Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit 2014

Well I certainly haven’t been bored this winter! The inside of my Grand Banks 42 Classic is just about complete now… I’d say 98% done. It’s been a long hard slog taking out all the rot and stopping all the leaks but she’s bone dry at last and a pleasure to live aboard. I’ve refurbished every cabin and painted her throughout. Next jobs will be painting her completely on the outside… I’ve planned this for the last week in March and have the single pack Ivory paint and primer ready in the office. The rigs all off the boat now and stored in one of the sheds at Bells Marina. The mast was solid mahogany so I’m going to varnish this. The rest of the Teak wood on the exterior will be oiled along with the decks. The teak decking for the aft coachroof has arrived and this will be fitted after the paint job. The new name plaques are being carved by a guy up north… she will be renamed DESTINY. Easter time she will be lifted out and the bottom and sides painted. A check of the stern gear and sacrificial anodes then back in for early summer. Fingers crossed the bottoms sound! Watch this space….anyway here are some pics so far…

O yes... have apparently got a mention in Classic Boat next month...so ill look forward to that..

Haines 35 Offshore

I had the morning at Norfolk Yacht Agency at Brundall today Surveying this Haines 35 Offshore. She is the Queen of the Sedan range. A capable sea boat and a comfortable inland cruiser, this category B vessel is equipped to face all boating tastes.

The round-bilge hull has a deep forefoot that develops into a chine as it runs aft. A long deep keel is still in place but on this twin-engined boat this cuts away farther forward and tapers in to give good water flow into the props, while still providing protection and some added stability.

Haines has always been happy to offer a well-finished interior but now there are touches of real contemporary flair.

Surveyors comments: A high quality, comfortable cruiser.

Sheerline 950

I was back in Wroxham on the Northern Broads this morning looking at this Sheerline ‘type’ Cruiser built by Alexander Boat Builders in Brundall back in 1990. It’s the 950 model with the centre sliding wheelhouse which allows open air living for 4-6 people. This low air draft gives access to the majority of the UK inland waterways and this is achieved by sliding the wheelhouse saloon roof down using the electric winch on to the aft cabin roof area and fold-down screens.

Surveyors comments: Obviously the Sheerline 950 built and fitted out by Sheerline attracts more pennies! Sometimes as much as 15K. This version was built for hire so a good check on the engine and running gear is sensible. I usually run and allow the engine to warm up slowly. I never apply full throttle to a cold engine! I check that the cooling water is circulating by looking over the side to make sure it's discharging. I check the oil pressure, engine temperature and that the battery is charging. I also check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. I also check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and any excessive vibration. Note: Before stopping the engine allow it to idle for a few minutes to cool down.

Seamaster 30

I had the morning at Horning on the Northern Broads today to take a look at this Classic Cruiser from the 70’s for Pre- Purchase. The Seamaster 30 was introduced at the London Boat Show in 1970 and was an instant success. 400 were produced from 1970 to 1981. Bounty Boats made some craft under the name "New Seamaster 30" and from 1984 a new Seamaster company offered the 30 as the Seamaster "Norther" 30. The Seamaster 30 was also available without the aft cabin to special order.

Surveyors comments on the model generally: Don’t be surprised if you find some small osmotic blisters and high moisture meter readings below the waterline. In my experience a wet hull is not a defect, as most older boats will have wet hulls. Old hulls with thick laminates are likely to tolerate significant moisture for years.

Sealine F44

I spent the morning looking over this Sealine F44 at Brundall today. Built in 1998, she powered effortlessly on the speed trial with her 370HP Volvo engines. 

The standard of fibreglass moulding is impressive. There are lots of curves and rakish lines that fall somewhere between flybridge cruiser and mini-motoryacht.

A high-volume production boatbuilder, Sealine uses galvanised iron beams for the engine bearers and sub-floor structure. Longitudinals are glassed-in and run well forward for rigidity.

The Sealine F44 is built to Design Category B, which means that according to the book it can withstand Force 8 winds (near gale at 34-40kt) and waves up to 4m high!

Surveyors comments: I found that on the river trail and speed run the low centre of gravity leads to nice seahandling and you can count on British engineering to get you home.