Broom Owners Club

As many of us know, Broom Boats is the longest established motor boat manufacturer in the UK, and to mark the end of an era they have decided to record some of the highlights of their illustrious history in a new book. This pictorial history has been compiled from the Broom archives and covers the growth of the company from its foundation in 1898 to the present day.

Opening with a contribution from Martin Broom, and concluding with the story of how the Broom Owners Club was formed, the book is packed with iconic photos of Broom boats through the ages.

Available at the special discount price of £20 to BOC members from Broom Boats.

Download an order form, or phone Louise Wilkinson on 01603 712334.

Broom 33

I was back at Brooms today... the weather was fine for this time of year. 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 with the more powerful 180HP or like this example the 200HP Volvo TAMD41/A/Bs for offshore cruising.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 42

I Surveyed this 'Little Ship' today down at Brooms in Brundall.

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 is a striking vessel. My initial impressions were further enhanced upon entering the cabin. The comfortable six berth accommodation is achieved via one master cabin boasting a large island berth, a second cabin with a more than adequate double berth and another double berth can be made up through the saloon seating. The master cabin also provides en-suite access to a toilet and shower compartment. The second toilet and shower compartment can be accessed through the en-suite or from the main cabin companion-way.

The helm position is located in the wheelhouse/saloon to starboard with the galley to port and a comfortable U shaped seating arrangement aft to starboard. Access to the deck is obtained either to port or to starboard next to the helm and the galley or through the large patio doors located at the rear of the saloon. The deck space on the Beneteau is phenomenal, the aft deck greatly benefits from having a drop down canopy enabling the deck to be concealed in wet/cold weather and providing an additional cabin for the occupants.

The deck also provides access to the expansive flybridge. The helm position is central with additional seating located to port. The flybridge on this Beneteau is vast easily accommodating a family and with the high sides those with children can feel safe and secure.

Vetus Stern Thrusters & QL Bow thruster

Made a change.. i could almost walk around the engine bay....200HP Yanmar diesels for Offshore work

 In addition to her well planned accommodation and incredible deck space she offers extremely economical cruising at displacement speed, but with an 18 knot ability should you wish to press on quicker.

Love this....engine room camera with colour LCD flat screen display.

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

Haines 335 Motor Cruiser

Ive had three Surveys booked this week for three different types of Haines Motor Cruisers..… this is the first, the 335, built in 2000.

Haines Marine are one of the most respected boatbuilding companies on the Norfolk Broads. For the last three decades, their name has been synonymous with well-built boats, genuine craftsmanship and top quality.

A family run company founded in 1980 by Bob and Mary Haines. Their boats offer exceptional comfort, innovative design, quality throughout and the highest standards of safety.

The hand crafted nature of their boats is often not fully appreciated. The solid hardwood timber sections, every piece of furniture and bulkhead assemblies are individually created by craftsmen and engineers.

Haines Marine was established in 1980, building luxury craft from 29ft to 42ft, both sedan style and flybridge.

Moonraker 36 Fast Cruiser

I had a trip to Eastwood Marine today in Brundall to Survey this Moonraker 36 Fast Cruiser. The Moonraker 36 was one of the most popular medium sized fast cruisers of the 1970s. The boat was launched in 1970 by Moonraker Marine of Brundall, Norfolk, where later became JCL Marine, and nearly 400 boats were built before JCL went into liquidation in 1980.

 The reason for the boats popularity were its competitive price ( the early examples cost under £10,000 with the smallest engine option of twin 100hp GM diesels) and good accommodation, with a total of six berths. Most were fitted with Perkins 145HP like this example giving a top speed of 18 to 20 knots.

 

Moonraker 36 History:

When the Moonraker 36 was introduced in January 70, orders in hand were completed, but no further orders were taken. All in all 52 Moonrakers on the Ocean 30 hull were produced.

The Moonraker 36 Softrider was introduced as the market demanded it, requiring a bigger boat and Royal Navy Architect Robert Tucker was the original designer of the hull. Bell Buxton Boat Builders was then formed to produce the Moonraker 36 under the name Moonraker Marine. Bell Buxton produced all in all 122 vessels.

On July 12th.1971 the yard was taken over by Anthony Colin Bruce (known for his Lotus Sports cars), under the name Moonraker International. Chapmans arrival in boat manufacturing was no accident. For months he had been considering designs of a new boat in the 30-45-ft. range.

He redesigned the superstructure and thereby gave the boat the elegant look, which today more than 40 years later, still makes the boat impressive.From 1973 Moonraker was produced under the name JCL marine/Moonraker Motor Yachts, and with minor adjustments the manufacturing continued until October 1980, where the builders folded, a victim of the recession that gripped the industry at the time.

In 1987 the manufacturing was taken up again by Aqua Bell / East Anglian Marine in Brundall, Norwich. The boats were then called Moonraker Super 36, and traded through Monitor Marine / D.C.Developments. The last boat is built in 1991 to the manager of Aqua Bell, Vic Bell. In the period as a hole, just under 400 Moonrakers were built, the first 300 of which were built before end of 1974. Moonrakers were sold to more than 30 countries including Bahrain and the USA.

The Sedan and the Cruiser were powered by twin Perkins 6.354 115hp six-cylinder diesels, the Sports Yacht by turbocharged T6.354s developing 175hp. The 175s were also available on the Sedan and the Cruiser in a higher-spec version called the Express ­ most buyers opted for the extra power.

Surveyors comments

Some of the hulls are renowned to have some osmosis blistering, although many have now been peeled and treated with epoxy. Fuel and water tanks are constructed from fibreglass and are then bonded deep into the hull. Fuel filler and vent pipes are an unusual design ( more like seen in the automotive industry!) and many had to be changed to pass the current Boat Safety Scheme Regualtions of the type laid down in accordance with the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) and have become a requirement for licensing purposes on waters managed by the Broads Authority.