1936 Loynes River Cruiser

This river cruiser I surveyed today was originally built as one of a class of two 23 foot, three berth sailing yachts for hire on the Broads. She was purchased by her current owner in 1997 and was subsequently COMPLETELY REBUILT AND REFITTED (from stem to stern, with part of her keel being all that was retained from the original vessel) at the International Boatbuilding Training College at Lowestoft prior to being relaunched as an all but new craft in 2012. Her rebuild was planned and overseen by her owner, a former pupil of the IBTC himself, and was clearly carried out to a very high standard. She is essentially only three years old, at a fraction of the cost of a newly commissioned vessel built to the same standard and specification. This very elegant and unique Broads river cruiser will allow her new custodians to cruise and race the Norfolk Broads in true comfort and style, whilst maintaining all of the grace and traditional charm that the River Cruiser Class is renowned for.

Pedro Solano 42 for Survey with Pedro Boats (UK).

Today's Survey was on this Pedro 42' Solano. Jim Cole was the Yacht Broker in Brundall.This boat is Dutch built and designed by Pedro and known for its excellent sea-going qualities but also for its optimal use of its interior space. The V bow and hard chime displacement hull were constructed using mild steel plate and stiffened with longitudinal bearers and transverse frames. This ones especially rare in its twin engine form.

Great layout making these boats a perfect liveaboard. Also great value at around the 100k mark. 

Good propellor protection making her suitable for the French canals! 

200HP TAMD-200HP Volvo diesels

Ultrasound Surveys are generally carried out to measure the hull plating thickness on steel yachts. Hundreds of readings are taken around the yacht's hull to look for areas where the hull plating is thin.

The Ultrasound Survey is not confined to hulls of steel yachts, bulkheads, decks and structures can also be measured as well as Aluminium and GRP hulls and structures, contact us for your specific requirements.

Insight Marine Surveys carry out Ultrasound Surveys on steel yachts as part of a Full Condition Survey. We have the latest ultrasonic thickness gauge instruments, they are non destructive and accurate readings are made without removing any of the paint or filler system. Our primary instrument is the Cygnus 4 multiple echo ultrasonic thickness gauge.

Insight Marine Surveys carries out Ultrasound Surveys on all types of vessels throughout the UK and Europe. We are experienced, hold qualifications in marine surveying and are members of surveying organisations including; International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) or The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). Our rates are competitive, fill in the online survey enquiry form for a quotation.

A report is provided explaining the findings of the Ultrasound Survey. Within the report, problems found during the survey are listed and information is given on their importance and recommendations for repair. All the thickness measurements made during the survey including their position will be recorded within the report.

Once the survey has been completed we guarantee to provide the report within 24Hrs. We will spend the time to answer any questions about the survey and are happy to give any yachting advice.

To receive a quote for a Ultrasound Survey, fill in the online survey enquiry form on our website or contact me directly with you requirements at steventruss1@aol.com 

Survey in Greece

I'm off to Kos for a week to Survey this Francis Jones Motor Sailer, designed by J Francis Jones who was one of UK’s best known marine architects with a particular gift for designing good looking motor yachts such as the Fleur de Lys range, motor sailers like the Inchcape range and the Sole Bays and a wide range of interesting sailing yachts.

I'll be back in the office from the13th July. 

I'm booking new Surveys from the 21st. 

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