Boat Mart September Preview

OVER £250 WORTH OF OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES TO BE WON HUNDREDS OF BOATS FOR SALE - SEE INSIDE

Incorporating Boat & Yacht Buyer ONLY £3.50

September 200

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.uk

BUDGET BOATING

PAGES AND PAGES OF ADVICE TO HELP YOU GET AFLOAT WITHOUT SPLASHING THE CASH

MONEY SAVING TIPS BUY YOURSELF AN AFFORDABLE CLASSIC KIT YOUR BOAT OUT AND SAVE CASH SAFETY AFLOAT ON A BUDGET

SEPTEMBER 2009

INSIDE YOU CAN BUY A BOAT FROM £200

RESTORATION DIARY

FOLLOW THE RESTORATION OF A READER’S CRUISER

FREE PSP SOUTHAMPTON SHOW PREVIEW ■ NEW BOATS & KIT ■ GREAT TICKET OFFER ■ SHOW MAPS & EXHIBITOR LISTINGS ■ WHAT TO SEE

AFFORDABLE BOATING!

ALL THESE BOATS WILL COST YOU UNDER £5,000!

OLYMPIC 400DC - DOES THIS AFFORDABLE FAMILY BOAT BEAT THE COMPETITION?

Editorial Editor: Jane Rickard Email: EditorBoatMart@Boatmart.co.uk Art Editor: Mark Hyde Contributors: Peter Caplen, Angela Clay, Simon Everett, Adrian French, David Greenwood, Susan Greenwood, Colin Jones, Phil Pickin, Irving Stewart, Ted Tuckerman, David Webber

GET A FLOAT FOR UNDER 5K

Advertising Tel: 01223-460-490 Jody Bratley: Group Sales Manager Tel: 01223-444-087 Senior Sales Manager: Samantha Broome Sales Executive: Claire Broadmoore Private Advertising Queries: 01223-460-490 Designers: Flo Terentjev, Sarah Hughes, Ben Ingham

Production Studio Manager: Sal Law Production Controller: Anthony Gibbons Tel: 01223-460-490 Email: copy@cslpublishing.com

Subscriptions Subscription Hotline: 01223-444-081 Fax: 01223-315-960 Email: subscriptions@cslpublishing.co.uk Managing Editor: Keith Moody Managing Director: Sue Baggaley Web: www.boatmart.co.uk

Published by: CSL Publishing Ltd, Alliance House, 49 Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HX Tel: 01223-460-490 Fax: 01223-315-960 © 2009 CSL Publishing Ltd CSL Publishing also publishes All At Sea, Sports Boat & RIB, Jet Skier & PW and Boat & Yacht Buyer magazines.

FIND YOUR DREAM BOAT

PAGE 150

OLYMPIC 400DC

Printed by Garnett Dickenson Distributed by Comag Specialist Tavistock Road, West Drayton UB7 7QE DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will however investigate any written complaints. CSL prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warrantee and makes no representation as to truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. CSL accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relied either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. The advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not contravene any Act of Parliament nor is it in any way illegal or defamatory or an infringement of any other party’s rights or of the British Code of Advertising Practice.

For artistic purposes lifejackets are not shown in all of the photographs. Boat Mart strongly advises that lifejackets are worn at all times for watersports.

COPYRIGHT No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher. Photocopying or other reproduction without the publisher’s permission is a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs.

This magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper

26

BOAT MART FEATURES BUYING ADVICE OLYMPIC 400DC ............... 26 A truly affordable, trailerable family boat.

CHEETAH RACE AHEAD ... 31 We catch up with Cheetah Marine and their impressive, fast growing business.

BUYING USED ................... 36 Spotlight on the Beneteau Flyer 650 Open, plus using the surveyor’s report.

40 101

WHAT CAN I BUY? ............ 40 Staying with the affordable theme, our budget this month is £5,000, plus we’ve lots of handy boat buying tips.

GET HITCHED ................... 46 We test a VW Golf, plus buying a towcar.

CAMBRIAN BOATS ............ 53 They are the UK’s foremost Rinker dealer, but this isn’t all they have to offer boaters.

EQUIPMENT TOP GEAR ........................ 56 Reviews, news and equipment buying advice.

ANGLING

PRACTICAL TECH TALK ..................... 113 How much technology do we really need on our boats?

PRACTICAL MONTHLY .... 114 New kit for DIYers, plus maintenance jobs for the month.

