Marine Surveyors operating across Ireland

I was back at work today carrying out this Marine Survey on the River Shannon.

This was a one off from Haines. A 36 footer based on the Elegance model, like a mini 42 version. This was a boat for all the family with a 6 berth layout, or all the live-aboard comfort you would need in one open-plan.

Powered by a single Nanni 62hp, she has hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, 240v shore power, battery charger and inverter and a superb upper deck.

Surveyors comments: Haines have an excellent reputation for build quality and I can never fault them after Surveying dozens of different models. Choice is everything when buying your new Haines, from hull color to layout, or from the color of the window blinds to the number of drawers in your master cabin. Haines will expertly customise your craft to accommodate your every need.

Thinking of Buying a Boat in Ireland 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

More History on Raisena

'Raisena' was built in 1932 by Herbert Woods at Potter Heigham and was the first Bermudan-rigged cruiser which he built for private ownership. Herbert Woods was a great believer in the qualities of Bermudan over the traditional gaff, and was responsible for changing 'Madie's' rig when she was owned by him in 1938..

'Raisena's' first owner was Sir Alexander Rouse, a civil engineer who spent much of his working life in India, and came to East Anglia when he retired. He had been responsible for building a large part of New Delhi, and named his boat after a town that had previously existed on the site of the new city. During the 1950 's. 'Raisena' was based at Oulton Broad, where she was raced and cruised by the builder, undertaker and water-diviner, Billy Youngs and his family.

Billy Youngs was one of the great characters of the Broads, who could hold a pub audience spell-bound with his anecdotes relating to his profession and his sailing exploits. In those days the boat was exceptionally well furnished, with comfortable arm chairs, settee beds and even a bureau.

After a brief period in the ownership of Geoff Priest, she was sold in the early sixties to Mr and Mrs Victor Hoyle, who maintained her beautifully and loved her dearly. She was cruised by them but hardly ever raced. Her present owner, Martin Broom, bought her in 1972. He has refined her appearance by shortening the length of the cabin, and her performance by reducing the surplus weight, including the heavy cruising gear installed for the convenience of previous owners. Amongst this was the powered mast winch, a Saunders Roe outboard (rare and interesting item, this) and a quantity of loose furniture. Modifications to her sail plan and Martin's general tuning of the boat, together with his expert helmsmanship have made her the fastest all-round cruiser in the Class.

Martin's attitude towards cruiser racing is reminiscent of those early owners of the big-class yachts in the pre-war years when life revolved around the regattas and boats were towed from place to place with the sole objective of winning races - or at least getting first gun. This approach may not be approved of by some, but even critics must admire the way in which the biggest and most powerful Broads Cruiser is handled today.

Racing Over the past ten years, 'Raisena' has been the most successful of all cruisers - winning the Coronation Cup, Claret Jug, Wroxham and Oulton Week trophies, and being the fastest boat over the Yare Navigation Race course. Like most of the larger cruisers, she is best handled in a light to fresh breeze.

In very light conditions she will sometimes come off second best to 'Ladybird' and 'Achievement', and in a heavy blow to the smaller boats which come into their own in that condition.

For me, as someone who has raced against 'Raisena' since the early fifties, there is no more awe-inspiring sight than that great hull and tremendous spread of sail roaring up on a broad reach in a fresh breeze and being sailed to its full capacity. The sight of 'Raisena' with 'Ladybird' and 'Cirrus' racing in close competition gives us now some conception of the days when 'Madie', 'Bonito', 'Queen Mab' and their like competed so fiercely.



　

Connoisseur 1070FB

Today’s assignment was at Richardson’s at Stalham, just 14 miles from both Norwich and Great Yarmouth, this site covers some 20 acres and is the largest Norfolk Broads boat base.

They often have ex-hire boats for sale, or sometimes like in this case if you’re after something particular they may pull one out of the fleet for you to buy.

This Connoisseur 1070FB was created for Connoisseur’s European bases. Sometimes known of as Merchant - a name Le Boat/Connoisseur used for the class for the last few years they hired them.

Around eight were produced and four were bought by Richardsons and brought back to Norfolk, early 2011 to become “Astral Gems”.

The class features the same forward arrangement as the 900FB but has a double and bunk cabin aft. They were built with a second toilet though those that have been brought back now feature one shower room & one toilet.
 

