Alpha Craft 32     Pre Purchase Survey                                                                               

Features:  A very nice forward master en-suite cabin with island bed and plenty of space

A recent pre purchase inspection took place at Herbert Woods of Potter Heigham, being the home of one of the largest and long established hire fleet operators on the Norfolk Broads. They regularly sell older hire boats in order to replace with newer versions with improved specifications so as to maintain a modern attractive fleet

This Alpha 32 is a great cruiser for the Norfolk Broads / inland waterways with a lot of space and well design for extended cruising. These ex hire craft often come with the original simple interior design which is great for some one who likes to put his own mark to the boat by adding personal features.

Great features include en-suite large master cabin situated forward with an island bed with lots of space to move around. Layout also features a centre / aft stateroom with convertible double bed and a well equipped side galley

This boat has a raised centre cockpit / steering position with a sliding winch operated roof and ample room for all to watch the passing broadland scenery at leisure, with the single diesel engine positioned beneath.

The only problems found were the usual osmosis (not severe) to be expected in a GRP broads motor cruiser of this vintage plus some structural deterioration in the wood bearers located in the aft twin cabin and beneath the aft cockpit entrance – in our opinion being consequent of a blocked aft well drain

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd    (inc European Marine Surveys)          Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Chris Craft 26  (1938)                                                                                                                   

We were instructed by the owner to undertake an inspection for insurance purposes of the 1938 classic 26′ Chris Craft. Other than a few very minor problems this 76 year old Chris Craft passed with flying colours and is a credit to her current owner having taken the time at enormous cost to (almost) rebuild her to an as-new condition

  View of internal structural condition

The owner found  Chris  (ex Charleston) in 2007 , rotten as a pear  and barely afloat,   languishing on the Thames at Trinity Buoy Wharf,  London E14.

In 2007  she was taken to Woods Dyke boatyard Horning  for repairs, which ultimately developed in to a full rebuild. Woods Dyke closed half way through the rebuild so I took her to Phoenix Boatyard at Potter Higham where I discovered that  much of the work done at Woods dyke was of a poor standard and had to be redone. The owner virtually rebuilt the entire boat at Phoenix, leaving untouched only some frames, small sections of chine , the stem and part of the center line , which were in excellent condition. So she can still be considered as an original  vintage boat rather than a new build.

She had previously spent a number of years on the Norfolk Broads but the owner was unable to definitely establish this for definite and there is another virtually  identical Chris-Craft called “Roma”  moored at Richardson’s in Potter Higham and there may be confusion about which boat is which.

The Nanni 3.8 9 (with upgraded 100 amp alternator),  Halyard CV05 Aquadrive,  flexible engine mounts and s/s shaft were  all new and fitted in 2009,  since when the boat  has had  only minimal use but has been stored under cover and the engine has been serviced and regularly  run under load, every week or so.

For information & marine surveys contact European Marine Services Ltd                                            

Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

EMS are currently restricted in providing full details and these will be published in due course

 Similar Vessel

The background to this action which took place at the London Tax & Tribunal Centre

Revenue & Customs brief  38/09    VAT – Dutch barges and similar vessels designed for and used as permanent residential accommodation by owners

John,

Yippee!  That is such good news.  If HMRC wanted the earlier decision to relate to Dutch barges only, then they should have said so.  I am a bit perplexed by not being able to publish the decision.  I know it relates to xxxxxxx that it would “open the flood gates”.  I will now press from this direction for an update of the HMRC document so it is clear to all.  They may, of course, stipulate Dutch barges only but I always thought that was suspect as more are used for pleasure purposes than commercial these days, and xxxxxx  boat certainly was designed for pleasure not commercial.

John,

Congratulations on the great comments from xxxxxx and the tribunal judge.  I tend only to get people complaining about members and it was really refreshing to hear such good feedback.  You clearly did an excellent job.  An interesting situation as well with some entrenched positions around you.  HMRC need to say what they mean if they don’t want to be challenged!

Kind regards,

Jane
Jane Gentry Chief Executive

All part of the YBDSA group of companies    Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association       Tel: 01730 710425                 Web: www.ybdsa.co.uk

HM Courts & Tribunals Service

SeaRay 290 Sinking 

Mercruiser Stern Drive Investigation.                           

This is important information for all Mercruiser Sterndrive installations / owners.

Being appointed by a well known Insurance Company to investigate this unfortunate incident, and without going into too much detail surrounding the circumstances of this incident we detail the causes and lessons to be learnt

Through a combination of high tides, highest rainfall recorded for the month, damaged rear cover, bilge pump failure and a strong current the twin petrol engine sterndrive 32′ offshore express cruiser sank.

