The UK’s hardest hitting powerboat magazine
MALTESE
MAGIC
Overseas EXOTICA BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE 130MPH VECTOR V40
A MEDITERRANEAN TREAT FOR THE ROAMING BOATER
DIVE TIME HANDS-ON TEST OF THE MINI-B PORTABLE DIVE KIT
MILITARY
MUSCLE HARD CORE RIB THRILLS WITH THE ROYAL NAVY
REINVENTED EXCLUSIVE UK TEST OF THE HYSUCAT EXTREME
PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE
SEAFOOD SPECIAL THE PLACES TO EAT, THE THINGS TO COOK AND THE KIT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
£3.95
OCTOBER 2010
+RIB
BOAT ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIES I NEWS
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6. High-speed from Digital Yacht Digital Yacht has launched a new high-speed compass sensor called the HSC100. It is designed to provide electronic heading information for plotter, radar and PC-based navigation systems, enabling the use of features such as radar overlay or MARPA target tracking. The HSC100 has a simple two-wire NMEA output and runs on either 12V or 24V with minimal power consumption. It is waterproof and also features an automatic calibration/deviation routine to compensate for the effects of any nearby magnetic influences. A heading offset can also be applied if the sensor is mounted at an angle to the boat’s centreline. Most low-cost compass sensors only output NMEA heading data once per second, which is too slow for proper stabilisation of a radar overlay or MARPA target tracking function, but the HSC100 sends data at ten times this speed to enable a more stable presentation of overlay data. Price: £234.94 01179 554474 www.digitalyacht.co.uk
7. Hide the evidence A new DIY package called the 105-K Glass Fibre Boat Repair Kit has been added to the current WEST SYSTEM product range. Developed to assist customers who wish to carry out small basic repairs to glass-fibre boats, the kit includes everything required to successfully complete a range of repairs. The instructions provide detailed step-by-step explanations for the four most common repairs to glass-fibre boats - namely repairing minor cracks and scratches; repairing cored deck, hull and bulkhead delamination; repairing holes and punctures; and refitting and replacing hardware. The kit contains the resin, the glass tapes, the hardener, the filler,
5.
5. The latest and safest A new range of Lifejackets called ISO is now available from Adec Marine. Designed to provide top protection while allowing maximum freedom of movement and comfort, they come with 180 Newtons of buoyancy and conform to the new ISO 12402-3 standard (which all newly designed lifejackets must now meet). Avaiable in two models, the Victor and the Cardinal, both jackets feature a 38g CO2 cylinder, velcro closure, polyester webbing, leg straps, removable padded fleece collar and a mesh cape back strap for better weight distribution. Additionally, the Cardinal jacket (pictured) has an ergonomic shape, quick adjust side buckles and a built-in spray hood. The big feature, however, is the UML Pro Sensor operating head with status indicator. This product provides a dramatic improvement on the standard MK5, affording the user one point of status indication, to confirm that the unit has been automatically or manually activated. The unit also provides the added benefit of detecting if the CO2 cylinder has been pierced, eradicating the possibility of accidentally fitting an empty gas cylinder. Price: £59.99 (Victor); £99.99 (Cardinal) 02086 869717 www.adecmarine.co.uk
6.
7.
Now is the perfect time to enjoy boating at a fraction of the usual cost. You can now own a quarter share in a performance RIB from RIB Shack Marine for as little as £6,995 plus VAT.
the pots, the brushes and even the re-useable mixing stick - in short, everything you need to erase all evidence of that unfortunate prang. It’s extremely good value too. Price: £29.65 01794 521111 www.wessex-resins.com
Our three year shared boat ownership and management scheme is available on a range of open and cabin RIBs from 6m to 10m at a choice of locations along the south coast. Plus because we take care of all the maintenance, berthing, cleaning and refuelling, you are free to enjoy every minute of your time afloat. Call or visit us online to discover how you can enjoy owning a performance RIB without all the expense and hassle of conventional boat ownership.
8. Windproof fleece from Gill As we move from late summer toward Autumn, Gill’s new Windproof Fleece might well prove a great addition to your sailing kit. The fleece has a 100 per cent windproof and waterproof lining, and a soft outer fabric with a waterrepellent finish, making it really warm but comfortable to wear. The styling is based on an outer shell jacket, and incorporates fleece lined inner cuffs, a drawstring waist, and highlighted zip and trim details. It can therefore be worn either as an outer jacket or as a warm mid-layer. Given its obvious inter-season versatility, the price of £85 looks like extremely compelling value for money. Price: £85 01159 460844 www.gillmarine.com
8.
