European Marine Services recently carried out a pre purchase survey of a very nice and well maintained Aquafibre 28
The significant difference about this boat is that despite being some 25+ years old and permanently moored on inland waterways there was no evidence of any hull deterioration or osmosis.
The lack of osmosis being primarily due to the early application of a professionally applied copper coating – no antifouling applied over.
View of Aquafibre 28 Copper coating
Most of the well known range of Aquafibre GRP hull & superstructure mouldings (25′ – 55′) were built / fitted out by other boatyards around the UK, as Aquafibre were primarily a GRP boat moulding company based at Rackheath nr Norwich Norfolk and not boatbuilders. Broom Boats being a major builder of boats moulded by Aquafibre. Aquafibre ceased manufacturing in 2009
Back to this Aquafibre 28 …..
This design has the individual twin sliding large sunroofs over the forward driving position and saloon, making for a very nice relaxation area for socialising and watching the world pass by.
Decent sliding sunroof Corroded extended skeg assembly / rudder
The significant problem was that there was no access in this particular boat to the bilge spaces and hull sides for internal examination, being due to screwed floors, furniture / panelling / soft side linings etc and the distinct absence (again) of access hatches and removable panels.
Relatively minor problems included the non operation of the auto bilge pump float switch and a corroded mild steel extended skeg assembly and rudder blade – no zinc anodes being fitted
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
