[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

1 minute ago, quo vadis said:

Good luck with filling the fuel tanks through them funnels

The one I had in mind can cope with 56 litre per minute flow rate so presumed it would be ok? The example I linked to on Amazon was not the same as I was ordering: ASAP Supplies Fuel Filler Filter

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

I plan to draw from the centre tank to both engines - their returns going via port and starboard tanks. That means the fuel is being used, filtered, and moved about and 90 Gallons of it does not just sit in the centre tank isolated there for years as a bit of weight.

Other Traders that have a centre tank have a vastly larger one for extended range - my entire theory is (leave aside the RIB and crane point) that the reason this and other Traders like mine with Yanmar engines have this smaller centre tank is simply because the CAT engines weigh more and these are the more common option to have been fitted and it is likely the boat was built with those type of engines in mind.  Caterpillar had a nightmare with  their 3116 model engine that was fitted to some Traders among many other boats, and a recall was made because of soft engine blocks from engines manufactured in France. Most failed within the first 500 hours of use!

So as with many manufactures Traders had different engine choices, and several came with the Yanmars - their more efficient, have better low down torque but are a more compact lighter engine - add an additional tank and hey presto you've got your wights right. Being lower you down by drawing from this tank when your main tank fuel gauges drop to 'red' you know you've still got 90 gallons under you as backup - I would prefer that than being in a situation of 'Christ we are low on fuel' turning on the taps for the centre tank and then introducing old, stagnant fuel to the engines. Of course I base my opinions on theory than real world experience with the boat (for the time being). 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Quote

I would question the practice of routinely transferring fuel from one tank to another as in the event of fuel contamination you risk spreading that contamination to all your fuel, not a good idea when at sea.

Usually fuel is contaminated with water, certainly I know mine has no water in it currently, and no crud anymore and  it is why I am investing in fuel filter fillers which have integrated water separators to stop water getting into the tank at the point of fill.

It is also why I had rubber seals put on the deck fillers to prevent water getting in from rain or sea water on the decks. Things like missing seals or warped ones can easily be overlooked and and it is from this point where a lot more water gets in than condensation forming in the tanks.

Another gun in the armory to come in time will be new duplex Racor filters with a remote sensor for fuel in water which along with the pressure gauges help you keep on top of clogged filters.

Using duplex filters for each engine (you only use one two of the four filters at any one time) so if one becomes blocked you simply move a lever over, the fresh filter comes online without the engine needing to be stopped and  a new filter element is put in the 'primary' side ready to be be brought online - meaning the secondary back up element   in usual use is only used if it is needed in such a situation.  I would however probably cycle between them - 10 hours on one filter, 10 hours on the other so the elements got a fair use between them.

Everyone I have spoken to has advised the valves between tanks should be open, have not understood why originally s I found the boat they were closed and why the centre fuel tank was isolated. So I am going with their views. Also what happens for all the craft who have single engines and single fuel tanks - I think the steps I am taking and prudent and you can only go so far to investigate and prevent and if something is going to happen, then it will find a way of happening.

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

While I am not trying to create a house inside a boat, I am trying to remove as many compromises one might find on a boat. I am currently happy to heat with electric fan heaters and convectors but long term that not only is not very efficient it does not look very nice having a lovely cabin and then a white convector heater on the floor. Once I have the boat in Norfolk I will work to combine various methods to heat a boat (diesel based) and then get a survey undertaken to install a split commercial chiller/heating system. Such systems with variable speed compressors start slow and ramp up gradually keeping within my power limitations at the berth, it is a shame that the berth only has 16Amp supply though especially when the B.A posts have a 32Amp socket on them!

So far as the weight up top goes, this will be a 'suck it and see' situation. Most Trader 535 Sunliners have a RIB on the top and a crane to get it up and down from there, but these are small affairs with a relatively outboard motor - the crane too is tiny compared to what I have (and is on the starboard side) see example photo.

What happened with my boat was a naval architect was consulted and the system engineered from t e ground up simply because the chap wanted a Williams 285 RIB and that would not fit on the bathing platform at the stern. I have been told that the first go was not successful - the crane was capable, the sun deck was able to take the load but the support for the crane was making a lot of 'creaking' noises so it was all taken away again and a new even larger diameter crane support was produced and this is it:

The crane up top is far larger than most - this is my set up:

And this is the usual set up:

Note the far more 'weedy' crane

 

The above would not have the capacity to lift a Williams RIB it is also not fully electrically controllable with a lot of manual work needed to swing the crane out and back in etc however - it weights a lot less! It is true that the boat has not been taken that far in her later life - Hull to Plymouth, Plymouth to Falmouth and more local work but she was when new taken from Hull to Gibraltar and spent a lot of time around the Med before coming back to blighty.

I suspect the fuel system was modified not to be more complected but so fuel could be taken from a variety of places let us say if for example water got into a tank but not the other, a fuel line blocked or ruptured - you can close things off, open things up and carry on sort of thing.

At the end of the day I have many other plans in the works, and it might make little sense to most if I go ahead with a huge update to her electronics and navigation gear for example, especially if I hardly ever make use of them, but I like the idea of it and how will look and it also makes the boat unique among others if I put her on the market - being the only model to have such high end equipment added. While I may spend more time on board her in Norfolk she is not destined to become a live-aboard should I make a move to Norfolk as I had planned, I would prefer a house to live in longer term so this is very much the stop gap if I did spend extended time on her but having fewer compromises to spending time on board is all the better.

 

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

If I do anything with the batteries it will be to replace them with lighter Lithium banks just to mess up the weights even more. It all rather complicated because for everything you calculate on the port side, there is something heavy on the starboard side - like the Generator. 

Considering her size she is a very twitchy boat. Empty the fresh water tank at the aft and the entire boat raises a couple of inches above the previous water line. Move about inside the boat from left to right a few times and you get quite a oscillation develop as she moves from one side to the other and it is these sort of things that some dislike about the boats. I know Traders are renowned for rolling hulls and have been told by others who have owned them the first priority would be to have fin stabilisers installed  to correct it - I cannot justify that sort of money though.

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

The main purpose of this update is to share the short video that Mount Batten Boathouse sent to me showing the fre flow of fuel from the starboard and port tanks into the cetnre tank.

Having removed the centre tank inspection panel, pumping the contents down you will see the fuel flow in as each valve is opened. You will also note the very clean internal walls of the tank, no rust here - and remember this tank was never touched when I had the other tanks cleaned and fuel polished - this is also the lowest of the tanks and therefore would have acted as a sort of sump with fuel sat in here for a good while so its condition has pleased me.

Moving on to the air conditioning:

I have spoken at length here and on other Forum's about my wish to have a commercial split system to cool and heat the interior and some have said this is not workable. They have sighted the fact one would need to have the outside condenser part of the system mounted and that would look ugly, the heat sink fins on the coil would not last in a salty environment (as are Aluminum) and the refrigerant lines would be prone leaking/rupture through the constant movement of a boats hull/interior when underway. The thing is these things are cheap to get, service personnel are used to them and if they go 'tits up' easy to replace so the idea of such system still appeals, as I would not mind the unit being put on the swim platform even perhaps in a nice GRP louvered enclosure to hide it.

