Motorboat Owner June 2021

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Motorboat Owner

JUNE 2021

Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

NEW Axopar 22 Spyder

PRACTICAL

Selva outboard first service £20k Used Starter Boats l Fuel tank sender fitting l Bayliner T21

CRUISING

Round Britain

Welcome to the June issue. Despite

From the Editor

contact us

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

the uncertainty over Brexit, and the chaos of Covid, it appears the boating sector has never had it so good. In fact, it’s so good, it’s bad.

Dealers are struggling to get new stock and broker’s sales pontoons are looking empty.

Conversely, marinas are full and are, in many cases, operating waiting lists for the first time in years and berths are in short supply.

Who would have predicted any of that two

Editor, Neale Byart

01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk

Associate Editor, Claire Frew

01268 922993 claire@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

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June 2021

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Contributors:

©Michelle Whitehead

years ago? The problem with used boat supply was brought into focus for us this month while researching our £20k starter boat feature. Not only were the boats noticeably more expensive than expected, but over half of them have either been sold or gone under offer in the interim. It is definitely a seller’s market, so if you are looking to move on to pastures new, now is the time to contact your local broker. If,

on the other hand you are just buying into this hobby, do not despair. You may have to pay a little more, and you will definitely need to be quick but, as we have found, if you put in the legwork, there are still some good boats to be found out there.

We managed to get away in the early part of this month for a quick overnighter in our favourite local anchorage and took Olive, our project Mayland, away with us. This was the first chance we had to give it a proper run, and extensive test, after last months fix of the outboard. I am pleased to say that the engine ran without fault and we managed to hit the heady heights of 20 knots. Now the real fun starts. We have made some plans that kick off in June to visit places only a little boat like Olive can get to. Our first foray is going to be to navigate the length of the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal. Not the most adventurous trip I’ll admit, but something I have wanted to do ever since I fished the canal as a nipper. A better reason for choosing it I cannot imagine.

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Advertising Manager, John Steward john@motorboatowner.co.uk

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welcome aboard

There’s a storm coming. The weather in May was uncharacteristically unsettled

Simon Everett, Phil Davies, Nigel Boutwood Cover photo: Axopar’s 22 Spyder top of the range X Jobe Revolve XXII model

Support Motorboat Owner

You can support the magazine by making a contribution via the Paypal app by scanning the QR code on page 20 or via buymeacoffee

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THE ORIGINAL AXOPAR EXPERIENCE

/ GOTHENBURG ARCHIPELAGO, SWEDEN 57°37′N 11°47′E

Axopar

Axopar

AxoparBoats

AXOPAR 22 SPYDER - BEST RIDE ON THE WATER The cool-looking Axopar 22 Spyder is a true driver’s boat, offering first-in-class handling, seaworthiness and safety, combined with the efficiency and comfort that its bigger 28ft and 37ft siblings are renowned for.

A smart boat that packs a punch and will turn heads wherever you go, and all without breaking the bank!

Pure Axopar, condensed!

Learn more at axopar.fi or scan the QR code for information about us and our products.

36 Sedan

TA K E A J O U R N E Y. BEGIN AN ADVENTURE. “ Our boat came to life when we arrived at the yard.

We could feel the quality of the timber, see the traditional craftsmen at work. A Haines boat isn’t just about receiving the keys, or the maiden voyage. It’s about the journey they take you on to get there. It’s simply as good as it gets. ”

To create your own Haines experience, contact your nearest Haines dealer.

Norfolk Yacht Agency at nya.co.uk, or Val Wyatt Marine at valwyattmarine.co.uk

hainesmarine.co.uk

CONTENTS JUNE 2021

REGULARS NEWS page 8 INBOX page 22 CUTTING EDGE page 46 Q&A page 70 page 74 Project Boat

Fairline Vixen

Tank testing and fitting a fuel sender step-by step page 80 Hooked

Freshwater Trout

p39 PRACTICAL

Used Starter Boats including

Fairline Mirage 29 page 88 Falcon 23 page 96 Sealine 255 Senator page 95 Shetland Speedwell page 86 Viking 23 page 91

Selva outboard first service

p60

p74

CRUISING Round Britain

p84

p??

