Broom Models

The successor to the Broom European and similarly intended for the continental market, the 10/70 had a solid keel which kept it in a straight line even at a crawling pace, making it ideal for the inland waterways.

Inside the layout is similar to the European, with the galley forward to starboard. The sliding doors from the saloon to the side decks have been deleted allowing for a U-shaped sofa. In the master cabin the twin berths were replaced by a centreline double.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo’s, ranging from 105HP to 220HP, although a typical configuration was twin Volvo TMD41A (150HP each). Offshore, boat trim was improved by fixed or adjustable trim tabs.

The baby of the Broom range, the 29 is a medium powered displacement cruiser designed mainly as a river boat but with a capacity for estuary cruising. Produced in hard top or soft top format, the 29 is popular on the Broads as well as other river systems with restricted air draught.

The compact accommodation provides a double cabin forward as well as an occasional single berth in the saloon sofa. The roomy aft cockpit doubles up as living space with the provision of a good quality canopy.

The standard single engine for the 29 ST is a 35HP 4.150HE Nanni diesel, although larger engines up to 62HP are also possible.

Sharing the same round-bilged GRP hull as the Ocean 30, designed by Mr R.M. “Rip” Martins who was a naval architect, the Broom 30 is distinguished by its midships wheelhouse saloon, with sliding doors on both sides. The superstructure and interior were designed by Mr Martin Broom and four pre-1968 boats had a mahogany superstructure and teak-laid deck, after which time the construction was all GRP. Wooden uprights in the forward windscreen and wooden wheelhouse door frames were also phased out in later models.

Most people are surprised by the spaciousness of the interior, which provides four single berths in two cabins, a wheelhouse/saloon with a convertible settee and sunroof, two bathrooms and a ‘corridor’ galley. Some boats have had a helm position retro-fitted to the aft cabin roof, behind the wheelhouse/saloon, increasing air draught to 9ft. The ‘Skipper’ variant of the Broom 30 was produced with a soft-top and hinge-down windscreen and sides to the wheelhouse/saloon to give an air draught suitable for the Upper Thames, the Broads and other cruising grounds with low bridges. On these models, the wheelhouse is smaller, with a larger saloon and galley aft.

Engines are mostly Perkins 4-cylinder diesels ranging from 35 to 70hp in either single or twin configurations. The difference in top speeds between these is only about 1 knot.

Believed to be the immediate predecessor to the Broom 30, the Bosun shares a similar round-bilged GRP hull but the decks and superstructure are entirely timber, and the interior has a significantly different layout. In addition, the Bosun has a (now) classic sliding saloon roof and sides, rather than the fixed, upright saloon of the Broom 30.

It is believed that 3 of these boats were built – one for a private owner and two for the Broom hire fleet.

Engines are a single Perkins 4-cylinder diesel of 35hp.

The Broom 30 Coupe was a revival of the popular Broom 29, a medium powered displacement cruiser designed mainly as a river boat but with a capacity for estuary cruising. Aimed at the entry-level market, the 30 is ideal for the Broads as well as other river systems with restricted air draught, and was also introduced as part of the new Broom Boating Holidays fleet in 2013. An optional hardtop was introduced in 2014 with a retractable canvas roof and bonded windscreen with opening inserts. 

The modernised accommodation provides a double offset berth forward as well as an occasional single berth in the saloon sofa. The open aft cockpit makes good outdoor socialising space in fine weather and there is an all-weather upholstered seat on the coach roof. Interior and exterior styling has been given a contemporary feel in keeping with the new Broom DNA, introduced under the new ownership by designer Graham Warren. 

The 30 comes with a 60HP Nanni diesel, with the option of a bowthruster for additional maneuverability .

A popular and practical river boat, examples can still be found to hire on the French canals.

The interior layout packed ample accommodation into a modestly sized boat, with the double en-suite owners cabin aft, a forward twin berthed cabin with separate shower and toilet, and three further convertible berths in the saloon.

Normally fitted with a single engine for river use, bow thrusters were sometimes added to aid maneuverability, and in some cases, like for the ’83 Southampton Show boat, twin Perkins 4108s were installed.

The Broom 33 was intended to strengthen Broom’s presence in the seagoing medium-size cruiser market and bridged the gap between their well-reputed river boats and their larger sea-going models. It represented a popular entry level boat in the Fast Offshore Range, although it has since been discontinued for a larger model.

