Motorboat Owner April 2021

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Motorboat APRIL 2021

Owner Affordable practical boating

FOLLOW THE LEADER Jeanneau Leader 30

PRACTICAL

Rebuilding a dashboard NEW! FISHER-FLY ‘Molly’ Freeman 22 l Rodman 38 Used Guide l Fairline Vixen Rodman 1290 Evolution

Welcome to the April issue.

From the Editor

contact us

Motorboat Owner Digital Marine Media Ltd Suite 6 Philpot House, Station Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HH 01268 922991

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Firstly a big thank you to everyone that supported us last month. Your contributions are already making a difference and helping us expand, despite these tough times.

This month there was an unexpected email from Ofcom for most of us. Although this seems to have been going on since May 2020, for most of you this was probably the first you heard of it, it certainly was for us. I have spent some time this

Editor, Neale Byart

01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk

Associate Editor, Claire Frew

01268 922993 claire@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

2

April 2021

month trying to make sense of the email, which may have well been written in Swahili.

It seems that the intent is to ensure that none of us fry the brains of those onboard, or indeed any members of the shoreside public that come too close. Unfortunately for me, it had the opposite effect and my brain has been completely frazzled trying to make head or tail of it. I know from the user manual that my radome gives out up to

10W/m2 at up to a metre, but how that correlates to its EIRP I have no idea.

I knew I was in over my head when I read the following heading on one website “How to convert dBμV/m test results into Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP)”, but at least I think I now have the tools to do it, thanks to this simple equation: E [dBμV/m]=EIRP [dBm]−20log10(d [m])+104.8.

Seriously, unless you are some sort of electronics genius, how on earth does Ofcom think the likes of you and I are going to get our heads around this, let alone ensure we comply. Unfortunately, the complex nature of this email has ensured that many of the people it was aimed at have not given it the reverence intended, and put it straight in the bin.

I have done my best to try and put my understanding of these new rules into something more akin to plain English. I can’t claim to be 100% correct, and I am still awaiting clarification from those in the know, but I think I have just about got the jist of it. You can read my understanding on page 68. I do hope I don’t leave your brains scrambled.

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Contributors:

Advertising Manager, John Steward

Cover photo: Jeanneau Leader 30

advertising@motorboatowner.co.uk john@motorboatowner.co.uk

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welcome aboard

Sunrise photoshoot of the Jeanneau Leader 30. See boat test on page 24

Simon Everett, Peter Pitcher, Sally-Anne Jarvis on test off Cannes by Neale Byart

Support Motorboat Owner

You can support the magazine by making a contribution via the Paypal app by scanning the QR code on page 8 or via buymeacoffee

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

3

THE NEW RANGE THE WATER IS WAITING

Our stylish new range of Honwave inflatables are not only extremely tough and durable, they are light, portable and easy to use. All models feature a wider tube diameter for a smooth ride and a new bow roller; which protects the bow from rope wear when moored.

Integral loop handles add to your comfort and safety, whilst the oars are cleverly stowed inside the boat, providing extra space for you and your passengers. And with a choice of three floors, you can be sure there is a Honwave waiting for you.

Life

ENGINEERING FOR

For more information call: 0345 200 8000* or visit: www.honda.co.uk

SLATTED DECK *Charged at local rates from landlines.

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CONTENTS APRIL 2021

REGULARS

HOW

Motorboat Owner

1

PROJECT BOAT

TO IN 12 STE PS

>

2 3

Three screw were loose s in the back removed ned but not completely

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 18 CUTTING EDGE page 38 Q&A page 66 TESTED page 80

With arou nd 6-8m thread m of expo the screw sed I push ed on head

4 5

This mad and rubb e the front lens out, but er gasket pop remainedthe workings

6

The mist be seen ing could now even clear wasn’t er, but on the inside either face

Vixen PROJECT Fairline

I

there. One am not sure what happened of March, and minute it was the first deadline is looming then suddenly our to get onboard our and I haven’t managed blame Ofcom. to project boat. I’m going couple of days spent a I might only have I feel like I’ve lost looking into it, but I’m never that life my of about a week despite this, all is getting back. Anyway, last month by bringing not lost. I finished home from the the instrument panel a a paper template for boat, together with it on the helm console. small area next to I stripped the panel Out in the workshop

It turn s out that is actua the lens lly with the two pieces, between misting occu ring them and

g all the wiring down by disconnectin 7 straps, having first removing the retaining so I would know taken a series of photos 8 goes when it comes where everything together again. Once time to put it back switch, dash the instruments, ignition and two fuses holders illumination switch with a rather removed, I was left were The mist piece of aluminium plate. I ing came tired of easillooking awayover with a piece y toaleave quick going gave clearthis a spotl it up and Theremove lens lenses ess, abrasive paper to clean and gasket of bubbling were thenrubber a couple of slight traces on to push myedpaper back into carefully corrosion before moving place Motor boat Owne template. r©

42

Digital

Marine

Media

April 2021

Ltd

Using a came ra or glass lens cloth all four , I gently cleanes faces of pieces the two ed

9

And the together unit screwed back uninhibit to leave a clear engine’s ed view of the , hours

47

page 40 Project Boat

Fairline Vixen

p40

page 60 My Boat

Freeman 22 MkI ‘Molly’ page 72 Cruising

Ijsselmeer Insider’s Guide

PRACTICAL

Project Vixen: Rebuilding a dashboard

p48

page 80 Tested AGlaze Deck Cleaner page 82 Hooked

Smoothounds

p60 CRUISING Exploring the Alde in a small boat

p86

p??

Rodman 38 Yacht CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

p20

Rodman 1290

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

p24

BOAT TEST

Jeanneau Leader 30

5

NEWS ©Peters&May

Brexit: RGR grace period extension

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced a six-month extension to the 1-year grace period previously put in place by the government post Brexit for Returned Goods Relief, regardless of good’s exit date. This will benefit boat owners and the marine industry, as extending the grace period for RGR until 30 June 2022 for all goods will allow boat owners to return their boats to the UK without incurring additional VAT costs. The announcement follows representations and urges for a 3-year RGR transition period by the marine organisations, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine. Both of which pointed out that the 1-year period of grace effective from 1 January 2021 was not sufficient and helped HMRC officials understand the factors that affect the repatriation of vessels, including, global pandemic travel restrictions, the Schengen area immigration restrictions, insurance restrictions and the length of boating season. Welcoming the announcement, the RYA said that it will be continuing its dialogue with the HMRC, particularly in light of the recent new restrictions on leaving the UK.

Premier Marinas flare disposal days The UK south coast marina chain, Premier Marinas, has announced that it will be hosting two ‘Flares Disposal Days’ this summer, allowing boaters to bring along out of date flares, have them checked and disposed of safely.

The dates are Sunday 13th June at Chichester Marina and Saturday 26th June at Brighton Marina (in collaboration with Nicky’s Chandlery), both events are 10am-3pm. The first three flares will be free of charge for Premier berth holders and visitors will also be charged £2.00 per flare disposal.

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April 2021

If you any have news from your region, please email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Spring Budget saves red diesel for GB not NI In the Spring Budget, HM Treasury announced its decision to maintain recreational boaters’ entitlement to use red diesel in Great Britain beyond April 2022. However, Northern Ireland is to lose it by June. Last year, the government engaged in a red diesel consultation with a view of phasing out red diesel for white diesel from April 2022 for the leisure boat sector, but for it to remain available for fishing and farming.

Various marine associations submitted their response and engaged in discussions with HMRC, saying that the simplest means of maintaining the supply for all recreational boaters on the coast and on inland waterways is the use of duty-paid red diesel. Among the many issues flagged was the cost of installing a second pump for white diesel in many harbours and ports. In the budget, the Government stated that it had evaluated the proposed regulations and would not be changing the treatment of private pleasure craft in Great Britain. This means boaters will continue to be able to use/access red diesel where it is available and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel rate and the white diesel rate on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion. For heating purposes, a vessel with a separate tank will still be able to use red diesel at the lower duty rate. The percentage relief scheme for heating use for a craft with one tank is to be announced by HMRC. Anticipating ‘another busy staycation summer’ in the UK, CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson, hailed the announcement as a “big success story for the leisure marine industry,….. giving the leisure marine sector the certainty needed at this unprecedented time.”

In Northern Ireland however, recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propulsion. This is to ensure the UK meets its international obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement.

It will also align with fuel used by leisure boats in the Republic of Ireland, which the government believes will make it simpler for private pleasure craft users to access the fuel they need if they cruise between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (and vice versa). The change to white diesel is expected to be in force by June of this year. For further information on the red diesel consultation and summary, please click here.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Haines 36 NEW BOAT The first Haines 36 Offshore has hit the water off the UK east coast and has been delivered to its new owner. The new 4-6-berth 36ft aft cockpit model by British boat builder, Haines Marine, is available with an optional mid cabin and in three different guises, an offshore category B cruiser, an electric version, and a single engine ‘Sedan’ version. The Sedan is priced from £250,200 and 36 Offshore from £299,700. A second Sedan version is due to be delivered to Thames dealer, Val Wyatt Marine this April (£288,624).

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Our promise to you is that 100% of all donations will go towards funding content for future issues.

8

April 2021

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00 ER £2 OTT TO TPL UP HAR VE C SA GO A ON

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. ply

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®

NEWS

Layout change for Southampton Boat Show The organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show have revealed a bold new layout ‘making the show bigger than ever before’. This will see the show spreading further northwards towards the city centre with, however, the loss of two of the usual outdoor exhibition areas. Following the Prime Minister’s recent roadmap announcement, British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, say that the show will return safely for its 52nd edition this September. The 10-day show is due to be held on the 10th-19th September and is set to have a new entrance and festival area outside Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre pictured. A new show area, described as a ‘Community Day and Festival Area’, will extend south past the old city walls and over into the main ‘centre piece’ Mayflower Park site with its purpose built marina, bypassing the previous entrance section north of West Quay Road and the previous Holiday Inn section. British Marine said ‘Once inside the show, visitors will be immersed in the world of boating and watersports through new zones that cater for specific interests to give a tailored show experience.

The first zone will be for paddleboards, kite surfers, kayaks and windsurfers, accompanied by a stage, street food, music and a lively vibe to showcase the watersports lifestyle and simplicity of getting afloat. There will be a Dinghy Zone geared towards the interest of dinghy sailors and high-performance sailing.

This will flow into a Classic Boat & Day Boat Zone aimed at celebrating the boats and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Moving into Mayflower Park there will be hundreds of power and sail boats, equipment and services on show.’ Located usually in the previous shopping-orientated Holiday Inn section, Motorboat Owner and several clothing and marine-equipment-selling exhibitors will be moving, so regular visitors to the show will need to look out for updates and new stand numbers. Visit www.southamptonboatshow.com for information.

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April 2021

If you any have news from your region, please email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Gillingham Marina on the River Medway is up for sale for an undisclosed sum. The 491-berth marina in north Kent is for sale through estate agent, Savills, and the site consists of two mooring basins, one being tidal and accessed by a lock and the other, a drying outer harbour. Amongst its facilities is a bar/restaurant, an outer refuelling pontoon and a chandlery. Also included in the sale is a waterfront leisure centre, which Savills suggest could be developed into a hotel or residential units. Savills also suggested that land reclamation could provide winter hardstanding and its basins could be developed for floating homes.

Gillingham Marina was established in the 1970s by the Parham family, and has held The Yacht Harbour Association’s Five Gold Anchors award for 25 years.

DIARY DATES South Coast Boat Show 7th-9th May British Motor Yacht Show 12th-20th June Green Tech Boat Show 19th-20th June Chichester Marina Boat Show 26th-27th June Thames Valley Boat Show 9th-11th July Southampton International Boat Show 10th-19th September Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Savills

Gillingham Marina for sale

Boat show event updates As a result of the Covid pandemic and to be in line with the UK Government’s fourstep roadmap out of lockdown, a couple of boat show events have been pushed back. The 3-day Thames Valley Boat Show, previously April, will now be held on 9th11th July. The British Motor Yacht Show has also been rescheduled to the 12th-20th June. Premier Marinas has also announced that its Chichester Marina Boat Show will return this summer, on 26th-27th June.

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

Chargers - Inverters - Galvanic Isolators - Fuses Fuse holders - Crossover switches - Cable Sets - Batteries

sales@mdsbattery.co.uk

11

NEWS Ofcom changes The way boaters comply with radio licences is changing. UK licence issuer, Ofcom has warned boaters of new terms and conditions in order to fall in line with internationally agreed levels in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines for the protection of the general public from electromagnetic fields (EMF). Motorboat Owner’s Editor, Neale Byart has been deciphering the jargon and has put together an extended Q&A about the new regulations and what is required of boaters. See page 68

Boats.co.uk Sea Ray dealership Boats.co.uk has been appointed by Marina Marbella UK as the east coast dealer for the US-built range of sportsboats and cruisers, Sea Ray. The family-owned business based on Wallasea Island in Essex already sells the Princess, Williams, Parker and Kawasaki brands, as well as used boats, and will now handle east coast sales on behalf of Marina Marbella UK, Sea Ray’s English distributor. “Sea Ray is a perfect, complementary match to our existing selection of new boats,” says Boats.co.uk Managing Director, James Barke, who added that the company has seen a massive uplift in boat sales, with staycations an obvious solution to travel restrictions. Sea Ray’s current range of boats is 19ft to 40ft and Boats.co.uk has its first stock boat available, a 2020 SunSport 230 cuddy for just under £85k.

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April 2021

EVOLUTION

NEWS Higher Ethanol content E10 grade petrol roll out A new E10 grade biofuel is going to be introduced as standard at petrol forecourts this summer and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has said that it may not be compatible with some older boats. It is being introduced as part of a UK Government incentive to reduce CO2 emissions and help tackle climate change, the E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which is added. The current standard of unleaded petrol contains up to 5% ethanol, known as E5. Although the Government has said that E10 petrol is compatible with 95% of petrol-powered road vehicles, it has also acknowledged that some older boats with petrol engines may not be compatible with the new fuel. The Government has advised that boat owners and operators should check their vessel’s manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer before filling up with E10. The RYA said “If your boat is not compatible with E10 fuel, then you should continue to use E5 ‘Super Petrol,’ which will remain available at many kerbside filling stations after E10 is introduced.

Prolonged use of E10 petrol in a non-compatible engine is not recommended and may cause harm to the vessel. However, if your boat’s engine is compatible with E10 petrol, then there is no reason why you cannot mix the two grades of petrol when filling up. We are aware that many waterside outlets are unlikely to install a second petrol pump to accommodate the choice of using either E5 or E10. The industry is due to discuss the issue of accessibility at the end of March, at which time we hope to be able to share further guidance.” The change is expected to happen this summer, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed by the Department for Transport. Motorboat Owner will be looking into what happens next and what owners of older petrol boats might need to do in order to prepare for the change. The RYA stated that the change in fuel only applies to petrol engines and diesel fuel will not be affected.

