Storebro Baltic 31 for Survey at Norfolk Yacht Agency

A surveyed this true classic Scananavian cruiser today at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall.

She has a stoutly built semi displacement hull.

All versions I have seen have the Volvo AD40 diesel engines in twin form on conventional shaft drives. 

Surveyors comments: The craft are a proven coastal boat and in soft top form (as opposed to hard type design) capable for river use.

History - Broads Cruiser?

Can anyone help me find out the history of this little cruiser, shes seems to have been built for sea going, around the 50's. The owners desperate to find out more...anyone? steventruss1@aol.com 

Broom 44 Survey at Norfolk Boat Sales

I had the day at Norfolk Boat Sales in Brundall Surveying this Broom 44 TSMY.

The 44 was produced as a Hardtop with fixed doors aft of the helmsmans seat, and also as this example the Mediterranean, which had a standard removable canopy and an open aft cockpit. 

These boats were fitted with a variety of twin engine configurations between 185HP and 220HP including these the Ford Sabre 420's as well as Caterpillar or Volvos.

The bathing platform is integral to the hull but the access to the deck is still by stainless steel ladder at this time. The 44 is distinguished by its rectangular portholes forward and aft.

The large deck saloon was laid out with lounge seating aft on the port side, and a dinette on the same level but forward on the starboard side. Steps lead down to the port side galley and forward heads. The standard layout was for an island double in the forward guest cabin although in some boats this was replaced by V-berths. The large third cabin was fitted with overlapping twin bunks.

Surveyors comments: In its day the flagship of the Fast Offshore range, the 44 combines a vee hull for fast offshore passages with a skeg keel providing good handling qualities.

Aquafibre 42 for survey at Anglia Yacht Brokers

I had the day at Anglia Yacht Brokers in St Olaves yesterday Surveying this Aquafibre 42 River Cruiser.

The first Aquafibre hull was the Ocean 30, one of the most used moulds in motorboating history. It initially became the Broom 30 and Moonraker 30, before being used to create scores of other models up until the present day.

The second mould from Aquafibre became the much-loved Ocean 37 and Broom 37.

Aquafibre was started in 1965 at the outset of moulding in GRP and its success in doing so was hugely influential. The firm went on to play a key role in development for Fairline and worked with some of the big names in modern motorboating, Broom and Princess among them.

The firm grew rapidly, supplying specially designed inland hulls to nearly every hireboat outlet on the Broads over the 1970s and 1980s.

As that business began to decline, Aquafibre sold to the big charter fleets, with many hulls going to Ireland for Emerald Star and France for Crown Blue Line.

Thinking of buying an ex hire boat like this one. Call me for a chat or mail me at steventruss1@aol.com 

Colvic Northerner 26

I had the day at Morston Quay on the North Norfolk Coast carrying out a number of insurance surveys. This Colvic Northener 26 has a round bilge full displacement hull with long keel line and is complemented by a high foredeck with a dropping sheer on the deck line. These mouldings were often home fitted and the style and quality of build varies enormously.

Morston Quay

Colvic s directors Colin and Vic ,hence the name were based in Witham Essex and were prolific GRP moulders producing many different designs from the classic displacement round bilge boats to fast offshore cruisers. The majority of moulds were supplied to DIY fit out customers although some companies such as Northern Marine fitted out Colvic Northerner 27s to some success. The company, i think started in the late 60,s and finally finished in early 2000,s.

Surveyors comments: The Colvic name was synonymous with quality, strength and excellent sea-keeping. The hulls were built very strong compared with today's standards.