SB1010 Ribshack
See us at the Southampton Boat Show on Stand E038 with the new Ribtec 10 metre GT2 cabin RIB
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IN THE
NAVY Ever wondered what goes on at the Royal Navy’s boat training centre? John Cooke goes back to school with a spell of military-style tuition at HMS RALEIGH.
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ON THE WATER I NAVY TRAINING
I History
Torpoint was originally developed in the late 18th century as a maintenance base for the Navy as well as a ferry point. The first HMS RALEIGH was actually an American warship which was captured in 1778. She was registered in the Navy list in 1780, but her career was relatively short, as she was sold in 1783. The second ship to bear the RALEIGH name was a 16-gun brig sloop built in 1806. With a displacement of over 380 tons, she had a long service, including time in the China Sea until 1835. The last vessel to carry the name of Raleigh was the fifth in line and was a light cruiser built in 1919 on the Clyde. She had 7.5-inch guns and was just under 10,000 tons, but she was wrecked in August 1922. The shore establishment was commissioned in 1938, and in 1944 even played a big part in the invasion of France, when the American forces completely took it over before embarkation on what was to be the beginning of the end of World War Two. HMS RALEIGH has continued to train the sailors continuously since then, and with the help of a few upgrades here and there, is now a state of the art training facility worthy of the number one Navy in the world.
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HYSUCAT 8M RIB
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From a South African military project comes the brainchild of a university professor. Mike Pullen gets to grips with the long-awaited Hysucat . . .
ON THE WATER I HYSUCAT 8M RIB
H
ydrofoils are not new. They have been around for a century or more, so it comes as no surprise to me that the Hysucat project itself is also quite a long-lived one. That too has been around for nearly a quarter of a century, tweaking, testing, building and developing. But now, finally, a Hysucat RIB is here in the UK and ready to test and I, for one, cannot wait to get it on the water.
The Hysucat backdrop
The Hysucat project started when Professor Gunter Hoppe of the University of Stellenbosch was tasked with improving the performance of a Military Patrol Boat. The peculiar name, therefore, comes from the words: ‘HYdrofoil SUpported CATamaran’. The patrol boat was of the catamaran design and the professor decided to fit a single hydrofoil between the hulls forward and a pair of mini foils aft to support the stern and maintain the angle of trim when underway on the plane. The result of his development work was remarkable. The military patrol boat could carry
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Here from Humber, we have a boat that would look more at home in Cannes than readied for action on an offshore oil platform
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ON THE WATER I HUMBER SPORTS PRO 1000
HUMBER
SPORTS PRO 1000 God is a woman, Elvis is alive, England win at football and Humber produces a beautiful leisure RIB. Alex Smith explores a parallel universe in which some very strange things are actually true.
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BULLET SILVER
After designing, building and racing world-beating boats, the Mannerfelt Design Team and Vector Powerboats are looking to conquer the leisure market. With their 130mph Vector V-40, they couldn’t have chosen a better weapon. Words: Craig Barnett Images: Vector Powerboats
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ON THE WATER I VECTOR V-40
D
espite carbon-conscious environmentalists, economic woes and an increasing drive toward risk negation in society, a brief perusal of the Miami Boat Show indicated that the supercharged, adrenalinecharged, hard-charging offshore powerboat scene is still very much alive and kicking. Out of the sea of sparkling artistic paint jobs and glamorous models bristling with aftermarket bolt-ons however, one boat stood out for us – and it was the V-40 by Vector Powerboats.
Mannerfelt heritage
The V-40 could have come from nowhere else other than the house and mouse of the Mannerfelt Design Team. Having scooped a number of design awards and 15 UIM world titles since it was first introduced in the early-1990s, the distinctive ‘Bat Boat’ silhouette is instantly recognisable. About 15 years and eight generations of Bat Boat development later, a new generation of the Mannerfelt family is contributing to the launch of a leisure version of their 40-foot racing flagship model. Having started powerboat racing at the tender age of 12, at the same time as his famous father Ocke
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ISLAND
SUN IN THE
Off the boot of Italy, at the hub of the Mediterranean’s long history, sits an island your boat could call home. Simon Everett takes a flying visit to find out just how feasible a life in the sun might be . . .
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OUTWARD BOUND I MALTA
M
y family’s links with Malta go way back - not least on the part of my Great Grandfather, who is buried in the Capuccini Naval cemetery at Kalkara. Naturally then, I have wanted to visit the place for some time and this year my wish was fulfilled. I already knew the climate and the history were big attractions but, with a full week set aside to explore the archipelago, I was keen to find out just how good it might be for the roaming boater . . .