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April 2021

If you any have news from your region, please email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Thames water point changes Boaters and hireboat companies on the nontidal River Thames are now being urged to equip their boats with hosepipes in order to top up with fresh water. There are various fresh water points at locks along the river and these are administered by the navigation authority, the Environment Agency. However, to avoid water wastage, stagnant water and avoid any possibilities of contamination, the agency will be removing hoses from these sites and ‘backflow prevention’ devices will be fitted to taps. Boaters will need a standard Hozelock connector and a hose to fill up. The agency has stipulated that the hose should not be the expandable type and warned that fill ups could now take longer. Boaters can find a list of locks facilities here.

Buckler’s Hard redevelopment on target for 50th anniversary The £2m redevelopment of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour will be completed in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the Beaulieu River marina. Half a century since it was opened by Lord Montagu with round the world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth CBE, BEM, the new-look marina contains 66 additional berths catering for boats up to 18 metres, which, according to the marina, have already been allocated to new customers. A celebration is being planned for Saturday 1st May to mark the milestone completion, with some of the original guests from the 1971 launch, and will go ahead virtually if guests are not able to meet in person. Regarded as the ‘jewel of the Solent at the gateway to the New Forest’, the reconfiguration and extension of the marina has taken place over two winter phases and was the result of demand for bigger berths. It now has more walkashore pontoons, improved facilities, including upgraded WiFi and shorepower connection, and a new dedicated visitor area.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

15

NEWS Broads boaters fined Three boaters have been prosecuted for navigation offences on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, and its navigation authority, the Broads Authority (BA), has used these to highlight the risks of failing to navigate with care and caution, and of breaking the speed limit. At the Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court in February, Mr Drew of ‘Disco Volante’ faced a £1000 fine plus charges for three counts of failing to navigate with care and caution, and of breaking the speed limit. Mr Colman owner of ‘Beaver Las Vegas’ and Mr Walker of ‘Yeah Buoy’ faced similar fines in February. The BA said “Piloting over the speed limit and dangerous boat handling causes distress to people enjoying the Broads. It is also a real danger to wildlife and has the potential to cause serious damage and injury.” The BA recently appointed Jon Hopes as Senior Ranger, working on Compliance and Safety, to process prosecutions and compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme. The BA said “His work will free up time currently spent by Rangers preparing case files for offences such as speeding and non-payment of tolls. Prosecution is always a last resort, used once all other conversations and avenues have failed. Jon’s role will allow Rangers to spend more time out on the Broads, helping new and experienced visitors”. Jon Hopes said,“Preparing a prosecution file for a hearing at criminal court is time consuming and takes Rangers away from their other duties. We want to raise awareness to river users of the importance of keeping to speed limits, and navigating with care and attention. These cases should be a deterrent to others. Maintaining the 126 miles of navigational waters is expensive, and all the money raised from our boat owners’ tolls is spent on maintenance, dredging and navigational improvements”. The authority added that it is ‘entirely dependent’ upon income from tolls to fund all maintenance, dredging and mooring improvements on the navigation, saying that it is the only major navigation authority in the UK that does not regularly receive central funding for this role, ‘where boat owners are genuinely struggling to pay their tolls, the authority will listen and work with them’. The BA urged Broads users who witness boats that are speeding or being driven carelessly to report them to Broads Control on 01603 756056 or by emailing Broads.Control@broads-authority.gov.uk, noting details such as the boat name or registration, taking photos or videos if they can.

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April 2021

CRANCHI Z35 EXPRESS CRUISER

A FUN CRUISER WITH PLENTY OF SPACE FOR COMFORT To find out more please contact +44 7766 115865 cranchi@tingdene.net | www.tingdeneboatsales.net/cranchi

AVAILABLE JUNE 2021

INBOX

@

Stirling Sabre information Like many boat owners over the past year, I’ve had my hobby drastically cut back.

My regular boat is moored out at on the Costa Blanca, so it’s definitely out of reach for the foreseeable future. In frustration, or desperation, I bought a used boat in the UK, in the hope that it would give me at least some time on the water before I get too old to care. As it turned out, I’m not really any better off as the boat’s moored on the south coast and I’m marooned in Gloucestershire. The thing is, I don’t really know anything about this boat and wondered if you can help. It’s a Stirling Sabre 27 from about 1980 called Gatsby, with a 180hp Ford Sabre single diesel. It is in fabulous condition.

It was owned by a retired shipwright at the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth and it has had every bit of care and attention lavished on it, including a bowthruster, stern thruster, artificial teak decking and immaculate interior woodwork. It has a medium vee hull with a pronounced flare to the bow. I have searched the internet, but all I can find is that some of the boats were built at Brundall on the Broads, and some were fitted out at Harvey Eastwood’s yard. I don’t think the hull looks like it was built just for rivers, but I can’t think of another design with an identical hull. Have you any info on these boats? I’d love to know who designed the hull, and how many were built, or anything really. Andrew Barker Editor comments: I believe that the boat is a model known as the Sabre 28, released in the 1970s. Yours must have been a late example, as they ceased production in 1981. 28s were sold complete, and also in kit form for completion at home, or by other yards. It was certainly designed for coastal use with its medium vee hull providing speeds of up to 26 knots. Your 180hp Ford Sabre was the largest diesel option available in 1980, and delivered a reported 24 knots. Other options included single or twin petrol engines, a variety of single Volvo diesels and a 1.5 litre BMC for inland users. We understand that Stirling Craft were Bolton based.

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April 2021

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

In 1968 the Tyler Boat Company and Moody collaborated to build the 42ft aft cabin, classically-styled Lancer, of which 6 were built

Deck loungers

I’ve just finished reading the March edition of MBO. Greatly appreciated, especially during these difficult times for us all. Anyway, I noticed in the excellent article by Mark Hammond that ‘Skyfall’ is provided with deck loungers, with adjustable backrests. I have been searching for a these for some time so I would be most grateful for advice as to where I can purchase a pair. By the way, I am a freshwater boater and currently own a Sheerline 955 which I keep on the Thames. For me, it’s all about watching the lovely scenery go by at a maximum speed of 5 mph. It would be good to see more articles for freshwater boaters, including tests of boats with displacement hulls (like my 955). Richard Smith Associate Editor comments: Thank you ever so much for writing in and for your lovely feedback. I believe the Sealine SC42 had these factory fitted, with hinging GRP backrests fitted to the foredeck and removable cushions poppered in place.

However, I’m certain someone could recreate these for you on your Sheerline.

If you wanted to explore the Sealine route it might be worth speaking to C-Line Services, Seabridge Marine or the boys and girls at TBS Boats Penton Hook.

Thank you for your feedback on boat testing. Funnily enough we are hoping to test the new Haines 36 very soon. As a born and bred Thames girl, I’m keen that the inland market is catered for and that we keep a good mix in MBO. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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FIRST LOOK

RODMAN 1290 EVOLUTION

Spanish boat builder, Rodman’s long-awaited upgrade of its popular 1250 model, the 1290 Evolution, hit the waters off Vigo this spring.

MBO was invited aboard for a virtual tour and to see how it performed in sea trials 20

April 2021

Length (LOA): 13.28m/43ft 6in Beam: 4.21m/13ft 9in Displacement: 10,834 kg Fuel Capacity: 1400 litres RCD category: B Draft: IPS 1.09m Shaftdrive 0.95m Engine options: twin 380hp Volvo Penta D6 IPS 500s, 440hp D6s on shafts or IPS 600s, or 440hp Yanmar 6LY3A STPs Hardtop price from £447,600 Flybridge price from £454,800 Enquiries: Rodman / RBS Marine www.rodman.es / www.rbsmarine.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

21

T

he new, fresh-faced, flybridgefisher model still shares the 1250’s well-respected hull, but has an all-new superstructure, updated interior layout and new features, including hull windows and triple sliding access doors.

It is available in two versions, a ‘Flybridge’ or ‘Hardtop’, the latter has an electric sliding roof as standard. The 4-6 berth cruiser has two cabins, with a large double island berth in the forward cabin, an

L-shaped side cabin offering two single berths, and a convertible double in the saloon. Other new and practical additions include a wheelhouse side door, larger saloon windows, a large forward cabin skylight and new interior finishes, such as carpet or faux teak flooring. A new ‘galley up’ format also opens up the lower accommodation. Its flybridge echoes the 1250 design, with the helm, with its two bucket seats, set aft and wraparound

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April 2021

PERFORMANCE Figures provided by Rodman

Tested 2x Volvo D6 440hp IPS 600s 11% fuel, 50% water, 3 crew, Force 1

RPM

600 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 3740 seating forward. Various hull colours are available, including navy and white.

Like the 1250, both hardtop and flybridge versions are available with a choice of twin conventional shaftdrives or IPS drives with a joystick control. The list of engine options comprises, twin 380hp Volvo Penta D6 IPS 500s, 440hp D6s on shafts or on IPS 600s, or shaftdriven 440hp Yanmar 6LY3A STPs. In sea trials of boat number one, which Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Knots

3.9 6.8 9.3 13.7 21.3 28.3 33.6 35.8

LPH

3.5 9.7 26 55 75 105 150 175

is fitted with twin 440hp Volvo IPS600s, Rodman reported a top speed of just under 36 knots, and a cruising speed of 21 knots at 2500rpm, giving around 75 litres per hour fuel consumption.

The new model is available in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands through RBS Marine, and prices start at £447,600 for the Hardtop and £454,800 for the Flybridge version. For details see rodman1290evolution.co.uk

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Jeanneau Leader 30

24

April 2021

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 9.23m / 30ft 3in Beam: 2.98m / 9ft 9in Displacement: 3,702kg Fuel capacity: 300 litres Water capacity 100 litres RCD category: B7/C9 Engine as tested: 1 x 300hp Volvo Penta D4 Other engine options: 1 x 260hp D4 Diesel, 1 x 350hp Mercruiser, 1 x 380hp Mercruiser, 2 x 250hp Mercruiser, 2 x 175hp Outboard Price from £150,797

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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26

April 2021

I

t doesn’t seem that long ago when 30ft sportscruisers were everywhere.

Sealine had the S28/29, Fairline had the Targa 29/30 and there were a whole bunch of US brands from the likes of Bayliner, Sea Ray etc. In the car market, saloons and estates have fallen out of vogue with the advent of the SUV, and with boats the same could be said of the sportscruiser and the omnipresent wheelhouse style cruiser.

Nowadays, new 30ft sportscruisers seem to be a much rarer breed, so when Jeanneau invited us to test their version of the strain, we were very keen. Not least because this is exactly the sort of boat we have been running for the last 10 years or so, so it was interesting to see a more modern take.

The Leader 30 was launched initially as an inboard sterndrive boat, but a couple of years later they also introduced an outboard powered version. At the time of writing, the engine options consist of a single Volvo Penta D4 diesel, in either 260hp or 300hp guise, a single MerCruiser V8 petrol engine producing either 350 or 380hp, twin V6 MerCruiser petrol engines at 250hp each with the option of Axius joystick control, or twin 175hp outboards. Our test boat was the

inboard engine model with the single D4 300hp Volvo diesel and, obviously, there are some differences between inboard and outboard versions. At this time we haven’t tested the outboard model, so our comments below all relate to the original inboard version.

One of the most obvious differences will be at the back, where our model had a lovely, large, uncluttered bathing platform that wouldn’t look out of place on a 40 footer. Great for the med, where the inbuilt bathing ladder and trip free inset handles would get some serious use, but maybe more of a berthing fee liability in the UK. What is useful out here, regardless of where you boat, is the bathing platform accessible locker that is large enough to store all sorts of watersports kit, or even a deflated dinghy or liferaft. The outboard version still gives you this useful locker and, although much of the bathing platform is sacrificed to the engines, there is still

PHOTOS© Jean-Jacques Bernier/Jeanneau

“Jeanneau’s smallest Leader is feature packed”

Upgraded. New hull windows are sure to offer brightness and better views from the cabin

27

more than enough left to make it a very usable watersports base.

Moving into the cockpit, through the starboard side transom gate, you are faced with a vast array of seating that stretches across the transom and all along the port side. This comes with a cockpit table that has a fold out leaf to create a very generous socialising and alfresco dining area, seating up to eight at a squeeze. This is complimented by the wet bar mounted opposite, which comprises a fridge and a small sink with running hot and cold water. There is even a small fiddled worktop area, perfect for refreshment preparation. Just aft of this there is a small step that leads you up and out of the cockpit and onto the starboard side deck, safely behind the guard rail.

This is a nice feature that provides easier and safer deck access than you will find

on many other sportscruisers.

The forward end of the port side seating has a return that comes back across the cabin companionway, situated a couple of feet further forward. This not only increases the usability of this seating area, it also offers, through a split flappable backrest, a forward facing seat for a crew member. Facilities are a bit lacking, there is no adjacent cup holder or any little cubby for bits and bobs, but it’s a nice feature nevertheless.

Despite the size of this cockpit seating, there is little storage within it. The forward part is used for headroom below, the mid section hinges up with open space below leaving just the transom seat that houses a locker. This is the same locker that can also be accessed from the bathing platform. Despite this, cockpit storage is not in short supply as there are two

28

April 2021

A very sociable cockpit with plenty of seating, good storage and great facilities for entertaining

further lockers, of good proportions and fully lined, in the cockpit sole. On our test boat these were unstayed, which would make them awkward to use. A gas strut or two here would make the world of difference. The whole transom seat assembly lifts electrically to provide access to the engine bay on our inboard model, on the outboard version this becomes yet more storage. With a single engine, there is lots of space down here to get all around the engine for maintenance and servicing, with plenty of space either side for additional crated storage, if needed. The engine room is deep, so getting in and out is not easy and some kind of permanently mounted ladder would be very beneficial.

The backrest of the transom seat is able to fold flat and this, together with a section of the port side seating backrest that folds back, creates a very nice double sunpad.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

At the helm you get a supportive, swivel-and-sliding bucket seat, with a lifting bolster, but no height adjustment.

The helm console offers space for a decent sized multi-function display, with engine instruments set further forward.

The latter are not easy to see when seated, so keeping a regular eye on engine parameters takes a bit more effort than a

A second forward facing seat is a great feature

29

Some height adjustment on the helm seat would be beneficial. The aft seat turns into a sunlounger

casual glance when underway.

Overhead there is a reverse rake radar arch that delivers a split bimini arrangement, as well as support for full canvas enclosures. There is great headroom under here and the small forward bimini is perfect for providing the helm with sun protection, while leaving the aft cockpit available for sun worshippers.

