Oil Analysis Tests

If you instruct me to carry out an oil analysis test on the vessel's engine, it could highlight potential engine and equipment problems before any serious damage is done to the unit and provide added security to those purchasing a vessel. Once I have taken the oil sample, the turn around time from receiving the sample to you obtaining your report should be 48 hours. This report can be e-mailed or posted.

The analysis will show:

• The actual wear pattern of the equipment.
• The condition of the fuel injection equipment.
• How well the maintenance has been carried out.
• In a twin-engine set-up we can run a comparison between the two installations.

In addition to preventing damage and expensive repairs by taking early action, a clean bill of health via oil analysis would also add value to any customer wanting to buy or sell a boat. A report may be used to demonstrate that the boat has no long-term problems or any nasty surprises months after purchase.

The basic cost of a sample would be £90:00 this will include VAT and all handling.

Broads boaters encouraged to double moor

Broads boaters are being asked to moor side by side at certain Broads Authority moorings to meet the demand for mooring space.

Responding to feed-back from boat hirers that they sometimes have trouble finding moorings the Authority has identified 20 locations in the northern and southern Broads which are suited to double mooring.

Five free 24 hour moorings are being trialled in the northern Broads, and 15 in the southern Broads. They include Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, Norwich Yacht Station and Reedham Quay.

The moorings have been selected by taking into account the river width and strength of tides and new signs have been put up to encourage boaters to welcome others alongside.

Trudi Wakelin, Broads Authority Director of Operations, said: “New moorings can be very expensive and complex to get permissions. So one of the options we looked at to ease the pressure on mooring was to see which of our 63 moorings met our byelaw criteria for double mooring. We would encourage all boaters to be helpful and considerate to those who haven’t found a bank side mooring space and welcome them alongside.”

The trial follows the Environment Agency’s successful campaign on the River Thames to encourage boaters to moor alongside others.

Tony Howes, Secretary of the Broads Hire Boat Federation, said that his members have been constantly reminded by hirers of the difficulty in finding mooring places at busy times on the Broads.

He said: “This development should be very helpful if all boaters are made aware of the new rules. We will shortly be distributing a notice for use at handover and in Skipper's Manuals to advise hirers of the opportunity to moor in this way - and the "etiquette" involved.”

Richard Card, chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association(NSBA) which represents private boaters, said: 'The NSBA's recent survey of members identified shortage of moorings as a major problem. It is being addressed but the solution will take time. The Broads Authority's initiative in identifying locations where double mooring is possible is to be welcomed as a short term mitigation of the problem. We would encourage skippers to behave considerately by maximising the capacity of popular moorings while treating fellow boaters with courtesy.

MOT'S for boats

Is your BSS certificate about to expire. I can carry out a new test at the same time as the Survey at a reduced cost: £4 a foot inc. ( I can post date the certificate up to 3 months). I am a member of ABSE, and one of a number of examiners on the Broads, but unlike the majority of them I am not connected with a marina or marine engineering business and therefore I don't offer any remedial engineering work as part of the examination. This means that the owner can do any work himself, or choose his preferred engineer to effect any repairs

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

Norfolk Broads Cruiser

Yesterdays assignment was to Survey this locally built Broads Cruiser for Insurance.

When you want to insure your boat, or have to renew an existing policy, your insurance company will need an Insurance Survey in order to determine its insurability for the intended use. This type of survey is often referred to as a Condition and Valuation Survey.

The scope of an Insurance Survey approaches a Pre-Purchase Survey, but its focus is on structural integrity and safety and it is less detailed. An assessment of the boat's Fair Market Value is part of this type of survey. An Insurance Survey requires several hours, depending on the complexity and condition of the boat.

Johns Yard at Wayford bridge is becoming well known for its refurbishment work, with plenty of boats being stripped out and rebuilt. Wayford Bridge provides an extensive building and repair service and John has staff that are fully experienced in traditional wooden boat building methods. They also offer a well-established and professionally supervised facility for the DIY enthusiast. Literally everything is available from materials, lifting gear, marine hardwoods, paints and fixings to one off items.

There is now a second shed built for the DIY owners..