The system I have is huge so far as BTU cooling goes, twin compressor 25Amp power munching machine. It takes the water (the sea water) as a means to remove the waste heat, or in winter tries to work in reverse and recover heat from the water and through the wonders of refrigerant compressors you do get more out than you put in making them one of the most efficient ways of heating. My problem is that my system does not produce much viable heat once it has been through 6 matrix's and many many feet of large diameter pipe work. It is 'okay' but it is not anything like warm as one might wish.

Also when I am in Norfolk with a weedy 16Amp supply, I won't be able to run it in cooling or heating mode and my only option would be to use the Generator to produce enough current to get it going. This is why I intend using a diesel  fired boiler for heating water much like one does at home, that is then pumped through the existing closed circuit for the heated or cooled water/glycol mix. I can heat the water to a greater temperature than the chillers can working in reverse cycle mode (but through an isolation valve ensure this hot water does not pass through their heat exchanger) and thus cause my cabins to heat up better running the matrix fans in 'blow mode' only. In summer however I am still screwed with cooling being none or run generator if I want the air-con to work.

I might therefore get a split system to run in the main saloon area and aft cabin - nothing too fancy neither costly and well within the 16Amps that the shore power can supply because I am so used to air conditioning at home at work not having it would be a real compromise to me, but to others it is not much of an issue.

Moving on to the boats stability:

We will be looking into this on the weekend. I am sure the crane does indeed weigh more than the RIB and it is more outboard on the port side than the RIB is n the Starboard side. If the RIB weighs in at about 320KG and let us just presume the crane weighed 400KG you can see I have approaching (or maybe exceeding) a tonne of weight 15 odd feet above the waterline. Not the best idea for a boat but hey ho I got what I got.

It may therefore need some addition ballast in the boat - Charlie and I have talked about this - I have emailed the local boatyard asking if they have some, or where may we procure such from should it be needed and have not got much help there. Also there is very little room in the engine room to put such so I think in reality when we have filled the fuel tanks, water tank we can see if there is a list and how much - if it is very slight I would say let it be, if it is a few degrees then damn it we got to get down to getting suitable weight, and a place to securely put it since you do not want to have it just moving about where you do not want it in a heavy swell.  My idea there would be a perhaps a plywood box, sealed and painted and then bonded to the hull with GRP but that is a bridge to cross if we need to and she has been okay for 7 years without additional ballast since the crane was fitted in 2010.

Another idea just come to mind is there is some seating on the starboard side some course sand bags in the storage parts of this seating could do a lot - since also on the port side is the BBQ, sink and outside Fridge right below the crane which adds more weight over on that side.

 

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

I think the system is pretty simple to begin and then goes on to get pretty complex once you head on from fuel storage. So yes, there are three tanks - and they are now freely linked to each other and have been told by the time I arrive on the boat they should have 'equalized' themselves. The complex part begins at what is termed the 'fuel manifold' - something I have not seen on any other Trader 535 (sorry for the appalling photo but best I have currently)

It is from here that you can manage the fuel supply. Some is pretty straight forward and marked up - and I am really none the wiser as to why All Boat Services isolated everything and explained to me on hand over that this is how it should be left to avoid a list developing as fuel is used. 

Just to cause further annoyance the fuel system layout in reality differs to the plans when the boat was built so while we have fixed one part and the centre tank is now freely connected to port and starboard tanks, its supply lines remain isolated. This tells me you could decide, for example to open them up and allow fuel from the centre tank to supply the generator, or you could have the generator run off the port tank as I think it currently does.

This is something to see how things behave in action so to speak and that can only be done when head out - as things stand I am pretty certain the port engine takes from and returns to the port tank and vice versa for the starboard engine, I think the generator runs and returns to the port tank.

Something else I learnt today the engines I have (Yanmar 6CXM GTE2'S) are pretty rare beasts in the UK but popular in Australia, New Zealand and America. They were not designed for the  leisure market but for commercial use  - usually in fast fishing trawlers and work boats. That is good because often high output engines in leisure boats only achieve their horsepower ratings by effectively pushing the engines ever further - which is why a single block might cover a wide range of power outputs. Engine manufactures love to charge for those extra horse power but in my case the GTE2 model came in one flavor - 500HP.

They do  not have a bunch of electronic engine controls to go wrong over time but parts have to be shipped in - sometimes direct from Japan, Impellers for example  cost over £100 each thus taking the usually already eye watering Yanmar parts costs to new levels. 

There is an interesting article here about them: http://www.powerequipment.com.au/yanmar-the-only-engine-to-last-the-distance/

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Actually I was going to order some personalised High-Vis vests - orange for everyone else and a pink one for Charlie.. Seriously though it is one big weight off to know not only it works but also it is clean fuel and a clean tank.

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Today (Monday 15th January) Mount Batten Boathouse were to be working onboard Independence to go through her fuel balance set up, service the generator and test the air conditioning in both cool and heat. Having heard nothing about what was going on I was therefore anxious things may not have proceeded as well as I had hoped. 

At just past 4:30pm I got a call from them with some very good news. They had isolated the fuel balance pipe - then carefully removed the top inspection cover of the centre line tank - no gushing of fuel meant the four isolation valves were working. The centre tank was then pumped down - and being the lowest point in the system the starboard side fuel valves were opened the result was fuel gushed into the centre tank - so that side was clean and clear and working as should. Having closed the starboard valves it was time to repeat with the port side and again fuel flowed freely into the centre tank.

Considering this centre tank was never touched when the fuel was polished, I was pleased to hear there was no crude, corrosion, or water present in this tank. The inspection hatch was then replaced and the fuel valves left in the open position. Next up was the sight gauges on the tanks were replaced (this can be done in situ since they have valves top and bottom to isolate) and the net result is I have fuel 4" from the top of the tanks - so this is just going to need a small top up to bring the system to a full state.

They then got on with servicing of the generator, this proved to be in excellent condition - the impeller which was changed despite laying in situ since 2009 was in a subtle condition and returned to its usual diameter upon removal, this therefore has been saved as a spare. The anode however snapped as was removed so this took some time to get out, but has come out a new one has been put in.  It was then run up under load and works well - this then meant a full check on the air condition and heating (reverse cycle) which did not throw up any error codes but as I was told is just a very inefficient and noisy way to heat the boat and should consider getting a Diesel powered boiler (or wet heat system)  to heat the domestic water and heat the boat - this I am already set on but will be something to be carried out when in Norfolk.

So more good news, more good luck in so far as no new parts have been needed and sounds as if the time taken to figure things out has not taken too long so labour rates will not have gone through the roof. 

This Thursday see's 'Team Indy' arrive to tackle the outstanding issues and put in place our check list for the sea trials which we will be undertaking for several hours over the weekend.  One hopes that nothing breaks or shows up as being in need of work, but if it does we can easily get to the yard where spares are easily had and can get on with sorting anything over the next couple of days. All this will be filmed along with the other works from cleaning to carpentry that will be going on prior to our actual departure for Norfolk in just over two weeks time.