Moving into the cabin, through the

sliding companionway door and down three steps, you are met with a roomy and bright interior. The headroom down here, and throughout the accommodation, is excellent. The layout is exactly as you would expect. There is a dinette forward that converts into a double, a separate toilet compartment to starboard, a galley to port and a mid cabin berth under the cockpit. Starting at the dinette, it is spacious enough to seat a family of

Twin bimini option delivers good sun protection. The transom accessed ‘boot’ is a nice touch 30

April 2021

four, although the table restricts access to the starboard side, so guests will have to enter the port side and scooch all the way around. The seating wasn’t the most comfortable we have experienced.

The base cushions were very deep and the backrest cushions shallow and unsupportive. Large hull windows provide plenty of light and a decent view of the world while seated down here and, above these, there are banks of eye-level cupboards along both sides. There are no opening ports in the main part of the cabin, so ventilation comes primarily from the overhead hatch. There is storage space beneath the seating, plus larger, hanginglocker-style cupboards set back at the aft end of the dinette. A useful feature here, if this area is going to be used as a berth, is the curtain that pulls across the aft end of the saloon seating to provide more of Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

There is good headroom in the toilet compartment and ample space for showering

a separate, forward cabin feel, and some privacy for your dinette dwelling guests.

Aft of the dinette, on the port side, is the boats galley unit. This offers a fridge, sink and double burner gas hob, together with storage cupboards above and below and a clever section of lifting worktop to access cutlery storage. There is a small opening port behind the galley, mounted in the hull window, and a large overhead skylight beneath the windscreen in the cockpit, which combine to deliver plenty of light in this part of the boat. Considering that this galley subsidises the rather well equipped cockpit wet bar, it is fair to say that the Leader 30 is very well appointed in the catering department, for a boat of its size.

Opposite the galley you will find the boat’s toilet compartment. Like the rest of the boat, there is a good 6ft of headroom and this is combined with a useful amount

32

April 2021

© Jean-Jacques Bernier/Jeanneau

More than just cushions. The foredeck can be equipped with proper seating and lounging facilities

of elbow space. It is reasonably basic, but functional, with a sink, toilet, shower and some useful storage. There is one fixed hull window at eye level and a smaller window with opening port lower down.

The mid cabin is aft of the galley and has its own door. The full-width thwartships double is complemented by a small dressing seat in the entrance, where there is also full-standing headroom. There is good storage under the bed, together with a sizable hanging locker and a locker beneath the settee. A small opening port, two in-hull windows plus a fixed overhead skylight, which is a continuation of the one in the galley, means this area feels bright and airy, despite its position in the middle of the boat.

Getting out on deck is best achieved via the starboard side deck, and its very easy access from within the cockpit, as previously mentioned. To gain access to the port side deck, you either need to Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

step over the cockpit seating or ascend from the bathing platform. The side decks are around 6 inches wide and very easy to navigate. Grabrails on the radar arch help steady your way, and the knee high guardrails offer reasonable security.

The foredeck has good non-slip where its needed and, of course, you can have optional sunpad cushions, that turn into sunloungers, here as well. Your foredeck crew get a nice flat working area, while below their feet is a generously sized anchor locker, certainly big enough to lose a couple of fenders into, if needed.

“It has big boat features, a huge bathing platform and sunloungers to name just two”

33

PERFORMANCE As tested 75% fuel, 0% water, 3 crew, Force 1

RPM

Underway The windscreen of the Leader 30 is very low, so low, in fact, that even seated I found myself being wind blasted in the face. At my height I also found the windscreen line directly in my line of sight, which meant either sitting more upright and exposing myself to further windblast, or slouching down where the engine instruments would disappear from view. What this boat needs is some height adjustment on the helm seat, or maybe a slightly higher windscreen. Neither of which are easily solvable outside of the factory. Despite this, the driving position is actually very comfortable and the answer to the wind problem, at least when it is unwanted, may be to drive with the

650 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 3600

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

3.9 5.4 7.3 9.2 15.8 23.6 29.8 30.8

1.9 2.7 8.4 19.0 30.5 39.9 53.1 57.0

0.42 0.59 1.85 4.18 6.71 8.78 11.7 12.5

9.28 9.15 3.94 2.20 2.35 2.68 2.55 2.46

Range (nm)

612 603 260 145 155 177 168 162

front section of canopy erected.

Underway, it performs well.

Acceleration is good, jumping onto the plane in around 5 seconds and reaching 30 knots in 17 seconds. The supercharger of the D4 is intrusive when it kicks in, but as it is only there for the period between 1500rpm and 2000rpm this is not really an issue. These are not really engine speeds that you would want to be cruising at. The best cruise could be

34

April 2021

Engine options include petrol or diesel, single and twin inboards, plus a choice of outboards. Our test boat was fitted with a Volvo D4-300

“Fast, frugal and fun to drive, the Leader 30 performed well” found around 3000rpm, where the D4 300 delivered 24 knots and also achieved the most frugal fuel economy. Mid range pick up on this combination is good, but for a more sporty drive you might want to consider one of the bigger petrol options, or even the twins. The hydraulic steering was precise and light and the boat turned tight and true as we threw it around. The prop and hull both gripped well, but we do suspect that the low screen is going to ensure that in windy conditions a certain amount of spray is going to reach you at the helm. On our test day the conditions were far from challenging, but any wake we found was handled with ease with little slamming or harshness in the ride. There were no trim tabs fitted to our test boat, Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

but we suspect that in windy conditions these would be required, so do consider ticking that box on the options list. They were not needed on our test day as the Leader 30 had a very nice natural running attitude, with just a little bit of trim out on the drive all that was needed. The tabs will almost certainly be required to keep the boat laterally flat when the wind is on your beam. The hull has good lift and, in fact, starts to plane as low down as 2400rpm and 13 knots. This would certainly be useful to get you home at a reasonable rate if the weather turns and the sea kicks up.

Again, a bit of bow down trim tab might be beneficial in this situation.

The performance and handling of the Leader 30 is made more impressive by

35

the fact that this 30 footer is really only a 25 footer. Take away that large bathing platform, and what you have left is 25ft 6in long. The waterline length will be less, possibly only around 23ft. This is important when it comes to going slow. Many people might assume that an economical displacement speed for a 30 footer would be around 7 knots, and in most cases you would be right, but with this particular 30 footer it only takes a quick look at the performance data to see how that short waterline length starts to eat your fuel quite quickly at this sort of speed. At 1500rpm, and just 7.3 knots the Leader 30 is using more than twice the fuel that it would

The skylight provides light to the galley and cabin

at 1000 rpm and 5.4 knots. It is clearly starting to plough. The answer, of course, is to stick to 5 or so knots, or get it up on the plane and settle in at a cruising speed of just under 25 knots, where the single diesel configuration will return a fuel economy

36

April 2021

approaching an impressive 3nmpg.

Conclusion When you consider that this is really only a 25ft boat with a big bathing platform, it is quite extraordinary what Jeanneau has achieved. The facilities and space in the cockpit and down below feel just like any other 30 footer, yet you are afforded the efficiency and slow planing speed that comes from a smaller hull. It does have its faults, but we tested a very early model so it pays to check and see if Jeanneau have ironed these out. Ultimately, Jeanneau has produced a very competent, compact family cruiser that packs far more into the hull length than physics should realistically

The model is now also available with outboards

allow. There may be fewer options for 30ft sportscruisers than there used to be, but its good to see that what is available is feature packed and full of innovation.

ENQUIRIES: Jeanneau www.jeanneau.com for your nearest dealer YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Bavaria S29 Open

Searay Sundancer 265

Bayliner Ciera 8

LOA: 8.76m Beam: 3.0m Displacement: 4,000kg Enquiries: Clipper Marine 01489 333401 www.clippermarine.co.uk

LOA: 8.1m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 3,024kg Enquiries: Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk

LOA: 8.15m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 2,950kg Enquiries: Bates Wharf 01932 571141 www.bateswharf.co.uk

The long running S29 model offers that classic 30ft sportscruiser layout.

The base boat comes with a 350hp 6.2l MerCruiser.

PRICE from £119,041

Searay have a 30ft sized gap in their sportscruiser lineup. The 265 offers 4 berths and a choice of single petrol or diesel.

PRICE from circa £129,000

Bayliner always used to have a wide selection of sportscruisers, the Ciera 8 is now their only offering and offers 4 berths.

PRICE from £108,280

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Haines 36 Sedan

37

CUTTING

Yamaha

Yamaha has announced some innovative upgrades to its Premium V6 range of outboards. Sharing design cues with the top-of-the-range XTO engine, the 250 to 300hp range with steer by wire are now equipped with digital electric steering, doing away with the need for hydraulics and steering cables. They also come with TotalTilt, a system that lifts or lowers the engine from any position to its full extremity by a simple double push of a button, and Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust which ensures that the exhaust exits above the anti-ventilation plate below 2500rpm to provide better prop bite in clear, bubble-free water. There has been some design features taken from the XTO too, with colour matched lower units, onepiece top cowlings with water draining air duct moulding, redesigned bottom cowling and premium graphics. Internally, the gear case has been improved, with new gear tooth profile for better contact and reduced surface pressure, as well as improvements in the flow of gear oil within the lower unit. The 225hp V6 has also seen some uplifts in its design, compatibility with optional electronic functions and internal modifications to improve reliability and fuel efficiency.

Price from £TBA www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en

38

April 2021

the latest boating gear and technology

Iris

The Iris 735 is a useful looking, 316 stainless steel, bulkhead mounted camera with IP67 water and dust prof rating. The camera is just 28mm in diameter, 36mm long and has a bezel height of just 8.5mm.

It comes with a 2.9mm wide angle lens, a Startlight sensor for ultra low light operation and compatibility with most helm displays as well as TVs via an HDMI converter.

Uses could include for reversing and mooring, or for engine room or other enclosed space monitoring.

Price £354 www.boatcameras.com

Torqeedo

Torqeedo has responded to the demand for a lighter and more cost effective option when it comes to electric outboards with the launch of the new Travel 603.

Equivalent to a 2hp petrol outboard, the 603 weighs in at just 15.5kg, including the battery, and comes with a 500Wh lithium-Ion battery. This is said to provide up to 5.5 hours of use at slow speeds on a single charge. Like the larger models, the 603 has a built in GPS for instant updates of range etc, and can talk with Torqeedo’s TorqTrac mobile app. Charging can be achieved from a mains supply as well as the boat’s 12 or 24V system. Price £1,499 torqeedo.com

Omax Marine

Omax Marine is a new name to the UK, but this Taiwanese company has been operating since 2004 providing rigging, spares and consumables for outboard engines, using over 50 manufacturers to provide a comprehensive range of cost effective parts for many popular outboard models. Examples include water pump kits from £19.95, replacement carburettors from £63.95 and impellers from £4.95 for makes including Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Mercury/Mariner, Selva and Tohatsu. Omax Marine also produce more complex parts such as prop shafts, crankshafts, gears and clutch components.

Price £ various www.specialistsmallcraft.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

I

am not sure what happened there. One minute it was the first of March, and then suddenly our deadline is looming and I haven’t managed to get onboard our project boat. I’m going to blame Ofcom.

I might only have spent a couple of days looking into it, but I feel like I’ve lost about a week of my life that I’m never getting back. Anyway, despite this, all is not lost. I finished last month by bringing the instrument panel home from the boat, together with a paper template for a small area next to it on the helm console.

Out in the workshop I stripped the panel

down by disconnecting all the wiring and removing the retaining straps, having first taken a series of photos so I would know where everything goes when it comes time to put it back together again. Once the instruments, ignition switch, dash illumination switch and two fuses holders were removed, I was left with a rather tired looking piece of aluminium plate. I gave this a quick going over with a piece of abrasive paper to clean it up and remove a couple of slight traces of bubbling corrosion before moving on to my paper template.

40

April 2021

As removed from the boat, the dash panel was in need of some tender loving care

I stuck the template onto a piece of 5mm polycarbonate sheet and cut it out using an angle grinder and a fine cutting disk. I find this gives a straighter cut than a jigsaw, and also avoids that strange effect where the plastic welds itself back together with heat after the jigsaw blade has passed.

Once cut out, I smoothed the edges and rounded the corners before roughing up the surface to prepare it for painting.

After a quick clean up of the two dash pieces, they were both given a first coat of paint. Whenever I am making panels for dashboards I always use the same paint,

An extra panel has been made from 5mm plastic

Before dismantling, a picture of the wiring was taken for reference

The empty panel was cleaned up ready for painting and re-installation

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

All surfaces were abraded before getting a coat of matt black stone chip paint designed for cars

Hammerite Stone Chip Shield in black.

This gives a tough, matt finish with a slightly textured surface and has proved to be long lasting and hardwearing in previous applications.

Once the first coat was dry, I took the new plastic dash section and marked out where the large round cut-out behind

it would sit. Then, within this circle, I drew four evenly spaced marks for the switchgear that would be installed on it. These were drilled first with a pilot drill, then with a 19mm hole cutter to accommodate the switches I had purchased last month. These switches would control the bilge blower, horn and,

The new panel has been fitted with switchgear and will be mounted alongside the dashboard 42

April 2021

The spare hole in the dash was enlarged to take the hour meter and a retaining groove added

thinking ahead to other kit I might like to add, a windscreen washer and wiper, and were installed after giving the panel a further couple of coats of paint.

Back on the main instrument panel, I used a 60mm step drill to enlarge the spare hole to take the re-positioned hour meter with its external bevel. Once the hole was bigger, I just had to reinstate the notch that ensures the instrument cannot spin around in its hole, which I did with a suitably sized file, before giving the panel its final two coats of paint.

Before even thinking about re-assembly, I wanted to check, as best I could, that each instrument was working. I had seen some spurious readings when I ran the engine and I wasn’t sure if they were

caused by wiring problems or faulty gauges. The hour meter and voltmeter were easy to check. Just wire up a positive and negative direct to them and check that the hour meter was ticking and the voltmeter showed the correct reading compared to the battery. Those two tested fine. Moving on to the oil and temperature gauges, which work on resistance, the only checks I could do was full deflection tests. If you put a negative on the negative terminal of the gauge, and a positive on the positive terminal, the needle should deflect fully to the left, ie below the minimum reading. If you then do the same, but also connect the sender terminal to negative, the needle should deflect fully to the right, ie beyond the highest reading.

All gauges were tested, as best they can be off the boat, and deemed to be operating as they should Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

Again, both gauges passed these tests, indicating any errors in their readings are more likely to be wiring, connection or sender related. Lastly, I looked at the tacho. This definitely didn’t appear right when on the boat, and at rest it seemed to always read somewhere around 1000rpm, even with nothing connected. The only real test I could do was to power it up with a positive and negative from a battery and check that the needle dropped to 0, which it did. It wasn’t doing this on the boat when I switched the ignition on, so hopefully this may just have been a poor connection somewhere.

