Aquafibre 28 Super Ensign River Cruiser

Today I was working just 5 minutes from home at Peter Linfords Boatyard at Wayford Bridge, near Stalham. This was a Survey for insurance.
 
This is the Aquafibre 28 Super Ensign River Cruiser. Quite a rare boat. This class is the early version of the Aquafibre Opal, and lacks the forward well and access. This one was fitted out by Kingsley Farrington in Trowse Norwich… who is more associated with his fibre glass Farrington Yachts and boat transport rather than cruisers. Most insurance companies will require a survey for any boat aged 20 years old or more, and then again, every five years or so. Some other boats may require a survey earlier than this if they have sustained serious damage, if they are wooden, or if they have been self-built.

Good size engine for a small boat!... the Nanni 38HP 4150HE

This class is the early version of the Aquafibre Opal, and lacks the forward well and access.

Surveyors Comments Generally:

Sovereign Moisture Meters cannot be used on hulls containing boran or reinforced with carbon fibres as these substances have a high electro conductivity. The readings may, therefore, as well as being affected by ambient conditions, also may be affected by the local thickness of the gelcoat, the presence of extra layers of reinforcement or structural items, epoxy coating systems, chain cables, ballast, bilge water, copper, fuel or water tanks, gas cylinders, batteries and electrical wiring and similar items on the inside of the hull and even the static electricity in the Surveyors body and clothing.

It is also necessary to remove any antifouling in order to use these instruments as the surface coatings may carry large amounts of copper or tin which also cause false readings. It should also be pointed out that the effective practical depth of field of these instruments is only about 15 to 20mm. High readings therefore, do not necessarily indicate the presence of water.

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

Broads Boat Owners' Survey

Tell the Broads Authority about your views and have the chance to win £100 towards your toll, plus a new life-jacket by completing the 2012 boat owners’ survey.

This is the third time the Authority has canvassed boat owners’ opinions. Previous surveys provided valuable information about your priorities which helped determine our work plans.

The 2012 survey will be carried out online using an independent company, which saves money on administration and postage. The full results will be published on the Authority’s website, and the survey will be closed at the end of April.

The winner will be selected at random by the survey company and will win £100 towards the cost of this year’s toll or, should your toll be less than £100, chandlery vouchers to the value of the difference. You will also win a free life-jacket as part of the new safety campaign.

Navigation Committee Chairman David Broad said: “The Navigation Committee was consulted about the questions and the way in which the survey will be done and overwhelmingly recommended an online poll which will save thousands of pounds on previous surveys and enable more questions to be asked. I invite all toll payers to play a very active part and join the debate on the priorities for expenditure.”

Complete the survey here.  No information will be passed on to third parties.

Aquafibre 38 River Crusier

Today’s assignment was on this Aquafibre 38 River Crusier down at Norfolk Yacht Agency at Horning. A dual steer cruiser launched in the late 80's to be the first dual steer cruiser to be able to pass under Potter Heigham bridge, Norfolk at low water. The models low air draught is complemented by sleek lines and good use of internal space. Later models were improved by the addition of a stern door, with early models only access point being through the external flybridge.

History: Aquafibre was founded at Neatishead, Norfolk in the 1960's by a consortium of local boat-builders. The majority shareholders were Robert Richardson and John Linford, who had 30% equity each. The remainder was divided between Martin Broom (Broom Boats - 15%), Vicktor Bell (Bell Boats - 10%), David Millbank (Jenners of Thorpe 10%) and Dawncraft of Wroxham (5%). Dawncraft soon sold their share to David Millbank. John Linford was tragically killed in a light aircraft crash and his share was sold to Martin Broom.

Robert Richardson felt that he was the main customer of the business and so sold his share to Martin Broom around 1975 to embark on his own operation. It is not known (by us, at least) what the current shareholding is, however Aquafibre is often identified as being Broom's 'sister' company and almost all of their boats have been moulded at Wendover Road.

