Alpha 32 River Cruiser

Today I was carrying out a Survey at Moonfleet Marine just 5 minutes from home near Stalham. This Alpha 32 River Cruiser is an extended version of the 29' with a longer aft cabin normally outfitted as a five berth. The main body of the boat is on one level, with only the helm seat raised.

Alphacraft has over the years created a number of designs for Broadland cruisers each available in a variety of sizes and layouts. They generally go through Survey very well.

MOONFLEET MARINE PROVIDE  BOAT SERVICES ALL YEAR ROUND

All enquiries for any of the above should be made to Phil or Toby who will always be pleased to advise and estimate on the work you require.

Click to visit Moonfleet Marine's Website

Norfolk Broads beauty spot has reopened for Easter

A Norfolk Broads beauty spot has reopened for Easter after six months of renovation and conservation work.

A walk to a viewing platform overlooking Ormesby Little Broad at Filby Bridge has reopened this week. Over the winter a 30 year old rotten boardwalk has been replaced by a ½ km hard-surfaced footpath which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.A dyke which had silted up completely has been dredged out and thousands of young fish have returned to over-winter here. Plants such as milk parsley and water irises are already starting to re-grow and kingfishers, otters, water voles, bittern, dragonflies and damselflies have been seen here. Some trees have been cut down to allow more light into the dyke.

At the end of the path a new wooden viewing platform offers stunning views over peaceful Ormesby Little Broad, part of the Trinity Broads, where rowing, sailing, electric and model boating and angling are permitted.New interpretation signs are soon to be put up telling people about the area and what wildlife they can see there. Benches will be built on the viewing platform shortly.

Hannah Gray, Project Officer for the Trinity Broads, said: “It has been my ambition to achieve this work since I was appointed five years ago. I am delighted with the way it has turned out. The walkway is perfect for a peaceful stroll and provides a wonderful escape into the magical waterland of the Broads.”

The work has been carried out by the Broads Authority in partnership with Essex and Suffolk Water.

Foster 35 Motor Cruiser

Today I was at Brundall Marine Surveying this Foster 35 Broads Cruiser. There is little history about these marques, but they first appeared on the Broads in the W.K.Barnes fleet, with wooden superstructures, later a number of GRP classes were also produced, many still around on the Broads.

According to Craigs site, 'Norfolk Broads Boats' there maybe a relationship between these classes and the two Thorpe based boatyards - Foster Marine (now Silverline), Classic Cruisers & Classic Leisure Cruisers - all these yards owned Foster or Classic hulls at one time or another.

This was a good example and had been completley stripped out and refitted to a high standard by a local boatbuilder.

A new rudder was fitted so the old skeg had been removed..

A real bonus! A 54HP 2.5 litre BMC diesel

It is inevitable that at some stage there will be gel chipping, scratches or damage to the gel coat. It is advisable to have them sealed and rectified as soon as possible. To effect the repairs its obviously necessary for the surfaces to be dry and at a reasonable temperature of, say, not less than 45 F.

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 Phantom 38

I went to Survey this Fairline Phantom 38 at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall on the Norfolk Broads today. Im not a great lover of plastic boats! But this Phantom is designed and built for cruising in the most luxurious of surroundings. It is a lot of boat, and there are a host of comforts included in the not inconsiderable price.

The twin 370hp Volvo diesels are the maximum power supplied for the Phantom 38, and these engines produce a performance that is just about ideal.

Construction and engineering quality are aspects not easily assessed at first glace, but the Fairline brand is held in high esteem in the UK and internationally. Certainly the 38-footer reflects a caring concern by the factory tradesmen for the attention to detail. I use to fit galleys out myself when I worked in Newzealand as a boatbuilder, the joinery and the measured gaps around the doors are perfect. It has the same quality of design as the Fairline Targa 48, so in no way is this smaller boat a poorer cousin.

The interior is fully lined with quality fabrics, carpets, cushions, curtains, suede upholstery and trims, all of which are complimented by a rich, deeply polished American Cherry timber used for the joinery and panelling.

The internal layout is quite traditional for a 38ft flybridge sedan. The main stateroom in the bow incorporates a double island berth, with more than adequate storage lockers, shelves and drawers to each side of the centre companionway entry.

The second cabin, located to starboard, has twin berth accommodation that tucks back in under the lower helm station. There is a good deal of space in this cabin, with ample headroom to move around, dress and to make up the beds.

Dual access is provided for the bathroom - direct off the main stateroom, as well as off the companion way. It has the usual facilities, all well appointed, and sufficient space for showering and towelling off.

The bowthruster is not essential as the boat manoeuvres quite easily with the twin diesels, but it certainly makes life very much easier if there is a strong cross wind or a brisk current when getting into a tight berth.

The boats top speed is in excess of 30 knots.

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

Broom Saxon 40

Interestin Survey today at Brooms Boats in Brundall, Norfolk.. a one off!!
Originally designed as a successor to the Admiral Class for the hire fleet, only one Saxon 40 was ever built and this is it. Since new the Broom family themselves used the boat every summer whilst taking part in regattas around the Broads. Reluctantly sold with the hire fleet in 2004, the Saxon 40 has undergone extensive improvement to bring her up to private boat standards.

The interior layout builds on the Broom 30 design, with a central wheelhouse equipped with folding windscreens for minimum air draught. Aft, a large living space incorporates the galley and saloon, whilst forward two cabins provide double and twin berths. With a third single cabin amidships, and the option to convert the saloon to a further twin or double berth, a maximum of seven can be accommodated on this versatile cruiser.

Based on a 40 foot Aquafibre hull and fitted with a single 55HP BMC engine, the Saxon is designed and optimised for Broads cruising.

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