Broom Commander

You may remember an earlier post in my BLOG about this classic wooden craft from the 1950s. 'White Heron' has been undergoing planking works to the hull at Brooms Boats. I had a return visit yesterday to see how things were going. Its nearly time for her to go back into the water now. She has been in the Broom family from new.  Her new owners may well take her down to the Thames.

The interior has been little changed since she was built, so retains the original character & quality of build. 

Iroko is a very durable wood; it does not require regular treatment with oil or varnish when used on the topsides. It is almost as durable as teak, although it does not have the same stability.

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

Fairline 23 Holiday

Today I was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Horning on the Northern Norfolk Broads surveying this Fairline 23 Holiday.

Take a Look at the Holiday Owners Club!

More Fairline 23 Holidays were built than any other Fairline Boat range. Between 1972 and 1984 a total of 594 were produced. Despite the slight change in dimensions of the later Mk111 version, all models have the standard layout of four berths in one open plan cabin. Two single berths forward which can convert to a double. And two single quarter berths amidships. The settee stretching across the aft end can also be used as a single.

John Bennett designed the Holiday, which has a hull which is deep vee back to amidships, but shallower and slightly rounder towards the transom, with a three quarter length keel to improve stability at low speeds. Various engine and stern drive installations were fitted. Mostly Volvos, but this example had the Marine BMW 190HP Petrol fitted giving up to 20 Knots.

Surveyors comments: A good diesel version can cost 13K +... you can get a Petrol boat for as little as 8K.. a lot of boat for the money!

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

New Broads campaign to save lives

The Broads Authority has joined forces with the Broads Hire Boat Federation, holiday booking agents Blakes/Hoseasons and the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, which represents private boaters, to ensure the safety message gets across.

It follows the deaths of five people on the Broads since April last year. None of them was wearing a lifejacket and it is believed that four of the victims might still be alive if they had been wearing one. Wear It posters will be displayed at boat yards around the Broads from Easter and hire boats will be issued with key rings displaying the safety message. Branded wind-up torches are also on sale in yacht stations and Broads Authority Information Centres.

Broads Authority Head of Safety Management Steve Birtles said: “People underestimate how dangerous it can be on the water but we hope, by making this Wear It message visible all over the Broads this season, we will get the message across loud and clear.

“One of the biggest dangers is when you’re getting on and off a boat and can fall between the boat and the shore – but it’s equally important when you’re on deck or tying up. If you fall in, a lifejacket will more than double your chance of survival.

“Getting people to change their behaviour can be difficult but positive peer pressure can really work so please set a good example and wear your life jacket .Where you lead others will follow.”

Tony Howes, Secretary of the BHBF said: “Our members have always provided lifejackets for hiring parties when they take over their boats and fully support this campaign to encourage wearing them, particularly at times when they are at most risk of accidentally falling in the water.”

Richard Card, Chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, said: “Anything which prevents the needless loss of life is to be welcomed. The NSBA strongly supports the ‘Wear It’ initiative.”

John Dalgleish, General Manager for Hoseasons Boating and Blakes, comments: “Everyone wants to have a fun, safe and enjoyable time on the Broads, which is why Hoseasons encourages all holidaymakers to wear a life jacket. We fully support the ‘Wear It’ campaign and will do all we can to help reinforce this lifesaving message.”

Princess 32 Motor Cruiser

I had a trip to Barnes of Brinkcraft in Wroxham today to Survey this Princess Motor Cruiser for Pre-purchase. They were extremely busy today being close to Easter Weekend and with at least 40 boats booked out for holidays tomorrow!!

I have surveyed dozens of these cruisers over the years, they are a very popular Motor Boats and the single engine versions work well on the Norfolk Broads. A good one sells for about 20K. I wont say what this one sold for!...but its a great time to buya boat, and prices are at a record low on the Broads and in the UK!

The 32 was launched in 1969 and over 2000 were built from then until 1980. The boat was based on the Senior 31 hull, like the Project 31, with a modified transom and a completely different superstructure.

The layout is also similar to the Project 31 in having a large cockpit and an open backed wheelhouse and an interior that is basically open plan.

There is a wide range of engine options, all outdrives but either single or twin, diesel petrol, and ranging from 75HP to 2 x 140HP. The smaller one like this example give a top speed of about 10 knots while a pair of 140,s could get you out of the water and up to 25 knots.