READER STORY .............. 121 Kicking off Steve Elliott’s new monthly restoration diary.

PROJECT NO.94 ............. 125 Step-by-step guide to refurbishing your electric toilet.

PRACTICAL BOATING ..... 135 How to keep your crew safe - for free.

COMPETITION ACCESSORIES BUNDLE .... 59 We’ve a mega bundle of goodies from GO Outdoors worth over £250 to giveaway.

BOAT MART REGULARS

DINGHY WORLD

97 99

LIFESTYLE CLASSIC CORNER ............ 79 How to find yourself an affordable classic.

PSP SOUTHAMPTON 2009 PREVIEW ................. 82 Your complete guide to this upcoming show.

DINGHY WORLD ............... 99 Get afloat and have fun for under £1,000.

ANGLING GUIDE ............. 101 Why September is the best month for angling.

A QUESTION OF BOATS .. 109 How much do you really know about boats?

DIARY DATES ................. 111 Spotlight on The Broads Green Boat Show, plus events for the coming month.

BOAT MART Q&A .............. 66 How to kit out your boat on a budget.

INSHORE SKIPPER ........... 71 You can save money on your boating by anchoring where possible.

ELECTRONICS MADE EASY ...................... 75 How you can have your electronics without breaking the bank.

Throw Us A Line ............... 09 Newsline ........................... 15 Mystery Boats ................... 22 Subscribe ......................... 80 Courses ............................ 138 Boats & Yachts For Sale .. 150 Classifieds ...................... 166 Next Issue ...................... 176 Cover image supplied by Southwater Marine, advert on p12

BUYING ADVICE

WHAT WILL £5K BUY YOU?

tlight in a different price bracket, we spo the types of boats available to buy at s look t. art boa a Stew g ing Irvin buy th dy mon rybo ry Eve rmation for eve we have lots of buying tips and info plus s, buy t bes ent curr the of e som

SMARTWAVE 3500 How about a little boat that hails from New Zealand - the land of those totally mad Kiwi people who brought us bungee jumping, white water jet boating and, of course, provided the stunning setting for the Lord of The Rings trilogy.

The Smartwave 3500 is a roto-moulded polyethylene boat built to be unsinkable, unbreakable and able to take the abuse metered out by those who launch boats off cliffs or by throwing them down slipways from the back of ‘utes’. Imported

by Marine Revolution the Smartwave 3500 will tackle serious seas, plane on a mere 15hp and is guaranteed to induce an inane grin to even the most hardened sailor. With built-in stowage, a centre console and able to do a whole day’s boating on a single outboard tank this little boat has won countless friends since its introduction a few years ago.

Complete with an equally bombproof 15hp Yamaha and road trailer you can buy this boat for a fiver under this month’s budget!

Marine Revolution: 01382-552-555 / www.marinerevolution.com

AFFOR DABLE BOATING!

RIB-CAT 380

AFFOR DABLE BOATING! 40 I September 2009 I Boat Mart

Inflatables have always been a great way to get into boating, but an inherent disadvantage has always been the effect of contact with water, even if they have the latest air-decks or aluminium decks.

However, by employing a little lateral thinking the traditional ‘soft floor’ inflatable can actually provide a superb ride and stacks of on-board space when it takes the form of a catamaran.

The Rib-Cat 380 is built from .9mm 1000Denier polyester fabric coated with PVC. It’s light, easily stowed and incorporates two large sponsons (or tubes0 under which are two small tubes on which

Please mention Boat Mart when replying to advertisements

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BOAT BUYING

LINDER SPORTSMAN 355

What Else You Could Buy… Here are some more boats we spotted in a recent issue for around £5,000.

SECOND HAND

AFFOR DABLE BOATING!

2008 VALIANT 340 with Mariner F15 from The Wolf Rock Boat Company - £4,495

PREDATOR 165 from Ash Marine - £4,999 2005 ORKNEY 16FT LONGLINER with 8hp Honda & trailer from Ash Marine - £5,500 SEARAY 180 CB SPORTS BOAT & trailer from Parkway Marine - £4,950 1977 SHETLAND FAMILY FOUR MK1 with 15hp Honda from Shetland Boats - £4,999 1991 FLETCHER 17 Arrowbeau GTS Classic with 4.3Ltr MerCruiser & trailer from Northern Powerboats - £4,995 KIN’ NEW BRAND SPAN

The epitome of a good small boat is one that does everything you ask, is safe, easy to handle and store and yet requires little maintenance. There are literally hundreds to choose from in a multitude of styles from which to make a choice. However, one of our favourites is the beautifully made and finished aluminium Linder Sportsman 355.

