Marine Surveys | Marine Blog | European Marine Services

Heatwave keeps the sun shining on Norfolk Broad’s Boat Hire & Tourism businessesJuly 25, 2018

Yacht hire firm Eastwood Whelpton in Upton is seeing strong bookings in the summer heatwave. Picture: Annie Hamilton

Nearly two months of hot, sunny weather has put Norfolk’s tourism businesses back on track after a disappointing start to the year – with some now exceeding last year’s performance.

While for some the heatwave is causing serious problems, for tourism and leisure firms – particularly those in the day trip market – it is a chance to make hay.

Boating firms on the Norfolk Broads are making the most of a recent staycation boom as the county’s residents eschew foreign climes for a day trip or holiday at home.

At Ferry Marina in Horning, more local custom has been boosting its day boat hire while a steady increase in summer bookings for its holiday cruisers since the spring has left it with limited availability for those looking for a last-minute break.

General manager Lisa Hodds says: “What is interesting is the number of local people taking advantage of the warm weather and choosing to take days out on the Broads in one of our luxury day cruisers. With no let up in the weather and the school holidays upon us we expect to see the number of mid week bookings increase over the next four to six weeks.”

Amanda Mason, marketing manager at boat hire firm Herbert Woods, said day boat hire at the Potter Heigham company was up by 24% over the past few weeks on the same period last year.

She says: “Bookings have been great over the past few weeks the sunshine is definitely helping.”

Cannes S France / Not the Norfolk Broads but a very nice fleet nevertheless

Annie Hamilton, of yacht hire firm Eastwood Whelpton in Upton, said the company had received a significant number of last-minute online bookings – and that the scorching weather had led some customers to borrow solar showers to keep cool on their craft.

She adds: “We are also getting some fabulous sea-breezes in the afternoon which is great for sailing.”

The county’s attractions are also soaking up the benefits of a hot summer – with many such as Bewilderwood and Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure now heading into their busiest period, the summer holidays, on a wave of higher attendance through June and July.

Millie Batch, head of marketing at Bewilderwood, said attendance so far in July was up compared with 2017.

She adds: “If visitors are looking to get out of the sunshine, our lovely tree canopy offers cooling shade for folks running WILD in the woods and our slides and seating areas have sail covers for when folk want a break.”

Accommodation providers are feeling the benefit of the heat too as guests feel more positive about making bookings.

At Norfolk Country Cottages, forward bookings for 2019 so far are up 1,327% compared with the same time last year, when the weather was more than 10 degrees colder.

The Holt and Reepham based company said bookings for longer breaks (between 8 and 18 days) are up by 195% compared to June and July last year and up 37% in August while short break bookings were up 78% year-on-year during June and July.

Acknowledgement to Marine Industry News – [email protected].

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

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Boater Accidently Drains Kennett & Avon Canal

Fortunately this has not yet been tried on the Norfolk Broads !

How the canal looked after the plug was pulled

A boater accidentally drained a stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal after leaving all the lock gates open.

A section of the waterway was left with hardly any water on Tuesday near the Barge Inn in Seend, Wiltshire.

A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust confirmed what happened was not malicious but that the boater was “rushing and left the paddles up”.

The lock paddles “work like a plug on a bath in allowing water in and out of the locks,” he explained.

He added that the trust had since restored the water levels.

How the canal looked before plug was pulled

The Kennet and Avon Canal is an 87-mile (140km) waterway linking the River Thames at Reading to the River Avon in Bath.

It was originally opened in 1810, but gradually fell into decline after the Great Western Railway was built.

The waterway was completely restored by volunteers and officially reopened by the Queen on 8 August 1990.

Acknowledgement to Marine Industry News – [email protected].

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

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We are Baffled by ‘What’ was seen UnderwaterMarch 29, 2018

We are baffled by what has appeared on the stern gear of an inland waterway motor cruiser

From examination it would appear to be a build up of a calcium like substance over 2″ thick in places

When removed there was No Apparent Deterioration / damage to the stainless rudder, skeg, propeller, skin fittings or the anode – All being unaffected

Equally the build up was Not Organic

If anyone has any bright ideas or has seen this before, we would be very pleased to hear back

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

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Chris-Craft Sportsman 22 – A Renovation Project #01365March 17, 2018

We recently undertook a Condition Inspection on a 1941 Chris-Craft 22 Sportsman, recently brought into the UK from the USA.

As can be imagined this classic launch is now in need of some renovation but the mahogany construction is basically sound and the Grey Marine 90hp four cylinder petrol engine will require a complete overhaul. The Chris-Craft Sportsman is regarded as the American rival to the Italian Classic Riva and this Sportsman 22 was still being used until quite recently.

