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

Pre Purchase Surveys of ‘Broom Boats’ built in Brundall Norwich on the Norfolk Broads

We have in the last month surveyed three different models of Broom Boats, namely the Broom 425, Broom 395 and the Broom 37 with ages ranging from 7 to 25 years

Broom 425 – The larger of the three models, with a great aft double cabin, a very clever double / twin single arrangement up front where the ‘berth’ pivots apart to make two singles or back together for a cosy double. An interesting and different arrangement that works very well

Broom 395 – One feature that all these models have in common is that they are all aft cabin versions with a medium V hull and a central box keel giving great sea-keeping capabilities

Broom 37 – One of the limited number of 37s designed with only the upper steering position, where most 37 had dual station controls

This is a Trio of Broom’s, all with twin diesel engines for excellent performance, a medium V hull for fine sea keeping qualities, an aft master double stateroom and an upper steering / control helm station – all models passed with flying colours

As with all modern production boats utilising fit-out GRP mouldings / modules there is a downside. With all these Broom models as per most expensive production vessels built to high specifications, our access to areas such as bilge spaces, fuel tanks, along with seacock valves (plus much more) is very restricted.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

TS Lord Nelson Training Ship – Marine Survey

Survey for In-Water Steel Hull Thickness

Training Ship Lord Nelson built in 1978 at 37.1m length, 150 tonne displacement ex Swedish Navy Gunboat – Now the floating training centre in Norwich for the Static Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadet Unit

Due to costs involved and the difficulty in slipping a vessel of this size locally we were requested if we could undertake an in-water examination of the steel hull to establish current steel hull thickness’s and loss of plate – without the necessity to bring the vessel out of the water

By using the Cygnus 4 Thickness Meter being a multi echo ultrasound tester, we were able to undertake this task at a fraction of the costs involved in moving and slipping etc

TS Lord Nelson in her previous role as a Swedish Gunboat (HMS Vale, P151)

Featuring multiple echo technology, the Cygnus range of ultrasonic surface thickness gauges are non-destructive testing (NDT) instruments that enable an accurate metal thickness measurement to be obtained from one side only, without the removal of protective coatings or damage to test materials

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  

Bounty 27 – Osmosis & Gel Coat Delamination                                       

The Bounty 27 c1970 was lifted ashore for the purpose of a pre purchase survey. As with most GRP vessels of this vintage the hull and superstructure had been painted white while the bottom was badly fouled with organic growth (having not been pressure washed). In other words nothing out of the ‘ordinary’ for a surveyor to inspect.

Similar Bounty 27 boats………….

However, serious GRP hull ‘problem’ areas started to become apparent

When inspecting the bottom, some osmotic blisters were visible intermittently on port side but the interesting bit was found on the starboard bow. Where the osmotic blisters were much more  concentrated and over time have merged to form a much larger blister.

Gel coat delaminating                                        Gel coat removed from sample area

This resulted in lifting and detaching the gel-coat from the substrate.

The gel-coat being under pressure has cracked, allowing water to get into the substrate. This process is known as wicking.

Wicking happens when the substrate is unprotected either by gel-coat or adequate paint. The strands in the fiberglass mat act as a straw and suck moisture into the substrate and consequently weaken the structure. Those single strand becoming saturated with water will turn white and be visible and easy to spot in the substrate.

Moisture (whicking) taken up in substrate           Blister burst by applied thump pressure only

In the above left hand photo we see the white strand of the mat indicating wicking is taking place as well as gel-coat crack and delamination.

In the above right hand photo the area of visible gel-coat delamination equals to approximately 1 square foot. However when carrying out a ‘tap test’, the area of trouble was much greater and extensive. Note the wet patch which is a burst osmotic blister with ‘blister juice’ – this was burst using thumb only

Above left hand photo shows numerous osmotic blisters which will most probably merge in the future into a single large blister with probable delamination.  The right hand photo shows ‘other’ damaged areas.

The gel coat delamination is from a buyer’s point of view a major concern as it can be expensive to put right and has to be addressed. However the boat can be repaired and probably will be structurally stronger following the repairs.

