Green business in the Broads can save you money

Green business can save you money! That is the message from Broads Tourism which is holding a free seminar on Tuesday March 1 to tell you how to do it. 'Greening the Broads - and boosting your business’ is to be held at The Waterside, Rollesby, from 10am -3.30pm as part of Broads Tourism’s campaign to drive up quality standards in the Broads. The Broads has the largest cluster of accredited green businesses in the Eastern Region and some of the most successful will be at the workshop to explain the benefits and criteria for going green. Andrea Nicholas, managing director and founder of Green Business UK, the non profit-making company which runs the Green Tourism Business Scheme, will explain the nuts, bolts and benefits of GTBS which is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Around a dozen Broads business have joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme and three of them have gained the coveted Gold award. One of these is speaker Louise Rout, manager of the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens at South Walsham who says she has saved £400 on the annual water bills alone. “The scheme has given us some brilliant ideas for installing green technology and helped us think outside the box,” says Louise. “It gave us the confidence to make these changes and the comfort of being connected to other businesses who have been through the scheme. It is a fantastic toolkit and resource and it saves money in lots of ways.” Hire boat company Norfolk Broads Direct Ltd is preparing for its first Green Tourism Business Scheme assessment. Director, Barbara Greasley, who is  acting chairman of Broads Tourism, said she thought long and hard before signing up to the scheme and decided it “made perfect business sense.” “As we already had many initiatives in place such as low wash hulls on many of our hire cruisers, it really did make sense to apply for a green accreditation. As well as the marketing benefits of having a green accreditation, we have also saved money on our energy usage. Simply checking the time clocks in our holiday homes has seen our usage decrease. “The GBTS team has been very helpful and supportive. Our advisory visit was very useful, the GTBS website is a great source of information and the team is always at the end of the telephone to offer advice.” The seminar is financed by European Regional Development funding through the STEP (Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks) programme. Any business in and around the Broads is welcome.

To book a place contact Rachael Evitt at rachael.evitt@broads-authority.gov.uk or telephone 01603 756002. For more information on GTBS: http://www.green-business.co.uk/

Boat Safety Test at Horning

Another 4 years has passed, and im back in Horning, re- testing 'Jezebel' a Sunseeker San Remo 35 Sports Cruiser. Sunseeker are predominantly builders of high power sports craft, these are not really ideal on the Broads, but a few examples can be found. I also carried out the Survey and BSS tests on the owners other boat which they hire as part of a holiday let. The perfect Norfolk Broads Holiday.........check out their website http://www.heron-cottage.com/ 

Sunseeker San Remo 35



Unlimited Use of thier Day Boat for your Entire Holiday. Only Available for Hire to Heron Cottage Guests.



Hathor's Farewell Tour Classic Wherry

LoBoy Bobber Blog Complete Motorcycle Bike Kit

'White Moth' A classic Wherry.... Unique to the Norfolk Broads

Wooden Broads Cruiser For Sale

Wooden Broads Cruiser 37 ft

Broom Ocean 37

I was down at Brooms of Brundall today, carrying out a Survey on a Broom Ocean 37. Ive now Surveyed this boat twice in the last few years. Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental these boats have a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now 'corridor' in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

This one is fitted with twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed.

Excellent facilities at Brooms............. the boats can be lifted out in minutes

Jason Boast the manager operates the Hoist

Brooms are busy building boats again.

Caribbean 39 Survey

Another visit to Broadland Boat Centre again today. I have Surveyed this River Cruisr twice before and also issued it with a BSS certificate. One of the earliest mass-produced forward drive river craft. Built by FB. Wilds in Horning Norfolk. The Caribbean was introduced in 1966, they became very popular hire boats..... with at least 60 craft built. Usually a 4-6 berth Hire Cruiser with forward saloon and 2 double cabins, however this one has been converted and refitted into an open plan two berth layout. The perfect liveaboard.

You have to know what your doing when lifting these long lowliners..... theres very little bulkhead support, its the glassed in floors that hold the boat together.

Now open plan

Broadland Boat Centre are busy with lots of work on..... boat owners can feel spring in the air!

Pre-purchase Survey

I was Surveying down at Brundall today.

Freeman 27 at Broadland Boat Centre. Good facilities at BBC, they can lift the boats in and out of the water very quickly.

This is a Bourne 35. I Surveyed this about a month ago. The sale went through ok with the usual list of jobs to do.... most of the woodwork is being carried out by Brundall Marine Services... part of Brooms.

Rebuilding the base of the gas locker to the correct regulations.

