Monday, 16 September 2013
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Ripplecraft Broadland Cruiser
I was looking forward to this morning. An Insurance Survey and Valuation and a visit to Belaugh Boats. A yard well known for their quality workmanship. There’s only a handful of yards left on the Broads with this type of experience when it comes to renovating classic wooden boats. They have big plans for the years ahead with a new team... watch this space!
This was the boat in question today.... just take a look.
In the1950s and 60s, Ripplecraft produced a fleet of very distinctive craft. Most were centre cockpit with a raised bow. There are still several around on the Norfolk Broads as private craft. ‘Broadland Lapwing’ is one of these vessels and is now almost at the end of a very expensive and substantial refitting programme which has been ongoing for the past eight years. There has been full assistance from Belaugh Boats who have un-doubtably employed some very good craftsmen over the years, who have reconstructed the vessel as something of a prestigious Motor Boat.
Simply stunning. You wont miss her out on the river.... and if you get a chance step on-board and check out the quality. Must be one of the best. Here is what she looked like before!
This was the boat in question today.... just take a look.
In the1950s and 60s, Ripplecraft produced a fleet of very distinctive craft. Most were centre cockpit with a raised bow. There are still several around on the Norfolk Broads as private craft. ‘Broadland Lapwing’ is one of these vessels and is now almost at the end of a very expensive and substantial refitting programme which has been ongoing for the past eight years. There has been full assistance from Belaugh Boats who have un-doubtably employed some very good craftsmen over the years, who have reconstructed the vessel as something of a prestigious Motor Boat.
Simply stunning. You wont miss her out on the river.... and if you get a chance step on-board and check out the quality. Must be one of the best. Here is what she looked like before!
Haines Bure 36
It was nice to have a morning in Horning on this reasonably new boat today. This Haines Bure 36 Broads River Cruiser was being sold through Norfolk Yacht Agency.
Built on the Alpha craft hull. This model is very similar to the 34ft version, but with the addition of a bathing platform across the transom adding to the length. Well known local builder Haines Marine from Catfield fitted this one out. They obviously employ some very skilled craftsman as this one was fitted out as a kind of prestigious luxury liner with just two berths.
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
Built on the Alpha craft hull. This model is very similar to the 34ft version, but with the addition of a bathing platform across the transom adding to the length. Well known local builder Haines Marine from Catfield fitted this one out. They obviously employ some very skilled craftsman as this one was fitted out as a kind of prestigious luxury liner with just two berths.
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
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Restoration of the Grand Banks Classic 42
Wow.. how time fly's.. it only seems like yesterday when I was building my Harley in the front room.
http://loboybobberbuild2010.blogspot.co.uk/
I'm going to BLOG the restoration of my Grand Banks this winter. Not everyone's 'cup of tea' I know, but when I was looking at buying one of these old girls any information I could find on the 'net' really helped when it came to detail.
Im not going to rip her to bits because generally for her age she's in good shape. I'm hoping not to touch the bottom or the decks which are the largest area's, and I believe sound and watertight! 'Teak decks watertight' I hear you say! Yep.. a miracle I know lol. I guess the old owner maintained these well... the boat was in Scotland for years, and I guess with the weather up there she had to hold out.
Ill be concentrating on the top more than anything else, plywood construction generally, some of which is rotten, around windows, parts of the coachroofs, upper deck etc. You can soon spot these defects by simply tapping with your knuckles around any vulnerable areas. Im going to run some teak deck across the upper deck too, as this areas a little bland.
Inside im having the saloon upholstery refurbished. Ill turn some of the cushions around, relay the piping and have new foam fitted. They all look good in this pic but when you get close there's lots of old repairs and damage.
The fuel tanks will need descaling and ive got some rust killer... I will then repaint them with something anti corrosive! Im guessing in a few years time I might be replacing one of them!
Electrics, ill be calling in a few mates to help me on this one. I guess another battery, generator charging, a new trickle charger etc. Ill probably have two banks of deep cycle batteries, each with at least the necessary cold-cranking amps to start the engines. These two banks can then be alternated for domestics use. This provides greater overall capacity and versatility. I want to live on this old girl next summer so I want lots of power, and no embarrassing moments when I turn the ignition keys!!
http://loboybobberbuild2010.blogspot.co.uk/
I'm going to BLOG the restoration of my Grand Banks this winter. Not everyone's 'cup of tea' I know, but when I was looking at buying one of these old girls any information I could find on the 'net' really helped when it came to detail.
Im not going to rip her to bits because generally for her age she's in good shape. I'm hoping not to touch the bottom or the decks which are the largest area's, and I believe sound and watertight! 'Teak decks watertight' I hear you say! Yep.. a miracle I know lol. I guess the old owner maintained these well... the boat was in Scotland for years, and I guess with the weather up there she had to hold out.
Ill be concentrating on the top more than anything else, plywood construction generally, some of which is rotten, around windows, parts of the coachroofs, upper deck etc. You can soon spot these defects by simply tapping with your knuckles around any vulnerable areas. Im going to run some teak deck across the upper deck too, as this areas a little bland.
Inside im having the saloon upholstery refurbished. Ill turn some of the cushions around, relay the piping and have new foam fitted. They all look good in this pic but when you get close there's lots of old repairs and damage.
I guess some curtains or blinds as well but other than that the inside is totally original and im going to leave well alone.
The engine rooms fab! My favourite space... must get that from my Navy days when id spend months on end in the engine and boiler rooms. The engines proved themselves on the trip from Inverness. They are pretty dam perfect.. so apart from winterising not much else. I'm tempted on getting the rocker boxes chromed but we will see. The fuel tanks will need descaling and ive got some rust killer... I will then repaint them with something anti corrosive! Im guessing in a few years time I might be replacing one of them!
Electrics, ill be calling in a few mates to help me on this one. I guess another battery, generator charging, a new trickle charger etc. Ill probably have two banks of deep cycle batteries, each with at least the necessary cold-cranking amps to start the engines. These two banks can then be alternated for domestics use. This provides greater overall capacity and versatility. I want to live on this old girl next summer so I want lots of power, and no embarrassing moments when I turn the ignition keys!!
Somehow she has a BSS certificate for use on inland waters. Handy... because I need this on the Broads. Looking around the fuel and gas systems though I just scratch my head!... this MOT for boats was definitely bought in the pub! Its valid for 2 more years so that will give me time to sort out the following!! Fuel pipes, fuel filters, tank drains, fuel tank vents, gas locker construction... the list goes on...!!
After this lot its just colour schemes. I'm going for black and charcoal for covers and dodgers. I will oil all the Teak. Black antifoul with a boot stripe in green.. same as on my Rebel. (looks good with varnish). Then the top will be as all Grand Banks... WHITE.
O yea...Jonathon Greenwood boat builder extraordinaire is building me a classic pram dingy to go on the aft coachroof. Yum!
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
DIY Electrics!
Interesting Survey this morning…. An owner who has obviously carried out lots of his own electrical work. Even with the Boat Safety Scheme in place it cant stop owners carrying out their own works during the 4 year test period. It does make you wonder whether the boats on inland waters should be BSS tested annually! Maybe the rules they have now with houses should be mirrored for boats. I think I am right in saying that some one with experience of electrical wiring can do the wiring in a house, but it has to be fully tested and passed by a qualified electrician, who can give you a certificate.
Saying that I guess no Sparks in his right mind would sign off work done by others he didn’t know. Scary stuff….
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| There's an inverter under that lot somewhere |
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| Nicely secured warm air diesel heater.... wired direct! |
Warm air heater exhaust... these baby's get red hot...
Interesting....
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
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