Elysian 27 Motor Cruiser

I was in Wroxham this morning on the Northern Norfolk Broads Surveying this very popular Elysian 27 Motor Cruiser. I must have Surveyed dozens of these over the years. I guess they were the most popular Hire Boat all over Britain… read the story at the bottom of this page.

Surveyors comments- note: not related with this example boat above: The older version with the round windows can suffer from an unusual osmosis. (blisters on the bottom). The gelcoat cracks with the moisture pressure and at first glance you would think that the boat had been dropped as the hull below the waterline looks like a cracked egg shell. If you are thinking of buying one please get a Professional Surveyor who knows the Elysian Model to take a look. The newer models with the square windows do not seem to suffer from this defect.

This defect does not mean that the hull is in any imminent danger of structural failure, but it can seriously effect the boats value, and you may have trouble selling her on. Saying that It must however be remembered that the osmosis could remain static for many years with out requiring expensive treatment. My advice would be to take her out of the water over the winter period and store her in the dry, this would reduce the possibility of further osmotically induced gel coat blistering.

Unusual... this model has an Enfield sterndrive!

It’s been a little over 40 years since Elysian production first started. Work on the very first boat began in June 1962. Appleyard Lincoln & Co (Boatbuilders) based in Ely were given vast financial backing by a large company called Shipping & Industrial Holdings. The large company wanted the yard to build and market mass production glass-fibre motor cruisers.

Harry Lincoln, owner of Appleyard Lincoln and Co　took up the challenge and with the aid of his designer Hugh Easton, the first plans were drawn up. The new boat was to be 26ft in length and to be capable of 15 knots with twin Perkins 4.107 diesel engines. Dick Sparrow who had successfully built up Seamaster Boats was called upon for technical assistance as he had experience in glass-fibre boat building techniques.

At the very last minute, it was decided that a 27ft boat would sell better as most glass-fibre boats were around the 25 to 26ft length, so an extra 3 inches were added to the hull and the transom was given a 4 inch camber to make up the extra length. First launched in December 1962 for testing, the hull reached and exceeded its design speed of 15 knots. The boat needed a name if it was to be taken to the1963 London Boat Show. The name ELYSIAN was coined by a friend of Harry Lincoln, a Tommy Thompson who was a retired art director at Elstree Film Studios.
There was very little interest in the all new ‘plastic’ boat, it was a disaster. The very first Elysian was purchased in May 1963, with a debt of £60,000 Harry needed to market the boat differently.

Instead of aiming for the Private buyer, Harry gave a big marketing drive towards the Hire Fleet Operators. The boat returned to London for the 1964 boat show, at last the order books were full as hire fleet operators up and down the country ordered the new additions to their hire fleet, the Elysian 27 was about to become the UK’s best selling motor cruiser the start of great story. Elysian 34s were produced to satisfy the hire fleets demands and building started in 1966 and finished in 1972.




　

　

　

　

Fairline Targa 27

I had a morning at Norfolk Yacht Agency today Surveying this classic Farline Targa 27. A 1989 model with twin diesels.

After the river trail we were discussing the speed of this cruiser. With a T27 like this one fitted with 130s she should be able to get about 26 knots tops and cruise at about 23.
 

A T27 around this age has the 130HP AD31s rather than the later AD31Ps which were 150HP.

The Volvo book reckons that the max revs are 3900 with a cruising revs at 3600. Economy is 28litres/hour at wide open throttle and about 16.5litres/hour at cruising revs. This is per engine of course.

Surveyors comments: Fairline from that era had a reputation for being solidly built with good hulls - I cant argue with that.

Cruising costs about £15-16/hour at cruising revs.


Grand Banks 42 Classic refit

I thought I would tackle one of the main areas of rot on ‘Dawn Seeker’ this weekend. The water had been getting in somewhere from the upper deck, and had ‘taken out’ the whole corner of the saloon. The leak was so small that you couldn’t even see it. This is because of the capillary effect, which draws water into the smallest of cracks and more or less acts as a water pump to keep bringing water in. Its also why water can enter at one point and be coming out somewhere else, perhaps two feet away from the source of the leak.

Open air Living!......Once I removed all the rotten wood it became clear that the water had been coming in through a hand rail ‘up top‘…. Probably over a period of years. I bought a top quality sheet of marine plywood from Tim Collins at Wroxham. I also bought a complete set of new rubbers, quadrants, trims to go around all the decks and coach roofs. These are all in Iroko. I wont fit them until all the superstructures finished and painted in spring. The new plywood will be sealed on both sides and glued into place with epoxy!…. Yes I know fibreglass! But with an epoxy coating and careful construction I can now keep the moisture out. Even if there were to be some breach in the coating, that would only be a local breach. For wood to rot, it needs three things: a particular moisture content, a range of temperature, and oxygen. The epoxy coating will keep the moisture and oxygen out.