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

The video I posted and the comment about being 'wet boats' were not connected - sorry.

It is the fact that Trawler Style boats such as Traders do have a lot more water over them than other types (like a planning boat) and having spoken to a fellow owner has explained how in the same conditions cruising in company with a friend and their large planning boat, he has been on the fly bridge in full foul weather gear getting soaked while the other boat was dry.

It was just nice to see the above two delivery videos showing some long range trips and a real sense of freedom.

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

What these Traders are well known for is being a 'wet boat' that is to say they get a lot of water from the bow over them - and often up over the flybridge so you might not want to be outside unless you like a shower lol.

Here are some videos of Traders at sea to give an idea of some distances they can cover.

And:

 

[London Boat Show]

Had a good time - and turned the event as an excuse to have a weekend away with Shiela (AKA Bow Lady) and met with Andy - a show virgin. 

We found a few things: Narrow Boating might be a nice holiday for some, but if you are built like we are and having to squeeze down the interior sideways on to fit through what allegedly are doorways would not work for us. We moved on to Richardson's offering where we felt more at home - though I still think the boat either has one too many toilet/showers or steps - the saloon area seems a bit cramped compared to the overall size of the boat, but the materials were top quality and it was great not having to take out shoes off to look at it!

Aland and Dave were spotted, and I had a good chat with them about things and Independence being brought up to the Norfolk Broads and so on, I think they both cringed at some of the things I have taken a risk with and await to find out like the fact this Saturday will be the first time the boat will have left her berth and out for trials and what may this throw up - well I of course trust nothing.

We wandered off and found ourselves on a Viking 27 - Andy thought I was joking about the double berth on the floor and having to crawl in through a curtain, again that was taken off the list so 'accessible boats' so what about some of the Sailing Yachts? Well we had a look on one that was £205,000 and I got to say you get a lot of boat for your money. Sleeping six people in three cabins (8 if used the dinette area) she was fitted out very well - great uses of space and. Andy uses the 'Atlantic Gorilla Test' to see how substantial the coach house roofs were from below pushing up, moved on to glass thickness testing in ports and concluded it looked good but he might want something more substantial for an Atlantic crossing and this would be better for the Med and sailing abound Croatia in. Interesting stuff this from a man who cannot sail (but hopes to learn this year) but takes after me in being very proficient sounding while having no idea what it all might actually mean.

Next it was off to Prestige - join the queue and wait..and wait. Shiela heads off to be sensible and sit down in a comfy leather chair and then proceeds to film Andy and I. Myself dressed like and acting very much like one of their salesmen explain the aft layout of the boat, Andy looking like he was after one to steal. 

A couple were hurriedly brought past the queue - they had expressed interest but they might not have been as wealthy as everyone first guesses as their financial affairs were discussed bit too openly in front of everyone - they leased a boat and wanted to sell  and lease the Prestige.  At this point we were asked to board and Andy was up to the fly bridge like a bat out of hell with me behind - the steps took our weights and a top were four Chinese people, two men and two women "I want to buy it now" says a lady, shocked the salesman who had not expected this explains it was sold "get another then how long" asked the woman - clearly this is where the money is, no messing about with 'English polite business talk' and I liked her style.

Andy and I descended into the boat - ahh those interior steps down to the forward cabin were bending just a little to much for my liking under our weight - and while serious conversations about buying the boat were had just outside, there we are in the shower cubicle trying to get the damn thing worked out - we made  a swift exit, but seriously the boat just felt 'cheap' inside even though it was not.  It was like how a car manufacture cheaps out with plastic choice and feel - so the wood felt for all the world as if it was covered with a pretend veneer akin to the strips you iron on over the ends of your counter worktop.

We then headed over to Sea Line - and were both surprised at the fit and finish compared to he far more expensive and larger Prestige we had just been on. It might not be to everyone's taste since everything was super lacquered wood veneer's but it felt better, drawers and cupboards had weight and a quality feel about their closures too. Touch control light switches where you can set the mood - all good stuff.

After this we had a wander at the small stuff and I found Williams' had a stand and Shiela was very surprised at the 285 Jet RIB - this being what I have atop Independence - She thought the Dinghy was just an inflatable with a couple of Oars!

In summary though I had wished to spend the time in the stands - you know everything from Fenders to Nav lights and then the larger stands from Raymarine, Garmin etc to try out their tech.  I was left disappointed.

Their stands were smaller than last and I just felt there was a little less on offer for the actual boat owner keen to look and buy new kit. I popped over to Raymarine and had a play with their new Axiom displays, and talked to someone on the stand about things - who put down Simrad and Garmin saying he was a supplier did not work for Raymarine but would not be on Raymarine's stand if they were not the best - but also did not supply Simrad or Garmin products so that was not very impartial. In fact I came back later for a second try.  I wanted to talk about their new systems and was in the market for a complete suite of new navigation products from Radar to at least two large Multi Function Displays, new VHF, new sonar, Auto Pilot the lot. I knew inside and out the Simrad offerings having spent hours researching them so wanted to compare what Raymarine offered maybe they could sway me?

I find that generally those I had spoken to prefer someone who is perhaps unsure about what is on offer in the market but has an idea of what they want this way the salesman can show off their products and tell the prospective customer how great they are. I get it. But I asked about the VHF radios they made - did they have one that could have a wireless handset like Simrad offer? No they do not. That is fine then, but having asked that I was then asked "why would you want that anyway?" I replied so you can wander around the boat with it from helm to helm with no need for wires so only need one VHF set with multiple connected handsets. His body language changed in a flash. Is it because I was telling them things or was it because of just how I come over to people lol, either way things went no further.

Erlier on in the day over at Eberspacher I was already known! I asked about the concept of using one of their diesel fired water heaters to heat the closed circuit on my air-con/heating and isolating the chillers with a valve. They guy said it would likely be possible and explained how they had worked with Princess to do something similar, what boat do you have? Trader 535 Sunliner - oh you are the guy in Plymouth who we had someone contact us about. It seems that "that guy from London with the Trader" has spread far and wide already and that word is out. Now he was far more helpful and wants to get a team down to the boat when we are working on her this weekend to audit the set up and see what can be done, with agents in Lowestoft being use to supply the system.  Now of course I may not actually go down that route, it may not be possible and I have heard good things said about other manufactures of diesel boilers but at least I was not asked "why would you want that" and a virtual cold shoulder being given.

I also talked to a supplier of mooring lines who has advised I could go with 18mm braided lines and could 'do a deal' because of the quantity I would be ordering so have his card - so it was productive in some ways, but not in all. Oh and those log cabin people I always laughed at - my mum wants one as a studio to write from so they proved handy to talk to - poor Shiela was tired of the walking around mind you and so we headed back to our hotel.

Later that evening I contacted Russell Thompson who had been down at the show (but who had not seen) and he was still in London, so Shiela and I headed over to his hotel, picked him up and then got the Emirates Cable Car over to the O2 where we had a chat and a drink. Small as it was, it made his day having driven down on Friday from Edinburgh and got to see a tiny bit of London at least.

