Historic Broads lock back in action

Mutford Lock, which enables thousands of boats to pass between the Broads and the North Sea each year, is operating again after the replacement of control systems which were irreparably damaged by the December floods.

The Broads Authority has overseen £80,000 worth of repairs to the Victorian lock which have been funded from emergency flood funds allocated to the National Parks by Defra.

A new hydraulic and electrical system which will be less vulnerable to future flooding has been specially designed and installed  by local contractor LEC Marine (Klyne) Ltd, to suit the layout and appearance of the lock.

The tidal surge damaged the hydraulic control and lock gate winding mechanisms and increased the build-up of sediment and debris behind the gates.

While components were being manufactured divers and mechanical contractors were brought in to clear the lock gates, cills and sluices of debris, remove and replace a cable duct and repair winding mechanisms.

Tom Hunter, Broads Authority engineer, said: “The time taken to fabricate and install a well-designed system to withstand future flooding was essential to provide good long term value and minimise future costs and down time.

“The old system has been troublesome for several years. Some of the parts were obsolete and not designed for easy maintenance.

“The maintenance of this important structure is expensive and we were extremely pleased that the bid to Defra for funding this damage by the flood was successful and met the full cost of the repair.”

John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, said:  “I am delighted that this important gateway to the Broads is fully operational again for the thousands of boats which go through it every year.

“The repair and upkeep of the lock is not only good news for boat users but is also a boost for the local businesses which benefit from their passage.

“The Broads Authority appreciates the patience of boaters awaiting the repairs and I particularly want to thank the staff at Oulton Broad Yacht Station and Holman Marine who have operated the lock manually while the system has been out of action.”

When allocating the money from the flood fund Environment Minister Lord de Mauley said: “The Broads are the jewel in the crown of our precious natural environment – this investment will ensure they remain so. Given each pound spent by National Parks on recreation provides £4 of wider benefit, it is essential to get our Parks back to the highest standards ahead of the busy tourism period.”

Boaters wishing to use the lock should book in advance with Oulton Broad Yacht Station on 01502 574946 or VHF channel 73.

Martin Broom’ launch leads Broads Authority’s eco-friendly fleet

Two Broads Authority ranger launches now have super clean hulls, thanks to an innovative coating that protects the boat and the environment.

Traditional and commonly used antifoulant paints applied to boat hulls contain copper, zinc and other pesticidal chemicals.  These chemicals prevent growth of algae on submerged boat surfaces, but in the Broads, the likely level of this natural growth is relatively low compared to marine situations.

To help protect against contamination of the sensitive Broads freshwater ecosystem, several different types of hull coating have been developed that don’t rely on toxic chemicals.

The Broads Authority’s new launch, the ‘Martin Broom’, named after its longest serving member, has a silicon based hull coating that feels slippery to the touch which prevents any mussels or dense growths of algae attaching themselves to the boat underwater. It also helps the vessel glide through the water and keep fuel consumption down.  All that is needed for annual maintenance is a quick spray with a pressure washer, or wipe with a wet rag. Removing the thin layer of silt and slime is a lot less hassle and expense than reapplying another coat of normal antifoul paint that can leave a legacy of chemicals in the waterways.

Another launch with a silicon-coated hull has been in the water for four seasons near Breydon Water, with only minor touch ups where impacts have damaged the silicon surface. The initial outlay is certainly worth four years of minimal maintenance costs. The remainder of the Authority’s vessels are coated with an annually applied non-toxic antifoul paint, which relies on the action of hydrogen peroxide to deter plant and animal growth on the hull. When the peroxide breaks down underwater, all that remains is water and oxygen! 

Princess 30 DS

Princess 30 DS Information

I had a visit to Norfolk Yacht Agency on Friday. This was the 3rd Princess Survey booked in over the last 3 weeks. Popular boats this Bernard Olensinski design and is still a modern looking craft. Originally built in 1980 the DS model was known as Deck Saloon, giving the craft extra berthing within the wheelhouse. The S model was usually an open cockpit design with 4 berths. There were also some Fly Bridge models built.

The boat hull with its semi deep V hull has a good reputation for its sea keeping qualities. All craft but a few were out driven with single and twin petrol and diesel versions available. Marine projects built around 900 of the craft and claim top speeds of around 25 knots.

This one has the 75HP Volvos and is a rare shaft driven version. 

Princess 30 DS Typical Specifications

(Specifications may vary between boats)

• Length: 30ft 5ins/9.27m
• Year: 1980-1989
• Engine: various inboard with outdrives
• Beam: 11ft/3.35m
• Draught: 2ft 11ins/0.89m 

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 

Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit Complete

Business has also been booming this summer so far. Ive almost run out of time to BLOG so I do apologise to all my hardy readers. Ive been kept constantly on my toes with boat sales, insurance surveys and of course finishing off my own boat. I have seen an influx of first time boaters this year too which is really encouraging, and this has culminated in a consistent stream of boat sales.....Long may it continue!

Anyway. Destiny's finished 'for now'. She went back in the water last week and we finished off the last of the paint, cleaned all the decks and fitted the new engine vents. Here are some pics at Coldham Hall in Brundall last night. 

Grand Banks 42 Classic 1972 Refit - Hull painting.

My boats been out for a week now... shes going back in the day after tomorrow, as I don't want to risk her drying out to much in the warm sunshine weve been getting. The prepping and paint has gone really well... we managed to get a good primer and three further top coats of the International Ivory on the sides. Just the middle bulwark to do now and that's it for now... Big thanks to Cookie and Tricky Dickie and all their help.

Cookie applying the primer coat

Drying out the cracks...

Big old girl! 

3 top coats... now that's more like it...