Also for other Classic Cruisers
NEW information for ALL boat owners
For over 20 years Birchwood Classics has provided boat owners with copies of original brochures, the history of Birchwood and case studies on owner's projects. This enables it to also provide answers to owner's queries - no matter what type of boat you have.
It is associated with and exchanges information with the Birchwood company and owner's groups on social media. It collates info from the boating media and includes these within case studies designed to help boaters resolve problems. NEW list of Case Studies can be downloaded on last page of this website.
Registration
The register of Birchwood Boats is growing. Thank you to the owners who have registered.
To help cover the annual costs associated with running this information service NEW registrations will be asked to donate a minimum of £5. Existing registrations will be asked to donate a sum of their choice from 1 January 2022.
To join the register, please send your name and contact details together with your boat type and name, and where you moor and cruise to: john@birchwoodclassics.com
Owner's Manuals
Owner's Manual for your Birchwood
There have been enquiries about the availability of Owner’s Manuals. I have reproduced one for the 380, already delivered to a delighted owner, and have also revamped one for the 290. These were compiled using originals provided by Birchwood Marine. Subsequently I have prepared an Owner’s Manual for the Birchwood 25 and Birchwood 22. I am working on the Birchwood 29 and Birchwood 33.
The contents of each manual include various sections with useful information about the Birchwood covered. (For the 25, electrical components drawing included by agreement with Sheridan Marine for which many thanks).
The Manuals provide the opportunity for each owner to include specific information about upgrades or changes to your boat.
These manuals can either be provided as electronic copies at £20, or in a binder with space to add your own information. £30 plus P&P.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the above please email me. john@birchwoodclassics.com
Motor Boat Problem ?
Is the answer here?
ALL owners of motor boats have problems at some time or other with: engines and/or drives, glass fibre, gelcoat, propellers, electrics, windows, seals, catches, canopies, toilets, bilge water, heating, rubbing strakes, bathing platforms, steering, flooring, decking, seats, upholstery, roof linings. Many boats need total refurbishment or a refit.
Our archives contain information gleaned from the editor’s own experiences and those of other boat owners. They also include material collated from various boat owner groups on social media, articles from boating magazines and info from manufacturers and suppliers.
The info is presented as write ups headed as Case Studies or as individual reports. Each Case Study incorporates photos of work done by boat owners and a description of the work carried out. These are available, free of charge as a service to the boating community. A list of the ones available can be downloaded from the last page of this site.
If you want one, or more, of the above send your request to: john@birchwoodclassics.com
If we can’t provide it immediately we will endeavour to source it for you.
Useful Contacts
ASAP Supplies has over 30 years of experience delivering marine equipment and spares. With over 9,000 stock lines they are sure to have the parts you need.
Haven Knox-Johnston Boat Insurance
The following page will detail the discount offered to Birchwood boat owners by Haven Knox-Johnston, one of the most recognised brands in boat insurance. To obtain a quote see page below.
The information exchange between Birchwood Marine International Ltd and Birchwood Classics is ongoing. For info on new Birchwood Boats and the company's future plans go to the above website.
www.facebookBirchwoodOwnersGroup
Good info placed by Birchwood owners. Join for a social interchange.
W H Jones is the largest marina on the river Great Ouse. It has moorings, fuel, chandlery, brokerage, and generations of knowledge.
Spares & accessories as well as service manuals for the WaterMota Crossflow engine and the J-Type Marine Gearbox can be ordered from Sheridan Marine.
The Great Ouse Boating Association represents boaters on the river Great Ouse. Membership gives access to moorings and magazine.
"A bad day on the water is better than a good day in the office."
Name Badges 5th April 2021
Birchwood decal Red
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
The original decal in red, available as a pair. These are vinyl, self adhesive badges that you apply yourself.
Simple instructions are provided.
A pair of 2 badges is now £22 + £5 P&P. (£10.50 for postage outside UK)
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
Blue or black decals - as shown here - have also been ordered by many owners. Only 2 sets of the black ones available. Let me know if you want me to re-order.
Birchwood TS decal
Birchwood decal Blue or Black
Birchwood logo on a boat
This is the logo for the TS34, 37, 44, 49 and 54. This decal is being reordered and the new ones will be 23 inches long (585cm).
£25 a pair (TBC) + £5.00 P&P. (£12 for postage outside the UK.)
Birchwood logo on a boat
Birchwood logo on a boat
Birchwood logo on a boat
This is how the new decals look when they are placed on an owner's boat.
