Picton Spirit 3000

I was back at Anglia Yacht Brokers this morning looking at one of these rare Sports Cruisers, with only around 30 built!  This Roger Clarke Marine version was the better one, and in their time probably equal in build quality as Fairline or Princess. Financial difficulties at RC marine led to Picton taking over the moulds. No major faults, but like any other sports cruiser open to abuse, driven too hard in wrong conditions, etc.etc. so look for cracks, crazing in hull etc. Probably as seaworthy as any of that time, although not as sea kindly as current " Olesinski" technology.

  
Surveyors comments: Never seen one with osmosis! Partitions and floors all nicely glassed & bonded in like an old Princess or Fairline. Provide a lot of interior space, in slightly unusual layout. Rear cabin occupants could suffer from claustrophobia! Above average fuel capacity (170 gals) for size of boat!

Grand Banks 42 Aft Cabin rethink!

Im still 'cracking on' with the aft cabin rebuild on my own boat between Survey work. Ive started building the double berth now out of marine grade plywood. Ive converted part of the old single berth into a side unit, which will be a good spot for the TV and a side light. I have also had to cut all the Parki floors to fit-in with the new layout. Ive ordered 70ft of timber cladding to cover the aft bulkhead and I will have some leatherette panels made up for the sides of the berth. Ive also ordered some Teak capping rails to go around the bed just to give it a Grand Banks feel. I also managed to salvage some of the old draws so these have been refitted under the new bed. Ive also managed to source a nice old electric fan heater to be bulkhead mount below the steps. Onwards and Upwards! lol ... has to be finished between Xmas and Newyear as were moving back onboard for a while!

Boat Surveyor for Insurance Ireland

Today's assignment was to Survey this Sheerline Motor Boat. A newer model is under production at Wroxham Marine (Norfolk UK) and will be introduced next year. This was once the flagship of the aft cockpit range, the Sheerline 1020 is a luxuriously appointed, custom-built, six berth cruiser. The three cabins - owner's stateroom, saloon/dinette providing double berth with galley and guest cabin aft - mean that the Sheerline 1020 is ideal for family cruising.

This example has the 100HP Nanni diesel on V drive. 

And the electrically-powered retracting windscreen and removable canopy mean that the Thames above Osney Bridge and the smaller rivers on the broads are within reach.

CAT 'C' means inshore use within 10 miles of land 

'V' drives are a great idea until you have to get underneath the engine to re-pack the stern gland! 

Dimensions & Capacities
Number of berths 6 berths in 3 cabins
RCD Category C
Length overall 10.20m 33´6"
Length waterline 8.11m 26´7"
Beam 3.50m 11´6"
Draught 0.90m 2´11"
Airdraft at lowest 2.13m 7´3"
Fuel capacity (Stainless steel tank) 409ltrs 90galls
Water capacity (Stainless steel tank) 340ltrs 75galls
Holding tank capacity (stainless steel
tank)
327ltrs 72galls
Dry weight 5325kg

Surveyors comment: Great Sheerline build quality, and the hulls are protected with an epoxy barrier coat from new to protect against osmosis. A spacious aft cockpit with helm and double helm seat has ample space for entertaining complete with wet bar and optional cockpit fridge and sink area. The forward stateroom features a central double berth with storage beneath and wardrobes to port and starboard. The aft Cabin offers a twin or double berth layout. I will look forward to seeing the newer model next year.

Thinking of Buying a Boat IN iRELAND 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

Seamaster 30

This was my second Seamaster Motor Boat to Survey in the last few weeks.

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.

Ready for relaunch at Anglia Yacht Brokers in St Olaves

The Seamaster 30 was also available without the aft cabin to special order.

Specification:
Length: 30'; Beam:11'6"; Draught: 2'8½"  Weight: 4 tons;  

Engine options:
Single or twin Perkins 4107 / 41098 diesel
Single or twin Thornycroft 2.52 BMC diesel like this example.
Various Volvo Penta petrol engines
Various other engines were available to order.

The hull and superstructure were used by other companies also.

Seamaster claimed a top speed of 13 knots.

Seamaster 813

Today's assignment was at Upton Dyke at Anne Whelptons Boat Yard Surveying this Seamaster 813. The Broker acting for the sale was Pam at Broadland Yacht Brokers. 

This boat was designed by John Welsh and a departure from in-house developments. The medium to shallow V hull together with a long shallow keel allowed for an easily handling cruiser.

Several other manufactures used Seamaster moulding to produce their own versions. This includes Ardvark Aird marine and latterly Bounty Boats. Im sure the hull is still used today by Viking 26 with their 26ft widebeam.

The craft also has a square foredeck to offer more space. This model has a particular emphasis on reducing production costs, over 400 of these boats were made.

Lifting her out at Upton Dyke ready for inspection

Love this classic wooden wheel...

The factory built boat was unique in having through standing V berth configuration forward but with the shower toilet compartment extending across the width of the boat. A conventional dinette and galley area is further aft. 

The engine installation vary enormously from single petrol shaft drive to twin diesel. This example had a single BMC Thornycroft 1.5 diesel. Some models also had Volvo petrols with outdrives. 

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