Motorboat Owner July 2018

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Motorboat JULY 2018

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Parker 750CC PRACTICAL Sargo 31 Explorer ‘Back Door’ l Princess 440/460 l Cardiff

VHF Radio: Using DSC

Welcome to the July issue. Just as

From the Editor

contact us

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

we are going to press, the trade war between the US and the EU has taken a turn towards the marine sector. Following US tariffs on aluminium and steel, the EU has retaliated by whacking 25% duty onto selected US products. Trawling through the 19-page document reveals that, as of the 20th of June, amongst the sweetcorn, cranberry juice, Harley Davidsons and tobacco, motorboats,

Editor, Neale Byart 01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk Associate Editor, Claire Frew 01268 922993 claire@motorboatowner.co.uk

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July 2018

other than outboard powered models, imported from the United States will be hit with this increased duty. Some US manufacturers build their boats away from home, so not all US boats will be affected, but for US built brands with a large inboard model line-up, such as Sea Ray and the iconic Chris Craft marque, these are going to be tough times for the European dealers. It is said that no-one

welcome aboard

Penarth Quays Marina in Cardiff Bay. See our Cardiff destination guide, page 48

ever wins a trade war, so let’s hope that this one quickly fizzles out and that EU and UK dealers of affected brands can quickly get back to the business of selling boats without the added burden of being a pawn in a global muscle flexing contest.

On a brighter note, we are midsummer, England are, so far, still in the World cup, the sun is shining and the wind is light. These last two seem about as reliable as the first, so I hope you are making the most of it. As soon as this issue is uploaded, we will be setting off on an adventure of our own, as we depart our Essex base for a trip to the Solent where we will meet up with the participants of the 2018 Motorboat Owner summer cruise.

For the first two weeks of July we will be heading along the south coast to the Isles of Scilly and back. We will be running a blog on our news pages during the trip, so if you happen to be in the same area, please do come and say hello. You never now, we may be holding one of our legendary pontoon parties, so bring a bottle.

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

Advertising: 01268 922994 Brokerage, classified & display Advertising Manager, John Steward advertising@motorboatowner.co.uk

Contributors: Harry Jefferies, Pam Born Cover photo: The Parker 750 CC on test off Gdansk in Poland by Neale Byart

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

3

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CONTENTS JULY 2018

REGULARS

PRACTICAL

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 18 Q&A page 42 CUTTING EDGE page 60 TESTED page 61

p22

call

BY NEALE BYART

has DSC (Digital Selective Calling) boat VHF radios been a staple of leisure it seems that many for over 15 years, yet the technology have not really taken boaters admit to heart. I have heard radio turned off to leaving their VHF alarms’, or seen to stop the ‘annoying The seco press any button others who will simply your AIS nd scenario stop without actually is to mak to make the alarm display. will have us ber num of e it means. The fact From communication most this disp contact with thinking about what so you a vessel can send sam Worse than is sounding on your lay you witnessed in our lifetime. eanway is, if the DSC alarm that is will get to an indi as abov y showing someone is trying on Ch1 opportunit the vess be missing vidual e, radio, it is because you that, you may call in 6. If you up el nam Let’s bewithout tryin distress. you. That might be the e and thei on r radi AISinare g to help a fellow boater communicate with a Maydayo, multifun to raise them allofcorr r MMSI mass of boaters the start ectly inte ction disp honest, if you heardinitiate the as part of the collective individually. to grated, be lay and call dire are very unlikely you call on Ch16, you having toit is annoying in the area, or it might ct to understand enter thei from the disp can often turn the radio off because what Unless you take time are your MM why the alarm is SI num lay without may be exactly that but Moto you, DSC and look to see on ber rboat manuall that alarm.

Own actually missing out y. doing when silencing er © Digital Marine sounding, you are 2018 July advances in maritime Media Ltd one of the biggest

page 20 New Boat

Sargo 31 Explorer Back Door page 61 Tested

Makin g an in dividu al

There are two likely scen might initiate arios whe an indi to ano re you vidual ther DSC call someon vessel. The first of e that thes you kno cruising w, or are e is to with. The maybe already have thei likelihood is director that r MMSI y, number you will takes abou but if not, cons in ider doin your t a min really ute g so. It to add is no mor e complic a number, To initi and ated than ate a call then the saving number you need to a cont choose from you act in ‘individ your mob r director ual call’ or ente ile pho y, r it from the ne. if not prev manually DSC men iously u and saved.

You then choose a chan nel that you wish to 08, 72 speak or 77. to them on, may allow You then so one send to be anyt you to designat the request, of the ship to which ship chan hing othe e the natu is broa nels such r than dcast on routine. re of the call, as 06, Ch70. but real Some istically radios this is unlikely

ctions Using basic DSC fun on your VHF radio

HOW TO

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PRACTICAL

Using basic DSC functions on your VHF

Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Profile shoes

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p20 p30

CARDIFF Destination Guide

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Princess 440/460

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

BOAT TEST

Parker 750CC

5

NEWS Fresh warnings issued after Broads CO incident The Broads Authority has issued new safety advice to boaters, after several adults, onboard a Bayliner sportscruiser, had to be taken to hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning in early June. The Broads Authority is reminding boaters to ensure they take appropriate measures to protect themselves, passengers and others from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Head of Safety Management, Steve Birtles, said “Thankfully in this case no lives were lost but it is a very timely reminder as the summer approaches and more of us take to the water. We are all familiar with the benefits of smoke detectors and we strongly recommend that carbon monoxide detectors are also fitted, tested and maintained to help save lives. You can buy a CO detector for marine use from most DIY stores, chandleries or even from the Broads Authority for just a few pounds. Having a working carbon monoxide detector is just one measure that can help. People should also familiarise themselves with the sources of carbon monoxide such as petrol engine exhausts, solid fuel stoves and fuel burning appliances such as gas cookers. These must be well maintained and good ventilation is needed. The first symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, stomach pain, feeling sick, dizzy, tired or disorientated and these can escalate very quickly. If you suspect that you are affected by CO it is important to take the following measures. Turn off engines and any other sources of CO, get people away from the boat into fresh air as quickly as possible and call the emergency services on 999 or on Channel 16 of your radio. If you are located at a Broads Authority 24 hour mooring the sign there will contain a postcode or grid reference which you can give to emergency services.� The incident in June is one of several in the UK over the last few years, including one on the Broads, where two people lost their lives onboard a Doral sportscruiser, Love for Lydia, on Wroxham Broad in June 2016.

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July 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Cranchi E26 NEW BOAT The Italian boat builder, Cranchi, is to launch a new 8-metre day cruiser and tender.

Designed for sea or inland use and combining classic looks with modern techniques, the new 26ft model, the E26, is to be produced in Classic and Rider versions. The inboard-powered E26 Classic will be a tender-cum-commuter boat, while the outboard-powered E26 Rider will be aimed at day cruising. The first Cranchi E26 will be a Classic model, pictured, which will be unveiled in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival. This will feature a teak-covered bow-deck over a cabin and toilet compartment, with L-shaped seating around a table in the cockpit and a sunpad area aft. Cranchi has also recently revealed plans for its new 78ft flagship motoryacht which will launch in 2019. UK dealers are Tingdene Boat Sales, BJ Marine, Salterns Brokerage and Abersoch Land & Sea.

Henri Lloyd thrown a lifeline On Friday 8th of June, it was announced that the marine and leisure clothing brand, Henri Lloyd had gone into administration, and many of its staff were being made redundant. A week later, several stores and stock were acquired by an investor, Aligro Group, a move that saw stores reopening and trading again. Based in Manchester, Henri Lloyd is known in the UK boating scene for its nautical apparel, producing foul weather gear, leisurewear, shoes, bags and accessories.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS

Volvo unveils new self docking system

The Swedish engine manufacturer, Volvo Penta, has unveiled a revolutionary self-docking system for motorboats. Used in conjunction with its joystickcontrol IPS system, an onboard electronic vessel control system (EVC), computes steering and drive calculations in relation to the boat’s actual position and four sensors sited on the intended berth. The system recognises when a boat has entered a ‘catch zone’ and sends out a signal to the helmsman that it is ready to dock. He/she can then activate the self-docking function, and using a combination of GPS and sensors, both those fitted onboard and additional sensors fitted to the pontoon, the boat will automatically move into the berth.

Volvo say that this will be an upgradeable option for Volvo Penta IPS-equipped boats, with a retrofit version of the function also planned. Initially Volvo is targeting boat owners with their own private docks but believe that such systems could be rolled out at harbours and marinas. Such marinas could then be discoverable in Volvo Penta’s Easy Connect app. “Docking is one of the most challenging boat handling manoeuvres. Getting it wrong can be embarrassing, expensive and precarious,” says President of Volvo Penta, Björn Ingemanson.

“Our IPS system has already taken great strides in making docking easier, and this new self-docking feature takes that process one important stage further. Its sensors and onboard computers react in milliseconds to changing wind and sea conditions, constantly making micro adjustments in power and steering angle of the IPS drive to keep the boat on its intended course VIDEO: Volvo Penta self-docking system into a safe berth. If necessary, the docking process can be paused, and the system will hold the boat stationary in PLAY the water. Even in changing sea conditions it can make the sea appear to stand still.” You can watch a video of the first public self-docking demonstration here.

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NEWS Abersoch community raise £10k for RNLI

In Abersoch, North Wales, a beach cafe, a Lord and a local boat dealer joined forces in June to raise £10,000 for the RNLI stations, Abersoch and Pwllheli.

Lord Davies and Andrew Donaldson, one of the owners of Mickey’s Boatyard & Beach Café, hosted a cheese and wine afternoon at the café with entertainment from singer, Joe Slater. The events ‘catalyst’ was an auction of a new Yamaha EX Sport PWC, donated by Neville Williams of local boat dealer, Ideal Boat. Based in Pwllheli, Ideal Boat is the UK agent for the US sportsboat range, Chaparral and a dealer for the Finnmaster, Robalo and Yamaha PWC ranges.

Harleyford marina basin revamp complete Marina refurbishment works at Harleyford, on the River Thames, are now complete.

Works carried out at the 350-acre site over the last 5 years have seen another 120 marina berths added, bringing a total of just under 400 berths. A new 148-berth Lagoon basin opened in April 2017 and works completed inside its original marina linked basin in June. First excavated in 1970, the original marina was awarded new pontoons, paths, water, electricity supply and marina edge piling. At the time of going to press there were only a few moorings available inside the Marina or Lagoon basins.

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July 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Throw line recall The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued a safety bulletin about defective throw bag rescue lines, after two were discovered at Warrington Rowing Club, in Cheshire, during a capsize drill exercise.

The polypropylene rescue lines inside the RIBER 15m long throw bag were found to be non-continuous, with up to four weak joins where the rope had been fused together. Defective rescue lines were identified as a consequence of the customer warning notice posted on Facebook in March, and the MAIB revealed in June that it had identified a batch of 208 throw bags that could be at risk. Supplier company, Riber Products Ltd is still urging its customers to check their throw lines, saying if there is any doubt about a product, contact them to arrange a refund or replacement.