When inspected we were surprised and delighted to find this 1941 Chris-Craft to be in very very good company being ‘surrounded’ by literally dozens of new supercars to include Aston Martins, Porsches and Ferraris to name just a few

How about this ………. we’ll leave you to decide the model

Chris-Craft ‘A Potted History’

Chris Smith built his first wooden boat in 1874 at the age of 13.^[1] Years later, he built a duck hunting boat. His friends liked the way he built them, and they asked him to build them one. This was technically the start of the boat company. He soon began to build more boats and joined his brother Hank in 1881 to begin producing boats full-time.

In 1910, the brothers joined with other partners to form the Smith Ryan Boat Company.^[1] The firm’s name was changed in 1922 to Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company, then to Chris-Craft in 1924. The Detroit-area company became well known for its sleek racing boats in the 1910s and 1920s. Chris-Craft sold high-end powerboats to wealthy patrons such as Henry Ford and William Randolph Hearst.

In the late 1920s, Chris-Craft extended its market into the middle class when it became one of the first mass-producers of civilian pleasure boats. The company began assembly line production at their plant in Algonac, Michigan,^[2] dramatically lowering production costs. Formerly, most powerboats had been hand-built. Engines were supplied by both Ford and Chrysler, and by the Hercules Engine Company in later models.^[3]

After the war, Chris-Craft introduced a new lineup of civilian pleasure boats in time for the massive American consumer expansion of the 1950s. That decade marked the height of company prestige, and the Chris-Craft brand name became virtually synonymous with pleasure boating. The company offered 159 different models, and it was the sales leader in many categories of small civilian powerboats.

The company sold high-end boats to famous customers such as Dean Martin, Katharine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. Their boats were often made from the finest mahogany and were considered to be among the best available. They were easy to operate, a must for their “weekend sailor” owners. In some circles, owning a Chris-Craft was considered de rigueur. Even their lower-priced boats were considered to be of high quality, often featuring such luxurious items as a liberal use of mahogany, teak, and brass.

WW2

Chris Smith died in 1939, but his son Jay proved to be an equally able builder of boats and the company continued to flourish. Contributing to the war effort, Chris-Craft built more than 10,000 landing craft. On June 6th, 1944, Chris-Craft LCPLS spearheaded the D-Day landings. To this day, Chris-Craft remains the only recreational boat manufacturer to have its boats tested under fire.

After World War II, Chris-Craft recommenced commercial boat production with renewed vigor. By 1959, Chris-Craft had 10 factories and more than 5,000 employees. Leadership of the company passed to Chris Smith’s grandson, Harsen. When interviewed by Time magazine, he attributed Chris-Craft’s success to the family rather than any individual within it.

Footnote

We have introduced the owner to two local boat building companies we consider capable of undertaking high quality renovation, so hopefully this Classic Chris-Craft 22 Sportsman will remain local

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

THE OYSTER STORY – HOW IT WENT DOWNMarch 8, 2018

Taken from the following website http://oysterstory.info/

A first-hand account of what happened to the Oyster 825-02 sailing yacht, POLINA STAR III, and how a failure to handle the dispute properly, in our opinion, caused the liquidation of the shipyard

Oyster Yachts was one of the most famous sailboat-building shipyards.

In a span of over 40 years of its history, Oyster built over a thousand yachts. They were always noted for their exceptional levels of luxury, reliability, and build quality. In all, the brand used to be the Rolls-Royce of the sailing yacht world.

How was it even possible, then, that a new Oyster boat, less than a year after delivery, literally fell apart in the open sea for no apparent reason, putting not only the brand’s prestige but the lives of its customers in grave danger ?

Read the full story below – link ………

The following website oysterstory.info was launched on 16 February 2018, following the liquidation announcement of Oyster Yachts. It was created to shed light on the practices of the Oyster Yachts owners and management.

VISIT http://oysterstory.info/

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants

EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Nimbus 31 | Testimonial | # 01382February 28, 2018

Pre Purchase Survey & River / Engine Trials

Dear John

Just a note to say the Will has completed the survey of IMKE and the engine trials which have all proved satisfactory. I would like to say how much we appreciate the speedy completion of the work and the efficiency and diligence with which it was carried out. We are very grateful for the service provided – many thanks.