Aquafibre also provide mould development and consultancy services for many other major boatbuilders as well as producing their extensive range of models from the current Rackheath facility. Sadly, in May 2009 the vast Wendover Road site at Rackheath closed its doors for the very last time. Production of sister company Broom's mouldings moved entirely to their Brundall site, with key Aquafibre customer Haines doing the same for their models built at Catfield.

Surveyors comments: Winter lay up / Electrical System:

All main electrical connections should be checked for corrosion before laying up for the winter. Once they are corrosion free, they should be sprayed with WD40 or equivalent so that they won't corrode in the damp weather. The batteries are very susceptible to damage during the winter season and should be cared for in the following manner. They should be disconnected and the terminals should be cleaned. The electrolyte level should be checked and topped up if necessary. The batteries should be fully charged. Ideally the batteries should be removed and kept indoors for the winter as sub-zero temperatures are not good for them. Also ideally they should be re-charged every month during the winter as the charge will slowly drain over a long period of time.

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

Pedro Skiron 35

Todays assignment was to Survey this Steel Built Pedro Motor Cruiser down at Bells Marine in Brundall.

Pedro Boats of Zuidbroek in the Netherlands produce a range of steel craft and they are becoming more and more popular on the Broads, J.R. Cole of Brundall is the UK's exclusive distributor, so the make is becoming even more common.

The Skiron is well finished. The durable teak interior provides a warm feel that makes you feel at home straightaway.

Perkins Sabre 90HP... one of the better diesel options.

From the outside steering position you have a good view of the boat. This edition also has a soft-top hood that allows you to cover the outside steering position from rain, splashing water, or strong sunlight.

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

Frozen Seacocks!

The best preventive maintenance for seacocks.........If your boat must be left in the water, the thru-hulls should be protected by closing all seacocks and gate valves. Leaving a thru-hull unprotected over the winter is like going on an extended holiday and leaving your home’s front door open! Failure to close thru-hulls is a major cause of loss in the UK. In a recent study of claims, seacocks or gate valves left open caused or contributed to the sinking. It should be noted that raising and refurbishing a boat that sinks, even at a dock, is a daunting job that can keep the boat in the repair yard for many weeks over the spring and summer. Whenever a boat is stored in the water over the winter, all thru-hulls, with the exception of the ones for cockpit drains, must be closed or it could be on the bottom next spring. And all thru-hulls, especially the ones for the cockpit drains, must be double-clamped with stainless steel hose clamps at each end. This is critical. When water freezes it expands and will lift a poorly secured hose off of a fitting. The hose itself is also important. Lightweight hose and PVC tubing can rupture or crack. Use only a heavily reinforced hose, especially at cockpit drains.

Skin fittings below the waterline and most within about 30cm.above the waterline should have seacocks fitted. No plastic or nylon fittings should be fitted below the waterline. (these can fracture )

One way to stop those drips……..whats underneath ?

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.

If your boat has thru-hulls below the waterline that can’t be closed, either because they are mechanically frozen open or have broken (typical with gate valves, which is why they are not recommended), it should be stored ashore for the winter.

Seacocks are closed by moving the handle down so that the handle is parallel to the hull. Gate valves are closed by turning the wheel clockwise. After the seacock or gate valve has been closed, remove the hose so that it drains and then use an absorbent cloth to eliminate any residual water, which can freeze and crack the nipple. (Taking off the hose also assures you that the valve has closed properly.) Reinstall the hose immediately and secure the two clamps.

It should be noted that thru-hulls above the waterline are not required to have seacocks and most don’t. That doesn’t mean that these thru-hulls aren’t vulnerable. Ordinary plastic thru-hulls deteriorate in sunlight and have been broken when they were shoved underwater by the weight of snow and ice in the cockpit, which then sinks the boat. Plastic thru-hulls near the waterline are especially vulnerable and should be replaced with bronze.

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.
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.