Sealine 218 Sports Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham carrying out just a Hull Survey on this Sealine 218 Sports Cruiser built by Sealine International, formerly Fibrasonic Marine.  The 218 has many of the features of its predecessor, in fact, the interior is basically unchanged. The 218 was the first in the Sealine range to have two separate cabins, a definite plus in a 21' boat.

Its worth checking out Sealines new website.... and looking at their new generation of boats, the brand has never been stronger and provides great opportunities for growth in both traditional and new markets. They really are now building exceptional Sealine boats...

Horrendous today, pouring down with rain and a real gale blowing. Mathew Thwaites the owner of the yard did well getting the boat out of the water. I think most hoists and cranes were out of action across the Broads today!

Surveyors comments: A good inspection of the sterndrives is important: Check drive lift motors, bellows, props, oils, bearings, seals, sacrificial anodes etc. I recommend that all sacrificial anodes are checked regularly, failure to do so may cause serious corrosion problems

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Fairline Sprint Sports Cruiser

I was Surveying this compact Sports Cruiser in Horning today on the Northern Norfolk Broads. The acting Broker was Norfolk Yacht Agency.

These little Fairline Sports Cruisers are very popular and sought after being an ideal first time boat or family cruiser. They are the usual Fairline build quality and Sprints are always cited in sports cruisers of this size. Whilst described as 21 she is in fact 23’ including the 2’ bathing platform. Also described as 4+2 accommodation to account for the (occasional) berth on the sunbed in the cockpit.

The 210HP V8 good for 30 Knots!

The staff at Ferry Marine washing her off for Survey

Surveyors comment: Great little starter boat…they were only made from 1988 to 1991. In "normal" times they seem to change hands for 12-15k with the petrol fitted.

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

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