While the dash was in bits, the last check I carried out was the instrument lighting circuit. Each lamp was tested and all bar one lit straight up. The one that didn’t still failed to work even after a change of bulb and a closer inspection found that a soldered joint on the body had failed, which was easily rectified.

With everything tested and working, it was time to start thinking about putting it all back together, but not before a quick clean up. The glass of the gauges, as well as inside the bezels, had accumulated years of dried on dust so they were each given a

A break in the dash lighting circuit was fixed using a soldering iron, and all lights now work

quick wash with some warm soapy water and a soft brush, ensuring the important bits stayed dry. The hour meter was a later addition to the boat and was a more modern design, the same as what we have on our Sealine in fact, and it was showing the same problems too. The transparent plastic face had a kind of misty look that clearly wasn’t on the outside. Keen to look into this, so I could transfer my findings to the Sealine if nothing else, I started to take it apart and am glad to say I have fixed it.

Here’s how I did it:

The individual gauges were in need of some cleaning. The hour meter exhibited a misted lens 44

April 2021

HOW TO IN 12 STEPS >

1

Three screws in the back were loosened but not removed completely

4

The misting could now be seen even clearer, but wasn’t on the inside face either

7

The misting came away easily to leave a spotless, clear lens

2

3

With around 6-8mm of This made the front lens thread exposed I pushed on and rubber gasket pop the screw head out, but the workings remained

5

It turns out that the lens is actually two pieces, with the misting occurring between them

8

The lenses and rubber gasket were then carefully pushed back into place

6

Using a camera or glasses lens cloth, I gently cleaned all four faces of the two pieces

9

And the unit screwed back together to leave a clear, uninhibited view of the engine’s hours

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

Installation was easy, thanks to my reference pictures, but a broken fuse holder needed replacing

Re-assembly is where my earlier photos came in handy. Using the various pictures, I could ensure that all connections went back exactly as they were, and wires routed the same way. During reassembly, one of the terminals unfortunately snapped off one of the fuse holders.

They were looking a bit old and faded anyway, so this was the perfect excuse to renew them. The replacements are more compact, and are even annotated so everyone knows what they are. Altogether an improvement, I think, and now both

parts of the dashboard are ready to be reinstalled on the boat. MBO

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend Fuse holders £1.10

Balance from last month

£2387.35

Total to date: £2388.45

The finished product. Not quite factory fresh, but much better than it was and ready for the boat 46

April 2021

Sargo behaves in waves like a refined sports car.

Splendidly. And still making a lot of sense.

– SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY – SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY ”The unique SARGO hull is built to last and perform. Its robust structure is extremely strong and the construction is nothing less than heavy-duty. ”The unique SARGO hull is built to last The outcome is the unmistakably quiet and perform. Its robust structure is and smooth SARGO extremely strong andride.” the construction is nothing less than heavy-duty.

David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd.

Sargo is precisely that kindunmistakably of sport utility vessel, The outcome is the quietboasting exhilarating handling and ride characteristics even in rough and Some smooth SARGO seas.

Sargo skippers ride.” talk about its smooth ride and good responsiveness even at higher speeds. We simply call it tough sportiness.

David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd. All Sargo models between 25-36 ft. live up to this while still making a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel

QUALITY NEARLY NEW MODELS AVAILABLE NOW

suited to many kinds of uses. The interior is both stylish and practical, following the great Scandinavian design tradition.

Sargo is a premium boat built in Finland, a new brand based on a great tradition since 1967.

Rain or shine, you’ll be fine. With a big smile on your face.

NEW 2021

Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4JD Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4JD Tel: +44(0)2380 453 245 Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk Website: www.sargoboats.co.uk

Tel: +44(0)2380 453 245 Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk www.sargoboats.co.uk Sarins Båtar Ltd., 67900 Kokkola, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi Sarins Båtar Oy Ab, 67900 Kokkola, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi

The Longest Spit Snape Maltings Aldeburgh

RI

VE

RA

LD E

Iken

E

Orford

LD

Simon Everett takes his 10ft Honwave SIB to the sea offWoodbridge Suffolk to explore the longest Ipswich shingle spit in Europe

RI V

A ER

48 River Deben

Orfordness Lighthouse

April 2021

SMALL BOAT ADVENTURES

EXPLORING THE ALDE

Aldeburgh

T

he east coast of England has a huge heritage when it comes to boats and boating. It is little wonder when you think about it, the many rivers that enter the North sea along this stretch of coast were major transport routes due to the easy and quick access to the sea. The East coast towns were also busy with leisure boating with the likes of Sir Thomas Lipton, the tea baron and Tim Birkett and the Bentley Boys. The Broads of Norfolk are well

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

49

Simon pumping up the Honwave T32 at Orford and its helpful Harbour Master, Philip Attwood

known, but less well known are the quiet estuaries of Suffolk which are also worth exploring and, in general, have much less traffic.

One of the major features of the Suffolk coast is Orford Ness, which is Europe’s longest shingle spit and shelters the estuary of the rivers Alde and Ore for just over 10 miles from the sharp bend in the river, where it hits the spit at Aldeburgh, and on down to where it enters the sea opposite Shingle Street. Whilst this stretch of dynamic shingle bank is now an important conservation site, it also has a sinister past, the remains of which are still visible and managed by the National Trust.

One of the benefits of an ultralight boat like the Honwave T32 is the ability to

launch virtually anywhere, certainly anywhere you can carry the boat to the water’s edge, and with such a minimal draft the constraints of tide are minimized.

At Orford there is a concrete slipway for people launching from a trailer that is usable at almost any stage of the tide, especially if you have a roller trailer rather than one that requires immersion. Phil, the Harbour Master for the Orford Town Trust, told me that he had never seen the end of the slipway in over 25 years, so I think it is safe to say it is usable for small craft at any stage of the tide. The end of the slipway is in line with the ladder at the end of the quayside, it drops off suddenly into about 3m of water so, provided the trailer wheels don’t go beyond the ladder,

Guernsey

50

April 2021

you are fine.

I was loaded with what I needed for the boat, my camera equipment, camping gear including water, victuals, cooker and utensils for two days afloat. In addition, because I am not yet versed in the fuel economy of this outfit, I had two tanks of fuel, each containing 13 litres exactly.

The Honwave took it all with room to spare, and the Honda BF10 purred into action on the second pull of the starter after a long period of standing, but then I have come to expect that kind of reliability from Honda.

Heading down the river and through the moorings towards the open sea, there is the normal speed restriction, but once south of the moorings you can open up all the way to the mouth of the estuary. Once past the marker, and with the motor warmed up, I was happy to sit at a fast cruising speed, around the 13 or 14 knots mark, which is only about half throttle. The boat sits very happily at this kind of speed with a lovely clean wake.

After about half a mile there is the option of taking the shorter, east channel, or the west channel that takes you around the inside of the RSPB reserve of Havergate Island, which is a more meandering route but provides an alternative view to add to the passage. I went the inner channel on the way down and the other

An ultralight Honwave T32 costing £1200 and the engine, a Honda BF10 starting at £2300

on the way back.

As you make your way down river there are remains of wartime fortifications, some of them now cut off from the mainland through the ever changing aspect of the saltmarsh. I hauled ashore beside one of the pill boxes that is now left stranded on a small island within the marsh. There are several dotted along this stretch within view, as a reminder of the immense efforts that were made to protect this island nation. I imagined being stationed along this remote and lonely coast wondering if, or when, the enemy was coming over the horizon.

The steep shingle beach allowed me to cut the engine and use the way on the boat to take me ashore with the engine lifted. The ground around the concrete box, and the structure itself, was covered

Wartime defences line the estuary. Pulled up on the shingle, Orford Ness stretches to the horizon Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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in lichens, yellow ones on the wall of the pill box, sage green ones, like miniature tumbleweed, amongst the thrift on the ground. This whole area is an important piece in the conservation puzzle, with rare plants and birds that are evolved to inhabit the shingle seashore, which is why it is such an important feature. Shingle areas like this are scarce, fragile and becoming scarcer as the sea encroaches.

To be fair, this is a natural development and part of a cycle that has been going on since time immemorial.

As I neared the entrance to the river the speed of the current increased, accelerating as it is squeezed through the narrow gap between sandbars and shingle banks. The flow created some turbulent water, but on a calm day like this that is all it was. I can imagine in an easterly blow against the ebb tide it would be quite an interesting bar to cross, so bare that in mind if you are visiting. I was heading out to run up the coast to see the famous Orford Ness lighthouse that had been an iconic landmark, in its various forms, for centuries. The structure stood 30m high on the kink in the stretch of shingle with the sea washing at its base, eroding the foundations to the point that the lighthouse had to be taken down since my visit.

When it was built in 1792 by Lord Braybrooke it was an important navigational aid to mariners plying this hazardous stretch of the East Anglian coast. In 1632 during one storm, no fewer

Off the iconic Orfordness lighthouse

than 32 ships foundered. Each ship that passed the lighthouse, which was sited well inland at that point in time, had to pay a passage fee until 1838, when the lighthouse was taken over by Trinity House. They ran it up until 2013, when it was decommissioned. Since that time a charitable preservation trust had been looking after the listed building and they are hoping to preserve at least part of it on a new piece of land overlooking Orford.

From the entrance of the river to the lighthouse is a run of about 5 miles, the sea was building with a ground swell crashing onto the shore, preventing me from beaching the little boat solo. I had

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hoped to land and get a closer look but the landing was very steep-to and I didn’t want to risk getting water in the boat with my camera gear and camping kit vulnerable to a wave. Instead I made do with drifting just off the beach and getting some photographs as souvenirs of my visit.

By the time I came to head back the breeze had picked up and the ground swell had been turned into white horses, to exacerbate the situation the tide had just turned and was against the wind, making the sea even more peaky. The Honwave coped quite happily and rode the chop better than I anticipated. Yes, spray got thrown up at me on occasions, but the ride was surprisingly confident and I was able to maintain over 10 knots through the building nastiness. That is one of the joys of a SIB, they are so buoyant they lift very quickly. I made it back to the entrance where the rush of water was mighty impressive, anyone under sail wouldn’t make headway against it, and it highlighted just how the ancient mariners had to work with the elements, rather than trying to fight them. Those old sailing barges would have made good use of the tidal streams, as should we, but the ability to overcome the flow has made us lazy, in comparison.

I eased right back once out of the surging water and looked for a suitable landing point to make camp for the night.

There was an oak post at the top of the beach which marks one of the footpaths

Approaching the fast water of the entrance

across the Ness. It was also in a bit of a bay that afforded some protection and access to deep water on shingle rather than mud, which was a bonus. I put ashore, making fast to a mooring ring on the post, to discover I wasn’t the first to use this spot, there was a slight depression in the ground with a flat bottom with evidence of a firepit made on a shingle patch about the size of a cushion, it was ideal. I set up my little tent and got the cooker set up on the patch of shingle. As I made my camp comfortable, another boat put ashore about 100 yards to the west of me and started to have a family beach party. This is obviously one of those hidden gems that only the locals know about.

As I sat watching the sun go down, drinking a beer and eating a plateful of tinned stew, a hare trotted past, no more than 5 yards from me. The air was crisp and the sound of the oystercatchers piping carried cleanly across the landscape. No wonder this area is so popular with artists,

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Simon found a peaceful spot to camp along the shingle spit, and was treated to a spectacular sunset

the cares of the world might as well have been a million miles away. I slept like a log until my alarm, set for 03.30, broke my slumber. I had to be up to catch the tide to reach the upper limit of the river at Snape Maltings.

I got the cooker on to boil water for a coffee and make porridge while I struck camp as the eastern sky was just turning purple with the first hint of light. As I packed away, the other imposing feature of the Ness was silhouetted against the dawn, this out of the way place was home to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. The imposing, concrete bunkers stood strong against the rising sun. From 1915 the spit had been used for

military experimentation and trials, first by the Royal Flying Corps for evaluating aircraft, armaments and sights, then in 1935 a team experimenting with RADAR set up on the remote beach and proved the technology, creating an effective air defence system. In 1953 the Atomic Weapons department occupied the area and set up their research establishment that was used until 1971. These buildings are unique, which is why they have been listed as being of national importance.

Breakfast over, the boat loaded with all my kit and any sign of my presence removed, I floated the boat at 04.00 precisely, at about 4/6ths tide, and marvelled at the phosphorescence,

A glorious place to eat dinner. Nuclear dawn, the imposing, unique buildings were silhouetted, right 54

April 2021

Red sky in the morning. Simon’s early morning glimpse of Aldeburgh as the sun just hits the horizon

also known as bioluminescence, that illuminated as I slid the boat into the water and washed my hands. It always amazes me when I see the water light up as it gets disturbed. The microscopic plankton that create the light show must have only been very close in, because there was none from the boat as I motored up river, more’s the pity. In hot, calm conditions you can have an illuminated bow wave and wash, especially in the south west, I must have just caught the very beginnings of a algal plankton bloom.

I crept through the moorings so as not to disturb those still asleep on their boats and made my way past Orford quay towards the entrance to Stoney Ditch,

where a creek cuts into the shingle bank.

It had to be crossed to build the atomic laboratories, and it was used to create mussel beds in the 1800s. Now it has silted up and is shallow, even at high water.

As I approached the major bend in the river, the biggest of the buildings stood imposingly on the horizon, together with the radio masts forming the Cobra Mist RADAR system. A great monument to the cold war and the nuclear advancement that until recently housed the radio transmitters for the BBC World Service. It is incredible just what this innocuous strip of shingle has been home to throughout its existence.

The run from here to Aldeburgh is

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In the morning mist the channel withie markers were vital. Approaching Snape Maltings, right

a wide stretch of water with mudflats hidden just below the shimmering surface, so I stuck to the channel as far as the moorings. The fleet of Dragons, with their deep keels, were well afloat so I knew there was plenty of water for my outboard driven airbed that sits so high in the water. The sun was about to burst over the horizon, so I hung around and marvelled at the predawn lighting with the mist lifting off the water. It was quite ethereal and I was glad of the fleece over my rugby shirt.

As I motored gently between the boats, and the town came into view through the mist, it was hard to imagine that once this was, in Tudor times, a major port with a flourishing shipbuilding industry that was granted Borough status by Henry VIII in 1529. There are a few old buildings still standing, the oldest is the Moot Hall, dating back to 1520. The Martello tower at Slaughden on the outskirts of the town

Navigation. A swan-shaped weather vane on a post marks the end of a spit above Aldeburgh

stands as a memorial to the struggle against the French, led by Napoleon. It is the largest and most northerly of the Martello towers and was completed in 1812, to defend against invasion, and is now converted into holiday lets, should you fancy staying here.

This little town was the first in Britain to elect a female Mayor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, in 1908 at the heart of the period of the suffragette movement.

