Broom Commander

I Surveyed this beauty today at Brundall on the South Broads. A highly sought after classic wooden craft from the 1950s.  'White Heron' has been in the Broom family from new. A smaller version of 'Supreme Commander'. The two in Broom's early hire fleet did not have a stern well, however this example does. They built one twin engine version too...which is very rare....



The interior has been little changed since she was built, so retains the original character & quality of build.



The original Perkins 4107 34HP diesel engine

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

Freeman 30 Motor Cruiser

I Surveyed this Classic Freeman 30 Cruiser today down at Horning on the Norfolk Broads.

John Freeman Marine built about 100 Freeman 30s from 1960 to 1969. The boat has the distinctive curved step in the deck line that was a feature of many of the early Freemans.

There are two versions, one with a centre cockpit and aft cabin like this example and one with an open cockpit. This one has six berths, the other has four.

The hull is shallow vee with a long , shallow keel. The boats were primarily built for river use but are quite cable of fair weather passages in estuary or coastal waters.

Single or twin diesels were fitted. In the early boats the most common installation was a pair of 56HP Parsons Porbeagles, which would give a top speed of about 10 Knots. Later boats were fitted with more powerful engines commonly a pair of 108HP Thornycrofts, which increase top speed up to 13 Knots. This one has the twin Bedfords at 98HP.. Fitted to the last ones built… this one was apparently a 1968 model.

Surveyors comments generally on all Freeman models

Its a well known fact that many old Freemans have osmosis blistering to the underbody, and that the mouldings absorbe a substantial quantity of moisture during their life, but this is not uncommon on vessels of this age and type and have spent most of their life’s continuously afloat. When considering the thickness of the laminate the decision whether or not to treat the osmosis can be judged on a financial rather than structural basis in most cases, and should be therefore left entirely to the owners discretion. It must however be remembered that osmosis will not cure itself, but could remain static for many years with out requiring expensive treatment. I always recommend that Freeman owners take their vessels out of the water over the winter periods and store them in the dry, out of this they reduce the possibility of further osmotically induced gel coat blistering.

Steve from Ferry Marine washing off the bottom



The first 30,s were built with wooden mahogany deck and superstructure like this example.



One of the most popular Freeman's, a genuine classic.  A versatile boat for estuary, sea and river. 

Broom Ocean 37

I was Surveying this Ocean 37 Motor Yacht today down at Broadland Boat Centre in Brundall. 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.

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. 

Specifications
LOA: 37ft 0in / 11.28m
Beam: 12ft 0in / 3.66m
Draught: 3ft 0in / 0.91m Min.
Air Draught: 8ft 6in / 2.59m Hull/Deck: GRP
Hull Form: Semi-displacement Cruise Speed: 12 knots Max. Speed: 16 knots
Fuel Capacity: 2 x 100 gals / 454ltr Water Capacity: 100 gals / 454ltr
Build Period: 1973-1983
Number Built: 157 Previous Model: ? Successor
Model: Broom 37
Market Value: £50,000 - 60,000


Surveys Comments

The best preventive maintenance for seacocks, both plastic and metal, is to periodically open and close each valve. Leaving a valve in one position for an extended period of time can allow it to freeze up. Manufacturers' guidelines may differ slightly, but the consensus is that the handle of each seacock should be moved throughout the full open/close path every few weeks, or at least once every 30 days, more frequently if possible. One school of thought advocates closing all seacocks each time the boat is left unattended. If you follow this diligent strategy, be just as methodical coming back aboard, especially to make sure valves on the raw-water intakes are open before starting the engines. If you are forgetful consider putting a placard somewhere near the ignition switch as a reminder. If a seacock won't operate freely, disassemble and lubricate it. To lubricate seacocks while a boat is in the water, use the following procedure:When the boat is hauled out, perform steps four to six from outside the hull to lubricate the opposite side of the valve mechanism. Use winch, wheel bearing, or water pump grease. Avoid lithium or other metal-based greases, which may cause galvanic corrosion. If a seacock is completely frozen, it's best to haul the boat before attempting repair or replacement. If that's not possible, then temporarily plug or seal the penetration from outside the hull before attempting repair. Out of sight out of mind and easily overlooked or neglected seacocks and through-hull fittings can cause very serious problems when not maintained. However, by following the routine outlined here of regular checks and minimal care, they'll provide years of reliable service.