Starter Boats

SECOND LOOK - USED BOATS

p48

Bayliner T21/E21

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

p24

BOAT TESTS

Axopar 22 Spyder

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NEWS Seadogz fatal RIB collision interim report

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MAIB investigation photo

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report on its investigation of the fatal collision between the high speed passenger RIB, Seadogz, and a navigation buoy in Southampton Water, saying that there are lessons to be learned ahead of the summer season. On the morning of the 22nd August 2020, the passenger RIB, a Red Bay Stormforce 950 Safari fitted with twin 300hp outboards, departed Ocean Village Marina carrying 12 passengers aboard. Once out of the speed restricted area, its skipper ‘put on some loud music and increased to speeds between 30kts and 40kts’, proceeding to conduct high speed, wake creating maneuvers, including figure-of-eight turns, around several navigation buoys. The report continued saying, at 10:08, Seadogz passed the car ferry, Red Falcon, which was proceeding on a south-east course down Southampton Water, ‘offered the skipper an opportunity to drive across, and so to jump over the ferry’s wake’. As Seadogz passed astern of Red Falcon (from which amateur video footage was taken) for the fifth time the RIB accelerated on a steady easterly heading for 10 seconds until, at 10:11 and at a speed of 38.4kts (44.2mph), it collided with the North-West Netley starboard hand buoy (weighing 5 tonnes and 4.6 metre air draft). The force of Seadogz’s head-on impact knocked the buoy over to an almost horizontal position and threw the RIB’s bow upwards.

The impact and abrupt deceleration forces caused all onboard to be thrown violently forward from their seats. Two of the passengers seated in the front row of jockey seats were thrown out of the boat and into the water where their lifejackets inflated automatically. Everyone onboard, except for one passenger, sustained injuries, including broken limbs, fractured vertebrae, dislocations and a punctured lung. Emily Lewis, a 15-year-old passenger who was sitting on the bench seat in the middle, sustained fatal internal injuries. The forward three chambers of the RIB’s port side tubes were punctured and the bow of the GRP hull was severely damaged. Several of the steel framed jockey seat backs were bent forward by the force of passengers hitting them. Initial findings say that Seadogz collided with the buoy because the RIB’s skipper was concentrating on conducting high speed maneuvers in close proximity to another vessel and did not see the buoy in time to take avoiding action. Such reasons and other contributing factors will be discussed in detail in the full investigation report. A video accompanies the interim report, with dialogue from MAIB Chief Inspector, Andrew Moll, who describes the collision as a ‘tragic accident’ saying ‘there are some immediate lessons that can be learned now that will help avoid a repetition this summer’.

June 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

A trust has launched a campaign to save and regenerate a historic slipway and waterfront on the Mersey. Ferries have been operating at Rock Ferry since 1660 and the current slipway, built in 1820, is thought to be the oldest structure on the Mersey. The Rock Ferry Waterfront Trust has purchased this Grade 2 listed structure, but as it is now in very poor condition and in need of urgent repairs, it is launching a campaign to obtain grants and sponsorship from maritime and regeneration bodies to ensure it remains a valuable community asset. Due to celebrate its bi-centenary, the trust said “Our vision is to create a ‘go to leisure destination’ to build on the tremendous maritime, commercial and residential heritage of Rock Ferry.” The trust has been set up under the auspices of Royal Mersey Yacht Club.

©RockFerryWaterfrontTrust

Rock Ferry campaign

Mobile living made easy.

EXPLORE THE WATER

Dometic CFX3 With the Dometic CXF3, you have control of your outdoor experiences like never before. The CFX3 gives you the power to change your state of mind and put your well-being first. On the lake, at the marina or out at sea, your extraordinary adventures will be fueled by safer food, less waste and more confidence, giving you the power to explore the water for longer, in style. dometic.com