 

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Well I think we have a clash of two worlds the old faithful and the new.

Because I was let down by the original boatyard with whom I wanted to have dealt with a major update to her navigation gear, we are left with some legacy products that do not talk to each other. The difference is that if one was to have the equipment I had wanted much of the passage planning process is taken care of by that equipment. Things like working out tides, their direction,  speed and time of flow are done for you and displayed in a time line you can move forward or back in time along.

Modern auto pilot systems take care of 'tidal drift' which means you do not need to sit at a chart working out what your course to steer should be so you can see where this is headed...It takes the work of this away and I think that is good, others may disagree and I can also see their point of view. Navigation is a skill, and it is something that takes time to do properly and one has pride in it.

I'd like to however in this case use technology where it can be an aid, such as route planning where it takes into account the boats details and then based on this plots a safe route - you can then change this as required but will give an intimidate estimation of time, distance and waypoints - this then can be entered into the Plotter and the auto-helm can do the rest. Auto-Helms especially in rougher seas can do a better job than a person at rapid rudder corrections and keeping within a tighter margin of the course you want to be on which therefore means less fuel is used as you travel overall in a straighter line.

However there are still things that are very handy to have right at hand - noting down all the VHF channels and at what points you will need them, tides, times, ports, and so on alternative harbors, weather information, wave heights and so on and all this you need to go find, collect, and make notes of.

However, if you want to know the basics of a passage plan see the video below which gives an overview.

 

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

So..I will explain it all.

I am on Broad Ambition over the Christmas period and in bed, looking on Facebook on my phone and up pops this promoted advert for Broom - interested in it, I tap to open the video and watch it. Now I can't say I much like the way it was made since it followed much the same style as the likes of Fairline and Princess and lacked originality but hey ho that is my opinion . I was going to watch it to end but I did and then the camera pans up and you see this incredible wash as the boat is headed  along the river as the Broom logo appears and voice over and the video fades to black.

I was frankly shocked that a company like Broom would have paid a lot of money for a advert like this to have been made and then glorified speeding on a river in such a way.

I got to the comments section on the post and found many others had already voiced their upset to the speeding element in the advert and I joined in with those voices and that would have been that, as time passed and further comments were exchanged it was all taking place on Facebook within the comment section of the sponsored post Broom had paid for to appear in peoples timelines so this was not in a Facebook Group or indeed even on Brooms own Facebook page.

Well a good time passed and Brooms lack of empathy to this perhaps caused the OP to ask peoples opinions here on the Forum about it - and I then joined in with my own opinions and also found the video in question this time that had also been uploaded to Brooms You Tube Channel.

There was little confusion sine the OP stated " My blood is boiling over videos Broom have recently started showing on facebook " which set the tone as to where it had originated from. The OP also posed the question " these videos are just insensitive and showing the special section is being used (or publicised) for the wrong reasons?! "

What then began was a typical wide ranging debate. Some have gone along with the view this was ok since it was within a area of the river where such speed trials are allowed, but had perhaps had not realised this was not a trial that was being filmed but an advertisement and one that was showing up on peoples timelines over on Facebook. It had been filmed for the single and only purpose of the promotional advert. It was not  spare footage taken from a engine trial for example, and that footage used from and included  into the end of the promotional video with the voice over.

It was this that caused me to share my opinions both to Broom and later here. I also have tried to show the difference between a permitted use of the special section (for trials) and the incorrect use of the section of for the promotion of a product/company. Two very different things, both which cause issues to the river banks but one which is needed perhaps for safety to ensure engines are operating correctly and the other to put on a good show for a video.

While it may be the case at certain high speeds and with certain hulls, that those high speeds cause a great deal less wash, in the case of the video in question it is clear this is not one of those cases.

All that has happened is pretty straight forward: Broom commissioned a company to make a video made for them and during the filming of this they took a boat out for the creators to film at speed. When the video came back finished and polished to perfection, you can well imagine Broom were most pleased with it and eager to share it over their social media outlets. What they did not expect perhaps what that people who saw it might not see it quite as harmless as Broom expected, for it is more about the promotion of speeding than what was actually done at the time.

 

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

... Unless you've been in touch with Broom directly about this before it came to light here, which I had been when it first popped up on Facebook.

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

24 minutes ago, Philosophical said:

To shoot myself in the foot somewhat, that is not the same boat as featured in the OP's opening post.

No it is not and in a way sadly, the topic has diverged into two points:

• A promotional video showing excessive wash/speed for the camera
• Boat testing in allowed sections of river

The first I don't agree with,  the second is allowed and be it filmed or otherwise is necessary - and the video posted of such test shows a good example of why these testing areas exist.

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Passage Plan

For those who are following this thread I have some rough times for you with regard to bringing Independence to Norfolk.

Firstly there is a good chance that we will have suitable reception from shore for data (if not all the time then at some times) and using an App for AIS tracking could then provide websites like http://shipfinder.co/   with our position and so on so people would able to follow our progress. 

However, I may well end up with a new VHF set after the Boat Show this Saturday that has AIS built in, and as a result of that would mean that our live progress would be plotted through coastal repeater stations in range to us over VHF and to other shipping which is how AIS works likewise this data would be shown on http://shipfinder.co/  and show ourselves and other vessels overlaid on a Google Map.

Presuming all goes as it should and the weather is being kind  this is the passage plan as of 11th January:

• Friday 2nd Feb sail from Plymouth to Weymouth (85Nm)
• Saturday 3rd Feb sail from Plymouth to Brighton Marina (92Nm)
• Sunday 4th Feb sail from Brighton Marina to Ramsgate (alternatively Dover) (79Nm)
• Monday 5th Feb sail from Ramsgate/Dover to Great Yarmouth and onto the Broads (81Nm)

We must book Haven and Breydon Bridge lifts 24hrs in advance and we really need to be coming in on a rising tide or close to high water so we have good depth under us. High water at Great Yarmouth on 5th Feb is 13:45 so that means an early departure from Ramsgate or Dover on the 4th - most likely a night navigation to begin.

While I am not able to accept more crew for the passage, any Forum members who might find themselves close to the above harbors would be welcome to come down on board for a drink and tour of the boat.

Forum members who might wish to join us for a 'Cruise in Company' as we make our passage over Breydon and along the Yare would be welcome to do so. You now have a good idea of the time in which we would be making our way into the Broads at Yarmouth.

We will also have PMR Radio's on board set to CH4 so you know in advance how to make contact with us if on your own boat and do not have VHF when on the Broads.

I'd encourage people to keep an eye on the Forum Facebook Group where making posts and updates on the fly will be much more easy when we are underway with more detailed reports coming on the Forum each evening as we tie up in the respective harbor.

More to follow in time..

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

The above video is to my mind a great example of what the test area is for - testing a boat, you can see this clearly was an engine test and the helm dials are not in situ suggesting some substantial works are undergoing on the boat.