DIARY DATES Western Boat Show 20th-22nd July Tingdene Cranchi Launch 21st-22nd July Cowes Week Fireworks 10th August Portsmouth Boat Jumble 19th August Fambridge River Festival 26th August Essex Boat Jumble 2nd September TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 13th-22nd September Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Broads companies hail a ‘summer of success’ for boat buying Two Norfolk boat companies have moved to ‘dispel the doom and gloom around the Broads boat-building industry’ to hail a ‘summer of success’ for boat buying. The boat builder, Haines Marine, and broker and Haines dealer, Norfolk Yacht Agency (NYA), claim ‘a flood of new launches and orders is evidence of a buoyant market’. It is reported that nine new Haines models, both offshore and river cruisers, costing between £116,000 to £500,000, have been launched or commissioned this summer through NYA. It is also reported that Haines launched three brand new boats on the same day recently. The news comes after Broom announced earlier this year it would be ending more than 100 years of boat building at Brundall, and another Broads boat-builder, Oyster Yachts, was bought out of receivership in March. There was also the news of the cancellation of the London Boat Show last month. James Fraser, Managing Director, was keen to put across the other side of the story “There has been a lot of negativity, and I think it can easily knock confidence in the industry. But boat building is very much alive and well in Norfolk”. Founded in 1980, Haines Marine build up to 20 boats a year at Catfield and Director, Justin Haines said “Knowing our niche is what’s driven sales. We have boats going all over the UK, as well as the Broads, with the south coast and Channel Islands good growth markets, plus a growing demand in Holland.” Haines Marine, Norfolk Yacht Agency and Brundall neighbours, Norfolk Boat Sales, also collectively host the Brundall Boat Show each May. Pictured left, Norfolk Yacht Agency MD, James Fraser, and right Haines Marine Director, Justin Haines with Haines 32OS 12

July 2018

QUICK

FIX

Seabin at Port Solent Marina

The marina operator, Premier Marinas, has installed a Seabin at its 392-berth Portsmouth marina, Port Solent. Invented in Australia, the Seabin is an automated rubbish collection device that will collect floating debris and micro plastics down to 2mm in diameter, and has the capability to collect 83,000 plastic shopping bags or 20,000 plastic bottles per year. The Seabin has been fitted inside the locked basin and is one of three to be installed in the UK, and one of two on the UK coast within Portsmouth Harbour, the other being at the Land Rover BAR Sailing headquarters at Camber Docks. Port Solent’s Seabin is located next to the linear pontoon A, at the western end of the basin, and there are plans with another one to be installed elsewhere in the future.

The GX1700E Advanced fixed DSC VHF radio featuring built-in GPS

The compact GX1700E has a built-in 12-channel GPS receiver, therefore there is no need for an external GPS feed. This makes installation as quick and as easy as possible and ideal for all types and sizes of boats.

With an affordable price the GX1700E is easy to use and also offers a navigation waypoint display, user selectable ATIS mode and an optional remote station microphone, the CMP31.

It also comes with a three year waterproof warranty.

www.standardhorizon.co.uk

Email us at sales@standardhorizon.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1962 866667 Please visit our website for details of our stockists.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

13

NEWS Beneteau Swift Trawler 47 NEW BOAT

The French boat manufacturer, Beneteau has added a new Swift Trawler 47 to its range. Due to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, Beneteau say its an ideal boat for boating with family and friends, with greater room, cruising range and power. The Swift Trawler 47 will offer 8 berths in three cabins and a convertible double sofa bed in the saloon area, and two toilet and shower compartments. Exterior features include a large hydraulic bathing platform, a large foredeck sunpad and spacious flybridge with central helm position. The new model will be fitted with twin shaftdrive engines up to 425hp with joystick control, tablet-style Ship Control connectivity and an aft camera.

Upgraded fuel pontoon at St Sampsons The half tide fuel pontoon at St. Sampson’s Harbour, in Guernsey has been upgraded. The pontoon supplies wholesale diesel orders of over 350 litres to pleasure vessels, with premium marine ultra low sulphur diesel supplied by Rubis Channel Islands (1st May price £0.51 per litre).

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July 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

WiFi upgrade for Kip Marina

s t s li a i c e p S e Th

ONISON T !

NO PAR ITES M S CO WEB

© Kip Marina

The installation of a new, ‘state of the art’ Wi-Fi system is underway at Kip Marina. It forms part of an initial £30,000 investment to deliver high capacity Wi-Fi across the marina site. New fibre optic cables will be run around the marina and pontoon areas to provide the infrastructure for the WiFi network. A high capacity dedicated broadband leased line into the marina has also been commissioned and, with this in place, full capacity Wi-Fi coverage will be available to berth holders and marina visitors.

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NEWS RAND and Torqeedo powers GoBoat London A company called GoBoat London is now offering electric-powered picnic boats for hire in the heart of central London. Based at Paddington Basin, the company offers Londoners and tourists charters aboard a Danish-built, RAND Picnic 18 powered by a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 (giving 3½ knots) to explore the waterways. Sustainability is a core principle of GoBoat London, with a reported 80% of each boat made from recycled plastic, with sustainably sourced wood detailing and an electric Torqeedo motor offering power, minimal noise and no environmental pollution.

Each boat accommodates up to seven people, with seating around a central table. GoBoat will have 12 boats available and prices start at £59 for an hour.

The GoBoat initiative, using RAND boats and Torqeedo electric motors, was successfully introduced in Copenhagen, in Denmark two years ago.

RYA Members receive free ticket for Southampton Boat Show The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is once again offering a free ticket to the Southampton Boat Show to all of its members. Members are able to claim one free ticket to any day of the show, and purchase up to three additional tickets at the special discounted rate of just £13 (free entry for two children aged under 16 for every standard adult ticket presented with the ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion).

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the 10-day TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show takes place between the 14th-23rd September at Mayflower Park. For tickets and information, members need to visit the RYA website.

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July 2018

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INBOX

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Diamond search I run the Relcraft Boaters Club and have recently become the proud owner of a Relcraft Diamond 30 Sedan. The Diamond was built by Reliance Marine between 198486 and I was aware that two boats had been made, but now I have a feeling that the number may actually stand at four. Having been told originally that one was built with Volvo engine, and the other with BMWs, and now since my recent purchase I can confirm that the boats we know of are both, and always been, Volvo Penta, we at the Relcraft Boaters Club believe that up to two twin BMW powered Diamonds are yet to be found. Can you or your readers help? We would like to locate these craft or any information with regards to Relcraft. You can see more about our search on our webpage and social media sites. Simon Hastie Editor replies: We have one of these in the boatyard where we are based. I think it’s a great looking boat. Does anyone know the whereabouts of any others?

Toilet overhaul Your readers comment in last month’s Inbox about silicon grease is not correct. Polythene and polypropylene are very rarely used for injection moulded mechanical parts as they are not dimensionally stable during manufacture and no marine toilet manufacturer uses them in my experience. In any event, both of these plastics are rated as stable to silicon oil in all the tables. Plastics based on ABS or Polycarbonates are used for marine toilets and are completely stable when in contact with silicon grease, which is by far the best lubricant to use in this application. It’s also completely safe on rubber seals and ‘O’ rings as well, so your article was absolutely correct. Derek Withrington, SeaSmart Marine Ltd Editor replies: Thank you for getting in touch Derek. This plastics science is beyond me, so I appreciate you putting us straight. It’s useful to know that silicone grease is OK to use, as the sticky plunger is a common problem.

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July 2018

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

The aft cabin Ranger 36 was turning heads in the 1970s and early 80s, with a total of 25 built

Heating in the heads Thank you for the best motorboat magazine there is, I recommend it to all my friends.

In your May edition you say you regret not extending your Eberspächer system in to the heads area. I have the same regret on our Broom 39, but I have installed a good, simple, inexpensive alternative. A small domestic 240v heated towel rail. It’s on when shorepower or the generator is on, it drys the towels and warms the toilet compartment. No more hanging wet towels out every morning. Every boat should have one and they consume no more power than a standard light bulb. John Adcock Editor replies: What a great idea. In fact I might do both, as it would be good to dry towels when the heating is not required. At between 40w and 100W, they really do look like quite an efficient way to heat a small toilet compartment.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

19

NEW BOAT

Sargo 31 Explorer Back Door

S

argo’s excellent 31, as tested in the February 2017 issue, is now available in a ‘back door’ version. There have been a few other tweaks to the boat’s design, but the obvious changes are all inside, where the galley has been moved to the starboard side and the dinettte to port. This gives the 31 a very similar layout to the 33, with access to the aft cabin now via a companionway hidden beneath the aft dinette bench seat.

Length (LOA): 9.96m / 32ft 7in Beam: 3.3m / 10ft 8in Displacement: 5,100kg Fuel Capacity: 500-700 litres RCD category: B Engine options: Single Volvo Penta D6 330, D6 370, D6 400, or Twin D4 225, D4 260, D4 300 Price from €278,000 Enquiries: Sargo UK www.sargoboats.co.uk

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July 2018

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

21

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Using basic DSC functions on your VHF radio

BY NEALE BYART

DSC

(Digital Selective Calling) has been a staple of leisure boat VHF radios for over 15 years, yet it seems that many have not really taken the technology to heart. I have heard boaters admit to leaving their VHF radio turned off to stop the ‘annoying alarms’, or seen others who will simply press any button to make the alarm stop without actually thinking about what it means. The fact is, if the DSC alarm is sounding on your radio, it is because someone is trying to communicate with you. That might be you as part of the collective mass of boaters in the area, or it might be individually.

Unless you take time to understand DSC and look to see why the alarm is sounding, you are actually missing out on one of the biggest advances in maritime

communication most of us will have witnessed in our lifetime. Worse than that, you may be missing an opportunity to help a fellow boater in distress. Let’s be honest, if you heard the start of a Mayday call on Ch16, you are very unlikely to turn the radio off because it is annoying you, but that may be exactly what you are doing when silencing that alarm.

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July 2018

While many of us will have gained our VHF operator’s licence since the introduction of DSC, and those that didn’t may well have taken the DSC upgrade, it is not something that many of us use in anger. For that reason we may become rusty about the procedures, or even simply forget about some of the useful features that DSC offers. Yes, primarily it is something to be used in an emergency, when that button which lurks behind a little flap should be pressed, but there is a little more to it than that. Here, we are going to take a look at not just the procedures to be used in an emergency, both as initiator and receiver, but also a couple of other useful and everyday functions of DSC. Start using it more for your everyday communications, and next time the alarm goes you will be far more likely to see what it says, than turn it off.

To start with, no DSC radio can function properly without having an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number programmed into it. This number is obtained from Ofcom and, once allocated, stays with the boat. The

number is entered into the DSC capable radio the first time the radio is powered up. You normally have to enter the number twice, to ensure you get it correct, and once entered it can only usually be changed by sending the radio back to the manufacturer for re-programming.