NEWS Sargo 45 NEW BOAT Finnish builder, Sargo, has entered the 40ft50ft market segment by adding a new flagship model to its rugged wheelhouse range. Available in Sargo’s standard and Explorer guises, the all new 45 will be a 6-8 berth walkaround wheelhouse cruiser, available in two or three-cabin layouts, both featuring two toilet and shower compartments. The three cabin version provides two double cabins, forward and mid, both sharing a day toilet compartment, while an aft ensuite cabin is equipped with family and guest-friendly twin berths. Inside the wide and bright sunroof-topped wheelhouse there is forward facing seating for four, a large eight-person aft dinette seating area to port and a galley unit to starboard. Its exterior layout provides a one-level deck area, which is accessed from two wide wheelhouse side doors, has two social deck areas, a U-shaped seating area in the bow and spacious L-shaped seating in the aft cockpit. Power and cruising speeds of 30 knots will be delivered by a choice of twin diesel Volvo Penta sterndrive or IPS options, in 300hp, 330hp or 440hp configurations. More photos and details are to be released in the coming months, with the first boat due to be unveiled in summer 2022. The 55-year-old company prides itself in producing tough, all-season boats and the new 45 appears in addition to the existing 25-36 feet range. The UK dealer is Hamble-based Sargo Boats UK and prices are from £722,842.

Three cabin version of the Sargo 45 10

June 2021

Sargo behaves in waves like a refined sports car.

Splendidly. And still making a lot of sense.

– SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY

“There is indeed something very special about boats made in this part of Finland. I guess it’s the Ostrobothnian nature, the skill and creativity of the designers and craftsmen that explain the robust toughness of the product. We’re proud of the solid and trustworthy SARGO boat.”

Sargo is precisely that kind of sport utility vessel, boasting exhilarating handling and ride characteristics even in rough seas.

Some Sargo skippers Thomas Sarin, CEO, Sarins Båtartalk Ltd. about its smooth ride and good responsiveness even at higher speeds. We simply call it tough sportiness.

All Sargo models between 25-36 ft. live up to this while still making a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel

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

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

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

Sarins Båtar Ltd., 67900 Kokkola, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4JD

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

NEWS New Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat

Vic Booth/Sheerness RNLI

Sheerness RNLI station is now the proud custodian of a new, state of the art Shannon-class lifeboat.

The long wait by the volunteer crew finally came to an end on the 28th April when they welcomed the new 44ft lifeboat to its moorings in Sheerness Dockyard, after its delivery by sea from the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset. The new £2.2 million, jet-driven lifeboat is incredibly maneuverable. Twin Scania 650hp diesel engines provide a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles. It also has self-righting and shallow draft capabilities. All of which means it is well suited for offshore searches or equally for rescues in calmer shallower waters off the Kent coast, such as the creeks and channels of the Medway. The station’s new Shannon, number 13-38, called the Judith Copping Joyce (after its bequeather), will replace the stations existing 46ft Trent Class Lifeboat which has served the station for the last 26 years and holds lots of memories for her crew. The station also has an inflatable D-class inshore lifeboat called Buster. Arrival celebrations were low key due to Coronavirus restrictions, with the Shannon, bedecked with flags, meeting the other two lifeboats off The Leas at Minster. The crew will now undergo intense training on the new lifeboat, learning new and adapting existing techniques with the aim for it to become operational in the next few months. The new Sheerness lifeboat was built at the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) in Poole, with construction starting back in 2019.

Vic Booth/Sheerness RNLI

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June 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Bournemouth Air Festival Sunseeker Parade Sunseeker has partnered with the Bournemouth Air Festival and is organising a parade of Sunseeker boats in front of festival spectators.

Showcasing new and classic Sunseeker models, on Saturday, 4th September, owners will parade their boats through the festival’s maritime safety zone before continuing through Poole Harbour to Town Quay. Boats will be judged, with prizes to be awarded for the best presented boat and best dressed crew. The Poole-based builder is urging owners to take part, saying that it could become the largest gathering of Sunseekers in history. In the lead up to the event, Sunseeker will provide information on exact timings, a rendezvous location, VHF communications and protocols. Owners need to register their interest via this online form.

