Bermuda 34

I had the morning at Wayford bridge marina Surveying this Bermuda 34 broads cruiser.
 

Such was the success of the Caribbean that after three years service a much needed smaller sister mould was launched for the 1969 season. With one less bedroom the 34ft Bermuda class was otherwise very similar to her big sister, in both appearance and layout, with all the popular features including: Aft mounted engine for quiet cruising. Spacious saloon with double bed that could remain made up and simply folded upwards out of the way during the daytime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surveyors comments: These boats were built with a double gelcoat which is great news when it comes to the dreaded osmosis. Underneath the bottom of any blister will show a smooth, glossy appearance with no evidence of a glass fibre or fibre pattern showing. Basically the outer gelcoat acts as a barrier layer, this absorbs the water pressure leaving the second layer usually pristine and like new. it’s a shame not more builders followed this procedure….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Banks trip

The trip from Inverness to Norfolk is now just over 2 weeks away.... lets hope this fine weather keeps...Ive been busy getting basic stores and some safety equipment together. Ive managed to borrow a lot of stuff, so a big thanks to all. Most important being a ‘fuel scrubber’ to cleanse the fuel tanks. Home made gadget with a large independent filter.

O yes…. Plus ive just ordered 3 more Imray charts… might be handy to know where were going!

Broom 36

It was another Survey at Norfolk Yacht Agency yesterday. Its been a busy month in Brundall. If you're in the market to buy a boat and you have the means, now may be the best time to get a deal – possibly the best buyer's market in a generation. With sales knocked flat by the economy and many dealers flush with inventory, serious buyers can expect both a substantial price break and a handful of perks if they are willing to put their money down.

The Broom 36 was part of the fast offshore range with a planing hull but without a keel, making it a fast boat for offshore passages but less suitable for inland cruising.

The interior layout makes the most of the limited space with an offset double berth in the aft cabin as well as separate shower and WC cabins. The deck saloon has to double up as the dining area, with steps down to the galley, forward heads and guest V-berth.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo's, typically 220HP. This boat had the Mercruiser 220HP diesels.

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

 

Greenline 33

I had a trip up to Newark yesterday to Survey this new Hybrid Motor Cruiser.

The Greenline 33 has an entirely new form of hull, called super displacement! which apparently contributes to lower fuel consumption. The electric drive of the boat creates no noise or fumes, and at the same time generates a negligible stern wave. Full batteries, not taking into account the additional energy gained from the solar roof, will propel the boat up to 20 nautical miles, which is ample for short day cruises. The solar roof ensures that the batteries are fully charged, and provides additional energy for sailing under electric power. Sailing at low speeds (e.g. 4 Nautical Miles), the quantity of solar energy gained and quantity of energy used are equal, meaning that such sailing presents no burden on the environment. Nevertheless the boat also comes with a 400-litre diesel engine, although for the most part during the summer cruising season one single tank of fuel will suffice.

165 HP Volkswagon diesel and a 7Kw electric motor!

The Greenline 33 uses two times less fuel per nautical mile than comparable displacement hulls and four times less than semi-displacement or twin-engine planing boats. During the season the boat will use the same amount of fossil fuel as a yacht of similar size, and up to ten times less fuel than a twin-engine planing boat of comparable size. The reduced fuel consumption can also of course be observed proportionately in the costs.

Impressive boat all round- and looks the part.

Broads hosts country park picnic in city haven

People will be treated to a day of fun and entertainment at the weekend when they are invited to a country picnic on the fringe of the city to celebrate the Broads status as part of the National Park family.

Sunday sees the Broads Authority’s annual free Picnic in the Park which will this year be held next to the flint barn at Whitlingham with entertainment from two local bands as well as a variety of stalls and activities.

Whitlingham Country Park sits at the gateway to the Broads but its location close to the city and transport links makes it easily accessible.

Everyone is invited to bring their picnics along from 11am to 4pm to herald the start of National Parks Week which runs from Monday 29 July until Sunday 4 August under the theme ‘Actively Yours’ to encourage people to get outside and make the most of their national parks.

Music will be provided by Mammal Hands and Hard Rain while activities include face painting, circus skills and outdoor games, archery, canoeing, pot throwing, woodcraft activities, portapond dipping, children’s crafts, badge making and boat trips. Most of these will be free but there will be charges for some of the bigger activities.

There will be stands from the RSPB, RSPCA and Fairhaven Gardens as well as the Broads Authority, local councils, charities and businesses.

Nick Sanderson, Broads Authority Education Officer, said: “It will be a great day out for families, visitors and local people with a huge variety of things to do as well as entertainment and the chance to learn more about the Broads as Britain’s magical waterland and a member of the National Park family.

“The event has been really successful in past years and the good weather is set to continue so I’d really recommend everyone takes advantage of this great day out.”
Minister for the Environment, Richard Benyon, said: “National Parks Week is a wonderful way of reminding us what we have on our doorsteps, and I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit their nearest park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and activities on offer.”