Rinker 260 Sports Cruiser

I was working at the old Freshwater Cruisers yard today Surveying this American Sports Cruiser. Happy memories in this shed with Will and his Dad chatting about boats (as usual lol) over a cuppa. Wills now taken over his Dads business as Freshwater Marine and is busy with lots of work at his new office at NYA's service station. The old Broadland Boat Centre.

I've surveyed lots of these boats over the years. Not an ideal Broads boat i must admit with that 5 Litre V8, but these are popular boats for socialising and are exceptionally good value for the space and are becoming increasing good starter boats. This example just £13,000! When you're looking at family sport boats or express cruisers, sooner or later it all comes down to one word: Value. The older Rinker cruisers give you that sporty design and head-turning style, all at a price that makes sense. As the oldest American boat brand in continuous production, the Rinker Boat Company has quite a story to tell. From their humble beginnings out of Lossie Rinker's workshop on the White River in Indiana to today when they are exporting boats to more than 40 countries!

Norfolk Yacht Agency's third Service Shed at the old Freshwater Cruisers 

Thinking of Buying a Boat on the Norfolk Broads 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

Proud Lady Class Yacht

I had the morning at Eric Bishops Yard, Coxes Marine in Barton Turf Surveying this 1970’s Yacht for Insurance.  Built by Hebert Woods - the Proud Lady Class I think.

Photo courtesy of Sue Hines

When you want to insure a 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. Insurance companies usually accept surveys made in the water without a haul-out or sea trial.

Your insurance company may have its own requirements for what it considers an acceptable survey and boat owners are advised to consult with their insurance broker before commissioning the survey.

An Insurance Survey requires several hours, depending on the complexity and condition of the boat. My survey report is similar to a report for a Pre-Purchase Survey, but somewhat less detailed.

Thinking of Insuring your Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:  steventruss1@aol.com 

Maxum 2700 Sports Cruiser

Well its the first day back to work after Xmas and the start of 2015. It should be a good year for boat sales as all sounds stable in the economy and i guess wages should start to catch up this year helping the normal guy in the street looking for a starter boat.

Firstly my own boat, (Grand Banks 42 Classic). I've now finished my aft cabin (converting to a double) after some long hours on-board over Xmas.  I'm really chuffed with the results and think most wouldn't realise id changed the layout. I managed to get a perfect match for all the wood veneer, which has helped disguise any changes. I bought a memory foam mattress, and its really soft and comfortable to sleep on. Thats all the work on mine for now until spring when ill lift her out to do all the bright work.

The TV sits over a new unit which was part of the original single berth

The single berth on the port side is unchanged and can also now be used as a settee. The steps lead out onto the aft deck. 

I sourced the Teak veneer off Ebay! All the floors had to be cut. 

View from the saloon. 

Anyway on today's boat Survey, this Maxum American Sports Cruiser. Amazingly. Ive now inspected this boat four times! It just shows how owners love to change their boats!

Maxum come from the same stable as Bayliner. They are good boats, the 2700 is a classic 4 berth american sports boat, 4 good berth with a V in the front which also serves as your dining area and a mid berth under the cockpit separated usually by a curtain.

Maxum tend to use high gloss wood compared to the Bayliner, and are generally considered to be slightly higher quality, but this only really applies to the interiors, and now Bayliner have upped their game, they are pretty much on a par.

Powerd by this 330HP Mercruiser petrol engine. Expect about 11 gallons/hour at a speed of about 25 knots. 

Check that petrol is readily available in the areas you want to cruise in, it's plentiful on the south coast, but on the Norfolk Broads you may struggle.

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

Picton Spirit 3000

I was back at Anglia Yacht Brokers this morning looking at one of these rare Sports Cruisers, with only around 30 built!  This Roger Clarke Marine version was the better one, and in their time probably equal in build quality as Fairline or Princess. Financial difficulties at RC marine led to Picton taking over the moulds. No major faults, but like any other sports cruiser open to abuse, driven too hard in wrong conditions, etc.etc. so look for cracks, crazing in hull etc. Probably as seaworthy as any of that time, although not as sea kindly as current " Olesinski" technology.