Aldeburgh has been home to many people of note, mostly from the arts movement, poets, writers, artists and the composer Sir Benjamin Britten, who founded the Aldeburgh Festival in 1948 and the music hall at Snape Maltings, my destination, to perform his operas and other works.

Having basked in the sunrise at Aldeburgh I motored on up the river with the tide.

Just around the Aldeburgh stretch the estuary widens into a series of saltmarsh islands, and in the half light I had to keep my eyes peeled for the channel markers.

The first one you come across above Aldeburgh is a steel post with a former swan-shaped weathercock atop, marking the end of a spit that extends from the marsh. Another half a mile upstream and the channel is marked by locals maintaining a line of withies, which are often no more than a branch thrust into

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April 2021

A port withie, left. Snape sluice marks the end of navigation. Mist lifting at Iken canoe pontoon

the mud.

You have to keep your wits about you to stay between the two lines of branches, especially where there is a channel off to the side, such as the one that leads to the private pier at Iken, with the flinted church on the hillside standing prominent.

As I made my way through this section of the channel, a couple of otters were fishing just ahead of me. I knocked the engine out of gear and used the way and the tide to carry the boat forward. I got to within about 30 yards of one before it dived. It was a magnificent sight and one of the highlights of the morning.

If in doubt, stay towards the outside of the bend where the current is faster and the channel is scoured. The inside of the bend is where the water slows, silt is deposited

and the depth shallower. It is quite amusing to see the port and starboard channel markers adhered to by the use of plastic bottles in either red or green tied to the branches. It might sound simple, but in actual fact they are a great help. There is an adventure centre at Iken called Iken Canoes with a pontoon and some boats on moorings, but there are no facilities ashore. It is a useful landmark as you make your way upstream though, be aware that if there are people out in kayaks or canoe they are likely to be complete novices and you should reduce your speed to dead slow and make no wake as you creep past them.

Once past Iken Canoes the marsh starts to close in, the reedbeds camouflage the edges and the river starts to become quite narrow, but don’t fret, the old timers

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A glorious morning on the river. The stunning River Alde estuary view across the sea marsh

got 70 foot barges up here and there is a steamer and a heritage barge that still ply the river from Snape Maltings. If they can navigate this water I am sure you can in your shallow draft boat. Either side there are flooded meadows of saltmarsh with little creeks doing their best to lead you astray, especially at the very top of the tide, but those withies always put you right.

As I rounded the bend at the approach to Snape Maltings, the old malthouse that has been turned into the festival hall, stands proud in the landscape. Clearing the corner of the reedbed reveals the road bridge and the few dwellings that form the hamlet. I crept under the bridge, which has very little headroom, so a boat with a wheelhouse might be restricted. Above the

Saltmarsh summer bloom, Sea Lavender carpet

bridge there is a pool below the sluice that marks the end of the journey, the reeds enclose the water and a sole pontoon that forms the only mooring. Back under the bridge there is a quayside that allows for a couple of craft to moor whilst visiting.

Snape is as pretty as it is interesting, the main focus is the music hall but there is a pub to visit in more normal times. I was a bit early as it was only 06.30, but I wanted to see the place from the water, I shall be back another time, maybe for a concert and to browse the crafty shops that include the Lettering Arts Trust, whose patron is national treasure, Joanna Lumley. There are other shops and cafes too, which should make it a wonderful place to visit.

I left the quay with the sun just starting to gain a full disc above the horizon, and that glorious yellow lighting giving a warm glow to everything it touched. As I motored away from the quay the lighting through the reeds was beautiful and the world started to come alive, but out here in the remote, Suffolk marshes the only sound was that of birds and the burble of the water. The tide had started to ebb and I made my way gently back downstream with a rumbling tummy, ready for another

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Back for brunch, Orford’s Riverside Tearoom. A hand-painted dressed crab from Brinkley’s Shed

breakfast. The tearoom at Orford would be able to provide sustenance before my drive back home.

My mind was full of the sights I had imbibed over the past day or so and I reflected on them as I pootled back through the makeshift channel markers.

As I came past the swan pole below Iken the otters popped their heads up again, they were still out fishing and not overly perturbed by the little Honwave with its single occupant. As I came to Aldeburgh I spied a little shingle beach in front of the Martello Tower, so put ashore for a quick visit and to have a look around.

People were out walking their dogs along the seawall and those who had slept on their boats on the moorings were starting to stir. As I took a shortcut across to the boat before the tide left her high and dry, I marvelled at the carpet of sea lavender

that was in bloom here. I have only seen it once before, in Wales.

I returned to Orford and hauled the boat up the beach beside the slip, the water was well up, making the job of putting everything away that much easier as I could get the car to within a couple of yards. I had the boat deflated, folded and everything in the boot before the first boat arrived to launch. That is one of the advantages of the inflatable, it requires no trailer and everything is easily carried. I bet I had just as much enjoyment from that excursion as anyone in a bigger boat would have done, maybe more. I had covered 47.8 nautical miles over the couple of days and there was still more than a litre of fuel left in the first tank, that kind of frugality is hard to knock and I can’t wait for my next little jaunt, wherever that will be. MBO

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MY BOAT

Think PINK

First-time boater, Sally-Anne Jarvis, may have flipped the very idea of a Freeman on its head, but she has transformed a bargain boat into something from her childhood dreams. She tells the story of ‘Molly Freeman’ 60

April 2021

I

t all began one sunny afternoon in July 2019, when I was invited onto a friend’s boat. It was then, sitting aboard drinking wine and watching the river, that first got me into the notion of buying one.

I decided there and then that it was the perfect thing that I needed in my life. So, you could say from that day on, I got the boating bug, and I subsequently now hold my friend totally responsible for my empty bank account too. That same friend had spent a few years searching for the right boat, while my boat buying was on a total whim and a random act of indulgence, it took me just a week.

I found grime-covered Molly, a 1960s Freeman 22 MkI, for sale at Wateringbury, Bow Bridge Marina on the Medway. Very quickly, a deal was done. As for what I paid, well £1500, can you believe it? That is less than the price of a Chanel bag. Up until that point I had never driven a boat, I knew nothing whatsoever about them, and absolutely nothing about mechanical stuff. I admit I didn’t even get a survey

done, thinking that they were just for house buyers, and yes, I can hear you all screaming that a survey is a must have. I would, of course, recommend it now.

I looked at Molly with the mindset of what I could turn her into, and what I could do with her. Rather like clothes, you decide on the colour and the style, practicality and cost doesn’t fit the criteria, you just know you want them.

As far as I can figure out, Molly is 1961ish, and although I can’t seem to find too much history on her, I believe that she has always been called Molly. She has a Ford Watermota 1.6 petrol engine that, I hasten to add, I do now know is similar to an old Ford Anglia car engine. I had a professional look it over and work on it for me and, I guess, I got lucky on the

Sally-Anne has added a new name logo to Molly

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mechanical side, as there wasn’t too much that needed doing.

Molly’s interior had been half stripped out, there were a lot of bits of wood left lying around and boxes of random mechanical parts. She had been partly painted white. Yes, I can hear the Freeman classic owners scream, but with my limited knowledge and funds, I decided I was going to do something different with Molly. Plus, stripping paint, and manicured nails just don’t work well together.

So, what was my inspiration for Molly?

OK, if you must know, when I was a child, I had a Barbie doll, I had the car for her and she had the clothes, and the house

too, but she never had the boat. And if my memory is correct, I believe it was called Barbie’s Dream Boat. Well, I never did get that boat. So, I suppose I set about re-creating my own life size one. Molly Freeman, my little pink boat was born.

The creation of Molly is all based on improvising on what I could afford, find and re-work. I’ve re-painted, glued, fixed leaks, filled holes, drilled holes, rubbed and scrubbed, sewn curtains and made furnishings. I’ve also cried, had tantrums, had un-savoury things stuck in my hair and broken lots of fingernails in the process too.

I set about researching pink boat accessories and funnily enough there’s

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April 2021

Cosy kitsch. Sally-Anne says that everything she has done has been revamped and re-purposed

not much about in the colour. However, my starting point was a set of bright pink Hurricane Fenders and, soon after, I manged to find some pink boat rope.

I couldn’t find a pink helm seat though, and faced with an extortionate amount for something bespoke, I set about vinyl spraying the old grey one. This is now fixed onto a £39.99 bedside cabinet

with the legs sawn off as a helm seat, which is perfect for me. For the inside, I desperately wanted to use wallpaper, but realising this just wouldn’t work with the condensation, I improvised and used PVC picnic tablecloth, bought off the roll, and fixed with a good carpet adhesive. A lot of Molly’s interior has been trial and error, and I can confirm that I did the

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Halloween-themed Molly and the mooring flamingos. Sally-Anne has also dressed Molly in poppies

walls within the first 6 months of buying her and it’s still up. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it in the loo, as it did start to come unstuck. That got painted pink in the end. I’ve also put an Ikea shoe storage unit in there, which fits perfectly under the curved wall with the chemical loo right in front of it, and there’s still enough room for me. I think it looks more like a conventional home loo now.

My cabin ceiling was a nightmare. It was badly bowed, and even now still isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t leak anymore, so that’s one thing ticked off. My first attempt involved cork tiles with decoupage on top, which was great for insulation, but popped off in places once the winter weather hit. I replaced this with a cream beige remnant

marquee floor cord carpet, which has worked well, but I’m still not happy. I wanted pink (no surprises there) so I’m redoing it this year.

Last summer I treated Molly to a new canopy in pink, oh and what a joyous occasion that was. Even better than buying a pair of Prada shoes. She also passed her Boat Safety, so I was able to take her out, although admittedly not far, as my skills are limited.

I am learning that boat maintenance is never ending, there’s always something that needs doing, or that you have to get done. Aside from getting her out of the water for a coat of, hopefully pink, antifoul, this year’s list includes a refresh of the exterior pink. I’m having a few new

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April 2021

Sally-Anne’s latest project, the recovered transom seat. The helm seat, once grey, now pink

thoughts on this at the moment, so watch this space.

By now you may have realised I have what can only be described as an unhealthy obsession with the colour pink, and that’s now been extended to Molly’s moorings with the addition of 20 kitsch pink plastic lawn flamingos. I also theme Molly in keeping with current events and dates.

One thing’s for sure, she’s now very personal to me, she’s even got her own Instagram too. I love her to bits, like a favourite child, that you never want to admit you have. Yes, she’s pink and she screams out to be noticed, which she definitely does, but either way you look at it, whether you’re a lover of the restored classic, or not, she brings joy and puts a smile on people’s faces. You see boating for me, is now not just a passionate hobby, it’s become my release, my little get away from it all, and even more so with the situation of Covid. It has proved itself to be a Covid safe hobby to have and, as a lone female, I’ve found the boat to be my little bit of happy. It doesn’t matter how I’m feeling, I can just pop down to Molly,

whether it’s for a job to get done, or just to sit and have a cup of tea for an hour or so. It’s also been one hell of a learning curve too but I’m getting there, in my own way. I liken my boat buying experience to a ‘must have’, spur of the moment shoe purchase and, I admit, with hindsight it probably wasn’t the best way to go about it either. I wouldn’t be without Molly now.

To cap it all, I’ve met some lovely people and I’ve realised that boat owning is fun.

Boaters really are a different breed. The kindness and friendliness of fellow boat owners is unsurpassed. They’re always happy to help out and pass on knowledge, and definitely always happy to share a fruit-based alcoholic beverage or two with.

So, if you see me on the Medway, please toot and wave. But also give me a lot of room as Molly may be little, but so are my driving skills. Do they do pink ‘L’ plates?

So, if you’re reading this, have a boat, recently bought a boat or thinking of buying one. Remember it is your boat, and it doesn’t matter what colour it is, make it yours, smile and have fun. But above all enjoy it. Owning a boat is a fabulous adventure. MBO

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Post Brexit boating in Croatia

Q I’m getting confused about the 180 days the boat is allowed to be in the EU under temporary admission (TA) rules to avoid being liable for VAT, and the 90 out of 180 days I am personally allowed to be in the EU without a visa. How does Schengen fit into this? If I visit Croatia, a non-Schengen country, would the time spent there be included in my 90 days, and would a day spent there in the boat restart the 18 months TA clock?

A As a non-Schengen country, days you spend in Croatia, or any other non-

Schengen country, do not count towards your 90 in 180. You will, of course, need to ensure that you ‘log out’ of the EU if your journey starts there, and also back in when you come back. The actual day of departure, and the day of arrival back, both count towards your 90 days, so you would need to spend at least two nights in a non-Schengen country to make it count. With regards to the 180 days rule for TA, a country’s Schengen status is not relevant. To restart the TA clock you will need to leave the EU altogether, so will need to visit Gibraltar, Turkey, North Africa or, for now, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro or Albania. There is no minimum time set on leaving the EU to restart the clock, so it has even been suggested that simply sailing out of EU waters, and then back again, might be adequate, but this has yet to be verified. For those in Northern Europe, the Channel Islands and, of course, the UK, are available for resetting the TA clock.

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April 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Trailer safety chain

Q I see that some boat

trailers have chains to attach to the towing vehicle and others just have a breakaway cable. I have even seen some with both. What’s the correct method for connecting the trailer to the car apart from the hitch itself?

A All braked trailers should

attach a breakaway cable to the vehicle so that the brakes are applied if the trailer becomes unhitched. It is imperative, of course, that the trailer’s brakes are fully functional. Trailers without brakes, which can have a maximum gross weight of 750kg, should use a chain or strong wire as a second attachment point. The idea being that, without brakes, this system is designed to keep the trailer attached to the towing vehicle should the hitch fail or become detached. The chain or wire should be short enough to ensure that the hitch cannot reach the road surface, but long enough to ensure full articulation of the trailer while attached. I am not aware of any occasions where having both is a recommended solution, although I can understand why, even with a braked trailer, someone might use a strong chain as a secondary connection to tray and avoid a loose trailer.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

VHF ‘Radio Ga Ga’

Q I have received an email from Ofcom regarding

my radio licence and it has left me completely flummoxed. There seems to be something about needing to protect the public from electromagnetic fields. Much of the email is just gobbledegook to me.

I guess I am not the only one to receive it, so can you decipher it for me and give some pointers as to what I actually need to do?

