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