Easticks 28 Cruiser

I carried out an Insurance Survey today on this Easticks 28 Yacht. Production Years were from 1980-96 and the builder was Easticks Yacht Station in Acle, Norfolk. The original Easticks fleet were sold off to the Caister Group in 1965. The Caister Group had undertaken a mass buy out of many fleets in 1965 and, whilst most of those remained where they were and ran under the old yard's name, the distinction was made with the Eastick's fleet which were moved to Potter Heigham and ran under the Herbert Woods name..... thus the yard and Easticks name were retained by the owner.

Here are some old pictures of the Yacht Station

Todays Survey at Whispering Reeds Boat Yard. The hulls constructed from fibreglass but the tops timber.

Ideal for those who like the look of a wooden boat... but without the maintenance!

Surveyors comments:

Its well known that many of the Easticks Yachts on the Broads have a slightly bent keel. I have seen this on atleast half a dozen examples I have Surveyed over the years. This is because the moulding section of the lower keel /hull is slightly 'out of square'. I believe this has no structural consequence, and does not appear to effect the sailing capabilities of the Yacht. They are a Broads Yacht and designed to be sailed on inland waters only. Many were hired out, as this one was and has recently been sold by ( i think) Southgates in Horning.
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Broads Boats of all types and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

No more standing under boats for me!!

My Norfolk Year.

Sheerline 740 sc

Today’s assignment was at Sheerline Boats in Thorpe, Norwich, also known as Wroxham Marine.

Wroxham Marine were located in the boat shed used by JPC opposite River Moorings until they moved to Griffin Lane in what was the old Falcon Yard, then Stelco and then owned by someone else. As far as I know there is no current connection between Wroxham Marine / Sheerline and George Smiths / Sheerline.
George Smiths commissioned their own designs and moulded the hulls. Andrew Wolstenholme was the designer. Originally they started building in the shed on Riverside Road, now demolished where Walton Marines sales basin was. As things took off they were located in the Jack Powles yard on Staitheway Road where the River Moorings development was.

The Sheerline 740 Aft Cockpit provides a perfect entry craft into river cruising. Fold-down screens and hood make this an ideal cruiser for inland waterways with restricted heights. The spacious aft cockpit features a large bench seat to the rear with twin adjustable helmsman's bucket seats. Well positioned stainless steel grab rails all round make for a safe craft for crew to walk around the outside. Despite its size, full standing headroom is a feature throughout this vessel. The forward cabin features two 'V' berths with the option of an infill making a double The galley and dinette area provides seating for four in comfort and converts into a double berth. A shower and toilet compartment completes the high quality accommodation.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Broads Boats of all types and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Caribbean 42

I was back at Brundall today Surveying this Caribbean 42 River Crusier. Such was the success of the 39ft version in the early '70's this 42ft version was launched. This was based on the Bahama hull and superstructure, but its round edged windows make it immediately recognisable.

The layout was incredibly similar to the smaller Caribbean, main difference being a fixed double berth cabin and different, more spacious galley arrangement. Only a handful were built, mainly for the F B Wilds fleet, but also for the odd other operator such as King Line, also from Horning. Three were still running with Horning Pleasurecraft in 2004, one remained in 2005 but sadly none live on as hirecraft in 2006.

 

Saloon - showing the popular fold away bed, popular on so many Wilds' designs.

Surveyors comments about the build generally:

Check all the floor areas thoroughly. They are a wood core constructed laminate, and if the bilge water penetrates them they become pores and spongy under foot. Its virtually impossible to check the condition of the floor bearers without cutting access traps. Many boats have been 'stripped out' and the floors replaced in 18mm plywood.

The fuel and water tanks are GRP bonded to the hull sides…. Often the bondings have broken and the tanks have moved.