Bounty 34 Sedan

I had a visit to Sabena Marine in Wroxham yesterday on the Norfolk Broads to Survey this ex hire boat. Launched at the end of the 1970s, the Traveller is best known as the Bounty 34 Sedan. A sleek craft with comfortable accommodation nicely laid out through three cabins.

There is a large rear cockpit housing the engine and hydraulic drive. The cabin is entered through twin sliding doors into the combined saloon and galley which are light and airy due the glazed patio doors and large windows all round. Forward of this there are nicely proportioned sleeping cabins and bathroom.

A small number were built with a flybridge on the roof…

Click this link for a Brochure

Interesting Broads Boat!... looks fast..

              Another boat steering in a staight line! I think its time re-invent the heel bearing....

 

Surveyors comments: Bounty Boats continued and developed the idea used by the F. B. Wilds Caribbean / Bermuda range of utilising hydraulic drive (see pic above) and the significant advantages this offers in boats. As there is no direct mechanical link between the engine and propellor, the use of hydraulic drive allows the engine to be positioned almost anywhere within the boat rather than being in a fixed position in relation to the propeller and the precise alignment this usually requires to reduce vibration to a minimum.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

"Killer shrimp" advice at free angling taster day

Friday 2nd November, Hickling



The Broads Authority’s biosecurity officer will be giving away 30 unhooking mats promoting the Check, Clean, Dry campaign at a free fishing taster day on Friday 2nd November at the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling. The campaign aims to stop the spread of the “killer shrimp” in the Broads.

Experienced, qualified angling coaches will be on hand from 10am to 3.30 pm to help aspiring anglers of all ages to catch their first fish. Participants do not need to buy a national rod licence and all equipment and bait is provided. Free membership of the Angling Trust will be given to all under 16 year-olds that attend.

Will Burchnall, the Broads Authority’s biosecurity officer, will help anglers identify the “killer shrimp” and give advice on what they can do to help control them.

The shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, is an aggressive hunter which has made the trek from Russia, across Europe to Britain, and is now spreading throughout the Broads. Although it is only 30mm long it has a voracious appetite and feeds on insect life including damselfly nymphs, water boatmen and small fish. If it becomes widespread it could threaten populations of many native freshwater species.

Anglers and boat users are being urged to check, clean and dry their equipment after every use to prevent the spread to isolated waterways such as the Trinity Broads. The event has been organised by the Hickling Playing Field Charity in partnership with the Norfolk County Angling Action Group, the Angling Trust and the Pleasure Boat Inn.

Broom 35 European

I went to Broom Boats yesterday to inspect this 1970’s Classic for Pre-purchase. The 35 European is one of the earlier models to utilise the, now classic, Broom layout of forward guest cabin, midships saloon, aft owners' cabin with en-suite toilet and shower, and the helm on the aft deck. The galley, partly open to the saloon, and a second toilet are between the forward cabin and saloon.

All boats have an internal helm on the port side of the saloon and can sleep from five to seven people, depending on layout variations and the size of the people, with two or three single berths in the forward cabin, two singles in the aft cabin and a single or double on the convertible settee in the saloon. In addition to the door onto the aft deck, the saloon has sliding doors on both sides giving access to the side decks.

Most earlier boats were fitted with the side mounted twin Perkins H6.354 diesels like this example I looked at today of either 115hp or 145hp, the latter being turbo-charged, whilst some had 120hp Ford Mercrafts. Most later boats, from 1978(?), were fitted with twin 140hp Volvos which, because they were taller, required the saloon floor to be raised several inches with a consequent change to the saloon roof, which is noticeably more 'cambered' on these later 'Mark 2' boats.

Build Period: 1973 - 1983

Number Built: 157

Successor Model: Broom 10/70

Average Market Value: £45,000

Surveyors comments: This owner will be taking the boat back to West Mersea in Essex if the sale goes ahead: Here are some basic checks to follow before voyaging.

Before starting the engine:

Open up the boat and ventilate all spaces, especially the bilges and engine compartment. Check for fumes and inspect for water, oil and fuel leakages. Check oil levels in the engine and where appropriate the gearbox. Switch on the main power isolator. Check the coolant level in the heat exchanger if fitted. Ensure that air ducts are free from obstruction. Carry out a visual inspection of the engine paying particular attention to the condition of: belt drives, electrical connections, water hoses, fuel filters and the exhaust system. Check the bilge-pump system and particularly that the suctions are clear. Check for debris which find its way into the bilges and block the pump. Have a manual pump as a back-up. Open the relevant seacocks/cooling water inlet valves. Check fire extinguishers are in place and in good working order.

