Freeman 22 Motor Crusier

I had a trip to Horning today and Boulters Marine to Survey this little Motor Cruiser. One of the earliest production GRP motor cruisers! The Freeman 22 was launched in 1957 by John Freeman of Hinckley, Lestershire. They became one of the major motor cruiser builders of the 60’s and 70’s with a reputation for smart boats. In 1964 the 22 was modified to give increased headroom forward with a distinct step in the deck line. This example has the step, and was built in 1969. Over 1500 22’s were built up to 1970, when the boat was superseded by the Freeman 23.

The Freeman Cruiser 22 offered luxury classic cruising for its time. Based on the Freeman Caravans it is the original 'caravan afloat'!

The boat has 4 berths in a layout which is basically open plan but it can be divided into two cabins by opening the hanging locker door out across the boat

The boats were fitted with 35HP Ford Watermota petrol engines or 50HP Perkins diesels, with speeds up to 9 or 10 knots.... this one has the petrol engine.

Surveyors comments:

The fore decks delaminate and become spongy under foot. This is common on the older ones. Many owners of the older Broads Boats will elect to repair the deck core without removing the deck skin. On smaller areas especially this will be the case. Sometimes, though, the glass skin is just too difficult to remove, or, it's an old boat, like this one, and you just don't want to expend the time and effort. It's possible in these cases to perforate the outer skin with drilled holes, dry the area underneath, and then inject with penetrating epoxy sealer/resin or foam, and then close the holes with epoxy filler.

Fairline 36 Turbo

I was back at Brooms Maintenance Department today Surveying this Classic 36 Turbo, designed by Bernard Olensinski, the Fairline 36 Turbo was launched in 1981. Fairline Boats of Oundle, Northamptonshire have built around 250 of them.

The 36 Turbo has berths for six to eight people, with a double in the large owners stateroom, two singles in the forward cabin and settees or dinettes that can provide a further two.

Hull shape is deep vee from the entry back to amidships levelling out to medium vee at the transom, and has broad chine flats. Twin Volvo inboard diesels of between 150HP and 300HP each give maximum speeds of between 21 and 30 Knots. This example has the Volvo TAMD60B 235HP.

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

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.