Definitions
Introduction
Within the database I have tried to use consistent terminology for the styles of the various craft - this has been difficult in certain 'grey' areas, such as when does a large launch become a small cruiser, but below are the basic definitions of the terms used throughout the database (click on each title to see the sub-divisions):
Motor Cruiser Designs
The term motor cruiser is used to include any craft which are engine powered and with sleeping facilities. Cruisers do not normally have a mast, however, this is present in some craft, but it is not used as a means of propulsion.
The different styles of Broadland cruisers
- Aft Cockpit
- The aft cockpit craft have the steering position in an open cockpit at the stern, this may have a fixed roof and sides, but never an enclosing aft bulkhead (see Sedan). A small number of designs additionally have a small cabin to the side of the cockpit, these are included in the 'aft cockpit' section. In some craft with a stepped sheerline there may not be any actual cabin structure in front of the cockpit, but the presence of the accommodation is usually obvious by the presence of portholes/windows in the fore hull, these are not considered 'sports cruisers'.
- Sports Cruiser - This is a specific type of aft cockpit cruiser, whereby there is hardly any cabin in front of the windscreen, or the cabin roof merges smoothly with the deck, usually without any front windows.
- Centre Cockpit
- The centre cockpit craft have a accommodation both forward and aft of the steering position. In some craft with a stepped sheerline there may not be any actual cabin structure in front of the cockpit, but the presence of accommodation is usually obvious owing potholes/windows in the hull.
- Forward Cockpit
- The forward cockpit craft have the steering position at the front of the craft, either enclosed within the cabin of the craft or separate in the front well. In more recent designs there might additionally be an open well in front of the steering position, but no enclosed accommodation.
- Sedan Style
- The sedan cruisers are a special type of aft cockpit, in which the cockpit is totally enclosed becoming an additional cabin which may or may not be outfitted for residential use. Many sedan designs also come as a flybridge version, hence the flybridge versions are included here rather than under dual cockpit designs.
- Pilothouse - This is a specific type of sedan cruiser whereby there is often no, or very little cabin in front of the windscreen.
- Dual Cockpit
- Dual cockpit cruisers have two steering positions, of which there are several common varieties
- Forward and aft cockpits
- Forward and centre cockpits
- Centre and flying bridge
- Sedan and flying bridge - the flybridge sedan classes are usually included with the sedan designs, rather than dual cockpit.
- Canal Narrowboat
- Although not designed for the Broads, these are becoming more popular. This section includes two main designs:
- True narrowboats: these are limited to 6ft 10ins beam, usually steel or aluminium, with a stern steering position controlled by a tiller rather than a wheel and usually without a canopy.
- Widebeam barges: these look like large 'narrowboats', but often up to 12ft beam. Sailing barges and similar are included under sailing craft not here.
The different canopy styles for Broadland cruisers
Most of the above styles can have different cockpit coverings, as follows:
- Car-type canopy
- The car-type canopy is wholly made of fabric, usually supported on a collapsing tubular metal frame. There is sometimes a rigid cover over the front of the cockpit, with only the stern fabric.
- Folding canopy
- Initially similar to the car-type canopy, the folding canopy has (usually) wood/glass sides (and sometimes back), with only the top made of fabric, usually supported on wooden beams.
- Sliding Canopy
- This is a rigid unit usually made of wood or fibreglass, running in grooved channels either side of the cockpit.
- Fixed canopy
- The fixed canopy as the name suggests cannot be opened, but is an integral part of the construction of the superstructure. There may, however, be a sunroof for ventilation.
- Hinged canopy
- The hinged canopy was popular on the older craft, and consists of a rigid roof supported on two or four columns, which hinged (usually) backwards to lie on the cabin roof when open. The sides are usually fabric, but can also be rigid.
Launch Designs
Launches are (usually small) day craft, normally without sleeping facilities, although this is one of the grey areas with otherwise identical boats having sleeping and non-sleeping layouts. They may be engine powered or self-propelled, but again not using windpower.
The styles of Broadland launches
- Aft-cockpit
- This is superficially similar to a small aft cockpit cruiser, but normally does not have any sleeping accomodation. The distinction from a Cuddy (see below) is that the cabin section should have an aft bulkhead on which the control panel is usually mounted.
