sos247

Once again thank you for you kind posts & comments........i will click the "like this" button as soon as i can tomorrow but ive used my quota today! (Photo for Alan - JawsOrca for info) My apologies, but i just don't know what will happen at LB in the future....... Unfortunately, like many areas of the broads the flood defence line was moved back away from the edge of the river i.e. Its now behind the boatyard site......This causes major issues with the legalities regards to liability & responsibilities with the site, especially as its still technically the LB parish staithe.......!! This swap/change has basically allowed the authorities to legally pass on their responsibility on to whoever! Any new business at this site will now need to continue dealing with this issue, but I'm exhausted trying,,!! So even if i was 100% fit, i just can't see a future there.... We looked at various options of leaving the staff to run it etc but you then still need someone to sort the admin etc and its just not profitable enough.....lts just a small business, several local yard owners even commented that we did extremely well employing as many staff as we did, so we tried our best to make it work but health is just more important. During the last 6/7 years we have had approximately 20 odd 'pointless' meetings on site with the EA, including various letters from the Chairman (Lord Finsbury) plus the local MP etc. Whilst still trying to run a small business, we also had to deal with letters to & from Parish councils, plus various government authorities including Internal Drainage Board, EDF Energy & my favourite one, the BA! However, despite all of this and several 'promises' from some important people (some in writing) NOTHING was ever done to improve the site, or provide ideas to help longterm or at least assist with the navigation issues. Even last week Griff (Broad Ambition) had to stop work several times to help hirers navigate the bridge........and protect customers boats etc....During the boating season all the staff can be out helping hirers for most of the day!! This is all unproductive time that can not be recovered......... But it is great fun!!! Next year i'm positive we will miss this as its a very addictive & enjoyable place to be on a summers weekend!!!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. We are still aiming to enjoy this year with our friends & customers, (if the shed is still here after today!!! Its a bit windy!) Unfortunately i reached my NBN quota today on the "like this" button !!! So i will be back again tomorrow !! We still have plenty of work booked in and the guys are all very supportive so we just carry on now, but we can now look forward to enjoying the harsh Broads winter from maybe a pub window....... instead of a cold & draughty workshop!!! Thank you everyone!

Note to NBN ! Both myself & Sonia will be pleased to continue sponsoring the NBN for the foreseeable future, despite the changes with Lbby etc. We are also hoping to finally accept the many invitations for trips out on the Broads, and maybe i may even do some more sailing!! Thats only if I'm allowed to to enjoy some 'jibing' !!! (was only allowed to tack last time!!!! .........)

Just to keep our loyal customers & forum friends informed.... Sadly, at the end of this year myself & Sonia (my wife!) have decided to close the boatyard at LBBY..... :-( My health is not great due to a kidney disease and the hospital has signed me off, plus as some people may already now Sonia has a cancer which can not be cured..... Its a major decision to make and affects our very loyal staff, customers & suppliers but we had to decide. Obviously the lack of support from the BA, EA and any other authority involved at Ludham Bridge also had an impact on our longterm decision. We will continue as normal this year and we still have plenty of work to sort, however we will not be booking in any work for winter 2015/16..... We loved every minute of our time at the boatyard and despite a small business being a struggle, it was enjoyable, the Broads just has that likeable factor.....its also just a lifestyle..... Despite being born locally, it took me a while to truly understand why so many people travel to the area, but its just a great place to be. Thank you to everyone who supported us, and sadly its now just a case of watching this space to see what happens in 2016 at the boatyard site...... However at least people know the facts....

Oops i double posted is was still on my screen from this morning !! Sorry for confusion!! But the ps is extra!! Regards Jason Ps note Volvo did also use the "md22" model number twice over the years with different base units so thats causes extra fun now & again!!

The old Volvo MD22........ it was originally based on a BRitish Leyland petrol 2ltr block engine i.e the old Princess car had the petrols etc. Perkins had the contract to convert to diesel and this is why it was used in the new Rover Montegos, Sherpas etc. Advertised as the first diesel engine that would do 100mph & 100mpg....(not at the same time!) Perkins then introduced it as a marine engine Prima M50 50hp @ 3000 rpm Prima M60 60hp @ 4000 rpm Prima M80 78hp @ 4500 rpm Basically they didn't do well on various applications except when they were connected to an hydraulic drive, i.e. so no torsional or drive thrust got to the engine. This was mainly due to its very light flywheel, alloy head & lightweight design. It the Porter & HAylett contract they lasted reasonable well but just not as good as the Kubota units. Volvo then purchased the rights to everything related to the Perkins marine business and sold them via their worldwide network. Several modifications were done but they never really appeared on the inland waterways hire business. Also Andy its just reminded me that you still owe me a starter motor!!! I could do with this next year as i need sell this stock engine, its all ready to be assembled when we have a quiet spell!!...! Panks can supply one but as we already found out on the day you collected my one they are close to £400!!!! It has to be a marine unit as my stock engine stays standard and as it left the PErkins factory......keep me posted,mbut i did technically help you out on the day and saved you losing a hire, so hopefully you can sort this. bud. Regards Jason

