Motorboat Owner August 2014

FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Motorboat AUGUST 2014

Owner Affordable practical boating

Trader 41+2

BOAT TEST

Finnmaster Pilot 8.0 PRACTICAL

Normandy l Hardy 25 l Fitting a water filter

Boating abroad with pets

Welcome to the August issue.

From the Editor

For once it seems that we can’t moan about the weather, it’s been pretty good so far and the forecast is for more to come. We’re just back from the inaugural Motorboat Owner Cruise in Company and, apart from a couple of days early on, we had two weeks of flat calm seas and glorious sunshine. You can read all about our trip on page 38. If you are venturing to foreign shores, and are

@

contact us Motorboat Owner Digital Marine Media Ltd Dragon Enterprise Centre Stephenson Road Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 5LY

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

General Enquiries

01268 922991

2 October 2013

August 2014

considering taking your pet with you, we have a useful feature this month from dog owning contributor, Tally Clift, a partner in a veterinary practice. Tally has provided the low-down on the rules and regulations when it comes to taking your dog, cat or even ferret overseas on your boat. Another concern you may have when travelling, particularly overseas, is the quality of the water supply. In this issue we look at how to

fit a drinking water filter system that is so efficient it will turn dyed water clear again. While that’s a good party trick for boat shows, the serious side is that they will also remove nasties that could make you seriously ill. If you are one of the many boaters who refuse to drink from your boat’s tanks, you might want to consider fitting one of these.

Cruising aside, we’ve had another busy month. We’ve been out on the new Finnmaster Pilot 8.0, we report on a nice affordable used Hardy, and we have researched one of the great modern day liveaboards, the Trader 41+2. We have also been engrossed in our new affordable boat project. While this summer is still here to enjoy, we have got one eye on next year, and a holiday that we are going to be taking on a boat that we haven’t even bought yet. What I can tell you is that when the time comes we hope to be out on the water for less than the cost of the computer that I am writing this on.

You can read all about our plans on page 18.

welcome aboard

Sunrise in the English Channel on the Motorboat Owner Cruise in Company

Editor, Neale Byart Advertising: For all brokerage, 01268 922992 display or classified adverts neale@motorboatowner.co.uk 01268 922994 advertising@motorboatowner.co.uk Associate Editor, Claire Frew Subscriptions: 01268 922991 01268 922993 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk claire@motorboatowner.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

3

enjoy the

feel the

LIGHT

SPACE VERSATILITY

discover the

F380

F450

S380

S450

Contact your local dealer Southern & Eastern England Penton Hook Marine Sales Ltd T: 01932 570055 E: chris@pentonhooksales.co.uk W: www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

www.sealine.com

North of England, Scotland & Wales Shepherds Marine Ltd T: 01539 446004 E: sales@shepherdsmarine.co.uk W: www.shepherdsmarine.co.uk

Mainland Spain Sealine Costa Blanca T: +34 965 708 542 E: mark@sealinecostablanca.com W: www.sealinecostablanca.com

CONTENTS AUGUST 2014

p12

REGULARS

PRACTICAL

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 10 CUTTING EDGE page 22

contam ina The un te free, fresh tasting they hav its are also water. ver just nee e no power req y simple to uirement fit, be con unted and som nec water supply ted to, or in ewhere it line wit . The kit which h, the for ou con tains r model is aroun the filter, d 14cm tall

er system Fitting a water filt

HOW TO

INSON d to be DAVID HUTCH can mo

Q&A page 24 TESTED page 64

HOW TO IN 12 ST EP

1

2 3

The kit . Ours had the dedica ted NEED tap bu WILL YOUEco t Gener logy al X-1 and supply both the TOOLS X-2 filt if req er ers wit • Screwdiv uired hout, • Electric Drill rs of mineral D o you carry large containethe water because water when cruising Even worse, are from your tank is tainted? that comes the water you afraid to drink of what it might from your tanks because

page 18 Challenge Affordable Boat page 50 Second Look 1988 Hardy 25 page 77 Look What I Saw Readers photos

S

and 17c m in dia bracke meter, t, hoses the dedicated a mounting for fixings inlet and ou tap, a pair of . Yo tlet and some fitt u may nee suitable d existin ings to connecto add to thi s g the ins supply hoses t the filter to tallation dep the type on ending upon your bo at.

21 PRACTICAL

• 20mm Hole saw tails 4 • Spanner for hose • Sharp knife

CONSUMABLES • Masking tape s specific • Hose connection to your system

You nee d locatio to find a sui n tab for the with space eno le We fitt caniste r and acc ugh corner ed ours right to the water in of the ess supply cupbo the under pipe ard the will hav sink. Ensur e e filter cha enough spa you 5 ce for nges 6

ooooo

G contain?

DIFFICULTY RATIN were. Large five Well we did, and we Cut int shop bought water o litre containers of If you the water sup galley aboard our are ply. were stowed in the tap, tee using a spe shops, If you an and cruiser AquaVit. are off from thecial back and carry to Princess 430 motor hose tha con tap the using an exi with a safe and secure texpense sting cold comes . nect the for ,with ongoing These provided us kit with the The ou to the treating water tankthat tap water supply whilst cruising, tlet ho tee and our Despite drinking water supply se only used is div filter is ythr the but they were Motorboat r liquid, generall we filt er pie ough the filt erted either from the ner © and ashore in the marina, to store, heavy AquaPuOw Digital er, so no con the ceAugust nient Marine is req2014 Media tee the new dedica nected to cumbersome, inconve uired Ltd ted tap hose tai , or to l of the 12 tap existin g 15

How to: Fitting a water filter system

p60

p38

CRUISING

Normandy

p28

PRACTICAL PRACTICAL

p66

Trader 41+2

CLASSIC CRUISER CRUISER GUIDE GUIDE CLASSIC Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Advice: Boating abroad with pets BOAT TEST

Finnmaster Pilot 8.0

5

NEWS BMF backs boaters in use of Red Diesel

As a result of European Commission publishing its decision to refer the UK to the European Courts of Justice, over the continued use of marked ‘red’ fuel in pleasure vessels, the British Marine Federation (BMF) has stated that they are ‘working alongside the UK Government to successfully facilitate the continued use of red diesel by leisure boaters, whilst paying an appropriate level of duty’.

Red diesel is supplied to UK farmers and fishermen at a lower rate of duty and is supplied to leisure boaters at a higher rate of 60/40, split for heating and propulsion.

BMF Chief Executive Howard Pridding said: “Government officials have always understood the impact for the boating industry if leisure boaters were no longer permitted to use red diesel. We have been in close contact with HMRC officials since the Commission’s announcement and they have indicated to us that the UK Government intends to continue to contest the infringement proceedings.”

River Avon navigation extension to Warwick plan A project may soon be underway to extend the River Avon navigation to Warwick. With the support of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), The Avon Navigation Trust (ANT) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT) are looking to conduct a feasibility study of the river. The extension will provide a whole new cruising loop for boaters, benefiting towns and businesses along the river.

DIARY DATES RYA Scotland Commonwealth Flotilla 26th July Medway Boat Gathering 26th July Teddington River Festival 27th July AAM Cowes Week Fireworks 8th August Classic Motorboat Rally-Wales 10th August Southampton Boat Show 12th-21st September Classic Boat Festival St Katharine Docks 13th & 14th September London Boat Show 9th-18th January Click any of the above for more info

6

August 2014

U

e l b a s nmis

L I V E AT T H E LO N D O N PA L L A D I U M A N D T H E AT R E S N E A R YO U

zing f ama of o s n Doze own hits n ith well k nd 60’s w s ’s a tion the 50 mpersona ei uniqu f the stars o

“Close your eyes and you will think that you are listening to the stars themselves”

Cliff, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Bee Gees, Dusty, Cilla, Billy Fury, Adam Faith, Hollies, Beatles... and many more! You will hear them all!

London Palladium Sunday 19 October -- 6.30 pm t ’ Ca n s . . . mis Buy your tickets now

www.seetickets.com

For more dates and venues on the current theatre tour, as well as clips from the show visit www.bobbysocksandbluejeans.com

NEWS Commonwealth Flotilla 2014

Pontoons are being floated in the centre of Glasgow in readiness to receive the Commonwealth Flotilla on the 26th of July. The flotilla fleet currently stands at 250 boats. There are 41 motorboats taking part, including Sealine T52 A’m O’rga II, Nelson 42 Bold Ranger and Birchwood 330 Helena of Glasgow. The fleet will make the 17 nautical mile passage from James Watt Dock in Greenock to the heart of Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games 2014 celebrations. To see participating boats follow this link. You can follow the flotillas progress on the 26th via a live map.

Permanent Thames home for Gloriana Plans have been put forward to build a boathouse to house Gloriana, H.M. Queen’s Royal Rowbarge on the River Thames at Richmond. Architects Foster & Partners have unveiled a design for the boat house at Orleans Gardens, it incorporates a visitor centre and a café. The project is currently in a consultation period but if planning permission goes ahead work could begin in autumn 2015.

You can see full details here

Hickling Staithe slipways refurbished Two wooden slipways have been refurbished in concrete at Hickling Staithe. It can now provide visitor launching facilities for boats up to 17ft, accessing the Hickling Broad a nature reserve on the Norfolk Broads.

New walk ashore pontoons at St Peter Port For a trial period, the four outer visitors pontoons in the St Peter Port Pool are now connected to the shore. The pontoons are linked together on the western side with a gangway leading up to Victoria Pier. The waiting pontoon for Victoria Marina remains unconnected.

8

August 2014

If you have news from your region, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

New Bavaria Sport 360

Bavaria will be launching the new Sport 360 at September’s PSP Southampton Boat Show. It is available as an open, hardtop or as a coupe version and powered by twin diesel or petrol sterndrives, or a single Volvo D6-370hp diesel option. Bavaria dealer Clipper Marine will be exhibiting the Coupe version at the show and prices for this start at £203,470 inc vat.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Free Wifi at Premier Marinas

Berth holders at Premier Marinas will soon be entitled to use a new free marina WiFi service. The service is available for one device at a time for up to four hours in any one day and it has already been rolled out at Brighton and Chichester Marina. A payable premium option, ‘Premier WiFi Plus’ is available on an annual or daily basis. This enables VPN and connection on up to three devices at a time.

9

@

INBOX STAR LETTER

Woodbridge pub is a must

I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed your magazine since its launch last September.

It is full of articles and information relevant to boaters like myself who enjoy cruising both locally and abroad, but do not have a bottomless bucket of cash with which to do so.

I particularly enjoy the articles about the East Coast around Essex and Suffolk as this is where 15th century Kings Head I am based. The article about Inn is on Woodbridge in the May issue Market Hill in Woodbseriydge was excellent, and I hope will Guern Woodbridge encourage more boaters to cruise N up the beautiful Deben River.

However there was one very notable omission regarding the pubs that I would like to put right. The King’s Head Inn at the top of the Market Hill is considered by many to be a very rare find. A vibrant, local community pub that has superb draught ales and is almost always busy. They cater for all, whether you just want to stand at the bar with a pint, have a quick snack or a full three course meal. In winter the real fire draws you in and there is even the “Mutt’s Menu” for your dog. No visit to Woodbridge seems complete without a visit to this gem of a pub. Tally Clift The Editor replies: Thank you very much for your letter and recommendation.

We are East Coast boaters too, so we’ll be sure to visit next time. For those who missed it, you can download the May issue by visiting our back issues section.

For more information about the Kings Head Inn visit their website.

Destination

SUFFOLK

WOODBRIDGE

Woodbridge

Brightlingsea

ESSEX

Burnham-on-Crouch

of the was built on the site 30 years ago and original Tidemill almost from both home it attracts visiting boaters be to Woodbridge will and abroad. A visit on skills but it is well a test of your navigati worth it.

Approaches River Deben needs

a treasure of the East Coast are The sleepy backwaters s and picture postcard orage trove of idyllic anch by boat is best places to visit

by Claire Frew villages. One of the ge of Woodbrid Suffolk’s unspoilt town diverse crafts, upstream on ine nautical miles the riverside the River Deben lies idge.