When it comes to VHF radio, the MMSI number is a bit like the boat’s phone number. You can give it out to friends and you can enter your friend’s number into the radios directory. You can then use the number to contact friends and even find out where they are, but more on that later.

Making a DSC distress call Distress calling is the area that most people are familiar with when it comes to DSC, but do you know what happens when you press that little red button? Equally, do you know what happens if you are on the receiving end of a DSC distress call? Interestingly, there is no standard procedure for how radios from different manufacturers handle a DSC distress transmission, Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

23

PRACTICAL

in terms of user interface, but over the years they seem to have adopted very similar protocols, in so much as a guide like this one should be transferable to radios of other makes, with just slight changes in the procedure. If it’s been a while since you carried out your training, it would be beneficial to at least read the user manual for your particular radio to familiarise yourself with the process.

Of course, the first thing you are going to do in an emergency is to lift the flap and press the red button, but did you know that most radios won’t immediately transmit your distress call? You will need to hold the button down for between 3 and 5 seconds for the transmission to be broadcast, with many radios counting these seconds down with a succession of loud beeps.

The radio will then transmit on VHF Ch70, which is reserved for DSC transmissions, your boat’s MMSI number and, assuming the radio is connected to a suitable GPS source, the boat’s position as a latitude and longitude. You can also designate the type of distress you are experiencing. You do this by choosing from a list that includes most of the problems you may be unlucky enough to encounter, such as sinking or fire, and the odd one that you are less likely to experience, at least in UK waters, such as piracy. On the Standard Horizon radio we were using, the designation should take place before the red button is pressed. On others, you may have to choose afterwards. In reality, the designation is not particularly important, and would only be set if you had the luxury of time. The important fact at this point is that your boat’s details, and its position, has been broadcast. If you now have to abandon your vessel, you at least know that this 24

July 2018

relevant information is out there.

Once you have sent the DSC distress alert, your radio goes into ‘waiting for acknowledgement’ mode. In a real emergency, you won’t be sitting around waiting to see what happens next, but if you have time, you should follow up the DSC alert with a Mayday voice call on Ch16. The correct procedure for this can be found below and gives you a chance to add a designation to the distress call if you didn’t do so electronically. The main difference to this Mayday, as opposed to a stand-alone voice Mayday, is the addition of your MMSI number.

This allows the coastguard to tally the DSC alert with the voice call and confirm that these two events are the result of a single distress.

Voice Mayday procedure

Following the pressing of the red button and transmitting an electronic distress message, you should follow up with a voice transmission on VHF Ch16 if you have time.

Ensure that the radio is set to high power (25W) first.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY THIS IS MOTOR VESSEL (say vessel name three times) CALL SIGN (using phonetic alphabet) MMSI NUMBER: XXXXXXXXX MAYDAY (vessel name once) MMSI NUMBER XXXXXXXXX MY POSITION IS: give position as a latitude or longitude or as a distance and bearing from a well known landmark. Preferably both if you have time WE ARE: Give the nature of the problem, e.g. on fire, sinking etc and any action taken, such as taking to the liferaft or abandoning the vessel WE HAVE: Provide the number of people on board WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE OVER Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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PRACTICAL

Receiving a DSC distress call

As mentioned earlier, when the DSC alarm on your radio sounds, the first thing you should do is to read what your radio says on the display. In the event of a distress call, it should state something along the lines of ‘Received Distress’ and quote the MMSI number of the boat in distress, their position and, if designated, the nature of the distress. Depending upon your radio, you may have to scroll down to see some of the information.

You may also see a distance and bearing to the casualty for a quick assessment as to your ability to render assistance, if needed. When you acknowledge the alarm by pressing the appropriate button, your VHF should switch to Ch16 where you can listen out for the voice Mayday from the stricken vessel and any response from the authorities. If there is no response, normal procedures of broadcasting a Mayday Relay should be considered and, because you have the position of the distressed vessel, you could consider if you are close enough to offer assistance. On some integrated electronics, your multi-function display may offer you the chance to plot the casualty on your electronic chart as a waypoint.

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Making an individual call

There are two likely scenarios where you might initiate an individual DSC call to another vessel. The first of these is to someone that you know, or are maybe cruising with. The likelihood is that you will already have their MMSI number in your directory, but if not, consider doing so. It takes about a minute to add a number, and really is no more complicated than saving a contact in your mobile phone.

To initiate a call you need to choose ‘individual call’ from the DSC menu and then the number from your directory, or enter it manually if not previously saved. You then choose a channel that you wish to speak to them on, so one of the ship to ship channels such as 06, 08, 72 or 77. You then send the request, which is broadcast on Ch70. Some radios may allow you to designate the nature of the call, but realistically this is unlikely to be anything other than routine.

The second scenario is to make contact with a vessel that is showing up on your AIS display. From this display you will get the vessel name and their MMSI number so you can send an individual call in the same way as above, without trying to raise them on Ch16. If your radio, multifunction display and AIS are all correctly integrated, you can often initiate the call direct from the display without having to enter their MMSI number manually.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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PRACTICAL

Receiving an individual call

If your DSC alarm sounds, and the screen says something along the lines of ‘Received Individual Call’, then someone has made a specific effort to talk to you, and no one else. You should also see the MMSI number of the station calling you or, if they are in your directory, the vessel name. You will also see the VHF channel that the calling station has selected and, when you accept the incoming call, both yours and the transmitting station’s VHF, should automatically switch to that channel. You can then simply establish voice communications on that channel without ever having used Ch16.

Just like a phone, you can of course, choose not to answer by simply pressing the reject or quit button rather than accepting. You may also, on your radio, have the option of changing the channel to a different one from that chosen by the initiating station.

Position Request sending

This is a really useful feature for those who have boating friends in the local area, or for those cruising in company. You would normally expect to have the MMSI number of the vessel in your directory already, although manual input is still an option. All you do is choose ‘Position Request’ from the DSC menu. Your radio should then bring up your directory of friends, or the option to enter the number manually. Choose the friend you would like to find and press ‘enter’. This sends a burst of information over VHF Ch70 to your friend’s boat and, if they are on the water and in range, will sound the DSC alarm on their vessel.

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July 2018

If they reply, you should get their vessel details, together with a position, on the display of your VHF. Again, here is where good electronic integration works very well as you are likely to then get the opportunity to see their position on your electronic chart and even mark it with a waypoint without having to enter the latitude and longitude.

Position Request receiving

If you are on the receiving end of a position request, how your radio responds will be determined by how it is set up. Most radios have the facility to automatically respond to position requests. If that function is turned on, you may not even be alerted to the fact that your position has been requested and subsequently given out. Some radios will still alarm, but not all do in automatic mode. If you want to choose who can be supplied with your position, it is best to switch the auto response off in the DSC setup menu.

In manual mode, when a position request is sent to your boat, your DSC alarm will go off and the screen will display something along the lines of ‘Position Request Received’ It will then detail the MMSI number, or boat name if they are in your directory, of the boat initiating the position request. You will then have the option of transmitting your position, or quitting without sending.

This does, of course, rely on the receiving radio being supplied with a GPS position, but with DSC radios there really should be no reason for this not to be the case.

With thanks to Standard Horizon for loaning us the radios used in this feature.

The models featured are the GX1700E with built in GPS and the entry level GX1300E Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Princess 440/460

A

re you looking for a large, familysized flybridge on a budget? Well, we think we have just found a boat from a premium British builder, that is not only very affordable, its space would give many modern 50 footers a run for their money. Introducing the Princess 440/460.

British builder, Princess, introduced its first flybridge, the 37, in 1973, but it was the early 1980s that brought us the 440’s very popular ancestor, and first Princess flybridge from the designer, Bernard Olesinski, the three-cabin Princess 45 (1982-1991). Soon, with a

65-foot flybridge flagship in its range, the 45 evolved into the 50ft 455/470 model.

But, with the next model down being the 40ft 410, this left a 10ft model gap. In September 1993, Princess unveiled the 440 at the Southampton Boat Show. Gone were the harsh, jaunty angles, revealing an elegant, smoother exterior profile. There was another ground-breaking move by Princess here, as the 440 was the smallest of three ‘yacht’ models launched that year to have moulded steps up to the flybridge.

All models prior to this had ladder access.

Priced from £221k, it offered a spacious

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Built 146 1993-1999 Prices then £221,699 (1993) Prices now £110,000-£160,000 Length 47ft 4in / 14.44m Beam 13ft 10in / 4.22m Draught 3ft 4in / 1.02m Air Draught 14ft 1in / 3.68m Fuel 310 gallons / 1409 litres Water 100 gallons / 455 litres Displacement 12500kg approx

interior, with 6 berths in three cabins, and a 30-knot top speed.

Early production of the 440 saw a few very subtle changes to both the interior and exterior. For example, the first 440s have elliptical portholes as opposed to the larger, rounded-rectangle-shaped ports found on later models. Also, inside the saloon was a semi-circular settee, later boats have a U-shaped version. The 440 became known as the 460 in 1997, and the crucial difference was an extra foot of extended bathing platform, making it 48ft 4in. By the late nineties, Princess

was rolling out a new breed of curvier flybridges. The 460 ceased production in 1999, when the new Princess 45 was introduced. The modern equivalent of the 440/460 in the Princess range today is the 43. Both are almost identical in layout and, at 47ft, also in length.

In 1993, Princess describes the 440 as ‘a strong contender to become one of the great power cruising classics of the 90s’.

In its 6-year production, Princess say that 146 440/460s were built. We decided to step aboard a 23-year-old, 1995 example, priced at £114,950, for a closer inspection.

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Interior Stepping through the large patio doors, you are greeted with a light, incrediblywide and social saloon area. There is a sixperson wraparound settee-cum-dinette area to starboard and a movable threeseater settee to port, with all seat bases providing a huge amount of storage. In the aft port corner is a half-height storage

Evolving design, a 1994 Princess range brochure shows the first 440s with elliptical ports

unit, which offers various drawers, drinks storage and in most cases, a second fridge.

Above this is a large cupboard set into the flybridge steps. Unusually for Princess, the saloon on the 440/460 does not offer a double berth. The port bench settee does not conceal a z-bed and is too big to slide and slot into the dinette. There is of course a single settee berth if required.

Ventilation is provided by two sets of sliding windows each side. Be aware that the window catches are prone to breaking.

These are in fact the same as a Citroen 2CV car, and therefore easily sourced and were also used on Fairlines during the 80s and 90s.

Moving forward, you will find a sunken galley area on the port side. This is a great feature, incredibly social for a boat of this size and it is fair to say that Princess

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Well appointed, the sunken galley is very social, and keeps the dirty dishes in the sink out of sight

excelled in using every ounce of space for the kind of storage required for distance cruising. In addition to the boat’s main fridge unit (89-litre Engel), the galley has multiple cupboards and sectioned storage lockers above and below a spacious U-shaped Avonite worktop, and another, fairly deep, lined locker in the galley floor.

