Freeman 24 for Survey in Horning

Another little Freeman Cruiser to Survey today at Woodsdyke boatyard in Horning. Its the hottest day of the year so far and in the 30's! The boats are like ovens in this heat. I now know why i returned from boatbuilding in New Zealand! 

The Freeman 24 superseded the Freeman 23. The boat has a very different hull, of medium vee configuration and considerably beamier than the 23’s. The superstructure is beamier too, its rakish lines in complete contrast to the soft curves of the 23. And you can drive the boat from a shelter of an open backed wheelhouse. John Freeman Marine built over 1000 Freeman 24’s from 1975 to 1984. From about 1980 they preferred to call the boat the Freeman 750. The boat is primarily a river cruiser but is capable of making estuarial and sheltered coastal passages in fair weather ( category C). 

The interior layout is similar to a 23, with four berths in an open plan cabin in which the forward berths can be isolated by opening the hanging locker door across the boat. 

Most 24’s are powered by single inboard engines, petrol watermotas from 30 to 63HP. This one had a nice new Beta diesel engine giving speeds of 9 to 10 knots. 

Osmosis! All older Freemans will have a few blisters on the bottom unless they have been recently epoxied. When considering the thickness of the laminate the decision whether or not to treat the osmosis can be judged on a financial rather than structural basis. It must however be remembered that osmosis will not cure itself, but could remain static for many years without requiring expensive treatment.

Its good practice to take the boat out of the water over the winter period and store her in the dry, out of thus reduce the possibility of further osmotically induced gel coat blistering.

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 

Sheerline 950 for Survey at Wroxham Marine

Today’s assignment was at Sheerline Boats in Thorpe, Norwich, also known as Wroxham Marine. Sheerline Motor Cruisers, built by Wroxham Marine Ltd, offer you the choice of a wide range of traditionally crafted, personally built, luxury motor cruisers. In their Norfolk-based boatyard, each vessel is completed to the highest standards of build quality, handling and finish. The Range of models covers a number of designs with aft cabin, aft cockpit, centre cockpit and sedan configurations to suit all inland waters, rivers and estuaries and, offshore use.

This Sheerline 950 (31’) provides a perfect entry craft into river cruising. Fold-down screens and hood make this an ideal cruiser for inland waterways with restricted heights. The spacious aft cockpit features a large bench seat to the rear with twin adjustable helmsman's bucket seats. Well positioned stainless steel grab rails all round make for a safe craft for crew to walk around the outside. Despite its size, full standing headroom is a feature throughout this vessel. The forward cabin features two 'V' berths with the option of an infill making a double The galley and dinette area provides seating for four in comfort and converts into a double berth. A shower and toilet compartment completes the high quality accommodation.

The usual bespoke galley from Sheerline along with the matching heads compartment 

A handy drinks cabinet with lighting! 

The hydraulic driven propellor allows the engine to be placed sideways giving extra room.

The new hull for the latest 2015 model the 1080 Hard top which will have an electrically operated sunroof. The top being lifted on for transport in the image below.  

Thinking about buying a boat and need help. Email me at steventruss1@aol.com 

Bounty 34 Sedan for Survey at Norfolk Yacht

I had a visit to Norfolk Yacht Agency at Horning today to Survey this ex hire boat. Launched at the end of the 1970s, the Traveller is best known as the Bounty 34 Sedan. A sleek craft with comfortable accommodation nicely laid out through three cabins. 

There is a large rear cockpit housing the engine and hydraulic drive. The cabin is entered through twin sliding doors into the combined saloon and galley which are light and airy due the glazed patio doors and large windows all round. Forward of this there are nicely proportioned sleeping cabins and bathroom.

A small number were built with a flybridge on the roof…

A great Broadland Boatbuilder

Surveyors comments: Bounty Boats continued and developed the idea used by the F. B. Wilds Caribbean / Bermuda range of utilising hydraulic drive (see pic above) and the significant advantages this offers in boats. As there is no direct mechanical link between the engine and propellor, the use of hydraulic drive allows the engine to be positioned almost anywhere within the boat rather than being in a fixed position in relation to the propeller and the precise alignment this usually requires to reduce vibration to a minimum.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

Sealine SC35 for Survey at Norfolk Boat Sales in Brundall.

I had the day at Norfolk Boats Sales carrying out another Pre-Purchase Survey. There are still plenty of boats being sold at this normally quieter time of the year.

 

D4 -260 Volvos

Surveyors comment: This Sealine SC35 design was one of the most controversial on the sportscruiser market! Never the less, some quality equipment on-board. The engine room was impressive with huge fuel tanks almost enough room to walk around! Two good cabins, a separate shower and a superyacht cockpit – topped off by a roof system that needs to improve itself. Some struggle with the styling, and lack of storage.

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

Broom 35 European for Marine Survey in Ireland

Today I was carrying out a Marine Survey (Ireland) on this 35 European TSMY. She was one of the earlier models to utilise the now classic Broom layout of forward guest cabin, midships saloon, aft owners' cabin with en-suite toilet and shower, and the helm on the aft deck. The galley, partly open to the saloon, and a second toilet was between the forward cabin and saloon.

All boats had an internal helm on the port side of the saloon and could sleep from five to seven people, depending on layout variations and the size of the people, with two or three single berths in the forward cabin, two singles in the aft cabin and a single or double on the convertible settee in the saloon. In addition to the door onto the aft deck, the saloon has sliding doors on both sides giving access to the side decks.

Broom Information

Broom was opened in 1898 by Charles J Broom who was the grand father of Martin Broom. Martin entered the business after serving a five year apprenticeship at the then largest boat building company in East Anglia, Herbert Woods Ltd. Martin took over the business when his father Basil retired.

Good strong sea boats with excellent steerage. 

Most earlier boats were fitted with twin Perkins H6.354 diesels of either 115hp or 145hp, the latter being turbo-charged, whilst some had 120hp Fords like this example. Most later boats, from 1978(?), were fitted with twin 140hp Volvos which, because they were taller, required the saloon floor to be raised several inches with a consequent change to the saloon roof, which is noticeably more 'cambered' on these later 'Mark 2' boats.

Broom Additional Information

During the 1930's Brooms expanded the hire fleet with the building of motor boats and this lead to demand from individuals asking Brooms to build boats for their own use.The company specialised in aft cabin semi displacement craft up to 50ft in length.In 2010 the Broom family sold the business to a Norfolk group who suspended building until later on in 2010.In 2012 broom bounced back with a relauched 30ft and 34ft range.

Looking for a Marine Survey in Ireland and need help, please contact me at steventruss1@aol.com