Suffolk town of Woodbr has been a tidal This charming place s. It was centurie for bolthole for boaters settlement, and a once an Anglo Saxon ruler, Redwald, 7th century East Anglian treasure across of full was buried in a ship Hoo. Woodbridge the river at Sutton l market town developed into a medieva

port. Its and ship building making, sailcloth such as wool and rope also thrived during and salt manufacture, h I. The town suffered the reign of Elizabet pandemic of the during the second German Zeppelin from plague and again Great War. bombings during the has a stunning mix Today Woodbridge all different eras, Tudor, of buildings from and Victorian. The 2014 Regency n, May Georgia

The entrance to the The sandbanks shift careful navigation. usually as a result from year to year, therefore the of strong easterly winds, and the entrance is buoys are relocated reproduced ed regularly. We have remapp h advice using painted town houses, a chart and the approac unspoilt town has and ets e to us at backstre availabl sleepy the latest information narrow alleyways, is on the quayside. There the time of publication. However, it working boatyards around every corner. essential before any passage to the River is literally a surprise Estuary serving locally you visit the Deben Woodbridge has pubs nts, Deben that print off the restaura and of ad range downlo to Pilot website brewed ale, a diverse shops. Not to mention latest entrance chartlet. tearooms and cake not be attempted hfare of galleries, The entrance should its quirky thoroug south-easterly winds, boutiques and local in strong easterly or independent clothing ended that you enter and it is not recomm food stores. the channel marker to a working tide at night, as none of The town is home on be aware that the ebb que landmark, first buoys are lit. Also mill. This pictures now a is , strong. There is century very be 12th a spring tide can established in the with weather boarded mill an eight knot speed limit in the river, museum. The white ski areas. You will Yacht Harbour, the the exception of water overlooks Tide Mill give to to able are carefully passage where you 37 need to plan your only visitor berths The yacht harbour stay afloat at low water.

Marine Media Ltd © Digital Motorboat Owner

36

10

August 2014

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Elysian 27

Thanks for the article on the Elysian 27 (July issue), it was a good read.

Just one point, we ‘layed-up’ our own GRP moulds on patterns that we built, using timber, plywood and filler. All finished off, in highly polished, twopack lacquer, or polyurethane paint.

After being released from their pattern, the resultant moulds were polished to their own glossy finish. From these moulds, we produced our individual GRP mouldings, which we then sold/supplied to our paying customers. So it is wrong to say that we sold moulds to our customers. We didn’t, we sold them mouldings from our moulds. Hugh Easton Claire replies: Thank you for your letter Hugh and also for your support in the feature.

There is such a great story behind the 27 and it is clearly much loved and respected.

Broads holiday on Elysian 27

Your article on the Elysian brought back many happy memories, as it was this boat that introduced us to boating over 40 years ago.

For our first holiday in married life, my husband wanted to hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads. I fancied myself lounging around in the sunshine, so readily agreed. A week before we were due to go, he took me down to Chertsey Lock to watch the boats locking in and out. I was horrified! Seeing all those people jumping on an off of boats really destroyed any ideas of a leisurely holiday and I nearly made him cancel it. However, we went and have never looked back. The Norfolk Broads is an ideal place to “cut your teeth” in boating, the Elysian was very easy to handle and we had a wonderful time. We purchased our first small, marine ply Dolphin soon after and have had a series of boats since then. We have gone on to enjoy a lifetime of fun on the water, all thanks to that first trip on the Elysian. Pam Born Claire replies: Thank you for your letter and what a great story (and photo).

The Elysian was definately one of the staple hire boats on the Broads in the 1970’s.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

11

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Fitting a water filter system DAVID HUTCHINSON

YOU WILL NEED

D o you carry large containers of mineral

water when cruising because the water from your tank is tainted? Even worse, are you afraid to drink the water that comes from your tanks because of what it might contain?

Well we did, and we were. Large five litre containers of shop bought water were stowed in the galley aboard our Princess 430 motor cruiser AquaVit. These provided us with a safe and secure drinking water supply whilst cruising, and ashore in the marina, but they were cumbersome, inconvenient to store, heavy

TOOLS • Screwdiver • Electric Drill • 20mm Hole saw • Spanner for hose tails • Sharp knife CONSUMABLES • Masking tape • Hose connections specific to your system

ooooo DIFFICULTY RATING

to carry back from the shops, and an ongoing expense.

Despite treating our water tank with AquaPur liquid, we generally only used

12

August 2014

the 560 litres in our tanks for washing up, showering and general cleaning tasks. The AquaPur did a fine job but, depending on the dose used, left the treated water with a slight chemical smell and sometimes a little eye soreness when showering. Very occasionally we risked drinking tap water after filtering through a Britta jug using a carbon filter, but then we upgraded the onboard toilets to fresh water flush and, despite all the assurances that there was no back flush into the fresh water supply we were not prepared to take any chances.

One dose of E Coli was not worth the risk. From this point onwards, all of the

We used to carry five litre containers of water

water we drunk, boiled or not, came from containers of mineral water.

It was then that we decided to investigate the effectiveness and cost of fitting an onboard drinking water filter.

Choosing a water filter

A convincing display at the boat show in Southampton, followed by some research, persuaded us to buy, and have fitted, a Seagull IV X-2KF drinking water purification system provided

by General Ecology Europe Ltd. This organisation provides water filter systems for major airlines, who take on and use water from all over the world of varying quality. They also supply some major boat brands such as Fleming and Sunseeker.

Our considerations were: • the method and effectiveness of purification • the taste of the end product • the flow rate through the filter • the ability of the filter to withstand periods of no use • how often the filter has to be changed

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

• the cost of the unit and the filters • the ease and cost of fitting The unit we selected is an ultrafine microstraining purification device that traps and holds contaminants and tiny particles down to 0.4 microns.

This removes pathogens, harmful bacteria and viruses that lead to

13

PRACTICAL

illness, such as E Coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Listeria. The filter also uses broad spectrum molecular capture to remove organic molecules and chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, solvents, chlorine and other trace elements. This takes away bad tastes, smells and discolouration.

There is no filtering through carbon, and there are no chemicals involved in the purification process. The filtering process will also remove algae, fungi, amoebic cysts, microscopic worms and other undesirable life. The test data is impressive, but the proof is in the sniffing and tasting.

The unit we selected has an exceptionally good flow rate and is delivered via an attractive, stainless steel, dedicated tap in the galley. Smaller, less expensive, but equally effective units are available in return for lower flow rates.

Most kits are fitted with the dedicated tap, leaving all other taps dispensing raw tank water. You can choose to buy the kit without the tap, and dedicate an existing tap on the boat as drinking water, or you could fit a filter anywhere

Filter cartridges have a life span from around 3,800 litres

Our Princess 430 water tank holds 487 litres

else in the system to provide filtered water wherever you want it. You could even fit it just after the pump and have the whole boat filtered.

Some systems continue to provide water, even when the filter is no longer effective. This means that you can never be sure that they are working at full capacity. The Seagull, however, reduces flow rate as the filter is nearing the end of its life so you have a visual indication that it is time to change, plus the knowledge that it will still be operating at full effectiveness, albeit at a reduced rate. The model of filter we chose has a service life of around 7,600 litres. Based on 1.5 litres per day per person that is over 1200 days of water for a family of four. Smaller models such as the X-1F have a service life of around 3,800 litres and, for larger installations there is the X6 that treats up to 23,000 litres. When the time comes, a replacement cartridge for our model costs ÂŁ130, for the X-1F it is ÂŁ74 and for the X6 is ÂŁ377. Whichever model you chose the cartridge price works out at less than two pence per litre, a small price to pay for clean,

14

August 2014

contaminate free, fresh tasting water.

The units are also very simple to fit, they have no power requirement and just need to be mounted somewhere it can be connected to, or in line with, the water supply. The kit contains the filter, which for our model is around 14cm tall

and 17cm in diameter, a mounting bracket, the dedicated tap, a pair of hoses for inlet and outlet and suitable fixings. You may need to add to this some fittings to connect the filter to the existing supply hoses depending upon the installation type on your boat.

HOW TO IN 12 STEPS

1

The kit. Ours had the dedicated tap but General Ecology supply both the X-1 and X-2 filters without, if required 4

Cut into the water supply.

If you are using a special tap, tee off and connect the hose that comes with the kit to the tee and the filter

2

3

You need to find a suitable location with space enough for the canister and access to the water supply pipe 5

6

If you are using an existing tap, the cold water supply for that tap is diverted through the filter, so no tee piece is required

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

We fitted ours right in the corner of the cupboard under the sink. Ensure you will have enough space for filter changes

The outlet hose from the filter is either connected to the new dedicated tap, or to the hose tail of the existing tap

15

PRACTICAL

7

9

8

If you are fitting a dedicated tap, tape up the work surface to protect it and mark where the tap is going

Then carefully drill the 20mm hole in the work surface. The tape should help protect the surrounding area

Open the filter canister and install the new filter element, tighten the clamp back up and refit the canister into the bracket

10

11

12

Each kit comes with a service label. Fill in the date of installation, stick it to the canister, and upate it when you do filter changes

Once complete, run the tap for a few minutes to purge air and flush the filter element through. Check all connections for leaks

The finished job. No more carrying water bottles back from the supermarket, and no risk of drinking contaminated water

TIME TAKEN

“This has been a major improvement to our boat.

We can take water on board from marinas in the UK and abroad without having to be too concerned about water quality.”

Around two hours, slightly more if there is internal dismantling to undertake to gain access to the boat’s pipework.

COST £ The X-2KF with separate tap as fitted to David’s boat currently retails for £613. The smaller non tap X-1B as fitted to April Fool is currently £316. Filter elements are £130 and £74 respectively.

There are also some smaller units, with lower flow rates, called Nature Flow.

These are available from £230.

ENQUIRIES: General Ecology Europe Ltd Tel: 01293 400644 www.purewateronline.co.uk 16

August 2014

tested

The water showed improvements in odour, taste and some measurable parameters

Motorboat Owner

During our recent Cruise in Company to Normandy, we fitted the smaller X-1F system to the control boat, a Sealine SC35 April Fool. The owner complained that the tank water had a strange taste and smell, although I must be quite insensitive as I hadn’t really noticed. Like the one above, it took around two hours to fit. We didn’t go for the dedicated tap, instead fitting the unit to the galley cold water supply.

Once fitted there was a noticeable drop in water pressure. Although not enough to be a problem, it is something to be aware of if you decide to forego the separate tap option. The flow rate of the X-1F is 3.8 litres per minute. For faster water delivery, the X-2 models have a flow rate of 7.6 litres per minute.

Next up came the taste test. With one glass of water taken from the cockpit tap and one from the now filtered galley tap I was expecting to be under whelmed.

How wrong I was. The odour that I had not smelt before, was so prominent on the

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

unfiltered glass, as opposed to the filtered, I really couldn’t understand how I hadn’t previously noticed it. Then there was the taste. The unfiltered water had a distinct tank taste, with plasticy overtones, while the filtered water tasted exactly like bottled water. I was very impressed.

Just to be a little scientific about it, I took two samples and tested them for various parameters. The results speak for themselves. Nitrates, chlorine and dissolved solids were all lower on the filtered water.

17

Motorboat Owner

affordable boat

CHALLENGE

E

C PRI

5

£79

Affordable boating? You bet!

E

ver since we launched Motorboat Owner last year, we have used the tag line ‘Affordable Practical Boating’, to describe the kind of content you will find inside. Over the last 10 months I have lost count of the number of times people have come up to me at various shows and said something along the lines of, “there is no such thing as affordable boating”.

This got us thinking. Affordable is, after all, a very loose term. One person’s affordable boat could quite literally be another person’s lottery win purchase. So we have decided to set out, once and for all, to prove that boating doesn’t have to be expensive.

First thing’s first, we need to define

‘affordable’. While £10k is certainly at the cheaper end of boat buying, it is still a figure that some people may find difficult to justify spending on a boat. What we need is an amount that almost everyone could afford. An amount that can be justified like any other regular purchase.

An amount that could be easily saved over a short period of time from a modest income. So what is that amount?

I think everyone would agree that a 10 year old Ford Focus is affordable. Equally a self catering holiday for a family of four to the Costas, out of season, is also inexpensive. How about a pair of season tickets to a lowly second division football club? Affordable? We think so. All of the above sit at or around the £1000 mark,

18

August 2014

eBay is a great place to find bargain boats and kit

so our aim is to see if boating can be achieved on a similar budget. Clearly we are not going to be looking at a coast hopping twin diesel flybridge cruiser with this sort of budget, but I guarantee that getting out on the water, any water at all, is more fun than watching Southend get beaten at home, again.

So here’s the challenge. In Top Gear terms, the producers have given us £1000 and we have to buy, equip, prepare and, most importantly, go cruising in a boat next season. The reality is that we have no producers, so we are putting up the money ourselves, and we will absolutely not be calling upon any industry contacts for

freebies, cheap deals or trade discounts.