DIARY DATES Norfolk Boat Jumble 6th June British Motor Yacht Show 12th-20th June Green Tech Boat Show 19th-20th June Chichester Marina Boat Show 26th-27th June Titchfield Boat Jumble 4th July Southampton International Boat Show 10th-19th September Ocean Village Boat Show 10th-19th September Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Allington Lock works

During May, Allington Lock was closed while refurbishment works were carried out by Environment Agency. The lock is the first on the River Medway in Kent, linking the tidalnon-tidal sections. Described as a boating gateway, it is due to reopen early next month, the scheduled date is the 3rd June. The works, which include lock gate re skinning and decking replacement, were originally scheduled from mid November 2020, for a reopening on 19th March 2021.

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

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

sales@mdsbattery.co.uk

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NEWS Post Brexit passages to French ports simplified with new form In early May, the Cruising Association released a statement saying that the French government had announced a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port post-Brexit. Since leaving the EU, boats arriving in France from the UK or Channel Islands were required to make passage to one of a small number of ‘Ports of Entry’ (mainly the ferry ports) and search out the relevant authorities, usually the Police aux Frontières, to register the arrival of their boat and crew. This same process of going through a Port of Entry would also have been necessary before departing France for the UK or Channel Islands (or indeed any non-Schengen country), which presented boaters coming from the UK to France, with a potential problem for many passages. However, thanks to the campaigning of the CA, French officials have released a document, called a Le Havre Immigration Form (Marina immigration notice for non-Schengen citizens), that can be downloaded, completed (one form per person) and submitted by email to the local administrative Port of Entry prior to arrival. The CA said, that providing all is acceptable, boats may then enter another port on the coast, and this process was already underway for Le Havre and hopes that other ports will follow on rapidly. CA representatives added ‘This is a significant improvement and removes a major hurdle for boats visiting France. We understand passports are not stamped, but the forms registered are the documents of entry and exit proof. We would suggest the document(s), proof of emailing it, and any return confirmation are retained electronically. We would suggest that if moving on from France to another Schengen country then either check in again at that country or get your passport stamped in France when at a convenient Port of Entry’.

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June 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sealegs 3.8m NEW BOAT

New Zealand’s amphibious RIB builder, Sealegs, has introduced its smallest model ever. The new 3.8m Tender will be powered on land with a Sealegs electric amphibious drive system and can take up to a 40hp outboard with a 40-litre fuel tank.

Designed for the yacht tender market, it’s manufacturers claim that the new model will weigh less than 450kg and have a height of just 1 metre with its wheels up, making it stowable in large motoryacht transom garages or on deck.

The 3.8m tender will seat up to four people, with twin driver bench seat, single bow seat and a seat beside the moulded console. The prototype is due to be completed early 2022 and first orders are being taken for deliveries in late 2022.

UK dealer, Salterns Brokerage, told MBO prices are expected to start at £90,000.

HMS Queen Elizabeth Portsmouth return Prior to its maiden operational deployment, HMS Queen Elizabeth returned briefly to Portsmouth in May and it proved to be an exceptional spectacle. It was a momentous occasion for Portsmouth, with the un-expecting public and boating audience clambering to catch a glimpse of the 65,000-tonne carrier as it passed through the harbour. The visit was accompanied by a royal visit, from Her Majesty The Queen who arrived by helicopter on the 280-metre flight deck, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The carrier had intended to anchor off, but forecast high winds would have hampered resupply of its circa 100 pallets of food and stores by boat or helicopter. Naval Base Commander, Commodore JJ Bailey ADC, said “This is an extremely proud day for the city of Portsmouth and a really significant moment for us.” Premier Marinas berth holder, Michelle Whitehead, captured the action from Gosport Marina, see photo.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Green Tech Boat Show This June, MDL Marinas will be hosting the first Green Tech Boat Show at its Queen Anne’s Battery Marina in Plymouth, Devon.

The new show will showcase a ‘greener’ marine industry with boat builders and product manufacturers demonstrating new sustainable and environmentallyfriendly technologies. The show, due to be held 19-20 June, is expected to host over 70 shore-side stands and up to 30 onwater exhibits. Amongst the exhibitors will be Plymouth Boat Trips showcasing its recently launched e-Voyager, called ‘a green ferry’ pictured. Other brands due to exhibit include Aqua SuperPower, ARC Marine, ePropulsion, Fischer Panda UK, Marine Energy Systems, Maritime UK South West, Pixii Electric Boats, SportsArt: The Green Fitness Company, The Bounty Project, The Green Blue, University of Plymouth and Vulkan Industries. MDL Marinas is working closely with the local authorities in Plymouth to ensure that the event will be covidsecure and in line with the appropriate Government guidelines. Entry to the show is free, but visitors need to book tickets in advance via the MDL Marina’s website.