The interior layout could be offered with or without an interior helm, the latter option providing a more spacious saloon. The aft cabin makes the best use of space by fitting the double bed diagonally, and still retains separate shower and WC cabins.

The standard engines for the Broom 33 were twin 100HP Volvo TMD31Bs but as these only gave a top speed of 12 knots the 33 was more typically fitted with the more powerful 180HP or 200HP Volvo TAMD41/As for offshore cruising.

Introduced as the Broom Ocean 34, the boat was later rebadged as the Broom 34 to strengthen the Broom branding. Designed as a combined inland and coastal cruiser, the Ocean 34 features the wide decks and folding windscreens typical of the range. However some models, built without a radar arch and with a folding mast for the navigation lights on the coachroof, were clearly not intended for extended offshore passages.

With the same interior layout as the 35CL, the 34 could be fitted either with a forward V berth or dinette, in addition to the well specified aft master cabin and deck saloon. A sliding door from the saloon gave access to the side decks on the port side.

34s were typically fitted with single engines such as the Perkins 135HP for river use, but could also house twin Volvo 130HP or Yanmar 140HP for coastal cruising. 

Based on the same hull as its flybridge cousin, the Broom 34 Sedan is a single level cruiser ideal for inland waterways which is still popular on the Thames and the Broads.

The interior layout draws more on the earlier design of the Broom 35 Sedan, with an offset double forward. Some versions had a galley and dinette, whilst a second bunk cabin was also an option, plus the large deck saloon and aft cockpit. A sliding door from the saloon gave access to the side decks on the port side.

34s were typically fitted with single engines such as the Nanni 4.220HE 50HP for river use, but could also house twin Volvos up to 130HP for coastal cruising. 

Designed by Andrew Wolstenholme, the 345 was the smallest model in the Offshore range. The enclosed cockpit provides a sheltered seating area, and there is all round deck access with only a slight incline to the stern. The early models had a “wrap-around” front windscreen and side windows, although later models reverted to the more traditional GRP framed windows.

The interior layout is similar to the 35 CL, with the staircase to the aft cabin on the port side and the ensuite toilet and shower sharing a combined stall to starboard. Forward, the second heads is opposite the galley and also serves the forward V-berth guest cabin.

Typical engine configuration for the 345 is twin 220HP Mercruisers or 230HP to 250HP Yanmars.

The Broom Captain was introduced as a more spacious version of the standard four-berth cruiser and at the time offered a new standard of comfort and convenience. The central wheelhouse had either a fixed or hinged wooden canopy, or one of folding canvas.

The so-called stateroom was forward with two single berths in an L-shaped configuration – later converted to a double on the port side by some owners. Bathroom facilities ran only to a basin and toilet, but a shower was added later in some models. The saloon provided two further berths and the galley ran across the aft of the boat. The open cockpit seating area was a special feature and set the tone for future designs.

The Captain was fitted with a single Morris engine and also came complete with a 12ft sailing dinghy.

The 35 Coupe marked a return to building boats optimised for the inland waterways with the low air draught ideal for exploring inland. The customisable layout features movable furnishings and the bi-fold doors link the spacious saloon with the aft cockpit. A two-way seat on the aft deck adds to the boats flexibility. 

The accommodation features a comfortable double island-berth cabin forward, with a choice of either a second, bunk cabin, a lower galley, or an extended saloon layout. The deck saloon sofa contains a pull out sofa bed for an occasional additional berth and access to the side decks is provided by a port side sliding door next to the interior helm.

The 35 Coupe was offered with a range of engines from 60-360hp (single or twin) to suit a variety of boating requirements on river or sea. 

The 35 European is one of the earlier models to utilise the, now classic, Broom layout of forward guest cabin, midships saloon, aft owners’ cabin with en-suite toilet and shower, and the helm on the aft deck. The galley, partly open to the saloon, and a second toilet are between the forward cabin and saloon.

All boats have an internal helm on the port side of the saloon and can sleep from five to seven people, depending on layout variations and the size of the people, with two or three single berths in the forward cabin, two singles in the aft cabin and a single or double on the convertible settee in the saloon. In addition to the door onto the aft deck, the saloon has sliding doors on both sides giving access to the side decks.