Built into the worktop is usually a threeburner hob and two round metal sinks,

both cleverly out of saloon sight under a serving shelf. A microwave or gas oven can usually be found concealed in an eye-level unit below the windscreen. An added bonus is an absolutely huge, ladderaccess, lazarette-style locker in the helm/ galley companionway floor. This locker is large enough to house a washing machine, but without it there is plenty of space for stacking crates, or perhaps even a freezer.

There is huge storage potential with a locker below the galley floor and a companionway lazarette Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Its helm is well designed and easy to get up to. Gradual, shallow steps lead down to the forward accommodation

Opposite the galley is the raised helm position, which, on all accounts, is a very comfortable place to be when underway.

With plenty of headroom available, two fairly steep steps lead up to two bucket seats and a very well thought-out helm console. While only the helm seat is adjustable, both large seats offer comfort and excellent visibility. Dials are arranged on an oval dash panel, sunk stylishly into the console, and next to this is a large chart storage area with a concealed shallow locker below. While the console

Great for kids, it has a bunk-bedded side cabin

appears to have been designed around a typical 7-inch portrait chartplotter of the day, the console can be modified to take a more modern 9-inch multifunction display, such as the Raymarine C90W fitted to the boat we viewed. A helm switch panel is located in the console ahead of the co-pilot, with the main breaker switches displayed on another panel in the base of the helm seat, accessed from the galley/helm companionway.

Moving forward, three steps lead down to a lobby area for the boats three cabins. Here we must applaud Princess for providing generous headroom, which is over 6ft throughout the lower accommodation. To port is a bunkbedded side cabin. Inside are two wellspaced berths, a decent area for one to dress and a large wardrobe, with built in sectioned shoe storage. Next to this on the port side is a spacious toilet and shower compartment, or day loo. Here you open the door and step immediately into a draining shower area, with a foldout cubicle door and a curtain to cover the

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1995 £114,950 Twin Volvo Penta TAMD71B TBS Boats Penton Hook 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com

1996 £134,950 Twin Volvo TAMD72 South West UK Marine 01803 854242 www.swukmarine.co.uk The day toilet has a separate stall for showering

door main door. A moulded unit with wash basin and storage, as well as a sea toilet lie beyond a narrow dividing bulkhead. We have seen a couple of boats with heated towel rails fitted above the toilet, which is a useful feature.

To starboard is a spacious guest twin berth cabin. Again, the cabin is fitted with a decentsized wardrobe and full standing area to dress.

There was also double berth option in here, which sees the bed offset to the starboard side.

Overhead, the headlining panels have locking catches and provide access to the rear of the helm console.

Finally, forward is the master suite with its island double berth and ensuite toilet and shower compartment. This is truly an impressively beautiful and spacious cabin.

What struck us most was the acres of space in

1995 £109,995 Twin 448hp Caterpillar engines Red Ensign 01752 260086 www.red-ensign.com

A separate ensuite for the master cabin

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front of the berth, this is rare on boats of this size, as often the fully-dressed bed dominates the space, leaving little room for two people to manoeuvre. Steps lead up each side to the generous double berth and there is a wardrobe on each side,

drawers in the bed base and access to a bowthruster, if fitted, under the mattress.

A door to starboard leads off into the ample-sized ensuite toilet and shower compartment. Again, this divides into two, with an enclosable shower cubicle at the far end.

Princess must be applauded again for making use of every crevice for storage in each cabin, with eye-level, under-deck cupboards and lined storage under all the berths. Whilst exploring the boat, check switches, light fittings and cupboard door catches, as these are metal-plated and may be showing signs of corrosion from a damp sea environment. Earlier boats are likely to have the golden burr maple wood finish, while later models will normally There’s a spacious twin-berth cabin to starboard be fitted out in a glossy cherry. A choice

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of upholstery was available but it seems leather was a popular option and is very hard wearing.

Flybridge Moulded steps and a hatch door mean access to the flybridge could not be easier.

Once aloft you feel quite secure. Forward is a helm console, an offset double seat with a reversing backrest and a U-shaped seating area, with a small pedestal drinks table, to starboard. Aft is a spacious and uncluttered deck-cum-sunpad area. It is ideal for liferaft storage, perhaps even a few chairs. At the helm, the steering wheel is off-centre and there is just about room for a slim crew member to slide out from the helm seat down the port side.

The 460 saw quite a few upgrades in this area, including a storage-cum-fridge unit built into the U-shaped seating area and a redesigned double helm seat with an allimportant top grabrail for ascending the The 440 was one of the first Princess’s to have flybridge. moulded steps for easier flybridge access Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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The boats flybridge canopy usually covers the forward seating area of the flybridge, making it fairly easy to remove. Check that this flybridge cover is serviceable. Also inspect the seat cushions, as the moulded seating has no drain holes, so these could well be saturated if left out in the elements or if the canopy is leaking.

Some owners have complained of having water trickling down their flybridge steps and into the aft cockpit, but adding a rubber gasket seal around the base, or on the door itself, should do the trick. Also

A huge cockpit lazarette will swallow a deflated tender, a barbeque, canopies, fenders and more

look for a retaining latch on this door, as without one it is likely to come down with a crash in heavy seas.

Aft Cockpit Enclosed by canopies, the aft cockpit acts as an extension and conservatory to the saloon, and, like most things on this boat, is an excellent size. There is a transom door to port and L-shaped seating offset to starboard, and it is possible to erect a four-person table and chairs in the floor space that is left. Under the teak-laid floor is a cavernous lazarette locker with access ladder. This usually houses a 6-12 Kva generator, with plenty of room left over for storage of large items, such as deflated tenders, bikes and fenders. Down here you will also find the water tank, calorifier and batteries. Back up in the cockpit, there is plenty more storage elsewhere too, with a large locker under the flybridge steps, a gas locker immediately opposite and lined lockers below the seating.

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The bathing platform was extended beyond the topside hips on the 460 for better access

On Deck It is easy to get out onto the deck, and also to move about once there. The nonslip side decks average 10 inches wide and the guardrails are an excellent height.

However, do check the stanchions are secure, as these boats can suffer from this over time. The foredeck is moulded with cup holders, and is designed to take sunpad cushions. Further forward is a chain locker and electric windlass.

Access aboard is via the bathing platform or the aft side decks. Stylish stern quarters enclose the bathing platform, making boarding from the side a little tricky, but access is aided by a long guardrail. As aforementioned, the 460 has the extended bathing platform, with the extra foot making a real difference to getting on and off, and can also accommodate a tender on chocks. We

are aware of one 440 that has had a retrofitted bathing platform extension for these reasons. A hatch inline with the transom door reveals a bathing ladder, with a transom shower built into the coaming.

There is also an area to stow fenders in the starboard corner of the platform. A optional passerelle was added to boats destined for the Med. Hull and Handling Princess has an excellent reputation for building graceful and reassuringly capable flybridges, and the 440/460 is no exception. It has a modified V hull shape with variable deadrise and moulded spray rails, and its prop shafts are set into tunnels for efficiency and to reduce its draft. In choppier conditions the flybridge can be a little wet with spray, but other than that it is a very capable distance

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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This 1995 model is fitted with Volvo Penta TAMD71Bs and has two access hatches in the saloon

cruiser. A 4hp bowthruster, fitted as an option, then later as standard, is very useful for close quarter manoeuvres.

For road transport purposes or inland waterways exploration, the boats height above the waterline to the top of the GRP radar arch is 14ft 1in (3.68m) and the height above the waterline to the top of the fixed structure, excluding radar arch and light mast, is 11ft 4in (3.46m).

Engines Engine access is relatively good on this boat, with one or two rectangular hatches in the saloon floor, giving sufficient access for day-to-day checks via a ladder down between the engines. The furniture usually slides out to reveal larger hinged hatches in the floor for servicing. The fit out inside the bay is what you would expect from Princess, well-engineered.

However, two floor supports leave a gap too narrow to crawl through to get aft.

On two-hatch boats, the second hatch

will need to be removed to allow you to slide through standing up. For engine checks, you will find the clear bowl raw water strainers aft, the fuel filters mounted on the aft bulkhead, two sets of dipsticks are accessible between the engines and forward, the ladder removes for access to belts. The engines are usually mounted at a slight angle, pointing downwards, with limited space to work above them without removing the floor panels above.

Princess say that the most popular engines fitted to the 440 were 430hp Volvo TAMD72 (giving 30-33 knots) which were priced at ÂŁ228,925 in 1993.

Twin 442hp Caterpillar 3208TAs (32-34 knots) followed and finally, 380hp Volvo TAMD71Bs (30 knots). Despite Princess offering 480hp TAMD74Ps, giving a top speed of 35 knots, the most popular engines fitted to the 460 was the newlyevolved 430hp Volvo TAMD73P. The 370hp TAMD63Ps (27-29 knots) were the second most popular. There are reports

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of a few teething problems with Volvo’s 1990’s EDC throttles, however, such issues should have been ironed out by now.

When it comes to speed and economy, regardless of engines, this boat should be happy and most economical at cruising speeds in the low to mid 20’s where you can expect to see just shy of one mile per gallon. Running at this sort of speed should see a fuel burn of around 100 litres per hour, and a safe range of around 230nm, allowing for a 25% safety margin.

Volvo Penta and Caterpillar engines are generally well regarded, but at this age you should check items such as cooling,

fuel and exhaust systems carefully. There have also been occasional reports of piston failures on both 72 and 73 series Volvo engines, so always look for evidence of a solid service history and consider a separate engineers report.

Conclusion For £100k plus, we think the 440/460 would make a very comfortable and spacious cruising liveaboard. It has plentiful storage, good pace and accommodation ideal for a family, two couples or a couple with guests.

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

Family 45

1982-1991

Prices £65,0000-£95,000

Length 47ft 2in Beam 14ft 1in A ground-breaking, 3-cabin, 1980s flybridge for Princess, with over 400 built in 9 years.

Buy one (pictured) 1988 £74,950 www.brightonboatsales.co.uk

360

1993-1998

Prices £60,000-£90,000

Length 39ft 4in Beam 12ft 3in A 4-6 berth, 39ft family flybridge from the 90s, fitted with twin diesel shaftdrives.

Buy one (pictured) 1995 £79,995 www.blackrockyachting.co.uk

35

1984-1992

Prices £45,000-£65,000

Length 35ft 9in Beam 12ft 1in Popular flybridge offering 4-6 berths in two separate cabins.

Most examples are fitted with 200hp Volvo TAMD41s.

Buy one (pictured) 1989 £64,500 www.tbsboats.com

CONTEMPORARY CHOICE Princess 43 The 47ft 43 is the smallest flybridge in the Princess model range and the successor to the popular 42. It offers two double cabins, 6 berths and a 32-knot top speed.