Everything we buy will be from sources available to anyone. We expect auction websites, forums, boat jumbles and little gems such as the Chandlery Barge in the Hamble, to provide everything we need.

Now we are not going into this completely blind. A little bit of research tells us that you can actually buy an up and running package for around £1000.

The problem is that most of these still need quite a lot of work to make them truly usable, and with the budget blown there will be nothing left in the pot to rectify, modernise and generally make good. It would also make a pretty dull

Budget cruisers at Andy Seedhouse Boat Sales.

Does your local boatyard have a bargain corner?

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

19

We spotted this lovely Relcraft 19 project on ebay. It was an inboard boat in need of an engine

E

C PRI

0

£52

series in the magazine.

So what we are going to do is to buy the bits separately. We’ll find a decent hull to start with, pair it up with a suitable engine and trailer and carry out all the necessary repairs, upgrades, and modernisation ourselves to save money. We’ll report back every month through these pages, explaining how the project is progressing and listing all of the work carried out that month, with useful practical features and ideas springing off the back of it. We’ll also be keeping a running total of money

There are plenty of affordable boats out there if you know where to look

spent so you can see how we are doing.

We are not setting out to restore a boat, we are simply going to put all the pieces together to form a safe, comfortable and usable vessel. If we can improve its looks without spending too much, we’ll do it, but ultimately with a small budget any expenditure will be on improvements and kit that are required, rather than cosmetics.

Ultimately our plan is to not only get the boat in the water in time for next season, but for us to take a holiday of at least one week, onboard. Mad? Maybe.

But if we can pull this off, then affordable boating no longer needs to be a myth.

Initially our thoughts were that it would be really great to buy a little boat with a bit of pedigree. A Fairline 19 caught our eye, as did an old Sunseeker, before they were called Sunseeker. The reality though is that we are going to have to aim for something a bit more obscure to get the best bang for our buck. Paying for a well-regarded name has no place in our plans, and the above boats would have certainly taken us over budget. Ultimately, getting on the water is all that matters. You can have just

20

August 2014

as much fun, sometimes more, on a small inexpensive boat, and I would rather be out on a boat, any boat, than be standing on the shore or riverbank wishing I was out there.

At the time of writing we are already well into the search. We have narrowly missed out on a lovely little Relcraft 19 without an engine, that would have made a great inboard to outboard conversion.

We have also watched many little Shetlands and Fletchers go above our budget on eBay and the like, but watch this space, because I am currently in negotiation on a little frog of a boat that I think we could turn into a prince. I won’t put the mockers on it by revealing any more, but hopefully in next month’s issue we will be able to unveil what we hope is going to be the £1000 boat. Watch this space.

The Chandlery Barge, and similar outlets, offer great opportunities to obtain inexpensive gear

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

21

CUTTING Mente Marine ACS

Mente Marine has launched a new version of its automatic trim tab control system. The ACS R and ACS RP system is all included inside the control panel, meaning you simply replace your existing controls with the new one to turn your trim tabs into a fully automatic system. ACS is compatible with most electric and hydraulic systems including Bennett, Instatrim, Lenco and Lectrotab.

Price from £463 www.mente-marine.com

Crewsaver Hamble Horseshoe Buoy Set

Crewsaver’s new Hamble Horseshoe Buoy Set consists of a buoy, bracket and a lithium powered LED light with a five year life span. The yellow Buoy is constructed from layered EPE foam and tough PVC material for durability and is an essential piece of equipment in case of a man overboard.

Price £60 www.crewsaver.com

Raymarine DBW

Raymarine’s Evolution autopilot is now available for vessels equipped with Yanmar’s joystick control system.

Evolution DBW comes with the EV-2 9-axis sensor and p70R control head.

Once integrated the autopilot can also be controlled via a Raymarine touch screen multifunction display. Yanmar owners may also be interested in the new ECI-100 engine and control interface, which provides Yanmar engine data to a Raymarine MFD. Price Evolution DBW £2400 ECI-100 £300 www.raymarine.co.uk

22

August 2014

the latest boating gear and technology

Hatch Hooks

Tidier lockers could be just a couple of sticky hooks away. The low profile Hatch Hooks are designed to stick inside lockers, or on the underside of the lids, using marine-grade adhesive pads. They are made from UV stable nylon and can help organise ropes, fenders, lifejackets or any other suitable kit. For heavier loads, Hatch Hooks can also be screwed in place. Price £4.99 www.rochemarine.co.uk

Quba X600 Jacket

Evinrude G2

Price £199 www.quba.com

Price £TBA www.brp.com

Quba’s X600 is a mid-weight mens waterproof jacket. It has fully taped seams, light weight lining, a roll-away hood, double front zip with storm flap, internal pocket, lycra hand gaiters, handwarmer pockets and drawcords at the hem, waist and hood. The X600 Jacket is available in two colours Navy or Kelp, with printed and embroidery details.

G2 engines are Evinrude’s next generation of E-TEC outboards. They are colour customisable and come with integrated digital controls. Evinrude claim 15% better fuel efficiency, 75% fewer emissions and 20% more torque than leading four stroke engines.

Puzzle Book

The Adlard Coles Nautical Puzzle Book looks like a useful thing to stow on board for those odd wet and windy days. Packed with over 150 nautically themed brain teasers, it should help keep crew, both young and old, entertained while weather bound.

Price £6.99 www.bloomsbury.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

23

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Trailing methods

Q What is the correct

method of strapping a boat onto a trailer? I have been told that my straps, that go right over the boat fore and aft, are not correct and could actually damage the boat?

A Personally I don’t like straps that go right over the top of the boat. These ratchets

can exert a significant force that may cause damage. I would only do this as a last resort in the absence of any other tie down method, such as using the boat’s cleats.

Most boats destined for a trailer will have a pair of D rings on the transom as well as the bow D ring. The transom ones should be used to strap the back of the boat onto the trailer, and I use the bow ring to strap the front of the boat straight down onto the trailer chassis. The winch strap will stop the boat moving backwards, although I would not rely solely on this and another strap from the bow D ring forward can be used to back this up. Lastly, in the event of an accident or sudden stop, you want to think about stopping the boat moving forwards. The winch post will help, but a strap going from the bow D ring back to the trailer aft would be another worthy addition.

Freeman spares

Q Last year I bought a Freeman 23

and have really enjoyed using it on the Thames. This year I would like to spend a bit of time bringing it back to its former glory and wondered what the best source of parts are for this boat. I am specifically looking for deck fittings such as cleats and handrail brackets.

A Sheridan Marine should be able to supply everything you need. The deck

equipment section on their website shows some very original looking replacement cleats, bollards, handrails and everything else besides. www.sheridanmarine.com 24

August 2014

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Handheld VHF

Q How does the range of a hand held

VHF compare to a fixed set? I am weighing up the pros and cons and like the idea that a handheld is completely independent from the boat and could even be taken with you if required. I am concerned about leaving myself incommunicado if I am a few miles out when fishing.

A VHF range depends upon the transmit power, the height of the transmitting and

receiving aerial, the quality of the aerial and even on atmospheric conditions. In my experience a 5 or 6 watt handheld can start to falter at as little as two or three miles. On a good day you might get more, possibly up to eight or nine miles, but you will always do better with a 25w fixed set combined with a decent aerial. I am guessing the either/ or scenario relates to budget, so I would suggest buying an entry level, but good quality fixed set from someone like Icom (IC-M323) or Standard Horizon (GX1100E). You could always add a handheld later when budget allows, or keep an eye on the classifieds for a used one, they do come up quite often.

Prop pitch reduction

Q I have been told that a reduction in

the pitch of my prop will help acceleration, which would be particularly useful for when we are waterskiing. Is it ok to just put a smaller pitch prop on the drive or would this cause any other problems?

A A smaller pitch will certainly help a boat get up on the plane quicker, which

would be beneficial for skiing. The downside is that it will knock a few knots off the top speed. The other consideration is that a smaller pitch will allow the engine to rev higher, potentially beyond what it is rated to, and this may cause damage.

Ideally having two props, one for skiing and one for cruising would be the perfect solution, but if skiing is your main activity go for the smaller prop but watch that rev counter.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

25

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Halon extinguisher

Q My engine room fire extinguisher is Halon, which is not

only very out of date but which I understand is now banned.

What should I replace it with? The options seem to be dry powder, or FM200, which is a Halon replacement. The cost difference is considerable. I don’t want a complex install, so a stand-alone automatic is all I am looking for.

A If you have a fire, a correctly sized dry powder or FM200

will do the job. My main concern would be an accidental discharge. I don’t know if you have ever seen the mess a dry powder extinguisher makes when it goes off, but it is very difficult to clean up and can damage metal and electronic components. It’s not as rare an occurrence as you might think either, I have heard two stories recently of dry powder engine room extinguishers activating after an engine overheat caused the temperature to rise enough to set them off. Buying FM200 would seem a small price to pay in comparison to the clean up operation. One point worth making though, is to ensure that you have just a single extinguisher big enough to deal with the whole volume of the engine bay. Don’t try and cover the area with multiple smaller units.

Marking Anchor Chain

Q I have about 50 metres of anchor chain, but as it is not marked and I don’t have a chain counter, I never really know if I am putting enough, or even too much, chain down. What’s the best way of marking it?

A You can of course simply paint sections of the chain every few metres, but I

have found that if you anchor often the paint doesn’t last very long. My preferred way of chain marking is the cable ties and snooker method. I get hold of cable ties in red, yellow, green, brown and blue. In snooker these coloured balls are worth 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 points, so I add red ties to the chain at 10 metres, yellow at 20 metres, green at 30 metres and so on. As long as you can remember your snooker scores you can see at a glance how much chain you have let out as soon as the next cable tied link comes into view.

26

August 2014

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Q We are planning a trip to the Netherlands this

summer, and thinking about our return journey we like the idea of perhaps combining some inland waterways of Belgium and France into the itinerary. We have a spare week to play with, what would you recommend?

Toerisme Brugge

Cruising Belgium

A It has to be Bruges. On your way out of the Westerschelde, lock into the inland

waterways at Terneuzen on the southern coast. A gentle days cruising and you can be in the centre of Bruges, the Venice of the north. From here you can head east and exit at Ostende or, if air draft permits, you can continue into France and pop out at Dunkerque, or even Calais. For a slightly longer detour, head to Antwerp and come home via Ghent and Bruges.

Princess 32 loosing coolant

Q Our Princess 32 runs problem free on the river, but when we take her out into the estuary and open the engines up we loose coolant out of the header tank on one engine. Any ideas what is causing this?

A The first possible cause is that the engine is overheating. If you have a small

blockage, faulty thermostat or partially worn pump, the engine may remain at the correct temperature at slow speeds, but when opening her up the cooling system can no longer cope and it boils over. What is the gauge reading when this happens?

If it is overheating, test the thermostat, clean any heat exchangers and check the pipe work. You may need to flush the system through with a cleaning/descaling product such as Rydlyme. If it’s not overheating it could be a pressure issue with either air or raw water being forced into the fresh water cooling system. This may be caused by a faulty head gasket or a split heat exchanger. The former can be diagnosed with an exhaust gas detection kit used on the header tank. Don’t panic yet though as it could be something as trivial as the pressure cap on the header tank being faulty. Swap caps between engines to rule this in or out. It could even simply be that you are over filling the cooling system and it is expelling the excess. Some engines, if left alone, settle down to their own level, which is sometimes below the minimum level indicated on the tank. Obviously if it gets to a stage where the header tank looks like it is going to run dry this is unlikely to be the problem.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

27

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Trader 41+2 I f you are looking for a spacious cruising liveaboard and are prepared to throttle back, you certainly won’t go wrong with a Trader. These boats are built like tanks, spacious and robust are understatements. They are imposing on the water and offer home-from-home comfort inside.

If your budget is around ÂŁ100k, we think the Trader 41+2 is the perfect compromise in size, accommodation and ease of handling for two people, without being too big. This flybridge aft cabin

cruiser certainly offers a lot of boat for the money. But what are these boats like to live with?

The Trader 41 and 41+2 are basically the same boat, both were designed by Tarquin Boat Company in Hampshire and built in Taiwan. The 41 was introduced in 1980 and the 41+2 followed a year later in 1981. The production of these two models lasted over 19 years and in the region of 170 boats were built. Many of these were shipped abroad and surprisingly few entered the UK. The 41 offers four berths

28

August 2014

Built 1980-1999 Prices then 1984 from £82,738 Prices now £80,000-£140,000 Length 41ft 2in / 12.6m Beam 14ft / 4.2m Draught 4ft 1in /1.2 m Air Draught 16ft / 4.9m Radar arch down 12ft / 3.64m Fuel 1362 litres / 299 gallons Water 720 litres / 158 gallons Displacement 14 tons

in two separate cabins, both are usually doubles. The 41+2 has three cabins, and for the purpose of this feature we will be concentrating on this popular model.

