Westerly Centaur

I had a trip out to Loddon on the South Broads yesterday to survey this Westerly Centaur. She was designed in 1968 by Jack Laurent Giles as a more modern and roomier replacement for the existing Westerly 25. She was probably the first mass-production yacht to have had the design tank-tested before a prototype was built, and this, plus Laurent Giles's earlier experience with bilge keel designs, was probably the reason for the Centaur's good performance under sail. Looking at a roomy boat with good headroom and a powerful diesel makes many people regard Centaurs as motor-sailers. They are not - they actually sail very well, although as bilge-keelers they are always going to be slower to windward than similar sized fin-keelers.

The sailing performance is helped by carefully designed bilge keels which are handed port and starboard with a two degree toe-in, so that once the boat heels under sail the more vertical leeward keel is developing lift to windward. Most Centaurs had 25 bhp Volvo diesels like this example, though a few were built with different engines, usually the smaller 13 hp Volvo, though some had 25 or even 30 hp Watermota diesels.

As with all other Westerly Marine yachts the Centaur was massively built. This was partly a result of previous building experience within the company and also a reflection of the state of GRP technology at that time. All Centaurs were built to Lloyds specifications which meant that the building processes were rigorously monitored and all materials had to be approved by Lloyds in order that a certificate could be issued. Although no longer in production they still represent excellent value for money. I should state that as they were 'over built' and the hull was thick they are vulnerable to osmosis, and most of this age have been peeled and treated with an epoxy barrier coat, so don't be surprised to find some blistering on the underbody.  

Sessa 42 for sale in Norfolk UK

I must apologise for no BLOGGING this week! Ive been trying to catch up after probably one of my busiest seasons. Things will slow now up until Christmas, maybe its time for a holiday!

Anyway, I was back at Norfolk Yacht Agency yesterday to Survey another stock boat owned by them. This was the older model Sessa 42 (2006). Italian, and built with a solid-fiberglass bottom and foam coring in the topsides. The hull and deck are bonded, screwed and then sealed with fiberglass tabbing around the interior perimeter, keeping the boat completely dry. She is Europe’s Category B for recreational boats, which means she can apparently withstand 40-knot winds and 13-foot seas! She certainly performed well on the river trail and we reached a top speed of around 32 Knots with her punchy 310HP Volvos on duo sterndrives.

She was highly maneuverable on the river trial and incredibly fun to drive

Electrolysis! 

New props please!

310HP Volvos

Surveyors comments: Surprisingly well built and well put together with quality parts. Stylish inside and out, roomy and comfortable.

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

Concrete 40ft Motor Sailer

Back in the day these Ferro Hulls were popular with the DIY builders. This was an interesting assignment today. The aging owner had passed the boat down to his 23 year old grandson and he wanted to know if it was worth while carrying on with the project. The instruction was to check the vessels structural integrity after sitting in a shed for the past 40 years.

Carefully cured mortar over a steel mesh and rod matrix, results in a structure that is tough, strong, will not burn, resistant to chemicals, not affected by ice and gets stronger with age.

Ferro cement boats were first built around the 1850's, loads still survive and are floating today. During WWII pretty large vessels were built of the material. I remember four huge floating concrete barges we use to fish off when I was a kid growing up in North Wales.

Though many good yachts have been built of this material, like the ones by Windboats Ltd. to Lloyd's approval, the reputation has been dead in this country for some time. Europe is catching up with this opinion, for a number of reasons, difficult and expensive surveys being one!

Anyone interested in the method should try to find Jay Benford's book on the subject "Practical Ferro-Cement Boatbuilding" it covers the methods and correct ways to build lighter, stronger ferro yachts. Benford Design Group or Tiller Publications may still have a copy around.

The birds and ...

the Bees! 

The plans came from Auckland in NZ

Surveyors comments: If one can get over the idea that concrete really can float, I think ferro built well is a useful boatbuilding material. The element that provides the strength (the meshing) is hidden and can not be inspected, except by drilling holes through the hull. Usually over weight, slow and sluggish, and difficult to sell second hand...Get an INSURANCE quote before you buy!

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

Haines 320 2009 model

Another Motor Boats Monthly award winner to Survey today, this Haines 320 was built just 5 minutes from my home and offers accommodation for 6 in two private en-suite cabins and the saloon. Accommodation provided is unsurpassed in similar craft of this size. Great upper deck steering position with folding screen option also.

Check out the latest! 

A new model (32 Offshore)  in the Haines range offering amazing accommodation for her size. A full offshore planing hull designed by renowned designer Andrew Wolstenholme, delivers a comfortable performance at low to intermediate planing speeds. Offered with a range of single or twin engine options and Haines unquestionable build quality. Light and airy throughout, with full opening 'slide and stack' patio doors connecting the saloon to the aft deck area. The large island double en-suite cabin forward and generous galley provides excellent accommodation for those longer stays onboard.

Grand Banks 42 1972 Refit

Well was that the last weekend of the summer? Its been great fun living on the boat this year (2014), and amazingly none of the hirers have bumped into her even on our regular trips to Reedham! which is amazing!

 Im really pleased with her paint job and all the woodwork, the superstructure has weathered the hot summer really well, and as long as i cover her up for this winter I should have little to do next year apart from the usual brightwork. 

Inside I have big winter plans with sanding back all he original Teak floors, new cooker and fridge, and im going to fit a double berth in the aft cabin. Some Grands Banks 42's had the double in the back from new, others like mine had the two big singles. Guest can stay in the 'snug' double up front which is great in the summer but a little damp in the cooler months. Im also going to lay Teak across the whole of the upper deck and have also ordered new Tan covers from Custom Craft. 

The Ford engines have been serviced with new belts, filters, oils etc and have run great all year. The battery's and 40 year old electrics never let me down so im going to stick with all the original Grand Banks systems as i cant fault them. 

Ive got to get a new BSS certificate for next April which Freshwater Marine will help me with. My current BSS must have been bought in a pub in Scotland! She failed her test on at least 23 items, including gas locker construction, fuel pipes, fuel tank gauges etc etc.. the list goes on. (shame I cant do my own test!). When things quieten down over Xmas i will set to work.

Anyway some shots from the season.... were still planning our trip to Holland for the middle of next summer.... 

At Bramerton ..... still trying to catch fish! 

Oulton Broad

Waiting for the pub to open at Coldham Hall

Reedham