Norman 266

I had a day at Southgate’s Boatyard in Horning on Friday Surveying this Norman 266 Motor Cruiser.

All the boats at Southgates have now been transferred to Martham Boats to augment their existing fleet, so at least they are in good hands.The sheds are now used for hardstanding and servicing boats...

Norman Boats business started in Shaw Lancs, then moved to Isherwood Street in Heywood Lancs then back to a new site in Shaw. Other factories were added (Royton and Heywood) and the business expanded into manufacturing windows and windscreens under the name of North West Windows Ltd at our Heywood factory. They also made boat canopies, upholstery, tents etc under the name of North West Marine Trimmers Ltd at our Padiham - Lancashire factory. At the same factory they also made boat trailers (Speedmaster Trailers). At the height of the business 1971 -1973 the business employed around 200 people (approx 120 in boatbuilding) We employed around 70 glassfibre laminators of which around 30 were female.

This later 266 model was the new era of design for Norman . The cockpit was built right out to the hull sides to maximise the space available. The boat was only produced for a short time in the early 80s. This modern design offered an open plan design and there was an option of an additional 2 single quarter berths at the aft end of the cockpit. This set of mouldings went on to become the Bates Astral and the highly successful Shetland 27. The semi displacement hull handles well at low speeds. The engine fitted in this example was a 150HP Volvo on a sterndrive.

Broom 30

I had a return visit to Broom Boats in Brundall today to Survey this Broom 30 … a 1970’s model. Sharing the same round-bilged GRP hull as the Ocean 30, designed by Mr R.M. "Rip" Martins who was a naval architect, the Broom 30 is distinguished by its midships wheelhouse saloon, with sliding doors on both sides. The superstructure and interior were designed by Mr Martin Broom and four pre-1968 boats had a mahogany superstructure and teak-laid deck, after which time the construction was all GRP. Wooden uprights in the forward windscreen and wooden wheelhouse door frames were also phased out in later models.

Most people are surprised by the spaciousness of the interior, which provides four single berths in two cabins, a wheelhouse/saloon with a convertible settee and sunroof, two bathrooms and a 'corridor' galley. Some boats like this example have had a helm position retro-fitted to the aft cabin roof, behind the wheelhouse/saloon, increasing air draught to 9ft.

Engines are mostly Perkins 4-cylinder diesels ranging from 35 to 70hp in either single or twin configurations. This had the larger 4.236 70HP option on a single shaft. The difference in top speeds between these is only about 1 knot.

Hardy Seawings

I Surveyed this stylish looking Cruiser this morning. Hardy's flagship 285 Seawings model first appeared in public at the 1991 Earls Court Boat Show. Andrew Wolstenholme, the famous Norfolk designer was responsible for the overall styling and lines…a really well built boat. This one was unusual and had twin King Cobra American diesel engines…

Lifting her out at Ferry Marina...

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

Bounty 34 Sedan

I was working at Norfolk Yacht Agency today Surveying this Broads Cruiser for Pre-Purchase.

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. I must admit im yet to see one.

A cold day at the office!!

More detail can be found in the Model Brochure
Surveyors comments:

Older Bounty boats ‘can’ 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.

Its also worth removing the patio door on this model and resealing it. A cockpit cover would be a sensible option once these vessels go into private ownership.
This was a completely new design for Bounty Boats and in my opinion shes an attractive, stylish, solid built hull. Im surprised not more were built. I’ve only Surveyed a couple over the last 12 years.

If your reading this BLOG and are after buying one of these rare boats, it will be worth contacting Chris Cooper at Norfolk Yacht Agency and see if he knows if there are any on the Broads up for sale.

Boat sales are up and works flowing in nicely

Well it’s the first week in March 2013 and the boating community are starting to wake up from that long cold winter. Boat sales are up and works flowing in nicely.

This weeks featured Surveys include:

Another Easticks 28 Yacht for insurance.

A Hardy Seawings which I have Surveyed a couple of times before.

A Bounty 34 Sedan at Horning.

Another Westerly Yacht… this one the Pageant 23.. Wells Next To Sea.

A Shadow 26, Sealine 290 Ambassador, with Norfolk Yacht Agency.

A Broom 30 with Broom Boats.

I will be BLOGGING all next week!!

Broom Ocean 42

I had another visit to Brooms Boats yesterday. Brooms was founded in 1898 by Charles J Broom at first building individual sailing vessels for the local gentry to sail on the wide open spaces of the Norfolk Broads. Over the course of the next 100 years Broom have gone from strength-to-strength, offering innovation and quality hand craftsmanship.

They specialise in Aft Cabin Cruisers, manufactured to the very highest standard. The main advantage of owning an Aft Cabin craft is that it makes full use of the spacious full beam width, providing a large cabin with walk around 'island berth' and en-suite facilities, along with built in, full length wardrobes, dressing tables & bedside cabinets.

This Broom Ocean 42 in my opinion was one of the best of the classic style. Interior layout varies in detail depending on what was specified when new. All boats have a large aft cabin and two forward cabins although in some later models the forward V-berth was replaced by an island double, allowing guests to be accommodated in some comfort.

Some boats like this one do not have the interior helm position, preferring instead to make the most of the large deck saloon. In most cases a 'corridor' galley, reminiscent of the Ocean 37, leads to the en-suite owners aft cabin, although some models had a separate staircase to port.

A variety of twin Volvo diesels were fitted during the production life, varying in power from between 200 and 300hp, which had a corresponding impact on performance
Some stats for you:

LOA: 42ft 1in / 12.83m

Beam: 14ft 0in / 4.27m

Draught: 3ft 3in / 0.99m Min.

Air Draught: 10ft 6in / 3.20

Hull/Deck: GRP Hull Form: Semi-displacement Cruise Speed: 15 knots

Max. Speed: 22 knots Fuel Capacity: 2 x 150 gals / 2 x 682 ltrs Water Capacity: 1 x 145 gals / 1 x 660 ltrs

Build Period: 1978-1989

Number Built: 36

Successor Model: Broom 44/Broom 42CL

Market Value: £120,000 - 140,000
They always Survey very well. Just keep your eye on the window leaks. Built like a tank… a real little ship.

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
 

Woodruff Broads Yacht

I had the pleasure of Surveying Woodruff yesterday.

When Percy Hunter was establishing his fleet in the early 1930’s he engaged Alfred Pegg to build ‘Woodruff’ at his Wroxham yard. Her internal layout differed slightly to the others of her class and she had the distinction of being the only Hunter boat to feature the brass portholes which are clearly seen in this picture. During the days of the Norfolk County Sailing Base, In 1973, Woodruff suffered the fate of a few other craft on the Broads. That is Calor Gas leaked from its container and filled her bilges with gas. Vaporised Calor Gas is heavier than air and will remain in a boat’s bilges without dispersing!

When the hirer lit a match to start the stove and make breakfast, there was an explosion that caused serious structural damage to the yacht. It was fortunate that this accident took place at the yard, that nobody was seriously hurt and the yacht also survived! All too often these incidents result in fire and complete destruction. 'Woodruff' was written off by the insurers and disposed of by the yard. She was subsequently rebuilt, at Acle, and survives in private ownership to this day.