Hi David (znwww5) Most people have answered with a great deal of information already but I just thought I would add in a couple of extra points. The Kubota based engine has performed very well on the inland water ways so they grabbed a large market share when the BMC 1.5 & Perkins were discontinued being used in the Uk/Europe due to emissions (new boats etc) We actually supply the Beta and if you want to see some being installed this winter just call by the yard I.e. Ludham bridge boatyard. (note - I'm normally about towards the mid to end of each week. However there isn't really a bad engine produced today it's generally poor maintenance , incorrect applications or incorrect drive lines etc fitted. A great deal of the design work on this mentioned Perkins Mc42 (104.19) was carried out by my myself & another Duffields engineer Mac Digman. I was the production manager for several years, however when Perkins decided to no longer be directly involved with marine engines the dealerships all changed, sadly the founder of Duffields died so everything changed. NBD were a big customer (Len Funnell) so they decided to purchase all the core castings etc plus now build them in Wroxham to keep their fleet the same (only a few each year) They hold most spares if you are in a muddle or the agent is a company called Diperk. The base unit however is not known locally as these were ' Shibaura' , but the company started in 1950 so you would expect someone to know about them! Parts books and manuals were all made by Perkins as they were hoping this engine it would replace the 4.108 at the time. Generally if an engine bay is clean, bilge tray empty of any oil, wires & pipe work all clipped up and neat etc. Plus some service history available etc, it would then a give a clue to how good/reliable the engine is......We know the Kubota based 2ltr engines can go to 16,000hrs BEFORE and major over hauls are done however, due to modern day parts & labour costs it's normally just worth buying new with a extended warranty etc. It just depends on what you what as a owner..... Hope this helps a bit more Kindest regards Jason LBBY / SOS 247

(Ref George who works at Ludham Bridge Boatyard) Just to let you know that George & his young lady Laura have successfully had a little baby girl yesterday! They have called her Lilly IIsabelle and she weighed 7lb 6oz. Some of you may also remember Laura as she often works in the New Inn on the bar. They had a stressful time but everything has turned out very well, and we don't believe it will be to long before Baby Lilly is at LBBY helping Dad cleaning the day boats, or driving Big TOW!! Good luck to all of them, and many customers have already pass on their best wishes. Well done you twoI

Myself & Sonia were bored on Saturday evening so we decided to visit the Malsters, hoping to some music i.e maybe bump into Sally & Bob or Hard Rain etc etc....but unfortunately nothing was on... So we will plan things next time!! The landlord i.e. Roy made us very welcome & we had an enjoyable evening.... I actually lived in the area from a young age, so it was good to see the pub busy on a Saturday evening. I can remember calling in on a regular basis but only ever for a quick drink whilst heading to Ranworth Hall County Club or the squash courts.....,(they were lively!) Saturdays out of season were normally very quiet at the Malsters, so its was good to see. Will be back there again soon......& may even treat the wife to one of those burgers mentioned!! Personally we would give it a miss during the season, due to all those Yorkshiremen at the bar!! i.e. Griff!! They normally all stand there with 'nearly' empty glasses, so its always a costly visit.... : Regards Jason

Its best to just be careful with 'new' cookers that are not sold via the 'marine industry'.... I spent many years looking at various cookers trying to find free standing replacements that were built for the 'old style kitchen' i.e. 50cm wide x 50cm deep...... Several are available...., however the warranty/hand books can sometimes state that they are NOT suitable for 'marine use' or 'use for below ground level'........ This can be a big problem regards Boat safety, GAS SAFE and RCD etc etc. So always check with supplier. Unfortunately modern day houses opted for 60cm x 60cm or 'built in' cookers, so the old boats which were designed with slim i.e. 50cm galleys have become problem to find good quality replacements. SMEV, Spinflo & Stoves are all decent makes however several of the old 'brands' we once knew are all now owned by only one or two big companies...... Personally i would only suggest new unless you know the history, plus also make sure the cooker/system is fully tested after its fitted etc. regards jason

Hello you two! It was good to catch up the other week & good to see you here!!! Regards Jason

It must be soon John ........you have both been looking for a while! Hope to see you when you are next coming past, how is the control?......!! All the best Jason

I just can't believe they decided to release you from the tower! Anyway guys that the last time I try & bribe anyone in life.....£105 wasted, I know it was only £5 each but thats not the point!.......... (sorry Lauren we let you down, maybe we can think of another way....)

