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Freedom 30 Ketch

I had a day in Lowestoft yesterday Surveying this ‘Cat Ketch’ at the International Boatbuilding College via Boatshed Yacht Brokers.

Both the hull and decks are built of fiberglass composites with balsa wood core and the masts are built of a carbon fiber composite.

A chief advantage of free-standing rigs is that there are no rigging shrouds to clutter up side decks and a secondary advantage is that there are no chain plates to maintain or worry about leaking.

For those of you who feel that sailing is just too complicated and that you’ll never be able to master all its intricacies, here is an alternative to conventional stayed rigs that offers old salts and new sailing enthusiasts alike ease of handling, solid construction and performance that is likely to surprise more than a few.

　
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

Stuffing box!

On yesterdays Survey I came across this Stuffing Box.

(a stuffing box, or packing gland, is used around a propeller shaft at the point it exits a boats hull underwater. It is the most common method for preventing water from entering the hull while still allowig the propeller shaft to turn.)
It looked like they had been leaking for years and were in a very poor condition.

Removing the packing from one of these deep awkwardly placed stuffing boxes should be done with a special tool… so employ a professional, screw drivers and other substitutes may not remove the last few turns of packing.


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

Seamaster 30

I had a visit to Boulters Marine in Horning yesterday to Survey this Seamaster 30 Motor Boat. Its worth remembering they offer a unique comprehensive breakdown and recovery service so you can feel confident to travel that much further knowing that there always just around the corner, batteries low! Engine overheating!

Membership benefits include:
24hr Service
Fully Qualified Marine Engineers
Purpose Built Tug (takes you to the location you specify)
Well stocked van
Up to 6 breakdowns or recoveries under the same policy. (further breakdowns will result in an hourly rate being charged.)
No claims bonus after one year
Reduced rates on engine servicing
Special discounts on selected services
Prompt and reliable service
Peace of Mind

The Boulter boys operating thier unique lifting platform

I dread laying under here in the winter... but it works!

Seamaster.. A famous name in motorboat building in the 1960’s and 70’s, launched the Seamaster 30

at the 1970 London Boat Show, and produced 410 of the model up to 1981.

The boats sleep six, with two berths in a forward cabin, two in the saloon and two in the aft cabin. Helm position is in an open backed wheelhouse amidships.

Standard engine installation is a pair of 50HP Thornycroft diesels, but several others including Perkins like in this example. Top speeds of about 12 to 13 knots.

Surveyors comments: The hull and superstructure were used by other companies also.. If you want an original example.. check that the serial number is embossed on a Seamaster plaque at the helm position.

　
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
　

Good angling practice to be promoted at Whitlingham

Angling opens to the public at Whitlingham Country Park on Saturday after a successful first year trial.

A management agreement between the Broads Authority, Whitlingham Charitable Trust, Norwich and District Pike Club and the Broads Angling Strategy Group involves anglers complying with a code of conduct on the River Yare. It has proved so successful that angling will now be promoted as one of the many activities available to the increasing number of visitors at the country park.

Volunteer angling wardens from Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association, supported by Norfolk Police, will patrol the river bank throughout the fishing season to promote good angling practice and give advice to anglers to help them fish in a safe and responsible way.

The 750 metre stretch of river bank can be reached at the far end of Whitlingham Country Park where there is a pay and display car park.

Martin Shaw, Chairman of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which manages the country park, said: “We are keen to promote responsible fishing which fits in well with our overall vision for quiet public recreation and enjoyment of the special natural environment at Whitlingham.

“We are especially grateful for the help offered by Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association to look after the river bank. I would ask all anglers using the bank to take on board any advice offered by them to help the Trust maintain the long history of public access to this stretch of river which is important for fishing.”

Stephen Roberts, Chairman of the Norwich and District Pike Club, said: “We are working hard with our partners to help preserve public access to the very special fishing on offer in our broads and rivers. I would ask all anglers to help protect the riverbank environment and fish in a responsible manner to help us promote and improve angling opportunities at Whitlingham Country Park, both now and in the future.”

It is hoped that introductory angling coaching courses could be run on the riverside at Whitlingham with a special emphasis on tailored events for families and youngsters.

People who are interested in learning more about angling should visit www.norwichpike.com ; www.norfolkanglers.co.uk and the Broads Angling Strategy group’s website www.basgonline.org