This little boat weighs in at a mere 79kg, can be rowed, powered by a silent electric outboard and will plane all day long on an easily carried 8hp outboard. Whether you want to explore your local river, relax with a rod over the side or use it as a tender the Linder 355 will oblige. At a mere £1,850 this little boat, or one of its larger siblings, will last you a lifetime.

BHG Marine: 01590-613-600 / www.bhg-marine.co.uk

the craft actually planes - thus the deck never actually touches the water when under way. The Rib-Cat is extremely stable, turns on a sixpence and will take a whole family (or three large adults) with ease.

Depending on the performance you want, the boat will take outboards up to 30hp, but for family use 15 - 20hp is more than sufficient.

A Rib-Cat will set you back about £1,895 and a 15hp outboard can be found for around £1,700, so the whole package is

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under £4,000. That means you could lash out on safety gear for everyone, fuel and even a weekend away without spending our whole budget.

Motorcats: www.motorcats.com

SEAPRO 4.7M SPORTS RIB with 40hp Mariner & trailer from Bill Higham Marine - £5,499 YAMARIN 42 OPEN from E.F. Snelling & Son - £5,894 TERHI MORE FUN with Yamaha F15 & trailer from E.F. Snelling & Son - £4,149 CORSIVA 430 CLASSIC with Suzuki 8hp from Boroughbridge Marina - £5,295 CORSIVA 470 CLASSIC from Dolphin Boats - £5,200 WALKER BAY 310FTL with 20hp Mariner & trailer from Northern Powerboats - £5,499 RMATION FURTHER INFO ■ The Wolf Rock Boat Company: 01548-855-751 / www.buyarib.com ■ Boroughbridge Marina: 01423-323-400 / www.bbmarina.co.uk ■ Ash Marine: 01392-877-800 www.ashmarine.co.uk ■ Northern Powerboats: 0114-261-1222 www.northernpowerboats.co.uk ■ Parkway Marine: 01202-745-568 www.parkwaymarine.co.uk ■ Dolphin Boats: 01692-580-055 www.dolphinboats.co.uk ■ Bill Higham Marine: 0161-790-7678 www.billhigham.co.uk ■ E.F. Snelling & Son: 01485-210-381 yamaha-outboard-sales.co.uk ■ Shetland Boats: 01359-235-255 www.shetlandboats.co.uk Please note offers and prices are subject to change.

Pictures are representative only and may not be the actual boat for sale.

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Boat Mart I September 2009 I 41

EQUIPMENT

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING… GREASE

At one time grease was just grease, not anymore, grease is now a technical product manufactured for a specific purpose, and any grease suitable for marine use must have additional properties such as good water resistance.

There are many applications for lubrication aboard marine vessels, and choosing the right product is essential.

For example, trailer wheel bearings require grease that gives good pressure and corrosion resistance as well as having the ability to perform at high temperatures without becoming too thin. For this application, choose grease that is specifically designed for the purpose that will provide maximum protection.

It must be stable at high temperatures and give good water and corrosion resistance to your wheel bearings. There are many products on the market specifically designed for this purpose. Grease for other marine uses such as outboard steering swivels and hardware, engine operation cables and items not under extreme pressure can be less of a problem.

A general water resistant marine grease from Duckhams, such as Ramanol, or a Quicksilver product may provide the best option; there are many other specialist manufacturers of marine grease.

Whichever you choose, read the label carefully as unsuitable grease will not provide the protection you need for specialist requirement areas. A tried and tested product made for a specific purpose will.

60 I September 2009 I Boat Mart

WEB REVIEWS - FIRE EXTINGUISHERS � Aquafax: www.aquafax.co.uk There are just two fire extinguishers available

� Marine Scene: www.marinescene.co.uk There are a couple of fire related products

at this site, both for less than £20. � Aqua-Part: www.aquapart.co.uk There’s just one small extinguisher here, but it’s under a tenner. � Marine Parts Direct: www. marineparts.ie You have a choice of five products here all for under £100 and for different types of fires. � Duncan Yacht Chandlers: www. duncanyacht.co.uk There are two automatic fire extinguishers here, but the price is higher at over £245. � Sea-Screw: www.seascrew.com There are a few products to choose from here, plus the site shows you what’s in stock.

here including an interesting ultra compact extinguisher. � Seamark Nunn: www.seamarknunn.com The best choice of extinguishers that we’ve come across, plus the prices are good too. � TCS Chandlery: www.tcschandlery.co.uk Not a bad selection for you here, and there’s a fire blanket too.

