Broom on the thames

[oceanfroggie]

The long standing Irish Broom dealer had sent out a letter in the autumn announcing the end of their relationship and build difference was mentioned as a reason for the end of the relationship.

Our 38CL has served us well on our long coastal cruises as well as inland and very glad we didn't upgrade a few years ago. We didn't like the loss of the door from the port deck to the saloon, nor the bonded frameless windows. The build quality of the 90s and early 00s boats were superb when Broom family were running the operation.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The long standing Irish Broom dealer had sent out a letter in the autumn announcing the end of their relationship and build difference was mentioned as a reason for the end of the relationship.

Thats very sad. I must admit I didn't realise build quality was now an issue. Is the problem in fit and finish or something more fundamental such as hull construction or engineering?

 

[Frizzanti]

Hi All,

I have read some interesting stuff on here about the current Broom quality and I am very surprised and it obviously show's lack of true facts. Both my firend and I have new 370's which I have had since February and my friend since June. Obviusly being such a large investment I looked around at many brands before deciding on the Broom. How you can say the quality is not the same considering the same people are building the boats and they are using the same materials is quite amusing. My boat is beautiful and the attention to detail is outstanding. Both my friend and I are both over the moon and the only mistake we made was ordering single engine's. Although the single's perform well I would prefer the confidence of twin's for coastal work.

 

[TommieDee]

Hi All,

I have read some interesting stuff on here about the current Broom quality and I am very surprised and it obviously show's lack of true facts. Both my firend and I have new 370's which I have had since February and my friend since June. Obviusly being such a large investment I looked around at many brands before deciding on the Broom. How you can say the quality is not the same considering the same people are building the boats and they are using the same materials is quite amusing. My boat is beautiful and the attention to detail is outstanding. Both my friend and I are both over the moon and the only mistake we made was ordering single engine's. Although the single's perform well I would prefer the confidence of twin's for coastal work.

Frizzanti welcome to the forum.

I was on the 365 at SIBS a few years ago and the new 370 at SIBS this year. I thought that build quality, hull mouldings etc was up to usual broom standard but I had a perception that the quality of the broom joinery didn't seem as rock solid as older boats. However, that could just be the pale wood and contemporary design causing that perception. My 2006 39 KL has cherry joinery with lots of round edges and superb joinery skills evident. The newer boats 370 and 455 are going with a much more contemporary and modern interior (clearly on purpose to try to attract a new breed of buyer) but I just got the sense that the straight and square edges on all the joinery made it seem more factory machined rather than hand carved by some lad from Norfolk whose Dad and Grandad taught him the skills they learned working at Broom for generations.

To be fair, If the 370 interior was on a Sealine or fairline, I don't think people would necessarily comment on the build quality being inferior. IMHO it is a surprise for old broom owners to see the new style interior and it just doesn't seem as rock solid as the traditional joinery we are used to. But probably more a question of taste and perception, rather than true concerns about build quality.

Best of luck with the 370. It still looks a great boat in my view just too modern for me inside (and thats coming from a 38yr old!).

I agree with Noel Oceanfroggie that the side door access is so useful and am surprised they dropped this in 395 425 apparently because of bonded window design.

Back to the OP question, my advice would be to Try to find a 38CL at the right price. the Aft deck under canopy is so much more usable in british weather than 37. Much better river boat than the planning hull 37/39 and still a great sea boat. My 39 hull is the same and when crossing the Irish Sea in force 6 with an old salty pal of mine (Fairline 40 Owner) he was amazed how rock solid the hull was and said it was much more solid than his fairline (I know comparing planing with semiD here, but still a good accolade for 38/39 semiD hull)
Good luck with your hunting.

Tommiedee

 

[Whopper]

Having not been on a new Broom since the current owners took over the company I cannot comment specifically. I will say though that the older Brooms of the 80s and 90s interiors while not modern in style are arguably better quality than those of the 2000s (38/42cl etc.) and the current crop of models. The louvered doors etc. found in earlier Brooms are certainly of better quality than those in my father’s 38cl. Another nice touch on Brooms of the 80s were the curved stairways not seen since the 37/39 planing hull I think.

I know some owners specked the louvered doors as options and I've seen this on some 450s for sale. I think that people familiar with Brooms for a long time might very well feel that the new models are lacking in quality than what they are used to. That’s not to say that new brooms are necessarily bad quality. Just that they might not be of the quality they once were. I would be confident in saying that hulls, moulding etc. are of the same quality as before.


What Noel said about the Irish dealer citing quality issues as a reason for ceasing their relationship with Broom is true.

@Frizzanti: Personally I would opt for single engine myself for my type of cruising especially with rising fuel costs. If you have time we would love to see some pictures of your new boat.

John (24yr old Broom fan)

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

What Noel said about the Irish dealer citing quality issues as a reason for ceasing their relationship with Broom is true.

Can you explain that further? What sort of quality issues would be so bad that a dealer gives up selling a respected marque like Broom?

 

[Whopper]

Basically a letter was sent out from the dealer to customers announcing that they were ceasing their relationship with Brooms. Quality issues/declines were cited but nothing specific. Like everything I suspect there may be more to the story.

 

[Frizzanti]

Broom

Hi All,

I take in what everyone has to say and there are some relevant points. I think the main thing reference quality is based round time. In the 70's & 80's there wasn't the time constraints like there is now. The cost of labour is probably 50% of the total cost of build. All boatbuilders including the Fairline's & Sealine's are all finding ways to reduce time in build. Spray moulding is just one example. The thing I like about the Broom is that everything is still made in house. Their mould's are still man laid up and are as thick and strong as anything on the market. They do not rely on glue's to join the super & hull they are all bolted and glassed giving huge strenth to the boat. Seeing my boat in build gave me so much confidence. I agree there is far more wood in the older Broom but this has given way to allow for style and current fashions. I looked round a Princess at the show and I was amazed how much of the boat was made up of material lining rather than wood. Again it is style and image.