Investigation

There was no evidence of any hull impact damage or no skin fitting failure

We were aware that both Mercruiser Stern Drive units had been totally submerged

There was no visual evidence of the transom bellows having split being the usual problem in such circumstances.

However from a previous (similar) investigation we were aware that the Mercruiser stern drive alloy casing – enclosing the steering arm / head – BEHIND THE MERCRUISER BADGES is subject to electrical / galvanic / electrolysis activity

Consequently the alloy casing wall behind the Mercruiser Badges is destroyed with a resultant hole and the inevitable sinking

View of resultant damage & water ingress through hole (electrolysis) in outdrive casing

Due to the stick-on badges this damage (hole) cannot or may not be seen or realised by a conscienous owner

Lessons to be learnt ……….

1.  Pre-requisite to have an operational / automatic bilge pump – failure may result in an insurance claim refusal

2.  Protect exposed areas, cockpits etc with a serviceable cover

3.  Investigate and monitor the alloy casing enclosing the steering head, remove the Mercruiser labels if necessary to inspect

This boat was an insurance write off

This is the second (similar cause) sinking incident / cause that we have investigated – You have been warned

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  

A day in the life of ……….   John Clabburn: Qualified Marine Surveyor & Expert Witness

Reprinted from Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YBDSA) December 2014 Newsletter

Q:      First of all, please tell us about your company and your current role 

European Marine Services Ltd (inc European Marine Surveys) was incorporated in 2006, previously trading as John E Clabburn & Associates Marine Surveyors.

We are qualified marine architects & surveyors and undertake marine surveys – all types including the popular pre-purchase survey – covering GRP, wood & steel. Other services include Expert Witness CPR 35 compliant / Expert Determination & ADR Dispute Resolution & Mediation plus general consultancy.

In support of European clients we have in house multi-lingual services to include French, Spanish, Italian & Greek, however all reports are in English

European Marine Services is a small marine business based in Norwich ideally situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads with quick access to the East Coast. Working with self-employed Associates undertaking leisure boat surveys (< 150’) throughout the UK and more and more in Europe. We no longer undertake design work but having a background in marine architecture / design is a very big bonus and of significant advantage for marine surveying and expert witness / dispute work

Having a general interest in marine law plus some legal training several years ago and more recently with The Academy of Experts based at Grays Inn London, I undertake all our Expert Witness and Dispute Resolution work, being an expanding side of the business 

Q:     What does your typical day entail ?

Like all of us the day starts dealing with emails and catching up with general correspondence plus completing reports (time consuming) which job I find less exciting than being out meeting clients, discussing their problems and issues and offering advice.

We phone boatyards, brokers and clients to finalise survey arrangements and to make sure nothing falls between the cracks. For example this week we have arranged surveys in Palma and La Rochelle, fortunately for me Louis Bodmer (surveyor) a colleague who speaks both languages fluently

Looking for a moment at Expert Witness and Dispute Resolution enquiries, these are received either from the client direct or from their legal representative. I am appointed to act in the capacity of a SJE Single Joint expert where I act on behalf of both parties or as a PAE Party Appointed Expert representing a single party. In both instances my duty is to the court

This Expert Witness / Dispute side of the business takes much more time with most instructions taking on average of between six and twelve months to finalise. At any moment in time we have probably two or three instructions on going

Most enquiries being received through our website (www.europeanmarinesurveys.com) and from client and broker recommendation

Insurance Survey of Wood Ketch in France

Q:     How did you get started in your career ?

Back in the 1960s I started work as a boatbuilding apprentice in Woodbridge Suffolk building wood sailing ketches. My first job being steaming planks to shape standing in the snow beside a large wood fired steamer, followed by ‘cutting out’ a rabbit line in a vessels 50’ hog with a carpenter’s adze.

After several years (and other boat yards) I completed my five year apprenticeship as a boat builder and ended up at Vosper Thornycroft, Shipyard Portsmouth as a Student Apprentice Naval Architect and undergoing training in every department, building naval warships with sponsorship for University.

Fast forward and I have now worked in the marine industry for well over forty years. I have held senior management positions in high unit value production and marine engineering management for fourteen years. International sales and marketing for nine years, covering leisure, commercial, high speed and paramilitary craft of all types up to approximately 45m. I was a senior marine manager with MAN B&W Ltd with responsibility for international sales of high speed marine diesel engine and propulsion systems.

In 2006 I was fortunate enough to be proposed for membership of The Academy of Experts by a previous Academy Chairman and well known Arbitrator.