Check out www.boatmart.co.uk for the very latest boating news, chat to other boaters in the forum and buy and sell boats and kit for free.

EXPENSIVE V BUDGET AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHER -

Is your boat’s engine well still fitted with a halon fire extinguisher? They have actually been illegal since 2003, and so here are a couple of replacement options to protect your boat and the environment. Remember, though, not to throw your halon extinguisher in with domestic rubbish as these old systems have to be taken to your local authority waste site or a commercial disposal company.

EXPENSIVE

BUDGET

PRICE: FROM £134.95 (25CU. FT/071M3) TO £324.95 (150CU.FT/4.2M3)

PRICE: £39.95 FOR 1KG TO £49.94 FOR 2KG

Seafire Automatic Fire Extinguisher

These Seafire extinguishers use FM-200®, a clear gaseous vapour that inhibits combustion by removing heat energy from the fire, leaving no mess. Following the detection of heat energy the system goes off automatically, delivering optimum extinguishing performance in just seconds. The system can be wired up to a warning light (supplied) to indicate when it has been discharged. It’s suitable for both petrol and diesel engines. Approved by insurance companies, it is environmentally friendly and carries a three year warranty with a replacement life of twelve years. It’s supplied with fitting instructions and sturdy mounting bracket.

Firemaster Auto ABC Dry Power Extinguisher

This is a compact automatic Dry Powder fire suppression unit designed for use in boats.

It may be used on A, B and C class fires containing solid (carbonaceous) materials, flammable liquids, including petrol, diesel and oil, and gaseous fires. It can also be used on live electrical equipment. The 1kg size will protect one square metre of compartment floor space and the 2kg two square metres.

Fitted with a pressure gauge, it’s supplied with a nylon coated steel wire bracket with stainless steel strap and carries a five year manufacturer’s warranty. A good choice for the budget conscious buyer.

Available from Marinestore Chandlery: 01621-874-490 / www.marinestore.co.uk

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TOP GEAR

ENGINE SHORTS ■ EXTRA LONG, LOW WEIGHT

ENGINE NEWS HONDA ENTERS 60HP MARKET We can bring you more news about Honda’s new outboards. Honda (UK) has entered the 60hp market for the first time, with the launch of the new fuel efficient BF60 and BFP60 (‘Power Thrust’ variant) four-stroke outboards.

Building on the success of the recently introduced BF40 and BF50, the new engines again feature Honda’s BLAST and ECOmo technologies; aiming to increase power while delivering an improvement in fuel efficiency.

The new BF60 and BFP60 variant herald a new era of shape and design of Honda medium sized outboard engines.

With a design concept of ‘Premium Compact’, they employ ‘WedgeShape’ design highlighting high power, performance and premium quality. The BFP60 variant achieves higher thrust by using a larger gear case, employing a larger diameter propeller (BF75 to BF115 class) turning at a slower RPM and using a gear ratio of 2.33 to 1.

The newly designed water cooled 3-cylinder engine - unique to the new BF60 range - affords boaters the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of Honda’s four-stroke outboard engine technologies combined with light weight and powerful acceleration. Best-in-class speed is achieved by weight reduction technology including the compact three-cylinder engine layout developed exclusively for BF60 and improved streamlining with a low hydrodynamic drag gear case.

The BF60 range exhibits outstanding environmental credentials, exceeding RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) and CARB*6 emissions standards. It also exceeds the latest EPA*7 standards - the most stringent in the world. The

new BF60 is the first in the Honda outboard range to be compliant with the NMEA2000 protocol. This permits users to connect the engine to an ever increasing wider variety of marine electronic equipment such as chartplotters, fishfinders and navigation equipment.

The new engines are subject to an industry-leading six year domestic warranty, which Honda became the first UK manufacturer to introduce earlier this year. Additionally, as part of its commitment to safety Honda (UK) also offers free RYA training to customers purchasing outboards of 50hp or above.

The BF60 is suitable for small RIBs, fishing and leisure boats; with the BFP60 more appropriate for heavier boats and displacement craft, with both 20 and 25” shaft types available. Available across the UK from September 2009, it will be formally unveiled at the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September.

