Sparkman and Stevens

I surveyed this gorgeous Yacht today at Upton Dyke. This Classic was built by Tim Whelpton and fitted out by the International Boatbuilding Colledge in Lowestoft in the 80's.

Unusual with a 'drop down' centre plate.... for the shallows on the Broads maybe!

Beautiful joinery

I love working in the boat sheds at Anne’s Yard...they are full of classic wooden boats...im totally in my element. This is Half Decker Ringlet (number 45). They are unique to the Norfolk Broads. I have owned a few Half Deckers myself but never had the pleasure of owning the real thing ‘The White Boat’ built by famous Broads Builder Ernest Woods. The original design has been largely unaltered over a century and is a great tribute to the designer. The class has retained its appeal despite several attempts at modernisation. Here is one of Anne’s boys finishing off the varnish work before relaunch.
Below a White Boat under sail…. I must get myself a boat again!!!

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision.
Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at
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Norman 266

Todays inspection was on a Norman 26 Motor Cruiser at Anglia Yacht Brokers in St Olaves, South Norfolk on the River waveny.

Norman Cruisers

The business started in Shaw Lancs, then moved to Isherwood Street in Heywood Lancs then back to a new site in Shaw. Other factories were added (Royton and Heywood) and the business expanded into manufacturing windows and windscreens for other customers under the name of North West Windows Ltd at the Heywood factory. They also made boat canopies, upholstery, tents etc under the name of North West Marine Trimmers Ltd at our Padiham - Lancashire factory. At the same factory they also made boat trailers (Speedmaster Trailers). At the height of the business 1971 -1973 the business employed around 200 people (approx 120 in boatbuilding). They employed around 70 glassfibre laminators of which around 30 were female. The most boats they built in a week was 25. This included all models 18.5, 20, 23, 32, they also built the Dejon 14 for a while and renamed it the Norman 14.

New models were introduced 24, 27 and 22 wide beam but the moulding shop was destroyed in a fire in 1982. This destroyed most of the moulds and the business never recovered. Some moulds were re-built and when the business finally ceased, these were sold and marketed under other names. Also some designs were copied and made into hybrids. They estimated that around 7000 Normans were built. In the 1970s around 65% of boats were exported. Principle markets (in order of Volume) were Holland, Germany, Norway, France, Sweden. Boats in Holland were imported by Internaut of Rotterdam and were sold under the name of "Inter". Hence the 20 was the Inter620. Norman Cruisers were in the top 3 largest pleasureboat builders in the UK. Westerley Yachts being the biggest.

Ross' Norfolk Broads River Trips

Ive known Ross for a good number of years now, he organises the Sailing Regatta at Hicking Broad every year close to where I live. Ross has lived in and sailed on the Norfolk Broads all his life. He has been guiding boat trips on the Broads for over ten years. Ross has an extensive knowledge of the Broadland flora & fauna and of the fascinating local history. When not guiding trips on Lady Ann or sailing on the Broads, Ross works as a Historical Interpreter in the medieval kitchens at Hampton Court Palace.

 

Discover the “hidden” Norfolk Broads...

Leaving from the staithe by Horsey Windpump, enjoy an informal all-weather wildlife tour in the comfort and safety of mv Lady Ann, a traditional wooden Broads built pleasure boat. Your friendly, experienced, local Broads guide knows just where to take you to see some of the unique flora and fauna that have made this part of Norfolk so famous.

Book a trip with Ross on Lady Anne

Princess 41

I was at Brundall Bay Marina carrying out a Pre-Purchase Survey on this Princess 41 Motor Yacht yesterday.

Marine Projects of Plymouth built the Princess 41, a stretched version of the Princess 37, from 1977 to 1982, when the boat was superseded by the 414, based on the deep-vee version of the 37 hull but with a modified superstructure and interior layout. The 414’s continued in production until 1987.

The standard layout for the 41 has eight berths in four separate cabins. The standard engine installation is twin 235HP Volvo diesels with a top speed of about 24 Knots.

There are so many boats in Brundall they are running out of moorings!!

Hardy 26 Mariner

Todays job was in Brundall at Broadland Boat Centre. They offers a 'one stop shop' for the maintenance and refurbishment of motor cruisers. They are also equipped with a 12 ton gantry hoist, which is ideal for Survey lifts. The centre offers high quality engineering and mechanical staff to carry out all types of work from routine maintenance to full renovation and fit-out projects.

September 1998 saw the International debut of this shaft-driven cruiser which has combined the very best Hardy features with a modern planing underbody. A wide variety of Yanmar diesel engine options with mechanical or hydraulic gearbox is available to suit every need. This was was a Cat B boat with a 230hp motor. The wheelhouse, which can be enclosed or opened fully using four framed teak doors, allows full standing headroom. The cabin accommodates 3 and contains a galley, locker space and toilet/shower compartment.

Traditional wide side decks are apparent with easy access and there is an abundance of stowage.

A really nice sea going boat!