Price from £594,000

Length 47ft 6in / 14.5m Beam 13ft 11in / 4.25m Fuel 300 gal /1363 litres Water 100 gal /455 litres Displacement 14000kg Princess Yachts www.princess.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Outboard-powered fisher economy

Q I am looking to buy a little fishing boat of around 14-15ft, probably one

without an engine so that I can put a new one on it for reliability. I see lots of fuel consumption figures for the larger outboards, but very little for those in the 25-50hp range. I know fuel consumption will be reasonable on these smaller engines, but I need to have an idea of how much they get through to ensure I carry enough for my planned trips. Can you provide some rough figures?

A We don’t have a great deal of specific data on smaller engines, but can offer

you some guidelines that will help. With a modern four stroke petrol engine, the rule of thumb is around 8gph (36lph) for every 100hp. So a 50hp engine running flat out will consume around 4gph (18lph), while a 25hp motor will consume around 2gph (9lph) at full throttle. Obviously you will get lower consumption if you throttle back a little and use less of the available horsepower with, for example, a 50hp motor running at half power, using roughly a similar amount of fuel to a 25hp motor flat out. These guide figures concur with the limited test data that we do have for outboards in this size range, so I am confident that you could base your required capacity on these and, with a 2530% margin for safety, calculate your fuel usage safe in the knowledge that you will have enough to get to where you are going.

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If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Replacing engine thermostats on Volvo KAD32

Q Have you covered replacement of engine thermostats on a Volvo KAD32 in your magazine? My temperature gauge is reading low so I suspect the thermostat may be stuck open.

A No, unfortunately we haven’t covered that yet, but I have taken them out

of my AD31, which is the same engine. It was very easy, just four bolts and a hose from memory, and I didn’t even need to use a new seal. I just re-used the old one, as it was still in good condition, and hasn’t leaked since. There are two in each engine, both beneath the same housing but before you go in, just a tip from my experience. A low reading can also be caused by high resistance on the electrical connection of the temperature sender. One of my engines was reading low and, like you, I assumed one of my thermostats was stuck open. It turned out to be corrosion on the electrical contacts of the sender. Once cleaned up, the temperature read correctly again. Try this first and you might be in for a surprisingly easy and cheap fix.

SYSTEMS SOLUTION The

• Quality engineering • Innovative design • Competitive pricing • Guaranteed compatibility • Unrivalled warranty

for ENGINES t: 023 8045 4507

e : S A LE S@ VE T US. CO. UK

W W W .V E T U S . C O M

ENGINES | STERN GEAR | FUEL | INSTRUMENTS | FRESH WATER | WASTE WATER | MANOEUVRING | ELECTRICAL | STEERING | HATCHES | VENTILATION

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Towing my Sealine S24

Q I am going to buy a used trailer so that I can bring my Sealine S24 home

for the coming winter. I know I need a trailer capable of taking the weight of the boat, but how do I set up the trailer bunks so that when I recover the boat for the first time, it is sitting correctly? I will also need to ensure that the nose weight is within spec, but again, until the boat is on the trailer I have nothing to work with.

A I would start by ensuring that I had plenty of time on the day to get things

right. You really don’t want to be taking a heavy load like this on the road unless the trailer is set up perfectly. With a bunk trailer, the weight of the boat should sit on the keel rollers, with the bunks just adding lateral support. The best way of achieving this is to get the boat craned onto the trailer in the first instance. Start with the bunks lowered and loose. Once the weight of the boat is just transferred to the keel rollers, get the crane operator to hold the boat there and raise the bunks so they are tight against the hull. With regards to nose weight, the same system can apply, using the crane to lift the boat on and off as adjustments are made. Using some bathroom scales under the jockey wheel, you can move the trailer axle or axles back of forth a little to increase or decrease the nose weight, or you may be able to move the winch post back or forth to position the boat further on or off the trailer. Check the maximum trailer hitch weight of the car, but nose weight is typically up to 100kg. You may also need to adjust the winch post height so that the bow snubber meets the bow and the winch pulls as horizontally as possible.

The Sealine S24’s brochure weight is 2100kg

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Planing power AD31

Q I have a Fairline Targa 28 fitted

with twin Volvo Penta 150hp AD31 engines. Just lately the boat seems to be taking longer and longer to get over the hump and on the plane.

Once there, the engines rev to 4000rpm and the boat reaches its usual top speed of 29 knots. What could be causing this slowing at the bottom end?

A The lack of a supercharger on these engines means that they will always be a little slow over the hump as the turbos don’t really kick in until you get to about 3000rpm and, without them, the power supplied by the engines is a little on the low side. Reasons for a gradual slowing could be many. Most likely is a build up of fouling on the hull or props, but equally you could have restriction in fuel or air delivery. Have you changed the fuel and air filters recently? Another possibility is that the aftercoolers may need a service to remove any oily build up, or there could simply be an issue with your turbos starting to wear and not produce the boost they once did. Start with the simple stuff, a clean bottom and fresh filters, before delving into the more tricky and expensive possibilities.

Fuel filter terminology

Q When referring to fuel filters on a boat I often hear or read the terms primary, secondary and pre filters.

What do these mean?

A I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but

here goes for my definition. Primary and pre filters are the same thing. They are the first stage of filtration that the fuel goes through on the way to the engine.

The secondary filter is the engine mounted unit and filters the fuel a second time. Usually you would have different grades of filter to make the most of this two stage filtration with something like a 10 micron element as your primary, and the engine mounted filter, which is usually somewhere around 5 microns.

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E C Leisurecraft Ltd Eastern Counties Leisurecraft Ltd are proud to be a U.K. dealer and importer of the renowned French craft Ocqueteau Ecleisurecraft.co.uk

01702568482 Sales@ecleisurecraft.co.uk

The Ocqueteau Ostrea range of boats “We haven't invented the sea, just the lifestyle that goes with it...”

The Ocqueteau range from 5 to 10 metres • Pilothouse, Open and Cruisers Choice of outboard or shaft drive diesel power

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Our dealers www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

www.whyboats.com

www.madogboatsales.com

Guernsey Cardiff We have discovered, arguably, one of the best boating sanctuaries on the Severn Estuary

O

n the north side of the tidal Severn Estuary lies the Welsh capital of Cardiff, which has become a strategic bolthole and favourite haven for many a Bristol Channel boater.

We wanted to find out what the city has to offer the visitor, and, as it turns out, it’s a great deal.

Although established in Roman and

Norman times, Cardiff owes a lot to its once tidal bay, its docks and above all the coal industry. It is claimed that, in 1913, 10,700,000 tons of coal passed through these docks, but it wasn’t always about the coal. Cardiff Bay was a departure point for sea explorations and also a stronghold for pirates. During the 1500s, any ship passing the bay was at risk of being

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Destination

Milford Haven

CARDIFF

Swansea

Cardiff

Bristol Portishead

Watchet

Padstow

captured, and its cargo stolen. Centuries later, Brunel’s coal steamer, the SS Great Britain, departed Penarth in 1886 on its fated, last commercial voyage, and Captain Scott sailed from Cardiff ’s Bute Dock in 1920, aboard the SS Terra Nova, bound for the South Pole. Across the River Ely, the neighbouring Victorian seaside town of Penarth also owes a lot to Cardiff ’s lucrative coal industry. Penarth Dock was opened in 1865 and saw it grow from a village into a town. Unfortunately the coal industry declined after World War II and,

as a result, the docks closed down. Coal exports ceased altogether in the 1960s and by the 1980s the city was looking to redevelop the bay and its docks.

In 1999, a tidal barrage, with locks and sluices, was built to enclose the bay and allow boats to navigate between the Severn Estuary and Cardiff Bay. Measuring 1.1km, the barrage was the result of a £220 million investment, and a catalyst for a £2-billion regeneration of the old docklands areas of Cardiff and Penarth.

Water levels in the bay are retained and

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Captivating sights. Cardiff ’s waterfront is an impressive mix of old and new architecture

oxygen is pumped continuously into it to sustain fish and prevent algae growth.

Outside of the bay, commercial shipping operates to the north east of the barrage, with the Port of Cardiff handling cargo, containers and steel at Queen Alexandra Dock, as well as hosting cruise ships.

Cardiff ’s waterfront, known as Mermaid Quay, is now a captivating display of old and new, with many historic and modern diverse structures. The public plaza, Roald Dahl Plass, named after the Cardiff-born author, has been formed inside

one of the 19th century docks and is used to host concerts and events. Further north, water cascades down a 70-foot metallic fountain, well known to viewers of the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood, whose headquarters are located below it.

The terracotta-coloured, turreted Pierhead building is another distinctly decorative landmark at Mermaid Quay. Referred to as Wales very own Big Ben, and built in 1897, this listed building was once the focal point of commerce in Wales and is now a visitor centre and conference venue.

Today, Cardiff

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July 2018

Destination

CARDIFF

Distances

Inbound locks operate at quarter to and past the hour. Lock 1 with overlooking control building

Bay has 13km of waterfront and a 200-hectare playground for resident and visiting boaters. On a typical weekend in Cardiff Bay, its boating residents will normally drive straight out of the marina into the sheltered, flat waters of the bay and, if the weather is nice, lock out to sea at almost any state of the tide and setting course for weekend haunts of Bristol, Swansea and Watchet.

Approaches

When planning a visit to Cardiff Bay, visitors will need to consider the strong tidal currents and ranges in the Severn Estuary. They also need to maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 68, South Wales Radio (Associated British Ports, Cardiff) whilst travelling in the estuary.

Flat Holm and the Cardiff Grounds sandbanks are two hazards in the approaches to Cardiff. You will also need to be aware of the overfalls around Lavernock Spit, marked by a south cardinal, and the shallows and overfalls at the Wolves, close to north cardinal, Wolves. The buoyed and dredged Wrach Channel, with its sectored light, offers the

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Cardiff Bay: • Portishead 18 miles • Bristol 25 miles • Watchet 17 miles • Swansea 46 miles • Milford Haven 84 miles • Padstow 97 miles

Weather

• Met Office Shipping Forecast Lundy • Met Office Inshore Waters Lands End to St Davids Head including the Bristol Channel • Cardiff Barrage Weather Station • Flatholm Weather Station • Penarth Quays Weather Station • Cardiff Bay Yacht Club webcam & weather station • Nells Point (Barry) Weather Station • BBC forecast Cardiff

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray 2600 The Bristol Channel Chart Atlas • Admiralty SC5608 Bristol Channel chart pack • Imray C59 Bristol Channel Worms Head and Bull Point to Sharpness chart • Admiralty 1182: Barry and Cardiff Roads with Approaches chart • Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas: Bristol Channel and Lundy to Avonmouth • Imray Bristol Channel & Severn Cruising Guide

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Cardiff Yacht Club

WETLANDS

Swinging

Moorings

FER RY / TOU RS

Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre Slipway

River Ta ff

Mermaid Quay

QUEEN ALEXANDRA DOCK

N

CARDIFF BAY

Cardiff Marina

Pon Y Werin Pedestrian Bridge

Cardiff Bay Yacht Club River

Barrage Locks

Ely

1 2 3

OUTER HARBOUR

CARDIFF FLATS

Penarth Quays Marina

H WRAC

PENARTH

NEL

CHAN

best route through the off-lying Cardiff Flats. Approach between port marker, Ranie and south cardinal, South Cardiff, which marks the southern extremity of the Cardiff Grounds, and head for the west cardinal, Outer Wrach Buoy. At this point boaters must call the lock master on 02920 700234 or call ‘Barrage Control’ on VHF Ch 18. The lock master will advise you of the next available lock and provide instructions regarding entry to the Outer Harbour (below) and locks. At the preferred channel marker, Barrage, turn to port towards the outer harbour and barrage locks (obey traffic lights on

Top, the ‘Pink Shed’ on the outer harbour breakwater. A 5-knot speed limit applies in various areas of Cardiff Bay

the pier). Larger commercial traffic will normally continue on past in a north east direction towards the Queen Alexandra Dock.