Honda: www.honda.co.uk

VOLVO SHIP 10,000TH IPS DRIVE Just four years after first launching the revolutionary IPS drive system Volvo Penta have shipped the 10,000th forward facing marine propulsion unit. Initially the concept of forward facing props with individually steered drives seemed both revolutionary and a little ‘peculiar’. However, the introduction of joystick control to enable simpler docking and boat control resulted in the system being adopted by more than 250 boat builders worldwide. Constantly being updated, the system is shortly to be enhanced by a new 11ltr engine, which will result in even larger craft adopting Volvo’s IPS drives.

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For sailing cruiser auxiliary use Selva Marine have introduced an extra long shaft version of their lightweight fourstroke Black Bass 8hp and Piranha 9.9hp outboards. The unique feature of these engines is their weight; a manual start, extra long shaft version weighs in at only 31.5kg, so these engines will meet the needs of owners looking for a lightweight outboard for use as an auxiliary on yachts up to 25ft in length.

Prices for the extra long shaft versions start at £1,624. www.selvamarine.co.uk ■ KEEP ON TRAXXIS The first ever transom mounted electric motor that can be stowed with one hand, the Minn Kota Traxxis, was recently unveiled. Just pull up on the motor head and you can rotate the entire prop and shaft completely clear of the water.

Features include an ergonomic tiller, which both tilts and extends and a contoured grip. When under way the shaft can be angled at ten different positions and the depth adjusted with a quick-lock cam. A simple collar mechanism allows adjustment of the steering tension and locks tight when you want to stow the motor in a vertical position. However, it also folds down flat for compact storage.

The Traxxis incorporates the Digital Maximizer™ function to conserve battery energy. A push-to-test battery gauge provides an instant status of your current charge. Other features include a composite shaft, which is stronger than steel and is guaranteed for life.

The Traxxis is available in variable speed and 5-speed in the 12 volt models and variable speed in the 24 volt versions. There’s a choice of thrust levels of 40, 55, 70 and 80 pounds and standard shaft lengths are 36 and 42 inches or longer if required.

Johnson Outdoors UK: www. johnsonoutdoors.co.uk

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Boat Mart I September 2009 I 61

EQUIPMENT

BOAT MART

Q&A AFFOR DABLE BOATING!

BUDGET KIT Kitting out your boat needn’t break the bank, as David Webber explains.

What is the basic kit for boating in general terms for gear and safety items?

Geoff, Blackpool This very much depends on the type of boat and where you do your boating. A cruiser, for example, will need items that are not required in a dinghy or sports boat. As far as safety items are required, if you are using your boat on the coast or offshore, you will require a flare pack and will probably consider a VHF. Other essential safety items for all craft in all

Q

A

waters are lifejackets and an anchor. The size and type of anchor will depend on the craft.

There are of course countless other items that are essential to some, and not others.

Anchors are an essential piece of kit

Q

Can you give me an example of how much I can save on a specific item?

Paul, Fakenham Let’s consider a lifejacket as an example. Say our crew member will need a jacket with support to 150N that is manually inflated. Example prices of new jackets to that specification advertised recently are as follows: £164.95, £127.95, £106.95 and 1. The Stealth junior - make sure £46.99. Some arebuoyancy from wellaid known names, the youngsters are properly others areown brands, all to the same basic kitted out specification, all will do the job properly.

2. The Gill inshore sport

A

vest in charcoal All products will varyTechnical in price sailing sun 3. Gill’ depending where look hat -you great for land and sea

66 I September 2009 I Boat Mart

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What is the best way to buy at rock bottom price? Antony, Dorchester Consider first, do I require new or used? If you are buying new, carefully research all suppliers of the item you are seeking, which today is relatively easy using the Internet.

You will be amazed how some prices vary dramatically. Often, a local supplier will match the lowest price you have found, just to get the sale. If you can buy local at the right price, this is probably best as it is easier to return if there is a problem, and it’s always good to build up a relationship with your local dealer or chandler. If you buy on the Internet most of the big chandlers will efficiently replace items that are faulty.

Q A

How do I start saving money once I have decided what I want?

Jack, Bodmin Research is the key as even specific items from the same manufacturer vary considerably depending on where you buy them.

Spend 30 minutes and you will save money for certain, sometimes a fiver, sometimes much more. Pass on any good finds to friends too!