A Yes we have had the email too and I agree, to the layman it doesn’t make much

sense. In fact I am rather perplexed that Ofcom would put something like this out, using language that the average boat-owning radio user will not understand. From what I can gather the idea behind it is that any item transmitting radio waves should be checked to ensure that the radio transmissions cannot harm the public. I feel that the regulations are aimed at broadcasters and telecommunications companies in the main, but as licensees of transmitting equipment we have been caught up in it and do appear to have some obligations. Basically, anyone who transmits above 10W EIRP (we’ll come on to that in a bit) should carry out an RF risk assessment to measure or calculate a safe distance that the public should be from your transmission source. The thing to note firstly, is that the ‘public’ in this case also includes anyone else on your boat. So friends and family, as well as those on shore or onboard other vessels. You, as the licensee, are excluded. To work out if your transmitting equipment is a danger, and therefore how far away the ‘public’ should be from it, Ofcom, to save most of us from actually having

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk to measure it, has produced a spreadsheet calculator. Into this you can put data relating to your transmitters and it will provide a safe working distance that the public should be away from the antenna. The problem is that the spreadsheet requires a power figure that is not the published power output of the unit, ie 25W for a fixed VHF on high power. You need an EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power), VHF licence holders received an email detailing the new guidelines which is a figure that takes into account the gain of the antenna and the losses in the cable, both of which will require information that you probably don’t have to hand and that are not always easy to get hold of. To use the calculator you will also need to know the frequency of the equipment, 156MHz in the case of marine VHF. Remember though, that these ICNIRP (International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) guidelines also need to be applied to other transmitting equipment on your boat, such as AIS and Radar. Your owner’s manual may well contain some relevant information regarding figures, and even safe working distances, so these are always a good starting point. If not, try the manufacturer of your equipment.

If you can work out your own EIRP, then the spreadsheet will give you exactly the information needed to ensure that your boat remains EMF compliant. Handheld VHF radios appear to be outside of the scope of these regulations, due to their low transmitting power. It also appears that due to their low transmitting power, plus low transmission duty cycle, that AIS class B and B+ can also be ignored. Class A AIS, for those that have it, will need to be taken into account as it works on a higher power. The cut-off for the regulations is 10W EIRP, or 6.1W ERP (effective radiated power).

That leaves most if us with just our fixed VHF set and radar to consider. Ignoring EIRP for a moment and inputting 25W and 156MHz for a fixed VHF set, the result indicates a safe distance of 1.6m. Drop down to low power and 1W, and the distance reduces to 0.3m. Even allowing for a slightly worse result, with cable losses and antenna gain taken into account to give EIRP figures that are higher than the published 25W, it is probably safe to assume distances of around 2m on full power and 0.5m on low power. These should not be too difficult to achieve on most motorboats. The rules seem to apply to ‘any’ part of the antenna, so boats without radar arches or masts are probably going to find it hardest to comply. When it comes to Radar, things get even more complicated. The power is high, but the signal is a narrow beam that is circulating, therefore there is a duty cycle involved. If I take my old-school Raymarine Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

RD218, which is a 2kW magnetron antenna operating on 9410MHz, the figures initially look horrendous, with a 6m+ safe distance.

But, if we add in the duty cycle and narrow beam width it brings the ‘power’ (as far as ICNIRP is concerned) down from 2kW to something more like 50W, and again I end up with a figure of below 2m (assuming I have understood this correctly). Modern Ofcom provided a link to an EMF calculator as a Microsoft Excel document “broadband” type radars transmit much lower power, and will therefore have an even smaller ‘danger’ area. We have asked Raymarine for clarification on this and will update you as we find out more.

One thing to think about is that, while those on your boat may be outside the minimum safe distance, there could be times when the public ashore may not be.

Think about locks, harbour walls and riverbanks. Your boat could be low down, so your antenna may be at the same height as people on shore, and they could possibly be within the minimum safe distance. The thing to do in these situations is to ensure that all non-essential electronics, such as the radar, are turned off, and any radio communications are kept to a minimum using either a handheld radio, or low power on the main set. But what if you simply cannot ensure that everyone stays outside the minimum distance requirements? In theory the offending unit should not be used except in an emergency, when these regulations can be put aside.

So what does all this mean to you? Well, immediately, nothing. This is still in its consultation phase, and final legislation will not be implemented until the 18th of May, by which time some things may have changed. Once implemented, we will have six months to comply. What will likely be needed is for all of us to do the calculations, print off the results and put a copy with our radio licence. In the very unlikely event that an official spot-checks you, you can show them that you have carried out the RF risk assessment. Obviously, if your equipment clearly does not comply, you may have to make changes to your boat or your MO, ie raise your radar antenna, only operate your main VHF using low power unless in an emergency situation, or turn your radar off when inside the harbour or marina boundaries, for example. You can annotate these changes and methods of operation on your calculation printout with your license and put them into practice. This means you will have done all you need to comply.

In the meantime we have contacted a leading VHF supplier, a few different electronics brands and Ofcom, for further information and clarification on this subject.

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If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Electric tow car quandary

Q My current tow car, a Subaru Forrester, is up for renewal soon and, of

course, I have given some thought to an electric vehicle replacement. Despite some research, I cannot find out much information on towing with electric cars, especially the weight limits and how towing affects their range. My boat on its trailer only weighs about 1200kg, but I like the extra reserve that my Forrester gives me with its 2000kg towing limit, so would ideally like something that has a similar spec.

A Many electric cars are not approved for towing at all, which may go some

way to explain why information is hard to come by. Of those that do, there are not currently many that pull up to 2,000kg, but the Tesla Model X is one. With its 2,250kg limit this would, at some expense, meet your requirements, and more.

Others that you could consider are the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC, both of which have a 1,800kg tow rating. I think that with this technology still in their infancy, a fully electric tow car is not really quite viable yet for the majority of us, although I am sure things will move very quickly over the next few years. At this time, it seems to be generally accepted that range will reduce to around half of its non-towing range, although tests seem to show that aerodynamics play as important a role in reduced range as weight, so a boat might actually help deliver better towing range than a slab fronted caravan, even though it may weigh more.

Unless you are in a position to be able to choose one of the full electric vehicles above, you may be better off considering a plug-in hybrid, or pure hybrid, at this time. The Kia Nero PHEV is one of the more affordable PHEV options with a useable tow rating, although at 1,300kg its towing limit does not give you the reserve you like. Other PHEVs to consider include VW Passat GTE (1,600kg), Volvo V60 Twin Engine Estate (1,800kg), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (1,500kg) and Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine (2,400kg). Of the pure hybrids, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus NX Hybrid pictured both come with a 1,500kg tow rating.

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IJsselmeer Peter and Gill Pitcher keep their Broom 425 in the Netherlands so they can enjoy one of their favourite cruising destinations, the IJsselmeer. Peter provides an insider’s guide to their muchloved Dutch ‘boating waterworld’ 72

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CRUISING

R TF ES W

IJsselmeer

S ND SLA I AN ISI

Makkum Workum

Den Oever

T

he IJsselmeer is a wonderful holiday destination in itself, and we and our family absolutely adore it. It is an area of the Netherlands that is perfect for motorboats, and you could spend a fortnight visiting some of the most interesting harbours, berthing right in the middle of towns, alongside historic trading quaysides, all at reasonable prices

Hindeloopen Stavoren

Mendemblik

Lemmer

IJSSELMEER

Enkuizen Urk MARKERMEER

Ketelhaven Lelystad

Amsterdam

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Exploring the historic town of Enkhuizen is a delight

and with access to many facilities.

Covering an area of 1100km2, the IJsselmeer is the largest lake in the country. It is fed by several rivers, and closed off to the North Sea by a man-

made dyke. Its big boating advantage is the shelter that it provides, as you can, in most weather conditions, move around at your leisure, finding different places, with interesting sights and attractions for old and young, beaches and good restaurants too, it has it all. With easy access to Amsterdam’s Schipol airport, the IJsselmeer is an excellent and safe place to leave your boat, and travel back and forth. You are also perfectly placed to visit the Dutch Frisian Islands and the Markermeer, with Amsterdam in the south west, if you have more time.

First and foremost I must start with the old town of Enkhuizen, as not only does it have excellent boating facilities, Dressing up, family fun at the Zuiderzeemuseum its central western location makes it 74

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‘Batavia’ of the Dutch East India Company and part of the Batavialand ship museum at Lelystad

an ideal base and cruising springboard Wonderland. for exploring the IJsselmeer. With easy Leaving Enkhuizen you can travel connections to Amsterdam and Schipol many ways, but for this article I will circle Airport, it is also a very suitable place the IJsselmeer travelling southeast, to to leave your boat if you want to travel Lelystad. If you are adventurous on your back to the UK. Here, the big marina, the way you could pull into the Trintelhaven, Compagnieshaven, has all the facilities which is in the middle of the Houtribdijk a boater could wish for, including a (a dyke). While there is not much here but superb restaurant and some of the most a café, it is an interesting place to discover competitively priced diesel in the region. and is a nice place to stop and have lunch.

Enkhuizen also has two other harbours, At Lelystad itself you have a choice of the Buyshaven and our personal favourite, several marinas. North of the lock you the Buitenhaven, which also connects have the Houtribhaven and the Deko into the Oudehaven (the old port). The Marina, both of which have good visiting advantage of berthing in the Buitenhaven facilities and reasonable access to the and the Oudehaven is that they are right in the middle of town and very near the railway station.

As well as offering good shopping opportunities, with a supermarket in the middle of town, Enkhuizen also has several great attractions. It has the Zuiderzeemuseum, which is a great place to spend the day with lots for the youngsters. Also a pleasant walk from town is an indoor swimming pool complex, with slides, and opposite Peter’s grandson, Jack, making rope at a museum a Disney-type attraction, Sprookjes Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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????

Batavia Haven at Lelystad and alongside mooring for Seawolf

town. In our opinion the best place to visit is the Batavia Haven, which is new, has very good facilities, and is right next door to the Batavia complex, which again is well worth a visit. It shows how they made the boats in the old days, and has lots of activities that youngsters can participate in. It is also right next door to the Batavia

Stad, a huge complex of factory shopping outlets. As a point of note you also have a big marina complex, the Lelystad haven to the south of the dam. However, here you are a good walk away from the town.

Lelystad also has the most comprehensive swimming pool complex that I have ever seen. Again, the town offers easy access to Schipol airport, the train goes straight from Lelystad to Schipol with no changes.

Moving north east you come to the entrance to the Ketelmeer, if you are interested in fine dining, here you have the superb restaurant called Lands End at Ketelhaven. For visitors, there is an outer marina, Jachthaven Ketelmeer. However, we have used the boatyard, which is through the lock, Gicom Jachtcentrum Ketelhaven to winter our boat. We have found it very competitive, price wise, and the team very conscientious in looking after our Broom 425, Seawolf.

Continuing around the IJsselmeer, the next port of call is Urk, another one of our favourites. It was an island before the land around it was reclaimed, and it maintains a lovely atmosphere, with good shopping Netherlands monument, Urk’s 19th century lighthouse. Peter’s grandson Wilbur at the beach opportunities, superb boat facilities and 76

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Lemmer Beach is a great spot for families, with a Beachclub restaurant. Right, Jachthaven Iselmar

our favourite restaurant in the whole region, the Achterhuis, which is located right on the entrance to the pier next to the harbour masters office. Urk was once the biggest fishing port in the Netherlands, and still just as important, it offers some of the best fish that we have found. The menu of ‘Three Fishes’ is good value and excellent.

Moving northwards you come to Lemmer which is probably the best

entry point to the Friesland canals. Again, this is a full facility town, and several marinas and harbours await you here, both inside the lock system and outside.

On our last visit, we stayed inside, right in the middle of town. A visit to Stoom Steam Museum is a must.

Moving westwards the next stopping Peter and Gill often opt for quaysides to be nearer towns. Seawolf moored at Lemmer town quay

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©Hollandse Hoogte/ANP Foto

IJsselmeer view, traditional Frisian flat-bottomed boats and wind turbines. Busy lock at Stavoren

town is Stavoren, which is another entry port to the canals of Friesland. Here, you have facilities inside and outside the lock system. The two main areas are the Marina Stavoren, which has facilities inside and outside a lock system, plus an indoor heated swimming pool. Alternativley, you can head a little bit further north to the old harbour and be in the middle of the old town.

Heading further north brings you to Hindeloopen, a really quaint small harbour with a huge marina alongside, Jachthaven Hindeloopen. The

harbourmaster here is most helpful and, in the small town, there are lots of curiosity and antique shops to explore, plus some interesting walks to be had in the area.

Just north of Hindeloopen you have Workum. This is where Atlantic boats were built originally and here again you have a choice on your hands. There is a huge marina, Jachthaven It Soal, tucked inside the canal entrance, with full facilities including diesel or, if you move further up the canal, you can go to Workum itself, through the lock gates. A third option, that we took, is to stop in the Popular attraction. Peter and Gill outside the Stoom Steam Museum at Lemmer

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©JohnDavids/MerkFryslân

In the southwest corner of Friesland, the port of Workum provides lock entry to the canal system, and the town itself is one of the oldest in the province. Moorings are available on the IJsselmeer side

stopping place with full facilities and the picturesque medieval moated fortress of Radboud Castle. It provides another huge outer marina, Regatta Center Medemblik, which is part of a large chain of marinas across the country. Moving into one of the three inside harbours, where you are right in the middle of town, is also an excellent option. © jachthavengroep.com

moorings just prior to the lock gates and walk into town. I think this is probably the most sensible thing to do, unless you are going on through into the canal system anyway.

Moving north from here and you come to Makkum, which again has a choice of marinas and harbour moorings and access into the Vanpanhuys canal. At Makkum you also have the northern exit through the Afsluitdijk at Kornwerder Zand, which is the main exit to the West Frisian Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling. Following the Breezanddijk dyke south you have the southern exit, which provides a route to the outer island of Texel or if you are departing out to the North Sea at Den Oever. At Den Oever you have a choice of a yacht haven, or you can go into the Vissershaven or Noorderhaven, both of which are closer to the centre of town.

Finally, moving south you have the big town of Medemblik, which is a pleasant

Part of large marina group, the Regatta Center Medemblik, has sister marinas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Stellendam and Schokkerstrand

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tested AGlaze Deck Cleaner

PRICE

£7.49

I am sure that most of you that have any type of moulded non-slip GRP decking have suffered the same problem that we experience with black spots.

Normal washing with a sponge or brush simply does not touch it, and even targeted scrubbing with a small, hard bristle brush, only has limited success at the expense of lots of hard work.

This problem has blighted the foredeck of our Sealine for a number of years. I Motorboat don’t actually know what causes it, but I Owner suspect the proximity to a local airport “The most effective and our mooring being almost beneath deck cleaner we have found so far” the glide path, may well contribute.

Over the years we have tried many different washes and Value 4/5 products and none seemed to make the removal of these Usability 5/5 ingrained marks any easier. In fact we have tended to live with it, Performance 5/5 as it was proving so difficult to get rid off.

This is where AGlaze comes in with their Deck Cleaner.

Designed specifically for non-slip decks, Deck Cleaner can be used either in a pressure washer or manually. It is diluted at 10:1, so a 500ml bottle will make up to 5 litres of cleaning fluid, and this concentration is said to be good for general deck cleaning, including green algae and bird muck. For more stubborn stains, you can increase the concentration up to 1:1. We chose the manual application and mixed a small amount in a bucket at the standard 10:1 ratio.