Unusual ….but they make the perfect floating holiday home!

Senior 23

I was working alongside Pam Damji, owner and Managing Director of Broadland Yacht Brokers Ltd yesterday. I was Surveying this John Bennett designed Senior 23 Motor Cruiser for a purchaser.

Senior Marine of Southampton built about 250 of these compact Cruisers between 1966 and 1978, most of them in bare hull form for completion by individuals or other boat yards. Eastwood Marines Eastwood 24 and Marina Boats Marina 23 were both based on the Senior hull.

They were sold for use on rivers, estuaries or sheltered waters. They make a great little starter boat for the Norfolk Broads.

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

Innovative technology to cleanse broad at National Nature Reserve

A ground-breaking method of improving water quality and wildlife is being used for the first time in the Broads at How Hill National Nature Reserve.

A natural new method of cleaning the water of the excess nutrients which create algae, making it murky, is being used on Cromes Broad between March 18th and 21st.

The broad will be sprayed with a modified clay product called Phoslock which  permanently locks away the phosphate into the sediment. The algae is starved of phosphate thereby preventing its growth and creating clear water conditions that allow a diversity of water plants to grow which provide a home for aquatic invertebrates and fish.

Developed in Australia by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and applied to more than 150 lakes in 20 countries in Asia, USA and Europe, Phoslock has proved to be a simple and natural solution with fast, effective results.

Cromes Broad, which is a feature of the How Hill Nature Trail with access provided by boardwalks and a bird hide, has been partly mud pumped twice in an attempt to remove excess nutrients in the water. However, half the broad is still dominated by thick mats of algae blocking out light that allows other plants to grow.

The Phoslock treatment, which is costing £50,000, is being funded by Natural England and the project will be managed by the Broads Authority.

Andrea Kelly, the Authority’s senior ecologist, said: “Restoring lakes from pollution is an expensive but essential business on which our wildlife depends. It’s important in the nation’s most protected wetland that we all do what we can to stop nutrients from getting into the water in the first place. For example checking septic tanks are working properly or stopping fertiliser rich sediment getting into our rivers and lakes.

 “Phoslock will give this degraded lake a second chance, enabling us to kick start the ecosystem. We are hoping that a diversity of water plants, including stoneworts, pondweeds and lilies will return, and with them will come more birds and a more varied fish community. Once they get re-established we are hoping they will be able to maintain themselves.

National Nature Reserves are expected to be looked after through exemplary management practices.  This includes investing in both tried and tested and novel techniques to ensure their ecology improves.”

Broom 39

Had a trip to Brooms in Brundall yesterday. It was nice to see the progress in the re-invention of the company, the workshops were full of activity, and the Brokerge is busy with boat sales. The offices and the yard have been transformed and look very up to date, stylish and modern.

Designed by John Bennett, this Broom 39 is known to be a very comfortable sea going boat and, in common with the Broom 37, its wide beam gives it spacious accommodation for the length. As with the 36, introduced in the same year, the 39 positioned cockpit seating at the edge of the deck, maximising the usable area.

The interior layout includes an island double in the aft cabin with separate toilet and shower cubicles. The inclusion of a dinette opposite the galley and on the same floor level gave a comfortable dining area that converted into a further double berth. Twin 'V' berths in the forward cabin had ensuite access to the forward head/shower. An internal helm was not standard, although it could be added on the port side of the saloon if desired.

The 39 was designed with twin 200hp Volvos as standard although by the end of its production cycle 340hp alternatives were being offered like in this example to achieve the top speed of 30 knots.

Surveyors comments: If she’s been laid up for a while check all the sea cocks: The best preventive maintenance for seacocks, both plastic and metal, is to periodically open and close each valve. Leaving a valve in one position for an extended period of time can allow it to freeze up. Manufacturers' guidelines may differ slightly, but the consensus is that the handle of each seacock should be moved throughout the full open/close path every few weeks, or at least once every 30 days, more frequently if possible. One school of thought advocates closing all seacocks each time the boat is left unattended. If you follow this diligent strategy, be just as methodical coming back aboard, especially to make sure valves on the raw-water intakes are open before starting the engines. If you are forgetful consider putting a placard somewhere near the ignition switch as a reminder.