Interior Stepping aboard you are greeted by a mass of wood set off only by the seating upholstery and light headlining. A daunting sight perhaps. Traders are finished with teak and apart from galley worktops, headlining and white wipedown toilet compartments, every surface

is wood, extraordinarily crafted and edged. While the wood finish is hard wearing, do bear in mind that some of these boats are over 30 years old so some wear is to be expected. A close inspection of the joinery throughout the boat should give away any leaks, past or present.

With three separate cabins it is an ideal boat for a family, or a couple with occasional guests. It has two forward cabins, a V-berth which converts into a double and a bunk-bedded side cabin.

The forward cabin is an impressive

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

29

There is plenty of room for the family to stay, bunks in the side cabin and a V-berth forward.

The guest toilet compartment has a shower

size and the wood surfaces provide a traditional feel. There are two chunky rectangular portholes, one on each side, and an escape hatch above the berth. With a hatch cover fitted it is quite a dark cabin, but it can also be a very cool place on a hot day. There is a half height wardrobe on the starboard side. When it comes to under berth storage we noted that only the bow panel of the V lifted. There are plenty of small storage drawers and cubby holes but we think there could be more storage to be utilised here.

The side cabin is a great third cabin, perhaps more impressive than those found on a modern 50ft flybridge cruiser, and could easily double as, or convert into a dressing room or office if you are planning to live aboard. It features two wide bunk berths, a half height wardrobe and drawers. Light is provided by a porthole above the berth, and a clever 30

August 2014

The Trader 41+2 offers eight berths. The dinette in the saloon converts into an occasional double

slide-close skylight gives further light from the saloon. Opposite you will find the day toilet. This has a shower via a mixer tap and a panel which provides access to the electrics behind the helm console. The taps and shower fittings in the two toilet compartments may be a little dated and tarnished but these can always be replaced. The wood trim in here is fairly resiliant, but it is worth checking its condition carefully due to it being exposed in a wet compartment.

Three steps bring you up to the saloon and the inside helm position. At the helm, the dash is quite high but there is still good all round visibility, and having a sliding door next to the helm is an excellent feature. The navigation equipment may be original and you might have to upgrade some electronics if you are looking to cruise great distances. Teak

rails run the length of the saloon ceiling and are an excellent safety feature for when you are underway.

The saloon is the main area for entertaining and lounging. Here there is usually a half moon shaped dinette area on the port side and further seating to starboard. The dinette table is a bit on the small side and dining for 4 people will be cosy but achievable. Underneath the seating are lockers but these are only suitable for crates and boxed items, as the lockers are open to the engine room in places. The seating opposite is commonly two angled single seats with storage beneath and between, or a long bench seat. In 1988 Trader introduced the option of a door out to the aft deck, and the saloon layout was updated. On these versions there is no seating on the starboard side, with a storage unit and

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

The inside helm seat is tight for two people.

Handy chart storage on the port side

steps up to the deck. It is a desirable feature but do examine the door frame as these have been known to leak. Another sliding door on the port side was an option and is very practical for deck and shore access.

Opening ports on the lower levels and the saloon’s large sliding windows provide light and ventilation. However, what the saloon does lack is a porthole or window that can be left open when it’s raining.

The galley is unusually located in the aft and master suite section of the boat.

It’s very private and ideal for stepping out of the master cabin to put the kettle on in the morning. On the example we viewed the oven had been removed and a small drum washing machine was in its place. There is space for a microwave or combination oven on the galley worktop.

A washing machine is a great addition for long term cruising or living aboard, but a buyer would surely miss a proper oven for entertaining and home comforts.

Perhaps a washing machine could be installed in the side cabin? While the

The standard layout has an off-set double.

Some later boats have a central double 32

August 2014

1991 £79,950 (as featured) Twin Volvo TAMD 61A 306hp Ancasta Chichester 01243 885380 www.ancasta.com

The galley is aft and outside the master cabin door

galley has a fairly big fridge, with a small freezer compartment, it is the only one on the boat. This is something to bear in mind if you are looking to live aboard. An idea would be to sink a top opening fridge unit into the galley worktop or under the saloon seating.

Alternatively a small chest freezer could go into the side cabin. A generator and inverter are two key features to look for.

The master cabin is impressive and has an adjoining en-suite toilet compartment. Most commonly the cabin features a double island berth, which is angled and faces the door. On later models you may find the bed centralised through customisation in build. Either layout provides plenty of room to move about, but the angled version offers one large offset space, which works really well. There are two wardrobes in this cabin and a small settee conceals access to the stern gear. There is also a dressing table in the starboard corner. The

1993 £99,500 Twin Caterpillar 3116 300hp Ancasta Brighton 01273 673232 www.ancasta.com

1994 £129,500 Twin Volvo TAMD 61A 306hp Clarke & Carter Essex 01621 785600 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

The aft toilet has a hip bath with shower

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

Some post 1988 models have a door to the aft deck which is a great feature

toilet compartment has a shower over bath Teak hand rails run around the whole arrangement. Shower standing room is boat, and these will require some TLC tight for anyone over 6ft and the hip bath now and then. The rails will be expensive is small but great to have all the same. to replace so some teak oil, or a gentle rub down and coat of varnish should On Deck bring them back to life and help preserve The Trader 41+2 is incredibly safe and them. Be aware that varnishing can be practical to crew, the side decks are huge painstaking work, and once you have done and the chunky deck hardware is suitable it once it becomes an almost annual job. for thicker rope gauges. These boats are There is a vast amount of chunky teak often referred to as trawlers but luckily decking on this boat, particularly on the they lack the fiddly through-bulwark aft deck. Replacement of worn out teak on fairleads that can be found on many other this scale could be very expensive, so you Taiwanese/Far East built trawler style should check that it is all in good order. boats.

Real teak is very resilient but it needs to be

The exterior teak is good quality but will require some maintenance.

The spacious aft deck can be enclosed 34

August 2014

Steps are necessary when boarding from pontoon height. Its wide side decks are excellent for crewing

cleaned and maintained. Consider visiting the boat you are interested in buying when it is, or has just been, raining. Strange as it may sound, this will give you the opportunity to investigate any leaks to the interior. It will allow you to walk on the wet teak to check for any squelching underfoot, which could indicate lifting teak and, potentially, a forthcoming repair bill. If replacement is required, synthetic teak might be an option. Just be aware that plastic teak can get very hot on bare feet, so this would not be the best option for a boat heading for sunnier climes. Other, possibly cheaper, alternatives might be composite cork decking, or Kebony wood.

The spacious aft deck is often covered with a bimini or a GRP hardtop.

Sometimes it is completely enclosed with full canopies and it is a superb area for dining and entertaining. If you are dreaming of a Mediterranean escape, some examples have folding arches, giving an air draught of around 3.6m to the top of the windscreen.

Flybridge A three-rung step ladder brings you

up to the flybridge level. A ladder may not suit everyone and is something that can’t be negotiated in a rush. On the flybridge there is a basic single helm seat, L-shaped seating in the starboard corner and a single bench seat on the port side.

These fixed seating units all have storage underneath, ideal for ropes and other deck equipment. On one example seen, the helm seat had been made to accommodate a coolbox. Under the console there is a cavernous storage locker with two 7kg size gas canisters on the starboard side.

The central helm position on the flybridge is well forward on the boat and gives an excellent view over the wide foredeck. However, judging distance alongside at this height might be difficult and you need to remember that there is alot of boat aft of you. It is easy to see why most helmsman prefer standing up during close quarter manoeuvres, and the favoured side to moor will be port, as the dip in the flybridge coaming for the ladder gives a better view aft. Even so, with such a large and uncluttered flybridge it is so easy to step across to look over the side.

A flybridge cover should be fitted to

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

35

The flybridge is spacious and functional, but lacks forward facing seating

protect the wood and upholstery. Ensure this is in good condition, that the fabric hasn’t become porous, and that it is tight and well supported to stop rain gathering.

Hull and Handling The Trader 41+2 is a semi displacement

There is crawl in or through-floor access to the engines. Twin Volvo TAMD 61A’s pictured

cruiser. Its underwater hull shape has a medium vee with a fairly deep keel.

The boat draws 1.2m and its keel is the lowest point, being below the props. A combination of a keel and a displacement of 14 tons make these boats great to handle at sea and during slow speed manouvering. It does, however, have a reputation of wallowing in a beam sea.

Like most high-sided boats they can be susceptible to the wind and a bowthruster and/or a sternthruster would certainly be worthy additions to look for.

Engines Earlier boats were fitted with twin 120hp Ford diesels, or twin 255hp Caterpillars.

In 1984 these models were priced £85,107 and £100,564 respectively. Thirty years on, these versions make great out-and-out displacement cruisers. Later boats fitted with the Volvo TAMD 61A 306hp push the boat that little bit faster, achieving a top speed in the region of 18 knots.

Engine access for basic checks is excellent for a boat of this size. Both sets of interior steps hinge back and doors give crawl through access between the engines, fore and aft. The raw water filters,

36

August 2014

seacocks, batteries and fuel filters are located forward. This is also where you may also find a generator and hot water tank fitted. There is further engine access through large panels in the saloon floor.

On a sea trial, consider helming from inside to check the effectiveness of the soundproofing.

While in the engine bay it is important to have a look at the fuel tanks which run parallel, outside of the engines. Look for leaks or signs of corrosion. Fitting new tanks is a costly exercise as it involves the removal of the engines. Perhaps check with the owner or the broker to see if the tanks are original.

Some boats have separate throttle and gear shift controls. These may not be to everyones taste, and will take some getting used to if you have not used them before.

Check the engine hours and cross reference these with the servicing records.

Regular and recent servicing are signs

of a good maintenance regime. Boats like to be used, so be wary of an old boat with seemingly very few hours. If you get the opportunity have a look at a boats logbook for evidence of regular and recent usage. Running a large, twin shaftdrive diesel boat at sea is not going to be cheap.

Opting for a steady slow speed will pay dividends. These boats should easily cruise at anything between 8-16 knots, with fuel consumption at just under one nautical mile per gallon at faster cruising speeds.

Conclusion The Trader 41+2 offers a lot of boat for your money and a relaxed, slow, comfortable style of boating. Whether you’re looking to cruise distances or live aboard, if you are prepared to do maintenance yourself and run at displacement speeds, these boats are an affordable prospect. Look for a well maintained example over a bargain.

Before buying any used boat, always employ the services of a IIMS or a YDSA accredited surveyor and, if you have any doubt about the engines, employ a suitably qualified person to carry out a separate mechanical survey.

Family 41 1980-1999

Prices £70,000-£100,000

Length 41ft 2in Beam 14ft The same hull as the 41+2 but has a spacious, two double cabin layout.

Buy one (pictured) 1981 £70,000 Lying Spain www.tradermotoryachts.com

44 1985 –2001

Prices £130,000-£140,000

Length 47ft 9in Beam 15ft Three cabin layout with larger master cabin with central double berth.

Buy one (pictured) 1990 £134,950 www.solentmotoryachts.co.uk

50 1986–1994

Prices £110,000-£150,000

Length 54ft 8in Beam 15ft Great value for a spacious 55 foot cruiser, with the traditional three cabin layout.

Buy one (pictured) 1986 £125,000 www.tradermotoryachts.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

37

Motorboat Owne r

Cruise in C ompa n y

Normandy Cruise 22nd June -5th July

Normandy landings

T

he 70th anniversary of the D Day landings was all the excuse we needed to plan a Normandy Cruise in Company. Unfortunately work commitments meant we were not able to be there on the 6th of June, but on the 22nd a fleet comprising 15 participants, together with support boat April Fool, a Sealine SC35, gathered at Royal Clarence Marina in Portsmouth harbour for a briefing.

The weather gods were smiling on us, as the forecast for the following day was perfect for a channel crossing. With barely any wind forecast and a favourable tide

the first boat to depart in the morning at 0730 was AquaVit, a Fairline Targa 47, which was acting as fast transport for team member Claire, who was detailed with the tough task of getting into port first and sorting out everyone’s fuel and moorings. David and Neil from AquaVit also volunteered to help out, which was gratefully accepted. AquaVit was immediately followed out of harbour by the boat with the fleet’s slowest cruising speed, a Grand Banks 47 called Kittiwake.