Q A

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BUDGET KIT Q&A I have been offered a new outboard from a dealer that has never been in the water, but it is a 2006 model at a considerable saving, what would your advice be? Jason, Portsmouth If the specifications meet you requirements, buy it as you will probably save hundreds of pounds on a bigger unit, and a substantial amount on a smaller engine compared against the cost of a current model. There is absolutely nothing wrong with new prior year engines, they are just items that the dealer has not sold and wants to get out of the way to buy new stock. He will sometimes discount heavily for the privilege. Most will come with the full manufacturer’s warranty so you can’t lose. Note there may be additional features on the later model, or other alterations to the specification. So, if you really want that latest all singing all dancing engine, stick to a current or To buy new new model. If not, be ready to save or used? This they are a safe bet. Either way, expect choice will save you cash a hefty discount.

Q

A

Can I save money buying some items that have been used, or am I better to buy new?

Ian, Weymouth You can find almost anything to do with a boat that was previously owned. Really though, the decision is down to budget. You may find items such as an anchor and an outboard in satisfactory condition secondhand, but items like flares should be purchased new to obtain maximum date life and ensure they don’t have any faults.

Q A

Do you advise buying at a boat jumble?

Len, Norfolk Speaking from experience, I can honestly say I have never been taken to the cleaners at a boat jumble. A lot of vendors are boaters like you and I, together with a percentage of dealers that you meet at every jumble. If you see what you want and examine it carefully you can snap up a real bargain; this really is the place for haggling. It’s expected by most vendors at jumbles.

Q

Will the price of any used items I buy hold their value?

Matty, Cardiff Obviously, it depends on the item and how you care for it. It is as well to remember the example of the new car. The moment you drive it out of the showroom you have probably lost a couple

Q A

of thousand pounds. It is no different with boating kit once it is out of the wrapper; it is worth less than you paid for it. Buy used and it has already lost its initial new value, and as boating gear continues to go up in price, you may well recoup what you paid for the item when you sell it in a few years, maybe, even more.

A

Q

BUYING ON A BUDGET

A

� First consider if a used item is suitable and acceptable. � If you are buying new, research is the key. Do your homework. � Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price. If you only save 10% of a hundred pounds, it is still better in your pocket. Offering cash is a great temptation for the vendor to trade. � Buying at a boat jumble can save you money, but always insist the item is shown working if at all possible, and ensure a receipt with the vendor’s contact details is available. Then just haggle away. � Decide what price is acceptable to you; be prepared to negotiate, but not to pay too much.

Do I always need to buy well known brands?

Phil, Tenby No. Leading brands are generally more expensive, although in fairness they have probably had many hundreds of hours of research on them before they are let loose into the marketplace and this fact alone can make them more expensive.

However, many unknown brands can provide just as satisfactory service too.

Can I negotiate a better price, or are most boating items sold at a fixed price? Graham, Barmouth Haggle, that’s the name of the game.

Although it is not easy for some it is common practice in many other European countries and parts of the world. After all, what have you to lose, the vendor can only say no, and in all likeliness, you will save anything from a few to many tens of pounds.

Q A

You’ll find some great bargains at boat jumbles

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Boat Mart I September 2009 I 67

PSP Southampton Boat Show You won’t want to miss this year’s PSP Southampton Boat Show, which promises to be the best yet with boats for all budgets and a huge choice of activities for all the family.

It’s back for a 41st fun filled ten day boating extravaganza which is set, this year, to literally break records. We’re not talking visitor numbers or number of boats sold, although that would be great too, but National Boat Shows is planning to break a number of world records during the show with the help of the 122,000 or so visitors, but more of that later.

This event is about boating, watersports and lifestyle and has something for everyone from the complete novice interested in getting into boating to the experienced sailor who has been boating all their life. Plus, it’s just a great family day out with a huge choice of activities available to keep even the youngest members of the family interested including Search and Rescue demonstrations from the MCA and RNLI and the chance to go aboard a Tall Ship, Lord Nelson.

With almost 1,000 boats and 500 exhibitors on display you can be guaranteed to have a busy day if you want to get round all the show.

In fact, we recommend that you use our maps and exhibitor list to plan your day beforehand to ensure you see all the boats and features that interest you. After all, you don’t need to see all 1,000 boats to have a great day out do you? It would be much more fun to include some time to Try-a-Boat or two!

