Birchwood Owners

[ll2simo]

Hi i'm just wondering about buying a birchwood sportsman,35 foot,flybridge.its 1982,twin ford bedford 150hp.just wondering if anybody has any info about the boat,or things t look out for with it or current market value etc. any info or feedback would be a great deal of help!!

 

[byron]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi i'm just wondering about buying a birchwood sportsman,35 foot,flybridge.its 1982,twin ford bedford 150hp.just wondering if anybody has any info about the boat,or things t look out for with it or current market value etc. any info or feedback would be a great deal of help!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I owned a B35S back in 1979/80 fitted with Ford 150s she was OK driving into seas but had a mind of her own in following seas. They didn't build that many, I think mine was number 10.

Now the crunch. One day in 1980 I arrived back at Hamble from Cherbourg at about 2am in the morning. Once secured I went to bed but heard the bilge pumps constantly whirring. On investigation I found just forward of a propellor that a piece of wood had penetrated like a spear.
9 am next morning she was lifted. It was found that something like the corner wood of a tomato box had been thrown upwards and speared the hull.
The Insurance Company sent a Surveyor who was appalled at the lay-up of the hull. They paid me out but told me they would not wish to insure that boat again. I sold it to a dealer, I couldn't bring myself to sell it on to an unsuspecting person.

Now! it may be I had a bad one and others had a thicker hull but you asked, I answered. I personally wouldn't put to sea in one again.

Just out of interest, what is the name of the boat?

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

>>>
9 am next morning she was lifted. It was found that something like the corner wood of a tomato box had been thrown upwards and speared the hull.
>>>

Eeek! You are not kidding about iffy layup.

 

[mokjumbo]

Hi,first post on here so be gentle please.I`m thinking of buying a Birchwood continental 18.Can anyone tell me what to look for,and are they a good handling boat for canal use?Thanks.