Hammersmith lights up Boaters on the tidal Thames can now pre-book passages and proceed under the centre arch (No 2) obeying lights now installed on the bridge. The control lights display have three signals, namely, a red X, an amber X, and a green arrow. The Port of London Authority (PLA) released the latest guidance for passages under the bridge in its ‘Notice to Mariners’, adding that ‘essential and necessary’ passages still need to be booked at least 72-hours in advance.

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June 2021

HELPING YOU ENJOY A

r e n e e r G B O AT I N G EXPERIENCE

NEWS Sea Ray 370 Sundancer NEW BOAT

Outboard power and ‘express cruiser’ style continue to trend and shape the hardtop sportscruiser motorboat market, and the latest example comes in the shape of the new, US-built, Sea Ray 370 Sundancer.

With its walk-through windscreen, open forward deck seating area, four-berth open plan cabin and sheltered social cockpit, it is a large and very different day cruiser-cum-overnighter. Power options include triple Mercury 300hp Verado outboards with joystick control, and stylish features include a striking blackframed hardtop with sunroof and frameless hull windows, bringing light and views to the cabin space. UK dealers are Marina Marbella and Boats.co.uk, both of which are taking limited orders for summer 2022 deliveries.

Cobbs Quay goes solar Cobb’s Quay Marina in Poole now produces over 150,000kWh as a result of MDL Marinas installing new solar panels at the 1109-berth marina. One hundred ‘Solar Edge’ panels have been installed on the top of the Saltmarsh Building at the marina and, using the sun’s energy, the electricity produced will be used on site, with any unused electricity returned to the grid. MDL has already installed solar panels at its Hamble Point and Ocean Village marinas, and claims to have generated nearly 150,000kWh from April 2020 through to February 2021, saying that it is an equivalent of planting 1,500 trees per year across the three sites. MDL has plans for a similar scheme at its Shamrock Quay and Saxon Wharf sites, and the company also recently launched MDL Fitness, a new range of green gyms where the fitness equipment converts human kinetic energy into electricity.

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June 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

British Motor Yacht Show Premier Marinas will be hosting the British Motor Yacht Show this June and has unveiled the luxury line up of motor yacht brands that will be exhibiting. Taking place at Premier’s headquarters, Swanwick Marina, from 12th20th June, the show will feature British brands, Princess, Sunseeker and Fairline. There will also be motor cruisers, sportsboats and RIBS from the manufacturers Agapi, Axopar, Azimut, Bayliner, Bavaria, Brabus, Beneteau, BRIG, Chris Craft, Cranchi, Galeon, Jeanneau, Pearl, Prestige, Sealine, Saxdor, Supermarine (debuting its new Spearfish 32) and Williams Jet Tenders. Princess will be showcasing its restyled F62 pictured, F45, F50, S66 and Y78 motor yacht, while Fairline will be exhibiting its Squadron 53 and 50 Fly, Targa 45GT and a Targa 65 GTO and ashore, the F-Line 33. Sunseeker will have at least three models on display, including a Predator 55, Manhattan 55 and a 65 Sport Yacht. The nine-day show is free entry, but by appointment only.

Stalls ashore will showcase products and services, including marine electronics from Raymarine and insurance services from Pantaenius. For appointments and information visit the show’s website, www.britishmotoryachtshow.com.

Spain Post-Brexit: UK RYA Certificates reinstated Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications have been reinstatement into Spanish law post-Brexit, meaning RYA certificate holders will now be able to continue to skipper boats registered in Spain as well as in the UK. Upon leaving the EU, UK’s post-Brexit status as a third country meant that, in accordance with Spanish regulations, RYA certificates would no longer be recognised by the Spanish Government.

