Hi all,

Having looked at countless boats over the last few months, I have today put a deposit down on a Birchwood 22. I am going to trial her next week and so would really really appreciate any advice on what to look for.

In summary she looks pretty clean, has a BMW engine (it that good? should it have a blower?), and all the basics. Did note that there is no panelling in the heads, but guess I could sort that fairly easily.

Assuming all is in order, I hope to bump into those of you on the Ouse...

Laz

You would be well advised to have a survey done... some insurers will not insure an old boat without a copy of a survey.

Check it has a boat safety certificate (if required on the Ouse).

If it is petrol, check for fuel leaks from engine fuel lines and tanks and make sure you use the bilge blower before starting.

Look at old posts in here re Birchwood 25s. They are really very similar and most mechanical advice applies.


Good luck!

Hi Ramage,

Thanks for the advice. The boat has a new BSS, not sure about getting a survey given the value of the boat though...

Looking at the instuments I didn't see a switch labelled "blower", would it be standard? There was no obvious smell of petrol when i have looked at the boat (twice) would this suggest no fuel leaks (or just no fuel ;<).

Laz

Hmmm, not sure if they are standard on 22s. They seem to be on all the 25s. Might be "Fan", "Blower" or "Ventilation".

25s have 2 shaped covers on the transom, one has a fan behind it. Not sure about the 22.



You can see them in this picture of No Regrets..

hi laz  i have a 22 1980 with volvo petrol and it has a blower fan fitted, iam on the ouse at earith where are you

Hi Capt. P, the boat is down the road from you at the Pike and Eel (Riverside Marine and Leisure). Hoping to test drive it next Sunday...so you might want to stay in your marina

Laz

hi laz hope to be down this weekend and going to the old  pound moorings now goba just past the pike & eel for a bbq with a mate he/s got one of  them freem-- i cant bring my self to say freem--

You know...

Seeing that piccy of No Regrets....makes me sad she's gone!  

We had nothing but good times aboard the old girl. I would thoroughly recommend a B25 for anybody who wants to enjoy a good solid simple boaty time without silly bills!

Well, not too silly...

It was the only one I could find that showed the bilge blower covers clearly.

Do you realise both our B25s have left the Thames?

Carli is on the Gloucester to Sharpness canal, and of course yours went oop North....

Silver Dragon's mast is now rewired and has Nav light & Anchor light fitted. The old wiring had totally had it!