Guess where from? The USA of course!

The best way to keep down the number of wires going direct to your boats battery terminals is to install a bus-bar system, leaving just two wires connected to your battery. But in smaller or older boats this could be seen to be an expensive overkill. I came across this gadget which makes a clean, tidy and safe connection of wires direct to the battery terminals. Called a Marinco Direct Connect it costs about £20 for a pair of connectors. These bolt directly to the terminal stud. So you get a neat red and black covered quick-connect terminal block which allow you to lead all the wires in the same direction instead of having them coming into terminal studs at all angles.

To many wires going direct to the terminal!



Marinco Direct Connect.

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  steventruss1@aol.com
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Relcraft 29

I surveyed this rare Motor Cruiser down at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today on the South Norfolk Broads. Designed by John Moxham, as were all the boats in the Relcraft range from Reliance Marine. The Relcraft 29 was produced in 1981 and about 200 were built. (this was one of the last). There were two versions of this fast British Cruiser: The Zicon, with centre cockpit and aft cabin, and the Topaz (this one), without the aft cabin but with a very large cockpit. ( ideal for the Broads for socialising or FISHING!).

The Zircon sleeps six… where as this Topaz sleeps four, with one open plan main cabin. Both boats have a hard tops over the helm position. Like the other boats of the Relcraft range the hull is deep vee with unusual concave chines. (see head on pic).

Power comes from single or twin outdrives commonly twin petrol Mercruisers or Volvos of 120 or 140Hp each, the latter pushing the boat along at up to 25 Knots… this one has the 120Hp Volvo (six cylinder turbo) .. She reached 20 odd knots during her short river trial this morning.... and that was with the trim tabs out of commission!

Surveyors comments: Yet another British built seaworthy semi dispacement cruiser from the 80's..

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

Finance Surveys for Boats

I provide a range of Marine Surveys including Pre-Purchase Surveys, Systems Surveys, Sea Trials, Insurance Surveys, Valuation Reports and Finance Surveys.

 My surveys are recognised by most Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies in the UK, Europe and beyond. All my services are indemnified by full professional indemnity insurance.

Financial Institutions often lend money against the security of a yacht or powerboat and when they do they need independent verification that the vessel is in reasonable enough condition to justify the amount of money being loaned. Financial Surveys do not require the level of detail of a Pre-Purchase Survey or Full Condition Survey. Like the Insurance Survey Ill give a realistic assessment of the fair market value of the vessel at the time of the Survey. I can tailor a Financial Survey and Valuation Report for the Financial Institution concerned.

Sheerline 950 (31’) Motor Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Sheerline Boats in Thorpe, Norwich, also known as Wroxham Marine. Sheerline Motor Cruisers, built by Wroxham Marine Ltd, offer you the choice of a wide range of traditionally crafted, personally built, luxury motor cruisers. In their Norfolk-based boatyard, each vessel is completed to the highest standards of build quality, handling and finish. The Range of models covers a number of designs with aft cabin, aft cockpit, centre cockpit and sedan configurations to suit all inland waters, rivers and estuaries and, offshore use.

This Sheerline 950 (31’) provides a perfect entry craft into river cruising. Fold-down screens and hood make this an ideal cruiser for inland waterways with restricted heights. The spacious aft cockpit features a large bench seat to the rear with twin adjustable helmsman's bucket seats. Well positioned stainless steel grab rails all round make for a safe craft for crew to walk around the outside. Despite its size, full standing headroom is a feature throughout this vessel. The forward cabin features two 'V' berths with the option of an infill making a double The galley and dinette area provides seating for four in comfort and converts into a double berth. A shower and toilet compartment completes the high quality accommodation.

 

 

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 Motor Cruiser

I was back down at Bells Marine in Brundall on the South Norfolk Broads today Surveying the second Pedro Motor Cruiser this month. She was the same colour and year (2005) but a slightly smaller Perkins Sabre diesel engine at 86HP.

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.

Bells marine is directly opposite the Broom Boats factory and today they were busy moving around the new moulds… lots of activity at Brooms at the moment.. Im looking forward to seeing their new models for 2012, including the Broom 525, Broom 35 Coupe, Broom 300 and a new design and layout for the Broom 395.

This house boat has been moored at Bells for years... what a great life it must be living on the river front

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