Hampton Safari 25 – Survey for Insurance Purposes
Louis Bodmer – This week undertook at Eastwood Whelpton – Upton Yacht Station (home of one of the few dedicated sailing hire fleets on the Norfok Broads) – An insurance survey of this 40+ year old Hampton 25, being probably an ex hire boat, but now in private hands
The Hampton Safari originated on Oulton Broad in the early 60s (initially in wood) being a forward drive hire boat. Subsequently GRP mouldings were made and many other builders (including Dawn Craft Wroxham) produced this very popular inland waterway boat, both as private and hire craft.
The first Hamptons with sliding forward roofs were produced in 1968 followed by sunshine roof versions. The hull has a long central box keel giving good manoeuvrability and versions produced as 2 / 4 berth with a single central engine
This particular boat needs quite a lot of cosmetic attention plus improvement to services installations. To include battery electrics, fuel system and LPG installations
The painted hull has been subject to impact damage especially in the bow area and gunwale fendering bolts show evidence of external corrosion. The mild steel extended skeg arrangement supporting the single semi balanced rudder shows evidence of corrosion
No boat has sunk as a direct consequence of osmosis – and as always in the majority of broads based boats of this vintage there is intermittent osmosis. The extent is not too severe and structurally this boat should continue for many more years to come
More information, findings and practical recommendations for boat owners to follow in due course or call us to discuss
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd (inc European Marine Surveys) Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
