27-30 ft, single engine, river cruiser? ideas?

dash300 said:
Simon is a first class Surveyor and really loves his job, as well as boats in general. He is also one of the Hardy Owners Club committee members.
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Spent some time with him on Saturday and he is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable... Really quite positive report too... Let's see what Monday brings :-)
 
Well its done... big decision made, boat found, Surveyor given her a good going over, dropped her back in the water and tested her out, deal struck and now the proud owner of a BIRCHWOOD 25... chuffed to bits :-)

All we need is to name her.... ummmm...
 
Yes, well done! Great choice of boat, they handle the river so sweetly.

You'll learn reversing quickly enough, it involves ignoring the steering whilst going astern, and only using the rudder with quick bursts of forward propulsion (whilst still going backwards!) to keep the course you want! Often the only way out of a marina if it's too windy...
 
No Regrets said:
Yes, well done! Great choice of boat, they handle the river so sweetly.

You'll learn reversing quickly enough, it involves ignoring the steering whilst going astern, and only using the rudder with quick bursts of forward propulsion (whilst still going backwards!) to keep the course you want! Often the only way out of a marina if it's too windy...
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She has a 1.8 Mermaid diesel on shaft and is a little louder than the freeman but once it warmed up after a few minutes settled down nicely and poottles along at river speed at only 1200rpm..
are there ways of sound deadening without interfering with air movement in the engine bay... although I am sure the air around the engine doesn't cool her, it still needs to breathe??
 
hembuck said:
She has a 1.8 Mermaid diesel on shaft and is a little louder than the freeman but once it warmed up after a few minutes settled down nicely and poottles along at river speed at only 1200rpm..
are there ways of sound deadening without interfering with air movement in the engine bay... although I am sure the air around the engine doesn't cool her, it still needs to breathe??
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I have 2 of those on mine and it is one of the reasons I rarely use the inside helm position. The Mermaid conversion of the BMC is very good and parts are all still available and cheap.
The only problems I have had have been the hoses and now all are replaced. I had a Freeman 22 for many years and sold it to friends and it is immaculate. The little ford just purred but diesels just rattle. Sound deadening will help a bit but you will never get the quietness of a petrol unit. Chertsey Meads Marine are the Thames BMC gurus and whilst looking like a scrap yard they are very helpful and will forage around to source anything you need. Always liked the Birchwood 25 although never owned one. Struck me as a good roomy box.:)
 
Well after all the fantastic advice, support and cajoling I have landed my Birchwood 25 at Bray Marina. Looking forward to giving her an epic clean this weekend and attending the BCC barbeque on the 14th so I may submit my application :-)
Chuffed to bits and looking forward to seeing you all out there... Thanks to all of you who have guided me so far.. Yippee!
 
Birchwood 25 eh? Great boats - had one of those myself as our first boat and a surprising amount of space for their size, good choice with Bray marina too, a lovely place to keep a boat. We came there many years ago simply because the boat we purchased was on the sales pontoon there and liked it so much that we've never left.

Look forward to meeting you at the BBQ on the 14th, if not before in the marina.
 
What a day! Started going through what was left on the Boat when we purchased her and filled 11 sacks of Waste.. Have found a solar shower with hanging cubicle and some bizarre other items which I shall bring along to the BBQ..
Other than that just a thorough clean up inside cabin... Now for Cockpit Sunday. :-)
 
Does anybody know where I can purchase a device to open the water tank cap on the aforementioned Birchwood 25 ? It has a groove in the cap and two tiny pin holes? Didn't get one with the Boat.. :-(
 
Try pacer marine in Aldershot (they have an ebay shop) and are much cheaper than the Thames based companies
Don't forget to check the deck filler is still connected to a tank and the water system hasn't been "improved" by any previous owners
 
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