The two overlapping breakwaters of the Outer Harbour lie ahead, both have lit beacons at the ends. The outermost, eastern breakwater is easily recognised by its distinctive, elevated pink hut, which is used as a signal and start platform for yacht racing. Once inside the outer harbour, wooden dolphins mark and funnel the entry into the three locks of the Barrage and there is just enough space to loiter, but do be aware of departing traffic

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July 2018

Destination

CARDIFF

Marine supplies

There are three Barrage locks. Outbound locks open on the hour and half past the hour

and currents from the locks. Each lock is 40 metres long, and 8 or 10.5 metres wide, and can accommodate up to 10 boats at a time on floating pontoons. Boats will generally be directed to lock number 1, which is furthest east, has the deepest outer sill and is overlooked by the Barrage control building. Following the traffic light signals into the lock, boats are advised to approach with ropes and fenders rigged both sides, as at busy times they may be asked to raft. Locking takes between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the tide.

Inbound locks run at quarter past and quarter to the hour, with outbound locks running on the hour and half past the hour. Cardiff Harbour Authority state, under normal circumstances, for vessels with a draught of under 2m, full tidal access is possible. However, occasions will arise when siltation within the Outer Harbour will reduce access. It adds that restrictions in locking, due to the lack of water flowing into Cardiff Bay down the rivers Taff and Ely, can be imposed at short notice, and are communicated on VHF 18. Any long term restrictions are listed on the notices to mariners webpage.

Once through the lock you enter a lock holding area with a breakwater wrapping

There is a Force 4 Chandlery, which is a 25-30 minute walk from both marinas. Penarth Quays has lift out services with a 20-tonne travel hoist, hard standing, as well as on-site boatyard and marine engineer services available through Team Marine (02920 709983), which is also a Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Cummins, Honda and Eberspächer specialist for the area.

Outboard and inboard engine specialist (Tohatsu, Yamaha and Mercury), Cardiff Marine Services (02920 343459) can also be found at Cardiff Marine Village. The companies, Covers 4 All, Severn Sails (02920 787199) and Springers (02920 399269) can help with canopies, upholstery and repairs.

For hull cleaning, Cardiff Marina operates a 50-tonne sealift, which is located at the end of B pontoon.

Where to fill up

Penarth Quays Marina offers petrol and diesel via a fuel berth located in the inner basin, next to the travel hoist. Cardiff Marina also has a dedicated, diesel only, pontoon, located on the hammerhead of pontoon D. By arrangement, diesel is also available to visitors at the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, via a fuel berth on D pontoon (next to a slipway). For petrol supplies in cans, there is a Morrisons petrol garage around a 12-minutes walk away.

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around the Barrage from the north east, which has a small waiting pontoon. There is a ferry and tour boat pontoon in the south west corner next to the Barrage, so be aware of any departing traffic, usually heading for Mermaid Quay. Operators will normally use sound signals to indicate their movements, ie three short blasts for going astern. The entrance to Penarth Quays Marina is immediately to the south west of the Barrage. Once out into the Bay, navigation is straightforward, the rivers Ely and Taff lie to the west and Mermaid Quay is in the north corner. Be aware that discharging holding tanks or heads into the bay is forbidden, there is a pump out pontoon on the inside of the Barrage and facilities at both of the marinas.

Depth of water within the Bay is generally reported as 2m or greater, with marked shallower water around the Wetlands area off the entrance to the River Taff. Note there is also an exclusion zone, There is provisions shopping, restaurants and pay and display moorings at Mermaid Quay

marked by a west cardinal, around the sluices on the north side of the Barrage.

Underwater pumps release oxygen into the water at many points in the Bay and these form strange, diver-like air bubbles on the surface. There is a 5-knot speed limit on the rivers, Ely and Taff, with temporary speed limits enforced during events in the Bay. However, the very nature of the Bay’s usage, such as sailing schools, warrants slow navigation. A Bay User Guide, including detailed maps, is available via the Cardiff Harbour website.

Where to moor

For those arriving by boat and looking for a spot of lunch or dinner, a quick stock up of the ships stores and a general explore of Cardiff ’s waterfront, the moorings at Mermaid Quay can be recommended.

Here ‘pay and display’ pontoons are provided by the Cardiff Harbour Authority and operated on a first come first served basis. Located adjacent to Roald Dahl Plass and within the Graving

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July 2018

Destination

CARDIFF

Transport

Diesel and visitor moorings. In the west side of the Bay, on the River Ely, is Cardiff Marina

Docks, these short stay moorings are a great place to take in the waterfront sights and experience Cardiff ’s modern/historic cosmopolitan bustle. Like a marina, the well-spaced green pontoon network is to the east of the ferry/tour boat pontoons, with fingers for large and smaller boats, coded gate entry and a payment machine on the main gangway pontoon. There is a maximum stay of 24 hours, and boats need to display a valid ticket for the time they are berthed. At the time of writing there was a minimum cost of £2 for a pontoon berth for the first two hours and £1 for each additional hour. From here, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars are just a short stroll away and, of course, there are good bus and taxi links into the city centre too. Cardiff city centre, with its several shopping centres and markets, is a 25-minute walk away.

Visitors to the pontoons should note that water and electricity are not provided and also be aware that, on occasions, access to the pontoons may be restricted due to activities and events that are taking place in the Bay. If you are looking to stay for a few nights and are wanting access to electricity and water, there are two marinas and two yacht clubs to choose from. Penarth

Aquabus and Cardiff Cruises operate tours and waterbuses between the Penarth pontoon (close to Barrage) and Mermaid Quay, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Arriva Trains Wales offer services to London Paddington, Swansea, Milford Haven, Penarth, Nottingham and Taunton from Cardiff Central Station.

Cardiff Airport offers services to UK destinations and Europe.

Food supplies

At Mermaid Quay there is a Tesco Express in Bute Street (open daily, 6am-midnight), and a Sainsburys Local in Bute Place (open 7am-11pm daily), both of which have cashpoints.

For those berthed in the two marinas, there is a large Tesco supermarket in Terra Nova Way, 6 minutes across the Pont Y Werin pedestrian bridge from Cardiff Marina and 15 minutes from Penarth Quays Marina. For those at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club there is a large Morrisons supermarket nearby (0.6 mile, 12-minute walk).

Mooring charges

Mermaid Quay • 2-hour stay £2 • 24-hour stay £24 Penarth Quays Marina • 10m Overnight £28.50 • 10m Week £188.50 • 10m Annual £3250 Cardiff Marina • 10m Overnight £27.50 • 10m Week Summer £160 • 10m Annual £2750

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Quays Marina occupies the historic basins of Penarth Dock to the west of the Barrage and, although it may be on the opposite side of the bay to Cardiff, it is very sheltered and has all the makings of a good base for a visiting boater, including a boatyard, marine services, cafĂŠ, wine bar and steakhouse. There is also a large supermarket nearby. The 340-berth marina occupies two interlinked dock basins and is accessed by a lock that operates 24/7 (VHF channel 80 or 02920 705021). The marina is maintained at the same level as the Bay, so in most instances you will find the lock on free flow, but you will need to obey the lights and be aware of departing boats. However, visitors are normally greeted inside the lock, on the pontoon on the port side and directed to a berth. Once inside the Outer Basin you will pass between pontoons A and B, and in the Inner Basin you will find pontoons C to J on your port side. Berths are allocated on an adhoc basis and overnight berthing is ÂŁ2.85 per metre. From Penarth Quays, Mermaid Quay can be accessed by boat or by ferry from the Penarth ferry pontoon, otherwise it is a very pleasant, 45-minute, flat walk along the Barrage and

Lock entry. Visitors are greeted inside the lock at Penarth Quays Marina, as viewed looking east

coast path around to the quay. Bike hire is also available at the marina. Access to Cardiff city centre is also relatively easy, with Penarth station, a 10-minute walk away, linking to Cardiff Central station.

Be sure to pick up a guide, which includes maps and tide tables, at the Marina Office overlooking the lock.

Motorboaters are sure to receive a friendly welcome at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. The club occupies the River Ely peninsular and its clubhouse commands a magnificent panorama of the Bay, and will be immediately visible as you leave the Barrage locks. Here, visitor moorings A tranquil, sheltered setting. Penarth Quays Marina is set inside the old Penarth docks

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Destination

CARDIFF

Friendly and welcoming, Cardiff Bay Yacht Club on the River Ely

are on the inside of ‘A’ Pontoon, which is the first pontoon you encounter in the entrance to the Ely River. If you are arriving at night, be aware of the unlit yellow buoys that lie off the clubs foreshore peninsula. Visitors can call in advance to arrange a stay on 02920 666627 or call up on VHF 37 on arrival during normal office hours. Please note the office is not manned at weekends. Electricity is charged via a pre-paid card system of £5 and £10 and cards can be purchased from the bar and office. Again, the best way to Mermaid Quay is by boat, or it is a 35-minute walk via the Link Bay Road.

Cardiff Marina can be found further upstream on the River Ely, in front of the up-and-coming Bayscape development.

This 350-berth marina is operated by The Marine Group and has all the facilities you would expect from a modern marina.

The marina operates on VHF channel 80 (Tel 02920 343459) and visitor berthing is charged at £2.75 per metre. With the Pont Y Werin pedestrian bridge spanning the river closeby, Cardiff centre (by train) and Penarth are both within easy reach. It is also a great place for families, with Cardiff International White Water just next door.

Closer to Mermaid Quay and the city

centre, is Cardiff Yacht Club (02920 463697) on the River Taff/Wetlands peninsula. By prior arrangement, it can accommodate visiting members of BCYA or RYA affiliated clubs, in its visitor’s area between B and C pontoons.

Trailboating

The slipway at Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, on the River Taff, is available to the public. Here, a day permit is priced at £13, allowing access from 9am to 4:30pm, and an annual permit is priced per metre.

It may be possible, by prior arrangement, to base yourself at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, which has several slipways on site. The Marine Group also operate a drystack facility in Penarth Road, and launch on the River Ely, upstream of Cardiff Marina.

