How much do you know about Broads invasive species?

 

The Broads Authority is running an online survey to find out if its campaign to curb the spread of new aquatic aliens is reaching water users.

It takes just five minutes to complete and will help in future public campaigns.

The latest arrival to the Broads is the killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, which was discovered in Barton Broad in March this year and has since spread up the River Ant as far as Wayford Bridge and downstream into the Bure.

All users of the Broads are being asked to check their equipment and clothes for live organisms, wash them off and dry them out thoroughly to avoid spreading the shrimp to other waterways.

Will Burchnall was appointed to the new post of Wetlands Biosecurity Officer by the Broads Authority, co-funded by the Environment Agency, Natural England and Defra, to promote awareness of damaging invasive species.

He said: “Since the arrival of the killer shrimp I have worked closely with boating organisations, sailing and rowing clubs and anglers to raise awareness of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign. We would now like to know if the message has got through or if more work needs to be done.

“We are most concerned to protect water bodies isolated from the main Broads system, such as the Trinity and Whitlingham Broads, from invasion by these aliens as they could endanger the very delicate eco-system. If people could spare five minutes to fill in the survey it will help us to know how effective our campaign has been and where we go from here.”

Rebel One Design Keel Boat

I had a trip to Belaugh Boats today in Hoverton Wroxham on the Northern Broads. I was amazed to see ‘Rebel One’ sitting in their shed and apparently up for sale as an ongoing project. Shes open to offers…..how much is she worth… any comments?

So far she’s been replanked and refastened on one side.. and she’s had lots of ribs replaced.. She’s holding very good lines with no sagging or hogging identified. The keel looked sound. She still requires the bulkheads and thwarts to be fitted along with the deck and deck fittings etc. Apparently there are some spars somewhere in the shed!

 
Here is mine number 11 Rebel Chieftain.. This will give you an idea of what she could look like. Ive owned some boats over the years but Chieftain will take some beating… the Rebel Class are amazing to sail…perfect for the Norfolk Broads….and there are only a dozen left…..on the planet!
 

 

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

　 

Bounty 34 Sedan

I had a visit to Sabena Marine in Wroxham yesterday on the Norfolk Broads to Survey this ex hire boat. Launched at the end of the 1970s, the Traveller is best known as the Bounty 34 Sedan. A sleek craft with comfortable accommodation nicely laid out through three cabins.

There is a large rear cockpit housing the engine and hydraulic drive. The cabin is entered through twin sliding doors into the combined saloon and galley which are light and airy due the glazed patio doors and large windows all round. Forward of this there are nicely proportioned sleeping cabins and bathroom.

A small number were built with a flybridge on the roof…

Click this link for a Brochure

Interesting Broads Boat!... looks fast..

              Another boat steering in a staight line! I think its time re-invent the heel bearing....

 

Surveyors comments: Bounty Boats continued and developed the idea used by the F. B. Wilds Caribbean / Bermuda range of utilising hydraulic drive (see pic above) and the significant advantages this offers in boats. As there is no direct mechanical link between the engine and propellor, the use of hydraulic drive allows the engine to be positioned almost anywhere within the boat rather than being in a fixed position in relation to the propeller and the precise alignment this usually requires to reduce vibration to a minimum.

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

"Killer shrimp" advice at free angling taster day

Friday 2nd November, Hickling



The Broads Authority’s biosecurity officer will be giving away 30 unhooking mats promoting the Check, Clean, Dry campaign at a free fishing taster day on Friday 2nd November at the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling. The campaign aims to stop the spread of the “killer shrimp” in the Broads.

Experienced, qualified angling coaches will be on hand from 10am to 3.30 pm to help aspiring anglers of all ages to catch their first fish. Participants do not need to buy a national rod licence and all equipment and bait is provided. Free membership of the Angling Trust will be given to all under 16 year-olds that attend.

Will Burchnall, the Broads Authority’s biosecurity officer, will help anglers identify the “killer shrimp” and give advice on what they can do to help control them.

The shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, is an aggressive hunter which has made the trek from Russia, across Europe to Britain, and is now spreading throughout the Broads. Although it is only 30mm long it has a voracious appetite and feeds on insect life including damselfly nymphs, water boatmen and small fish. If it becomes widespread it could threaten populations of many native freshwater species.

Anglers and boat users are being urged to check, clean and dry their equipment after every use to prevent the spread to isolated waterways such as the Trinity Broads. The event has been organised by the Hickling Playing Field Charity in partnership with the Norfolk County Angling Action Group, the Angling Trust and the Pleasure Boat Inn.

Broom 35 European

I went to Broom Boats yesterday to inspect this 1970’s Classic for Pre-purchase. The 35 European is one of the earlier models to utilise the, now classic, Broom layout of forward guest cabin, midships saloon, aft owners' cabin with en-suite toilet and shower, and the helm on the aft deck. The galley, partly open to the saloon, and a second toilet are between the forward cabin and saloon.

All boats have an internal helm on the port side of the saloon and can sleep from five to seven people, depending on layout variations and the size of the people, with two or three single berths in the forward cabin, two singles in the aft cabin and a single or double on the convertible settee in the saloon. In addition to the door onto the aft deck, the saloon has sliding doors on both sides giving access to the side decks.

Most earlier boats were fitted with the side mounted twin Perkins H6.354 diesels like this example I looked at today of either 115hp or 145hp, the latter being turbo-charged, whilst some had 120hp Ford Mercrafts. Most later boats, from 1978(?), were fitted with twin 140hp Volvos which, because they were taller, required the saloon floor to be raised several inches with a consequent change to the saloon roof, which is noticeably more 'cambered' on these later 'Mark 2' boats.

Build Period: 1973 - 1983

Number Built: 157

Successor Model: Broom 10/70

Average Market Value: £45,000

Surveyors comments: This owner will be taking the boat back to West Mersea in Essex if the sale goes ahead: Here are some basic checks to follow before voyaging.

Before starting the engine:

Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.

General:

Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.

Running Checks:

Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.

On Your Return:

Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.

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