Reedham Ferry

I had a trip to Newsons Boat Yard in Lowestoft today. The yard are carrying out the 3 yearly MCA inspection and remedial works on the Reedham Ferry and asked me along to take some ultrasound thickness readings on the steel ballast tanks.

The Reedham Ferry is a vehicular chain ferry which crosses the River Yare in Norfolk. It crosses the river near the village of Reedham, forming the only crossing point between the city of Norwich and Great Yarmouth and saving users a journey of more than 30 miles. The current ferry was built in 1984, was designed and built at Oulton Broad by the late Fred Newson & the present owner. The ferry can carry up to 3 cars at a time and can carry a maximum weight of 12 tonnes. There has been a crossing at Reedham since the early 17th Century. The original ferry was called Norfolk Horse Ferries UNDER STABLE the horse drawn vehicles were the main users of the ferry boat. The Archers came to Reedham Ferry early in 1949 and proud to boast they are still here now after 3 generations. The ferry boat in 1949 was still being hand-wound across the river yare until early 1950 when the ferry became motorised.
 

The steel ballast tanks being measured for thickness

Going back a few years!!

Bounty 27 Motor Cruiser

Today’s Survey was on one of this ex hire boat down at Whispering Reeds Boatyard on Hickling Broad.

Such had been the success of the MK I Bounty Elysian, that in around 1981 a new hull and superstructure was developed and the “New Elysian 27”, also known as the 27 Aft Cockpit (AC) MK II was launched.
Two layouts were offered. The first was a 4 berth, on similar lines to the MK I, though the fridge had been relocated into the cabin. This was built either with a full bulkhead divide between the two cabins as before, or often as an open plan layout with curtain divide. The second layout was purely a 2 berth and had a larger bathroom as you entered the cabin, galley opposite and then a small seating/dining area ahead. Located into the bow was a fixed double, with storage/vanity unit opposite. A hard top version was also produced, known as the Bounty 27 ACH, this had taller windscreens, a fixed roof & glass sides over part of the rear cockpit, and had some success on waterways where the increased height was not too restricting.

Bounty Boats History : Bounty Boats was formed by Mike Brister, and in 1968 was sold to Peter Brown. At the time the company was a small hirefleet of assorted craft, based at Brundall on the Norfolk Broads. In 1972 Bounty Boats went into production with their first model - the Buccaneer 37. At the time the boating scene had been changing quickly due to the rapid developments in fibreglass craft. A few years earlier, in 1966 Frank Wilds had launched his 39ft single level ‘bathtub’ design with great success, but his reluctance to sell them to others led to Bounty Boats, together with Stan Bruckshaw of Solar Marine to design and manufacture their own updated and improved interpretation.

The guys at Whispering Reeds Boatyard hauling her out for her inspection

Surveyors comments:

Have you considered how you would escape in the event of a cabin fire? An alternative to a purpose built hatch is a suitably-sized window, but remember, if the window is not capable of being opened, a safe means to break it must be kept nearby. Always consider your escape routes and plan for the worst, even if you may never need to use them. It's better to be safe than sorry!

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

Fairline Carrera Sports Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Horning on the Northern Broads. Very cold this morning, and the basin was full of ice about 1” thick. Tough work for the Brokers this time of year. The Fairline Carrera was designed by John Bennett. Fairline Boats is based at Oundle and has long been a manufacturer of luxury craft. They now concentrate mainly on craft too large for the Broads, but previously Fairline produced a number of popular smaller craft, many of which are still to be found on the Norfolk Broads. Build quality is excellent, and in my experience the hulls on the Fairline boats are nearly always blister free with no signs of osmosis.

200HP Volvo petrol engine in this boat.

Jason from Norfolk Yacht Agency breaking the ice!

Ice broken... now a 'tug' around to the crane...

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

Doral Venezia Sports Cruiser

I had the pleasure of Surveying this sports cruiser today down at Freshwater Cruisers in Brundall on the South Broads. Built in Canada, its an unusual boat to see here on the inland water ways, looking through my files I have only Surveyed two over the last ten years.
 
Doral History: At the end of the 90's, Doral International is now a company doing business in more than 25 countries across the world. Doral is now a major and challenging player in the Sport and Cruiser boat industry.

The Venezia is the only cruiser of its size to offer a 9.4' beam for greater stability.

The Doral Venezia is offered in both single and twin engine configurations, with an option to add a generator. This  boat was equipped with a single Volvo 5.7-litre sterndrive, with 320 horsepower!

An agile sport cruiser with the sleek beauty for which the company has made a name for
itself.

Excellent new hoist at Freshwater Cruisers

The guys at Freshwater Cruisers have pride in their work, and if you want your old boat painting to give it a fresh look, this is the place to go…… gelcoat… paint!  I couldn’t tell… you decide!

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

Aquafibre 30

Today’s assignment was to Survey this Aquafibre 30 at Bells Boats in Brundall on the South Broads.  Bell Boats Ltd is an established family run business (for over 60 years) and offers a wide range of services for the boat owner permanently or temporarily based in Norfolk.

Aquafibre was probably one of the most common known boat makers on the Broads. Aquafibre were a prolific manufacturer of boat shells - these were often 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.

As far as I am aware, Aquafibre were producing Broadland craft since the late 1960s. You will often also notice Aquafibre craft badged with different names depending on the outfitter.

 

Good strong crane at Bells Boats.. looks like it could lift virtually anything on the Broads...

Before starting the engine, here are some basic checks to follow:

Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.

General:

Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.

Running Checks:

Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.

On Your Return:

Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.

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