To become – Expert Witness CPR Part 35 compliant (Civil Procedure Rules) I have undertaken the following Expert Witness training modules

Legal Framework        Law & Procedure        Procedure Rules

Role & Responsibilities of the Expert. Expert Determination         The Experts Report

In 2007 I joined the Register of Qualified Mediators / Faculty of Mediation & ADR

  Project Development & Management

Q:   What do you enjoy most about your work ?

I get the biggest thrill and sense of satisfaction when clients whom we represent are successful in their claim or dispute.

To give some examples as to the interesting scope and variety of Expert Witness / Dispute Instructions undertaken

Expert Witness ……………………..

Evidence in Coroners Court   Accidental death

Evidence in Court                   HMRC Vat Disputes

Evidence in Court                   Navigation & Speeding

Construction Disputes in UK, Spain, Croatia & France

Valuations for Probate Purposes and Matrimonial Disputes

Insurance Claims / Loss Adjuster

Expert Determination              Valuation of small ferries

Personal Injury Claims

Damage Inspections & Disputes

Expert Evidence on behalf of marine surveyors 

Q:   What advice would you offer to someone considering your career path ?

Think long and hard and get the right training as there are no shortcuts to becoming a marine surveyor and it takes much longer than you think to build up a successful business. With current consumer legislation clients know their rights and are very quick to apportion blame when things go wrong (compensation culture) We know all too well as we have worked with both sides and have equally represented surveyors with a problem.

You cannot become an Expert Witness until you first become an ‘Expert’

A Definition of an Expert: ” An honest trustworthy authority being someone who’s already made most of the mistakes in that area “. 

   29m Schooner Insurance Survey in Japan

Q:   What was your first job ?

Working as a boatbuilding apprentice for Whistocks Boatyard in Woodbridge Suffolk. This was hard work building large wooden ketches by hand, steaming planks in the open air and working with hand tools such as adze. Being in the days when boatsheds were open to all weathers with minimal heating and moving heavy boats around on greasy ways.

Q:   What is your favourite motto or saying ?

The easiest way to make money is to stop losing it

Q:   The Way Forward

The YBDSA is a great authority for the industry and continues to maintain high standards

However, we come across young surveyors (recently qualified) who have paid very high tuition fees to a training college and then told to go out and earn a living, yet their practical knowledge (which takes many industry years) is regretfully non-existent, consequently life as a successful surveyor is a struggle.

If marine industry apprenticeships were to come back (most unlikely) this would be an excellent foundation to a subsequent career as a marine surveyor

John E. Clabburn, MIIMS, C.Eng, Dipl.Na, AFA, QDR

Chartered Engineer & Marine Surveyor

    European Marine Services Ltd

With the winter season setting in many boat owners have already booked their spot in a yard to either carry out winter project, maintenance or simply to store the yacht. This obviously involves lifting out and propping the vessel ashore and then putting it back in the water comes spring.

Now what we’ve found over the years is that many owners forget their insurance policy requires to have an insurance survey carried out generally every five to seven years time. And often they remember it during summer, thus having to organize the lift of the boat once again for the survey to take place instead of enjoying the good weather.

So how about going through the whole process just once and booking your insurance survey with us whilst the vessel is winterized. It will also enable you to carry out the possible recommendation before spring and to enjoy a worry free summer.

Check our website for the latest fees.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd    (inc European Marine Surveys)          Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Aquafibre 42   A stylish look with centre cockpit and sliding roof                                 

One of last week’s pre purchase survey’s took place at Richardsons Boatyard of Stalham, being the home of one of the largest hire fleet operators on the Norfolk Broads. And with so many boats in their fleet they regularly sell hire boats so as to be able to offer newer / later models with improved specifications.

This is a great cruiser for the Norfolk Broads / inland waterways with a lot of space and well design for extended cruising. These ex hire craft often come with the original simple interior design which is great for some one who likes to put his own mark to the boat by adding personal features.  For example we have seen vessels with a bath tub fitted and a full size fully equipped ‘house’ kitchen.    Great for baking and having good times whilst cruising Broadland.

The boat was generally in good state of repair being consistent for an ex-hire boat and some general maintenance is needed as with any such boat. Don’t let the servicing schedule run over budget and you will be all right.

This Aquafibre 42 has a sliding roof allowing for pleasant summer cruise in the open, with the main seating area being near by the helm position, the driver is always part of the fun.