But the question is always the same, at what financial cost ?  In my opinion this should be repaired  since the rest of the boat is in much better structural condition, and there is still a lot of life and future enjoyment left in this boat

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Freeman 22 Mk2 – The traditional (historic) 1950s’ river boat                  

Freeman 22 Mk2  – ” History ”   Acknowledgement to the official Freeman Cruisers website

The first 22ft Freeman Cruiser emerged in 1957. By the 1970’s the factory was employing 125 people, building three 23ft and one 26ft cruiser each week and one Freeman 30 every 2/3 weeks. There were 4 or 5 factory lines at a time: It took 25 men to build a single boat. Some 6,000 boats were produced by the time John decided finally to retire, he now lives in France. Incidentally, the last boat to be built was a Freeman 27 in October 1983.

In 1964 the model was changed bringing in the new 22 which is now known as the Mk 2 (hence the previous boat is referred to as the Mk 1). The cabin was raised so that you could walk right through,- the well renowned “step in the deck” was established. As with the 22 Mk 1 there is a narrow beam version of the 22 Mk 2 at 6ft 10″ wide which can also be used on the canals.

We carried out the pre purchase survey of this Freeman 22 Mk2 at Martham Ferry Marina. This GRP motor cruiser built in the 70’s has recently been renovated and had a good feel to it. The good quality of the top coat paint and the added ‘cherry & holly’ floors in the cockpit are parts of creating an enjoyable week-ender boat. The Freeman 22 Mk2 in itself has a nice and simple design with reasonable cockpit and some appreciable space in the cabin.

Forward berth                                                                Rudder tube with water seepage

Fitted with a Perkins 4107 diesel engine

The main finding on board was the rudder tube which was leaking. The rudder tube bearing also appeared to be worn out as the rudder post had some movements inside the tube. We recommended checking the steering system for wear and replacing the relevant parts to halt the on-going water ingress.

This is not such a daunting task as it seems as the rudder system is very simple and most yards could put this right.

Amazingly this Freeman 22 despite being some 40+ years old did not have any osmosis

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Trusty T23 – Sturdy offshore little boat  for fishing ~ plus fun                  

We recently undertook a pre purchase survey of this very nice 2010 Trusty T23 at Windboats Wroxham

Trusty T23 on a road trailer                               Comfortable aft cockpit relaxation

This sturdy twin bilge keel GRP boat is a good example of the Trusty T23. Built in 2010 to an approved category B (Offshore) by Trusty Ltd, this 23 footer displayed a surprisingly large living area with a spacious aft cockpit with simile teak laid deck. The helm station gives the feel of driving a small ship to sea with all the navigation helps and control at hand. The forward cabin is mainly a large double bed with storage underneath it. A good sea going galley design and seating area help to keep the crew happy at sea.

Interior view with forward cabin                       Helm station with easy below access

This Trusty T23 was viewed at Windboat Marine in Wroxham where helpful staff gave us a detailed history of the Trusty Boats and other various on-going projects at Windboats’.

The boat has been well maintained over the past 5 years however our main finding was the starboard bilge keel which displayed some rust seeping from the forward bilge keel bolts. We recommended to have the bilge keel bolts checked and the necessary action taken to halt on-going rust seepage. Plus servicing and bonding of seacocks

  Some rust seepage from bilge keel bolts

The Trusty inspected is fitted with a Yanmar 4JH5  / 4 cyl / 54hp inboard diesel engine

A good point about those Trusty T23 is that they can be trailed and launched anywhere you fancy, be in Cornwall or in the Scottish Islands or further away!