 

[New Member Introduction]

Good to see you here  Mark, mid life crisis eh? I guess I am having mine early then with biting off a lot to chew and headed in a new direction..Good feeling though!

[Independence - Updates | Maintenance & Care]

Having spent 11 days on a very different type of boat on the Norfolk Broads over Christmas and the New Year, I had a call from Mount Batten Boathouse in Plymouth. They wanted to send a couple of guys over and inspect the engine room on Independence to see what they would have to do with regard to the generator being serviced, a set of spares to have to hand for the Yanmar main engines and the fuel system and balancing of the three fuel tanks.

And so I found myself hurriedly leaving Norfolk for an overnight stop back home in London before the following day off to Plymouth and the joyful times of rail fare increases and yet the same old delays. Leave London Paddington at 14:08 arrive Plymouth 19:15 – compensation claim duly filed it was off to the Marina.

Storm Elenor had been through a couple of days previously and I knew the area had seen some pretty high wind gusts – but thankfully the only evidence was the fact my ‘seagull scare tape’ had vanished, the windscreen cover had two loose fasteners and my open array antenna of the Radar was no longer in its usual parked position.

It was however very wet so other than popping out for a Curry it was an evening of feet up and a DVD. The following morning I was up early anjd got set to taking apart the Ocean Air branded ‘hatch blind’ over the forward double berth. The blackout part roller spring no longer retracts the fly mesh part is frayed and sags – what a faff about it was only to find there was some more issues with the small plastic runners that fit between the metal tracks, I got everything back in situ but if I want a working blind I will have a new unit, for the time being it looks as it should but is not functional.

Other points have been my monthly Marina electric bill reached new heights of £85.00 (495 units used) I have no idea how that happened, that I have a leak in the port side aft wardrobe from the deck above - and it is not a deck drain as I said in my video.

I then made the beds ready for the arrival of ‘Team Indy’ on 18th January which will see 6 of us onboard for a few days and tackling a host of issues, I have a plumber who is also a diver, a carpenter, an electrical expert and a tiller that just leaves a former Policeman and myself as not representing a trade. However my bed making all ground to a halt when I found that I was missing the flat bed sheets, having mistaken pillow cases for them – the mind boggles. It would therefore need to be a trip to town for more bedding.

The engineers had still not arrived so I got on with sorting out curtains – prior to the Teak Blinds the boat had some very nice, fully lined curtains but these had be put in plastic bags and stowed for a few years getting damp. The result is all the hooks have rusted away – almost embedding themselves into the actual fabric and naturally caused a right mess. I am not sure if these are able to be salvaged but it would be nice since curtains in the winter time do add some extra insulation at the windows compared to blinds and because the blinds have been put in front of the old runners for the curtains you could have both.

The engineers duly came, had a chat and a look round and are ‘confident’ they can sort the issues – I am not sure how they will with full fuel tanks, but that is their call and I will allow them to start work when not on the boat come this Friday. They are also going to flush through the air-con/heating system and run this up and supply new Racor filter elements so we have nice clean ones in with the spares I already hold. After the meeting I popped into the town and rectified my bedding issue and also got some wood polish and restorer so the galley floor is now spotless and has a lovely lustre to it. I also got the seagull scare tape back up (it really does work even if it looks a little garish).

Once that was all sorted out it was time to head back to London, and joy of joys that would be even worse going back as a would be a Coach from Plymouth to Tiverton Parkway then train but it all is worth it and I get a real sense now of things cresting a mountain and the last push before we sail on 2nd February.

I’ll be at the London Boat show this Saturday which will be nice and I am sure a few more bits and bobs will be bought there so currently things have a real boat vibe to them.

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

Quote

I still don't see what harm it does

I never cease to be amazed. The harm it does is evident in the videos - that big wash, crashing into the banks - now the only exact way to quantify what 'actual harm' this does would be to set up a study over, 12-24 months maybe recording each time one of these (or other boats) goes out for trials and the resultant wash and erosion these cause.

But common sense says that we don't need to do that, it also tells us that you go hitting banks with powerful wash and it does cause issues - otherwise shall we just make the entire Broads system speed limit exempt and undo 40 odd years of progress with river management?

To reiterate the point that was originally made though this is not (at least to me personally) about someone trialing a boat. I mean I cannot talk, having bought a large sea boat and prior to doing so not having turned the key to see if the engines started, but few are as brave (read foolish)  as me. I get it though that people who are investing perhaps over £200,000 in a boat will want to ensure it does what it is intended to, but I am not sure a fast run on a flat river would say much about the boat other than the engines work, it goes fast and does not overheat. You cannot do much else in the confines of the river that you could and should if undertaking a proper sea trial - at sea.

Now I will need to have my Turbo coolers a part when I get Independence up to Norfolk and some other engine works done too - and I may well be popping round to Brooms for them to carry out such, and after this has been done it would be nice to see the engines are working as should and in such a case yes, it makes sense to take her out for a speed run to test the temperatures and boost pressures.

Where I have issue is the doing this, for nothing else than a video shoot. Where does it end? Do Haines begin to do this also for their promotional videos, do private owners get a mate with a Drone to film a speed run and then if stopped say 'we were testing the engines out and filming it' and in their defense bring up videos on You Tube showing manufactures doing the same. 

Broom could have done a better job of respecting the environment for nothing more than being a good, responsible company and maintaining a good  image - even if they go up and down the river at such speeds to test things it is not being promoted. It is just the same as a a car manufacturer showing a car on a public road breaking the speed limit for the point of an advert  - but they cannot do this.

There are strict rules that mean this cannot happen, and even when there is just a 'hint' at speed such as with Seat who withdrew the campaign for the Seat León Cupra R after the (ASA) watchdog upheld complaints that the advert which showed a worn accelerator pedal alongside unused brake and clutch pedals, would lead readers to believe it was cool to speed. "The advertisement was irresponsible and could encourage speeding or reckless driving," said the ASA. Seat said "The advertisement was intended to convey the enjoyment of driving, not speeding."

This is why you never see a car in an advert showing speeding on a public road or portraying the illusion of speeding on one. It is also also why 99% of the time the car is on a road alone with nothing else around,  to further water down the image of speeding and more of adventure and freedom of the open road. So you have rivers and laws and speed limits and penalties for breaking those limits (just as one does in on the road) and then you have Broom who decide in no uncertain terms to show (and thus promote) speed - but they decide to do so on a river which has a speed limit therefore I find it hard to defend their choosing to do so.

I attach the guidelines for the motor industry - perhaps such should be used for the boat industry for I wonder how accurate some figures generally are for boats.

ASA+JP+and+NH.pdf

 

[Broad Ambition - Underway on the H2O]

Talking of sailing...On the morning of New Years Eve we had been moored at Horning Staithe, we were preparing to head off to Acle – only there was some preparations underway for a sailing race which seemed to have at least two classes.

To begin it all seemed pretty simply, wait for the field to spread out and depart – so we got ready to do just that, but then the larger yachts were doing their thing too and as races tend to do after a few minutes there was an almost continuous line of tacking boats all trying to get the most out of their patch of wind.