Most earlier boats were fitted with twin Perkins H6.354 diesels of either 115hp or 145hp, the latter being turbo-charged, whilst some had 120hp Ford Mercrafts. Most later boats, from 1978(?), were fitted with twin 140hp Volvos which, because they were taller, required the saloon floor to be raised several inches with a consequent change to the saloon roof, which is noticeably more ‘cambered’ on these later ‘Mark 2’ boats.

Based on the same hull as the 35 European, this boat has an entirely different deck and superstructure. Two versions were made, both with an aft cockpit; one a single level cruiser, and the other having a flying bridge, which was enlarged on later models. Although these are both popularly known as the 35 Sedan, it is now thought that the Sedan label originated with the single level model, and the flybridge version should properly be referred to as such.

Two forward cabins provide twin v-berths and a side-accessed double, whilst another double can be made from the convertible settee in the wheelhouse/saloon. With so much space taken by the cockpit, there is only room for a single bathroom alongside the galley. There is an interior helm in the wheelhouse/saloon and another on the flying bridge.

Most boats were fitted with twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesel engines. Later boats had 150hp/185hp range 4 turbo Perkins, giving a maximum speed of 21 knots.

Developed from the 35 Sedan, originally for B.A.Peters Ltd. of Chichester, this boat retained the aft cockpit of the Sedan but has a substantially different internal layout and flying bridge.

The master cabin forward has a large central double berth, a second forward cabin to starboard provides twin bunks, whilst another double can be made from the convertible settee in the wheelhouse/saloon. With so much space taken by the cockpit, there is only room for a single bathroom forward of the galley. There is an interior helm in the wheelhouse/saloon and another on the flying bridge.

Standard engines were twin Volvo TAMD40B 158hp diesel engines giving a maximum speed of 25 knots.

Like all of the models in the Coastal range, the 35 CL is designed to be equally at home cruising inland waterways or making serious sea passages, with the hinge-down mast helping to give the boat a low air draft.

The en-suite aft cabin is fitted with an island double, although in some models, the fore cabin has been laid out as a four person dinette. The deck saloon sofa can be converted to an occasional double berth. Alternative access to the side decks is provided by a port side sliding door.

The 35 CL is fitted with single or twin engines, providing 62HP to 340HP depending on intended use.

The 36 was part of the fast offshore range with a planing hull but without a keel, making it a fast boat for offshore passages but still suitable for inland cruising.

The interior layout makes the most of the limited space with an offset double berth in the aft cabin as well as separate shower and WC cabins. The deck saloon has to double up as the dining area, with steps down to the galley, forward heads and guest V-berth.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo’s, typically 220HP.

Introduced for 2006, the 365 is the new entry level model in the Offshore range. The Andrew Wolstenholme design has a medium ‘V’ planing hull with a shallow keel which allows higher cruising speeds whilst retaining good low speed handling. The folding radar arch gives flexibility for inland cruising. Easy step access on both sides of the transom and Broom’s customary wide decks make the 365 a safe boat to handle and continued improvements in deck design maximise outdoor seating and socialising space.

The deck saloon is the centrepiece of the interior accommodation with a U shaped settee to starboard and a single seat forward on the port side. A large double berth is provided in the en-suite master cabin aft and twin V berths in the forward guest cabin.

The 365 is normally fitted with a choice of Volvo’s D series engines from 225hp to 330hp, in single or twin engine configuration.

18 inches of additional beam over the 37 Crown gave the Broom 37 a significant increase in interior space. In addition, the move from a semi-displacement to a planing hull typified the increasing popularity of faster offshore cruisers.

The comfortable interior layout includes a double cabin aft with separate toilet and shower cubicles, U-shaped saloon settee, galley level dinette, and twin forward berths. Earlier models retained the internal helm, although this was often removed by subsequent owners to give more saloon space.

Engine configurations ranged from twin 225hp Ford or Perkins installations to the punchier twin 306hp Volvo TAMD61s.

With a reputation as immensely sea-worthy and bringing together all the key layout features that have characterised Brooms boats ever since, the 37 Continental can fairly be said to be the grandmother of “Aft Cabins – Forward Thinking”!

Twin v-berths in the forward cabin and two singles in the aft cabin provide permanent berths for four, whilst the settee in the saloon converts to another double berth. All boats feature interior and exterior helms and have sliding doors on both sides of the saloon giving access to the side decks.

