Aquafibre 31 Sedan in Horning

Today’s assignment was at Horning on this Aquafibre Motor Cruiser.

Sedan models are a kind of cross between the dual steer and aft-cockpit models. The superstructure is usually quite high, with a large saloon opening out onto the aft cockpit area through patio doors. The helm position is in the saloon, and there is usually ample seating in the aft cockpit. In some cases, there is a flybridge on top of the saloon roof, giving excellent visibility but very high airdaft.



Launched in the mid '90's, a sleek sedan style cruiser found in smaller numbers on hire and is very successful with private owners, often featuring high quality interiors.

 Aquafibre History

Aquafibre was founded at Neatishead, Norfolk in the 1960's by a consortium of local boat-builders. The majority shareholders were Robert Richardson and John Linford, who had 30% equity each. The remainder was divided between Martin Broom (Broom Boats - 15%), Vicktor Bell (Bell Boats - 10%), David Millbank (Jenners of Thorpe 10%) and Dawncraft of Wroxham (5%). Dawncraft soon sold their share to David Millbank. John Linford was tragically killed in a light aircraft crash and his share was sold to Martin Broom. Robert Richardson felt that he was the main customer of the business and so sold his share to Martin Broom around 1975 to embark on his own operation. It is not known (by us, at least) what the current shareholding is, however Aquafibre is often identified as being Broom's 'sister' company and almost all of their boats have been moulded at Wendover Road. Aquafibre also provide mould development and consultancy services for many other major boatbuilders as well as producing their extensive range of models from the current Rackheath facility. Sadly, in May 2009 the vast Wendover Road site at Rackheath closed its doors for the very last time. Production of sister company Broom's mouldings moved entirely to their Brundall site, with key Aquafibre customer Haines doing the same for their models built at Catfield.

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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London children's first visit to the Broads

Inner London children had their first taste of the country when they visited the Broads from June 20 to 24.

The 31 children from Havelock Primary School, Southall, most of whom have never left London or their families, have been staying at Hautbois House Residential and Activity Centre in Coltishall in the heart of the Broads.

On Wednesday Broads Authority rangers hosted a special day of activities at Hoveton Riverside Park including trips aboard the Broads Authority’s Edwardian style launch, Liana, and a ranger’s launch, hay raking, mini beast hunting and a Broads discovery trail.

This is one of five educational visits to the Broads being organised by the Country Trust this year. Two of the visits have been subsidised by a £5,400 grant from the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

During the boat trips the children had sightings of an otter with a fish in its mouth, great crested grebes with chicks riding on their backs and feeding them fish, dragonflies, swans and geese.

Broads Authority Education Officer Nick Sanderson, who ran the event said: “This was an opportunity for us to give London children a completely new and unique experience which will widen their horizons. It will be something they will never forget.”

It was clear they had succeeded from comments from the children.

“I love the fresh air,” remarked 10 year old Nadra.

Zohura from Woolmore Primary School, in Tower Hamlets, who came to the Broads on a similar visit in May said: “I have never had so much fun in my life. The best thing was when my group was on the boat and we saw a rare duck. I never thought I would see anything rare in my life. Thank you for making the day so special.”

Imma, also from Woolmore School, commented: ”My class mates and I enjoyed the boat trip especially when I saw the feathery ducks and the green lilypads. It was a great experience. I hope we visit again!”

Another pupil, Fariha, said:” We enjoyed the boat trip because we got to see lovely ducks and massive trees that looked like they were going up to the sky. The river dipping was interesting because we found lots of different insects.”

Bina Murray, Regional Manager for East Anglia at The Country Trust, said: “This was an amazing experience for the children. Some of them have never  been out of the estates they live on. Our aim is to raise their awareness of the countryside, their aspirations and visions for the future and extend their horizons beyond London. They  learn to look after each other, work together, rely on and respect each other.”

At Hautbois House, run by Girlguiding Anglia, the children are orienteering, raft building and taking part in team building initiative tests.

The Broads Authority has introduced children from many local schools to the Broads over the last few years, but these are the first residential visits from London to be run in collaboration with the Country Trust and other partners.

