Broom Ocean 42

[BIG_PLANS]

We are think of selling up and living on a boat, what is the general view of the older style (1980's) Ocean 42. Firstly as a boat and then suitability of live aboard. There are a few for sale at the moment, some are completed by Aquafibre later completed by Brooms. A Broom dealer has told me that the Aquafibre boats are better fitted out although the Broom fit seems alot more expensive. Views and ideas please. Just to fill a few more details we need to have an air draught of less than 11ft 6inches, so most fly bridge cruisers are out.

Mike

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[danielbroad]

My Dad spends all summer cruising on his 1989 Ocean 42 and we've been to stay many times. Loads of space and he has all the mod-cons.

Its not the fastest thing around but very stable and the whole thing folds down to get under bridges.

You may also want to ask this on the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.broomowners.com>Broom Owners Club Forum</A>

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[ChristianR]

Hello there! Not too many Broom owners around these parts I'm afraid. Hope you've thought long and hard about selling up and living aboard.

Come across a few Ocean 42 owners who spend long periods of time on their boats and heard no grumbles. The boat certainly is an ideal size for living aboard with enough space for comfortable living and storage also space for washing machine etc.... A boat of this age should ideally be taken out of the water every year or at least every 2 years to help reduce osmosis, so you will need to make provision to stay elsewhere for these 3 or 4 months.

You will have to tell us a little more - are you intending to travel or remain static, do you intend to use at sea or river? What level of experience do you have?


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[BIG_PLANS]

We plan to live on the canals in Yorkshire, hence the air draught. But to travel during holidays and weekends. Have been boating for 7 years, and prior to that 7 years as a mate on container ships.
I agree the boat is large inside and seems to fit. I have never heard anyone mention that the boat should be out to dry out every year or so. Interesting point.
Not bothered about speed 14 knots cruising is fine. Brooms seem to be be built like brick toilets compared to other marques.


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[jimg]

My neighbour in the marina is selling his, if you would like me to put you in touch then PM me

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[Greg2]

We have an Ocean 37 - excellent boat and very well built. The 42 is even more spacious and is reputed to be an excellent seaboat. If you go to the Broom Owners website there is a link to a site run by the owners of a 42 who keep a electronic log of thier extended cruising.
Personally I wouldn't worry whether it was fitted out by Broom or Aquafibre - they are associate companies and Brooms tell me that the same staff fitted out boats at both yards in the late seventies/early eighties.
Know lots of boats that age that stay in the water all year round - seems to be a matter of opinion whether you lift out or not - we plan to do it every other year.
Not sure of thier suitability for canals though - very high freeboard.

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[BIG_PLANS]

Freeboard not a problem as we are both 400 years younger than the average Broom owner, or so it seems!!!!!! LOL

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[miket]

Brooms used to offer epoxy coating from new on the underwater sections. This should eliminate any osmosis problems. Personally don't think this likely to be a problem anyway.

I too know a couple of people who go extended cruising (Baltic and Holland mainly) in Ocean 42's. Very comfortable. Just bear in mind that the early ones are 20+ years old now so expect a regular replacement programme.

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