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Seamaster 813 – A Classic GRP Motor Cruiser 

This inspection was for insurance purposes and we were therefore more concerned with ‘insurance risk’ factors than with structural / operational items, these being covered in greater detail under the popular pre purchase survey

  Fitted with a single BMC 1.5 diesel engine

This boat, viewed at Waterside Marine Sales (Herbert Woods) at Potter Heigham was a good example of a Seamaster 813. She displayed fair wear and tear and general deterioration and bit of rust in some places but nothing alarming for a 36 year old GRP boat being commensurate with age

The vessel enjoys easy access to the aft cockpit, being level and therefore easily accessible from most quay headings around the Norfolk’s Broads. No need to ‘bend yourself in four’ to get on board, just step straight into the large aft cockpit

The helm station has been kept very simple and easy to use and the interior comprise a good double bed in the front with a decent sitting area / galley. A nice river going boat.

Easy aft access                                                                  Decent / wide side decks

There were several important items in respect of insurance being – Bilge pump satisfactory operation, Redundant seacocks not properly secured,  and the security of the propeller fixing – not a nice feeling when your prop drops off in the mud

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755  – A Great Sport & Day Boat                               

A pre purchase inspection undertaken at the newly opened Norfolk Boat Sales, Brundall facility

This recently acquired and extensively refurbished 50 boat marina enables NBS to display boats afloat and to offer servicing facilities, plus a large travel lift for lifting and launching as required

This trailable boat measures 7.4m being powered by a single 150hp Yamaha Four Stroke Outboard

It was built by Jeanneau in 2013 and is therefore still ‘like new’, and it will take some time for it to start show fair wear and tear as it has been solidly built by Jeanneau.

The interior was surprisingly big with some clever storage ideas. Front cabin consist of a typical V berth and the main cabin is generous in proportion offering great visibility whilst the helm station has all the ‘spaceship alike’ control at hands.

    View of main cabin

With the help of Norfolk Boat Sales staff, we took the Jeanneau out for a speed / engine trial. Well, we were both looking forward to it and the boat performed well and reacted to all the manoeuvres just as expected.

All in all this is a very good example of Jeanneau’s quality of work and great fun to drive

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Profile 33 – A Very Spacious Motor Cruiser                                                                    

Pre Purchase Survey – A displacement hull with central box keel and twin bilge keels

This Profile 33 built in the late 70’s is a ‘relatively large’ 10m motor cruiser fitted with twin Mercedes 42hp diesel engines. With a spacious interior and the added benefit of an aft cabin with two single bed whilst the forward cabin is a classic V berth type.

This vessel was viewed at the developing St-Olaves Marina which has available moorings. The Profile 33 has been reasonably maintained by  the previous owner. However a few details have been over-looked over the years mainly due to difficult access to those areas and consequently the vessel is now in need of some attention and improvement.

Necessary improvements include the steering support bracket which has pretty much disappeared over the years due to heavy corrosion and the port engine / propeller shaft which appears for some unknown reason to be misaligned and obviously needs correcting

‘Suspected’ misaligned prop shaft                       Corroded steering bracket

However, once these areas have been corrected the vessel should give enjoyable cruising to her new owners.

I particularly enjoyed the main cabin which is comfortable and spacious and offers a good look-out from the helm station. Down below is a large well equipped galley offering all what is needed to keep a hungry crew happy on the water

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Fairline Mirage 29 – Aft cabin                                              

Fitted with a single Volvo Penta diesel engine and shaft propulsion

 A Fairline Mirage 29 ‘floating’ in the air.

This 1985 Fairline Mirage 29 was viewed at Waterside Marina, located in the famous Herbert Wood boatyard at Potter Heigham.

The medium V shape hull allows to a steady and economical cruising speed whilst if fitted with powerful engine will do some decent boat top speed.

The internal arrangement comprise a comfy main cabin with good sitting area and a forward cabin with V berth. The aft cabin with two single beds is a great design for a weekend out with friends allowing everyone to enjoy a bit of privacy whilst the roof accommodate a sun bed area, great for chilling out and enjoying the view.

Interior view with V berth in forward cabin           Sun deck with access door to aft cabin

The vessel was well maintained and mostly displayed general fair wear and tear commensurate with age, however one item of safety was picked upon.

It consisted of the LPG gas pipe’s route passing too close to the hot air heater’s exhaust pipe. For the obvious reason the gas pipe should be re-routed to a safe distance from the exhaust heat. This item should be easy enough to be put right.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com