The Country Trust has been bridging the gap between urban and rural communities through showing the working countryside to inner city children, their teachers and parents for 30 years

Broom 10/70 in Brundall Norfolk

Mark and Trace taking down the canopy to get her in the shed ready for lifting

Excellent facilities at Broadband Boat Centre

Today’s assignment was to carry out a Pre-Purchase Survey on this Motor Cruiser, to include a River Trial on completion.

The 10/70 is the successor to the Broom European and similarly intended for the continental market, the 10/70 has a solid keel which keeps it in a straight line even at a crawling pace, making it ideal for the inland waterways.

Inside the layout is similar to the European, with the galley forward to starboard. The sliding doors from the saloon to the side decks have been deleted allowing for a U-shaped sofa. In the master cabin the twin berths are replaced by a centreline double.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo's, ranging from 105HP to 220HP, although a typical configuration was twin Volvo TMD41A (150HP each). Offshore, boat trim was improved by fixed or adjustable trim tabs. This one has two new Nanni 200HP diesels.

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

Freeman 26 Twin Screw Version

Todays appointment was situated on the River Bure in the picturesque village of Horning on the Norfolk Broads.

Todays Survey on this Freeman 26, an unusual marc as this one had twin petrol engines. Using the same hull as the Freeman 25, the Freeman 26's superstructure was developed from the Freeman 22 Mk2. We see the return of the step in the deck and larger cabin windows. The Freeman 26 offers larger accomodation and together with the Freeman 22 Mk2 formed the back bone of what is generally known as the Freeman range.

Tiffany the Yacht Broker taking her round to the crane.

Roger Hodds lifting her out for inspection

Buying a Freeman CruiserJust a few odd pointers to help you on your way to owning a Freeman boat.

• It is always a good idea to have a full survey before you purchase any boat.
  
• Most insurance companies will require a survey before they insure your boat, so you might as well have the survey before you purchase it.
  
• Buy a boat you can afford not to use. There is always a bigger or better boat on the market, so buy one that's well within your budget.
  
• You don't buy a Freeman you marry it! They do need love and care.
  
• Always allow for realistic running costs as any boat will simply deteriorate if not maintained.
  
• Why not consider a boat bank account, putting a little away each month ensures there are funds to hand when it's time for a major refit.
  
• Information on Freeman Boats for sale can be found in the Freeman Boat Sales section.

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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Narrow boat in Brundall

Todays assignment was to carry out an Insurance Survey and some Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements on this steel Narrowboat at Brooms Boats, on the South Broads. It is owned by a young couple who will be using it as a live aboard.

90 HP Gardner engine, a real classic diesel...

So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a boat to live on? Here's my advice on what to get and things to watch out for:

Narrowboats are a natural choice for many people living aboard. They are relatively inexpensive and can travel virtually anywhere inland (a 57ft long narrowboat is the largest inland craft that will fit down every waterway). The construction is usually steel which is robust and easy to maintain, although when the boat gets old it will need plates welding on which can be expensive. Most second hand narrowboats are suitable for living aboard, although the internal layout may need changing, especially if it was previously used as a hire boat (lots of bunks at the expense of living space). However, if you want a light, spacious feel then a narrowboat is not for you. They are only 6ft 10' wide and so even a full 70ft long narrowboat will still 'feel' small. The width makes it difficult to fit normal sofas and furnishings.

If you want a narrowboat that make best use of cabin space, go for a 'traditional' type. This has a minimal amount of deck space, so that only one person can stand at the back. This makes it hard to take guests out for a cruise because they have to stay inside or clamber onto the roof. However, a major plus is that most trad boats have the engine inside the rear cabin and so you can work on the engine without freezing your hands or getting soaked.

A 'cruiser' type narrowboat is one that has a large, open rear deck, perfect for taking guests out for a cruise but at the expense of cabin space. The engine will be below the deck and you'll have to work on it in the open.

A compromise is reached with 'semi trad' narrowboats. These look like a trad boat in profile but have a medium sized rear deck that can be covered with a large hatch or tarpaulin for keeping the weather out while you work on the engine.

A major disadvantage with narrowboats is that they are unsuitable for mooring on tidal berths where they take a grounding every day. You can beach a narrowboat if the ground is completely flat and soft, but if you beach on rocks, pebbles, rubbish or undulating ground then you run the risk of distorting or folding the hull. This plus the general unseaworthiness of narrowboats makes them unsuitable if you're thinking of mooring in an estuary or on the coast.

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