Aquafibre 38

Today’s assignment was at Derby Quay in Beccles on the South Broads Surveying this Aquafibre 38 Motor Cruiser. Aquafibre is probably one of the most common known hull makers on the Broads. Aquafibre were part of Brooms & Sons and were prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were outfitted by a variety of boatyards, including Brooms of Brundall and Bristercraft at Wroxham. Unfortunately Aquafibre ceased trading in 2009, marking the end of an era in Norfolk boat building.

This one was unusual, and had been refitted as a live aboard offering comfortable accommodation for 6. Lots of equipment made this a superb holiday boat.

Buying a Boat

Choosing your boat

Professional yacht brokers have access to an extensive database of boats, and some also have the ability to find boats that are not yet on the market. This saves you valuable search time allowing you to make the perfect choice. A Broker can also assist in the selection process by helping you clearly define your requirements and provide the information needed to consider each yacht. You would probably expect to pay less when buying a boat from a private seller and possibly have more scope to negotiate price. Most private sellers will welcome questions about the vessel they are selling and it’s important to remember you may have to contact them in the future, so maintaining a good relationship with them is a good idea. Private sellers can often provide an added knowledge of the history of a boat and for this reason many buyers prefer a personal sale.

Buying

Once you are satisfied with the private seller you will need to negotiate an acceptable price and arrange to make payment for the boat. This is usually carried out by bankers draft or a cash payment can be made. Occasionally the seller may be happy to accept another method of payment. Yacht brokers are able to help in the negotiation of the sale, including price, financing, terms and often the provision of repairs and furnishings or equipment. They often provide local information on different yacht services, such as engine repair, moorings and other services. An experienced and professional yacht broker will advise the buyer throughout the process of assessing the chosen boat. Part of the broker service is to recommend the extent of the survey to be used in the inspection and help to identify the best individuals to conduct the surveys.

Plain Sailing

A Yacht Broker can assist in making sure that the title to the boat is clear, title meaning ownership of the boat. If it’s a yacht, and she is foreign flagged, set up as a corporation or existing under any number of other special circumstances, the services of a professional yacht broker will become even more valuable and will result in a smooth sale. If you choose you buy your boat from a private seller, once the sale is complete it is recommended that a buyer’s contract is arranged to protect both parties. This will act as your purchase receipt and will prove that you are the new owner of the boat.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Get a quote for a detailed and comprehensive report. 

steventruss1@aol.com

Bounty 27 Sedan

I was at Broadland Boat Centre today carrying out a Pre-purchase Survey on this compact Cruiser.

In 1984 Bounty really did design something very special. They launched the all new Bounty 27 Sedan. With large aft sundeck, spacious all weather wheelhouse, modern galley, shower, toilet and forward ‘private’ cabin for two, never had so much been offered on the 27ft hull. Not built in great numbers, its thought the high air draft of the boat limited its navigation and thus limited its sales.



Built between 1984 and 1990, this one was one of the very last fitted out by Swancraft

35HP Nanni diesel on  Hydraulic drive.

Hydraulic drives

Bounty Boats continued and developed the idea used by the F. B. Wilds Caribbean / Bermuda range of utilising hydraulic drive and the significant advantages this offers in boats.

As there is no direct mechanical link between the engine and propeller, the use of hydraulic drive allows the engine to be positioned almost anywhere within the boat rather than being in a fixed position in relation to the propeller and the precise alignment this usually requires to reduce vibration to a minimum. Bounty chose to put the engine, transversely mounted, under the aft deck as in this and the Caribbean design allowing easy access to most of the main components for servicing and maintenance without disturbing any of the accommodation. All of the drive components being in the stern also greatly reduces the amount of engine noise in the forward 'living' area when the boat is under way.

Most Bounty's used the quieter BMC 1.5 power unit (although some did have alternative engines fitted, this example the 35hp Nanni) as original, rather than the Perkins 4.107/8 favoured by F. B. Wilds, which along with a better designed exhaust system reduced noise still further. It will be found that some of the Bounty Buccaneer designs in use do not utilise hydraulic drive in an effort to keep initial build costs down, but these were invariably purchased as mouldings and thus are not genuine Bounty built versions. In this case the engine is mounted under an engine cover within the galley and drives via a conventional marine gearbox and shaft.

Star Glory Class Broads Crusier

Today I was lucky enough to Survey ‘Isabel’ a Star Glory Class Cruiser built by Jack Powles of Wroxham in 1963. Mr. Rolf her owner has painstakingly restored her over the last 2 years and she is now back to her former glory.

In the sheds at Wayford Bridge waiting to be re-launched after 2 years restoration.

She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for inland water ways.

Her owner Mr. Rolph finishing off the aft cabin joinery

The four berth Star Glory class were 29 feet in length and the Blakes brochure of 1967 lists her as having a Perkins 4107 diesel engine, and ice box and an electric flushing toilet. The cost for a week’s hire during the peak summer holiday period was £15 18 shillings! and, interestingly, she was a Thursday to Thursday hire only.

Isabel (Star Glory 3) back in the 80's

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

Ocean 37 Motor Cruiser

I was back at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today Surveying this Ocean 37. Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental this boat has a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now 'corridor' in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

Aquafibre built 157 Ocean 37's between 1973 and 1983.

Most boats were fitted with twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels like this example. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed of 19Knots.

 Surveyors comments:

VENTILATION:

The responsibility for the safety of anybody onboard your boat lies
with the owner or skipper. I advise strongly that boats have enough fixed ventilation to feed all the appliances on board that use LPG, or other carbon-based fuels. Inadequate ventilation will starve the burners of vital oxygen resulting in poor burning and that can produce highly toxic carbon monoxide.
The ventilation requirements then need to be split equally between: high level (ideally cabin roof) and as low as practicable.Low level venting can be achieved by letting in cold air from vents in doors and/or bulkheads, or by means of ducting from a higher level.The input rating for your appliances can normally be found on the manufacturer's plate on the appliance and/or in the operating instructions.