Surveyors comments generally for outdrives: Damaged paint surfaces to stern drives should be sanded down to bare metal and touched up with a suitable primer and top coat, this will help prevent corrosion. I recommend that all sacrificial anodes are checked regularly, failure to do so may cause serious corrosion problems. DO NOT ANTIFOUL ANODES.

The owner of this single sterndrive version had fitted a large fixed rudder to help keep her in a straight line

Surveyors comment: I inspect sterndrives as part of my Pre-Purchase Survey. They can be very costly to repair if they have not been looked after and regularly serviced. I check the oil levels, oil condition, seals, bushes, bellows, anodes etc. I use Paul Groom for estimates and he charges £500 for a basic service or £800 for a service with replacement bushes and seals…. This usually means taking the leg off.

First thing I always check is the seals.. if the oil on the dip stick is white and milky its a sign that the seals have gone and water is getting into the unit.. NOT GOOD!!

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

Alpha 32 River Cruiser

Today I was carrying out a Survey at Moonfleet Marine just 5 minutes from home near Stalham. This Alpha 32 River Cruiser is an extended version of the 29' with a longer aft cabin normally outfitted as a five berth. The main body of the boat is on one level, with only the helm seat raised.

Alphacraft has over the years created a number of designs for Broadland cruisers each available in a variety of sizes and layouts. They generally go through Survey very well.

MOONFLEET MARINE PROVIDE  BOAT SERVICES ALL YEAR ROUND

All enquiries for any of the above should be made to Phil or Toby who will always be pleased to advise and estimate on the work you require.

Click to visit Moonfleet Marine's Website

Norfolk Broads beauty spot has reopened for Easter

A Norfolk Broads beauty spot has reopened for Easter after six months of renovation and conservation work.

A walk to a viewing platform overlooking Ormesby Little Broad at Filby Bridge has reopened this week. Over the winter a 30 year old rotten boardwalk has been replaced by a ½ km hard-surfaced footpath which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.A dyke which had silted up completely has been dredged out and thousands of young fish have returned to over-winter here. Plants such as milk parsley and water irises are already starting to re-grow and kingfishers, otters, water voles, bittern, dragonflies and damselflies have been seen here. Some trees have been cut down to allow more light into the dyke.

At the end of the path a new wooden viewing platform offers stunning views over peaceful Ormesby Little Broad, part of the Trinity Broads, where rowing, sailing, electric and model boating and angling are permitted.New interpretation signs are soon to be put up telling people about the area and what wildlife they can see there. Benches will be built on the viewing platform shortly.

Hannah Gray, Project Officer for the Trinity Broads, said: “It has been my ambition to achieve this work since I was appointed five years ago. I am delighted with the way it has turned out. The walkway is perfect for a peaceful stroll and provides a wonderful escape into the magical waterland of the Broads.”

The work has been carried out by the Broads Authority in partnership with Essex and Suffolk Water.

Foster 35 Motor Cruiser

Today I was at Brundall Marine Surveying this Foster 35 Broads Cruiser. There is little history about these marques, but they first appeared on the Broads in the W.K.Barnes fleet, with wooden superstructures, later a number of GRP classes were also produced, many still around on the Broads.

According to Craigs site, 'Norfolk Broads Boats' there maybe a relationship between these classes and the two Thorpe based boatyards - Foster Marine (now Silverline), Classic Cruisers & Classic Leisure Cruisers - all these yards owned Foster or Classic hulls at one time or another.

This was a good example and had been completley stripped out and refitted to a high standard by a local boatbuilder.

A new rudder was fitted so the old skeg had been removed..

A real bonus! A 54HP 2.5 litre BMC diesel

It is inevitable that at some stage there will be gel chipping, scratches or damage to the gel coat. It is advisable to have them sealed and rectified as soon as possible. To effect the repairs its obviously necessary for the surfaces to be dry and at a reasonable temperature of, say, not less than 45 F.

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

Fairline Phantom 38

I went to Survey this Fairline Phantom 38 at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall on the Norfolk Broads today. Im not a great lover of plastic boats! But this Phantom is designed and built for cruising in the most luxurious of surroundings. It is a lot of boat, and there are a host of comforts included in the not inconsiderable price.

The twin 370hp Volvo diesels are the maximum power supplied for the Phantom 38, and these engines produce a performance that is just about ideal.

Construction and engineering quality are aspects not easily assessed at first glace, but the Fairline brand is held in high esteem in the UK and internationally. Certainly the 38-footer reflects a caring concern by the factory tradesmen for the attention to detail. I use to fit galleys out myself when I worked in Newzealand as a boatbuilder, the joinery and the measured gaps around the doors are perfect. It has the same quality of design as the Fairline Targa 48, so in no way is this smaller boat a poorer cousin.