That’s the three main areas of the superstructure done now… another two to go… onwards and upwards!!  

Broom 39 2 + 2

I was working at Brundall Bay Marina today on the South Broads Surveying this Broom 39. She is the successor to the popular Ocean 38, with an improved bathing platform with built-in steps. The 39 followed the example of the 42 CL in using the narrow "eyebrow" style side windows and a black frame for the front windscreen. This 39 2+2 is a variation on the 39KL providing two ensuite cabins and an extended deck saloon.

Intended mainly for extended periods of cruising, the 2+2 is normally fitted with twin 260HP Yanmars and larger fuel tanks for longer range. This one is unusual with her black and carbon fibre trim and larger Volvo 320HP Diesels giving a top speed around 25 Knots.



 

The dinette is removed, and the additional space is given over to the larger forward cabin and a bonus utility space, which can be used for a washing machine, a generator and additional stores. The spacious interior provides very comfortable, live-aboard facilities for extensive cruising.


Surveyors comments:

Build quality during this period was exceptional at Brooms. A real Royals Royce.

Sealine S28 2002

I must apologise for a slow down in posts at this very busy time.

I had a trip out to Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today on the South Norfolk Broads. Norfolk Yacht agency are heading into their busy period this time of year, boats to winterise, and prepping new boats for their Stock collection and Brokerage. They have a vast range of New and Pre-owned boats for sale from their two offices in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.



This Sealine S28 is another example of Sealine's excellent use of space relative to the overall length of the boat. This model manages a very large cockpit and interior with all the luxuries normally associated with much bigger boats. The accommodation on the S28 is second to none for its class. She offers a large galley area incorporating a fridge freezer and full washing up facilities! The forward area of the saloon features a large u shaped seating area that in the evenings creates a large double berth. The aft cabin again features a large double berth. Located between the two sleeping areas is the toilet and shower area. This features a full toilet and hot and cold shower.



Surveyors comments: Constructed to a high standard out of good quality materials.

Grand Banks 42 Classic - Teak Decks - refurb and cleaning

 

I’m cracking along with odd jobs on Dawn Seeker. The weathers turning now so im just checking the decks. They are surprisingly good for her age. They have been refurbished to a good standard at some point. There were some leaks getting in behind the quadrant at the deck to superstructure joint, but I've stopped those now. The seams were all pretty good. The plugs I've replaced in areas. Cleanings the next job for spring. I’ve copy and pasted in some interesting tips I found on line…. Must throw my hard bristled scrubbing brush in the skip!

 

 Cleaning

• Teak wood may have softer and harder sections. Never scrub your deck with a hard bristle brush, as this could wear away the softer sections of the wood. Wash your deck with plain water---preferably saltwater. The salt in the water will protect your deck from algae and mold. You can use fresh water from a hose if that's all you have available, but don't use a pressure washer.
  You can use a mild solution of dish liquid and water and a cotton mop if the deck gets dirty. If you need to scrub at stubborn dirt, use a nylon sponge or soft bristle brush, and wash across the grain. If you scrub with the grain, you risk wearing out any softer areas of wood. Don't use harsh chemicals, such as bleach.

Refinishing

• Your deck doesn't need oil to stay in good shape. In fact, oil will attract dirt and eventually become gummy, detracting from your deck's good looks. Avoid chemical refinishers as these could damage the wood.
  If you want to restore an older deck, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to reveal the golden color of new wood. Don't do this too often, or you'll eventually wear out your deck. Some manufacturers of teak decking argue that you should never sand a teak deck, as you risk exposing softer areas. Sanding may even decrease teak's non-slip quality.
  Don't varnish your teak deck, either. The beauty of teak lies in the way it weathers. And varnishing can make the deck slippery.

 

Protecting

• Always mask off the wood of your deck before you re-caulk. Likewise, protect the deck when you're painting by masking off the wood or covering it with a drop cloth.
  Don't let your deck dry out too much. Dry wood shrinks, which strains the caulking between boards. When you're out in the sun, wet the deck down daily.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/way_5367942_teak-deck-maintenance.html#ixzz2jnIDSPy8

Buying a Cruiser Class on the Norfolk Broads

I had a trip out to Crown Cruisers Yacht Station in Lowestoft today. I Surveyed this Broads Cruiser again built by Applegate’s on a Jack Powles hull back in 1932. In the 1930’s, the Applegate’s yard built a series of yachts, all of which were mahogany-planked and bright varnished, giving a distinctive appearance.

