UK Marine Surveyor based in Preveza Greece.

Monday, 13 August 2012

Classic River Cruiser for Sale

I had the pleasure of Surveying this Classic River Cruiser today.

‘Glitterwake’ is a real survivor, and has great charm and character. She was built by the famous Jack Powles of Wroxam on the Norfolk Broads in 1937. She is a registered small ship no: 164175, built of mahogany on oak. She had a major rebuild in 1991 in Oulton Broad. The new owner Mr. Lodge who is a competent boat builder has spent the last two years working on her at Wayford Bridge and has replaced the deck as well as approximately 250 feet of new mahogany planking. She’s now in immaculate condition and up for sale at the end of the season. The new owner could be involved in the last few months of the refit, and having a say in the last few fittings, furniture, carpets and curtains etc.

Power is a BMC 2.5 Commander 50HP diesel.

Offers around 48K....

Email Andrew at marion.lodge@keme.co.uk for more information... he has tons of history, pictures and original paperwork.

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

　

Thursday, 9 August 2012

Increase in Broads tourism could have knock on effect

Visitors to the Broads increased by 4.2% last year to 7.4 million with a 2% increase in spending and jobs in the tourism sector.

The 2011 figures released by STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor), the leading model for calculating the volume and value of tourism, show that visitors spent £469 million compared to £437 million in 2010. Jobs dependent on tourism rose from 6,236 to 6,367. There were 7.1 million visitors in 2010.

Bruce Hanson, the Broads Authority’s tourism officer, said that the tourism figures had shown a steady rise year on year.“Tourism in the Broads has held up well in an extremely difficult economic climate and we should be very proud of this result,” he said. “This is a tribute to the extremely hard work of many people in the Broads holiday industry who have pulled together and paid particular attention to the need to continually improve the quality of the Broads tourism offer. The efforts of Broads businesses, working closely with the Broads Authority, have resulted in everyone becoming a winner—the businesses, the environment and the visitors.”Mr Hanson strongly believes tourism drives the economy of the Broads and that this success will have a knock-on effect to the wider community.“The challenge is to maintain this momentum,” he said. “Broads Tourism, the organisation representing Broads businesses, is committed to this agenda and I am confident it will continue to ensure the prosperity of the region.”

Barbara Greasley, Chairman of Broads Tourism, said: “I have been extremely encouraged by the findings of the STEAM report. Over the last few years Broads businesses have really identified the need to maintain and improve the quality of our tourism offer. This has resulted in a great deal of investment being made by individual businesses. These results show that all the investment and hard work has been worthwhile.”

Broom Ocean 37

I had a visit to Brooms Boats again today to Survey this Ocean 37 for Pre-purchase. Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental this boat has a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now 'corridor' in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

Most boats like this example were fitted with twin side mounted 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed.

An interesting fact is when this model first came on the market by Broom in the 70's they were - wait for it - only £12-13,000!

Surveyors comments:

Make sure the boat was actually built by Brooms. Although mainly early ones (early seventies) there are a surprising number that were Aquafibre mouldings fitted out by other yards. There should be a builders plate with the build number. Telephone Brooms, think it is still Andrew Stone or he may just have retired, or see them at the Southampton Boat Show. Bound to be there. They will tell you the history and confirm the build.

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

Tuesday, 7 August 2012

Fairline Sprint 21

Today’s Survey was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall on the Norfolk Broads. I have Surveyed dozens of these little cruisers over the years. Im always impressed with their outstanding quality. The 90's were Fairlines boom years and they managed to produce these 21 Sprints to a very high standard. Ive never seen one with any ‘osmosis problems’ showing just how well the hulls were produced. She’s great for lazing around in on the Broads in the summer and extended trips throughout the winter… I didn’t trial her today, but would think she is more than happy to cruise at 24knots and capable of reaching 32knots, leaving owners of larger craft a little green!

Comfortably sleeps 4 with a midship cabin (great for the kids) and a convertible dinette. 2 more passengers can sleep under canvas on deck, in summer, as seating area converts to a double bed/sun lounger.

The service station at Norfolk Yacht is busy as usual .... another stern drive off for servicing

Surveyors comments: Builder Fairline Boats Designer Bernard Olesinski... Enough said! 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

Monday, 6 August 2012

Hickling Regatta 2012

Had another great weekend at Hickling this year... the weather was all over the place which made some very interesting racing... big thanks to David Church for the pictures.