On the last weekend of August Broom Boats had a launch weekend for its new models the Broom 455and Broom 370. Over 200 guests had the privilege of viewing these boats for the first time and travelled from all over the UK to do so.

The Broom 455 is a one of the larger Broom models in the range (48 feet) and is the “specialised big brother” of the best selling Broom 450. It is a spacious model with a three twin cabin layout (two with en-suite) and upper deck seating that can fit as many as ten people (great for entertaining, much like the aft deck BBQ).

The Broom 370 is now the smallest of the Broom range (38 feet) but it still has a lot to offer. One of the most interesting options on this boat is the three engine choices, double Volvo engine for pure speed, single Volvo engine for a nice compromise between economy and speed and a Nanni hybrid engine that can run on electricity for 4 hours, leading to savings on diesel. Both of these models incorporate Broom’s new beautiful signature design feature; the panoramic transom window.

Want to view these models for yourself? Then you should go to the Southampton boat show, pontoons M234 and M235, from 10^th-25^th September.

Broom boats originally created boats for the gentry of the Norfolk for the exploration of the Norfolk broads; it was founded in 1898 by Charles J Broom.  In 1912 broom boats had their first major development; they started to produce and hire boats for visitors to the Norfolk broads. How innovative and cutting edge Broom has always been is shown through how they were one of the very first companies to put internal combustion engines into their boats. Broom boats continued to build even through tough times; most boatyards were forced to shut during the Second World War but because of Broom’s high quality they were asked to build ships for the British Navy. This is when Broom perfected techniques for optimum production. Another notable contribution Broom have made to boat building is they were the pioneers in moving the main material for boats from wood to fibreglass, this was in the 1960s.  

Broom boats are a company that has offered only the best quality boats for over a century; the companies standards have never wavered. However although you may be aware of their skill at building boats you may not know all the great services the company offers aside this. They are constantly developing their boatyard and work site at Brundall in Norfolk to try and give their customers the most comprehensive range of service facilities possible. A recent advancement is that all mouldings and developments are done on site; this means everything is carried out under one roof leading to a more comprehensive overall build of boats. Furthermore this means that they are able to carry out extensive maintenance and repairs on site, so if you were to have any problems with either a new Broom boat (during the adjusting period where all new boats have kinks to be worked out) or need help with an older Broom boat you can take it right back to the original craftsmen.  Another improvement Broom boats has developed recently is they acquired G H fabrications for their new division to expand their stainless steel fabrication. G H Fabrications is a well respected company that supplies the best boat companies in Norfolk and Suffolk. Broom boats created a new factory for this development which will include their own fabricators. When buying a new boat you can make choices about details such as fabrics with Broom’s interior designer (upholstery in general is yet another service Broom offers). Overall there is much more to Broom Boats than just their long history and reputation, their outstanding quality and dedication is part of everything they offer including the many services. If you are a Broom boat owner you may want to join the Broom owners club; if means you can talk to others with knowledge and passion for Broom boats.

If you are considering buying a broom boat for sale then you might be interested in the changes the company has been making. Martin Broom, the grandson of Charles J Broom who founded Broom boats in 1898, decided to sell the ownership of this company as none of his family members were willing to take over and Martin is now in his 70s. He has stayed on as president but in July 2010 the company that been family owned for 112 years was sold to two Norfolk base investors; Mark Garner and Akis Chrisovelides who became chairman and chief executive. Just 6 weeks after they acquired the company they shocked many by stopping the building of all Broom boats. Thankfully in October 2010 they announced that they would be starting up production again and claimed the break was so there could be a complete business review and reorganisation. During this time they also appointed new dealers of Broom boats, the Norfolk yacht agency and Thames boast sales of Bray. They have made many other changes since and have designed many new boats for Broom, keeping them a company with the best quality but also up to date in a competitive market.

The Broom 425 has to be my favourite Broom boat; it may not be the biggest or most extravagant boat their range offers, but it definitely offers enough luxury for me. It manages to do a lot with the space it has and there are different variations of the layout. You can opt for a more spacious guest cabin or more seating, demonstrating the attention to detail that makes me a loyal Broom customer. What really sells this model to me is all the small things really, the whole saloon and galley have lots of frameless windows (creating a modern feel) and large skylights, creating a bright and spacious atmosphere. Also the beds in the forward cabin can be pushed together or pulled apart depending on who’s staying. Another feature I like is the small dining table and chairs outside, an outside meal on a sunny day is always a pleasant experience.