With boatyard services and a chandlery onsite, it could prove a useful base for resident or visiting trailboaters.

Where to eat and drink

There is a bewildering choice of eateries at Mermaid Quay. Here you will find independent and intriguing restaurants in Bute Street, such as Spanish tapas at La Cha Cha, and the Indian restaurants Moksh and Duchess of Deli. For local

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KEY

To Cardiff City Centre

1 Visitor pontoons 2 Ferry/Tour pontoons

4

3 Pierhead 4 The Red Centre 5 La Cha Cha 6 Moksh 8 Eli Jenkins 9 Torchwood Fountain

9

2

7 Duchess of Delhi

£

Taxi Rank

7 8

1

£

6

Roald Dahl Plass

3

5 Restaurants & Shops

PENARTH

2

1

1

£

RIVER

8

5

ELY 4

Train Station

N

Fuel

Bus Stop

£ Cash point

9

7

6

3 1 10 2

Train Station

Graving Docks

KEY

Bus Stop

1

Tesco Express

2

Sainsburys Local

1

Bute Street

2

£ Cash point

MERMAID QUAY

ale, there is The Packet, and for pub grub and breakfasts, Eli Jenkins. There are also several chain restaurants, including Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Pizza Express, Zizzi and Nandos which are sure to be a hit with couples and families alike. Details of all the restaurants, cafes and shops at Mermaid Quay can be found online.

For those berthed at Penarth Quays or Cardiff Marina, the elegant waterfront wine bar and steakhouse, Pier 64 (02920 000064) is recommended. Here you can enjoy the sun on its waterfront balcony until late afternoon. There is also the lovely Compass Café, with its waterfront

Tesco Supermarket

6 The Custom House

2 Compass Café

7 Cardiff Marina & Sea Lift

3 Penarth Quays Marina Office 8 The Oyster Catcher

Sainsburys Local Penarth High Street

1 Pier 64

2

4 Penarth Ferry/Tour Pontoon

9 Cardiff White Water

5 CBYC Visitors Pontoon

10 Team Marine & boatyard hoist

VisitBritain

breakfasts, coffee, cakes, lunches and tapas. The Custom House is another popular choice on the Penarth waterfront and houses the restaurants and bars, La Marina and El Puerto. There is also plenty of choice in Penarth itself, with several restaurants, bars and pubs on the seafront esplanade and in the shopping street, Windsor Road.

Those moored at the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club may want to take advantage of the good food and fine views from the clubhouse restaurant and bar, The Quarterdeck. This is open for lunches and dinners Wednesday to Friday and Sunday lunchtimes. If you are overnighting at Cardiff Marina, again Pier 64 and Custom House are within easy walking distance, but there is also The Oyster Catcher Hungry Horse pub (02920 709836) just across the pedestrian bridge, which is sure to hit the spot for hungry families.

Places to see and visit

Cardiff Castle is a great attraction for families

One of the main attractions of the town is Cardiff Castle, dating back to Roman and Norman times. The intact castle, with its

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July 2018

Destination moated keep, sits on the banks of the River Taff inside the beautiful Bute Park. Tickets are £13 for adults, £9.25 for children aged 5-16 and £11.30 for seniors.

For the adrenalin junkie, young or old, a visit to Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is a must. This Olympic venue has a 250-metre white water rafting course, kayaking and zip lining among the activities outside, while an indoor wave simulator provides bodyboarding thrills.

Two-hour rafting sessions are available from £40 per person, with family rafting available at £22-25 per person.

We would recommend exploring the bay by boat. It is possible to navigate upstream on the River Ely and River Taff, but boaters will need to watch the depths and air draft, also keeping a look out for passenger boats on the Taff. There is a useful chart on the Cardiff Harbour website, detailing bridge approach information and buoyage. For those who want to discover the bay without leaving their berth, there are several companies offering waterbuses and tours of the bay, these include Aquabus and Cardiff Cruises, both of which operate from the Penarth and Mermaid Quay pontoons.

For the shopper, Cardiff has everything from big brand stores to one-off boutiques

CARDIFF

There’s whitewater rafting at CIWW, which is conveniently next to Cardiff Marina on the Ely

and crafts. If the waterfront shops at Mermaid Quay (in Bute Street), aren’t enough for you, there is a choice of shopping precincts in the city centre, St Davids, Capitol, or the Queens Arcade, and a multitude of stalls within Cardiff ’s 18th century Central Market building.

From Mermaid Quay, the city centre is approximately a 25-minute (1.1-mile) walk along Lloyd George Avenue, or a 1315 minute bus ride.

On those rainy days in port you can head to the Red Dragon Centre, which offers restaurants, bowling, cinema and a casino, and is just a short walk from Mermaid Quay. For more to see and do in Cardiff, check out the Visit Cardiff and Visit Cardiff Bay websites. MBO

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CUTTING Oxford Marineproof Padlock

The Oxford Marineproof padlock from SMG is made from 304 grade stainless steel and comes in three sizes to suit different marine applications. The 35mm model has been designed for hatches, lockers and doors, while the 50mm and 60mm models are designed to be used with chain to secure larger items. Oxford also offer Marineproof chain and cables for this purpose. The locks come with a five year warranty.

Price from £49.95 www.smgeurope.com

Zhik

Zhik has announced two new microfleece wetsuit ranges for warm weather watersports. The X range is made from 1mm super stretch neoprene and lined with fast drying microfleece for added insulation.

They are said to keep you cool in warm conditions and warm in cooler weather. The V range is an entry-level product offering some elements from the X range at a more affordable price.

Both ranges are available in men’s, woman’s and unisex components, and in sizes from XS to XXL. Price from £79 www.zhik.com

Blue Guard

Blue Guard has brought bilge pump switches into the 21st century with a range of ‘smart’ models. The BG-SW is a solid state unit that can be user configured via Bluetooth through a smart phone app. The switch has no moving parts, runs on 12 and 24v, and can operate a pump of up to 20A. Model options include oil and fuel detection and alerts for fluid in the bilge. UK orders are available via the ‘custom order’ tab on the website.

Price from £120 www.bluebgi.com

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July 2018

tested Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Profile

PRICE

£79.95

I am not sure if this is an editorial piece or an obituary, as Henri Lloyd teeters on the brink of the abyss, but for the last few months I have been sporting, on an almost daily basis, a pair of Henri Lloyd’s Deck Grip Profile trainer-style deck shoes. These Motorboat Owner are, in fact, the third pair in a row of these “As comfortable as shoes that I have owned, such is their comfort and versatility, so slippers and more I thought it a fitting tribute to give Henri Lloyd one last review. versatile than The reason I kept replacing like-for-like, colour aside, is simply you’d think” due to the fact the I wear them for everything, and when I say Value 3/5 everything, I mean from being onboard the boat to cutting Usability 4/5 the grass or laying underneath a car. They are simply my go-to Performance 4/5 everyday shoe, due to their comfort and design, and are also smart enough, assuming I have not literally just come from under a car, to wear in the yacht club bar. When I first got this pair they started to ooze what looked like glue out from where the mesh meets the toe material, but this quickly stopped and soon after disappeared. Since then they have been like a pair of faithful slippers. The only down side, and this is really only in winter or wet weather, is that the mesh allows the wind and rain in very easily. In these last few weeks, this has been a positive plus, helping to keep my feet cool even on the hottest of days.

I will be sad to see the demise of Henri Lloyd, and will be equally sad to see the demise of what may well be my last pair of Deck Grip Profiles. Having said that, a quick search online shows plenty of places still holding stock, and it’s possible that over the next few months the prices of the remaining pairs may get slashed as they possibly move into ‘clearance’ sections if the situation with HL doesn’t get resolved. Do you know what, I think I will go out and buy myself another pair to keep in stock, and that says all you really need to know about how I rate them. Buy them while you can, or I may just beat you to it. Neale Glue marks? White marks appeared around the fabric joins early on Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Enquiries: Henri Lloyd www.henrilloyd.com

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Parker 750CC

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July 2018

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 7.46m / 24ft 5in Beam: 2.5m / 8ft 2in Displacement: 1,860kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 230 litres Water capacity: 40 litres RCD category: C Engine as tested: 1 x 300hp Mercury Verado Other engine options: Single outboard 150hp to 300hp Price from ÂŁ64,413

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A

round eight months ago we brought you a test on the sporty new 750DC from Parker with its redesigned, stepped hull that promised 10% savings in fuel across the rev range, as well as increased top speed. If you haven’t read the report, I can summarise by saying that we were pretty impressed. The boat performed well, the fuel and speed claims appeared to have some validity and overall the boat was nicely designed and well put together. The only possible downside was that, being a day cruiser, its open cockpit design may not suit those who like to boat throughout the year. Well, Parker has a solution to that in the form of the 750CC. The CC stands for Cabin Cruiser and this

wheelhouse version is built on the same stepped hull as its DC sibling.

Will the CC deliver a similarly competent and efficient package as the DC, while also keeping you and yours comfortable and warm in all weathers?

Like the 750DC, the CC version is not a new model. It has been around a while but received a revamp last year to include the new hull design as well

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July 2018

“A stylish carbon gelcoat and stepped hull are just a few of the changes”

as a range of new hull colours. Our test boat came in the Carbon colour, which provides an impression of quality that is more than matched by the way Parker build their boats. The colour may not have had quite the same attention grabbing brightness of the Cognac of our test DC, but for the more conservative boat owner, this might not be a bad thing.

The forward cabin of the CC is very similar to that of the day cruiser but with one crucial difference. Where the DC has a toilet under one of the seats, the CC has a separate toilet compartment. Admittedly, this compartment offers seating room only, but on a family boat this extra privacy is a nice feature to have. You also Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

get a small washbasin and a window, albeit non-opening. Overall it’s basic but functional.

In the forward cabin you will find a seating area cum offset berth. To make full use of the berth, and to turn it into a decent sized double of over six foot in length, you have to place an infill over the small standing area. This effectively blocks the toilet door and puts it out of use unless you remove the infill, which is not too difficult to do, if required. On each of the cabin sides there is a thin, curtained, hull window to let in light, but without any ports the only ventilation is provided by the overhead hatch. Storage in the forward cabin is provided by some below bunk

65

The CC version of the 750 offers a double berth forward with a compact, but separate, toilet compartment. There is a storage locker in the aft port corner, handy for bits and bobs

lockers, as well as a small top opening storage unit in the aft port corner. There is also a useful mains and 12v DC socket located conveniently just inside the cabin entrance, allowing you to charge or power items overnight.

Moving aft, and up into the wheelhouse, you will notice that there is no door to separate the two areas from each other.

