Beechams of Tewkesbury Motor Yacht

I had a trip to Maldon in Essex on Friday to Survey this Motor vessel. A twin engine, Classic. This 40ft TSMY (twin screw motor yacht) was conceived by the renowned designer Leslie James and built by Beechams of Tewkesbury in 1963. In the commissioning of the design, Beecham asked for a boat, which could be equally "at home" on sheltered waters and in the turbulent Bristol Channel.She is currently undergoing a huge restoration project at M J Lewis & Son (BoatSales) Ltd in Maldon. Most of her decks, coach roof and cabin sides having to be replaced.

I will look forward to seeing her again nearer the end of her restoration.

A picture of her from a number of years ago

On the slip for a paint and antifoul

The Shipwrights at work

Lovely old yard at Maldon

Looks very old but actually quite new!

Lots of lovely old Yachts up for sale in Maldon

A view of the boat yard

Malvon back in the day

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

Colvic Sailer 26

The Colvic Sailer 26 hulls were moulded by Colvic Ltd., and sold in quite large numbers both to professional boatyards and to home completers for fitting out. One of the major builders using these hulls was Atlanta, who sold the resulting boat as the Atlanta 26.

The hulls have twin bilge keels moulded in as an integral part of the hull, with internal encapsulated ballast. These keels are near vertical, unlike the angled-out bolt-on iron keels found on yachts such as the Westerly Centaur. This made moulding easier but is less efficient under sail.

The saloon usually has the galley and a quarter berth to starboard, and a long settee berth with fold-out table to port. This one was unusual and the other way round. Saloon headroom is about 5' 8". As many boats were home completed to individual ideas, you will often find alternative layouts.

Huge crain at Bells Marine... could lift anything on the Broads!

Kubota 13HP diesel providing ample power...

Just hatched and a suspicious mum!

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

Bayliner 2452

I Surveyed this American Sports Cruiser today…the Bayliner 2452. This is the second time I have inspected this boat for pre-purchase.

This one has the 200HP Mercruiser fitted

Surveyors comments: The Bayliner as a make is similar to say Ford in the UK... ie mass market, knock them out and sell them cheap. They are also, I believe the number one boat in the world in terms of outright sales and brand recognition.

The hull quality, despite what some will tell you is very good, post 1995.. This boat was a 1995 model and at this period they used vynilester resin instead of polyester and it was much more resistant to Osmosis.

Where the costs have been shaved are in areas such as fixtures and fittings, toys and gadgets. The cabinetry will not be genuine cherry wood or teak and not be fitted as well as in other higher end makes. However Bayliners are pretty honest, reliable boats and represent good value for money.

The other good thing is because they are quite basic, you can customise her to your own taste without throwing away ££££££££s worth of functional but not the best fittings.

As far as seakeeping goes, it really is intended for short coastal trips within sight of land. Force 3 is probably the safe limit, force 4 will be getting a little interesting, force 5 and above and you may well be thinking seriously about when you last had your lifejacket serviced!

This one, if sold, will be used on Inland Waterways… American Sports Cruisers are becoming increasing popular on the Broads. Great layouts, modern looks, sociable cockpits, quite engines… I do get it!

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

Cleopatra 700 river cruiser

I had a very handy assignment today… just 5 minutes from home at Broads Edge Marina.

Broads Edge is a popular private marina, situated on the beautiful Norfolk Broads at Stalham, and offering mooring berths in a pretty and well-maintained grass site, close to a range of local amenities. These well-kept moorings offer boat owners first class, secure facilities and a friendly service.

The boat I was surveying today was a Cleopatra 23. Essex Yacht Builders of Wallasea Island on the Crouch launched the Cleopatra 23 in 1967. The boat was built in two versions. Blue Nile and Express Fisherman, the latter having a large cockpit and smaller cabin, and a hard top over the helm position.

In 1971 the boat was modified (one of the changes was the replacement of the rather vulnerable Perspex window around the front cabin with glass panels) and was renamed the Cleopatra 700.

Altogether about 400 23’s and 700s were built. The Fox 700, built by Fox of Ipswich was based on the same mouldings and sold in the same versions.

Hull shape is medium vee. Single or twin outdrive petrol engines were installed or commonly a 50HP Perkins diesel. This one has a BMC diesel engine fitted.

David the yard manager using the dumper truck to pull the boats out. They have a large new hoist nearly ready for use. They are also building new sheds, slipway and a large area for hard standing boats in the winter is being prepared... this is a huge site.

Surveyors comments: Because these craft are not that well known, they are excellent value for money. You can buy a diesel version for under £5000!

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

Frederick Parker 32ft Motor Yacht

Had a trip down to Tollesury on Friday to Woodrolfe Yacht Brokers. They always have some lovely old classics on the books.

Galley of Lorne was of carvel planked wooden construction in mahogany on steamed oak wood frames and copper fastened. A long keel with two smaller bilge keels. Her interior has four berths in two cabins. Constructed to a design relevant to the 1960's. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking Motor Yachts designed specifically for estuary and coastal cruising.

She was originally built for George Campbell, cousin to the 11^th Duke of Argyll. She was built to Lloyds 100A1 standard.

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