Wishing the new owners much fun cruising

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd    (inc European Marine Surveys)          Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Wide Beam 35′ Steel Canal Houseboat                                                                                  

We have recently carried out a survey on a custom built canal boat. The barge was built in 2005 with the idea of cruising the Broads and therefore was built slightly wider than its counterpart in the north. This gives ample space for cruising and live aboard.

In general the boat was in pretty good order inside and outside and well looked after.

The steel hull was starting to show some rust, which is quite normal on a steel boat and in my opinion is due to the type of anodes used. The boat has been kept in Oulton broad for some years and I believe the anodes to be for fresh water. But if the boat is to be kept there it should be easy enough to replace the anodes with salt type ones, zinc or even alloy anodes.

Apart of that the boat surveyed well and if you want to cruise in style I definitely recommend a canal boat for their classic look and feel.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd    (inc European Marine Surveys)          Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

OUTBOARD STORAGE – Winter 2014 / 15    FROM MARINEPOWER  BRUNDALL

Need somewhere secure and dry?

Don’t want to have to find space at home, work or hide it on the boat?

MarinePower can help!

We can store your outboard here at our marina over the winter in our new outboard storage area, located in our main Office/Workshops building keeping it warm, dry and secure*.

For as little £1 per week we can give you peace of mind and save you the hassle of finding space by securely storing off site, we’ll even cap your storage charge to a maximum of £15 for the winter **.

WINTER OUTBOARD SERVICING 

Why not have your outboard serviced while it’s in storage – ready for the new season – and we’ll throw in the Winter Storage free of charge! ***

A typical annual service on 4hp-15hp is around £95-£175 including parts & labour ****.

BOOK TODAY

Reply to [email protected] or call 01603 717525 to book and as an additional offer for early bird bookings we’ll waive any storage fees for outboards received before 1^st November.

*   Outboards to be dropped off at MarinePower workshop.  Additional arrangements can be made to collect if required.  Removal/disposal of fuel may incur a charge.

**   Winter period considered to be 1^st November – 31^st March.  Weekly rate will apply outside these dates.

***   Winter servicing must be booked in/completed before 28^th February to qualify for free storage.  Free of charge period only applies to 1^st November- 31^st March.  Weekly rate will apply outside these dates.

****  Assumes normal servicing parts/labour required only.  Different makes may incur different parts pricing.  Additional parts/labour may be required on inspection.

All prices shown subject to VAT.  Further terms and conditions may apply.

Ten Quick Tips for Winter 2014

As boats are being prepared laid up for winter it is a good time to carry out general maintenance and ensure your yacht is ready for spring 2015.

1.        A good clean up is always a good start and you will be surprised by the amount of stuff collected during a summer season and you will probably find things which you thought were lost.

2.         Clearing out all the soft furnishings and keeping them in a dry environment to stop them going mouldy. Ensure sufficient ventilation is going throughout the boat.

3.         Check that all cockpit drains are cleared

4.       Keeping the windows seals / frames clean and clear from moss and growth.

5.         Servicing the engine(s) before the yard engineer get too busy in spring time.

6.         Fuel Systems – Keeping the fuel tank full or just empty for the winter? Now that is subject to many discussions. If the fuel tank is kept empty over the winter a certain amount of water condensation will appear within the tank. Being heavier than fuel it will sit in the bottom of the tank for the winter time until the next spring refill where it will get mixed with the fuel and eventually makes its way into the engine fuel system. This could be an issue if you haven’t got a fuel / water separator before the main fuel filter. They are easy to fit and very useful.

An other option is to keep the fuel tank full so to minimize the amount of water condensation generated by change of temperatures. The only thing is that fuel quality lowers the longer it is kept. A bit like a ‘sell by date’ and there is a risk of developing ‘fuel bugs’.

Don’t panic, there are many ways available to ‘kill’ those little bugs!

See our blog about ‘Fuel Treatment’ for more details.

So really both concept have their pros & cons and many different opinions can be heard

7.         Service your seacocks / packing glands / stern tube whilst the vessel is ashore. They are very often neglected.

8.         Make sure the batteries are kept alive during the winter by either having them stored in the yard (if available) on a charging bench or by keeping them on trickle charge either on board or in a shed.

9.         Plan the maintenance / work schedule ahead so you don’t have to rush through it comes spring.

10.        Check with your insurance company when you are due for a renewal. This would be a good time to carry out an insurance survey whilst the vessel is winterized and/or ashore. It will save you having to lift it out a second time during the summer time. And gives you peace of mind for the coming season. Give us a call for a competitive quote.

Wishing you all a warm winter season with no problems

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd    (inc European Marine Surveys)          Tel :  01603 327 123        www.europeanmarinesurveys.com