Thinking about buying or insuring a boat in Preveza Greece??

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Fairline Sprint Sports Cruiser

I was Surveying this compact Sports Cruiser in Horning today on the Northern Norfolk Broads. The acting Broker was Norfolk Yacht Agency.

These little Fairline Sports Cruisers are very popular and sought after being an ideal first time boat or family cruiser. They are the usual Fairline build quality and Sprints are always cited in sports cruisers of this size. Whilst described as 21 she is in fact 23’ including the 2’ bathing platform. Also described as 4+2 accommodation to account for the (occasional) berth on the sunbed in the cockpit.





The 210HP V8 good for 30 Knots!

The staff at Ferry Marine washing her off for Survey
Surveyors comment: Great little starter boat…they were only made from 1988 to 1991. In "normal" times they seem to change hands for 12-15k with the petrol fitted.

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

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Guess where from? The USA of course!

The best way to keep down the number of wires going direct to your boats battery terminals is to install a bus-bar system, leaving just two wires connected to your battery. But in smaller or older boats this could be seen to be an expensive overkill. I came across this gadget which makes a clean, tidy and safe connection of wires direct to the battery terminals. Called a Marinco Direct Connect it costs about £20 for a pair of connectors. These bolt directly to the terminal stud. So you get a neat red and black covered quick-connect terminal block which allow you to lead all the wires in the same direction instead of having them coming into terminal studs at all angles.

To many wires going direct to the terminal!



Marinco Direct Connect.

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  steventruss1@aol.com
at:


Monday 27 February 2012

Relcraft 29

I surveyed this rare Motor Cruiser down at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall today on the South Norfolk Broads. Designed by John Moxham, as were all the boats in the Relcraft range from Reliance Marine. The Relcraft 29 was produced in 1981 and about 200 were built. (this was one of the last). There were two versions of this fast British Cruiser: The Zicon, with centre cockpit and aft cabin, and the Topaz (this one), without the aft cabin but with a very large cockpit. ( ideal for the Broads for socialising or FISHING!).

The Zircon sleeps six… where as this Topaz sleeps four, with one open plan main cabin. Both boats have a hard tops over the helm position. Like the other boats of the Relcraft range the hull is deep vee with unusual concave chines. (see head on pic).

Power comes from single or twin outdrives commonly twin petrol Mercruisers or Volvos of 120 or 140Hp each, the latter pushing the boat along at up to 25 Knots… this one has the 120Hp Volvo (six cylinder turbo) .. She reached 20 odd knots during her short river trial this morning.... and that was with the trim tabs out of commission!








Surveyors comments: Yet another British built seaworthy semi dispacement cruiser from the 80's..

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

Sunday 26 February 2012

Finance Surveys for Boats

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

 My surveys are recognised by most Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies in the UK, Europe and beyond. All my services are indemnified by full professional indemnity insurance.

Financial Institutions often lend money against the security of a yacht or powerboat and when they do they need independent verification that the vessel is in reasonable enough condition to justify the amount of money being loaned. Financial Surveys do not require the level of detail of a Pre-Purchase Survey or Full Condition Survey. Like the Insurance Survey Ill give a realistic assessment of the fair market value of the vessel at the time of the Survey. I can tailor a Financial Survey and Valuation Report for the Financial Institution concerned.





Friday 24 February 2012

Sheerline 950 (31’) Motor Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Sheerline Boats in Thorpe, Norwich, also known as Wroxham Marine. Sheerline Motor Cruisers, built by Wroxham Marine Ltd, offer you the choice of a wide range of traditionally crafted, personally built, luxury motor cruisers. In their Norfolk-based boatyard, each vessel is completed to the highest standards of build quality, handling and finish. The Range of models covers a number of designs with aft cabin, aft cockpit, centre cockpit and sedan configurations to suit all inland waters, rivers and estuaries and, offshore use.

This Sheerline 950 (31’) provides a perfect entry craft into river cruising. Fold-down screens and hood make this an ideal cruiser for inland waterways with restricted heights. The spacious aft cockpit features a large bench seat to the rear with twin adjustable helmsman's bucket seats. Well positioned stainless steel grab rails all round make for a safe craft for crew to walk around the outside. Despite its size, full standing headroom is a feature throughout this vessel. The forward cabin features two 'V' berths with the option of an infill making a double The galley and dinette area provides seating for four in comfort and converts into a double berth. A shower and toilet compartment completes the high quality accommodation.


