Snapdragon 24 Yacht

Todays Survey was at Wayfordbridge on the Northern Broads.

The Snapdragon design remains as popular today as when they were first produced in the 1960's. The fact that many remain is a credit to the all round qualities of these boats. A simple and safe layout including basic rig and safe cockpit makes them ideal for short handed or family cruising. Below decks, most creature comforts are catered for including a heads area and saloon. The Vire engine should prove relatively inexpensive to maintain. All round a good boat to get afloat.

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

Seamaster 813

Today I was in Wroxham carrying out a Pre-Purchase Survey and Boat Safety Examination on this Seamaster 813.

In production from 1972 until its builders, Seamaster Ltd, ceased trading in 1981. This one today was built in 1980 so therefore one of the last. Later to be revived as a division of Viking Mouldings, at the same location in Great Dunmow, Essex, the Seamaster 813 was most popular as a River Cruiser, but it can also venture onto estuarial and coastal waters in fair weather. Nearly 400 were built in that period.

Most were fitted with inboard diesels like this one, which are far better for handling at river cruising speeds… ideal for the Norfolk Broads.

Hull and superstructure were used by many other companies including Aardvark of Canvey Island and Aird Marine of Windsor.

Interesting one for you Boat Safety Scheme enthusiasts… any comments!!

Click here....

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

Apps!! Go Hi-Tech on the Broads!!

The Broads is the first member of the National Parks family to have so-called ‘augmented reality’ mobile phone technology to inform visitors about this magical waterland. The high tech interpretation has been created for the How Hill National Nature Reserve. It uses the GPS capabilities of smart phones to show information on screen, on top of the real view fed in from the phone’s camera. It means visitors simply point their phones at a local landmark and the phone becomes a personal guide, instantly providing information about what’s in view. A free app called Layar can be downloaded from http://www.how-hill.info/ in order to access the information on site. A free ebook is also available. Appropriate phones include Android phone,  iPhone 4 and iPhone 3Gs. The Broads Authority’s Information and Design Supervisor Karen Sayer, who led the project said: “We want to encourage young people to become passionate about the Broads so they will look after this unique area for generations to come. So we have used what comes naturally to them – the latest digital technology – which we hope will bring the Broads alive in an exciting and stimulating way.”
The innovative venture has been financed by European Regional Development funding through the STEP (Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks) programme.

Moonshadow - Thurne Regatta

I had the privilege to crew this lovely Broads Cruiser today at Thurne.'Moonshadow' a design by Andrew Wolstenholme based on the original Broads yacht 'Luna' and built by Colin Buttifant (Yacht builders) Swallowtail Boatyard Horsefen Road Ludham Norfolk.

 




Me in the middle... you need arms like Popeye

 

Moonshadow is up for sale. Here are the details...... A well known modern Broads Classic Built by Buttifant 2002/3. Cedar Epoxy Hull, 2 pot epoxy paint. Five McNamara sails. Integral. Topsail/slab reef ,31ft 6ins on deck, 38ft overall. Carbon top spar and gaff, 24V Electric Engine with 4hrs batteries, Mast lowering electric winch, Harken/Spinlock deck gear, New batteries 2008. New mast and bowsprit 2009 (!), 2 berths make into huge. Immaculate condition throughout, double bunk. Proven race winner with numerous trophies, ready to race and win. Owner downsizing due to advancing years. Offers around £60K

But the care she will be given is as important as the overall price…….

Contact Tom or Mary
01692 535268
or drtom@freenetname.co.uk
These pictures record the building of 'Moonshadow'

Ive met Colin on a number of occasions, mostly visiting his Yard on behalf of Insurance Companies. Colin’s Yard is a family business, run by himself (Colin) his wife (Wendy) and his son (Paul) employ a small team of dedicated craftsmen who produce quality work. Their premises are located at Womack Water which leads to the river Thurne, situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. They undertake repairs and restoration of both motor and sailing craft. They also build to order their 'Bure Classic' and 'Womack Classic' yachts; bespoke building is also catered for. Their hire fleet consists of two 'Bure Classics' and one 'Womack Classic'. Go to 'Hire Craft' on their main page to find out more. For all your boating needs call in or telephone them, they are always ready to help.

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

Calypso 28 Broads Cruiser

I spent the morning at Woods Dyke in Horning today Surveying this Calypso 28.... strange as this is where she was probably built 25 years ago!

Just me and Roger the crane driver today.... and the crane was playing up!!

Where it all began.....
Frank Wilds, a builder by trade had moved with his family from Coventry to Norfolk where he established a small boatyard on Woods Dyke in Horning. This was also the family home - with everyone originally living and sleeping in a caravan and the boatyard buildings whilst a bungalow was built at the site. The fleet originally consisted of traditional, wooden motor cruisers, some of which the company built themselves at Horning.

Frank Wilds had a vision of a low maintenance, single level motor cruiser with modern day comforts, ideal for holidays and designed with families and all age groups in mind.

Launched in 1973 the Calypso had a narrower, 10ft 9in beam than her larger sisters. Other differences included the unique cabin structure with quite a different appearance and angled aft and forward cabin slopes. At the rear was a sliding transom door and forward were steps up out onto a higher than normal forward well.

The cabin top was a 70s turquoise colour and versions were built as 2/3 berths, although some operators ran 2/4 berth with the forward settee or dinette converting to a single or double berth.

At the London Boat Show 1973

Click here for the Calypso brochure