At 16 knots the Kittiwake crew were looking at a passage time of around five hours to cover the 75nm passage to

38

August 2014

“In this 70th anniversary year, passing beneath Pegasus Bridge was really quite moving”

Cherbourg. The rest of the fleet were happy to cruise between 20 and 28 Portsmouth knots giving them a crossing time between three and four hours, apart from Neo Two, A Hunton RS43 who ENGLISH CHANNEL would be cruising at 35 knots.

The crossing was fantastic with flat seas and sunshine all the way.

Cherbourg Despite leaving last, even after April St Vaast Fool, Neo Two was one of the first boats to arrive, and by mid afternoon Ouistreham all boats were refueled and moored Dives sur Mer up. The plan was to spend two nights Caen in Cherbourg, which would give the crews a rest day and time to explore The route took boats past the D-Day beaches to Caen Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

Cherbourg Cross-Channel celebrations, the pontoon party at Port Chantereyne, Cherbourg

the many delights that Cherbourg has to offer. The rest day turned out glorious, one of those rare occasions where air conditioning on a UK based boat makes sense. Crews ventured into town, explored the surrounding area by bike, visited the Cite de la Mer (Cherbourg’s fabulous maritime museum), or simply stocked up with essentials at the local hypermarket.

That evening a briefing was held where the plans for the next day’s passage to Carentan were revealed. Unfortunately the forecast was looking a bit gloomy so it was decided that April Fool should venture out first to check conditions off Barfleur, a headland with a reputation on this coastline second only to Cap de la Hague.

With Carentan being tidally restricted, and the group needing to depart at 0600, it was a 0430 start for the April Fool team.

Before turning in for an early night there was just time to join David and Neil on AquaVit to watch England’s last World Cup game. I’m not sure why we bothered.

The historic harbour of Cherbourg is an ideal cross-channel port offering Port Chantereyne, an all tides marina. See our Cherbourg destination feature in the June issue.

Visitor Pontoons: N, P & Q Access: All tides Fuel: Petrol & Diesel Overnight Price 10m boat: €27.70 Telephone: 0033 2 33 87 65 70 VHF Channel: 09 www.portchantereyne.fr/en

By 0530 the next morning April Fool was off Barfleur and getting bounced around by some big rolling waves. The wind had gone easterly, which was the worst possible scenario, and were forecast to get stronger as the day progressed.

40

August 2014

Liberation Day in Cherbourg and fireworks lit up the sky and bangs echoed around the marina

The passage was cancelled, a radio call sent everyone back to bed, and April Fool returned to port in time for breakfast.

Despite the weather out at sea, on shore it remained glorious. The sun shone all day and the breeze, which had reached force 6 in the Channel, was gentle and cooling in the marina. A second rest day gave participants the chance to further explore the area and an impromptu pontoon party was planned that evening to coincide with the day’s skipper’s briefing, where the crews were informed about the next day’s plans to get to Carentan.

The tides were a little later but the forecast was more or less the same the next morning. Another early departure for April Fool, another lumpy passage around Barfleur and another rest day in Cherbourg beckoned. Some crews, perhaps foreseeing the inevitable, jumped on a train to visit Carentan. Today was the 70th anniversary of Cherbourg’s liberation and veteran troops gathered to commemorate, while several historic ships assembled in Cherbourg’s inner basin.

During the day the wind went round to the southwest and the forecast was looking good for the next day. At the briefing that evening, plans were altered to account for the two lost days. Carentan was now out of the question, so it was explained that the plan for tomorrow would be an impromptu night, just around the corner, in St-Vaast-la-Hougue. As darkness fell, liberation fireworks lit up the sky and the bangs crackled around that marina. It was a spectacular display and a lovely way to end our stay in Cherbourg.

The next day it was a more civilized start for everyone, with April Fool checking conditions at 0800. With lovely flat seas,

Isle Tatihou lies to the east of St Vaast la Hougue

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

St Vaast la Hougue Boats assembled in the delightful fishing harbour of St Vaast la Hougue in the sunshine

the call was given and the fleet departed en masse at 0930 to catch the east going tide. While grey clouds gathered overhead, the rain stayed away and the passage was as smooth as silk, with the bonus of a three-knot tide under us. Sam and Paul from Mister Green even reported a dolphin sighting en route.

By midday all boats were safely tied up in St Vaast and crews went off to explore.

Penny and Stephen from Gîte took the amphibious ferry out to Isle Tatihou, where they climbed to the top of the Norman fort and visited the shipwreck museum. On arrival in St Vaast, Neo Two reported that one of the sterndrives was stuck in gear. The diagnosis was a detached cable in the leg, so a lift was arranged and Keith from the Motorboat Owner team helped Neo Two’s crew fix the problem. It turns out that a spit pin had disintegrated and there were a few

St Vaast la Hougue is an unspoilt Normandy town with oyster beds and Norman forts. The harbour has a tide gate and a marina with visitor berths.

Visitor Pontoons: E, B,C & A Access: HW +/- 21/4 hrs Fuel: Petrol & Diesel Overnight Price 10m boat: €27 Telephone: 0033 02 33 23 61 00 VHF Channel: 09 www.saint-vaast-reville.com

others on both legs looking like they may follow. All were replaced as a precaution, and Neo Two was back in operation in just over an hour. In the evening many of the crews made hasty plans to eat in St Vaast’s Michelin guide restaurant, Fuchsias.

42

August 2014

At Ouistreham the lock keeper kindly held the west lock for all 16 boats

The next morning the tidal gate at St Vaast opened at 0919hrs and the fleet departed, bound for Ouistreham and onto Caen. The 56-mile passage took the boats along the historic Normandy coastline, and past the D-day landing beaches of Omaha, Utah, Sword, Juno and Gold, in flat calm conditions. The navigation plan included a waypoint right off the entrance to the mulberry harbour at Arromanches, and some of the participants ventured into the harbour itself. The flooded concrete hulks protruding out of the sea at jaunty angles are an eerie reminder of the past.

The friendly lock keeper at Ouistreham was expecting us and had readied the larger western lock for the whole Motorboat Owner fleet. The lock has flat concrete sides with wires running down the walls to secure lines around, no long lines or fender boards required. The lock opens around five times over each high water period, and for those boats that are heading up the canal to Caen, the three lifting bridges are timed to coincide with this. Just inside the canal is Ouistreham marina, a useful place to stop and refuel if required. We were carrying on up the

canal all the way to the basin, right in the centre of Caen. The speed limit on the canal is seven knots and with a small wait for bridge lifts it takes around an hour and half from lock to mooring. The first bridge we had to negotiate was the iconic Pegasus Bridge. The bridge and the cafe opposite were the first places to be liberated on D Day. It was a very moving and memorable moment passing beneath it. The boats snaked their way up the canal at a very civilised five knots, and when the last road bridge lifted and the 15 motorboats entered the Caen basin, the Caen harbour team was ready to receive and berth the boats. A pontoon party was held in the evening where the Motorboat Owner team laid out plans for a visit to Pegasus Bridge and the museum by boat the next day.

The next morning marked the first of two planned rest days in Caen. It was market day in town, and everyone awoke to find the marina basin lined with stalls selling produce from all over the world.

At midday, two boats, April Fool and Portunas, loaded up the 20 crew who had expressed an interest in visiting the museum and bridge and headed back

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

Crews enjoyed a slower pace and surroundings as the boats snaked seven miles up to Caen

down the canal. Just downstream of Pegasus Bridge is a concrete quay where boats can tie up. When we arrived it was quite full, but a bit of shifting by those already there gave us enough room to raft our two boats on the end. We had three hours to explore before the final bridge lift of the day. Just upstream of the bridge

Crews visited the Musée Memorial Pegasus and Cafe Gondree on the opposite side

is a path, with monuments marking the position where the three gliders landed in the very early hours of June 6th 1944. It really brings home the skill and bravery of the crews, many of them young men in their early 20’s.

The bridge across the river isn’t the original, that now resides in the grounds of the museum and is still pock marked from the action it saw. The Cafe Gondree on the opposite side is still in the same family ownership today as it was when the owners became the first French civilians to be liberated. The visit to the museum was extremely emotional. Seeing the artefacts and reading the incredible accounts of the soldiers was very moving. The video that is played in the museums central atrium is a real tearjerker, it showed original footage of the beach landings and interviews with the glider pilots. There is also a replica of a Horsa glider in the grounds of the museum, together with some remnants of one of the originals. Mike and Liz from Phoenix, and Penny and Stephen from Gîte, donned their walking boots and travelled by train to visit the Bayeux Tapestry.

The second rest day started with a heavy

44

August 2014

Caen Plaisance Caen’s town hall is one of many magnificent buildings in the city

rain shower but soon the skies brightened.

It was an emotional day for Penny from Gîte. Her relative was involved in D-Day operations around Pegasus Bridge, so she, and husband Stephen, cycled to the Pegasus Memorial Museum and visited his grave near Utah Beach.

The crews from AquaVit and Portunas went to see the grave of William the Conqueror in the Abbey of Saint Stephen, and visited the impressive grounds of Caen town hall. The town was virtually flattened during the war and its many stunning abbeys and churches still bear the battle scars. On the cosmopolitan high street, some of the original four-storey, ornately carved timber framed buildings remain.

A briefing that evening detailed plans for the next day’s short coastal hop to Dives sur Mer, just five nautical miles to the east of Ouistreham. The departure time was planned for the first bridge lift at Caen, which was at 0845. Following

Situated in the centre of the diverse and historic city of Caen, Caen Plaisance is a marina basin offering residential and visitor berthing.

Visitor Pontoon: E Access: Ouistreham Lock HW +/- 3hrs Fuel: Petrol & Diesel Overnight Price 10m boat: €22.35 Telephone: 0033 02 31 95 24 47 VHF Channel: 09 www.caen-plaisance.com

the briefing, all crews were invited to a reception at the adjacent Caen Yacht Club where the members gave us a warm welcome, a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Commodore Remi addressed the crowd before exchanging burgees with cruise leader Neale. That evening France beat

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

????????????????????????????????????

David and Neil aboard Fairline Targa 47 AquaVit pass under Pegasus Bridge going downstream

Nigeria in the World cup; celebrations and car horns continued well into the early hours.

On the morning of day 10, the boats retraced their steps back down the canal to Ouistreham and the lock. Once locked through, the short passage to Dives would be over almost before it had begun. For the crew of one boat though, the passage would take just a little bit longer. In the distance we saw a customs ship launch their rib and send it our way. With 16 boats it was anyone’s guess who was going to be stopped, but in the end it was Gary and Dawn from In Motion who were targeted. Luckily Gary is very organized and the Douanes were rather impressed

Neale is presented with a Caen Yacht Club flag

by his neat folder of paperwork. After a short delay they were back on track and carrying the tide up the winding and shallow approach to Dives. The port of Dives is where William the Conqueror based his fleet, and from where he set sail when heading for Hastings. The marina is called Port Guillaume, which means Port William, in his honour.

The marina is centred between three lovely towns. There is the medieval market town of Dives itself, a few minutes walk to the south, Houlgate to the east and Cabourg, with its fantastic beaches, to the west. Crews ventured off in all directions to explore, or just find somewhere for lunch. After a rest day it was our intention to head back west again. The five east coast boats, Portunas, Jomina, Mister Green, Mahalo and Savannah Blue, had already indicated their intention to depart from Dives and continue east. With that in mind the Motorboat Owner team organized a cruise gala dinner for the second night in the restaurant Bistro du Port, overlooking the marina. At dinner Neale’s briefing laid out the plans for the coming days. We are due to head back

46

August 2014

???????????????? ??????????????? ?????

Port Guillaume

This impressive residential, beachside marina with a tidal gate and three towns closeby. Visitor finger berths are either side, near to the entrance and facilities.

Access: HW +/- 21/2 hrs Fuel: Petrol & Diesel Overnight Price 10m boat: â‚Ź30 Telephone: 0033 2 31 24 48 00 VHF Channel: 09 www.calvados-nautisme.com

All 15 boats took up berths on the northern side of the marina at Port Guillaume

departed. The rest of the fleet followed half an hour later and April Fool stationed themselves just off the entrance for a photo shoot, before continuing on to St Vaast in perfect conditions.