Well we continued to wait and wait for any elusive gap big enough to use to leave our mooring. Now a word of advice to anyone at the helm of a boat, when someone tells you something, no matter who they are, or how confidentially they tell you always double check yourself.  I have been looking at our stern and noted there was now a good space to leave the mooring (by going astern as the wind was gently keeping us on the quay) when Simon who was looking at the bow annoyed ‘Ok Rob you’re good to go here’ so I did just that.

I kicked Broad Ambition’s stern out and duly backed away then turned to check the bow to see a sailing boat with the wind behind it headed right for us – “you did not tell me about that one Simon” to which I was met with silence. So raise revs and I am now headed astern passed the Staithe moorings and towards the Swan, so as not to disrupt the sailing boat that was bearing down on us – either their race position or allow them to collude without bow. I then caught up a smaller class of boat and had to steer around them else I would have gone into them with our Transom. Now almost opposite the Swan and on the other side of the river hard over on the helm and finally can engage forward gear and move on.

There were some surprised faces but to my knowledge no harsh words and nobody’s race was cocked up with us being in the middle of it and making them change course or slow. But if we did, I am sorry but blame Simon for telling me to go when we should not have (oh and blame me for not double checking) but it was one of those ‘wish I had the camera’ moments.

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

For me this is not about people buying boats and having 'sea' trials in them neither is it about a boat that has been in for works and then needs to see if the engines which have been worked on are working as should - I can turn a blind eye to that, and personally I can also turn a blind eye to the water skiers and try to have that open mind mentality that the river is free to be used by all - but - when it comes to speeding for the sake of a promotional video is where I clamber up on to my high horse.

The very fact has been made for Broom mean it is to sell their product, an experience if you like to temp people to buy it. Now imagine they have this playing on their stand at the Boat Show (or anyone who happens to not know the ins and outs of the Norfolk Broads) and like the concept that Broom have so far as their boats are concerned, and then see this as a great picturesque location - is it the Thames? No Broom would say this is in and around Brundall where we build the boats. Oh, says the interested customer, what a lovely area to cruise - having seen the slow paced, tranquil environment but also may very well be under the impression after you put away the wine glasses can freely speed along pretty rivers back to a mooring.

For me that is key - a local well respected boat manufacture who has decided to make a promotional video where they sped along the river and not at sea or Breydon they did not need to do this and they certainly did not need to promote the idea it is something okay to do even if it is only in reality allowed for sea trials. I feel they should have thought of this and been more responsible.

[Broad Ambition - Underway on the H2O]

I am sorry that I have not got round to writing up some of our adventures over the Christmas and New Year period on Broad Ambition - but having spent 11 nights on here I had to hastily return to London for a night before heading off to Plymouth to meet engineers there.  That said it was a lovely time afloat.

Shiela and I arrived in the Wet Shed late afternoon on 23rd December.  Last year we arrived to find Broad Ambition in a bit of a sorry state internally with a lot of mould and mildew on surfaces and I feared that with all the rain and mild weather this may be the case this year, but not a bit of it.

We dropped off our cases and headed back out to our taxi I had from Norwich waiting for us, to take us into Wroxham. I have to say Goldstar Taxi's do always seem reliable and good value - Norwich Train Station to Stalham, waiting time then into Wroxham for £31.00.  In Wroxham it was time to hunt down the new electric cards - boatyards that were open had them but were keeping them for their own hirers, try Norfolk Marine I was told and so duly arrived to find they had some and we bought ten. I then spent another 20 minutes looking over things and being lead out by Shiela "we need to get food shopping Rob not fenders for Indy".

So we duly went to Roys and ended up with a trolley full of all sorts from Mince Pies to Pepper. They had some helpers on the tills to pack bags and the lady who was at ours was a fellow Londoner visiting her parents nearby and had got roped into with her younger sister to help out and was fun comparing Wroxham to London - even the packing of bags here was a low pressure affair.

So time to get back to the Boat - Wroxham Taxi's had nothing, Horning Taxi's the same Stalham Taxi's could get to us in 40 minutes - I accepted, and we went to McDonalds to kill time and right on schedule the chap arrived. Shame the car smelt of stale smoke but any port in a storm we were back at the wet shed and getting our shopping stowed.  Our plan now was to sit tight and head out on the water tomorrow morning, this evening we would take a walk into Stalham to the Swan and have a few drinks - and very nice it was too.

Christmas Eve arrived and it was out the wetshed and into some mayhem. Yep Richardson's fleet is everywhere with a small chicane of open water to go through between bows and sterns. But because the wet shed has some new arrivals it makes getting Broad Ambition out very much harder than in the past, indeed we have to exit astern now and I had to turn, avoiding the two fishermen in their dinghies and the aforesaid fleet of Richardson's hire boats.

Underway along the deserted River Ant, then over Barton Broad - ahh it was good to be back on the Broads. We were to have our Christmas Day dinner at the Swan in Horning, so it would be ideal if we could get moored in Horning making our walk to the pub so much easier.  We duly arrived to find the Staithe empty! Moored up and plugged into the electric all was well - and then the wind began to build ever more as the evening went on, rain too but this was a proper lazy holiday unless we had to we would be eating out and so it was a walk to the Ferry Inn a Horning. Lucky for us the rain had stopped and to be honest it was a good meal, better than in the past and worth noting they have gone up to a 4 start food hygiene rating so I was happy.

Back to the boat and the not long after the rain set in good and proper for the night - and the wind continued to get ever stronger but we were comfy inside and the usual Christmas telly, drinks and nibbles were on the go.

Come Christmas Day and Father Christmas had come (well Shiela had bought us two matching giant stockings) and yours truly had loaded them up the evening before when she had gone to bed - so now it was time to get opening the pressies and my new love is Alexa (Amazon Echo). Later we got ready and headed to the Swan for our Christmas Day dinner and I had high expectations based on last year, but they shattered when we walked in and there were people leaving unhappy, then another party - we were kept waiting and waiting and 55 minutes after arriving were shown to a table, devoid of any festive charm such as Crackers - these hurriedly plonked on it sometime later.

I won't go into every detail but suffice to say we arrived at 3:45pm and at 7:15pm were had just got our desert. One waitress had a break down and had to be comforted by an elderly couple, the Chef was shouting and people were all very unhappy. It turned out the manger, a Chef and a member of staff had all been asked to rush to another pub to help and left the Swan in disarray. I was offered the drinks on the house, but honestly I and many others there I think will need a lot to gain trust and risk such again for such a special occasion to be spent there - having emailed twice to Vintage Inns I still have had no real response. I heard good things about the Ferry Inn's Christmas Lunch though.

Back on the boat and we settled in for another evening, and at this point things began to get into the routine where we did very little, cruised relatively short distances and generally were very lazy but why not.  We were surprised at how many boats were out from Broads Boating Co. at Acle and Faircraft Loynes coupled with privateers either out for a cruise for the day or staying out over the Christmas period.

