Innovative technology to cleanse broad at National Nature Reserve

A ground-breaking method of improving water quality and wildlife is being used for the first time in the Broads at How Hill National Nature Reserve.

A natural new method of cleaning the water of the excess nutrients which create algae, making it murky, is being used on Cromes Broad between March 18th and 21st.

The broad will be sprayed with a modified clay product called Phoslock which  permanently locks away the phosphate into the sediment. The algae is starved of phosphate thereby preventing its growth and creating clear water conditions that allow a diversity of water plants to grow which provide a home for aquatic invertebrates and fish.

Developed in Australia by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and applied to more than 150 lakes in 20 countries in Asia, USA and Europe, Phoslock has proved to be a simple and natural solution with fast, effective results.

Cromes Broad, which is a feature of the How Hill Nature Trail with access provided by boardwalks and a bird hide, has been partly mud pumped twice in an attempt to remove excess nutrients in the water. However, half the broad is still dominated by thick mats of algae blocking out light that allows other plants to grow.

The Phoslock treatment, which is costing £50,000, is being funded by Natural England and the project will be managed by the Broads Authority.

Andrea Kelly, the Authority’s senior ecologist, said: “Restoring lakes from pollution is an expensive but essential business on which our wildlife depends. It’s important in the nation’s most protected wetland that we all do what we can to stop nutrients from getting into the water in the first place. For example checking septic tanks are working properly or stopping fertiliser rich sediment getting into our rivers and lakes.

 “Phoslock will give this degraded lake a second chance, enabling us to kick start the ecosystem. We are hoping that a diversity of water plants, including stoneworts, pondweeds and lilies will return, and with them will come more birds and a more varied fish community. Once they get re-established we are hoping they will be able to maintain themselves.

National Nature Reserves are expected to be looked after through exemplary management practices.  This includes investing in both tried and tested and novel techniques to ensure their ecology improves.”

Broom 39

Had a trip to Brooms in Brundall yesterday. It was nice to see the progress in the re-invention of the company, the workshops were full of activity, and the Brokerge is busy with boat sales. The offices and the yard have been transformed and look very up to date, stylish and modern.

Designed by John Bennett, this Broom 39 is known to be a very comfortable sea going boat and, in common with the Broom 37, its wide beam gives it spacious accommodation for the length. As with the 36, introduced in the same year, the 39 positioned cockpit seating at the edge of the deck, maximising the usable area.

The interior layout includes an island double in the aft cabin with separate toilet and shower cubicles. The inclusion of a dinette opposite the galley and on the same floor level gave a comfortable dining area that converted into a further double berth. Twin 'V' berths in the forward cabin had ensuite access to the forward head/shower. An internal helm was not standard, although it could be added on the port side of the saloon if desired.

The 39 was designed with twin 200hp Volvos as standard although by the end of its production cycle 340hp alternatives were being offered like in this example to achieve the top speed of 30 knots.

Surveyors comments: If she’s been laid up for a while check all the sea cocks: The best preventive maintenance for seacocks, both plastic and metal, is to periodically open and close each valve. Leaving a valve in one position for an extended period of time can allow it to freeze up. Manufacturers' guidelines may differ slightly, but the consensus is that the handle of each seacock should be moved throughout the full open/close path every few weeks, or at least once every 30 days, more frequently if possible. One school of thought advocates closing all seacocks each time the boat is left unattended. If you follow this diligent strategy, be just as methodical coming back aboard, especially to make sure valves on the raw-water intakes are open before starting the engines. If you are forgetful consider putting a placard somewhere near the ignition switch as a reminder.

If a seacock won't operate freely, disassemble and lubricate it. To lubricate seacocks while a boat is in the water, use the following procedure:
close the valve.
remove the hose or tubing from the inboard side.
remove any remaining water from inside of valve.
swab waterproof grease on the inside of valve mechanism.
reattach the hose or tubing, checking clamps or fittings.
activate the valve several times to spread the grease.
 When the boat is hauled out, perform steps four to six from outside the hull to lubricate the opposite side of the valve mechanism. Use winch, wheel bearing, or water pump grease. Avoid lithium or other metal-based greases, which may cause galvanic corrosion.

If a seacock is completely frozen, it's best to haul the boat before attempting repair or replacement. If that's not possible, then temporarily plug or seal the penetration from outside the hull before attempting repair. Out of sight out of mind and easily overlooked or neglected seacocks and through-hull fittings can cause very serious problems when not maintained. However, by following the routine outlined here of regular checks and minimal care, they'll provide years of reliable service.

Check bonding straps to all bronze through-hulls to make sure that the cable has no corrosion or breakage that could lead to stray current that will cause galvanic corrosion.





 

 

Raisena

I went to do a Valuation / Insurance Survey on the famous Raisena yesterday.. once owned by Mr. Broom and raced every year... for the last 79!! Shes now been sold to a new syndicate and will be ready for racing around April 2013. She was in the sheds at Richardson where shes undegoing some Bright Work.

 

Shadow 26 motor cruiser

I had the pleasure of Surveying two Shadow 26 Cruisers this week. These are great boats for the Broads and they date back to the 80's and were so modern for their day that they were produced into the early 90's too. They have the space of a 30 footer, the sturdiness of a British built boat and the sporty lines that don’t age.

They Survey very well generally with no major problems. Swancraft Cruisers are the builders for the majority (some mouldings were sold and fitted out by other yards) who are a family run boat hire and boat building business. They also offer Luxury boating holidays to a high standard on the Norfolk Broads.

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

Horsey Open Regatta

Had another ‘Horsey Open Regatta’ meeting at the Pleasure boat Inn last night with Mark Turner, Charlie Jarvis and David Church. Its going to be a fantastic couple of days racing around Horsey Broad with the Nelsons Head now booked as the local pub for food and some live music in the evening. All boats welcome to race… including plastic!

Horsey Mere Open Regatta will be held on the weekend 11th and 12th of May. We are not sure when the last open regatta was held on Horsey Broad....maybe 80 odd years ago! Any information would be helpful.

The Regatta will comprise of 5 all...comer races(1 discard). Entry fee is £20 per boat, this will cover race entry and overnight mooring fee and hopefully a keg of ale.

The regatta is intended to be of a similar ilk as HBVOR or the MBA passage race.