Latest on the Grand Banks Refurb!

Winters on the way so I've started looking for the rot!

Found some new down lights for the side decks... which should look great in the evenings....

I've had all the foam in the cushions replaced and repaired any damage…new back to the chair.. 

Also bought a huge roll of material for the headlinings..... the front cabins come out well. Saloon should be interesting!

Freeman 23

I had a visit to Wayfrod Bridge Marina yesterday to carry out a Survey on this popular little Cruiser for Pre- Purchase.

The Freeman 23 developed from the Freeman 22 Mk1 and 22 Mk2, with slightly squarer lines, particularly around the fore cabin. Notably there is no step in the deck, of the extra foot - 3" went into the toilet compartment allowing the loo to be mounted bow to stern. The remaining 9" went into the cockpit area for summer cruising.

The boats serial number is hidden in the fuse board.... gives a build date as well.

The boats were fitted with a number of engine options from new. This model could of been fitted with one of the following engines depending on the original order.


Example Engines: WaterMota Sea Wolf Crossflow (Standard) with J-Type Gearbox, Perkins 4.108......... this one had the Watermotor petrol inboard.

Surveyors comment: Always check the keel bolts for leaks. Pull the carpet up in the saloon and then pull up the long floor board to reveal the encapsulated bolt heads. This area should be 'bone dry'.

Sealine S38

Yesterdays assignment was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall Surveying one of their stock boats. They usually offer a part-exchange facility on all purchases and their own stock boats are pre- inspected and prepared and are usually sold with a warranty.

A boat's electrical systems may not seem like the most exciting place to begin a description of a boat like the S38 but I think it's a great example of Sealine's philosophy of instinctive innovation. The lighting system is pretty amazing and the DC panel display was fascinating!

The accommodation is also well appointed with cabins that consist of a double forward and a cleverly designed amidships that can adapt to sleep up to three people. The dinette converts from sitting, to dining, to a large sun pad in one movement thanks to a slide-in stowage area within part of the seat base.

It should be noted that many S38’s suffered from stress cracks along the chines and spay rails, especially under the saloon settee which was a known week point. Sealine covered them all under warranty, and repairs were usually carried out by Desty marine as a subcontractor. There should be history to confirm the repairs held by the owner.

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

Bounty 37

I had a trip to Norfolk Boat Sales in Wroxham today to look at this Classic Broads Cruiser. This was the first model Bounty produced. It came about through the success of F.B Wilds “Caribbean” model - a similar craft all on one level considered modern and luxurious and a break from tradition at the time. F.B Wilds refusal to sell the moulds for others to make their own was the reason for Bounty Boats going into production with their own interpretation, with improved hull & more angular superstructure. So in 1972 the first four Buccaneers entered service in the Bounty Boats hirefleet. Over the next several years incredibly high numbers were built for other operators. Those manufactured by Bounty Boats were built with a “B” on the rear side vent cover, and those produced by Solar Marine an “S”.


Surveyors comments: They Survey well generally with their double gelcoat on the underbody (osmosis barrier coat), and their plywood floors rather than the dreaded cored fibreglass of the Caribbean’s and Calypsos. Check the lower bulkheads around the aft step and shower well for rot.

A sliding sunroof over the main saloon increased their appeal, and the ability to enjoy good weather, whilst still be sheltered, comfortable and with the rest of the crew in less favourable weathers.

Another similarity to the Caribbean was the deep sunken forward well. This allowed people to sit out and enjoy the weather, easy access for mooring, and also meant that children and pets could be outside whilst still safely in sight.

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
 

Fairline Mirage 29

Today’s assignment was to inspect this Fairline Mirage 29 for Pre-purchase at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall on the South Broads.

In an 11-year production run, from 1975 to 1986, Fairline Boats produced 528 Fairline Mirage 29’s. The boat was designed by John Bennet.

These boats always Survey well. The hulls are moulded to a high standard. They come with quite a few different engine packages, single petrol, twin, or diesel. They were also made as an aft cabin as well as aft cockpit, a late, aft cabin version commands a premium price in the UK.

 

 

There is accommodation for five-two in a forward cabin and three in the saloon, which has a dinette convertible into a double berth and a settee-cum single berth.

The helm position is in a wheelhouse open to a small aft cockpit, which has a settee that can be pulled out to form a sunbed. The hull is medium vee with a shallow 3/4 length keel.

The most popular of a large range of Volvo engine options -single or twin. Also they offered a pair of 140HP petrol engines, giving 26 to 29 knots.

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