With best wishes

Ewen Stamp

Ipswich,

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Broom Ocean 38 | Pre Purchase Survey & River Trials | # 01367February 6, 2018

EMS were instructed to undertake a full Pre Purchase Survey, river trials and engine sample oil analysis on this twin diesel engine c 1998 Broom Ocean 38 being located at the Broom Boat’s Brundall Marina

Earlier this year Broom Boats took the decision to concentrate on new builds and marine services and no longer act as Yacht brokers. Thus this Broom 38 being possibly the last of many second hand Pre Purchase boat surveys that we have undertaken at Brundall. However all is not over as EMS undertake British Registration – Tonnage Surveys Part 1 and perform this service for new builds at Broom Boats

The Pre Purchase survey was considered good with no deal breakers and the underwater surfaces were clear of any osmotic condition with acceptable moisture meter readings. However osmosis was evident in the added exhaust pods being quite usual

For more information on osmosis visit https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/2014/06/pre-purchase-survey-what-is-osmosis/

The Accomodation

Saloon layout with the aft raised cockpit over the rear double cabin. This boat was reasonably well appointed but requires some updating in the interior with new carpets, upholstery curtains etc

In typical Broom Boats design the aft cabin has an island bed with en-suite plus two singles forward and another en-suite shower toilet etc, plus a make up double in the saloon

The Propulsion / Engineering / Trials

The Broom 38 we inspected was fitted with twin Perkins Sabre M265 diesels which gave a very respectable top speed of 24 mph on trials at 2550 rpm. Despite these engines being some 20 years old they performed well at all speeds as did the vessel undergoing slow speed manoevering, emergency stops, figures of eight steering etc. The buyer requested two oil sample analysis which results came back with good wear, chemistry and contamination results, but we always recommend regular oil changes and a flush through.

One criticism of the older Broom boats is that inspection of seacocks / skin fittings in the engine space is always difficult with items tucked away and impossible to access

Respectable top speed of 24 mph

On this Broom Ocean 38 Aft Cabin the following items required attention:

Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings Access
Fuel System Access to filler & vent connections
Fire & Safety Maintain extinguishers
LPG System Secure cylinders

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Fairline Mirage Aft Cabin | Pre Purchase Survey | # 01369February 2, 2018

Similiar vessel

To add to our ever expanding list of Fairline Boat surveys EMS recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection at Norfolk Boat Sales Brokerage Wroxham on a Fairline Mirage 29 Aft Cabin c 1983. Fitted with a single Volvo Penta MD21 four cylinder inboard diesel engine on conventional shaft drive propulsion

In an 11 year production run from 1975 to 1986, Fairline Boats based in Oundle produced 528 Fairline Mirage 29’s. Although not many of these were the Aft Cabin design as we see here. The boats were designed by John Bennett.

The normal accommodation for the Aft Cockpit Fairline Mirage 29’s is for five people, two berths in the forward cabin and three berths in the saloon. This vessel has two berths in the aft cabin.

The hull is medium-vee with a very shallow box keel and in this case there is a mild steel extended skeg that runs aft to support the bottom of the I bracket.

Her centre cockpit styling is very popular on the inland waterways with easy side access from the cockpit, reasonable width decks and very comfortable accommodation.

This Fairline Mirage Aft Cabin is well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited only a small amount of osmosis

For more information on osmosis visit https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/2014/06/pre-purchase-survey-what-is-osmosis/

The Propulsion

This particular model is fitted with a single Volvo Penta MD21 Diesel engine on conventional shaft drive propulsion and is designed specifically more for inland waterways cruising. Some aft cabin models were also fitted with two larger Volvo Penta diesel engines with outdrive propulsion, where performance was greatly increased.

Engine installation – Plenty of working space

The twin petrol engine models commonly fitted in the aft cockpit models were capable of speeds up to 26 to 29 knots.

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. Entering the vessel from the cockpit, you step into a reasonable sized cockpit area. With a large lift up hatch, this allows very good access to the engine and tanks. You then step down into the saloon area which has a reasonable sized dining area to the port side and an equipped galley and wet room / WC opposite. Further forward and you make your way towards front cabin. The aft cabin consists of another two single berths with a vanity unit and wash basin in between. The aft cabin roof makes for a suitable sun-pad for those brighter days. The whole accommodation area is both light and airy with good visibility.

This was a reasonably well presented vessel which over the past 35 years had been subject to fair wear and tear, the condition being commensurate with age

On this Fairline Mirage 29 Aft Cabin the following items required attention:

Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings Require servicing
Bilges & Pumping Confirm bilge pump operation
Fuel System Improve access to filler & vent connections
Batteries Install battery isolation switch labels
Fire & Safety Maintain extinguishers & install auto ext in engine space
LPG System As recommended

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Fairline Targa 50 GT | Pre Purchase Survey | # 01360December 20, 2017

Length overall (inc. pulpit):	51ft (15.55m)
Length overall (ex. pulpit):	49ft 1in (14.96m)
Beam (inc. gunwale):	14ft 8in (4.47m

EMS have inspected several Fairline Targa 50 GTs and generally found this Fairline model to present very well with no undue structural problems.

