Aquafibre 32 Motor Cruiser

I Surveyed this Aquafibre Sapphire Aft Cabin Cruiser today. Aquafibre is probably one of the most popular known boat hulls. Aquafibre were a prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were then outfitted by a variety of boatyards, including Brooms of Brundall and Bristercraft at Wroxham. This example was fitted out by Alpha Craft and has been in current ownership from new (1990). Unfortunately Aquafibre ceased trading in 2009, marking the end of an era in Norfolk boat building.

This model was very popular at home in the Norfolk hirefleets, and a large number were built for Ireland and other markets. It is often considered to have slightly more elegant lines than its larger sister, mainly because of the differences to the aft cabin. The Sapphire 32 was launched in 1983 as the charter version of the popular Broom 32 production model. It is the smaller sister of the Crystal 37, generally configured as a 4+2 berth and can instantly be identified because of the much smaller cabin moulding projecting upwards onto the flybridge area.

Surveyors comments:

There are few problems that can cause more damage and detract from the value of your boat than window, porthole and hatch leaks. Even well constructed boats will eventually develop leaks simply because boats are not totally rigid structures. In fact, they twist and flex quite a bit, and poorly constructed boats flex a lot, which is why we see so many boats that more or less just strain the water before it enters the interior. I am constantly amazed at the number of boats I see where the owner has simply smeared some caulking around the window frames of leaking windows. Let's start with the point that not only does this make a mess of your boat, but this a complete waste of time. When you develop leaking windows, ports or hatches, no surface remedy is going to solve the problem. The leaks usually develop because the seal between the window frame and the fiberglass part of the boat has broken. The break in the seal can be so small that you can't even see it. This is because of the capillary effect, which draws water into the smallest of cracks and more or less acts as a water pump to keep bringing water in. Its also why water can enter at one point and be coming out somewhere else, perhaps two feet away from the source of the leak. Most boats now have aluminium window frames, and which constitute the major source of leaks. This is usually not the fault of the frame, but of the poor design of the structure to which the frame is attached.
　
Conclusion:

To stop windows leaking you may have use a non-hardening caulking so that the caulking can move with the expansion. To deal with this problem, you may have to remove the frames, rebed them and refasten them less tightly than they were previously installed.

  

Broads Yacht Valkyrie

I had a trip to Reedham Ferry on the South Broads today to Survey this lovely old Broads Yacht. Built by Ernest Collins way back in 1937.

Collins History: The start of the pleasure boating business on the Broads is often associated with Loynes of Wroxham, but another family started a hire craft business which can claim to be the second oldest on the Broads and subsequently, one of its most famous – the Collins family. In the 1930’s, the yard built a series of yachts, all of which were mahogany-planked and bright varnished, giving a distinctive appearance. These included four 30ft, 5 berth yachts, known as the “Valkyrie” class.....

Valkyrie back in her Heyday......

Reedham Village in the distance

Lifting her out for inspection

Amazing old 'Derrick' at Reedham, one of the oldest left operating in the country...

A couple of seams to re-caulk before putting her back in the water

No valves no tanks! The toilet waste goes straight out through the bottom of the loo!

Anyone fancy a project... the Yard have a Corvette 32 hull and superstructure up for sale for £12K. Contact Sandersons of Reedham for more info.

Landamores Broads Cruiser

I was down in Brundall today on the South Broads inspecting this Landamores Elanco 37 Classic Broads Cruiser. Built in 1962, the Elanco 37 was, at that time, the largest hire cruiser one could rent on the Norfolk Broads. 'Snow Goose' is famous here on the Broads as she is one of very few surviving examples. She has a pair of modern diesel engines fitted. Also a generator has been installed that ensures that you are completely self sufficient when away form your home berth and shore power hook-up. All of the above means that she lends herself very well to being used as a liveaboard boat.

Surveyors comments on Surveying wooden boats generally:

Concealed areas within a hull are always a problem but, most wood vessels are constructed in such a way that enough access is available to make a fair assessment. It is usually possible to pull up floors (such as screwed in place plywood panels and the like) and remove enough paneling that one can get a fairly good glimpse of the bottom and lower sides. Carrying an electric screw gun is a must in order to do this quickly and effectively.

Three important tools are a slim but heavy gauge pry bar - of the sort used for pulling nails - a heavy hammer and a large standard blade screwdriver. Check the joints between planks and frames visually, looking for gaps or any sign that the plank is not tight against the frame. Then use the screw driver to test the wood for softness on both plank and frame near the mating surface. If the frame is cracked or the wood is soft, one doesn't have to go any further. Soft wood and cracked frames are dangerous conditions that mandate repair.

Broom 33

I was back at Brooms today... the weather was gorgeous for this time of year, really hot. The Broom 33 was intended to strengthen Broom's presence in the seagoing medium-size cruiser market and bridged the gap between their well-reputed river boats and their larger sea-going models. It represented a popular entry level boat in the Fast Offshore Range, although it has since been discontinued for a larger model.

The interior layout could be offered with or without an interior helm, the latter option providing a more spacious saloon. The aft cabin makes the best use of space by fitting the double bed diagonally, and still retains separate shower and WC cabins.

The standard engines for the Broom 33 were twin 100HP Volvo TMD31Bs but as these only gave a top speed of 12 knots the 33 was more typically fitted like this example with the more powerful 180HP or 200HP Volvo TAMD41/A/Bs for offshore cruising.

The Old and the New...saw this nice collection of old boats in the sheds... some of them built by Brooms... and then thier latest flagship the 455 back from the Southampton  Boatshow..

The Navigator Class

Rare Broom Robb

Raisena.. owned by Mr. Broom and raced every year... for the last 79!!

Shadow 26 Motor Cruiser

Todays assigment was at Horning on this this cruiser that was a radical design in its day offering a wide beam for her length together with a large perspex sliding door to the cabin. The open plan cabin is famed for comfortable seating which folds down into berthing. 2 versions of the boat were made. The offshore version had 2 larger petrol engines on outdrives and ths river boat version featured a modification to the hull to allow the installation of a shaft driven single  diesel engine. There was also an option of hard top or a full canopy version.

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