Thankyou for concern ripadhcrew - yes, i woke up and had to take some pain killers....! Whilst waiting for them to work I had a quick peep at the forum!!! Please call in, it would be good to meet up. Regards Jason

Good to see you back Griff, another life story to add to the list. I hope the MTB102 is still in good order......!! You still missed a good party especially when the lovely Fiona went skinny dipping on her birthday........ See you when you are next down & take care Regards Jason

i bet Griff has a big smile.... This trip will be another one added to Griff's ongoing story list! Which I must say are quite entertaining....... However, the only thing that let his stories down are when he add things like - Two parrots sitting on a perch......one Parrot said 'can you smell fish?'............... His jokes are endless....... The MTB102 is a fantastic boat, it deserves to stay active for many years to come. Regards Jason

Just to say I didn't do anything! Martin & Charlie done all the work (rice was great! x) I believe the lovely good looking Fiona relaxed for the day and watched her helpers do all the work! I didn't even cut the grass, assemble the new BBQ or move all the boats off the moorings to make some space! Luckily I just asked George, Matt & Steve to sort this out !!!! I got away lightly however, Im still classed a sick & useless :-( However, I did clear up dog poo from the lawn but it all fairness it wasn't any of the big dogs I believe it must have been a tiny dog who was just making room for more food or was just in a hurry!!! Looking forward to the next one........! Regards Jason

A really enjoyable evening. superb food and Charlie worked non-stop. Thank you

After leaving the boatyard quite late tonight there were a few owners struggling to find their boats....... Im sure most will make it back to their boat to help sleep off any good quality wine consumed during the evening, but if anyone look 'lost' please just redirect back to the yard safely!! Some 'ladies' will be very grateful! As you can possibly guess we had another fantastic BBQ & party at LBBY (i.e. the lovely Fiona (29yrs old,) & proud owner of the Broom Classic "Malanka")...... The food tonight was superb, cooked to perfection, and presented with style............Must have been professionals for such a perfect spread...........(we are not saying who cooked it in order to avoid an ongoing 'big head' issue.....) Great night & thank you Fiona X, Charlie X, family & Martin (who did the cooking!) Also great music & vocals from Sally & Richard as always, with assistance from talented Geoffrey (CheshireCat) See you all again soon! Apologies I couldn't say later but health wasn't great..... Regards Jason

What happens at 50 posts??......... Do I win something!! lol

it may work......... but im not confident... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204154387713675&set=ms.c.eJxNysERgEAMAsCOHCIQkv4b05fed2cLN1QW015yc9Un06G0vwxSNHAIRbrnkLyn4wcihBHa.bps.a.10201611081052598&type=1&theater Griff is the one with the big head.... xx

They are some photos on FB I will attempt to link on here.....If thats okay with the NBN? The MTB102 is a FANTASTIC vessel and my next trip will be returning to Dunkirk with her next May 2015......... Its my life time ambition to visit Dunkirk and arriving on the MTB102 will a fantastic bonus but will no doubt be very emotional. Just make sure you look after her Griff and stay away from those engines, we all know you like to fiddle! Its good to see the NBN flag on show, its actually seen on a regular basis now. Regards Jason

Progress!!! i struggle to write a simple text now! Plus I often ring people when Im only trying to view their number....., just the slightest to touches it classes it as an instruction! Plus im starting to argue with 'Siri' more & more now!.......Im positive thats very close to a sign of madness when i'm arguing with my phone!!.....

I actually signed up for Tapatalk but unsure why I would need it at the moment.....? I guess I need to read what its all about...instead of just clicking on anything that appears on my new phone! Sadly :-( I ditched my Nokia 6230i (pressure from wife & family!) and moved onto a Iphone5S plus an Ipad, so just struggling with these at the moment! ;-) regards jason

a 'wing' engine plus the two main engines is very common however hull design is very relevant to this. retro fitting in a hull which was not designed for this engine lay out is a bit more tricky. A decent lottery will of course make the project completely viable, so just let me know when your numbers come up MM!! regards j