Nimbus 310 Coupe

I was back down at Ipswich today Surveying this Nimbus 310 Coupe 1998 model. I was in Neptune Marine in the heart of the City Centre.

I have only Surveyed half a dozen of these boats over the last ten years. Nimbus are Scandinavia's leading manufacturer of pleasure boats. They offer exceptional comfort, innovative design, quality through genuine craftsmanship and are built according to the highest safety standards. Nimbus models include the R-Series, Nova, Coupe Cruisers, Ultima and the Flybridge Commander.

This Nimbus 310 Coupe has surefooted performance and generous accommodation within its modest overall length.

Yanmar 4LHM-STE 230HP inboard diesel on shaft drive. Cruising speed 18 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

Sealine 310 Ambassador

I had a trip to Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today to Survey yet another Sealine Sports Cruiser. This the Sealine 310 Ambassador has the perfect combination of a roomy cockpit, to seat friends and family, as well as room inside to sleep four.

The engines are the well respected Volvo Penta AD41P-A models, which are a turbo-charged 6 cylinder 3.6 litre engine. They produce 200hp each, and are capable of attaining around 34 knots in flat conditions and light loading. She will happily cruise at 22-25 knots.

The 310 Ambassador is a spacious sports cruiser that has stood the test 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

Broads Authority's Solar Powered Boat Moves to Whitlingham

The Broads Authority’s trip boat Ra has moved to a new home at Whitlingham Country Park. Ra was the first solar powered passenger boat in the UK when it was brought to Norfolk in 2000. Since then she has offered wildlife trips on Barton Broad but now she has a new base where she will give visitors a taste of the Broads from the doorstep of the city of Norwich.

The 30ft, 12 seater boat was specially commissioned by the Authority and built in Germany. She arrived at the country park by wagon trailer on Friday 13th April. An inspection was carried out as part of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign to stop the spread of non-native shrimp within the Broads before she was craned into the water beside a new purpose-built pontoon.

Ra will offer four trips a day around the Great Broad from now until the end of October with expert guides offering information about the wildlife that can be seen there and information about how best to explore further into the Broads.

The Broads Authority’s Visitor Services Supervisor Sam Bates said: “Moving Ra to Whitlingham enables us to reach a much wider audience, specifically people who probably wouldn’t normally think of taking a traditional Broads boat trip. Hopefully this will inspire their enthusiasm for the area and encourage them to explore the wider Broads network.

“Additionally, Whitlingham attracts a large number of wheelchair using visitors and Ra’s ability to offer trips to these groups will provide an excellent opportunity for them to experience the pleasures of the waterways and the rich natural heritage and local history.“

Martin Shaw, Chair of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which owns the country park said: “Ra will be a huge asset to the country park. We have had so many calls asking about her since it was announced that the boat was coming here. She will enable the residents of Norwich to have a high tech experience on the water and get close to the abundant wildlife within a stone’s throw of the city centre.”

Phil Hardy, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education at Norfolk County Council, said: "We are thrilled to have Ra based at Whitlingham and are hopeful it will bring new visitors to the park, along with their families. It will also give people a chance to learn more about the Outdoor Education Centre and what we have on offer, which we hope will lead more children and young people to learn from the land and water based activities available.'

"The wildlife tours will also add another educational dimension to the park and help to develop it as a visitor attraction for Norfolk families and those visiting the area. The new attraction also arrives just ahead of our family activity day on Sunday (15 April) so we'd encourage people to come along this weekend and see what a fantastic attraction we have at Whitlingham."

Marguerite Explorer Classic Yacht

Saw this gorgeous Ketch yesterday while down at Haven Marina in Ipswich. I remember her sitting here years ago. Just Googled and she is the "Marguerite Explorer", a 1934 Danish ketch. She sank at the Port in 2008 and has been here ever since.. a real shame to see her like this. She is a wooden Dutch Ketch type that apparently weighes 70 tons!

Found some pics ( below) off the net from when she was salvaged...

Broom Commander

You may remember an earlier post in my BLOG about this classic wooden craft from the 1950s. 'White Heron' has been undergoing planking works to the hull at Brooms Boats. I had a return visit yesterday to see how things were going. Its nearly time for her to go back into the water now. She has been in the Broom family from new.  Her new owners may well take her down to the Thames.

The interior has been little changed since she was built, so retains the original character & quality of build. 

Iroko is a very durable wood; it does not require regular treatment with oil or varnish when used on the topsides. It is almost as durable as teak, although it does not have the same stability.

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