However, in May the RYA received confirmation that the ICC and other certificates are now valid in Spanish waters following consultations through the UK Government with Spain’s General Directorate for Merchant Marine (DGMM). Visit the RYA website for the full news story.

NEWS Native Oysters restored to the Firth of Clyde 1,300 native oysters have been returned to waters of the Firth of Clyde on the west coast of Scotland, as part of an ambitious restoration project to bring back these so called ‘ocean superheroes’ from the brink of extinction. The Wild Oysters Project, a partnership between ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Marine, was awarded £1.18m by the Postcode Dream Trust and aims to help restore healthy, resilient coastal waters around the UK. Earning themselves the title ‘ocean superheroes’, the native oysters benefit the oceans health, as they filter up to 200 litres of water a day and act as an important habitat for marine wildlife. Declining by 95% due to human activities, native oyster populations have continued to decrease since the 1800s, meaning their benefits to the ocean have been lost. Nurseries filled with oysters will be suspended underneath marina pontoons at Largs Yacht Haven and Fairlie Quay Marina on the Clyde. The nurseries create a micro habitat and will begin reproducing over the next few months, releasing millions of baby oysters, known as larvae. The Wild Oysters Project have deployed a total of 4,000 native oysters into nurseries, underneath marina pontoons across the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, Tyne and Wear in north east England and Conwy Bay in Wales. For more information visit wild-oysters.org.

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June 2021

CRANCHI Z35 EXPRESS CRUISER

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

AVAILABLE JUNE 2021

INBOX

@

Tank trouble

Firstly, thank you for a great magazine, I really enjoy every issue each month. On page 58 of your May issue someone asked about installing a hatch on their diesel tank and how to seal it. A few years ago I bought a Carver 28 with twin aluminium diesel tanks. They are 6 feet long, thin and had no access hatches. Both also had the thick slime of diesel bug, one dried and one with water in, still growing the bug. I had to cut three access hatches in each tank either side of the baffles. They were large enough to get my arm through (112mm) to scrape out the diesel bug and clean the tanks. The hatches were supplied by Tek Tanks who have a specific page on their website for these, and I thoroughly recommend them.

I am attaching photos which you may find interesting. Neil Dunlop Editor comments: Thanks Neil, that’s a useful recommendation. It’s a shame that more boats don’t come from the factory with access hatches installed. While they are at it, wouldn’t it be nice if more boats had drains at the lowest point of the fuel tank too.

Tek Tanks two-part inspection plate is suitable for water waste and diesel tanks and costs £32.50

Holes were cut into the tank tops, revealing diesel bug in both tanks

Tek Tank hatch covers were added after ‘de-bugging’ process

Diesel difference, before and after cleaning the tanks

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June 2021

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK IN

TIME

MBO stumbled across this image in a 1990s Fletcher Black Max brochure, showing a Ford Sierra launching or retrieving an Arrowstreak 17 Classic on the slipway at Lymington

Ocean 30

I have just skimmed through your latest issue, very good, as ever. A nice report on the Broom 29 and the Haines 36, which happens to be my old Broom Ocean 34 hull and the deck is a revamped version of the Broom 34 Sedan. One error I spotted though, in ‘Back In Time’, the Ocean 30 was designed by R M (known as ‘Rip’) Martins. But, John Bennett was working for him at the time and drew the 30 lines. I don’t know the history of how the deck was developed, but it was considered an Aquafibre model and was sold as mouldings too and completed by various companies, but mainly

by Dick Nunn. That was all a few years before I moved to Norfolk, but I later did contract work for both Rip and John Bennett, mainly with Rip who I also helped with survey work and learnt a lot from him. Andrew Wolstenholme Associate Editor comments: Thank you for getting in touch. Good to hear from you as always and thank you very much for putting us right on the Ocean 30.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Axopar 22 Spyder