close the valve.
remove the hose or tubing from the inboard side.
remove any remaining water from inside of valve.
swab waterproof grease on the inside of valve mechanism.
reattach the hose or tubing, checking clamps or fittings.
activate the valve several times to spread the grease.
Check bonding straps to all bronze through-hulls to make sure that the cable has no corrosion or breakage that could lead to stray current that will cause galvanic corrosion.

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

Haines 35

Today’s assignment was on the third Haines Motor Cruiser this week. Haines has launched its first twin-diesel, fully-fledged seagoing model - renamed the Haines 35 Offshore - and with it comes a number of modifications to the interior finish and layout.

Haines has always been happy to offer a well-finished interior but now there are touches of real contemporary flair.

The round-bilge hull has a deep forefoot that develops into a chine as it runs aft. A long deep keel is still in place but on the twin-engined boat this cuts away farther forward and tapers in to give good water flow into the props, while still providing protection and some added stability.
Verdict: A high quality, comfortable cruiser

A final polish before the 'hand over'........

Cat B (Offshore) boat with 180HP Yanmars

PRESS RELEASE:

In June 2009 Haines Marine purchased the mould tools for their range of luxury motor cruisers from the disbanded Norfolk company, Aqua Fibre. This was followed by further investment in 2010 with the hugely successful Haines 400 model development. Now the company are again investing heavily to secure the long term future of the brand, with the announcement of a 3-year development programme and the launch of new models to its range.
 

Haines 42 Elegance

Beginning with the launch of the new Haines 42 Elegance, targeting the European inland cruising market of France, Germany, Holland, Ireland and the UK. The 42 Elegance offers customers the live-aboard layout required for those longer cruises. With many people enjoying long summers afloat on Europe’s network of waterways, many of which doing so on Dutch built steel boats. Norfolk based Haines believe that the 42 Elegance delivers an ideal GRP alternative.

Late 2012 will also see the launch of the 32 Sedan, a new development, and a boat aimed at the young family or starter boat market with a retail price of around £150,000.

2013 will see the launch of the much anticipated 40 Sedan, an offshore model with a 30 knot performance. Following on from the popular and award winning Haines 35 Sedan, the 40 Sedan will deliver the large aft cockpit and open-plan saloon space that is so often appreciated in modern day motor cruisers.

With a workforce of 26, the Haines Norfolk factory is currently operating at full capacity with craft being produced across the model range. Haines are keen to develop further and build on the success of recent years. With new markets buying British built boats, Haines have just sold their first boat to a Russian customer based on the Black Sea, and a large proportion of the company’s production being for export. Haines are taking the opportunity to expand on the demand for their custom built luxury craft.

UK Haines dealer, Norfolk Yacht Agency, have also enjoyed a successful year and already confirmed orders for each of the new models, along with a new Haines 400 aft cabin that will be exhibited at the London Boat Show. In its last financial year NYA sold nearly 300 boats (new and used) with a total value of about £10 million.

Haines 320 Motor Yacht

This was the second Haines Surveyed this week….. Another Motor Boats Monthly award winner for Haines the 320 offers accommodation for 6 in two private Ensuite cabins and the saloon. Great upper deck steering position with folding screen option.
　
The Haines production facility in Catfield, Norfolk is currently running at full capacity, with a limited number of build slots and deliveries still available for 2012 season being in great demand.

Several different craft in the model range currently are in production, and a high level of interest has already been shown in the proposed new model developments. Haines are looking forward to the new year with an extremely healthy order book. Another success story on the Broads….

 

The London Boat Show returns in January, running from the 6th to 15th. After last years impressive reinvention of the shows format, and the positive feedback that we received from customers attending the show. Haines will again be exhibiting on the boardwalk feature at the 2012 show.

Find the latest Haines 400 model on display on M52, along with the Haines sales team from Norfolk Yacht Agency.