Princess 32

I had the morning at Brundall Bay Marina on the South Broads today. This craft was a development of the Project 31 (which in turn is a stretched version of the Elysian 27) with a new, larger superstructure and a modified transom. This model was launched in 1969 and over 2000 were built from the until 1980. This was a 1975 model.



The semi-displacement speed of the boat is up to 20 plus knots. The boats interior allows 5 berths.
There were many engine options, all outdriven from single petrol to twin diesel. This one had the petrol's....

The layout is also similar to the Project 31 in having a large cockpit and open-backed wheelhouse and an interior that is basically open plan but with a folding partition to isolate the two V berths forward. Another berth can be found opposite the convertible dinette.
Princess 32 Typical Specifications

(Specifications may vary between boats)

• Length: 32ft 3ins/9.83m
• Year: 1969-1980
• Berths: 5
• Engine: Volvo petrol and diesel outdrive
• Beam: 10ft/3.04m
• Draught: 2ft 9ins/0.84m

Princess 32 More Information

Standing headroom in cabin is 6ft 3ins.
Length of V berth 6ft.

Useful Links

• Princess Boats
• Princess Owners Club
• Purchase Princess 32 & 32 Riviera Boat Test Reports

Princess 32 Documents & Original Brochures

• Princess 32
  

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