  
Surveyors comments: Never seen one with osmosis! Partitions and floors all nicely glassed & bonded in like an old Princess or Fairline. Provide a lot of interior space, in slightly unusual layout. Rear cabin occupants could suffer from claustrophobia! Above average fuel capacity (170 gals) for size of boat!

Grand Banks 42 Aft Cabin rethink!

Im still 'cracking on' with the aft cabin rebuild on my own boat between Survey work. Ive started building the double berth now out of marine grade plywood. Ive converted part of the old single berth into a side unit, which will be a good spot for the TV and a side light. I have also had to cut all the Parki floors to fit-in with the new layout. Ive ordered 70ft of timber cladding to cover the aft bulkhead and I will have some leatherette panels made up for the sides of the berth. Ive also ordered some Teak capping rails to go around the bed just to give it a Grand Banks feel. I also managed to salvage some of the old draws so these have been refitted under the new bed. Ive also managed to source a nice old electric fan heater to be bulkhead mount below the steps. Onwards and Upwards! lol ... has to be finished between Xmas and Newyear as were moving back onboard for a while!

Boat Surveyor for Insurance Ireland

Today's assignment was to Survey this Sheerline Motor Boat. A newer model is under production at Wroxham Marine (Norfolk UK) and will be introduced next year. This was once the flagship of the aft cockpit range, the Sheerline 1020 is a luxuriously appointed, custom-built, six berth cruiser. The three cabins - owner's stateroom, saloon/dinette providing double berth with galley and guest cabin aft - mean that the Sheerline 1020 is ideal for family cruising.

This example has the 100HP Nanni diesel on V drive. 

And the electrically-powered retracting windscreen and removable canopy mean that the Thames above Osney Bridge and the smaller rivers on the broads are within reach.

CAT 'C' means inshore use within 10 miles of land 

'V' drives are a great idea until you have to get underneath the engine to re-pack the stern gland! 

Dimensions & Capacities
Number of berths 6 berths in 3 cabins
RCD Category C
Length overall 10.20m 33´6"
Length waterline 8.11m 26´7"
Beam 3.50m 11´6"
Draught 0.90m 2´11"
Airdraft at lowest 2.13m 7´3"
Fuel capacity (Stainless steel tank) 409ltrs 90galls
Water capacity (Stainless steel tank) 340ltrs 75galls
Holding tank capacity (stainless steel
tank)
327ltrs 72galls
Dry weight 5325kg

Surveyors comment: Great Sheerline build quality, and the hulls are protected with an epoxy barrier coat from new to protect against osmosis. A spacious aft cockpit with helm and double helm seat has ample space for entertaining complete with wet bar and optional cockpit fridge and sink area. The forward stateroom features a central double berth with storage beneath and wardrobes to port and starboard. The aft Cabin offers a twin or double berth layout. I will look forward to seeing the newer model next year.

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

Seamaster 30

This was my second Seamaster Motor Boat to Survey in the last few weeks.

The Seamaster 30 was introduced at the London Boat Show in 1970 and was an instant success. 400 were produced from 1970 to 1981. Bounty Boats made some craft under the name "New Seamaster 30" and from 1984 a new Seamaster company offered the 30 as the Seamaster "Norther" 30.

Ready for relaunch at Anglia Yacht Brokers in St Olaves

The Seamaster 30 was also available without the aft cabin to special order.

Specification:
Length: 30'; Beam:11'6"; Draught: 2'8½"  Weight: 4 tons;  

Engine options:
Single or twin Perkins 4107 / 41098 diesel
Single or twin Thornycroft 2.52 BMC diesel like this example.
Various Volvo Penta petrol engines
Various other engines were available to order.

The hull and superstructure were used by other companies also.

Seamaster claimed a top speed of 13 knots.

Seamaster 813

Today's assignment was at Upton Dyke at Anne Whelptons Boat Yard Surveying this Seamaster 813. The Broker acting for the sale was Pam at Broadland Yacht Brokers. 

This boat was designed by John Welsh and a departure from in-house developments. The medium to shallow V hull together with a long shallow keel allowed for an easily handling cruiser.