Power is almost invariably provided by twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels.

Successor to the successful Continental, the Broom Crown was based on the same hull, but had a restyled superstructure and a significant change to the layout.

Twin v-berths in the forward cabin remained, but the aft cabin enjoyed a centreline double, whilst the settee in the saloon continued to provide an extra double berth. All boats continued to feature interior and exterior helms and sliding doors on both sides of the saloon giving access to the side decks.

Later Crowns replaced the longstanding Perkins engines with 148hp Volva Penta TAMD40As or 158hp TAMD40Bs.

Introduced in 2011, the 370 was the new entry level model in the aft cabin range. Based on Andrew Wolstenholme’s design for the 365, the 370 has a medium ‘V’ planing hull with a shallow keel which allows higher cruising speeds whilst retaining good low speed handling. The folding radar arch gives flexibility for inland cruising. Easy step access on both sides of the transom and Broom’s customary wide decks make the 370 a safe boat to handle and the extension of the cockpit in line with the transom maximises outdoor seating and socialising space. Bonded windows and a saloon skylight give the boat a light and airy feel. 

The contemporary interior features a port side chaise and a pop up TV, with extensive stowage hidden inside as well as beneath the teak galley floor. The master cabin aft enjoys panoramic views from the enlarged rear window and a boutique style washroom with counter top sink and avonite surfaces. The forward cabin is offered with a choice of V or double offset berth. 

The 370 was normally fitted with a choice of Volvo’s D series engines from 85hp to 660hp, in single or twin engine configuration.

Designed by John Bennett, the Broom 39 was a very comfortable sea going boat and, in common with the Broom 37, its wide beam gave it spacious accommodation for the length. As with the 36, introduced in the same year, the 39 positioned cockpit seating at the edge of the deck, maximising the usable area.

The interior layout includes an island double in the aft cabin with separate toilet and shower cubicles. The inclusion of a dinette opposite the galley and on the same floor level gave a comfortable dining area that converted into a further double berth. Twin ‘V’ berths in the forward cabin had ensuite access to the forward head/shower. An internal helm was not standard, although it could be added on the port side of the saloon if desired.

The 39 was designed with twin 200hp Volvos as standard although by the end of its production cycle 370hp alternatives were being offered to achieve the top speed of 30 knots.

The 395 was the successor to the 39KL, extending the bathing platform by a further half metre to allow for rear access steps on both sides, as has proved successful on the 425. The 395 also has a large aft cockpit similar to the 450, with full width seating and access doors on both sides.

The interior layout is based on the 39KL with a choice of either the dinette layout or the 2+2, with an enlarged forward cabin and a larger deck saloon. Decor and joinery style on the first 3 builds was based on the 425 with a more modern style introduced by the in-house design team from build 4.

The 395 was offered with single or twin engine installations. Fuel capacity on the 2+2 is increased to 2x 605 litres to allow for extended cruising.

The 39KL is the successor to the popular Ocean 38, with an improved bathing platform with built-in steps. The name change to KL emphasises the good handling provided by the keel. The 39 followed the example of the 42 CL in using the narrow “eyebrow” style side windows and a black frame for the front windscreen.

Interior design follows the traditional layout of aft master en-suite cabin, with separate shower and toilet. The split-level living space offers a deck level saloon, and a galley and dinette area forward, before the standard V-berth forward cabin.

The 39KL is normally fitted with a single 135HP engine if intended mainly for river use, and twin 260HP Yanmars for offshore cruising.

The 39 2+2 is a variation on the 39KL providing two ensuite cabins and an extended deck saloon.

The dinette is removed, and the additional space is given over to the larger forward cabin and a bonus utility space, which can be used for a washing machine, a generator and additional stores.

Intended mainly for extended periods of cruising, the 2+2 is normally fitted with twin 260HP Yanmars and larger fuel tanks for longer range.

A member of the offshore range, the 41 was based on an extended version of the John Bennet designed Broom 39 hull, and was one of the first models to feature the full width aft deck with seating incorporated into the dodgers, giving a very large outside living area on one level. The 41 also broke with tradition by dispensing with the internal helm position, relying on the sheltered cockpit for an all-weather steering position.