By 1500 the first boats were entering St Vaast and crews had the rest of the afternoon to get into town for some last minute provisions. Tony and Amanda from Barefoot have had fresh fish or shellfish everyday during the cruise and today was no exception. They came back to the boat armed with a bag of fresh king prawns bought from the fish stall on the to St Vaast for one night, and then back quayside. Mike from Phoenix sat on the to Cherbourg for another night, before pontoon in the sunshine devouring a crossing the Channel and returning home. batch of oysters he had also bought fresh The weather for the coming weekend was from the quayside just 10 minutes before. looking suspect, so plans would be kept By 1800, the five east coast boats had fluid. reported their safe arrival in Boulogne.

On the day of departure from Dives The plan for the next day was to leave the tidal gate opened at 1240 and April before the gate closed on the morning Fool, followed by AquaVit and Kittiwake tide at 0530. It meant an early start and Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

47

Neil Mountain

Crews witnessed the most spectacular sunrise and flat conditions crossing back over the Channel

weather check of 0400hrs for control boat April Fool. With the weather closing in it was going to be a dash for home straight from St Vaast, but with the extra days in Cherbourg at the start of the cruise no one seemed to mind. By 0500 the next morning all boats were on passage in the still dark conditions. Just a few miles out of St Vaast the sun rose and we were treated to a spectacular array of colours in the morning sky, which was mirrored in the perfectly flat sea. The fleet would be heading north for the eastern Solent, apart from two Poole based boats, Phoenix and Barefoot, who after rounding Barfleur, headed west of the Isle of Wight. The crossing was about as good as it gets, and only spoilt by a patch of thick fog in the westbound shipping lanes. Speeds were adjusted, AIS and radar units were fired up, and skills put to the test, but thankfully the poor visibility did not last long.

By 0830 boats were beginning to log out with the team, reporting that they were safely back in their home berths. Control boat April Fool slowly edged closer to the Solent waiting for the slowest boat,

Kittiwake to call in their arrival. Kittiwake logged out at 1203, and with all the boats safely in port the Motorboat Owner team signed off.

By early afternoon the wind had picked up, reaching 26 knots (F6) in the Channel, and with a worsening forecast this reaffirmed the decision to return a day early. It had been a superb two weeks; the cruise achieved its ultimate goal of reaching Caen, most memorably passing under Pegasus Bridge. Seeing Arromanches and D-Day beaches by boat were also incredible experiences. First channel crossings were made and for some it was their first experience of a lock too. The weather has been kind, despite a few early morning rain showers in Caen, and participants had experienced the Normandy coastline at its very best.

LOGBOOK

‘April Fool’ Sealine SC35

Twin Volvo Penta D4 300hp diesels

Distance cruised: 426nm Fuel used: 1201 litres (264 gallons) Average fuel consumption: 1.61mpg

48

August 2014

AquaVit Fairline Targa GT47

Barefoot Beneteau GT 38

Cooper Buoy Bavaria 29 Sport

Friday Night Sealine S41

GĂŽte Princess V39

In Motion Fairline Phantom 43

Jomina Broom 425

Juniper Fairline Targa GT44

Kittiwake Grand Banks 47

Mahalo Jeanneau Prestige 390S

Mister Green Broom 450

Neo Two Hunton RS43

Phoenix Nord West 430

Portunas Fairline Phantom 38

Savannah Blue Broom 425

Cruise participants

Motorboat Owne r

Cruise in C ompa n y

If you would be interested in joining us on a Cruise in Company in 2015, please come and see us at the PSP Southampton Boat Show stand B073A

April Fool Sealine SC35

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

49

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

Hardy 25 1988 ‘Bathsheba Everdene’

T

he Hardy name is synonymous with sturdy, practical boats. Whether you are looking at a little outboard powered 18 foot Navigator, or the flagship Hardy 62, you know that, pound for pound, a Hardy will look after you as well, or better than, any other boat out there.

The 25 was originally launched in 1982 and Hardy has continued to produce a boat of this size right up to today.

Bathsheba Everdene is a quirky name for a quirky boat, for this 25 has, like many

other boats of its age, had quite a few modifications over the years.

The 25 was sold with a number of different engine configurations, but most commonly was fitted with a single petrol engine of 120hp, providing power through an outdrive. There was even an outboard option. Bathsheba is fitted with the less common saildrive configuration. The 35hp Yanmar looks in good condition and confirms that this particular 25 is most suited to life inland, with occasional forays

50

August 2014

FOR SALE

£17,500

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

51

The forward seating converts into a double but there is currently no table here

in tidal waters where she should run all day long at around 6 knots.

The open plan cabin has a vee shaped seating area in the bow that can act as two single berths or, with an infill, convert into a large double. You would usually expect the infill to raise and act as a table for daytime use and, while it would seem like a good use of space, and indeed some 25’s do have this setup, there is no socket in the floor for a table here on Bathsheba Everdene. This could be easily rectified and is one of a few modifications worth

This single berth converts into another double and has plenty of storage underneath 52

thinking about on this particular boat. Just aft of this, on the port side, is a long bench seat that can be used as a single berth, or by pulling out a framework from beneath and using some infill cushions, converts to another double. Many 25’s have a table mounted in the floor in front of this seat, which means the bow area can be left permanently set up as a berth. This boat doesn’t have this either, instead it has been modified to have the table mounted on the base of this port side bench seat. This kind of works, although you need to sit twisted sideways to eat from it, unless you are flexible enough to sit cross legged in the lotus position. It does also keep the floor space clear. The downside is that with the table in place, there is nowhere for the large single berth cushion, so it would probably be best to leave this at home and stick with the two separate cushions provided unless you decide to relocate the table to a more traditional place.

Beneath the V berth cushions there is a flexible 82 litre (18 gallon) water tank plus plenty of open bilge storage. Under the port side seating is a large carpeted

August 2014

????????????????????????????????

A previous owner has modified the side berth to accomodate two at a small table

locker and opposite is the boat’s galley.

This area comprises a double gas hob next to a sink, with a pair of cupboard below.

The forward cupboard has been fitted with a modern gas oven and grill, the aft one offers a decent stowage area. There is also some open storage behind the galley for crockery. The galley has been modified to create a bit of extra flat workspace with a hob cover that lifts, folds back and is held in place with a wooden leg. It’s a bit Heath

Robinson, but serves a useful purpose.

Hot water is provided by an instant gas water heater, mounted on the galley bulkhead, evidence of which can be seen outside on the coach roof with a small chimney to take away the fumes. These are often fitted to comply with Boat Safety Scheme requirements and Bathsheba is certificated until March 2016.

Just aft of the galley is a storage unit that would originally have been a hanging

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

53

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

The galley has everything you would need apart from a fridge, which can be found in the cockpit

The toilet compartment houses a slide out sink, porta potti and shower 54

locker. This has been modified to offer a slide out TV stand, while still offering some useful nooks for storage. Next to this is the toilet compartment. Again some modifications have been carried out in the form of a rough wooden platform to level off the floor. Luckily this simply lifts out to restore the standing headroom, and the use of the shower sump beneath. The compartment also houses a sink on a slide out worktop, and a porta potti.

On the aft bulkhead on the port side the original shelving units have again been slightly modified, this time to incorporate a small cupboard with a door. Overall the cabin is bright, due to the large all round windows, and headroom is a uniform 5ft 11in from front to back. There are no opening windows in the cabin so any fresh air will have to come from the roof hatch of via the companionway door. The windows in the cabin sides are all plastic and show no obvious signs of leaking, although one or two of them are starting to suffer from minor crazing. All round

August 2014

curtains offer cabin privacy when moored and a split curtain rail in the ceiling offers the opportunity to install another curtain or two to section off the bow berth from the rest of the cabin. The soft furnishings all look in good order and we suspect a recent re carpet and re-upholstery has been undertaken.

The cabin and wheelhouse are divided by a pair of lockable wooden bi-fold doors and wooden sliding top hatch. The latter cleverly slides into a void in the headlining when pushed back. Two steps up take you into the wheelhouse, which would originally have been a wheel shelter but has been modified with a full width bulkhead with a set of double doors that completely enclose the helm area, and turn it into a compact, but secure and weather free area. While these doors and surrounding bulkhead are clearly DIY, they have been added with some thought, and a decent level of skill, so that they do not immediately feel out of place. This division of the cockpit and wheelhouse does mean that both areas are quite small

Slide out TV stand in the old hanging locker

but it seems to work well. The wheelhouse contains two large fibreglass storage units on which the helm and navigator’s seat are mounted. In front of the navigator’s seat on the port side is a clever modification that offers a small chart locker and a flat area for charts, books or a cup of tea. The

A wheelshelter to wheelhouse conversion should keep the weather out Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

55

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

bi-fold cabin doors fold back and store in front of this seat, and a flip down footrest offers comfort to the second in command.

On the starboard side is the helm seat with a removable infill that acts as a footrest.

If you want to stand and helm you would need to remove this infill and make some amendments to the seat as, at the moment, there is not enough room between the seat and steering wheel. With the seat tight up against the new bulkhead behind, it is also not able to slide it back, even if adjustment was an option. A lifting bolster for the helm seat would be a good modification.

The helm console is very basic with engine instrumentation, a fuse panel and a digital depth sounder. This sounder does somewhat restrict forward visibility but there are very few options for relocating it, or indeed adding additional kit, so you would probably have to live with it. As it is, the VHF radio is already mounted well out of the way in front of the nav seat.

There are a pair of 12 volt fans on either side of the helm and when we visited during the hottest spell of the year so far, we could see why. With no opening windows, and the back enclosed by doors, bulkhead and canopy, the wheelhouse

A basic dash with little room for any additions 56

The driving position is good, but a modification would be needed to helm while standing

could be rather airless. There is a hatch in the roof that can only be opened by taking off the canvas cover from outside, but this was little consolation in the 25°C+ conditions. Modifying the side windows to open in some way would be a worthy consideration for those rare hot days.

The wheelhouse woodwork is generally in good condition, although one or two areas on the helm seemed very dry and brittle. A light sand and some varnish or oil should bring them back. Between the seats there is a waterskiing type rear view mirror. With 35hp on tap this won’t be used for its original purpose, but it offers a great view out the back, through the rear canopy, without having to turn around.

I don’t know why more boats don’t have

August 2014

The transom seat provides access to the engine. The emergency tiller handle is mounted above

them just for this purpose.

In the cockpit floor a hatch lifts to give access to a large lazarette type storage area.

The floor in this locker lifts to reveal access to the bilge pump down in the depths of the keel. This hatch also provides access to the fuel tank. This looks to be mild steel, but has been painted and at first glance appears to be in good condition.

The cockpit is compact and features a full width bench seat, and two large side boxes that act as steps down into the cockpit as well as the gas locker on the starboard side and storage on the port.

The former holds two 4.5kg Calor Gas bottles. The middle section of the transom seat lifts to gain access to the engine. Being a saildrive unit, the engine is mounted the opposite way round to usual, and service points, such as belts and water pump, are located up against the transom.

Despite this there is still enough space to get at them when required and all other service items look easily accessible too.

The gearbox oil level is checked through an access panel in the cockpit sole just in front of the seat. Under either end of the transom seat is open storage and this is where you find the boat’s refrigerator in the form of a 12/240 volt coolbox. On the transom above the seat is mounted an emergency tiller. This slots into the rudder through the gap just below.

The canopy provides good headroom

The cavernous locker in the cockpit is where you will find the fuel tank and bilge pump

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

57

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

The 35hp Yanmar and saildrive unit look to be in excellent condition. Service access is good too

in the cockpit but, although it is currently serviceable, it will require replacing soon.

Sealant has been applied along the aft join and the material is starting to look porous.

High stern rails help, and offer security,

The canopy is servicable but will need renewing soon. Its black-out panels are a great feature 58

when climbing out of the cockpit onto the side decks. The decks are very wide, and a good six inch upstand along the entire length adds an element of safety. They are also equipped with scuppers to shed any water that finds its way onboard. This boat does not have rails down the side, unlike many 25’s, but grab rails on the wheelhouse and cabin roof mean progress along them is perfectly safe. The downside to no rails is that fender attachment points are all very low, and therefore awkward to get to while underway. The foredeck offers a great flat working area and a decent anchor locker, although the latter requires a handle or some other method to get hold of it, as it is currently quite difficult to open. The hull is equipped with lots of built in fendering. There is a typical rubber rubbing strake on the gunwale and then the distinctive Hardy rope fendering just below. Both look in good order although the rope fendering could do with a clean. On the transom there are a pair of swivelling davits, useful for taking your

August 2014

dinghy with you, but even better for saving a metre or so a year on your mooring fees.

There is also a lifting outboard bracket that provides the option of mounting a small auxiliary outboard if required.

The hull and fibreglass is in very good condition for its age. The white is still shiny and generally unmarked apart from a couple of small areas of stress cracking.