Several other manufactures used Seamaster moulding to produce their own versions. This includes Ardvark Aird marine and latterly Bounty Boats. Im sure the hull is still used today by Viking 26 with their 26ft widebeam.

The craft also has a square foredeck to offer more space. This model has a particular emphasis on reducing production costs, over 400 of these boats were made.

Lifting her out at Upton Dyke ready for inspection

Love this classic wooden wheel...

The factory built boat was unique in having through standing V berth configuration forward but with the shower toilet compartment extending across the width of the boat. A conventional dinette and galley area is further aft. 

The engine installation vary enormously from single petrol shaft drive to twin diesel. This example had a single BMC Thornycroft 1.5 diesel. Some models also had Volvo petrols with outdrives. 

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 

Grand Banks 42 Destiny Refit stage 2

Now winters set ive decided to get stuck into my own boat... part 2 of the Refit! We have enjoyed sleeping in the front double berth all year, but there is so much more room in the back, more like a minny lounge, so im going to build a double bed. There are some good Google images to copy, as most GBS were fitted with doubles, mine was unusual with two singles. As you can see ive gutted the cabin and started replacing the rotten bulkheads behind the water tanks. Its a job id know about when I bought her, but I was surprised at the extent of the deterioration. A bad design on the old Woodies, the rain water gets in around the aft deck hatches and works its way down behind the water tanks. Someones already replaced these once, so its an on going problem i will try to solve. The tanks are only about 10 years old so they are fine, the new plywood bulkheads i will epoxy seal to help prevent the rot happening again.

You can see where ive started cutting out the bulkheads. (grey water tanks behind). The ordinal single bed to the right will stay, the other has been removed along with the chest of draws creating a large space for a double bed. The floors, hog, stringers and former's are all in great shape!

This is an image off Google giving me the idea of the new layout....Ill use all the old Teak woodwork so i can make it look as original as possible. 

Stage 2 coming soon.... Xmas time Job!! 

AN INTRODUCTION TO LPG INSTALLATIONS

I'm presently refitting my gas system on my Grand Banks 42 after numerous failures from a recent BSS inspection. Ive had this article on my website for years so thought id post as an introduction to LPG installations. 

Any fuel that produces a flame consumes oxygen when burning and gives off carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour. Boats interiors have little volume, and cabin spaces are normally well sealed (they must be to be watertight). The oxygen available in a closed cabin can be consumed quite rapidly. Insufficient oxygen makes the fuel burn improperly and, instead of producing carbon dioxide, it begins to form a deadly carbon monoxide (CO). The combination of oxygen loss and carbon monoxide build up can be fatal-it has caused a number of deaths over the years. Always insure adequate ventilation when burning any fuels; this includes running diesel engines, which sometimes obtain their air via the living spaces in spite of the fact that they should be independently vented. Do not use an appliance for heating unless it is so designed. Never leave a heater on overnight unless it is vented outside the cabin area and adequate air supplies are assured.

LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is kept under pressure as a liquid and when released becomes a heavy flammable gas that is much heavier than air. The aim therefore is to minimise the risk of this gas escaping into your boats interior, where it could quickly accumulate, creating an explosive ‘mix’ of gas and air.

This chapter concentrates on how best to store LPG, how to supply your gas appliances and how to protect the gas system and installation from heat and impact damage. It is always strongly recommend that any work on LPG systems is carried out by a competent gas fitter.

GAS

The two main types of gas in wide spread use are propane and butane. Butane and propane both liquefy at low pressures and temperatures. As gas is pumped into a cylinder at ambient temperatures, these pressures are reached quickly. Then as more gas is pumped in, it liquefies-with temperatures and pressure remaining relatively stable. When a full cylinder is rocked from side to side, the liquid can be heard sloshing around inside. In higher ambient temperatures, pressures in an LPG cylinder will increase somewhat, but never beyond 250PSI; in lower temperatures, it will decrease.

As long as an LPG cylinder is kept upright, there will always be gas at the top, liquid at the bottom, and stable pressure-until the cylinder is almost empty. At this point the pressure begins to fall as the last of the liquid evaporates.