The Malta basics
Malta was once famously described as half a million Brits clinging to a rock, but it is actually one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth. The country is made up of four separate main islands and a couple of other lumps of rock sticking out of the sea. The two inhabited islands are Malta itself and Gozo, then there are two more in the same straight between Gozo and Malta, called Comino and Cominoto. Despite their proximity, the islands are very different in nature. You see, Malta is undergoing a spell of change, with tasteful, quality developments and berthing facilities being built in various places throughout the islands. But nowhere is this more acutely evident than around the main harbour in the Maltese capital city, Valetta.
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Roaring 40s
As Sunseeker prepares to unveil a new 40-metre boat at the Southampton Show, Tom Isitt takes a look at how the UK industry is faring.
t all seemed to be going so well. The British superyacht industry was going from strength to strength. Sunseeker were building beyond 40 metres, Devonport were dipping a toe into the superyacht market (as well as making frigates for the Navy), Princess were edging closer and closer to pukka superyacht territory, and US superyacht builder Palmer Johnson were setting up a manufacturing facility at Hythe near Southampton to build 170-footers. Yep, it all seemed quite rosy back in early 2008. And we all know what happened next. We all got our sub-primes in a twist and the bankers and hedgefund managers broke the global economy. Or something like that. By the end of 2009, Sunseeker appeared to be having cash-flow problems, Devonport had withdrawn their toe from the apparently toxic waters of the superyacht market, and the brokers were offering nine million Euros off the price of a secondhand 60-metre boat.
equity firm. The new Predator 130 appeared to be a success, and a suitable platform on which to build a Yacht version - modular design and engineering being a great way to keep quality up and costs down. Elsewhere on the south coast, Palmer Johnson launched the first of their British-built 170s, and Princess got planning permission to develop part of the Devonport premises as their superyacht yard. Indeed, Princess already have a 32-metre and a 40-metre in build, but are taking a cautious approach to the superyacht market. They know they need a very healthy order book to justify a £45 million spend on the new yard. Sadly, just weeks after unveiling the first (and rather gorgeous) British-built Palmer Johnson 51-metre sports cruiser, the company announced that it was closing down the UK operation and moving all manufacturing back to Wisconsin in the USA. Yes, it would seem that the superyacht market isn’t back on its feet quite yet.
Sunseeker is now re-financed and pushing ahead with some brave new superyacht projects
Below: The success of the Sunseeker Predator 130 has seen design input carried over to the 40M
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The upturn Things started to look up in 2010. Sunseeker had restructured and were looking a lot less vulnerable thanks to a large cash injection from a private
So what about Sunseeker? While Palmer Johnson goes back to the US, and Princess proceeds with admirable caution, where is Sunseeker, the UK’s highest-profile builder? Well, it’s difficult to tell. FL Partners, a private equity firm, pitched up earlier in 2010 and bought a majority
TALKING POINT I RYA ADVICE
Putting your boat to bed As the days get shorter, it is time to think about putting our boats to bed. The RYA shows us how.
I
t is an unavoidable fact that autumn is taking hold and for most of us, that means putting the boat away. But before we descend into darkness, it’s worth ensuring we do a proper job of putting our boats to bed. Here at the RYA we would never claim that we’re experts in the art of engineering, but our resident font of all knowledge, John Thorn, is a great man for RIBs and powerboats. He explains: “It only takes a couple of steps to ensure that your boat is tucked up for winter. It isn’t rocket science and it can often cut out a lot of misery at the beginning of the next season. I could give you chapter and verse on winterising, but it’s probably best to cut it down to a few handy pointers. I find a checklist can really help, so here are my own personal top tips.”
Outboard engines - Before starting, make
sure you check with your manufacturer to see if there are any specific dos and don’ts with your particular engine. Beyond that, make sure you do the following: Flush out your engine. The last thing you want is salt water sitting in there all winter, so run it in a clean freshwater tank until it pumps fresh. Clear the fuel lines. You can do this by shutting off the fuel inlet valve and running the engine until it stops. Lubricate the engine and the throttle linkage system to ensure everything is running freely. If possible, take the engine off and store it upright in a dry place, like a garage. If the engine has to stay on the boat, ensure that it is well covered.
Fuel tanks - Some people like to drain their
Below: Of course, if you have a roof on your boat, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your boating right throughout the winter
fuel tanks, while others keep fuel inside to prevent condensation forming. If you do keep fuel in the tank, be sure to add some fuel stabiliser, as running old, dirty fuel through your engine at the start of next season is not recommended.