The blue hull has faded and has a couple of very small scrapes. A good compound polish would bring this up a treat and, once completed, would make the hull look much younger that its 26 years.

Conclusion Bathsheba Everdene would make a great inland boat for a couple. The various modifications range from being really useful, (enclosed wheelhouse) to ones that you might like to return back to normal (dinette arrangement). Nothing that has been changed is irreversible though, so for not a lot of money you could be the owner of a tough little boat that will take you anywhere you want to go, including trips into tidal waterways. It will do all this with very low running costs from its small diesel engine. While a saildrive

unit is an unusual propulsion method on a motorboat, maintenance is relatively straightforward. Just remember to keep an eye on the diaphragm and change it at the required service intervals, or if it is showing signs of wear.

Boat Name: Bathsheba Everdene Make/Model: Hardy 25 Year: 1988 Engine: 1 x Yanmar 3HM35 35hp LOA: 8.0m / 26ft 3in Beam: 2.74m / 9ft 0in Air Draft: 2.38m / 7ft 10in Fuel: 150 litres / 33 gallons Water: 82 litres / 18 gallons Penton Hook Marine Sales 01932 570055 www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

SPECIFICATIONS

The fibreglass is in good overall condition but the blue hull would benefit from a polish

The side decks are very wide, deep and safe

59

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

PRACTICAL

ADVICE

Boating abroad with pets

BY TALLY CLIFT MRCVS

M any boaters, myself included, cruise

in the UK with their dog, and some with their cat, on board. This can be great fun and very rewarding. While boating in or around the UK mainland is simple enough, what happens if you want to sail to foreign shores such as the Channel Islands, France, Belgium, Netherlands or even Ireland?

Many pet owners are confused about the law regarding European travel. This can lead to, at the very least, being turned

away at the destination before docking.

However, it can end with legal confiscation or quarantining of your pet, heavy fines and/or arrest.

This article is an overview of the requirements as they stand today. I cannot stress enough how important it is to contact the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the custom officials in the country you are cruising to prior to your departure, to get up to date information, preferably in writing.

60

August 2014

Pet Passports

Since 2004 all EU countries have required all dogs, cats and ferrets (but I’ve yet to meet anyone that cruises in the company of a ferret) crossing EU borders to have a European Pet Passport. This is not as involved as it once was. To obtain an EU Pet Passport your pet needs to: • have a permanent means of identification by way of a microchip (or ear tattoo if tattooed before July 2011 and still legible); • have been vaccinated against Rabies at least 21 days before travel. This vaccine must have been given after implantation of the chip, and it must still be ‘in date’ (rabies vaccinations given in UK are valid for 2 or 3 years depending on the manufacturer).

In addition, when returning to the UK from any EU country (except Norway, Finland, Malta or Ireland) your pet needs to be treated for tapeworm with a product containing praziquantel. This treatment needs to be within 24-120 hours of the scheduled departure time and administered by the vet, or by you in sight of the vet. The Passport needs to be signed accordingly.

Treatment requirement before re-entering UK There is no longer a requirement for treatment against ticks, but most UK vets would still advise that this is a sensible disease preventative measure.

When travelling further south in Europe, such as South West France or Spain, I strongly advise you contact your vet for advice on control of local disease-spreading parasites such as Sandflies, and Worming product Drontal Plus and Frontline for ticks. any other precautions that may be Treatment should be administered by, or in the necessary. Pictured is one of the presence of the vet 24-120 hours prior to departure worming products licensed for use before re-entering the UK and also shows Frontline, which is recommended but no longer required to be applied prior to re-entering UK against ticks.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

61

PRACTICAL

Pet Microchips

It is a good idea to have your pet’s microchip checked before you go abroad to make sure it is working.

Microchip in wrapper

Travelling within the European Union If you have a passport it is easy.

Just cruise to your chosen destination, moor up and off you go. Having contacted the officials in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, they all say the Pet Passport only needs to be shown if asked for. In addition I was told no contact with the authorities is required before landing. Cruising to Ireland is similar, but here contact with the Harbourmaster or Ministry before, or at the time of docking, is required.

Sounds easy, so what is the problem?

Most issues arise when returning to the UK. Contrary to popular belief,

Contrary to belief, pets must return to the UK via an approved route, by ferry, air or tunnel

you cannot just cruise home with your pet on board your private boat.

Firstly, dogs, cats and ferrets can only legally enter this country by approved routes, i.e. specific ferry and airplane routes with specific companies, or via the Eurotunnel Shuttle Service.

For example, from Belgium, the only approved ferry route is P&O Ferries from Zeebrugge to Hull. Secondly, veterinary certification is required to confirm your dog has been treated for tapeworm.

So, when you want to return to the UK, rather than just worrying about tide and weather windows, at least one member of your crew has to find transport to a local vet 24-120 hours prior to departure. They then have to get to an approved ferry or airport with all the paperwork filled in, and on some routes an approved carrying crate is required. An alternative option is that, in certain circumstances, your pet could travel unaccompanied, usually by air.

Plenty of research to plan your pets route home is needed, before setting off.

62

August 2014

Cruising to the Channel Islands from the UK Sailing directly to the Channel Islands should be straight forward, but is it? The islands are part of the British Isles, hence no passport is required, but what happens if you make an unscheduled stop in France on the way?

The Government’s Pets Travel Scheme Helpline assure me that sailing to and from the Channel Islands and the rest of the UK is fine, even if you pass through French coastal waters, as long as you (dog or human) have not docked or gone ashore in France itself, and have not come in to contact with any animal that has been outside the UK. All you need is your Ship’s Log to show the officials if asked.

However, to get this information I had to talk to three different representatives on the Pets Travel Helpline 0870 241 1710 and was referred to a manager who checked with their Veterinary Staff for

An approved route to Guernsey from France is

by Ferry from St Malo on Condor Ferries

clarification. Therefore, remember to get this in writing before you travel.

It would be prudent to have a valid Pet Passport when travelling to and from the Channel Islands, in case a stop in France becomes necessary (such as for mechanical or weather emergencies).

Without a passport, and following correct proceedures, a stay in quarantine on returning to the UK would be mandatory.

FINAL ADVICE If, having read this article you still want to cruise abroad in the EU with your pet, I say ‘go for it’. Just make sure you understand the laws and get up to date information, in writing, before you set off. I know some people have cruised abroad with their pet and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For me, whose longest break from work can only be two weeks, the return journey would detract so much from the pleasures of a relaxed foreign boating holiday, I would seriously have to think twice.

But when I am retired and time is less pressing, who knows?

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad or contact the Pets Travel Scheme Helpline pettravel@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk 0870 241 1710

Tally Clift GPCert (cardio) BVSc MRCVS is a Clinical Director in a Private mixed Veterinary Practice in Bedford. She has been practicing for over 20 years and has had experience in Quarantine Kennels and dealing with the increasing number of illegally imported dogs into the UK from Europe and beyond. She is also the owner of a Fairline Phantom 38 based in Suffolk.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

63

tested Renapur

PRICE for 200ml

£12.00

You may have been accosted at a boat show recently by someone brandishing a product and wanting to clean your shoes. If you are like me, you probably said “no thanks”, and continued on your way. At the London Boat Show I thought about it afterwards and went back later, when it was quieter, for a chat.

The reason for my change of heart was remembering that I do have numerous pairs of leather boating footwear that are showing their age, shoes and boots that, when wet, seem to absorb water rather than shed it.

Renapur is a balsam that is said to clean, nourish, condition, restore and waterproof all leather products. For boaters we are talking about deck shoes and boots, but it can be used on any other leather product you use, as long as the leather is smooth and not suede or nubuck.

For the test, I dug out my well worn and

The results are easy to see. The boot on the left has not been treated, the one on the right has

faded Dubarry boots.

Motorboat Owner Renapur is easy to “An inexpensive apply; you just wipe way to prolong it on sparingly with the life of your a small sponge. deckies.”

Value 4/5 The application Usability 4/5 immediately darkened Performance 4/5 the leather, taking it back to its original colour, more than changing it. The comparison with the untreated boot is obvious. A quick splash with water and it can clearly be seen how the untreated leather absorbs it, while on the treated boot it beads and rolls off.

Renapur say that the 200ml pot I have would treat 500 pairs of shoes. I can’t make any promises about that, but at £12 a tub it would probably last me a good few years, even if I used it on every pair of leather shoes I own every year. Expensive, it is not.

In fact it has actually saved me money, as a pair of trusty Sebago’s that were destined for the bin have also now been treated and look good for a few months more service.

Contact: Renapur Ltd www.renapur.com

64

August 2014

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

Fendergrip

Fendergrip is the latest fender hanging product to hit the shelves. These gadgets allow you to adjust fenders quickly and easily without untying. They are not that quick to attach or detach, so are probably best suited to inland waters where the fenders are left out and in regular use. The rope is simply looped over the guardrail and clamped by the Fendergrip. A stopper knot will prevent Motorboat the loss of fenders overboard. Fenders Owner “A good solution can be easily slid along the rail, but only for fender as far as the next stanchion without adjustment in removing them completely. Simple inland situations” construction and a stainless steel spring Value 3/5 should ensure longevity.

Usability 3/5 Performance 4/5

Contact: Roche Marine rochemarine.co.uk

PRICE

£16.99

Adjustment is easy, press and pull fenders into position

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

65

Finnmaster Pilot 8.0

66

August 2014

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 8.4m / 27ft 6in Beam: 3m / 9ft 10in Displacement: 3000kgs Fuel Capacity: 410 litres Water Capacity: 65 litres RCD category: C Engine as tested: Twin Suzuki DF150 Other engine options: Single 200-300hp outboard Price from ÂŁ93,840

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

67

The wheelhouse is light, airy and suitably equipped for cruising

I

f you are in the market for a circa 8 metre wheelhouse sportsfisher, you have never had it so good. Hot on the heels of their clever Pilot 7.0, and going head to head with the Merry Fisher 855 and Beneteau 8.80, Finnmaster has just launched the Pilot 8.0. A full metre and a half longer, a third of a meter extra beam, and a hefty lump of extra displacement over the Pilot 7.0, the Pilot 8.0 offers 4+2 berths and the credentials to make it a truly serious little cruiser. We tested it in its own backyard, on the fabulous Turku archipelago in southern Finland.

Getting on board many outboard powered boats can be problematic. The transom gate is usually on one side, and the engine, or engines, block access from the other. The Pilot 8.0 is unusual in that it

combines a full width bathing platform with an outboard installation, meaning access to the boat is easy whichever side you end up moored to. The bathing ladder is on the starboard side and, although mounted on top, has been recessed into the platform. This makes it easy to get at and deploy, but minimizes the tripping hazard.

Entrance to the cockpit means negotiating quite a

68

August 2014

large step, but once through, and with the door shut behind you, this does help to ensure the cockpit is a safe environment for kids and pets and is unlikely to suffer any backwash. The cockpit itself is very versatile.

The almost full width transom seat hides a deep and spacious locker, big enough to store tables, unused cushions and anything else that needs tidying away. Another small, but deep, locker is located under the aft seat on the port side and this would probably act as a gas locker if required, although our test boat was gas free. On the starboard side, the coaming incorporates a useful moulded fender storage, big enough for four good sized fenders. On the port side there is a recessed seat that, when lowered, joins the aft seating, and another optional

seat forward, to create a really sociable area around the cockpit table. This forward seat section thoughtfully includes a flip up end, so you don’t have to stand on the cushion when negotiating the port side deck. A lifting floor hatch on either side provides access to the fuel filters, manual bilge pump and batteries, while the middle section lifts to reveal a lined storage locker, perhaps slightly smaller than you would expect, but moulded to provide proper storage for the cockpit table and table leg when it’s not required. The test boat was fitted with the optional canopy, which although very useful in providing shade and shelter for the cockpit, doesn’t do much for

“The cockpit is versatile with storage and clever seating”

The Pilot 8 offers great outside space, a safe route forward and good access across the bathing platform Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

69

The galley is compact

“the dinette is big enough for four people, but more suited to two” the aesthetics.

Like many boats of this design, the Pilot 8.0 has an asymmetrical deck. The port side is quite narrow and steps up to gunwale height immediately upon leaving the cockpit, while the starboard side is much wider and deep, only rising up once you reach the foredeck and the safety of the bow rails. In the aft part of the starboard side deck is a lifting section that contains the fuel filler and a catchment area and drain for any overspills. The foredeck offers a useful flat working area and the anchor locker is a good size and ready moulded to install a windlass should it be required. The wheelhouse roof is fitted with full-length grab rails down both sides, particularly useful on the port side, and our test boat was also equipped with a pair of solar

panels too. There is no mention of these on either the standard or options list but they would be a great way of keeping your batteries topped up while away from shorepower.