The principle difference between butane and propane is the former liquefies at higher temperatures and lower pressures for the latter. In extremely cold weather, liquid butanes rate of evaporation from a cylinder can slow to the point at which appliances fail to work properly. In these conditions propane should be substituted.

In the UK appliances operating on Butane do so at a pressure of 28 millibars and Propane at 37 millibars. It is not generally possible to change from one fuel to the other without changing the regulator, hence the cylinders and regulators have different threads and fittings to avoid mishaps. As a point of interest butane has a higher calorific value and a slighter hotter flame temperature.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LPG forms a dangerously explosive mixture when combined with oxygen in the air. LPG is considerably heavier than air-gas leaks sink to the bilges. LPG leaks are particularly dangerous on boats: Small leaks can remain undetected in deep bilges. A tiny spark (which can be generated by static electricity on any boat) can blow the boat apart.

INSTALLATION PRACTICES

Compartment requirements: Gas bottles, both in use and in storage, must be kept well secured in compartments that are sealed from all machinery and living spaces, and vented overboard. LPG compartments need to be vented from the base with a minimum internal diameter of 19mm (B.S.S exemption to 12mm on older vessels), which slopes continuously downwards so that no water can form a U-trap, which exit’s the hull above the waterline at all angles of heel. This is continuously picked up during surveys, many drain hoses are found to be looped up and contain water! All gas vents must exit well clear of engine exhausts, ventilators, and air intakes. Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position (again very few cylinders during surveys are secured properly). If an LPG cylinder tips over, liquid instead of gas might come out-with potentially dangerous results.

MARINE GAS DETECTION

Suitable means for detecting the leakage of gas should preferably be provided in each compartment containing a gas-consuming appliance. Gas sensor heads should be protected against damage caused by water and other corrosive agents, and the risk of mechanical damage. The consequences of an LP gas leak on board a boat can be disastrous. Every year there are deaths and injuries on board boats, which could have been avoided with the installation of easy to use and cost effective gas detection equipment.

LP Gas is not regarded as poisonous but is explosive and can lead to devastating explosions if it builds up to sufficient levels. It is measured using what's called the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). This means that when the concentration of gas reaches 100% LEL it becomes explosively dangerous (i.e. if you lit a match it would go bang). Most gas alarms are calibrated to alarm at 10% LEL, well before the gas becomes explosively dangerous.

A strong smell of gas can be noticed when the concentration is only 0.5% to 1% LEL because gas suppliers add a harmless but strong smelling chemical to the gas. Despite the strong smell this level is not dangerous and therefore the alarm will not sound. This reduces the possibility of false alarms.

Westerly Centaur

I had a trip out to Loddon on the South Broads yesterday to survey this Westerly Centaur. She was designed in 1968 by Jack Laurent Giles as a more modern and roomier replacement for the existing Westerly 25. She was probably the first mass-production yacht to have had the design tank-tested before a prototype was built, and this, plus Laurent Giles's earlier experience with bilge keel designs, was probably the reason for the Centaur's good performance under sail. Looking at a roomy boat with good headroom and a powerful diesel makes many people regard Centaurs as motor-sailers. They are not - they actually sail very well, although as bilge-keelers they are always going to be slower to windward than similar sized fin-keelers.

The sailing performance is helped by carefully designed bilge keels which are handed port and starboard with a two degree toe-in, so that once the boat heels under sail the more vertical leeward keel is developing lift to windward. Most Centaurs had 25 bhp Volvo diesels like this example, though a few were built with different engines, usually the smaller 13 hp Volvo, though some had 25 or even 30 hp Watermota diesels.

As with all other Westerly Marine yachts the Centaur was massively built. This was partly a result of previous building experience within the company and also a reflection of the state of GRP technology at that time. All Centaurs were built to Lloyds specifications which meant that the building processes were rigorously monitored and all materials had to be approved by Lloyds in order that a certificate could be issued. Although no longer in production they still represent excellent value for money. I should state that as they were 'over built' and the hull was thick they are vulnerable to osmosis, and most of this age have been peeled and treated with an epoxy barrier coat, so don't be surprised to find some blistering on the underbody.