- Bowrider launch
- The bowrider is a specific type of speedboat whereby there are two cockpits, the main cockpit including the driving position and a second one in front of the windscreen usually accessible through the centre of the windscreen (this class is still in development and many bowriders are still classed as speedboats)
- Cabin launch
- The cabin launch differs from the two styles above because the steering position is within the cabin. There is usually also an aft well, but without a steering position.
- Launch with cuddy
- The cuddy launch is another grey area, but basically it is an open launch with a small cabin (often with few windows) and importantly it is open to the stern, the steering position, although in the aft cockpit is usually mounted on its own pillar, not on a bulkhead.
- Open Dinghy
- The open dinghy is the most basic type of launch. There is no cabin whatsoever, although there might be a small deck over the bows. Internally the structure is limited to preformed, or bench type seats. If there is an engine, it is outboard or tiller steered. There are four main categories found on the Broads:
- 'Standard' - these have a rigid hull, usually with a pointed bows and a flat transom - most of the hire dinghies fall within this category
- Dory - again a rigid hull, but with a cathedral hull giving a much more rectangular layout with more space for passengers - these are favoured for fishing and as work boats
- Inflatable - these are made with a fabric hull (historically rubber) and sides consisting of air-filled tubes. There may or maynot be a rigid transom, but importantly the floor of the craft is fabric - if there is a rigid floor, it is made of removable slats
- RIB or Rigid Inflatable Boat - these are a development of the inflatable, specifically these have a rigid usually fibreglass floor and a rigid transom. It is often difficult to distinguish between inflatables and RIBs - if unsure, I include craft in 'inflatable'
- Open launch
- In contrast to the dinghy, the open launch usually has a proper control panel with steering wheel and additional seating. There may also be a rigid roof with open or fabric sides.
- Sliding-top launch
- This category covers two main types of launch, both with a sliding section of rigid roof over the steering position
- Speedboats with an add-on sliding cover - typified by the popular John Broom Scorpio
- A cabin launch with a sliding roof section - distinguished from a small cruiser by the lack of any internal bulkheads and no standing room in the craft
- Speedboat style
- Speedboats are distinguished by the presence of a significant foredeck and a windscreen. Note: they need not necessarily be fast. This category (together with bowriders) includes LSVs (Light Sports Vessels) which are becoming popular on the Broads for water-sking and wake-boarding.
Sailing Craft Designs
Yacht is used to describe any craft where the main power source is the wind, although they may also be engine powered. Sailing dinghies are again a grey area - racing versions are included here. Most of the craft found on the Broads are single-masted sloops, the Broads are too restrictive for any of the larger classes to be found as residential boats. A small number of craft have an additional 'steadying sail' mounted aft, but these are not dealt with specifically.
The styles of Broadland yachts
- Traditional Broads Yacht
- Although not exclusive to the Broads, this was the basic design of the majority of early 20th century craft. The mast is deck-mounted, immediately in front of the cabin which has a vertical front aspect. The cabin roof can often be raised when not sailing for greater headroom. Steering is from an aft well by tiller. The mast is counterbalanced to enable rapid lowering and raising. Most of the River Cruiser Class fall within this style, but additionally many of the hire yachts are not designated as River Cruisers, and are included here.
- Deck-mounted mast
- This category includes all the yachts with deck-mounted mast which do not fall within the above style.
- Cabin-mounted mast
- This category includes all yachts with the mast attached to the roof of the cabin.
- Sailing Dinghy
- Sailing dinghies here cover those primarily intended for racing, the leisure type which can also be rowed are included within launches.
- Half-decker
- Half-deckers are distinguish by the lack of any cabin structure, but with the inclusion of a significant foredeck (sailing dinghies do not have any significant deck area).
Sailing Rigs on Broadland yachts
There are a few 'junk' rigged craft on the Broads, but these are so uncommon, that the style is not dealt with separately.
Tour(boat)
Tour boats are designed to carry in excess of 10 persons either seated like a bus, or more open-plan like the floating 'bars'.
Work(boat)
The work category includes the majority of the construction craft used to maintain the waterways, together with an assortment of other non-leisure craft.
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