmsmans seat, and also as the Mediterranean, which had a standard removable canopy and an open aft cockpit. In its day the flagship of the Fast Offshore range, the 44 combines a vee hull for fast offshore passages with a skeg keel providing good handling qualities. The bathing platform is integral to the hull but the access to the deck is still by stainless steel ladder at this time. The 44 is distinguished by its rectangular portholes forward and aft.

The large deck saloon was laid out with lounge seating aft on the port side, and a dinette on the same level but forward on the starboard side. Steps lead down to the port side galley and forward heads. The standard layout was for an island double in the forward guest cabin although in some boats this was replaced by V-berths. The large third cabin was fitted with overlapping twin bunks.

These boats were fitted with a variety of twin engine configurations between 185HP and 220HP including the Ford Sabre 420L as well as this one with the twin Caterpillar V8s (435HP).

Golden Haze Naval Pinnace

I carried out a second BSS test today on 'Golden Haze'..... shes a gorgeous old Naval Pinnace... I have Surveyed her twice in the past and she is now up for sale again for about 60K... shes just had some extensive work carried out on the hull.

Builder: Admiralty pinnace
Year Of Build: Late 19th century
Length: 38ft
Propulsion: BMC diesel
Beam: 9ft

Golden Haze was constructed in 1880 as a steam driven naval pinnace. She ended up on Windermere where she was rescued and returned to the Broads some twenty years ago. Woods yard set about a thorough restoration of the teak hull. The cabin is of mahogany and is fitted with opening windows and a clerestory which allows full standing height throughout. The aft cockpit seats 4 to 6 and can be used as an occasional extra sleeping area as it has an excellent tonneau cover. Steering is from the forward cockpit with seating there for 4 guests. The interior feels extremely spacious with a large galley area for food preparation, good cupboard space with a decent fridge and to the starboard side a toilet compartment with sink and shower. The large seating bunks make up into two separate or one king sized bed. The boat has a shore power outlet as well as Eberspacher heating. The present owners have fitted out the interior in blue with delightful sand white and blue striped curtains and cushions. Golden Haze has a full length off white scalloped canopy and a full length winter cover.

Phone the owner Mr. David Jones of Wroxham on 01603781089... she is moored in his wet dock under his house.

Sea Trial and Survey in Essex

Galeon 380 Motor Yacht.... a full on day.... Engine Oil Tests..... Full Survey.... Engine trials and Sea Trial.

Built in Poland... you get a lot for your money!

Upton Dyke

I had a trip to Upton Dyke today. Eastwood-Whelpton is owned and run by Anne Whelpton and provides traditional yachts and modern sailing boats for charter hire on the Norfolk Broads. Anne Whelpton and her staff have operated a fine fleet of yachts based at Upton Yacht Station. Since Tim's demise in March 2009, Anne continues to run the yard with her loyal team of staff. All the yachts are maintained and fitted to very high standard.

The Norfolk Broads School of Sailing, in association with Eastwood Whelpton, offers a wide range of courses, covering all aspects of yacht sailing on inland waters, from 'Start Sailing' to 'Advanced Techniques'.

Upton Dyke is a short offshoot from the River Bure, upstream of Acle Bridge. There are limited moorings for hire boats at the head of the dyke.

One of Annes hire boats Bootlegger Sleeps 4
4 singles
From £682 per week

Another superb traditional yacht 'Leda' with dual focus on excellent sailing performance and comfort. She will be fully appreciated by the experienced desiring the very best in Broads sailing.

Gaff Sloop with Yanmar Diesel.

Sleeps 4.

From £900 per week.

Todays boat.... a second BSS test on this Elysian 34 built by Appleyard Lincoln... a name probably not familiar to the boating fraternity on the Broads, originating from Ely in the Cambridgeshire fens, but they produced three of the most popular designs in the early sixties, many of which are still in service today.

Timber Broads Cruiser

I was at Weyford Bridge Marina today near Stalham on the Northern Broads. This was a pre-purchase Survey on a Broads Cruiser.
Arnott Fowler the designer was apparently one of the influential Broadland designers with a variety of wooden craft attributed to his name.

John the Yard  Owner pulling her out for Survey

The 'Big Foot' hoist is ideal for lifting wooden boats