The interior is fully lined with quality fabrics, carpets, cushions, curtains, suede upholstery and trims, all of which are complimented by a rich, deeply polished American Cherry timber used for the joinery and panelling.

The internal layout is quite traditional for a 38ft flybridge sedan. The main stateroom in the bow incorporates a double island berth, with more than adequate storage lockers, shelves and drawers to each side of the centre companionway entry.

The second cabin, located to starboard, has twin berth accommodation that tucks back in under the lower helm station. There is a good deal of space in this cabin, with ample headroom to move around, dress and to make up the beds.

Dual access is provided for the bathroom - direct off the main stateroom, as well as off the companion way. It has the usual facilities, all well appointed, and sufficient space for showering and towelling off.

The bowthruster is not essential as the boat manoeuvres quite easily with the twin diesels, but it certainly makes life very much easier if there is a strong cross wind or a brisk current when getting into a tight berth.

The boats top speed is in excess of 30 knots.

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 Saxon 40

Interestin Survey today at Brooms Boats in Brundall, Norfolk.. a one off!!
Originally designed as a successor to the Admiral Class for the hire fleet, only one Saxon 40 was ever built and this is it. Since new the Broom family themselves used the boat every summer whilst taking part in regattas around the Broads. Reluctantly sold with the hire fleet in 2004, the Saxon 40 has undergone extensive improvement to bring her up to private boat standards.

The interior layout builds on the Broom 30 design, with a central wheelhouse equipped with folding windscreens for minimum air draught. Aft, a large living space incorporates the galley and saloon, whilst forward two cabins provide double and twin berths. With a third single cabin amidships, and the option to convert the saloon to a further twin or double berth, a maximum of seven can be accommodated on this versatile cruiser.

Based on a 40 foot Aquafibre hull and fitted with a single 55HP BMC engine, the Saxon is designed and optimised for Broads cruising.

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

Aquafibre Ocean 37

I had a trip up to Nottingham today too Newark Marina Surveying this Ocean 37.

Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental this boat has a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now 'corridor' in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

Aquafibre built 157 Ocean 37's between 1973 and 1983.

Most boats were fitted with twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels like this example. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed of 19Knots



Kingsley Farrington Boat Transport from the Norfolk Broads was also up here today.. busy time- moving boats across the country just before Easter..

Surveyors comments:
Older Brooms boats often suffer from window leaks! These leaks usually develop because the seal between the window frame and the fiberglass part of the boat has broken. The break in the seal can be so small that you can't even see it. This is because of the capillary effect, which draws water into the smallest of cracks and more or less acts as a water pump to keep bringing water in. Its also why water can enter at one point and be coming out somewhere else, perhaps two feet away from the source of the leak.

To stop the windows leaking you may have use a non-hardening caulking so that the caulking can move with the expansion. To deal with this problem, you may have to remove the frames, rebed them and refasten them less tightly than they were previously installed

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

Broads Authority Ranger nominated for National Award

The National Trust’s search for the UK’s green heroes shines its spotlight on Norfolk this month, as a panel of judges has selected Edgar Hoddy as a finalist in the Octavia Hill Awards.

Edgar, a Broads Authority Ranger based at Whitlingham Country Park and the Yare Valley, was chosen from over 160 nominations for the awards, run in partnership with BBC Countryfile Magazine.

The Awards are named after Octavia Hill, a Victorian social reformer and a founder of the National Trust who set the standard in campaigning for green places, and Edgar’s work with ex-young offenders impressed the judges in the Inspirational Hero category.

Fiona Reynolds, Director General at the National Trust and one of the award judges, said: "These awards show the spirit of Octavia Hill is well and truly alive. I was so impressed by the passion and commitment of the people nominated and it was a really hard decision to come up with the final shortlist.”

Adrian Vernon, Head of Ranger Services at the Broads Authority, said: “Edgar is a larger than life character and the Broads are in his blood. He has the ability to communicate in his soft Norfolk accent in such a way that people listen. He has been particularly successful in dealing with ex-young offenders and other difficult groups. His natural authority, patience and willingness to help the young people is immediately picked up by them and they quickly respond.

“A number of previous pupils have already returned and thanked him for how he helped them gain confidence that has lead to employment and a different path in life.”

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in May, and you can vote for Edgar online here