General:

Make a visual check to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the intended voyage allowing extra for contingencies. Keep your engine handbook, tool kit and and necessary spare parts on the boat. If in any doubt about the reliability of your machinery have it checked by an expert and ensure it is serviced regularly. Ensure that the battery and connections are as waterproof and secure as possible.

Running Checks:

Allow the engine to warm up slowly. Never apply full throttle to a cold engine! Check that the cooling water is circulating - Look over the side to make sure it's discharging. Check the oil pressure, engine temperature regularly and that the battery is charging. Check the stern gland and all seacock hose connections for leaks. Check the engine visually for signs of fuel leaks, overheating and excessive vibration. Before stopping the engine allow it to idle a few minutes to cool down.

On Your Return:

Inboard Engines - Check the engine and ancillary machinery for any problems or damage - Remember to fix it before your next trip! Close seacocks/cooling water inlet valves and switch off the main power isolator when boat is left unattended.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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 

Broom 450

I had a visit to Bells Marina in Brundall today on the South Norfolk Broads. Bells Marina had the only crane in this area that could lift this big Motor Yacht. She must be in excess of 20 odd tons.

As with the 415 the 450 maximises aft deck space by using all-round transom seating. The built in steps on both sides of the transom give access directly to the side decks, with gates each side to enter the cockpit area. Interior layouts reflect the owners priorities and intended use. The standard layout provides for a very large deck saloon, with a third side cabin with two single berths. The alternative is to have a dinette area on the same level as the gallery and delete the third cabin. The forward guest cabin is fitted with an island double as standard, although in some boats twin V-berths have been preferred.

Surveyors comments: One of my personal favourites from Broom. This one is very smart in her Natural pale colourways, she should go very well with the D9 500's and is a huge saving on a new build.

Big powerful crane at Bells Marina

 
Cooney / Broom davit system. These twin arm but single fixing davit arms have proved very popular. They are very strong, simple, take the weight of dinghy and davit etc down to transom base at platform level rather that high up which is good, they also can be removed readily which is useful.

The props have been sent away to be refurbished after some tip damage... shallow waters in Brundall!

 
Side ladder drops in either side deck, the tall hand hold extensions make this a really good ladder.. it folds in half down its length to stow..

                   This one has the typical engine configuration 500HP twin diesels.

Market Value: £475,000 - 500,000

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

 

Otter 31 Narrow Boat

I Surveyed this little Narrow Boat today at Haven Marina in Lowestoft, UK. Sea Otter the builders are based in Staveley, Derbyshire and are renowed for their high quality alloy boats and excellent customer care.

They are made from a marine-grade aluminium alloy, the same sort of material used for harbour work boats, oil rig support vessels, the Swedish Navy, the Thames water police, some cross-channel ferries and life-boats.

Great hoist at Haven Marina in Lowestoft... a bit TO big for this little lady...

 

The water draining out from the ballast tanks, along with three Eels!! 

                              Some lovely old wooden boats over at Haven... proper job!

Surveyors comments:
I noticed when driving her into the dock that they are light so a strong gust could be more of a problem than with a similar-sized steel boat; but have you ever tried to push off a steel boat which is wedged firmly against a bank? You can do it single handed with a pole when you have a Sea Otter.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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

　

Eve makes dad's Broads holiday dream come true

The winner of the Broads Authority’s Enjoy the Broads competition is enabling her father to live his dream.

Ron Burke, 63, went out on a day boat on the Broads during a caravan holiday to Norfolk 20 years ago and has wanted to return for a boating holiday ever since.

“I loved it,” he said. “I thought it was absolutely beautiful.”

So when his daughter, Eve Burke, won five days aboard a luxury motor cruiser in the online competition which attracted nearly 3,500 entries, fairy godmother Eve made his dream come true.

Eve, who is eight months pregnant, and has a two year old toddler, has decided not to take up her place but her partner, Stephen Milne, and sister’s husband, Paul Redhead, have accompanied Ron. Eve, who is still working as a teaching assistant, is even taking on Paul’s child-minding duties to enable him to go!

“I was looking on the Enjoy the Broads website to find a boating holiday for Dad and I entered the competition,” she said. “It has worked out perfectly. Dad had to retire early so it’s a nice treat for him. This is the ideal holiday for all three of them.”