Interior space is maximised on this model by keeping the walkways between cabins to one side. The original layout had a large galley and a breakfast bar, but in 1997 the option of the galley level dinette was introduced and this layout proved to be more popular. Both versions feature a large master cabin aft and a guest cabin forward, which on later models was often a second double

Engine configurations could be twin Perkins, Volvo, Iveco or Caterpillars upward of 300HP each.

The 415 is a popular model in the Offshore range, designed with full planing hulls for fast offshore cruising. The all-round transom seating of the 415 maximises the aft deck space and there are built in steps for access from the transom.

With the shower unit moved to the port quarter in the master cabin, the staircase can be moved further to port, giving a larger saloon space to starboard than on the similarly sized 42 CL. The standard layout is for a galley and dinette, although on some boats the dinette has been removed to make a larger forward guest cabin. The forward head has double doors allowing it to be accessed as an en-suite from the forward cabin or from the main cabin.

Typical engine configuration is twin Yanmar diesels from 260-440HP.

Built exclusively for the Emerald Star line on the river Shannon these spacious cruisers were used in the hire fleet, transferring to Le Boat when they took over the business in 2007. Designed to maximise accommodation, the Shannon class could sleep up to nine people if the saloon was also used. 

The master cabin forward has a large central double berth, with its own large shower and toilet, whilst a further double and separate twin cabin aft also benefit from ensuite facilities. A single cabin is tucked under the helm to port and a further double can be made from the convertible settee in the wheelhouse/saloon. There is an interior helm in the wheelhouse/saloon and another on the flying bridge.

All boats were fitted with a single 75hp Perkins 4236/M90 giving a comfortable river cruising speed of 7 knots.

The 425 combines the best of the 415 and 42CL providing a boat capable of both fast offshore and inland cruising. The design incorporates the dual aft steps from the cockpit, which proved popular on the 365 and 450, as well as modernistic frameless windows. Teak decking on the bathing platform and transom steps is provided as standard.

Internally the 425 concentrates on comfort for guests as well as owner, with a larger forward cabin with a dual purpose bunk which can be configured as twins or a double. The influence of Broom’s in-house design team can be seen in the internal styling with owners given a wide choice of upholstery options.In common with other recent models, the 425 favours Volvo’s D series engines and can be supplied with a single 370hp D6 giving a top speed of 18 knots, or more usually with twin engines ranging from 225hp to 440hp.

The 42 CL was the largest boat to date in the coastal range, capable of combining a fast cruising seaboat with one suitable for European inland waterways. The 42 was the first boat to introduce the modern style “eyebrow” windows and also used a black frame for the saloon windscreen, giving it an all-in-one look. The easy to operate “pram hood” canopies were also introduced on this model.

A more spacious version of the 39 KL, the 42 CL has the trademark aft master cabin, deck saloon with sliding door access to port, the galley and dinette on the lower level, before the second heads and forward V-berth cabin. As with the 39KL, the dinette table can be lowered to convert into an occasional berth.

Typical engine configuration is twin 350HP Yanmar diesels.

The 430 debuted at Dusseldorf 2014 and was a development of the popular 425. The boat used the latest finishes and technology in a proven semi-displacement hull which performed well at sea and inland. Twin transom steps and wide decks make for easy access and practicality and there was the option of a hardtop with retractable canvas roof. 

Internally the 430 has been radically updated and looks more like a boutique apartment than a boat. The saloon was offered with layout options as well as a choice of fabrics and either a contemporary or classic design style. The aft cabin features an innovative athwartships bed and a chaise longue, beneath a panoramic transom window. The port side washroom features a translucent sliding door and rain-maker shower. The versatile V-berth in the forward cabin comes as standard and easily converts from a double to a twin. In common with other recent models, the 430 favours Volvo’s D series engines and could be supplied with a single 370hp D6 giving a top speed of 18 knots, or more usually with twin engines ranging from 225hp to 440hp.

The 44 was produced as a Hardtop with fixed doors aft of the helmsmans seat, and also as the Mediterranean, which had a standard removable canopy and an open aft cockpit. In its day the flagship of the Fast Offshore range, the 44 combines a vee hull for fast offshore passages with a skeg keel providing good handling qualities. The bathing platform is integral to the hull but the access to the deck is still by stainless steel ladder at this time. The 44 is distinguished by its rectangular portholes forward and aft.