Excellent quality and easy to fit.
Another Birchwood logo
Birchwood logo on a boat
Another Birchwood logo
Here's yet another logo. This one is on a Birchwood 330. (Not available.)
What's on your boat?
And another
Birchwood logo on a boat
Another Birchwood logo
The different logo styles on Birchwood boats is probably due to changes in ownership.
This one's on a Birchwood 410.
Birchwood Burgee April 2021
Burgee
The Birchwood burgee, shown here, is 30 x 20cm (12"x 8") triangular burgee in white with the 'Birchwood' logo silk screened on. It supplied with rope and toggle hole. (No toggle on latest supply) (Photos of the burgee flying on owner's boats can be seen on the Birchwood Owners facebook pages.) The price is £18 each + P&P of £5.00. (Overseas posting at £10.50.)
To order and for payment details send an email to: john@birchwoodclassics.com.
NEWS: There is a possibility of an embroidered burgee being offered. Any interest?
Birchwood Classics . . . April 2021
Birchwood Classics & Classic Cruisers
This website not only provides information to owners and admirers of Birchwood boats but also to owners of similar Classic Cruisers. Leaflets or information on the Birchwood boats built over the years can be obtained on request to: john@birchwoodclassics.com
The site is constantly added to and updated to provide useful information, owner's images and case studies. These include renovations, updates and problem solving. The products and companies mentioned are for boater's information and use.
Background
John Pridmore owned his 1979 Birchwood 25, 'WildGarlic', with his family for over 26 years. As you can see in the caricature on the opening page, time on it was enjoyed by family and friends.
John published the Birchwood Classics Newsletters in the late 90's. These were developed through the good graces of the boating media, Birchwood Marine International, Alex McMullen of MBM, and owners and boating enthusiasts who provided information and support.
John has original source material some gained from his visit to the original factory in Huthwaite, Sutton in Ashfield and subsequent meetings and discussions over the years with the different owners of the Birchwood Boat companies and experienced staff at marinas, brokers and chandlers. He is in regular contact with the present owners of Birchwood and the Birchwood Owners group on facebook. Also with the production manager from the original company's. John was editor of GOBA News, the magazine of the Great Ouse Boating Association, when he won its first award. He still contributes articles. He regularly contributed to MBM, and Anglia Afloat. He exchanges information with, and recommends, the online magazine, MotorBoatOwner.co.uk as well as Motor Boat & Yachting and Practical Boat Owner.
Birchwood history & Marques
The Birchwood company has had a turbulent time and a variety of names. The original company was called the Birchwood Boat Co. The name came from the house where founder Ted Andrews built his first boat. (John is in contact with Ted's daughter and Birchwood's production manager)
In the late 1960’s the Birchwood Boat Company was a prolific builder of cruisers. It had started with ski boats and moved onto 16ft to 20ft boats. The company's most significant build period was in the 1970s with the 22ft, 25ft and later the 27ft and 29ft cruisers suitable for inland and estuary. In the 1980s the company went into production of larger cruisers, the 31, 33, 35 and 37.
Birchwood 16 - also called Gemini and built in association with INTERGLASS
Birchwood 18 - also called the Continental.
Birchwood 22's - originally called the Interceptor Junior - approx 1,000 built 1970 to 1980.
Birchwood Interceptor, renamed the Birchwood 25 in 1975, 1,500 built 1968 to 1980.
Birchwood 27 Countess, 100 between 1980 and 1984.
Birchwood 29 Senator or Sedan, over 200 built between 1976 and 1983.
Birchwood 31 Commodore, nearly 100 between 1981 and 1984.
Birchwood 33/GT33 (later called Viceroy) was originally known as the Newport 33. In 1973 the Birchwood 33 Series II was launched.
Birchwood Sportsman 33 with aft cockpit and flybridge was introduced in 1976.
Birchwood Viceroy 33 succeeded the above in 1980. Same hull but different superstructure and layout. Over 300 33's were built from 1973 to 1982.
Birchwood 35S/Sportsman 35 was introduced in 1978. These are stretched versions of the 33. The Sportsman 35 has a flying bridge.
Birchwood 37 President, 60 built between 1981 and 1984. It was superseded by the TS37.
Birchwood Regent 48. 20 built.
(References: Alex McMullen, Birchwood Marine International, MBM, Jones Boatyard.)
Later models are included in the 'The history of Birchwood'. Request a copy from: john@birchwoodclassics.com