From the cockpit, access to the wheelhouse is via a three section door, which can be locked either fully open, closed, or slightly ajar. The wheelhouse layout is pretty much standard fare. There is a raised dinette, big enough for four but more suited to two, on the port side, with storage by way of a pair of drawers beneath the aft seat. The backrest of the forward dinette seat flips back turning this into a double forward facing navigator’s seat. Next to this seat is a nice big sliding window, with a storage pocket below and a chart table and storage in front. There is

70

August 2014

The Pilot 8 offers two separate cabins, both with double berths

The nicely appointed toilet compartment is short on headroom

also a well-placed grab handle and some moulded storage for useful small items such as a handheld radio or binoculars.

On the starboard side, immediately as you enter the wheelhouse, is the small galley unit. This contains a sink, with optional hot water, a single diesel hob, a double cupboard below and a little bit of open storage behind. A fridge is fitted forward, beneath the single helm seat.

The helm is quite compact but still Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

manages to have space for a 12 inch multi function display. Having said that, any other equipment, even a radio, is going to need to be placed elsewhere, as the engine instrumentation takes up pretty much all the remaining dash. Luckily the overhead panel should be able to absorb some additional small kit, such as a VHF. The helm seat is adjustable fore and aft, and the lifting bolster allows a comfortable standing position and easier access to

71

PERFORMANCE As tested 75% fuel, 4 crew, Force 2 RPM

Idle (650)

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

2.1

2.4

0.52

4.04

1000

3.6

4.4

0.97

3.71

1500

5.2

8.0

1.76

2.95

6.5

13.0

2.86

2.27

7.8

24.8

5.46

1.43

10.4

35.0

7.70

1.35

14.7

50.8

11.2

1.31

18.4 28.9 32.5 35.3

56.6 73.0 93.4 103.0

12.5 16.1 20.6 22.7

1.47 1.80 1.58 1.56

the very useful side door. A sliding 2000 sunroof overhead allows a flow of air 2500 when underway and you can even 3000 3500 stand with your head out if required, 4000 although the visibility forward wasn’t 4500 great like this. There is a matching 5000 sunroof over the navigators seat, and 5500 both lock open in different positions as required.

Step down from the wheelhouse into a small companionway and you have the boats master cabin in front of you. Headroom is quite tight in the main dressing area at around 5ft 8in, but there is a handy bench seat to port if needed. The large double berth is offset to starboard and takes up most of the forward cabin.

To help with access to the berth, the Pilot

Range (nm) 364

334 266 205 129 122 118 133 162 143 141

Noise (dB)

56 65 67 72 73 78 82 84 85 86 92

8.0 has a small moulded step in the centre of the cabin. Natural light is plentiful, with large side windows and an opening overhead hatch, and extra ventilation is provided by a small vent fitted into each cabin side window.

Storage is adequate with a hanging locker to port, a high-level shelf on either side, storage under the bench seat, plus more under the bunk.

72

August 2014

The twin 150hp outboards produced 35knots but needed lots of throttle to make good speed

“The Pilot 8 was fun to drive.

Its hull is grippy and the acceleration is brisk” Back in the companionway the toilet compartment is to starboard. With 5ft 6in headroom this is really best suited to seated showers, but the facilities are all there including decent storage courtesy of highlevel cupboards, some ventilation, and even a waterproof toilet roll holder, something often overlooked on boats with an all in one heads compartment.

Opposite the heads is the second cabin.

This provides a generous sized double berth positioned fore and aft, rather than the usual amidships. A large side window offers plenty of light, and a small vent provides some fresh air. There is no separate door to this second berth, but a curtain pulls across to provide a private dressing area with nearly 6ft headroom, a small bench seat and Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

a half-height hanging locker.

Underway The Pilot 8.0 is surprisingly fun to drive.

It’s not that I had low expectations of the Finnmaster, but more the fact that sportsfishers, as a breed, tend to be built for a purpose, and while they are usually very good at what they do, being exciting to drive isn’t always right up there on the priority list.

This boat is different though. It feels solid, the hull grips the water very well in tight turns, the propeller doesn’t show any signs of ventilation, and the acceleration with the twin Suzuki DF150 was brisk enough to provide an almost sportsboat experience.

Even the mid range pickup was surprisingly good. With the twin 150hp set up we did find

73

that you needed to use lots of throttle to make good speed, with 20 knots not being reached until we were pulling well over 4000 rpm. The single 300hp option would no doubt provide improved performance figures in a slightly less fussed manner, but with the loss of the security offered by having a second engine.

The driving position is good, although at times the throttles felt a little too far forward, and visibility was excellent, thanks to the all round glass and a forward raked windscreen that reduced glare from the dashboard. The power assisted hydraulic steering was light and easy to use, but precise and responsive too, as were Suzuki’s electronic controls. At speed the hull handled some confused conditions very well, with only the occasional heavy landing. At displacement speeds the boat did tend to wallow a little, but this is symptomatic of many wheelhouse boats with their higher centre of gravity.

With the rear door open, noise levels

The forward raked windscreen reduces glare and provides the Pilot 8 with a purposeful look

were quite high and rather intrusive when flat out, but close the doors and things become much quieter. In fact we recorded a 7dB reduction in noise at full throttle with the door closed. When you consider that a10dB reduction is perceived as a halving of noise levels, you get the idea how significant the effect is.

74

August 2014

Conclusion The Pilot 8.0 brings a touch of Finnish class to the sportsfisher market. It feels more like a cruiser, than a fishing boat, and as such it offers a great entry-level boat, capable of tackling just the sort of conditions you will find around the British coast. For those that think you can only go cruising with diesel engines I would suggest that at just under 2nm per gallon at cruising speeds, the twin outboard Pilot 8.0 is actually quite an affordable boat to run, especially when you take into account the reduced servicing costs of outboards over sterndrive diesels. Personally I’d forget the second engine and stick a single 250 or 300 on the back. The 250 should provide

A optional canopy offers protection to the cockpit

similar performance figures, the 300 slightly improved, together with a reduction in fuel usage and a much smaller service bill. If you go that route, the optional bow thruster would be a good investment to help out with close quarters manoeuvring.

ENQUIRIES: Bosuns Locker Tel: 01313 314496 www.bosuns.co.uk YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Jeanneau MF855

Finnmaster Pilot 7.0

Parker 800 Weekend

LOA: 8.7m Beam: 2.99m Displacement 3177kg Enquiries: Sea Ventures (UK) 01489 565444 www.sea-ventures.co.uk

LOA: 6.9m Beam: 2.65m Displacement 1350kg Enquiries: Bosuns Locker 01313 314496 www.bosuns.co.uk

LOA: 7.9m Beam: 2.9m Displacement 2400kg Enquiries: Sussex Boat Shop 01903 713684 www.sussexboatshop.co.uk

A direct rival to the Pilot 8, the 855 offers a very similar layout and has two separate cabins, both with doors.

PRICE from £83,882

The smaller sibling is not quite as well appointed with creature comforts, but offers an affordable two berth alternative.

PRICE from £47,400

A similar forward raked wheelhouse and an almost identical layout. Available with petrol or diesel, inboard or outboard.

PRICE from £58,492

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Aquador 30ST

75

PENTON HOOK MARINE SALES www.thamesboatsales.co.uk USED BOATS

NEW Sealine S450 from £330,000 Due September Twin Volvo Penta D6 Diesels

NEW Sealine F380 £337,490 Due September Twin Volvo Penta D4 Diesels

NEW Sealine S380 £255,410 Due September Twin Volvo Penta D4 Diesels

2012 Fairline Squadron 42 £379,999 Twin Volvo D6 370hp Diesels

2006 Sealine S42 £179,950 Twin Volvo Penta D6 IPS500 Lying Mallorca

2007 Sea Ray 335 £87,950 Twin Yanmar 315hp diesels Four berths, full nav package

2002 Sealine F42/5 £124,950 Twin Volvo 430hp Diesels Generator, heating, folding arch

Westwood A35 Choice of 2 from £139,950 Good accommodation & use of space

2004 Sealine F34 £104,950 Twin Volvo Penta KAD43P Diesels Incredibly spacious and practical

1998 Sealine F36 £89,950 Twin Volvo KAMD43 230hp Diesels Six berths, bowthruster, holding tank

2005 Marex 280 £69,950 Single Yanmar 76hp Diesel Practical sea and river cruiser

Fairline Turbo 36 Twin Diesels Choice of three from £64,950 Well respected boats

Leather upholstery, full nav package

Penton Hook Marine Sales Ltd, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PQ

Distributors for

Tel: 01932 570055 sales@pentonhooksales.co.uk

BROKERAGE BOATS REQUIRED URGENTLY

www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

Click here for full listings at Penton Hook Marine Sales

L K what I saw

Spotted something weird, wonderful, or interesting on your travels?

@

send your images to us at

editorial@

motorboatowner.co.uk

Gun dummy

Anti Piracy measures in Southampton SPOTTED! by Neale Byart

Essex stilettos

‘Crane shoes’ on the banks of the River Crouch SPOTTED! by Sam Morris

It’s all in the boat name Belgium yacht with identity crisis SPOTTED! by Ted Hughes

Waterford steel ship

A rather fine stainless steel sailing ship on the quay SPOTTED! by David Bagshaw Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Electric Boat Association

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Atlanta Boat Owners

Elysian Boat Owners

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Fairey Owners Club

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairline Owners Club

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fjord Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.fairlineownersclub.com

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fjordclub.com

Birchwood Boat Owners Forum

Fletcher Owners Club

birchwoodboatowners.myfreeforum.org

fletcher-boats.co.uk/your-fletcher/owners-club

Broom Owners Club

Freeman Cruisers Forum

www.broomowners.com

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

Classic Motor Boat Association www.cmba-uk.com

Cleopatra Owners Club mycleopatra.ning.com

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

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum www.dawncraftowners.com

78

freemanboats.forumer.com

Freeman Owners Club www.freemancruisers.com

Haines Owners Club www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Hampton Safari Boat Club hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Hardy Owners Club www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

Maxum Owners Club www.maxumownersclub.com

August 2014

Microplus Boats

Sealine Owners Club

www.microplus.dk

www.sealineowners.com

Monterey Fourm

Seamaster Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seamasterclub.co.uk

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Seaward Owners Club

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.seawardboat.com/club.html

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

Nimbus Owners Club UK www.nimbusowners.co.uk

Norman Appreciation Society www.normanboats.co.uk

Princess Owners Club princessownersclub.com

Regal Owners Forum www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Sunseeker Owners Club sunseekerownersclub.com

Viking Owners Club

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

Owners Club missing? contact us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Advertise with us

Sealine Forum www.sealineforum.co.uk

@

advertising@motorboatowner.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

79

PERSONALISED PRODUCTS We can supply hand held dry powder, foam, CO2 or water mist extinguishers in all sizes personalised with your boat name, make, model and logo Price from £12.00 PREMIUM RANGE Anything from the standard or engine room ranges using high quality, corrosion resistant stainless steel cylinders.

Price from £120

A cost effective range of hand held dry powder, foam, CO2 and water mist extinguishers from 1kg/litre to 9kg/litre and a selection of fire blankets from 1m2 to 1.8m2.

Price from £10.00

ENGINE ROOM SYSTEMS Build your own engine room system from a large selection of components. 1kg/litre to 50kg/litre, foam, CO2, dry powder, FM200 and water mist.

Manual, automatic or electronic activation.

Price from £100

BOAT FIRE SYSTEMS

STANDARD RANGE

firemonkeyltd.co.uk 08452 177574 sales@firemonkeyltd.co.uk

86

May 2014

Britain’s only FREE dedicated motorboat magazine

NEXT MONTH

ONLINE 18th AUG

LOCH LOMOND

Destination Guide

BOATS • Aquador 30ST • Bayliner 2855

PRACTICAL • Affordable Boat update • Fitting Volvo Penta Trim tabs PLUS

• Your questions answered in Q&A • The latest products and technology • Tested -The team put some nautical kit through its paces • Inbox – your comments • Inland and coastal news

Motorboat Owner

87

FREE DIGITAL BOATING MAGAZINE

at

SIGN UP 8

motorboatowner.co.uk

for access to all back issues and downloadable versions to read offline PRACTICAL ADVICE

NEW & USED BOATS

PRODUCT REVIEWS

CRUISING GUIDES

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

OWNER STORIES