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June 2021

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 7.2m / 23ft 7in Beam: 2.23m / 7ft 4in Displacement: 1,200kg (Ex engine) Air Draft: 2.59m / 8ft 6in Fuel capacity: 230 litres Engine as tested: 1 x 200hp Mercury Other engine options: Single outboard 115hp to 200hp RCD category: Sedan C7 Price from circa £54,769 €63,531 @ 1.16 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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T

he Axopar brand has certainly found a niche in the market, and has been very successful with its current three-model 28 foot range as well as the discontinued 24 foot models. Late last year they expanded upwards with the launch of the exceptional 37 foot Axopar, again available in three versions, and this year they hope to follow on that success with something at the other end of the spectrum. The new 22-foot Spyder brings the possibility of Axopar ownership to a whole new market, and we were amongst the first to get onboard for a test in the UK. The raison d’etre for the 22 is to offer a compact, trailerable and

affordable package, while still delivering traditional Axopar performance and characteristics. Clearly the first of these is a given, as at just 7.2m by 2.23m, the 22 Spyder is the smallest boat built by Axopar to date. This in turn puts a tick in the second box, trailerable. At just 1,200kg ex engine, and circa 1,500kg all kitted up and ready to go, the 22 should be towable behind a decent sized saloon or compact SUV, even

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June 2021

“Axopar’s new baby, and entry-level dayboatsportster, the 22 Spyder, makes its UK debut”

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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taking into account another 300/400kg for a trailer. Affordable? Well that’s relative, but in terms of other boats of similar style, size and equipment levels, it certainly compares well, so that just leaves performance, and we’ll come to that later.

First, let’s take a look at what the boat offers. There are three different layouts available for the aft deck. The boat we were testing is called the U-Sofa and offers, as implied, a U-shaped seating area for up to six people. You can, of course, insert

a table into the central area to create a nice, usable social area, and the two helm seats can also swivel around to face aft and join in. The two side bench seats have open space storage below, while the aft bench conceals a locker in which you will also find access to the boat’s manual bilge pump and master battery panel. In the floor of this aft deck area there is a large hatch that lifts on gas struts to reveal a huge locker, which is easily capable of swallowing up all sorts of watersports kit,

A transom seat houses a useful locker. The bathing platform is the same across all versions of the 22 28

June 2021

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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as well as the table when not in use. This whole aft area between the seats can also be in-filled to create a large sunpad.

The other layouts are the standard Aft Sofa, which is the same but minus the two side benches, and the Multi Storage, which has a raised sunpad arrangement in place of all the seating. This does come with a moveable backrest and, being raised,

Practical side steps aid disembarking alongside

effectively doubles the volume of the storage in the locker below.

All three versions have the same bathing platform arrangement, with twin platforms flanking the outboard and a small walk-across deck between.

There is an under hung boarding ladder beneath the portside platform and, with a transom seat backrest that doesn’t quite go full width, access from the cockpit to the water looks to be easy, regardless of the layout you choose. Just in front of the side benches, on both sides of the cockpit, there is a convenient step built into the cockpit coaming. These steps, together with the flat area of gunwale above it, are all non-slip coated and make easy work of getting on and off the boat from alongside.

Moving up to the helm, the 22 utilises the same seats that you will find on the larger Axopar models, meaning you get supportive backrests, lifting bolsters and full sliding adjustment. The helm

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June 2021

console is well set up for your choice of screens, with a large flat, upright on which to mount them. Our test boat has just a single display, but there is plenty of space for a second alongside, if required.

As engine instrumentation is all on the screen, using this screen as a dedicated engine display and having a second screen purely for navigation or fishing purposes would make sense. Elsewhere

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

on the helm there is just a small panel of switches, a USB charging point and a pair of cupholders. If you want to flush mount a VHF, or maybe a stereo head unit, there is space alongside the throttle that looks ideal. Lower down there is a simple canvas style multi-pouch storage system for keeping your personal possessions close to hand and, being low down and set under the helm overhang, this should not only

31

The helm locker makes a toilet option possible

keep them safe but also dry in all but the worst conditions.

Side deflectors have been fitted to each side of the lower section of the helm console. I can tell you that these do a great job of keeping the wind and spray away from the legs and lower body of the two helm seat occupants. To do the same for your upper half, there is an adjustable windscreen. How you choose to set this up will depend not only upon your preferred helming stance, but also your height. It is infinitely adjustable so you should always be able to get just the right amount of protection.

