Shetland 27 Motor Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Norfolk Yacht Agency at Brundall, Norfolk, Surveying this Shetland 27 Motor Cruiser… the flagship of the Shetland range which was launched in 2005. It has a spacious interior and accommodation which makes for a good family cruiser. Engine options from Yanmar are 56hp to 110hp,( this one was the 56HP) they are available whether your need to use the boat for river, estuary or coastal use.

The Team at Broadland Boat Centre about to lift her out for inspection

Fold down windscreens make it an ideal boat for the Norfolk Broads.

Shetland Boats was founded in 1968, starting at Threestokes Marina in London. It soon grew and required more space and dedication so Shetland set up full production between two sites at Burnham on Crouch and Southminster; and this was then the start of Shetland boats.

Surveyors comments generally:

To reduce the risk of your boat sinking if it keels over or is excessively weighed down, it's important to only have openings which are at a height of at least 250mm (10ins) above the waterline. Where openings are necessary below this level this risk can be reduced by ensuring that these openings are permanently and securely connected to ducts or pipes, which are watertight / swan necked up to or above that level.


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

Boat prices on the Norfolk Broads at historic lows.

Boat prices on the Norfolk Broads are now at historic lows and are unlikely to go any lower. Prices of used and brokerage boats are beginning to stabilise. Demand during the Spring may begin to force prices closer to normal market values. So make your boat buying decision now while you still have plenty of options and prices are at record lows.

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

Boating on The Norfolk Broads in the 1930s... life just seemed simple!

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.