If a seacock won't operate freely, disassemble and lubricate it. To lubricate seacocks while a boat is in the water, use the following procedure:
close the valve.
remove the hose or tubing from the inboard side.
remove any remaining water from inside of valve.
swab waterproof grease on the inside of valve mechanism.
reattach the hose or tubing, checking clamps or fittings.
activate the valve several times to spread the grease.
 When the boat is hauled out, perform steps four to six from outside the hull to lubricate the opposite side of the valve mechanism. Use winch, wheel bearing, or water pump grease. Avoid lithium or other metal-based greases, which may cause galvanic corrosion.

If a seacock is completely frozen, it's best to haul the boat before attempting repair or replacement. If that's not possible, then temporarily plug or seal the penetration from outside the hull before attempting repair. Out of sight out of mind and easily overlooked or neglected seacocks and through-hull fittings can cause very serious problems when not maintained. However, by following the routine outlined here of regular checks and minimal care, they'll provide years of reliable service.

Check bonding straps to all bronze through-hulls to make sure that the cable has no corrosion or breakage that could lead to stray current that will cause galvanic corrosion.





 

 

Raisena

I went to do a Valuation / Insurance Survey on the famous Raisena yesterday.. once owned by Mr. Broom and raced every year... for the last 79!! Shes now been sold to a new syndicate and will be ready for racing around April 2013. She was in the sheds at Richardson where shes undegoing some Bright Work.

 

Shadow 26 motor cruiser

I had the pleasure of Surveying two Shadow 26 Cruisers this week. These are great boats for the Broads and they date back to the 80's and were so modern for their day that they were produced into the early 90's too. They have the space of a 30 footer, the sturdiness of a British built boat and the sporty lines that don’t age.

They Survey very well generally with no major problems. Swancraft Cruisers are the builders for the majority (some mouldings were sold and fitted out by other yards) who are a family run boat hire and boat building business. They also offer Luxury boating holidays to a high standard on the Norfolk Broads.

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

Horsey Open Regatta

Had another ‘Horsey Open Regatta’ meeting at the Pleasure boat Inn last night with Mark Turner, Charlie Jarvis and David Church. Its going to be a fantastic couple of days racing around Horsey Broad with the Nelsons Head now booked as the local pub for food and some live music in the evening. All boats welcome to race… including plastic!

Horsey Mere Open Regatta will be held on the weekend 11th and 12th of May. We are not sure when the last open regatta was held on Horsey Broad....maybe 80 odd years ago! Any information would be helpful.

The Regatta will comprise of 5 all...comer races(1 discard). Entry fee is £20 per boat, this will cover race entry and overnight mooring fee and hopefully a keg of ale.

The regatta is intended to be of a similar ilk as HBVOR or the MBA passage race.

 

New Broads patrol boat launched

The Broads Authority’s new heavy weather patrol boat, designed to cope with the challenges of Breydon Water, was launched at the boatyard which built it - Goodchild Marine of Burgh Castle, right on the doorstep of Breydon.

The need for a new heavy duty patrol and work boat fit to ride 5 ft waves arose when the Authority took over responsibility for Breydon Water last year and committed to year round patrols.

The Authority’s river launches have neither the sea-keeping qualities nor speed for satisfactory patrols which respond to emergency calls from the Maritime Coastguard in all weathers, including fog.

Yards from all over the country responded to the Authority’s tender offering a variety of new, second-hand and adapted craft. But the best boat at the best price was found at the yard where the Authority’s river launches are already maintained.

The new launch, ‘Spirit of Breydon’ has been specially adapted to the Authority’s requirements from a premoulded 33ft AquaBell Trojan hull and superstructure, a proven pilot boat designed for use up to 60 miles offshore.

The £115,000 vessel has a low wash hull and cruises economically at 6 knots with a sprint speed of 20 knots. It has accommodation for a crew of two and seating for half a dozen visitors, a toilet, and a galley. It also has a working area capable of recovering floating debris via a side door. It includes VHF radio, a depth sounder, radar and is powered by a low emission engine.

The launch is part of a £300,000 investment in Breydon Water to make the crossing safer and more enjoyable for boaters. Clearer channel marking, new lay by moorings for boats waiting to catch low tide, new gauge boards at the bridges and a survey and study of the water flows to decide the future of the Turn Tide Jetty at the mouth of the Rivers Yare and Waveney are all part of the package.