Boxing Day saw us depart Horning and head down the Bure to Acle - where we duly moored outside the Bridge Inn and this would be our base as it turned out for another two nights. But with good food and drink and a real warm local friendly place to spend time it was fine by us. The Bridge Inn really had laid on the festive charm and the real open fire in the bar area was great - although on limited opening hours, they really were busy with visiting locals which made for a nice vibrant atmosphere, sadly Phil was not about but in Glasgow meeting old friends and attending wedding so I missed catching up with him this time around.

Come the following day and we had decided to head to Ranworth, but the wind over night which was bad enough was now just plain stupid strong. Once the tide turned we had the wind almost on our bow with the ever rising water coming up the Bure and no word of a lie the well and waves rolling in along this stretch were something else. Over on Facebook posts were coming in from Ranworth - there it was less bad but the waves were hitting the Staithe quay heading and over topping it, new from Potter Heigham was no better with photos of boat canopies being liberated from their fastenings and generally rough old conditions.  I spent a lot of time outside getting soaked with near horizontal rain adding fenders, lines and generally ensuring we were secure and safe in what is a pretty exposed mooring.  By early evening the wind had dropped some but it was far from being over.

In fact the wind direction changed and we had a new issue - rain water was now finding its way into any crevice and crack it could - and a seam between the wood panels on the sides of the boat was weeping water too into Shiela's cabin. I am pleased I bought some Vaseline and duct tape to seal up small areas around the wheelhouse and said seam and keep the tree, and cabin dry.

The following morning (27th December) and it was all over, as if there had never been any high winds and rain and so we left, and duly cruised to Ranworth and by the time we arrived we had the entire Staithe to ourselves. Bright blue skies, still waters and chill in the air - it was the perfect winter scene.  Shiela and I decided to do something different and got a Taxi from the Staithe to Wroxham (Wroxham Taxi's £15.00) where we then got the bus into Norwich.  Having been on the water and not moving too far the hustle and bustle of the city was a bit of a shock to the system but we visited the usual places and got some reduced bits here and there and then headed for lunch at Zizzi. This duly had it was time to grab a few essentials to take back to the boat and get a Taxi back to Ranworth (Courtesy Taxi's £19.00) and when we pulled into the Staithe  parking area were shocked to find how many boats had turned up. From the odd hire boat to continuous cruisers and people who had just come for the day at the pub and were now headed back - so many had their festive lights on it really was a nice sight, and later in the evening Shiela and I headed into the Maltsters for a few drinks where I found Little Sharpie a very easy drinking Ale that went down nicely.

Tonight was a cold one - clear skies outside but we supplemented out heating with a fan heater despite being just below freezing outside inside we were cosy as could be and so settled into what was now becoming a rather nice existence of day time exploration, early evening drinking and night time feet up not a care in the world type living.

We awoke on 28th December to a different scene - gone was the clear skies and grey gloom had set in, the wind had got up again, nothing too strong but none the less a constant stiff breeze and rain - yes more of the stuff was falling from the sky.  I was aware that we had had the heating running more on than off and certainly over the previous evenings overnight too, with our usual places for fuel and pump out's closed until after we were headed back to London, I used the opportunity of Boulters being open for a few hours to head to Horning. We duly called to confirm their could accept us and set off.

Now this is no easy manoeuvre getting into their basin and we did such stern on first because we had a rather strong wind wanting to blow us away from Boulters and towards berthed boats.  In the rain Shiela was outside ready to fend off and giving me instructions on how far away from quay headings I was and so I was just a little miffed when Sonny could have taken our bow line from Shiela but did not and stood watching then did lend us a hand but called to me "still learning then" - I took it on the chin, we topped up with 44 litres of fuel and a pump-out and Silver Cloud a syndicate boat had arrived during our servicing (they have a bow thruster) and when we came to leave, Dave duly filming us. I must have learnt a lot in that short time as we left, turned and headed down the dyke despite the wind perfectly - and so we cruised back to where we had come from, Ranworth.

Once tied up it was time to go meet face to face a chap that has got his fair share of judgment and on the Interwebs and who I also have only known through his videos - Miles Weston. Well turns out he is a very easy to get along with person and having got him a four pack of Strongbow and having a natter find a lot of his views might not be that of the majority but I respect him for putting his head over the parapet and stating them in the public realm not behind a keyboard.

Back to the boat, collect Shiela and on to the pub - disaster - they don't serve food. Now last year they did but no this year it was only done till 3:30pm, so with no food on the boat to talk of what would we do? Well back on the phone to Wroxham Taxi's - to Horning I said, are you absolutely sure you want that asked the chap? It is not far but will cost you a fair bit - yes I said and so we were duly rescued and had another nice meal at the Ferry Inn and were duly collected on time and taken back to Ranworth (return trip cost £40.00). It was then back into the Maltsters were Miles was to be found at the bar and a few other locals too.  Shiela and I had a mini-domestic over Apple Pay needing to have your finger print verify the payment, she said it did not as could pay with her Apple Watch which had no finger print reader but I was right, she could not get my phone to make a payment unless I was there to verify my fingerprint - she lost,  was annoyed and it must have seemed to those in the pub all hell was breaking out lol because when she is frustrated people know about it.

Later on we came back to the pub where Shiela was in her Pyjama's - it did happen though I don't have a photo of it sadly. I should explain we were cosy there on the boat and needed the loo, so why not use the shore side ones I said? So we duly set off but she just put on a coat over her PJ's. She got a fright in the dark in the loo (not lit at night) so I said well lets go to the pub for a night cap - and so it was that Shiela ordered two drinks at the Maltsters in her slippers and PJ's - but somehow, in Norfolk, at Christmas that just seemed perfectly acceptable.

You will forgive me if I forget what happened between the 29th and 30th December, I think by now all this pub visiting and drinking had got the better of me but I know that come 30th December we were back at Ranworth and meeting my, Mum and husband Simon who would join Shiela and I for a few days and see in the New Year.  Having got them safely onboard we left Ranworth Staithe and cruised to Horning, where we found space at the Staithe once more. Water levels were very high and my Mum was not happy with our arrangements for getting on and off Broad Ambition for the older generation, she was all for getting a folding step ladder but I said I recon a certain Yorkshire man could make up a nice stable pair of steps in a good varnished wood to bring along with us when we knew the less able visitor was due to be onboard and help in their getting on and off.  I thought Simon (12 years my mother's junior) might be the man to help, but no he had a bad back too so it was down to be to lift my old dear on and off while Shiela made sure the boat was snug to the quay.

We had a great catch up since my mum has retired now and moved away from the London area so not seeing her as often as once did, and what with all the work and going to and from Plymouth we have not had much chance to be together.  Later that evening it was a walk back to...Yep the Ferry Inn lol - by now the staff were on first name terms with us. Another well priced belt busting meal and I was ready for being put in a Barrow and taken back to the boat, but no I had to walk. Simon being around now was a bad influence as we had moved from Pints to Spirits and this continued once we were onboard although we did have some grapes and cheese to soak up the alcohol, it is safe to say I slept very well that evening.