The large deck saloon was laid out with lounge seating aft on the port side, and a dinette on the same level but forward on the starboard side. Steps lead down to the port side galley and forward heads. The standard layout was for an island double in the forward guest cabin although in some boats this was replaced by V-berths. The large third cabin was fitted with overlapping twin bunks.

These boats were fitted with a variety of twin engine configurations between 185HP and 220HP including the Ford Sabre 420L as well as Caterpillar or Volvos.

As with the 415 the 450 maximises aft deck space by using all-round transom seating. The built in steps on both sides of the transom give access directly to the side decks, with gates each side to enter the cockpit area.

Interior layouts reflect the owners priorities and intended use. The standard layout provides for a very large deck saloon, with a third side cabin with two single berths. The alternative is to have a dinette area on the same level as the gallery and delete the third cabin. The forward guest cabin is fitted with an island double as standard, although in some boats twin V-berths have been preferred.

Typical engine configuration is 318HP-500HP twin diesels from either Caterpillar or Volvo.

The 455 was a development of the successful Broom 450 but only one was ever built. In build when Martin Broom sold the company in 2010, it was completed for Norfolk Yacht Agency.  

The entertaining space provides seating for 10 with convertible sun loungers and a built in barbecue and maximises aft deck space by taking the cockpit seating to the transom. The built in steps on both sides give access directly to the side decks, with gates each side to enter the cockpit area. Three seats at the helm can be separately configured to face forward or backwards for practicality or sociability. A quick release two part hood protects the cockpit area. A hydraulic submersible bathing platform is available as an option. 

The saloon layout reverses the traditional saloon/dinette arrangement, with the dinette immediately to port on entering from the cockpit, and a raised saloon seating area to starboard forward. The standard arrangement is for double en suite staterooms forward and aft, with a third twin cabin to starboard forward. 

Typical engine configuration is 318HP-500HP twin diesels from either Caterpillar or Volvo.

The Broom 50 OS reverts to the enclosed cockpit design, with full walk round decks, although all-round transom seating is offered as an alternative.

The standard interior layout is a large deck saloon incorporating lounge and dining seating on the same level, with steps down to the galley. This allows for a third side cabin, as well as an en-suite double guest cabin forward. In some boats, the third cabin has been deleted and a large dinette fitted at the galley level instead.

The 50 OS is fitted with transom mounted silencers which discharge engine exhaust underwater, greatly improving sound proofing.

With the same interior layout options as the Broom 50, the 530 has an extended transom bathing platform which can be used to carry a tender.

The 530 is produced as the AC (Aft cockpit) model, which has an enclosed cockpit with walk round side decks, or as the AD (Aft deck) model, which has a larger open deck.

Like the 50 OS, the 530 is fitted with transom mounted silencers which discharge engine exhaust underwater, greatly improving sound proofing.

The 9/70 was designed to give the maximum possible space in a 32 footer whilst still providing a safe sea boat with the traditional good handling qualities of Broom craft. A slightly more compact version of the 10/70, the 9/70 was based on a John Bennett hull, with the superstructure designed by Andrew Wolstenholme, who also worked with Broom’s own design team to provide the interior layout.

The aft cabin has a double bunk against one side, and incorporates an en-suite shower and toilet. The forward cabin was fitted with V-berths as standard although this could be replaced with a second double if preferred. Adjacent to the galley, a forward toilet served for day use and for guests. The design retains the twin helm positions, and as with the 10/70 there is no sliding door access to the saloon.

The standard specification provided for twin 62HP Volvo MD31s although a more typical configuration for river and coastal use was twin 110HP Volvo TAMD30As.

The Broom Admirals were originally built for the hire fleet in the 1950s and were according to Broom’s brochure a ‘great favourite amongst discerning hirers’. The bridge has a collapsible canopy roof and windscreen with the raised floor giving the helmsman an unobstructed view.

The original layout featured a twin cabin forward, an actual bath in the forward heads, with a further double berthed stateroom forward of the cockpit. A further single cabin and toilet are situated just aft of the cockpit. The rear saloon seats eight in comfort and at the aft of the boat comes a well equipped galley complete with electric fresh water taps. Safe wide decks run round the boat, a design feature that Brooms continued throughout their range.

The Admiral was fitted with a single Morris Commodore engine in 20 or 40HP and when hired came complete with a 14ft mahogany sailing dinghy.

