Norfolk Broads Cruiser

I was working at Martham Ferry today which is run by Mark King. Martham Ferry Boatyard is situated on the River Thurne overlooking the National Trust land on Heigham Holmes. In recent years the boatyard has been extensively improved by Mark including a new workshop, Hoilday Homes and Moorings.

Todays Survey was on the old wooden cruiser pictured below. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for hire on the inland water ways.

She is undergoing a complete refit which will include a new engine. I will be acting as a Consultant during the refitting process which could take up to 2 years for completion.

Click for Martham Ferry Website

 One of the few remaining vehicle ferries on the Norfolk Broads. The ferry is hand operated and takes farm vehicles over the water.

Martham Ferry today and below back in the 60's...



Stripped out for Survey ready for remedial works to start...

 

Broads business awarded first Green Mark for boats

A Broads boat hire company is the first business in the country to be awarded a new Green Mark accreditation for eco-friendly boats.

Norfolk Broads Direct of Wroxham received the grading when the Green Tourism Business Scheme launched its Green Mark for holiday cruisers on Wednesday June 8th as part of Green Tourism Week (June 6-12) in partnership with Broads Tourism and the Broads Authority, which manages the Broads.

The award is based on 25 criteria specially developed for boats including eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, waste management and providing ‘green’ information for hirers.

Barbara Greasley of Norfolk Broads Direct said: “For some time a group of environmentally aware people in Norfolk has been campaigning for a greener option for boating.  The members of this Eco Boat Project in close partnership with Broads Tourism, the Broads Authority and the Green Tourism Business Scheme have been working to produce a set of grading criteria for Water Based Activity Providers. Norfolk Broads Direct is delighted to have been consulted on these criteria and we feel honoured that we will be the first business in the country to go through this grading process.  As chair of Broads Tourism I believe that hosting the official launch of the scheme and having the first green graded boats in the country will be a tremendous coup for the Broads.  Broads Tourism will certainly be promoting take-up of the scheme to all of our members.”

Bruce Hanson of the Broads Authority commented: “Sustainability is of great importance to the Broads as a destination and it is our aim to be seen as ‘green leaders’ in the tourism industry. The boating sector here generates at least £95m in revenue annually – accounting for almost a quarter of total tourism spend in the Broads. This Green Mark will allow us to highlight our ‘guaranteed green’ environmental credentials to the marketplace with confidence.”

The hire cruiser being assessed, Fair Sovereign, has a low wash hull and its engine meets the current EU Stage 3 emissions requirements.  Water is heated as a byproduct of the engine cooling and the majority of lighting is provided by LED bulbs. Norfolk Broads Direct sends customers information about the impact of phosphates on water quality prior to their arrival and advises them to use phosphate free toiletries and washing up liquid, as well as stocking some for purchase.

Andrea Nicholas, managing director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme added: ‘‘The environmental challenges faced by a boat operator differ from those faced by hotels and other tourism providers and the GTBS is keen to help the sector showcase its green-mindedness through these new bespoke criteria.’

The Green Mark scheme in the Broads has been funded with money from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the STEP Interreg Two Seas Programme which promotes sustainable tourism in estuarine parks.

Princess 30S

I Surveyed this Princess Motor Cruiser at St Olaves near Beccles today on the South Broads.

Princess Motor Yacht Sales are one of the largest boat trader and distributors in the world for the Princess range of luxury motoryachts. They have been a boat trader specialising in the Princess marque since 1964. This unique historical relationship with the Princess manufacturer, Princess Yachts International plc (formerly known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd), gives us an unparalleled understanding of the requirements of today's discerning motoryacht buyer. Starting from the first boat, the Project 31, built in 1965 by the then Marine Projects, through to the current models from the hugely popular Princess Range, built by the now Princess Yachts International PLC.

On the 'hard' at Anglia Yacht Brokers

This Bernard Olensinski design is still a modern looking craft.
Originally built in 1980 the S model was known as Saloon, the DS deck saloon, giving the craft extra berthing within the wheelhouse. The S model was usually an open cockpit design with 4 berths. There were also some Fly Bridge models built.

The boat hull with its semi deep V hull has a good reputation for its sea keeping qualities. All craft were out driven with single and twin petrol and diesel versions available. This one has the 145HP Volvo petrols on sterndrives. Marine projects built around 900 of the craft and claim top speeds of around 25 knots.

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: steventruss1@aol.com

Sealine S25

I had the morning at Brooms Boats in Brundall today Surveying this Sealine S25 for prepurchase.

Washing down the hull at Brooms Boats

Sealine International Ltd is one of the premier marques in Luxury Flybridge Yacht manufacture. I believe the S23, S230, S24, S240 to be the same boat but the S25 had a more modern, less blobby shape with also a diesel option. Excellent family boat and towable behind a good 4x4.

The usuaul show of new and brokerage boats at Brooms..........

A 450 model

Up for Sale. How would you like a Broom 50.... a snip at £300.000 sterling....

A new Broom 425 sat on the slipway

 steventruss1@aol.com
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:

Broads Authority seeks new members for Navigation Committee

The Broads Authority is inviting people to apply to be members of its Navigation Committee.

 
The Authority will be consulting with relevant stakeholders and seeking applications from members of the public to serve on the committee for a period of three years from September 2011, following the expiry of the term of appointment of the existing   members. Eight places are available to be filled.
 
A public advertisement has been placed in the Eastern Daily Press and details can be found on the home page of the Authority’s website. The deadline for applications is June 17 with interviews taking place in July.  After consultation with relevant organisations the appointments will be confirmed by the Broads Authority in September.
 
The 13 strong Navigation Committee has an important scrutiny and advisory role. Five members are selected from amongst Broads Authority members and two of its appointed members go on to sit on the Broads Authority.
 
The selection panel will include leaders from major boating organisations and the Chair of the Broads Authority. Existing members can reapply- see here for more details