New Years Eve and we departed Horning - for a relatively short cruise to Acle, where we would be spending the evening and a formal meal and music to see the New Year in later. Claire, Andrew, Simon and Sonia (and Dylan) later joined us on their respective boats and we settled in for what a really lovely meal.  They had moved tables about, all white table clothes, balloons, party packs and a really very well prepared 5 course meal.  You never can be too safe from a certain Mr Griffin mind you as a waitress came over and said our first round of drinks had been bought by said Yorkshireman.  What a star! I We duly sent a thank you video to him.  

The problem was the fireworks - they were meant to all go off, but only one box did (rain got the better of them) but it was great to see the staff let their hair down (literally) once the DJ got going and Vanessa was on top form Facetiming Phil showing him what he was missing out on, and it has to be one of the best New Years I have had and to then go back to the boat, and carry on the party and drinking - well it was gone 3:00am when we settled into our berths.

New Years Day and Shiela had to depart us for London - work to start the following day, so Taxi duly booked she was collected and then it was just Simon, myself and my Mum - we cruised in company from the Bridge Inn with Claire, Andrew, Simon and Sonia on their boats - they headed up the Ant and home and as for us? Well naturally back to Ranworth and Maltsters. We took a walk up to the Church and to the top of the tower where we saw the flotilla of boats coming in on their New Years Day Pub Cruise (I like the sound of that) and then I duly had a nose bleed - not had one for years - back down to sea level lol and prayers said it was back to be sinful at the pub.

They were doing food - but had little left on Menu - not to worry we got what we wanted and it was good too, met Rod who owns a boat that moors almost opposite us in the wet shed who had a few words of advice about bringing Independence to Norfolk since he is a Pilot on the Thames and previously captained some pretty large stuff so knows a thing of two about offshore boating. Back to the boat and we were all pretty drained and I think it must have been about 8:00pm and we were off to our berths.

2nd January and we departed Ranworth headed up to Sutton Staithe - this was because we could have stayed out longer but I had a call from the boatyard in Plymouth wanting to meet me and see what was what on Independence so I would have to get Broad Ambition back to the wetshed, come to London and the next day head to Plymouth - no rest for me then! But back in the present, the water was very high - when we approached Ludham I had Simon outside to give me a better understanding of what space we had under the bridge. The gauge showed 7ft 3" (we have an air draft of 7ft 7" with windscreen up) he said we could do it, and we all breathed in and sure enough we did with 2" spare but damn sight easier than lowering the sides, windscreen and canopy it was also experience that kept up dead centre as the walkways were well under water.

Now I had heard about this storm 'Eleanor' but it would not affect us - I was more worried about the south west and Independence so had not been keeping quite the eye I should on the local weather.  Having moored up we headed to the Sutton Staithe Hotel.  Now this is under another owner/management and - well you'd never know it when you walked in but please, do not let that put you off or cloud your judgment.  The Carvery is returning in January, and the menu has changed and we all ate there that evening and the food was really very good - far better than the last time I was there, so I think it is a case of slowly slowly does it as to progress.

To be honest having got there about 3:30pm, it was gone 8:00pm when we eventually left and the wind had got up.  Simon is then telling me about various weather warnings and so on, gusts of 70MPH down on the Cornish coast already and Norfolk would have its fair share too. I checked the lines and by about 10:00pm was in bed. At about 1:30am I was wide awake - what on the hell was going on outside!

From there on until getting on for 6:00am I was up and doing ever more things to keep us and the boat safe. First was to deploy a small lightweight fender that I tied on and had flat floating on the water to protect the portside waterline from the quay - which was only a few inches above water.  Waves coming up from the Sutton Broad were crashing into Broad Ambitions transom with such force the spray came in to our aft well.  The mast was all over the place so that was lowered, but still the wind grew stronger. Small branches were now coming down from the trees, large Reed 'islands' were finding their way up having been liberated from the side of the Broad and our canopy was doing it's level best at parting company with the sash side windows.  You see it has a combination press stud fasteners and Velcro to hold it down but the air pressure was lifting the entire side batten that has the felt part of Velcro on it (and which we lift out when taking down the canopy for low bridges etc) so I had to use zip-ties to attach to this and sash side handles to keep it in place.

I can honestly say it was the strongest winds I have ever encountered on the river and the gusts in the early hours around 3:30am were really at the worst. Still, we got through it ok with no damage to the boat whatsoever. By the time we needed to head back to the wet shed the wind had eased but we had the issue of the boat pointing the wrong way. I briefed Simon and my mum on what we would do - take the boat by hand on the ropes to the end of the moorings, this being away from other boats, and a wider point. Then I would take two bow ropes to the shore and a fender and Simon would use this as I let go of the stern to fend off the boat, and pay out line as the wind brought her stern around and thus with a bit of engine assistance turn the boat in her own length. It went perfectly and once we were pointing bow into the waves and wind on the Broad it was an easy departure and a short time later back to base.  

Only it was not that simple because as we came into Richardson's a boat was adrift and there were some staff making fast ropes on some others, a real chicane to get around and then I noticed the water was so high one could not see the broken down quay heading either side of the wet shed entrance. Mast down just to get in the shed - back in our berth we could all relax and begin our through clean up of the boat and make her ready for the next outing.

I had spent 11 nights onboard, the longest I have so far been on Broad Ambition, it was also the longest Shiela had been on the water but we both loved it and Broad Ambition has shown what a comfortable, cosy, warm and safe boat she is. I did not do any Blog, because this was our holiday but here are a selection of photos from our travels:

Even the older folk prefer phones and Facebook to talking...

Tight at Ludham Bridge

 

 

 

[Is It Just Me? Broom Boats Videos]

I think the problem is long long ago they (and other boat builders) would have used their boats on this stretch of river as they wished - after all it was commercial river back then too.

Times change, speed limits come in and it is argued that it would be unworkable to head all the way down river to the open sea or expanses of Breydon Water to trial their new boats, and so special dispensation as given. I get that but..

You then want to do nothing more than make a new video to promote your brand, and following on Fairline and Princess it has to have the local connection to skilled builders it must show their work in slow motion from sanding wood to cutting vinyl but then rather than showing the boats cutting through some nice chop with ease in blue water with a stereo typical bikini clap lady and her handsome man .

As you will see Broom show one of their boats speeding along the Yare - having shown a stereo typical well dressed man in smart shirt and his ''Norfolk lady' sipping some Pinot Grigio with a bowl of cheese puffs - but that folks is what Broom think is the target market they are going after: A regional Fiance Manager wearing some jeans and a check shirt with his school teacher wife from Sprowston (no offence meant but just what came to mind watching).

Now that is fine if that is the image they want to go for (though it makes me cringe and there are so many other types of boaters out there than those portrayed in such videos) but really did they have to do the speed scene on the river? No they were lazy. They could (and in my opinion) should have showed off what these boats can do - be it on Breydon but better still do the slow cruise, wine sipping happy could stuff on the river, then show the boats sea kindly hull tackle some chop off Yarmouth proving the boats true versatility.

They be allowed to do as they do, but one would have hoped they would have thought twice about the impact 'show boating' has on the banks of the river and what imagine it sets out to others.