 



 

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

Thursday 23 February 2012

Pedro Skiron 35 Motor Cruiser

I was back down at Bells Marine in Brundall on the South Norfolk Broads today Surveying the second Pedro Motor Cruiser this month. She was the same colour and year (2005) but a slightly smaller Perkins Sabre diesel engine at 86HP.

Pedro Boats of Zuidbroek in the Netherlands produce a range of steel craft and they are becoming more and more popular on the Broads, J.R. Cole of Brundall is the UK's exclusive distributor, so the make is becoming even more common.




Bells marine is directly opposite the Broom Boats factory and today they were busy moving around the new moulds… lots of activity at Brooms at the moment.. Im looking forward to seeing their new models for 2012, including the Broom 525, Broom 35 Coupe, Broom 300 and a new design and layout for the Broom 395.


This house boat has been moored at Bells for years... what a great life it must be living on the river front
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

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Shetland 27 Motor Cruiser

Today’s assignment was at Norfolk Yacht Agency at Brundall, Norfolk, Surveying this Shetland 27 Motor Cruiser… the flagship of the Shetland range which was launched in 2005. It has a spacious interior and accommodation which makes for a good family cruiser. Engine options from Yanmar are 56hp to 110hp,( this one was the 56HP) they are available whether your need to use the boat for river, estuary or coastal use.
The Team at Broadland Boat Centre about to lift her out for inspection



Fold down windscreens make it an ideal boat for the Norfolk Broads.



Shetland Boats was founded in 1968, starting at Threestokes Marina in London. It soon grew and required more space and dedication so Shetland set up full production between two sites at Burnham on Crouch and Southminster; and this was then the start of Shetland boats.

Surveyors comments generally:

To reduce the risk of your boat sinking if it keels over or is excessively weighed down, it's important to only have openings which are at a height of at least 250mm (10ins) above the waterline. Where openings are necessary below this level this risk can be reduced by ensuring that these openings are permanently and securely connected to ducts or pipes, which are watertight / swan necked up to or above that level.



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

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Boat prices on the Norfolk Broads at historic lows.




Boat prices on the Norfolk Broads are now at historic lows and are unlikely to go any lower. Prices of used and brokerage boats are beginning to stabilise. Demand during the Spring may begin to force prices closer to normal market values. So make your boat buying decision now while you still have plenty of options and prices are at record lows.


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

Monday 20 February 2012

Boating on The Norfolk Broads in the 1930s... life just seemed simple!

Aquafibre 28 Super Ensign River Cruiser

Today I was working just 5 minutes from home at Peter Linfords Boatyard at Wayford Bridge, near Stalham. This was a Survey for insurance.
 

This is the Aquafibre 28 Super Ensign River Cruiser. Quite a rare boat. This class is the early version of the Aquafibre Opal, and lacks the forward well and access. This one was fitted out by Kingsley Farrington in Trowse Norwich… who is more associated with his fibre glass Farrington Yachts and boat transport rather than cruisers. Most insurance companies will require a survey for any boat aged 20 years old or more, and then again, every five years or so. Some other boats may require a survey earlier than this if they have sustained serious damage, if they are wooden, or if they have been self-built.



Good size engine for a small boat!... the Nanni 38HP 4150HE


This class is the early version of the Aquafibre Opal, and lacks the forward well and access.

Surveyors Comments Generally:

Sovereign Moisture Meters cannot be used on hulls containing boran or reinforced with carbon fibres as these substances have a high electro conductivity. The readings may, therefore, as well as being affected by ambient conditions, also may be affected by the local thickness of the gelcoat, the presence of extra layers of reinforcement or structural items, epoxy coating systems, chain cables, ballast, bilge water, copper, fuel or water tanks, gas cylinders, batteries and electrical wiring and similar items on the inside of the hull and even the static electricity in the Surveyors body and clothing.