If privacy were needed, it would be quite easy to rig a curtain of some sort over the companionway. The wheelhouse itself is almost standard sportsfisher design with

a helm to starboard, a dinette to port and a galley area behind the helm. The dinette also converts, by dropping the table and adding a cushion, into a small double berth of around three feet wide and 5ft 7in in length. The dinette utilizes the forward facing double navigators seat by flipping the backrest fore and aft. The dinette would be a squeeze for four, and subsequently the navigator’s seat is a bit of a squeeze for two, depending upon size, but for a couple, or a couple with a child or two, everything should work

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July 2018

rather well. There is a good-sized locker beneath the forward dinette bench, while the space below the aft dinette bench is taken up with the optional refrigerator, although access is still maintained below the cushion should you need it. Some open storage along the port side provides a useful place to store those bits that you may require easy, everyday access to while underway and is particularly useful

storage for your crew on the navigator’s seat.

Opposite the dinette is the galley unit, which is concealed beneath a cushioned bench seat when not in use. This is a nice touch to create extra socializing or sitting space in the wheelhouse, while also keeping the galley easily and readily to hand. Whip the

There are two galley options. This basic galley allows for an extra bench seat in the wheelhouse Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

67

The helm seat is comfortable and supportive

The double navigator’s station comes with a grabrail, cupholders and opening window

cushion off and an underneath you will find a small sink, a single hob stove and a large, top opening locker that also gives you access to the space below the helm seat. There is a small hatch on the front of the unit to give you access to some storage space below the sink and the stove lifts out to reveal a cutlery locker below. There is also some additional open storage behind the galley. This galley/seat arrangement does mean that the galley unit is quite low.

If this is a problem, and if you are a more serious galley slave, there is an option to have a full height galley unit, of the style found on the 800 weekend, in its place.

The helm console on the CC is very well laid out with a supportive bucket seat, complete with lifting bolster, to keep you comfortable. The helm binnacle provides a large mid section for mounting a multifunction display. Our test boat was fitted with a 9in display and it looked almost lost in the space. A 12in unit would fill it nicely, and be a great addition to the helm. Elsewhere there is space for engine dials on either side, plus an array of switchgear on either side of the helm. There is a small amount of space for additional kit on either side below the engine instruments that, on our boat, was taken up by the optional bowthruster joystick and automatic trim tab control.

Other facilities for the helmsman include a pair of power sockets, one 12V and one USB, the all important cup holder and an elasticated netting pouch for keeping phones etc safe and close to hand. My only criticism of the helm layout would be the placement of the VHF below the steering wheel on our test boat. The screen will be hard to see and the controls difficult to manipulate. With little available space elsewhere, I think the answer lies in

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July 2018

The cockpit of the 750CC is particularly versatile with folding bench seats, table and double transom gates

choosing a set with the controls duplicated on the fist mic, or going for a black box solution with the hand unit mounted down here.

The wheelhouse offers a minimum of 6ft 4in throughout, and a pair of sliding windows, one on either side, plus an optional electric opening overhead hatch, allows in plenty of fresh air, while the large, all-round windows mean the cabin is bathed in natural light. At night, the whole wheelhouse can be curtained off, if required.

To move between the accommodation and cockpit means passing through the three part wheelhouse door, which can be locked fully open, or just slightly ajar for some extra air flow. When fixed in the latter position, the middle door section is not restrained so can flop back and forth if the boat is stationary in even a slight sea.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

The cockpit on the CC is particularly versatile. In its basic form it is a blank, uncluttered canvas, which would be ideal for fishing or kitting up for swimming, diving or other waterbourne activity.

Then, within the cockpit coaming on either side, there is the option of pulling up a pair of two-person bench seats. These feel like quality engineering as they solidly pull down and clunk into place. Next, you can pull up a cockpit table that is stowed neatly against the transom. This turns the cockpit into a great, four person alfresco dining or socializing area. Other features of the cockpit include a transom gate on either side of the engine, a mid transom section that opens inwards to allow the engine to tilt or just to gain better access for checks etc, a pair of small lockers in the steps up to the side decks and three big floor lockers, the centre one of which

69

PERFORMANCE

As tested 56% fuel 0% water 3 crew Force 3-4

RPM

is gas strutted for ease of use. A small bathing platform on either side of the engine allows, with the twin transom gate setup, ease of boarding from either side. The starboard platform houses a bathing ladder and both are fitted with an outer stainless steel rail that doubles as a useful handhold from the water and a protective barrier to the platform’s GRP corners.

Moving forwards, the side decks are a generous 6-7 inches wide and safe to negotiate thanks to a decent guardrail that leans out slightly and leads all the way forward from the cockpit. The wheelhouse roof overhang gets in the way a little as you negotiate the steps up to the decks, but a conveniently placed grabrail on

550 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5600

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

1.8 4.1 6.0 7.2 8.9 11.4 15.8 22.6 29.0 30.4 38.8

1.4 3.6 6.2 10.8 18.0 24.0 31.4 38.6 51.5 69.5 93.8

0.31 0.79 1.36 2.38 3.96 5.28 6.91 8.49 11.3 15.3 20.6

5.81 5.19 4.41 3.03 2.25 2.16 2.29 2.66 2.57 1.99 1.88

Range (nm)

293 262 223 153 113 109 115 134 130 101 95

each aft corner, plus another in each side of the wheelhouse roof, provide plenty of security as you make your way up and forward.

At the bow your crew get a goodsized flat working area with two sturdy cleats and some chunky anchor handling hardware. An anchor locker hatch lifts to reveal a deep locker with an opening large enough to store a fender or two. An

70

July 2018

The largest engine option, a 300hp Mercury Verado, is a good match for the slightly heavier CC version of the 750

“It’s surprisingly nimble, with no slamming in choppy conditions” optional electric anchor winch is fitted beneath the hatch to help keep the deck area uncluttered.

Underway When we tested the DC version it was fitted with a 250hp motor and achieved 42 knots. The CC had the largest engine option, 300hp, but was hampered by an extra 110kg of weight, not to mention quite a bit of extra windage. The results were that despite the extra 50hp, the CC was a bit slower, not just in top speed, reaching a maximum of just under 39 knots, but also in acceleration where it took four seconds to plane and 11 seconds to reach 30 knots. To be fair, I am not doing the CC any favours by Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

comparing, as the DC was, and should be, a performance boat, while the CC is definitely more of a cruiser. Ignoring the above, the CC felt surprisingly nimble, despite its bulk, and maintained good speeds even when being thrown around. We were testing in some choppy conditions and still able to maintain a comfortable 25-30 knot cruising speed as long as I worked the throttle a little. When I dropped back to a still very respectable 20-25 knot cruise, I was able to leave the throttle set without the boat getting out of shape and without any hull slamming.

If I did push it too far and land hard, it was reassuring not to hear any rattles or creaks, a sure sign of a well put together boat. It was good to see that the hull

71

would plane right down to 13 knots, so if conditions worsen, it is still able to provide a reasonable speed to get you home comfortably.

The bow didn’t feel particularly buoyant, but this is almost certainly as a result of the sharp, deep-vee entry that helps keep things so comfortable in a head sea. The downside, of course, is that in a following sea there is not enough lift to keep the boat dry. This is of little consequence inside the wheelhouse, where the large, one-piece windscreen is cleared nicely by a pair of pantograph wipers, the port one of which is an option that you really should tick. The helm interface is just about perfect. From the smooth electronic controls of the Verado, through to the light and perfectly balanced steering, this is a boat that is as easy as it is pleasurable to drive. The helm seat, with its lifting bolster, and ability to slide and swivel, allows for a comfortable driving position whether standing, seated or leaning and the well-placed footrest just adds to the experience. The wheelhouse does add

Mooring and deck hardware is sturdy and, with a couple of options ticked, well-appointed

some noticeable top hamper, resulting in a high lean angle in tight turns but this was only noticeable coming straight from a non-wheelhouse boat. Visibility is generally very good, apart from the usual port turn/hardtop blind spot and briefly when seated as the bow goes through the transition from displacement to planing.

We didn’t take sound readings on this test, but with the back doors shut I can confirm that the wheelhouse is a quiet and relaxed place to be, even when cruising near the top of the rev range.

72

July 2018

Conclusion This is the fourth Parker that I have tested over the last five years and yet again I have been left impressed. The quality of their boats is vastly understated, and they match that with an ability that always appears to be near the top of their class.

Overall, the 750CC is probably a bit too compact for extended family cruising, but for day trips, fishing and occasional overnighting it would be very good indeed, and if there were just two onboard I think you could happily spend more than a few nights away in comfort, both at sea and in port. Of course, if you want an outright performance boat, the DC is probably a

An all-weather cruiser with capability to match

better option, but in the UK climate, the wheelhouse might not offer the same sleek lines, but it delivers all-weather capability by the bucket load.

ENQUIRIES: Parker Boats www.parkerpoland.pl for your nearest dealer YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

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This diesel inboard boat manages to squeeze a separate forward cabin and toilet compartment into its 24-foot hull length.

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> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Grandezza 34 OC

73

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

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

Nauticus / 22

Freeman / 23

Corsiva / 475

1979 | £5,000 | 22ft | 6.7m

1974 | £7,500 | 23ft | 7.0m

2013 | £8,995 | 15.3ft | 4.8m

Bayliner / VR5

Custom / Norfolk Launch

Interboat / 6.5

Interboat / 750

2016 | £27,995 | 20.4ft | 6.2m

1962 | £29,950 | 27ft | 8.2m

2017 | £38,500 | 21.3ft | 6.5m

2010 | £48,000 | 25.3ft | 7.7m

Ideal river cruiser, toilet, accommodation for four

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Princess / 30DS

Excellent family cruiser, well equipped galley, bowthruster

1984 | £22,000 | 30.5ft | 9.3m

Fantastic day boat, vast seating, bowthruster, toilet. A must view

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Dell Quay Ranger website

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

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

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www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

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www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

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mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

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Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum www.dawncraftowners.com

76

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

July 2018

Maxum Owners Club

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www.sealineowners.com

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

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Monterey Fourm

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forums.montereyboats.com

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Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

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Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

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Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

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www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

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Norman Appreciation Society

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sunseekerownersclub.com

Princess Owners Club

Viking Owners Club

princessownersclub.com

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

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www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

Owners Club missing?

Rinker Owners Club

Contact us at

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www.rinkerboats.com/owners-club

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www.rbsmarine.com/rodman-owners-club

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www.clubsearay.com

Advertise with us

Classified adverts from £25 1981 Shetland Black Prince

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Single Volvo Penta 230hp petrol. 4-berth, hardtop cruiser

£9,500 0118 940 3211 email address

77

Classified

1980 Princess 37

Twin Ford Mermaid 180hp diesels.

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£39,950

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Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

2006 Succes Marco 860 OC

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Single Vetus 65hp diesel shaftdrive.

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July 2018

L K what I saw

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Swans at Shillingford

Thames family of Swans travelling upstream SPOTTED! by John Frew

Bonne Nuit beauty

Jersey harbour basks in the summer sunshine SPOTTED! by Michelle Whitehead

Grebe plays piggyback

A Great Crested Grebe baby hitches a ride SPOTTED! by Pamela Born

River Havel Sundown

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