Battery - Take the battery off if possible and store
it at home. Ensure you keep the charge topped up over the winter. Batteries gently discharge over time even when not used and running a battery right down will do it no good at all.
Interior - Boats inevitably get damp over the
winter, so the more interior cushions you can take home, the less mould you will have to deal with in the spring. Back on the boat, you want to ensure that it’s well aired, so make sure you leave plenty of vents open.
Boat covers - Make sure you properly cover your
boat. This may sound pretty obvious, but you’d be amazed how many covers are fitted loose and fill with water at the first sign of rain. Go back and check up on your boat fairly regularly.
Organise a proper lay-up and getting started next season will be a doddle
Service your trailer - Now is the time to make sure your trailer is roadworthy. It’s often the last thing people consider but it’s vital if the rig is to be left for long periods unused.
www
.rya.
org.
uk
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SIX OF THE BEST with Colin Jones
SECURITY SYSTEMS Our original pilot run of Six Of The Best is now a regular monthly feature. Here, Colin Jones analyses some of the very best security equipment you can buy.
Believe it or not, our research into security devices has suggested that the most expensive systems might not necessarily be the best for your purpose. In fact, there are plenty of very low cost devices that can be put to excellent use, so here, we have analysed what we consider to be six of the very best you can buy - all of them costing less than £50. Some of them provide actual physical security, while others are designed to warn off the ill-intentioned visitor.
The Defender Slimline What is it? The Defender Slimline is a traditional personal attack alarm. The unit contains two AAA batteries, plus a 120 + dB siren and a removable pin. How it works: When the pin is pulled out from the end, it triggers a very loud, earpiercing noise. The device can be carried on the person or in a portable camera bag but we use ours stretched across deck hatches and sliding windows, with both pin and body glued and screwed into place. Opening the aperture separates the unit and triggers the alarm. The Defender
The Alarm Padlock
What is it? The alarm padlock is a very robust hasp-style padlock, which, if disturbed by a non-key holder, reacts with a 110 dB siren screech. How it works: This depends on how it is set - either as a normal padlock or with the alarm turned on. This is simply achieved by reversing the U-shaped shackle to put its very obvious groove on the side that houses the keyport. When switched on, a ‘beep’ confirms activation and gives the operator ten seconds to remove the key. After that, the first time the alarm is triggered, there is a triple beep, giving time for a legitimate unlock. The next significant movement triggers a loud two-tone siren, which resets after 35 seconds. If the intruder has a second go, he gets another sonic blast. What I like: This lock is very well engineered, with zinc alloy, corrosion-free construction, a hardened steel hasp, tamperproof batteries and proper security keys. It is also totally waterproof and usefully simple, making it great for door or outboard protection. Tug it and be deafened. The limitations: The motionsensitivity makes it unreliable on a swinging mooring, but in a sheltered marina or on a trailer or boatshed, it is great. The price is also very fair at £19.99. Source: 02392 750404 www.easyalarms.co.uk
is supplied with two pins so, if the skipper opens the hatch, the alarm can be silenced by inserting the second pin. It can also be stretched (even just tied in place) across awning and boat cover zips. What I like: The price is fantastically accessible. I found several on eBay at £3.50 including postage and bought four, complete with AAA batteries for an all-in price of just £12. The limitations: It is a bit clumsy, but at this price I have no grumbles, especially as it can be left in place, if you are leaving the boat for some time. Source: A simple internet search brings quick results.
The Solar Stud What is it? The Solar Stud is one of my favourite ‘warning-off’ devices. It can be attached anywhere and once every second, emits a bright, red led flash to show that your property is protected. The 55 x 40mm SS charges automatically in surprisingly low ambient light (even beneath my desk) and as soon as dusk comes, it will begin flashing and will continue for 18 hours. How it works: It can be attached to any flat surface (I use Blu T3ac so that I can move it to different places) where it advises intruders that you are vigilant and that the flashing signal shows that a security system is active. I have a couple of mine very close to ordinary locks and even legitimate visitors tell me that it makes them think twice before they try the handle. What I like: The simplicity is great. My originals are ten years old and are still working so well that I recently added half a dozen more. They can be used almost anywhere (boat, car, shed, trailer) because they are element-proof. They also make unusual gifts. The limitations: They’re all show and no muscle, but if their bluff is not called, they make great sense. Expect to pay around £10 per unit. Source: 01332 590733 / www.esp-solar.com