Lots of woodwork completed, but still some work to do.... and some rain water leaks to rectify

All new running gear including a new shaft

Lady Christina Renovation

Adam and his wife have taken on a challenge - the restoration of a 1936 40ft 7 berth teak on oak Windboat. Christina was found in a run down condition, but her structure was remarkably good in general, and it was considered that she was well worthy of a major refit. Adam says he wants to find out some more history on her (Windboats lost all their records in a fire and were not much use). Her current name is Lady Christine and she's been out the water for around 13 years now. Its a heck of a project but any advice, ideas, good contacts would be massively appreciated as there is a lot to do. Adams based down in Winchester, Hampshire but hopes to have her back on the Broads when she's done.

Beautiful looking Motor Cruiser.... keep up with the build on the  Norfolk Broads Forum

Funding for Broads conservation projects up for grabs

The Broads Authority will be offering grants for sustainable conservation, educational and tourism projects from April despite significant cuts to its government funding. Since 2002 Defra has given the Broads Authority a £200,000 a year Sustainable Development Fund to award to local innovative or best practice projects which meet certain criteria. During that time the Broads Authority has awarded grants worth £1,647,000 to 195 projects, which have attracted £5,523,700 in match funding. From April the money will no longer be ring fenced by Defra for spending on such projects but the Authority has still committed £150,000 to the Sustainable Development Fund, which includes administrative costs, for the coming financial year. John Ash, SDF Administrator, said: “The Fund has been a huge success in getting many innovative projects off the ground. It has funded renewable energy projects and it has encouraged local organisations and communities to come up with new ideas for achieving social, economic or environmental sustainability.”
In the future the Authority is particularly keen to encourage conservation projects linked to education and projects involving young people. It will only fund renewable energy projects if they are ground-breaking.

A panel meets four times a year to award funds. The deadline is 18 March for the next panel meeting on 12 April.

If you would like to apply for funding first contact John Ash on 01508 550116 or email: sdf@broads-authority.gov.uk for advice on the eligibility of your project. More information on the Sustainable Development Fund and an application form can be found on http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/. 

Swedish Doublender!!

I surveyed this unusual boat at Stalham Staithe today.Originally built as a cargo ship for the Stockholm archipelago in about 1955. A traditional Swedish double-ender whose design is based on the Viking longboat. This example was brought from Sweden to the Norfolk Broads by her current owner five years ago, but she would be equally at home on any inland water or estuary.

With the Vendor at John Williams Yard in Stalham, all going well she will keep the boat on the Broads

Which is the front!!

This was next door at Stalham Museum... 'White Damsel', a Yarmouth Half Decker built by Walter Woods and donated to the Museum by his daughter, a very rare boat.... shame its not being used!

Six Yarmouths were built in all - I suspect all were built before WW1 for members of Great Yarmouth YC - which subsequently merged into NBYC. Number 1 burnt during the war, 2,3 & 5 are sailing, 4 is being slowly killed in the Museum of the Broads! Not a bright way to preserve a boat that could and should be sailing!

South Walsham slip way is to be opened up to more people for a trial period of a year following an agreement between the Broads Authority and South Walsham Parish Council.

The slipway, which is currently closed for safety reasons, will be repaired and the staithe re-piled at a cost of between £5000 to £8000 by the Broads Authority in March.The slipway, which is owned by the Broads Authority and managed by the parish council, is already widely used by canoes and other small craft, but trailer traffic has, up to now, been restricted to 12 village residents who hold keys to the locked barrier.
With a shortage of public slipways in the Broads the Broads Authority identified South Walsham Broad as a prime location on the River Bure for launching small boats and wanted to maximise value for public money.
However residents and the parish council opposed the unrestricted use of the slipway because of poor access, no toilets and no increase in parking facilities which they feared would lead to increased traffic congestion, extra noise and disturbance. Now the parish council and Broads Authority have agreed to open up the slipway to more keyholders during daylight hours for a one year trial. The number of village only keys will now be unrestricted. An additional eight annual keys will be available for the parish council to allocate to non parishioners, and three day keys for wider public use will be available at a cost of £5 per key. The parish council will work with South Walsham Angling Club to trial arrangements for use by anglers. If successful then this could be extended to other angling clubs in the area. The parish council has also confirmed that they are happy for unlimited launching of canoes and small craft which can be launched without opening the barrier. The Broads Authority will put up signs to encourage polite use of the slipway and increase ranger patrols in the area. John Packman, the Broads Authority’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that we have found a mutual solution to open up the slipway to more people. Upgrading the slipway provides an ideal opportunity to increase access to the water for the public and it is much more cost effective to improve an existing facility rather than create a new facility in a brand new location – an important consideration in the current financial climate.”Ken Turner, chairman of South Walsham Parish Council, said: “I am relieved that we have found an amicable solution within the existing legal management agreement with the Broads Authority that experiments with increased access. The parish council realises that extra numbers of holidaymakers and locals have to be catered for but wish the facilities to be upgraded first so they can be coped with. We think a suitable compromise has been reached and look forward to the refurbished slipway re-opening.”The situation will be reviewed after a year and further discussions required if disturbance is thought to be unacceptable.

