Birchwood 22

I Surveyed this Birchwood 22 today down at Boulter Marine in Horning on the Northern Broads. The Birchwood 22 is a clever design of an open plan cruiser, offering generous accommodation for her size.

The guys at Boulter Marine have a great old hoist.... the boats can be lifted in minutes...

The Birchwood 22 first came out in 1970 and featured an open plan cabin arrangement for four people. The reasonably sized cockpit has a GRP hardtop fitted. About 100 were built up to 1980.

The hull shape is medium V. Various makes and powers of diesel and petrol outdrives were fitted. The mould was also used for the Birchwood 22 Interceptor.

The first models were called the interceptor range, had a shorter wheelhouse hardtop and were all outdriven.

The 22 version featured a longer hardtop and most models had inboard engines, with conventional shaft drive. The shaft was some what protected by a tunnel moulding in the hull.

Engines in the early Interceptor versions features Volvo 115/130 petrol outdrive engines. Later Birchwood had Wortham Blake petrol shaft drives. This one had the Seawolf 30HP petrol engine fitted.

Surveyors comments: The hull mouldings are thick and solid. Because of the thickness of the hull, some osmosis blistering will be normally seen across the underbody. One common misconception is that blisters seriously weaken and/or damage boat hulls. In years of surveying and examining various hulls with differing types of blistering I have seen very few cases that have resulted in serious structural degradation of a hull where it has weakened to a point where some type of failure was imminent.

Check for window leaks and water damage to internal bulkheads.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

Ten new angling platforms in the Broads

The Broads Authority and the Environment Agency have installed ten new wooden angling platforms in an important fishing area on the River Waveney in order to improve facilities for anglers.

Access on an existing 150m stretch of reed bed has been improved by the installation of new platforms and a boardwalk. A new bank upstream has also been prioritised for angling to compensate for a restriction on fishing from the adjacent small and busy 24 hour mooring at Worlingham.

Two of the angling platforms close to the car park have a granite path to take wheelchairs and eight provide access over the reeds. The platforms should help to prevent the rond eroding while providing a safe, dry platform for anglers to sit on and be free of disturbance by boats.

The Broads Authority and the Environment Agency worked in partnership with the Broads Angling Strategy Group to plan the platforms which have been installed at a cost of £50,000. The Broads Authority paid for the materials and the Environment Agency paid for the construction.

Mark Casto, chairman of the Broads Angling Strategy Group said: “This is a fantastic resource for local anglers to enjoy because not only is it a good safe place to fish, it’s a really lovely spot. We particularly welcome the creation of two new swims and easy access facilities, which has given all anglers a real alternative when the moorings are busy at Worlingham.”

The fishing platforms are already proving very popular. A young local angler, who has been fishing at Worlingham since he was nine, said: “I am now 26 and this is the best thing that anyone has done for fishing.”

Hampton Safari Mark II

I was at Richardson’s in Stalham today Surveying one of their stock boats (ex hire). Ex hire boats are always being added to their sales list so if you don't find what you are looking for give them a call. There stock boats have been inspected by their Service Centre and prepared for sale. All items of equipment will work at time of handover (unless marked otherwise and excluded from the boat’s specification). In most cases Richardson’s preparation will include a polish, antifoul and engine service where necessary. After handover, the engines and gearboxes are warranted against major faults for the next 3 months.

Great little Cruiser... the perfect floating caravan... ideal starter boat for the Broads.

A good one will cost you K14....

 

Click to see Ricos website and more boats for sale...

 Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

Haines 35 Offshore

I was back at Norfolk Yacht Agency today Surveying this locally built Motor Cruiser.

Haines have a great reputation for quality motor cruisers, primarily for inland waterways - until now. This Sedan 35 Offshore takes Haines build quality out to sea. The Offshore 35 came onto the Market in 2009 and immediately received great reviews for its excellent sea going qualities. It is an ideal boat for both inland and offshore use and built to luxurious standards. The accommodation is primarily designed for two people with room for day guests; you can sleep 4 with the use of the saloon area.
The Yanmar 180hp diesel engines provides good performance, the boat is capable of just under 25Knots.

 Surveyors comments:  It is becoming well recognised that the Haines Brand represents both excellent value, while being produced to an exceptionally high standard of finish.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

Norfolk Broads Wooden Crusier

An absolute beauty of the Broads!

I Surveyed this relatively young wooden boat today…. built when I was one years old making her nearly 50 (Gulp!). One of only 6 ever built by J Loynes of Wroxham and called Loch Connan, she had been lovingly restored. Stripped right back to the bare mahogany.

Offering spacious accommodation for up to four people in two cabins. The large double forward has a tv. There is a separate head opposite a large shower room. The additional double is made up from the sofa in the roomy aft cabin/saloon, which also houses the galley in a large open plan style.

Martham Boats have an excellent Big Foot Hoist for lifting wooden boats out of the water safely and quickly

Surveyors comments: Yes this is a weed hatch.... A weed hatch, if not properly secured, can allow water into the bilges of a boat, which could ultimately cause it to sink. It's advisable for privately owned boats to have a secure and watertight weed hatch which reaches to at least 150mm (6ins) above the waterline, when the boat is loaded up as normal.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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