It is also necessary to remove any antifouling in order to use these instruments as the surface coatings may carry large amounts of copper or tin which also cause false readings. It should also be pointed out that the effective practical depth of field of these instruments is only about 15 to 20mm. High readings therefore, do not necessarily indicate the presence of water.

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

Sunday 19 February 2012

Broads Boat Owners' Survey


Tell the Broads Authority about your views and have the chance to win £100 towards your toll, plus a new life-jacket by completing the 2012 boat owners’ survey.

This is the third time the Authority has canvassed boat owners’ opinions. Previous surveys provided valuable information about your priorities which helped determine our work plans.

The 2012 survey will be carried out online using an independent company, which saves money on administration and postage. The full results will be published on the Authority’s website, and the survey will be closed at the end of April.

The winner will be selected at random by the survey company and will win £100 towards the cost of this year’s toll or, should your toll be less than £100, chandlery vouchers to the value of the difference. You will also win a free life-jacket as part of the new safety campaign.

Navigation Committee Chairman David Broad said: “The Navigation Committee was consulted about the questions and the way in which the survey will be done and overwhelmingly recommended an online poll which will save thousands of pounds on previous surveys and enable more questions to be asked. I invite all toll payers to play a very active part and join the debate on the priorities for expenditure.”

Complete the survey here
No information will be passed on to third parties.

Thursday 16 February 2012

Aquafibre 38 River Crusier

Today’s assignment was on this Aquafibre 38 River Crusier down at Norfolk Yacht Agency at Horning. A dual steer cruiser launched in the late 80's to be the first dual steer cruiser to be able to pass under Potter Heigham bridge, Norfolk at low water. The models low air draught is complemented by sleek lines and good use of internal space. Later models were improved by the addition of a stern door, with early models only access point being through the external flybridge.







History: Aquafibre was founded at Neatishead, Norfolk in the 1960's by a consortium of local boat-builders. The majority shareholders were Robert Richardson and John Linford, who had 30% equity each. The remainder was divided between Martin Broom (Broom Boats - 15%), Vicktor Bell (Bell Boats - 10%), David Millbank (Jenners of Thorpe 10%) and Dawncraft of Wroxham (5%). Dawncraft soon sold their share to David Millbank. John Linford was tragically killed in a light aircraft crash and his share was sold to Martin Broom.

Robert Richardson felt that he was the main customer of the business and so sold his share to Martin Broom around 1975 to embark on his own operation. It is not known (by us, at least) what the current shareholding is, however Aquafibre is often identified as being Broom's 'sister' company and almost all of their boats have been moulded at Wendover Road.

Aquafibre also provide mould development and consultancy services for many other major boatbuilders as well as producing their extensive range of models from the current Rackheath facility. Sadly, in May 2009 the vast Wendover Road site at Rackheath closed its doors for the very last time. Production of sister company Broom's mouldings moved entirely to their Brundall site, with key Aquafibre customer Haines doing the same for their models built at Catfield.

Surveyors comments: Winter lay up / Electrical System:

All main electrical connections should be checked for corrosion before laying up for the winter. Once they are corrosion free, they should be sprayed with WD40 or equivalent so that they won't corrode in the damp weather. The batteries are very susceptible to damage during the winter season and should be cared for in the following manner. They should be disconnected and the terminals should be cleaned. The electrolyte level should be checked and topped up if necessary. The batteries should be fully charged. Ideally the batteries should be removed and kept indoors for the winter as sub-zero temperatures are not good for them. Also ideally they should be re-charged every month during the winter as the charge will slowly drain over a long period of time.

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

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Pedro Skiron 35

Todays assignment was to Survey this Steel Built Pedro Motor Cruiser down at Bells Marine in Brundall.

Pedro Boats of Zuidbroek in the Netherlands produce a range of steel craft and they are becoming more and more popular on the Broads, J.R. Cole of Brundall is the UK's exclusive distributor, so the make is becoming even more common.





The Skiron is well finished. The durable teak interior provides a warm feel that makes you feel at home straightaway.

Perkins Sabre 90HP... one of the better diesel options.



From the outside steering position you have a good view of the boat. This edition also has a soft-top hood that allows you to cover the outside steering position from rain, splashing water, or strong sunlight.

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