Bounty Sovereign Sedan 34

Yesterdays assignment was to Survey this Bounty Sovereign Sedan for Pre Purchase.

The Sovereign range was one of the last designs by Bounty. The Sedan 34 version was built as both a dual helm model, featuring both external helm and a second located in the central saloon and single helm models. The single helm had just the external helm, with folding canopy over. The galley and forward bathroom layouts changed as did the saloon layout which offered an even more sociable area with additional seating space.

As with many of the Sovereign range, the moulds are now used by other manufacturers which can make identifying those produced by Bounty more difficult.

Bounty Boats was formed by Mike Brister, and in 1968 was sold to Peter Brown. At the time the company was a small hirefleet of assorted craft, based at Brundall on the Norfolk Broads.

Surveyors comments: These are very popular cruisers. Ideal for the European canals, Ireland and also perfect for the Norfolk Broads. They don’t stay on Brokerage for very long and also don't come cheap. A 1998 version still holds 70K. 

Classic Broads Yacht

I had the chance to Survey another classic Broads Yacht today at Martham Boats. "Aerial" was built by Leo Robinson of Oulton Broad back in the early 30’s. Originally part of a Broads hire fleet (and she is included in the 1936 Blake’s catalogue). 

Any more information on her history from readers would be appreciated. Was she really built for the Hire Fleet, or was she built for a private owner? Some of her curves just look to good for a hireboat... and 'round windows'! 

Martham sheds 'cram packed' as usual for this time of year...

Paradise for the wooden boat enthusiasts 

The original Baby Blake! 

The Robinsons boatyard became one of the established names in boat hire business during the first quarter of the 20th century. By the 1930s, motor cruisers had also begun to be added to the hire fleets in increasing numbers and other well known yards at Oulton Broad included W.S. Parker and A. Fuller. Leo Robinson had a good name for himself and also expanded his business, running the large general stores along Bridge Road and operating what must have been one of the largest hire fleets on the Broads before WW2. He produced many promotional postcards which proudly showed off his fleet, such as the one seen here which dates from the 1930s.

Surveyor’s comments:  Well designed and extremely well constructed. Leo Robinson un-doubtably had some good craftsmen in the 1930s. Any more information on her history from readers would be appreciated. Was she really built for the Hire Fleet, or was she built for a private owner? 

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Rare chance to buy a Broads Authority river inspector's launch

The Authority is selling two of its traditional Thames launches which have been taken out of service after patrolling the Broads for 40 years.

They are 29ft long, have a 7ft beam, are fitted with a 38hp Nanni diesel engine and will be sold with a new Boat Safety Certificate. Their traditional wooden cabins are fitted with a gas hob, grill and a diesel heater. They have undergone refits most years so their condition for their age is extremely high.

Motor Launch Thurne, built in 1975, was originally based at Irstead helmed by Port and Haven Commissioners staff until the inspectors transferred to the Broads Authority in 1989. During the last ten years the launch has been used by rangers in the Wroxham area. 

Motor Launch Barton, built in 1976, was always based at Ludham and mainly patrolled the middle and lower Bure.

The launches have been replaced by the heavy weather vessel Spirit of Breydon patrolling Breydon Water and a new generation launch with a hybrid engine patrolling the River Yare.

Arrangements for viewing the vessels can be made via Broads Control on 01603 756056. Offers over £25,000, should be made by sealed bid on a form obtained during the visit or from Broads Control by Friday March 21st.

Sealine T50

It’s been a busy start to the Newyear. It’s the first year for a while where I’ve started seeing the smaller boats on the Broads starting to sell. I think there have been lots of potential buyers hanging back and waiting for the recovery which sounds like it’s on the way. Out and about around the Boat Yards, Yacht Brokers, Hire Companies and Insurance Brokers the word on boat sales is of an excellent 2014 to come.

Anyway today’s assignment wasn’t exactly a small boat! Probably one of the larger ones situated here in Brundall on the South Broads. This is the Sealine T50, a 2007 model with twin Volvo D9 575hp diesel engines. She has 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 x toilets & 2 x showers. She had a tremendous spec including - bow and stern thrusters, large generator, docking camera, Sealine Extending Cockpit system (SECS). Pacmare passarelle/dinghy crane, air con and so much more!

Surveys comments: Usual Great British build quality. Tons of room in the engine room with the motors sitting over the ‘V’ drives. This boat had a pair of 575-hp Volvo-Penta D9’s which drove us down the river and speed run at 30 knots. Want more power? Then opt for a pair of 600-hp Cummins QSC’s!

Gobbi 425

Today’s assignment was to Survey this Gobbi 425 Sports Cruiser. The external lines were typically Italian in style. Relatively few Italian boat builders have made successful inroads into Europe or the US. Recognising that U.S. consumers seem rather more conservative about boats than they are about handbags, shoes, or motorcycles they have created a European look, with just enough Italian flair to avoid frightening the horses (that's you): a bold, curved windshield that seems to flow through the base of the radar arch; a long, powerful bow, rakish, sloping guardrails; and muscular, moulded haunches in the aft quarters.

It has two cabins and two en suite heads. Few boats in this class can offer that much privacy and comfort in 40 odd feet, and while the aft cabin might lack full headroom, it's perfectly presentable for occasional guests or family visits—and of course, kids will love it.

Surveyors comments: It looks good, functions well, and handled beautifully on the river trial. Check out the vid!