Broads Motor Cruiser

I had a return trip to Martham today on the Northern Broads. This visit was the second of three to see ‘Summer Wine. She is timber constructed Motor Cruiser built by Kings in Horning back in the 50's. She was found in a run down condition, but her structure is remarkably good in general, and it is considered that she is well worthy of refitting. She has not been built to the highest standards, and employs simple materials-yet she has proved over the years to be persistently durable.

As she was last year

Built from Iroko hardwood... a very durable timber.. new stem and chine planks fitted

New bulkheads going in

A new engine will be installed...nearly all the frames (ribs) have been replaced...

Summer Wine‘, formerly named Ferry Buccaneer 3 is a timber Broads River Cruiser, constructed to a design relevant to the 1950's, she is of hard chine timber construction with a shallow tapering keel, flat transom stern, and a curved stem. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for hire on the inland water ways.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in 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

Sheerline 1070 Centre Cockpit

Today I Surveyed this Sheerline Motor Cruiser at Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham. The Sheerline 1070 Centre Cockpit offers spacious luxury. The high specification is designed to satisfy the most discerning of boating enthusiasts. The all GRP hull and superstructure with the versatility of the sliding wheelhouse roof, allows open-air living whilst retaining indoor comfort for an extended cruising season. The interior layout permits 4/6 berth accommodation with a double berth master cabin and associated toilet and shower forward. The galley/dinette area is fitted with a second toilet and shower compartment. Access is either through the rear cockpit well or by steps to the side deck from the central wheelhouse saloon with its comfortable L-shaped settee. The winch-assisted wheelhouse saloon roof slides on to the aft cabin roof and together with fold-down screens gives a very low air draft for extended river cruising.

Surveyors comments:

On ex hire boats its common to see areas of stress cracks within the fibreglass around the gunwales and on some of the deck stanchions. Such cracks are often caused by light impact, or through limited fatigue of the gel coat, but do not usually effect the structural integrity of the adjacent structure. Where there are no indications of serious degrading no immediate action is considered necessary.

Sealine S42 Motor Cruiser

I Surveyed and trialed this Sealine S42 today at Brundall on the South Broads.

The saloon features U-shaped seating, convertible to an additional double berth, dining table and concealed stool. A fully-equiped galley with hob, oven/grill, large fridge and split sinks is finished in Corian® worktops.

The forward double cabin is complete with en-suite toilet/shower, excellent storage/hanging space and vanity unit. The aft double cabin has the built-in choice of a large double berth or two large singles, en-suite toilet/shower, dressing table, seating area, double wardrobes and circular hatch to cockpit - a true master cabin.

Quality cruising could not be easier with well laid-out deck fittings, strategically-positioned handrails, heavy duty stainless steel windscreen and porthole frames, large teak-laid bathing platform and provision for paraselle/dinghy crane or davits.

40 ton hoist at Brundall... ideal



'Washing her off' before a detailed inspection can be carried out on the hull



Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in 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

Trader 41 (41+2).

Todays assignment was to Survey this 41 ft Trader Motor Yacht at Brooms in Brundall, Norfolk, UK.

The trader 41 and 41+2 (the same boat but with two more berths) were designed and developed by Tarquin Boat Co of Ringwood, Hampshire, but were built in Taiwan. They were introduced in 1980 and 1981 respectively. To date Tarquin have sold over 140 boats, of which about 30 have remained in the UK. The 41 has four berths in two large cabins, one forward and one aft, and two occasional berths in the wheelhouse. The 41+2 has two smaller forward cabins, giving an extra two berths. The full width aft cabin on both boats provides a spacious sundeck above.Hull shape is medium vee with a keel, effectively a semi displacement form. The most popular engine installation is a pair of 120HP Ford diesels, which drive the boat at 12 knots, but more powerful engines have been fitted up to twin 255HP Caterpillars pushing speeds up to 22 knots. This boat has the 306HP Volvos fitted.

beautiful teak interior that Traders are known for.



Very high tides today in Brundall.... glad i brought the wellies!



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

Fire prevention & extinguishing equipment...

I was at Richardson’s Boatyard in Stalham today carrying out four Valuation Surveys.

I thought this was a good idea on thier newer cruisers. A hole drilled through into the engine bay so you can extinguish a fire with one of the dry powder units located in the aft cabin. Stops air rushing in to the engine space if the engine room hatch is lifted to fight the fire ...(very dangerous) and saves on the cost of having a fixed system. Fixed systems are counted as additional to the absolute minimum requirements for portable extinguishers. If the fixed system is remotely operated it's a good idea for the release device to be readily accessible from outside the fire risk space so that the person using it is not placed in danger.



  Broads Sunset.... one of the boats I valued today. Spec includes • 240v system • Bow thruster for ease of handling • Elevated stateroom with sliding canopy over provides superb all round visibility • Lower stern deck with boarding platform for easy access • Microwave • Vacuum cleaner • 14" 240v TV • DVD • CD • Stereo radio • Soft furnishings • Duvets and bed linen •  2 shower/WC rooms. Radiator central heating with instant hot water and 2 toilets/showers are en suite.

Hire prices from £812.00 a week...

 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