Summercraft BSS tests

I had a few Boatsafety tests to do today. The first one was at Summercraft, Wroxam, at Sues yard.

Check out Sues new website: summercraftboats

The hoses on the gas cylinders were old and perished............ so David the Cheif Engineer kindly replaced them before I carried out the test.

Lady J. The last time i did a test on this boat was 5 years ago! Still in the same ownerships, a Wingline 34. As far as I known.... one of only three built.


 Check out this excellent link for 'easy to understand'  Boat Safety Guidlines

Boatshed Norfolk boat sales business predicts a great start for 2011

BOATSHED

Take a fast trip around the Broads!!

Tumble Home For Sale

Tumblehome is a beautiful 24’ mahogany on oak river cruiser. She was originally built in 1952 by Royalls of Wroxham. In 2005 she started a complete restoration at Martham Boat building company. The restoration took 3 years and included; complete re-planking above the water line, 80% re-planking below the water line, new roof, new front windows, new screens and canopy and complete re upholstering. She also has a new Nanni 3.21 diesel engine with hot water system, new 12V ISO fridge and a new electric flush toilet and waste system. This refit was completed in 2008 and she has had 2 seasons on the water.

Tumblehome is a beautiful old boat with modern creature comforts and reliability. She has 4 berths in 2 doubles and makes an extremely comfortable boat for 2 people and a fun weekender for four people.There is a complete photographic record of the restoration along with receipts for all the work, new equipment and fittings. The engine has been fully serviced from new and only has 300 hours on. Tumblehome has an up to date BSS certificate.

Asking Price is £19,995Phone Ian Curtis at Martham Boats

Take to the water

The Broads is a great place to take to the water for the first time in a variety of boats whether an open canoe, a sailing dinghy or a motor or sailing holiday cruiser, with details of the different options available below. But before setting off on your first voyage, there are a few things you need to know and think about. Please take care of yourself, your passengers, others on the waterways, the wildlife and the fragile world of the Broads.

Safety

• Always wear a buoyancy aid or life-jacket when on the water.
• For your safety never swim in the rivers or broads.
• Make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear, and check out the weather forecast so you are fully prepared.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you have returned.
• Boats can be unstable so take care when stepping into or out of your boat.
• You must be able to take control of your boat and operate it in a way which avoids injury to people, wildlife, the environment or property, and you must show reasonable consideration for others.
• Children under 8 years must not drive a motor boat. Children of 8 to 14 years may only drive a motor boat in some circumstances - please check the Navigation Byelaws for details.
• You must moor safely and follow regulations displayed at moorings. You must not disturb others by running your boat engine at moorings.
• You must not fish from a motor or sailing boat which is under way.
• Your boat must not give off smoke or fumes.
• You must not use weapons, e.g. air guns.

If you are involved in an incident where people are injured or there is damage to boats or property you must stop your boat and supply contact details to anyone involved. In serious cases you must also supply details to the Broads Authority via Broads Radio Control tel 01603 756056. Broads Authority navigation rangers enforce the byelaws and provide help and information to boaters. More information can be found at Boating Safety Tips page and in the Waterways Code leaflets, available from Broads information centres.

Licences

• All boats must have an annual or short visit licence and must have any Boat Safety Scheme certificate relevant to the boat.

Speed limits

• You must not go over the speed limits, and remember, if your boat is going with the tide your speed will be faster than indicated. As a guide, 4 mph is a fast walking pace. There are exemptions for water skiing, coaching boats or boatyard testing - please check the speed limit byelaws for details.

Canoeing

Whilst you can hire a canoe from a number of canoe hire centres around the Broads, we recommend you go on a simple beginner’s course that will give you the paddling basics and help make your first trip more enjoyable. So pop into one of the Broads information centres, or contact the British Canoe Union at http://www.bcu.org.uk/ for details of training courses and centres local to you. To get you started, please check the Canoeing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable and read the safety information supplied on the British Canoe Union's website.

Rowing

Taking to the water in a rowing dinghy is a simple way of starting your boating life, and rowing boats can be hired from a number of locations around the Broads. To get you started, please check the Rowing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and more enjoyable.

Sailing and Windsurfing

Sailing is a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy the Broads, and if you have never sailed before, we suggest going on a trip with a qualified skipper either on a traditional Norfolk wherry or other sailing craft.
The next step could be doing a sailing course recognised by the Royal Yacht Association, which will teach you to handle your boat in a safe and responsible manner, and give you an idea of the most suitable type of sailing boat for you. To get you started, please check the Sailing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable. An alternative to sailing is windsurfing, with the two main centres being at Hickling Broad and Oulton Broad. Once again a good first step could be doing a Royal Yacht Association recognised course.