The working ingredient seems to be oxalic acid and, as you can imagine, it comes with all sorts of warnings about skin contact etc. Diluting at 10:1 We didn’t need much to tackle the grubby foredeck will obviously ensure the product is 80

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All tests in Motorboat Owner are carried out by real boaters in real life situations

Spot the difference? Normal boat shampoo did not touch the ingrained growth and black marks

rather friendlier, but it would still be sensible to take precautions with gloves during the application stage and even goggles when mixing, or if scrubbing in close proximity.

As it is, once you have your water and product mixed at the right concentration, you simply scrub it into the decks and leave for a few minutes to do its work. There is very little foam, although it does bubble up a bit as you scrub it on the deck. You can then simply hose it off. We were hugely impressed with the results, with all traces of the usually very stubborn black marks, which have defied almost everything we have thrown at them in the past, gone. And this was at the weakest concentration. I don’t think we need to say any more. If you have stubborn marks in your non-slip decks, this is the product for you.

Enquiries Marine AGlaze www.marineaglaze.com

A gentle scrub with a nail brush did the trick

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Hooked L

Simon Everett is in search of smoothounds

ast month I talked about the shore crab and its moulting pattern and how some species react to it. This small shark species has a Latin name of Mustelus, which means weasel-like (the weasel family of mammals are Mustelids).

They are lithesome fish, that fight really well, especially on light tackle, and are regarded as one of the most sporting of target species. They really are worth devoting some time to fish for.

The distribution of these fish is widespread around inshore areas, the Bristol Channel, Thames estuary, south coast harbours and Solent, Liverpool Bay, Morecombe Bay and Solway Firth, the East Anglian and Holderness coasts are all good areas for catching them. Some areas are known hotspots, but anywhere with a run of tide and a supply of crabs, the main food source for this sporting shark, will produce at the right stage of tide and time of year, which is from about April through to September. The main month BAIT: CRAB

A peeler crab rigged for bait. Hard backed crabs also make good bait for smoothounds

is undoubtedly June, but the early fishing can liven up an otherwise fairly poor time of year as the winter species give way to those found in the summer.

The smoothound is a shallow water shark species, but instead of teeth it has boney plates for crushing its food, mainly crustaceans and molluscs. Recent research has shown that what were thought to be two types of smoothound, the starry, with bright white spots, and those without are, in fact, all the same species and it is simply a colouration difference. They are found in very shallow water on the early summer spring tides. When high water coincides with darkness they can sometimes be seen, if there is little wind, with their dorsal and tip of their tail out of the water in the salt marshes as they come into water no more than a few inches deep in search of prey. It is a very sporting way of fishing for them, sitting quietly in a small boat and casting a whole peeler crab in front of them. No added weight is needed if you use light spinning gear, the weight of the crab is enough to gently lob it 15 yards, the resulting fight is something you will never forget and you will need a reel with an excellent drag and at least 150 yards of line.

For more normal tactics a medium weight spinning rod, or light boat rod, matched to a reel and line that creates a balanced outfit is plenty. The weight rating of the rod will be dictated by the

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Smoothound searching. Use a landing net to ‘boat’ your fish. A starry smoothound, note the spots, right. Smoothounds fight really hard, so be prepared. A security leash is a good idea

tidal current and the amount of weight needed to hold bottom. For the majority of smoothound fishing inshore a 6lb12lb rod is ample, but for deeper areas with a strong tide run, such as around the Nab Tower for instance, you might need a stronger rod to actually hold bottom. For this reason I prefer to fish for smoothounds in shallower water where I can use light tackle and really enjoy the searing runs. Talking of which, there is no mistaking a take, when a smoothound picks the bait and runs with it if you do not have your rod secured and the drag set to give line, the chances of a rod going overboard are extremely high, an easily released security leash attached to the reel is good insurance and something I always use. Personally I would put the leash around the reel foot rather than the bail arm, but anything is better than nothing.

I mentioned earlier that these fish have

boney plates for crushing their food, these rasping mouthparts can also play havoc with monofilament, so a strong trace is required. You don’t have to go to the lengths of making up wire traces, a good, abrasion resistant 30lb trace of about 3 feet in length is ideal. I like to use a 4/0 hook and sometimes a Pennel rig, which uses two hooks to mount the bait and can be useful for larger crab baits. Invariably

Hermit crab prepared for bait, pictured left, and the smoothound that took a larger piece

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The spots mark this as a starry smoothound. A peeler crab accounted for this one, pictured right

the bait will need to be fastened onto the hook with some bait elastic, but make sure the hook point is not masked, either by the bait itself or the elastic, it needs to be proud of the bait.

There is only one rig to use for smoothounds, because of the way they pick up the bait and run immediately, and that is the running leger. A simple sliding boom to keep the trace away from the main line, stopped by a bead to protect the knot attaching the main swivel, then the trace off the other end of the swivel, that’s it. When the fish runs, the line can feed through the boom unhindered, having the drag set firm so the rod will bend but the fish can take line will help to hook the fish on that initial run. Once hooked be ready for fireworks, especially in shallow water, the power these fish exude is remarkable, they really are a very sporting prospect.

Modern fixed spool reels built for the sea are perfectly capable of subduing even the largest smoothound, I would suggest a 4000 size and a rod to match it is an excellent all-round choice that will cover a multitude of sporting uses. If, like me, you like to use a multiplier, then an Abu Ambassadeur 5000 or 6000 is the equivalent. The pleasure of using one of

these reels adds something to my fishing that is difficult to put into words. Other people like the simplicity of a fixed spool reel, it really is a personal choice.

The secret to playing smoothounds is to let them run when they really go for it, but to exert enough pressure to turn them and recover line as soon as you can, keeping the rod bent at all times to prevent head shakes from throwing the hook. These fish will fight all the way to the boat, and even then they won’t know when they are beaten. Often the sight of the boat or the landing net will give them a second wind and they will make a sudden and determined rush for the bottom again, which is why it is so important you have your drag set correctly to avoid your line being broken. You will lose some fish, it is inevitable, but by playing the fish with the drag it will be from the hook letting go, not by the line breaking, I cannot stress just how powerful they are, add in the fact they like tide flow and you will have a proper scrap on your hands. Once you have experienced the fight a decent smoothound gives, you will understand why I call them smilehounds! A fish definitely worth travelling for. Happy hunting.

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CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Rodman 38 F or those boating in the UK and Europe, a flybridge cruiser can provide the best of both worlds.

The thrilling, wind-in-your-hair driving experience and sunseeking features of a sportscruiser when the weather allows, and the safety and comfort of a coupé when it doesn’t. This month we climbed aboard a rather understated and affordable Spanish-built flybridge that has a commercial pedigree and offers incredible space for the money. The Rodman 38.

Rodman is known in the UK for its current leisure range of sportsfishers, mid

range ‘Spirit’ cruisers and ‘Muse’ motor yachts. However, if you were to explore the company’s website you will quickly find out that it does so much more than that. It builds commercial ferries, steel boats, navy training vessels, fishing boats, catamarans and fast patrol boats. The company dates back to 1974, when D. Manuel Rodriguez founded Rodman Naval Construction and Industrial in Vigo. Up until the mid 80s it had been building mainly recreational GRP boats before branching into the wider shipbuilding and commercial sector, crucially its two divisions merging to form

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Built approx 150 2001-2009 Prices then £191,525 (2003) Prices now £111,000-£180,000 Length 39ft 2in / 11.8m Beam 12ft 9in / 3.91m Draught 2ft 9in / 0.86m Air Draught 14ft 7in / 4.46m Fuel 206 gallons / 940 litres Water 88 gallons / 400 litres Displacement 11,175kg approx

Rodman Polyships S.A in the early 90s.

After 46 years in existence the company has now built over 15,000 boats, so if ever you needed reassurance that a 38 foot family flybridge is solid, safe and as tough as old boots, this is surely it.

The Rodman 41 was key to the 38’s development. Introduced in 2000, the 41 was the debut model of Rodman’s new recreational flybridge cruiser ‘Yacht’ range, and this shapely, three-cabin flybridge represented a real departure from its usual sportsfisher-fly style. Keen to develop its Yacht range, Rodman introduced the 38

in 2001 and, priced from a very attractive £176k, a year later it made its debut at the September 2002 Southampton Boat Show, through dealer Seasport Marine.

It was less curvaceous than the trawlerfisher-esque 41, and more akin to its mainstream sharp and stylish rivals, such as the Fairline Phantom 38, Sealine F37, Princess 38 and Azimut 38, with an almost identical two-cabin, two-ensuite layout and up to 30-knot performance.

Although lesser known, its competitively low price made it a real contender in the UK market.

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Rodman fitted Volvo’s revolutionary IPS propulsion system to its 41 in 2004 and, unveiling it at the 2005 London International Boat Show, it was arguably the very first boatbuilder to present an

IPS-powered boat in the UK. The 38 followed suit and the first IPS powered version was presented at the Barcelona Boat Show that October. With UK pricing now over £300k, the 38 and the rest of the Yacht range was being marketed by boat sales firm, Ancasta.

The 38 was discontinued in 2009 and Rodman told Motorboat Owner that it built in the region of 150 in 9 years. Today Chichester-based, RBS Marine is the sole distributor of the Rodman range in the UK. It is also responsible for a growing owners club. Rodman does not have a 38 equivalent in its current 29-74 foot range, the closest match being the 1090 and 1290 in its fisher-cruiser range. There is however a notable 31ft to 42ft gap in its Rodman’s move to mainstream flybridges. Debut Spirit range. Space for a sub 40 foot sedan/ flybridge perhaps? model, the 41 pictured top and 38, bottom 88

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Interior Stepping through the huge patio door, you get a sense that this boat is bigger than it really is, so much so that you could be mistaken for being on a 45-50 footer. For a boat that is just under 39ft, the volume in the saloon is phenomenal, it is incredibly wide and spacious. It is also quite elegantly understated with use of glossy joinery, plain, hard-wearing fabrics and decorative wood-edged headlining.

To starboard is a C-shaped seating area capable of seating 5-6 people around an oval table. This will not usually convert into a double berth, but on a 2007 version part of the bolted-down table’s pedestal could be removed for this. Having the option and ability to move the table out into the aft cockpit would also have been a nice idea perhaps. Opposite this main seating area is usually is a two-seater sofa with its two loose seat bases offering storage, and the ability to move over to the table for extended dining occasions.

Another version had a bank of cupboards in its place. Aft is a curved corner unit, ideal for stowing a small television or utilised as a drinks cabinet. Another large

sideboard unit protrudes out and divides the galley from the saloon, unfortunately this does not provide storage but disguises the galley workings behind it.

Moving forward, the inside helm position lies to starboard and is accessed by a set of three steps. Its importance and openness is very much accentuated by the curved and detailed ceiling above, which provides stooped standing headroom (4ft 11in) and reasonable visibility aft.

Visibility forward is pretty good too, however the windscreen mullions, which have been exquisitely lined, are quite chunky. The console itself is well thought out, with two angled dash panels

Two stools pull out from the port side for dining

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that guide the eye forward. The forward houses all the engine dials, and the larger aft one accommodates flush mounted navigational equipment and controls, with up to a 12-inch multi-function display possible. The steering wheel is vertically mounted and the throttles fall easily to hand on a side panel. There is a double helm seat with an open backrest and, beside the driver, there is a good size sliding window.

Three large, curved steps lead down from the helm and saloon into the galley area, which remains very open and airy yet still private and partially obstructed from view of the saloon. This consists of a long Corian worktop running fore and aft, with a generous storage cupboard and bank of drawers underneath. Unfortunately, on the 2002 boat viewed, this chunky worktop had a long crack running along

its inner edge, which may be the result of a pounding and is something to watch out for. The worktop itself is equipped with a single round, metal sink and routed out draining area, the sink being a little small for onboard feasts with large pots and pans, and awkwardly positioned, as it is back twistingly tucked in next to the domestic-sized fridge/freezer. Most models will be ‘all electric’ and fitted with a two ring ceramic hob and microwave oven. We have yet to uncover an example with gas, but assume that an oven and hob would be in similar positions.

Moving out of the galley and into the open, bright cabin lobby area, the first door to starboard leads into the side cabin. This is very much as you would expect from a flybridge of this size, it is an excellent space, offering family/guest friendly 6ft 2in twin berths. Admittedly,

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2002 £149,950 (featured) Twin Volvo TAMD63P diesels Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk

Its galley is well appointed, but the sink needs relocating

upon entering, the cabin does have a fairly narrow dressing area, but it does redeem itself with excellent full standing headroom of just over 6ft 7in, and stooped headroom of 5ft 4in between the two berths, meaning there is ample space for two to move about and dress.

The cabin is equipped with a cupboard with full length hanging space and a shelf, and there is a small bedside dresser unit between the berths. Hatches under the berths reveal open hull voids, which could have been better utilised for storage with moulded storage buckets, particular in the deep sections under the narrower, inner berth. Ceiling hatches provide useful access to helm electronics. The eagled-eyed will note that this cabin does not have ensuite access to the day loo.

The master cabin is impressively appointed and inviting. It provides a moderately high 4ft 6ft island double berth, with storage cupboards each side offering both hanging and shelved space, and a generous cupboard in the bed base. There is no dresser, but stepped shelving frames the bed and there is a cupboard each side in the bow for storing bits and bobs.

Although the bed dominates the space, there is still plenty of space for two in here, with 6ft

2007 £140,000 Twin Volvo D6-300 diesels Ancasta Falmouth 01326 372 865 www.ancasta.com

2005 €135,000 Twin Volvo D6-310 IPS 400 diesels Le Havre Nautic 0033 2 35 21 08 06 www.lehavre-nautic.com

2007 €192,000 Twin Volvo D6-310 IPS 400 diesels BCM Yacht Sales 0049 251 39 46 92 39 www.bcm-yachtsales.de

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The light in the master ensuite is incredible thanks to a skylight feature. It is spacious too

headroom.

Moving into the master ensuite you’ll uncover one of the boats key features.

The toilet compartment is divided into two, with a separate shower stall, and it is incredibly light in here, thanks to a frosted skylight that beams light in from under the windscreen above. The main part of this lofty compartment provides a shapely, coloured, Corian worktop with an integral-moulded sink and storage in its base, a sea toilet (usually electric flush) and ample mirrored cupboard storage running above the sink at eye-level. The shower stall itself is accessed by a bi-fold door, while its recessed shower tray offers 6ft 6ft of headroom. The spacious stall is equipped with open storage for lotions and potions.