This Targa 50 inspected in Essex is currently in the workshop undergoing a quite extensive interior refit with numerous panels / lights / flooring & equipment etc removed. Consequently access is both limited and difficult and many items / equipment were not accessible. Equally fitted floors are screwed in place and though some access was provided by workshop staff to such as batteries and steering by removing crew cabin side lining panels, most bilge spaces and hull sides / areas are inaccessible behind paneling and structure

Accommodation

The Targa 50 accommodation is in our view excellent with an enormouse and well appointed forward en-suite master double cabin (island bed) with twin double cabins aft with en-suite family showers and shared facilities

The Targa 50’s saloon has an electrically actuated sliding roof and optional sliding panoramic windows (which option failed to work on this Targa being a common fault) which can transform the area into a quasi-outdoor deck

A very large bathing platform can accommodate a Williams 325 Jet RIB on the swim platform, and launches via Fairline’s proprietary Tender Launch System

Propulsion

This Fairline Targa is offered with a choice of two engines, namely twin Volvo Penta D11-670 Shaft Diesel 670 hp ea. (32 knots) fitted to our model (or) twin Caterpillar C12-710 Shaft Diesel 710 hp ea. (33 knots) units.

Key Features

Electric retractable glazed roof with one-touch operation and pneumatic seal
Enclosed fully-furnished upper saloon
Single-level living with aft galley area
Hinged aft window from galley to cockpit option
Power-drop saloon windows option
Spacious forward master cabin with king size bed and overhead glazing
Port and starboard mid-ship guest cabins (starboard with double bed conversion)
Lazarette or crew cabin with full-width aft glazing option
Powered tendalino sunshade option
Tender Launch System option

On this Fairline Targa 50 GT the following items required attention:

Bilge Pumps: Confirm manual function
Seacock Valves: Service seacock valves
Fire Safety: Service all Fire Extinguishers
Bow thruster / Trim tabs Access & serviceability

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info

Sealine 390 | Pre Purchase Survey & River Trials | # 01349December 4, 2017

This Sealine 390 Statesman c 1992 was surveyed for the purpose of pre-purchase and a river trial was also requested. Sealine produce a large range of sports cruisers for the inshore and offshore market. This 390 Statesman has a pair of Volvo Penta TAMD71B 380hp inboard diesel engines on conventional drives. She has both an internal and external helm position. However, the somewhat more important gauges are only visible from the lower helm position.

The River Trials

Out on the water she handled very well, both engines pulling strong all the way up to around 2700 rpm, giving her a top speed of approximately 30 mph. Noise from the engines is kept to a minimum with a good layer of sound proofing within the engine space and minimal exhaust note from the transom. At low speed she also handled well, turning on a sixpence in those tight spots. This vessel also benefits from having both bow and stern thrusters.

EMS record / action the following speed / engine trials when requested

Max rpm / speed trials run in both directions / against wind & tide
Satisfactory operation of forward and reverse gears
Emergency stop – passing from full ahead through neutral to full reverse
Steering response / handling – Figure of eight steering performance
General steering, control and gear operation

All engine gauge readings recorded at determined RPM and photographed

Max Speed obtained 30 MPH With tide

29 MPH Against tide

Exhaust Smoke:

There was limited white smoke at start up from cold and on the first wide open throttle pass made, both dissipated quickly.

For more information on diesel engine exhaust smoke generation – Refer to:

https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/marine-surveys/engine-oil-sample-analysis/

Comments:

The vessel performed reasonably well through all operations.
The throttle levers require synchronisation
Large variation in recorded engine hours
The max rpm achieved being 2600 on the port and 2700 starboard

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is reasonably well presented. The upholstery is starting to show signs of wear, although, with some minor updating, she would be a well presented example.

There is an open plan saloon with large seating area on the starboard side. This goes up to the lower helm seating position. The large galley is found forward of the saloon on the port side. There are two main cabins, firstly the master which is towards the rear of the vessel and the second up in the bow. Both benefit from having their own ensuite WC and Shower rooms. The Flybridge is a very large area which can also be used as an area for entertaining as well as somewhere to take in the scenery whilst cruising at a comfortable 22+mph

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Stanchions and hand rails give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way.

All told, this was a very well presented vessel which had been well maintained.

On this Sealine 390 Statesman the following items required attention:

Fuel System: Improved access
Bilge Pumps: Confirm manual function
Bow & Stern Thruster: Label battery master switches
Steering and Rudders: Replace damaged hydraulic hose
Seacock Valves: Service loose seacock valve in aft cabin
LPG System: Carry out LPG Soundness Test
Fire Safety: Service all Fire Extinguishers

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

More Info