Motor Boating

If you prefer your boating to be as easy as possible, then try motor boating, with a first start being hiring a day boat at numerous locations around the Broads. If you are thinking of then getting your own motor boat, a good first step is an approved Royal Yacht Association course. To get you started, please check the Day boat Cruising Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

This information has been designed and published by the Broads Authority, this is just a copy.

 

How Time Flys!

Time for another Boat Safety Examination on Brookwind.... its been four years! It seems like only yesterday I was testing her. Picture shows her in Richardsons sheds at Stalham.

Mr. Jones has owned her for over 30 years. A Graham Bun Classic Broads Motor Cruiser, built in the 30's.  Teak on Oak construction, 'only the best were built from Burmese Teak'.  She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for inland water ways. A BEAUTY!

Nicked this pic of Horning.org. Brookwind out where she belongs....

Dawnstar is also moored in Richardson sheds. I surveyed her about a year ago. A Jack Powles Classic.

Jack Powles design again, but built for seawork.... up for sale this beauty.... a steal at 18K (open to offers). Contact:

Richardsons Stalham

Survey at Weyford Bridge Marina

I was instructed to carry out a Pre-Purchase Survey and a Boat Safety Examination on a Seamaster 8m today. A good strong twin screw Motor Cruiser.... a nice example.

John the yard owner and Gary the yacht broker.. happy boys

Gary showed me this........ 7K for an Elysian 27... BARGAIN! If your interested check out the link opposite>>

John the yard owners collecting a serious GRAVE YARD!!

And some more!

This is an aluminium narrow boat I surveyed a few weeks ago, she sold....... and is now in Johns shed having the bottom touched up with new epoxy paint

Dont know much about this one... great job for someone who likes working with wood!

This is also in Johns shed at Weyford... I have surveyed this twice in the past, more planking to do and a coat of paint. Gorgeous Gentlemans Yacht, lots of character and two new engines.

Brooms build boats again

Broom Boats Ltd, Britain's longest established boat-building firm, is to start building its power cruisers again after a major re-organisation. It is only five months after it changed hands under difficult financial circumstances. The news, which should reassure many boat owners and those in the Norfolk Broads boat construction business, follows actions by new investors who took the company over in July and have since carried out a major financial re-organisation.

 

Boat-builder C.J.Broom Ltd., the subsidiary company of 112-year-old Broom Boats Ltd., of Brundall, Norfolk, went into voluntary liquidation two months ago with major debts and redundancies.

Today investor Mark Garner, now managing director, said: "I am pleased to say we have completed a total business review and re-organisation. We also have a new dealer network which has provided us with sales worth £1.5 - £2.5 million, sufficient for us to re-employ some of our past talented boat-building craftsmen.

"As a result we have been able to appoint a new and inspired management team, confirm total staff of 74 to both build boats and run marina services as one company, Broom Boats Ltd."

The new sales are for up to seven new cruisers being built in the next 12 months and work has already started. The Broom marina and boat service and repair business which always operated under the Broom Boats Ltd banner did not lose money in its own right and is largely un-affected.

Mr Garner also announced a new major investor and director to aid development. He is entrepreneur Tony Chancellor of Norfolk.

In future, prospective owners will buy only from dealers, not direct from Broom. The new dealer network includes two new firms. One is Norfolk Yacht Agency, a sales organisation which moves around 300 new and used boats a year and which has already brought in an order worth more than £650,000 - for a Broom 450, twin engined luxury cruiser capable of 30 knots.

James Fraser, who owns NYA, said: "We hope our representation of Broom here in East Anglia but also among our many contacts elsewhere should help their growth."

Broom have also appointed a new Thames region dealer, Thames Boat Sales of Bray, run by Dominic Smulders. He and the other existing dealers, in Ireland, Holland and Germany, also Newark, have confirmed or have pending, subject to finance, sales worth up to a further £2 million which should keep the reduced building force busy for a year.

A new Broom 395 is already in build at the yard along with a 450.
For further information, contact:
Mark Garner,
Managing Director, Broom Boats Ltd.
01603 712334 or 0790 185 8791.
or E-mail : mgarner@broomboats.com

Prepurchase Survey / Doral 330

I was back down at Ferry Marine in Horning today carrying out a Survey on a 2004 Doral Elegante (American Sports Cruiser).

'Speedo' (Mark) down to de-winterise the boat at Norfolk Yacht Agency

Everythings up and running...........back in Len Funnels sheds ready for the haul out

Stylish looking boat

There are so many yards on the Broads building hire craft.... heres another one at Ferry Marines, ready for fit out