Broom 425

Today’s assignment was at Norfolk Boat Sales in Brundall Surveying this Broom Motor Cruiser for Pre- Purchase. The 425 combines the best of the 415 and 42CL providing a boat capable of both fast offshore and inland cruising. The design incorporates the dual aft steps from the cockpit, which proved popular on the 365 and 450, as well as modernistic frameless windows. Teak decking on the bathing platform and transom steps is provided as standard.

The design of the Broom 425 incorporates many new features that have been recently developed across the range, plus new ideas created by Naval architect, Andrew Wolstenholme and Brooms in-house design team. The exterior has the  concept in styling and incorporates steps both sides of the transom which have proved to be so successful on the Broom 450 and Broom 365. The design makes use of frameless windows and the latest techniques of bonding the windows to the superstructure.

The hull and superstructure were manufactured just next to my office at Bells Marina by Brooms associate company Aquafibre. The mouldings are of excellent quality and are produced using hand laid chopped strand mat and woven rovings in Lloyds approved isopthalic gel coat and resin, over double brushed isopthalic gel coat all but eliminating the risk of osmosis. Substantial transverse and longitudinal stringers are Incorporated throughout the hull for strength. The hull and deck joint is both riveted and bonded. 

In common with other recent models, the 425 favours Volvo's D series engines and can be supplied with a single 370hp D6 giving a top speed of 18 knots, or more usually like this example with twin engines ranging from 225hp to 440hp. These were the 370's...

Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit 2014 - Handrails

The last of the Teak being stripped

The Boss!

Tricky applying the Teak oil.....  not much varnishing on this Old Girl...

The 'name plaques' for my boat are almost complete...now time for some gilding...

Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit - Handrails

Im cracking on with a lot of the finishing work now on my Grand Banks 'Destiny'. Ive got a couple of buddies helping me this week so things are moving on a lot quicker. Ive started painting the front of the boat, Rich is hitting all the hand rails and is making a super job. Cookies fairing and sanding other areas and helping me with some of the individual pieces.... still looking to lift her out in about 4 weeks time to paint the bottom.

Before and after! 

Made three plaques for her Index Number

Long painstaking work sanding back all the hand rails.

The wheel for the upper helm has come back to life

Nav light boxes - sanded and varnished

First coat of varnish on the steps..... four to go...zzzzz

Fairline Squadron 42

I had the day at Norfolk Yacht Agency today taking a look at this stylish looking Motor Yacht. Since day one, Fairline has been known for building rugged boats and the Squadron 42 continues the practice. 

Apparently two layers of gelcoat are brushed, not sprayed, into the mold before the first layer of fiberglass is laminated. Extra gelcoat means a more durable finish, and one that's easier to repair when the inevitable dings and scratches appear. After layup is complete, Fairline also gelcoats the inside of the hull – the smooth finish is easier to clean, and resists water absorption in the bilges.

The laminate proper is alternate layers of hand-laid unidirectional fabric and woven roving, using isophthalic resin to protect against osmosis, important in areas where the boat will stay overboard all year. Polyurethane foam coring stiffens the deck; integrally molded engine stringers support the bottom. A liner is bonded to the hull, and then the hull and deck are both bolted and bonded to create a strong almost-monocoque structure. Bulkheads are carefully hand-fitted, then fiberglassed into place. The result is a boat with a minimum of squeaks and rattles, and one that will be as happy in the boisterous waters of the North Sea as in the balmy Mediterranean.

Surveyors comments: Obviously a solidly built boat. Interior finish a little disappointing with iron on edges to some of the joinery. Still a squeeze to get into those shower cubicles.