Cleopatra 700 river cruiser

I had a very handy assignment today… just 5 minutes from home at Broads Edge Marina.

Broads Edge is a popular private marina, situated on the beautiful Norfolk Broads at Stalham, and offering mooring berths in a pretty and well-maintained grass site, close to a range of local amenities. These well-kept moorings offer boat owners first class, secure facilities and a friendly service.

The boat I was surveying today was a Cleopatra 23. Essex Yacht Builders of Wallasea Island on the Crouch launched the Cleopatra 23 in 1967. The boat was built in two versions. Blue Nile and Express Fisherman, the latter having a large cockpit and smaller cabin, and a hard top over the helm position.

In 1971 the boat was modified (one of the changes was the replacement of the rather vulnerable Perspex window around the front cabin with glass panels) and was renamed the Cleopatra 700.

Altogether about 400 23’s and 700s were built. The Fox 700, built by Fox of Ipswich was based on the same mouldings and sold in the same versions.

Hull shape is medium vee. Single or twin outdrive petrol engines were installed or commonly a 50HP Perkins diesel. This one has a BMC diesel engine fitted.

David the yard manager using the dumper truck to pull the boats out. They have a large new hoist nearly ready for use. They are also building new sheds, slipway and a large area for hard standing boats in the winter is being prepared... this is a huge site.

Surveyors comments: Because these craft are not that well known, they are excellent value for money. You can buy a diesel version for under £5000!

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

Frederick Parker 32ft Motor Yacht

Had a trip down to Tollesury on Friday to Woodrolfe Yacht Brokers. They always have some lovely old classics on the books.

Galley of Lorne was of carvel planked wooden construction in mahogany on steamed oak wood frames and copper fastened. A long keel with two smaller bilge keels. Her interior has four berths in two cabins. Constructed to a design relevant to the 1960's. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking Motor Yachts designed specifically for estuary and coastal cruising.

She was originally built for George Campbell, cousin to the 11^th Duke of Argyll. She was built to Lloyds 100A1 standard.

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

Positive response for Broads Authority in Boat Owners' Survey

Boat owners have given the Broads Authority the thumbs up for its performance in managing the waterways and believe it offers good value for money with its services.

The results of a survey of Broads toll payers showed 65% felt the Authority did a good job compared to 63% in 2009 and 55% in 2005. 83% felt the Authority offered them value for money, the same figure as in 2009.

The availability of free moorings, more dredging and better water quality were shown to be boaters’ highest priorities for future spending.

Boat owners also felt the Authority was listening to their concerns more and keeping them informed of what it was doing.

Chief Executive John Packman said: “We are very pleased with the results of the latest survey of our toll payers. Across the board they seem to feel we have either maintained our performance or improved it which is very encouraging, especially in the light of the staffing cuts we were forced to make last year as a result of the Government’s spending review. The areas highlighted as top priorities for boaters are already some of our main objectives for investment in the coming year so we hope boat owners will continue to see that we are listening and acting on their wishes.”

Everyone who completed the survey was entered into a prize draw. The winner, Malcolm Halsey from Braintree, was selected at random by the survey company and will receive £100 towards the cost of his toll plus a lifejacket as part of the Authority’s new ‘Wear It’ safety campaign. Two runners-up, Michael Richardson from Reedham and Matthew Clarke from Grays in Essex, will also receive a lifejacket each.

Wherries On Wroxham Broad.

11 Months, 3000 pictures and a lot of coffee.