Searay 240 Sports Cruiser

Today I was inspecting this Searay 240 Sports Cruiser in Horning on the Norfolk Broads. It was a 2001 model with a V8 petrol engine. I was really impressed with this little boat. I have Surveyed four US Sports Cruisers this month. Two Bayliners, a Glastron and a Welcraft and I must say I thought this was the best.

An impressive boat with the looks to match the horse power

Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, producing more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet. No other pleasure boat manufacturer in the world offers such variety. The four families of Sea Ray products include Sport Boats, Sport Cruisers, Sport Yachts and Yachts.

Founded in 1959, Sea Ray was one of the first boat builders to use fiberglass and other high-tech composite materials in the construction of pleasure boats.



5 litre Mercruiser Petrol Engine

Ferry Marine washing her off before Survey

Surveyors comments: I think these are great value. A good 2000 model costs around 23K 

Bounty Buccaneer 37

I had the morning at Summercraft Boatyard in Wroxham Surveying this Bounty 37 for Insurance. Bounty Boats was formed by Mike Brister, and in 1968 was sold to Peter Brown. At the time the company was a small hirefleet of assorted craft, based at Brundall on the Norfolk Broads.

In 1972 Bounty Boats went into production with their first model - the Bounty Buccaneer 37.

MK I: This was the first model Bounty produced. It came about through the success of F.B Wilds “Caribbean” model - a similar craft all on one level considered modern and luxurious and a break from tradition at the time. F.B Wilds refusal to sell the moulds for others to make their own was the reason for Bounty Boats going into production with their own interpretation, with improved hull & more angular superstructure. So in 1972 the first four Buccaneers entered service in the Bounty Boats hirefleet. Over the next several years incredibly high numbers were built for other operators. Those manufactured by Bounty Boats were built with a “B” on the rear side vent cover, and those produced by Solar Marine an “S”.

The MK I had single level accommodation, and was usually built to the layout shown. The fold up bed was as on the Caribbean model the design was inspired by, and optimised daytime space but still meant there was no need to continually re-make the bed - just fold it down!

A sliding sunroof over the main saloon increased their appeal, and the ability to enjoy good weather, whilst still be sheltered, comfortable and with the rest of the crew in less favourable weathers.

Another similarity to the Caribbean was the deep sunken forward well. This allowed people to sit out and enjoy the weather, easy access for mooring, and also meant that children and pets could be outside whilst still safely in sight.

MK II: Built with similar layouts to the MK I, the MK II had a full sliding canopy over the saloon, and a fixed forward screen with no access door. The window edges were also squared rather than rounded. Some short, ladder type steps in the saloon make access onto the gunwhales easy when the canopy is open.

MK III:

The combining of the MK I & II meant that MK III had both the full sliding canopy of the MK II and forward access and the front well of the MK I. Many more of these were produced than the MK II, but the MK I is the most popular of the three.

The standard layout plan was different, offered eight berths and had fixed seating forward which converted to a sleeping area at night.

Very similar to the other Buccaneer 37s in internal layout, however, this one lacks the forewell and has a sliding canopy. Usually outfitted as a 4-6 berth with a forward saloon. This one being repainted in white by Summercraft Boatyard.

She also has a new Nanni 50HP diesel engine

Surveyors comments: Im my experience these boats always go through Survey very well. I have inspected dozens of them over the years. The underbody is double gelcoated so osmosis is never a problem. The floors throughout are 18mm plywood so access through to the bilges and inner keel is good… not like their sister ships the Caribbean’s and Bermudas which have the glassed in cored floors. Decks and superstructures are wood cored and are usually strong with no flexing of the structures noted.

Find one with a good engine for 25K to 30K and you will have done well. Excellent examples with new engines can fetch 40K.

Shetland 4 plus 2

I was back down at Woods Dyke in Horning this morning. The Yacht Broker was Norfolk Yacht Agency. This little cruiser the Shetland 4 plus 2, is a boat designed and built in Britain. A compact cruiser but with comfort and accommodation in mind. The 4 plus 2 has been in production for over 15 year and over 500 have been built. This boat is available both as a soft-top and hard-stop version; with a maximum engine rating of 90hp.

The Shetland 4 plus 2 is one of a range of cruisers compact in design but with comfort in mind. This boat offers inshore, estuary and river cruising, powered by either an inboard or outboard engine. Hard or soft top versions are available with a variety of optional extras which allows the customer to fully customise their boat.

For more information: The Broadway, Pakenham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2LZ, United Kingdom

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1359 235255 Fax: +44 (0) 1359 235251

www.shetlandboats.co.uk

shop@shetlandboats.co.uk

Surveyors comments: Due to the recent economic times these newer boats are built on a limited budget. The hulls are not laid up to the same high standard as the old Shetland 535, Kestrel and Black Hawk models of times gone by. With little boats like these, its all about the engine since it's by far the most expensive part on the boat.

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 holds volunteering taster morning

The Broads Authority is looking to recruit new volunteers to help with a wide variety of tasks in and around the Broads area.

Current vacancies on offer include Yacht Station Volunteer (Great Yarmouth), Ranger Volunteer and Broads Authority Practical Volunteer. There are also work experience placements available. Full details can be found on the Volunteer Vacancies page, and more roles will be advertised as and when they become available.

The initial task will be looking to recruit volunteers to help out at Great Yarmouth yacht station, to assist the Ranger Teams and to provide general volunteering assistance out and about with maintenance teams undertaking habitat management tasks.

There is a taster/selection afternoon on Thursday 3 May, 2pm at How Hill, Ludham for anyone interested in practical volunteering. There will be the opportunity to try out practical tasks alongside existing volunteers and staff and an informal interview with Broads Authority staff. More information about Broads Authority Volunteer Vacancies.

Bayliner 2655 Ciera

I was back at Norfolk Yacht Agency today Surveying this American Sports Cruiser, the Bayliner 2655 Ciera. Checking my archives Ive Surveyed ten of these over the years on the Broads and it’s a ‘big boat for small brass’ as the Yanks would say! 

These are boats you can step-down to and still get many of the comforts of a full-blown cruiser. Attractive family or couples boats, the Ciera offers a mix of dayboating comforts and handy amenities down below. Though they are relatively compact, each is exceedingly high volume. Bayliner doesn't hide from this fact. Certainly, it prides itself on making mid-sized production cruisers that offer more for your money.

The boats come with bathrooms and toilets and hot showers, cabins with double bunks, dinettes, and galleys with alchol burners. Both the 26 and 28-footers offer enough cabin space for a family of four or two couples to sleep with a fair degree of comfort and privacy.

A big attraction for passengers is the fully-moulded, enclosed head on the starboard side. It includes a manual-flush toilet with a holding tank, vanity and moulded sink, and a hot/cold tap that doubles as a hand-held shower. There is no extractor fan, however.

The petrol-powered 230hp Mercruiser engine with a Bravo sterndrive leg, the boat offers a handy turn of speed and great manoeuvrability.

Surveyors comments: A big boat for the money. A mid 90’s version in good condition £19K!  Petrol-powered performance to wow the sporty set and user-friendly handling at the marina. Room to enjoy below and space to kick back up top. A consistent standard of finish, smart mouldings and chic styling. Great access to the bow.

Why the fixation on beige? Smarter fabrics and sisal carpet would lift things below, although frequent model updates will limit your Ciera's freshness. Fuel consumption at top revs won't be pretty. Prop was mismatched on 2655 and 2855's power-steering can some times have too much play. Remember for Broads owners. Its becoming increasing difficult to get Petrol on the Norfolk Broads…. which will mean filling by hand.

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