John and the crew pulling one of many boats out..

This little cruiser is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for hire on the inland water ways. Designed by Arnott Fowler on the South Broads.. Anyone know the Builder?

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

Insight Marine Surveys release new website

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Freedom 30 Ketch

I had a day in Lowestoft yesterday Surveying this ‘Cat Ketch’ at the International Boatbuilding College via Boatshed Yacht Brokers.

Both the hull and decks are built of fiberglass composites with balsa wood core and the masts are built of a carbon fiber composite.

A chief advantage of free-standing rigs is that there are no rigging shrouds to clutter up side decks and a secondary advantage is that there are no chain plates to maintain or worry about leaking.

For those of you who feel that sailing is just too complicated and that you’ll never be able to master all its intricacies, here is an alternative to conventional stayed rigs that offers old salts and new sailing enthusiasts alike ease of handling, solid construction and performance that is likely to surprise more than a few.

　
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

Stuffing box!

On yesterdays Survey I came across this Stuffing Box.

(a stuffing box, or packing gland, is used around a propeller shaft at the point it exits a boats hull underwater. It is the most common method for preventing water from entering the hull while still allowig the propeller shaft to turn.)
It looked like they had been leaking for years and were in a very poor condition.

Removing the packing from one of these deep awkwardly placed stuffing boxes should be done with a special tool… so employ a professional, screw drivers and other substitutes may not remove the last few turns of packing.


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

Seamaster 30

I had a visit to Boulters Marine in Horning yesterday to Survey this Seamaster 30 Motor Boat. Its worth remembering they offer a unique comprehensive breakdown and recovery service so you can feel confident to travel that much further knowing that there always just around the corner, batteries low! Engine overheating!

Membership benefits include:
24hr Service
Fully Qualified Marine Engineers
Purpose Built Tug (takes you to the location you specify)
Well stocked van
Up to 6 breakdowns or recoveries under the same policy. (further breakdowns will result in an hourly rate being charged.)
No claims bonus after one year
Reduced rates on engine servicing
Special discounts on selected services
Prompt and reliable service
Peace of Mind

The Boulter boys operating thier unique lifting platform

I dread laying under here in the winter... but it works!

Seamaster.. A famous name in motorboat building in the 1960’s and 70’s, launched the Seamaster 30

at the 1970 London Boat Show, and produced 410 of the model up to 1981.

The boats sleep six, with two berths in a forward cabin, two in the saloon and two in the aft cabin. Helm position is in an open backed wheelhouse amidships.

Standard engine installation is a pair of 50HP Thornycroft diesels, but several others including Perkins like in this example. Top speeds of about 12 to 13 knots.

Surveyors comments: The hull and superstructure were used by other companies also.. If you want an original example.. check that the serial number is embossed on a Seamaster plaque at the helm position.

　
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
　

Good angling practice to be promoted at Whitlingham

Angling opens to the public at Whitlingham Country Park on Saturday after a successful first year trial.

A management agreement between the Broads Authority, Whitlingham Charitable Trust, Norwich and District Pike Club and the Broads Angling Strategy Group involves anglers complying with a code of conduct on the River Yare. It has proved so successful that angling will now be promoted as one of the many activities available to the increasing number of visitors at the country park.

Volunteer angling wardens from Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association, supported by Norfolk Police, will patrol the river bank throughout the fishing season to promote good angling practice and give advice to anglers to help them fish in a safe and responsible way.

The 750 metre stretch of river bank can be reached at the far end of Whitlingham Country Park where there is a pay and display car park.

Martin Shaw, Chairman of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which manages the country park, said: “We are keen to promote responsible fishing which fits in well with our overall vision for quiet public recreation and enjoyment of the special natural environment at Whitlingham.

“We are especially grateful for the help offered by Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association to look after the river bank. I would ask all anglers using the bank to take on board any advice offered by them to help the Trust maintain the long history of public access to this stretch of river which is important for fishing.”

Stephen Roberts, Chairman of the Norwich and District Pike Club, said: “We are working hard with our partners to help preserve public access to the very special fishing on offer in our broads and rivers. I would ask all anglers to help protect the riverbank environment and fish in a responsible manner to help us promote and improve angling opportunities at Whitlingham Country Park, both now and in the future.”