The year old 44 ft environmentally friendly cruiser, Fair Majesty, which has a Green Boat Mark, is being provided by Norfolk Broads Direct of Wroxham.

Ron, from Worcester Park in Surrey, said: “I’m very excited. I have been looking at the boats on the Broads for years and years and it has always been my ambition to come back. I have never stayed a night on a boat before so this is a dream come true.

“I love fishing so to go out on one of the broads, with no rush, and stop where we like is magic. Although we’ll be three men in a boat I’m quite a good cook so eating on board isn’t a problem. It will be another thing that I have ticked off in life.”

Thinking of buying a boat?

Japonica Yacht

I was instructed to Survey this old 1950’s Broads Yacht yesterday. The owner had already bought the boat and needed a Condition Report for insurance.

Martham Boats have the perfect hoist for lifting out wooden boats... safe, quick and easy..

With accommodation for 4, the Japonica is ideal for mixed parties. They have 4 single berths, two burner cooker with grill and oven and a separate toilet with wash basin.

Surveyors comments:

Good old boats the Japonica's, fine on a reach and running, but not to clever when beating, they don't point particularly high. To get the best out of the them, make sure the jib luff is nice and tight and the mainsail setting well. Don't oversheet, ease the mainsheet, gaffers like to be sailed full and bye.

　

Book a Japonica Yacht for your Holiday! Click...

Norfolk Gypsy

I had a trip up to Neil Thompson’s Boat Yard near Holt today.
They are a family run boat building company situated close to Blakeney harbour on the North Norfolk coast. They specialise in the building, repairing and brokering of fibreglass traditional dayboats, yachts, workboats and steel barges.

They are well known in the Norfolk Boaty world and a bit like Sheerline and Haines they pride themselves on high standards, quality workmanship, sturdy construction and a friendly service. They offer specialised servicing and restoration for all boats in the Norfolk Range.

The boat I Surveyed today was a 1994 Norfolk Gypsy. It was designed in 1989 by Andrew Wolstenholme who is a well known Norfolk based designer of small yachts and dayboats. The Norfolk Gypsy looks like a new design but is based on a combination of traditional yacht designs.

The laminate thickness of the hull is considerably more than expected for this size boat. They use a combination of chopped strand matt and woven rovings which are all hand-laid. Certain key areas of the hull are additionally strengthened by the use of core matt which provides immense strength without adding to the weight of the boat.

Neils main boatshed.. preping older models ready for sale.

Surveyor comments:
I put my moisture meter over the hull this morning, and basically as far as im concerned these boats just don’t get any osmosis blisters! Without becoming too technical about this point, they use the best gelcoat and resins available for hull construction, regardless of expense. They use an Isophthalic resin which is entirely compatible with the Isophthalic gelcoat they use. Combined with this resin they use ‘powder-bound’ matt (not ‘emulsionbound’ as most boatbuilders use) which breaks down more easily and prevents of small air bubbles in the laminate. All their hulls are ‘hand laid’ throughout as opposed to ‘spray-laid’. Added to all this, they mould thier hulls with clear gelcoat from the waterline downwards. Clear gelcoat is considered to be the very best protection against osmosis because the introduction of a colour pigment in the gelcoat can sometimes increase the danger of osmosis. Finally they apply the International Paint ‘Gelshield’ Epoxy Paint System to the underwater section of the hull at an additional cost if required.

Sealine F34

I had a trip up to Lincoln today and Burton Waters Yacht Sales to Survey this 2008 Sealine F34 Motor Yacht for Pre Purchase.

In my opinion there are several reasons for buying a Sealine cruiser over, say, a Princess or Fairline, including value for money, though not at the expense of loosing quality.

As a Surveyor and being out on a number of sea trials over the last few months, looking at the competition, the Sealine was less noisy and choppy at sea - a sentiment echoed by others.

They Survey really well…. especially this F34 model. Great access through to the bow thruster, seacocks, water tanks amidships. Tons of space forward of the fuels tanks and gaining good access through to the sewage and hot water tanks. The Websato warm air heater stands alone and is very accessible. Then back to the huge engine bay with ample room to check all the necessaries.

Osmosis! Forget it…. Its unheard of on a later Sealine hull!

Plenty of Sealine Cruisers up for sale at Burton Waters. According to the Brokers they have had a very good season..

 Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. 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