General advice: Opening Up Concealed areas within a hull are always a problem but, most wood vessels are constructed in such a way that enough access is available to make a fair assessment. It is usually possible to pull up floors (such as screwed in place plywood panels and the like) and remove enough panelling that one can get a fairly good glimpse of the bottom and lower sides. Carrying an electric screw gun is a must in order to do this quickly and effectively.

Thinking of buying a Broads Yacht.... drop me an email at steventruss1@aol.com I will be happy to chat....

Cored hulls on boats



The risk of water entry into a cored bottom boat is obvious to most experienced boat owners. All it takes is for one improperly made screw hole to turn a boat bottom into mush. Take a look at the above photo that illustrates the results of what happens when water gets into a core. What you see there is the bottom chamber of the boat hull that was in the process of completely disintegrating. The reason is that once water gets into a core, a phenomenon called hydraulic erosion takes place. Due to the slamming and pounding of the hull bottom on the sea surface, water contained within a core will be compressed by the flexing laminate structure. Thus, the bottom literally becomes a diaphragm pump.

 

Bounty 34 Soverign

Yesterdays assignment was to Survey this Sovereign Sunbridge 34 for Pre Purchase.

The Sovereign range was one of the last designs by Bounty. The Sunbridge 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.

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.

Sunbridge 34, Standard Dimensions:

Length: 34ft (10.39m)
Beam: 12ft 4‘ (3.77m)
Draft: 2ft 6‘ (0.76m)
Airdraft: 2.6m
Displacement: 6.6 tons

Marine Surveyor Norfolk Broads

Welcome to Insight Marine Surveys Ltd

I have been Surveying boats since 1995. By 2013 I have completed over 3000 surveys, which included 100's of types of sail and power boats. Being based in East Anglia on the Norfolk Broads in South East England I also specialise in Inland Cruisers, Ex Hire Boats and Classic Timber Motor Boats and Yachts.

I provide a range of Marine Surveys including Pre-Purchase Surveys, Hull Surveys, Systems Surveys, Sea Trials, Insurance Surveys, Valuation Reports, Boat Safety Scheme Examinations and Finance Surveys. 

 

http://www.insightmarinesurveyors.co.uk/

Battery cables - sizes

Even with boats with BSS certificates, I keep seeing small cables connected to batteries. Might be worth checking yours this winter!

CABLE (master switch in positive wire) MIN. SIZE
Master switch(1) to starter battery 25mm sq
Master switc...h(1) to starter solenoid 25mm sq
Starter battery to engine negative post 25mm sq
Engine negative post to alternator 10mm sq
Alternator to blocking diode 10mm sq
Blocking diode to batteries 10mm sq
Master switch(2) to service batteries 25mm sq
Master switch (2) to blocking diode 10mm sq
Master switch (2) to distribution box 10mm sq
Services negative post to service battery 10mm sq

 

 

Asking for trouble!

This shore power cable was live...

Batteries - gas- some thought required!  

Bourne 35 for sale

I was back in Brundall again today carrying out an Insurance Survey on this Classic Broads Cruiser. 

The Bourne 35 was designed by R.M. 'Rip' Martins in the early 1960's and built by a Nottingham firm called Bourne Plastics, after the work was turned down by Halmatic. The original order was for twelve hulls, six for R.Moores and six for Herbert Woods, the first hull being delivered in 1962. He then set up the name 'Griffin Craft' to market the hulls. Originally known as the Griffin 35, it soon became known as the Bourne 35.

She is up for sale!.... if anyone's interested please email me at steventruss1@aol.com 

Aquafibre also moulded the 35ft hull, originally designed by Rip Martins which became the basis of the Aquafibre 35, and a number of old Bourne 35s have been renovated by replacing the wooden superstructure with a modern Aquafibre 35 design.

Surveyors comments: I have Surveyed dozens of this ‘marc’ over the years. They are very popular for owners wanting that wooden boat look but with the simplicity of at fibreglass hull. Have someone qualified, either a surveyor or boat builder to check the wooden superstructure and decks thoroughly. You will find some rot! Check the hull (underbody) for any serious osmotic defects. The hulls are thick so there’s never normally a structural issue, but big blisters could de-value the boat and make her difficult to sell. Apart from the wooden superstructure they normally survey very well. An attractive Classic Broads Cruiser which hold their value. A very good one will fetch £35K.

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