Designed by John Bennett, the Broom Monarch combines a fast offshore cruiser with an easy to handle boat for inland cruising.

Interior layout offers a degree of customisation with the forward cabin fitted with either the traditional V-berths, or a large double berth in the centre. The aft end of the boat can have either a large en suite owner’s cabin, or a smaller double cabin and an extra twin.

Typical engine configuration is for twin Ford Sabres between 200-225HP. The Volvo TAMD60c was also fitted as an alternative.

Primarily a river boat, the confusingly named Ocean 31 is still popular because of its low air and water draught giving it flexibility on river systems. The displacement hull gave it good handling capabilities, with the low cruising speed proving no disadvantage inland.

The interior layout packed ample accommodation into a modestly sized boat, with the double en-suite owners cabin aft, a forward twin berthed cabin with separate shower and toilet, and the option of a convertible double berth in the saloon.For river use the standard single engine installation was more than adequate, with a 55HP Volvo Penta MD22L or the 78HP TAMD22 a typical choice.

Based on the same hull as the Broom 37 Continental this boat has a significantly different superstructure and changes in the interior layout. Outside, the decks run all round the boat at one level.

Inside, the forward cabin is larger, made possible by moving the galley, now ‘corridor’ in format, to one side of the saloon towards the stern. The layout of the aft cabin varies between two single berths each side or one double berth accessed from one side. In contrast to the Continental and Crowns, there are no side doors between the saloon and the side decks.

Most boats were fitted with twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels. Some were fitted with 175hp Perkins, giving a slightly higher top speed.

The 38 was designed by Andrew Wolstenholme to bridge the gap between Broom’s Offshore and Coastal ranges, resurrecting the hugely successful semi-displacement Broom and Ocean 37s. Equally at home at sea or on the inland waterways the 38 incorporated a good size keel which protects the rudders and propellors, gives good steering at slow speeds and has the added advantage of allowing the boat to take the ground in drying harbours.

The wide beam allows for the usual spacious Broom aft cabin, with en suite toilet and separate shower stall, a raised deck lounge plus dinette at galley level. A compact forward V-berth provides comfortable accommodation for occasional guests, with a second toilet adjacent. A sliding door to port provides access directly to the side decks.

The 38 was available with a single 135HP Perkins diesel for displacement speeds, but most boats were fitted with twin Volvo or Perkins engines between 135HP and 265HP each.The

Ocean 38 was renamed the Broom 38CL towards the end of its life to strengthen the Broom branding and bring it in line with the rest of the Coastal range.

The Ocean 40 was one of Broom’s rare flybridge models, incorporating both the amenity of an aft cabin with the raised steering position of a flybridge and the open aft deck.

Inside the layout is similar to the traditional aft cockpit models, with a good sized deck saloon, a full sized dinette at galley level and V-berth forward cabin. The forward heads has a double door allowing use as an en-suite or from the main cabin. An island double is fitted into the aft cabin by positioning it diagonally in one corner.

Typical engine installation is twin Volvo 306HP TAMD61A.

Interior layout varies in detail depending on what was specified when new. All boats have a large aft cabin and two forward cabins although in some later models the forward V-berth was replaced by an island double, allowing guests to be accommodated in some comfort.

Some boats do not have the interior helm position, prefering instead to make the most of the large deck saloon. In most cases a ‘corridor’ galley, reminiscent of the Ocean 37, leads to the en-suite owners aft cabin, although some models had a separate staircase to port.

A variety of twin Volvo diesels were fitted during the production life, varying in power from between 200 and 300hp, which had a corresponding impact on performance.

Originally designed as a successor to the Admiral Class for the hire fleet, only one Saxon 40 was ever built. Since new the Broom family themselves used the boat every summer whilst taking part in regattas around the Broads. Reluctantly sold with the hire fleet in 2004, the Saxon 40 has undergone extensive improvement to bring her up to private boat standards.

The interior layout builds on the Broom 30 design, with a central wheelhouse equipped with folding windscreens for minimum air draught. Aft, a large living space incorporates the galley and saloon, whilst forward two cabins provide double and twin berths. With a third single cabin amidships, and the option to convert the saloon to a further twin or double berth, a maximum of seven can be accommodated on this versatile cruiser.

Based on a 40 foot Aquafibre hull and fitted with a single 55HP BMC engine, the Saxon is designed and optimised for Broads cruising.