82 I September 2009 I Boat Mart

TICKET OFFER - SAVE £££s!

National Boat Shows is offering readers £5 off of each ticket purchased (full ticket price £18). This offer is available by logging onto the Show’s Web site at www.southamptonboatshow.com and quoting P38 or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844-209-0333. For added value, two children aged fifteen and under will be admitted free for every adult ticket purchased. This offer excludes the Public Preview Day on 11th September. Tickets are valid from 12 - 20th September.

Check out the Web site for further information about pricing, features and attractions, exhibitors and product launches as well as all information needed to plan your day. www.southamptonboatshow.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING? ■ The Marina - the largest purpose built marina in Europe ■ Try-a-Boat - a choice of RIBs, powerboats and yachts, all for free ■ Search and Rescue demonstrations - from the MCA and RNLI ■ Record Breaker Stage Show exciting record breaking attempts ■ Tour a Tall Ship - climb aboard Lord Nelson and see what life on a working tall ship is like ■ Kids OnBoard - kids go boating for free with the RYA’s OnBoard programme ■ Science Officers Needed - visit Science Ship Callista, a research vessel with all the scientific gadgets you can imagine The Marina There’ll be 375 boats on the water alongside an impressive line-up of feature boats in Europe’s largest purpose built show marina measuring an impressive 1.6km. Expect this to be a popular spot!

Try-A-Boat As always this will be incredibly busy as visitors take to the water in a choice of RIBs, powerboats and yachts - for free. Definitely book early to avoid disappointment. Go to stand B001 in the Arena to book.

Search and Rescue Three times a day, every day, the MCA and RNLI will stage live demonstrations of a search and

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rescue operation from both air and sea perspectives. For the best viewing platform head down to the Marina.

The Record Breaker Stage Show The Stage, located in Solent Park, will not only feature the Show’s Official Opening on 11th September, but will also see the organisers and visitors work together in attempts to smash world records every day. Sounds like a real hoot.

EATING & DRINKING

■ Guinness Village - Take time out to unwind at the ever popular Guinness Village in Solent Park.

■ Champagne Bar - Enjoy a glass of champers and some seafood whilst overlooking the marina.

■ Pay a visit to the all new restaurant complex, complete with two of Southampton’s favourite restaurants, Banana Wharf and Dockgate 4.

For casual dining, check out Banana Wharf for a relaxed and informal menu, while visitors after a more stylish and contemporary bar and grill experience should head to Dockgate 4.

Tour a Tall Ship The Lord Nelson, a stunning tall ship built in 1986 to accommodate both able bodied and disabled crew members and to introduce them to the joys of experiencing life before the mast, returns to Southampton.

Visitors will be able to step aboard and experience life on this traditional working tall ship. Head to Solent Park.

Kids OnBoard Kids can sample Scuba in the Try A Dive tank run by Andark Diving. With fully qualified instructors on hand and all the kit supplied, all you need do is turn up to stand B009 and sign up.

Science Officers Needed Science ship Callista will be open to visitors to see, feel and touch the fascinating ‘other’ world of life beneath the ocean. There’ll be experiments, the chance to see live specimens and play with the on board gadgets of the University of Southampton’s research vessel. Head to berth 520 of the Marina.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHEN: 11 - 20th September (11th Preview Day) WHERE: Mayflower Park, Southampton TIMES: 10 - 7pm (20th: 10 - 6pm) WEB: www.southamptonboatshow.com TICKETS: ■ £18 - see Boat Mart’s ticket offer to save £5 ■ Two children (fifteen and under) go free with each paying adult ■ Ticket hotline: 0844-209-0333 ■ Web: www.southamptonboatshow.com ■ Platinum Ticket: £95 - enjoy a VIP Show experience including an exhilarating powerboat ride and luncheon in the exclusive hospitality lounge. Ladies can also buy Platinum Tickets for Ladies Day on Thursday 17th September, which will include a special guest appearance from Ladies Day Ambassador powerboat champion Shelly Jory.

Buy & sell for FREE with Boat Mart’s private classified ad service

Boat Mart I September 2009 I 83

150 SPEEDSTER

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EXPERIENCE THE UTMOST EXHILIRATION Discover the 150 Speedster ultimate performance features and enjoy the thrill • Choice of 255 hp SCIC, 215 hp SCIC or 155 hp • Legendary RotaxŽ 4-TEC™ engine • Depth finder • 19 functions, easy-to-read digital information centre

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