It is hoped that introductory angling coaching courses could be run on the riverside at Whitlingham with a special emphasis on tailored events for families and youngsters.

People who are interested in learning more about angling should visit www.norwichpike.com ; www.norfolkanglers.co.uk and the Broads Angling Strategy group’s website www.basgonline.org

Haines 31 motor cruiser

I spent the morning in Brundall Surveying this Haines 31. The owners Norfolk Yacht Agency had just finished prepping the boat and she was to be sold with a Warranty.

Haines Marine are one of the most respected boatbuilding companies on the Norfolk Broads. A family run company based only 5 minutes from my home in Ingham, founded in 1980 by Bob and Mary Haines. They offer a bespoke service for new boats in every respect, trips to their factory to monitor the build, to choose the details of your boat and to follow its progress through the construction.

This older 1999 model was built on the Aquafibre hull. Many of these Aquafibre mouldings do the rounds one way or another and sometimes it's difficult to tell who's version is whos! Sheerline, Haines, Aquafibre plus I think Falcon with a Renaissance also used the hull moulding.

Surveyors comments: Brokerage boats are sold as seen and no warranty is given. However, if you buy one of many stock boats like this example for sale on the Broads, then they come with a warranty and on top of that stock boats are often serviced, antifouled, polished and checked before the handover.

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

Corvette 320 Trawler Yacht

I Surveyed this ‘Little Ship’ today at Brooms Boats in Brundall… not as a great lover of fibre glass boats I was very impressed with the build quality of this classic cruiser.

This was a Trawler Yacht with a difference, the Corvette 32 is British built, has a most unusual hull shape (round bilge sections flanked by shallow vee flats out to the chine) and is fast! The boat was designed by Compton McGill and built initially by Corvette Marine, who produced about 30 between 1974 and 1977, when they went into liquidation. In 1984 the moulds were bought by a new company Corvette Cruisers in Nottingham who redesigned the interior and built another 70, this one included.. a 1988 model. New construction of the original Corvette 320 has ceased as of 2010. As many owners of the Corvette 320 have shown interest in trading up to a new 340.

Main features of the exterior are the very wide side decks… I felt like I was walking around one of my old Frigates!

Most of the original boats are powered by twin 106hp Volvo diesels. Top speeds of about 18 knots. Corvette cruisers fitted conventional drive engines, most common were 210HP Cummins diesels, however this one had 300HP Volvos which could give top speeds of about 25 knots + .

Surveyors comment:

Ideal for a cruising family with children or a couple with frequent guests, its two-stateroom, two-head accommodation plan provides a level of comfort and privacy found only on much larger boats. And while its traditional, salty good looks may have you thinking "trawler," it will surprise you with its 25+ knot, seakindly performance.

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

Farrington 25 Broads Cruiser

Today I was at Landamores of Wroxham to Survey and Value this Broads Cruiser for Insurance purposes. The river cruisers of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads evolved during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to meet the requirements of this unique inland waterways system - light displacement, tall rigs, low freeboard, well proportioned cabin trunks with lifting roofs to give headroom when moored, and masts that lower to allow easy passage under bridges. The sheltered environment has allowed many of the early boats to survive giving the Broads possibly the greatest concentration of traditional boats in the UK.

To meet the rise of interest in these craft new yachts started to appear in the late 1970's and one of these was the first Wolstenholme design to reach the water, the 25ft GRP hulled timber composite river cruiser for Kingsley Farrington launched in 1980 (below). She was followed by the timber epoxy 'Cirrus', the GRP Farrington 30, the cold moulded 'Storm', timber epoxy 31footers for Native Yacht Company, 28ft Bure Classic for Colin Buttifant, the beautiful 'Moonshadow' of 2004, and the recently launched GRP timber composite 26 footer again for Colin Buttifant.

This hull was from Kingsley Farrington and fitted out by the owner who is a qualified Boat Builder

She has a high spec rig with alloy topsail spars

The coachroof being painted

The owner and builder

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

Moon Shadow 3 rivers 2 027.AVI