A further door to starboard leads into the day loo. This toilet compartment has similar features to the ensuite but

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is noticeably smaller, with its space opening out from what is quite a narrow entrance. It provides a sea toilet, mirrored cupboards, a worktop with a wash basin, and a wraparound curtained enclosure and separate control for showering.

The 38 was usually finished in glossy American cherry wood. However, we have since spotted a few with lighter teak joinery. Synthetic teak and holly striped flooring was available in the saloon, the lower helm and galley. Boats destined for the Med could be fitted with reverse cycle air conditioning, while an Eberspacher D5 diesel heater was an option for UK buyers. Extravagant as it may sound, these boats could also be equipped with water purifiers and watermakers, bringing a little independence for long distance, off-grid cruising.

Flybridge The flybridge is accessed by a set of moulded, teak-treaded, moderately-steep steps on the port side, and a large clear

Perspex door, which should be inspected for crazing. Aloft the layout is very similar to rivals, such as the Princess 42, and provides an excellent view over the deck.

The helm is offset to port, with a double helm seat, and there is a C-shaped dinette seating area to starboard (converting into a sunpad). Further aft a large sunpad makes use of the extensive aft cockpit overhang. There is also a useful deep draining coolbox-cum-locker, which is the

The low profile flybridge has plenty of sunseeking features, including an aft sunpad

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Its flybridge helm console is simple yet intuitive, capable of accommodating a 7-inch chartplotter

only real storage up here.

The upper helm console itself sees dials arranged on a shaped faux wood dash panel, with provision for a 7-inch flushmounted chartplotter to the left of the steering wheel. The co pilot sits on the inside of the helmsman, but with no gap to slide out for crew duties, the only way out is past the skipper.

The flybridge is self-draining. However, it is worth checking that there is a tonneau cover as, although it may be a nuisance

There is space for a table in the aft cockpit

to fit, it will protect cushion covers and instruments as well as cutting down on dirt, and therefore cleaning time.

Individual covers, for the helm console and dinette seating, are another option if the boat is in regular use.

On deck Stepping aboard is easy using the generous integral bathing platform. The platform has a concealed bathing ladder on the port side, with a built-in transom shower close to hand. A passerelle was added to versions that were destined for the Med, and this often doubles as a tender crane. Entering through a clear, logodecorated transom door, the aft cockpit is impressively deep and spacious, with phenomenal 7ft 2in headroom under the flybridge overhang and space for a table if required. A transom seat accommodates up to 6 people and its base is divided into three large moulded draining storage lockers. Overall the cockpit serves as an

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excellent extension to the saloon, and is perfect for entertaining.

A lazarette can be found under the teak-lined aft cockpit floor, and this is accessed by either a slender rectangular hatch, seen on earlier models, or a larger combined engine hatch. The lazarette may appear pinched when compared to other rival-sized flybridges, but this is due to the engines being mounted further aft.

There is, however, plenty of room in here to store additional cushions and canopy canvas. There is also crawl-in access to the steering system and often a generator will be fitted in the port corner, an important accessory to look out for on an all-electric boat. The 38 was available with a choice of two Paguro gensets initially, a 4000 or 6000, costing £6-8k to fit, with 4.5 and 7.7 kva Fisher Panda sets and Victron inverters available later to UK buyers.

IPS results in the loss of a lazarette, this however leaves dormant space under the saloon floor instead.

Excellent moulded steps each side lead up out of the cockpit and onto the side decks, the port side being the most generous. Stepping out onto the moulded 9-inch decks you are immediately enclosed by sturdy two-level stanchions, and grabrails that echo the window line provide good additional security.

However, the grabrails are not continuous

There’s easy access via a large bathing platform

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Wide and grippy side decks make it easy to move about. Shaftdrive models have a useful lazarette

and have a rather disconcerting break in them, something that you will get used to when deploying and retrieving fenders.

Moving forward, there is quite a step up onto the grippy foredeck, which is often equipped with cup holders and optional sunpad cushions. The gradually-sloping foredeck leads down to the bow deck hardware, the stylishly disguised anchor windlass, twin-hatch chain locker and a pronounced, anchor swallowing bowsprit.

Hull and Handling Having a commercial, big boat building pedigree, its build quality is, as you would expect, of exceptionally high and wellengineered quality, and consequently is well regarded.

The Rodman 38 has a planing hull, but has a mixture of features that you are likely to find on a semi displacement hull too. It has a medium to deep V bow entry,

with the V shape continuing at least two thirds and culminating into a small keel aft. In shaftdrive and IPS configurations, the engines are mounted comparably more aft than rivals, with propshafts and pods recessed into tunnels for increased efficiency and a shallower draught. The IPS system added a whole new dimension to its close quarter handling abilities, with a joystick system offering 360 degree maneuverability. These versions are also quieter and slightly livelier at speed.

Owners are quick to praise its very quiet and smooth seakeeping abilities. Despite being rather beamy, at just short of 13 foot wide and comparably heavy, at nearly a tonne more than a Fairline Phantom 38, it is not really surprising that the Rodman 38 is a very capable, solid-feeling and stable boat at speed. Being a heavier boat with a small keel also has its advantages at close quarters, as it is very obedient. It

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The 38 is a shapely and solidly built, planing-hulled flybridge that is capable of 30 knots

was also available with an optional £4k bowthruster, which brings extra piece of mind in cross-wind berthing situations.

When inspecting the hull, check the rubbing strake for damage or shrinkage, also examine the hull fittings looking for signs of corrosion or dezinctification of the metal or, if plastic, deterioration. The 38 was available with a blue hull, which would look very attractive, although we have yet to come across one.

Engines The 38 was available with either twin shaftdrive or IPS engine configurations.

Priced initially from just under £176k, original shaftdriven versions were

available with a choice of Volvo or Yanmar engines, Volvo’s 285hp KAMD300s giving a 27 knot top speed, 370hp TAMD63Ps offering 30 knots, or Yanmar’s 370hp 6LYA-STP/UTEs for a similar speed. With the roll out of Volvo Penta’s electronicallymanaged D-series engines, a twin D6-310 option had been introduced by 2004. A year later an IPS version saw 310hp D6310s mated to IPS 400s. In the years that followed two more Volvo D6 shaftdrive engines options were added to the options list, 330hp D6-330s and 370hp D6-370s, as well as 380hp Yanmar 6LY3A-UTPs. The more common Volvo 370hp configurations should offer a range of around 200 miles at cruising speeds of 20-

2002 example fitted with TAMD63Ps. Its prop shafts are recessed into tunnels for greater efficiency Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Later boats were offered with IPS, which sees the engines mounted aft at the expense of the lazarette

24 knots. The 310hp-powered units should provide a top speed of 28 knots and a 20-25 knot cruising speed. MBO and UK dealer, RBS Marine, have yet to come across a 38 fitted with Yanmars. Being a heavier boat, owners report comparably ‘juicier’ running costs, compared to its rivals, but the reassurances of solid build quality and capability may outweigh this.

These boats should offer fuel economy of around a mile a gallon at efficient cruising speeds, maybe slightly better for ones with the D-series engines.

Volvo Penta engines are well regarded and reliable, with good access to spares and a service network. For those with the knowledge and need to be hands on, Volvo’s older generation mechanical engines, such as the KAMD300 and TAMD63P, are easy to work on, making servicing and maintenance of the engines yourself a realistic prospect. If you are looking at a model fitted with KAMD300 engines, be aware that these 24-valve motors require regular checking and

adjustment of the valve clearances to avoid potentially expensive cylinder head damage. Again this is something that you can do yourself. Serious buyers should check the service history documents to make sure that this has been carried out within the last 200 hours, or be prepared to do it yourself before casting off for the first time.

Volvo’s modern electronically controlled, D-series engines are generally more economical. However, these will usually require an engineer with a computer to diagnose problems and conduct some maintenance tasks, so buyers need to check that servicing is up to date, and research and consider ongoing servicing costs before purchase.

This is doubly important if the boat is also IPS equipped. With very few IPS boats in the UK, keen buyers need to research what support and services are available to them and also, being relatively early IPS installs, ensure that any niggles have been ironed out and all servicing is up to date

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and correct.

An engine hatch in the saloon provides access to the front end and between the engines. Lifting this hatch also provides a visual check of, and good access to, the large, heavy duty, clear-bowl raw water filters, sternglands and seacocks, which are located each side. Its commercial pedigree is visible in the engine room, as this is very well engineered. However, sections of treadplate to straddle the chunky, often oily/slippy, bearers would be useful for standing/crawling room, or indeed just for storage.

On early shaftdrive versions, a secondary, rather slender, hatch and metal ladder in the aft cockpit provides access to the rear of the engines. In here the fuel filters mounted on the aft bulkhead, and the boats two metal fuel tanks are mounted outboard and extend

aft. Another hatch beyond provides access to the lazarette. On later boats one hatch combined access to both areas with a dividing bulkhead, much like rival flybridges and, of course, the IPS engined boats.

Conclusion The Rodman 38 may be rare in UK waters, but it packs a serious punch in terms of build quality, interior space and seakeeping. It is a modestlysized, sub 40ft flybridge that would be ideal for a family of four or a couple with occasional guests. Finally, it is competitively, often keenly, priced when compared to rival flybridges of a similar age and size, and for that very reason it should not be overlooked.

Before buying any used boat, always employ the services of a YDSA or a IIMS accredited surveyor and, if you have any doubt about the engines, a separate engine survey by a suitably qualified person is recommended.

Family 1250

Prices £79,000-£400,000

Length 43ft 11in Beam 13ft 9in Rodman’s longstanding IPS/ shaftdrive fisher flybridge provides a 4-6 berth layout.

Buy one (pictured) 2009 £165,000 www.ancasta.com

Muse 44

Prices £270,000-£502,000

Length 44ft 5in Beam 14ft Large luxury, IPS-powered, 3-cabin flybridge with plenty of space for all the family.

Buy one (pictured) 2008 £270,000 www.rbsmarine.com

Spirit 42 Coupé

Prices £309,000-£426,000

Length 41ft 6in Beam 14ft This IPS or shaftdrive powered coupé offers two ensuite cabins.

MBO boat test in May 18 issue.

Buy one (pictured) 2018 £309,000 www.rbsmarine.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

99

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Custom / Mayhew Launch Extensively restored, inboard Perkins diesel, trailer

Call our friendly team to arrange an appointment to view any of the used boats for sale below – or visit our website for this month’s complete range www.valwyattmarine.co.uk

Antaris / 570

Creative Marine / Frolic 21

Fantastic weekender, one owner, seating for 6, sink, hob, toilet

Pretty counter stern electric launch, new batteries & charger

Corsiva / Coaster 640SC

Only 12 hours, stylish planing hull, table & leg, teak effect flooring

1986 | £14,000 | 17ft | 5.2m

2012 | £15,000 | 21ft | 6.4m

2005 | £22,000 | 18.7ft | 5.7m

Interboat / 6.5

Interboat / Intender 820

Intercruiser / 27 Cabin

Haines / 32 Sedan

2017 | £45,500 | 21.7ft | 6.6m

2017 | £85,000 | 26.6ft | 8.1m

2014 | £109,950 | 27ft | 8.5m

2019 | £210,000 | 32ft | 9.8m

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New Boats | Used Craft | Moorings | Maintenance | Coffee Shop

Solent Motor Yachts offers a wide range of power boats for sale Please call if we can assist you in buying or selling a boat Full listings are available on our website

2021 Azimut Flybridge 50

2018 Azimut Magellano 53

2014 Princess 56

2019 Sunseeker Predator 50

£995,000 ex vat

£899,000 ex vat

£875,000

£799,950 ex vat

2019 Azimut Atlantis 51

2012 Fairline Squadron 58

2017 Fairline Squadron 48

2019 Azimut Magellano 43

£790,833 ex vat

£645,000

£600,000 ex vat

£599,000

2021 Azimut Atlantis 45

2013 Sunseeker San Remo

2010 Princess V56

2016 Sessa C42

£595,450 ex vat

£550,000

£464,950

£389,950

2018 Bavaria S40 HT

2007 Cranchi Atlantique 50

2005 Jeanneau Prestige 46

2011 Sealine SC35

£299,950

£249,950

£184,950

£164,950

2008 Nimbus 380 Commander

2001 Sealine S48

2007 Jeanneau Prestige 36

2012 Bayliner 335 Cruiser

£159,950

£149,950

£129,950

£89,950

Solent Motor Yachts

Scan for website

Hamble River Boat Yard, Bridge Road, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 7EB +44 (0) 1489 886663 +44 (0) 7917 148807 sales@solentmotoryachts.com www.solentmotoryachts.com

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dawncraftowners.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Atlanta Boat Owners

Electric Boat Association

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Elysian Boat Owners

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairey Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fairline Owners Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Birchwood Classics

Fjord Club

www.birchwoodclassics.com

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Group

www.broomowners.com

www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

Freeman Cruisers Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

freemanboats.forumer.com

Classic Motor Boat Association

Freeman Owners Club

www.cmba-uk.com

www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

Freeman Cruisers

www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

Haines Owners Club

mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

freespace.virgin.net/simon.sherlock/index.htm

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

Hardy Owners Club

corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

102

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

March 2021

Owners Club missing?

Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Facebook

www.maxumownersclub.com

Click here for Facebook group

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardsquadron.org

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

Rinker Owners Club www.rinkerboats.com/owners-club

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

advertising@

motorboatowner.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

2008 Quicksilver 540 PH

£13,995 01758 703013 email address

103

Classified

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1986 Mayhew Marine Launch

1998 Seaward 25

2020 KingFisher

£14,00

£44,950

£17,661

Traditional-style, tiller-steered, wooden launch, with character rope fendering, ideal for day boating. Price includes road trailer.

Single 18hp 100 Series M20 Perkins diesel shaftdrive engine.

01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

Twin 100hp Yanmar marine diesel engines. Traditional, tough, 2-berth twin diesel wheelhouse cruiser.

Fishfinder, GPS, electric anchor windlass.

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Single Suzuki DF60ATX outboard.

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Solent Motor Yachts offers a wide range of power boats for sale Please call if we can assist you in buying or selling a boat

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2019 Sunseeker Predator 50

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2012 Fairline Squadron 58

2017 Fairline Squadron 48

2019 Azimut Magellano 43

£790,833 ex vat

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£600,000 ex vat

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2021 Azimut Atlantis 45

2013 Sunseeker San Remo

2010 Princess V56

£595,450 ex vat

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2016 Sessa C42

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2007 Cranchi Atlantique 50

2005 Jeanneau Prestige 46

2011 Sealine SC35

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Banksea

An original logo name design on a Sealine F46 SPOTTED! by Nick Wootten

Seals of Lundy

Drone image of the seals in their rocky habitat SPOTTED! by David Bagshaw

?????

??????

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Snape sunrise

Snape maltings reedbed on the River Alde at sunrise SPOTTED! by Simon Everett Motorboat Owner

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