Moving forward into the bow is easily achieved down either side of the helm, with equally spacious walk-through decks to port and starboard. You do need to watch any lose straps on your clothing or lifejacket, as more than once I became hung up on the windscreen adjusting knobs as I made my way past.

The whole front of the helm console lifts on gas struts to reveal a spacious void. This has a moulded step down into it and can be used either as just a large storage space or a toilet compartment.

The latter is a very useful feature on a family day boat, and one that will almost certainly get the approval of your crew.

It’s not a huge space, but once inside the door can be closed and it doesn’t feel at all claustrophobic, which is certainly helped by the window built into the door.

Even if used as a toilet compartment, this space still offers useful storage, with a canvas pouch system on the bulkhead, and provides a useful charging socket and access to the boat’s fuse board.

The storage pouches can also be easily removed to gain access to the back of the helm, if needed.

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June 2021

The Revolve XXII is one of two Jobe ‘specials’ that comes with funky colours and watersports toys

In the bow, all three versions offer an identical layout. There is an option of a forward facing seat on the toilet compartment door and, as standard, you get a double, aft facing, seat right in the bow. There is another hatch in the floor up here that allows for storage in the forward bilge, and right at the bow there is an anchor locker, again with a gas strutted hatch, which is large enough to store your warps and a few fenders along with your anchor and rode.

The 22 Spyder is also available in two special ‘collaboration’ models. Teaming up with watersports equipment specialist, Jobe, Axopar offer the Axopar X Jobe and the Revolve XXII. The X Jobe comes with neon green and turquoise colour accents on the hull and interior fabrics, while the Revolve offers a full colour hull and Revolve hull wrap graphics. Each of these special models comes complete with a Jobe ‘Experience” package that includes a variety of watersports equipment such as stand up paddleboards and towable inflatables.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Another option, although one that’s not actually available just yet, is a T Top. Although not possible to see it in the flesh, the renders that we have been shown look impressive, and I am sure it will be an option worth considering, once available.

For the time being, if you want some extra weather protection, there are options for a bimini, sprayhood and full canopy enclosure.

Underway Our 200hp V6 Mercury powered test boat is the most powerful 22 you can get, and we have to say it is a pretty impressive package. First, there is the

A T-top is coming to the options list shortly

33

PERFORMANCE As tested 80% fuel, 3 crew, Force 4

RPM

acceleration. Nail the throttle and the 22 is up on the plane in under 3 seconds.

Then it accelerates so quickly that I had to do it a second time as I missed our next measurement of 25 knots going between stopwatch and GPS. The second run revealed that 25 knots is reached in under 6 seconds. Our test day threw up some interesting conditions. There was a good westerly force 4 blowing, and the eastern Solent was displaying its usual characteristics for these conditions, ie a short sharp chop combined with occasional larger swells from big boat movements. This was good for putting the hull through its paces, but not so good for recording top speeds. As it turned out we did manage to get full throttle a couple of

600 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5400

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

2.7 4.5 6.2 9.9 10.4 16.0 23.9 29.0 32.6 37.5 38.8

2.1 3.9 6.4 15.1 16.3 18.7 23.4 31.8 38.6 48.6 65.9

0.46 0.86 1.41 3.32 3.59 4.11 5.15 7.00 8.49 10.7 14.5

5.87 5.23 4.40 2.98 2.89 3.89 4.64 4.14 3.84 3.50 2.68

Range (nm)

297 264 222 150 146 197 234 209 194 177 135

times but we feel that our top recorded speed of just under 39 knots sells this package short. I suspect there were a few more knots to be had in better conditions and with a bit more time between waves to trim the hull to perfection, so I will stick my neck out and say that this package is good for around 42 knots.

While our top speed test was hampered, the conditions did allow us to get a really good feel for the twin stepped, modified deep vee hull, with its ultra fine

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June 2021

The top spec 200hp outboard is best for heavily loaded boats, or those used for watersports

“Twin-stepped sensation.

The 22 Spyder is fast, fun and faultless on the water” entry point. I would not be exaggerating to say that the 22 offers exceptional seakeeping for its size. In our choppy test conditions, we could still cruise along without a care at speeds in the 25-30 knot range. Even at these speeds, and in the chop and swell, not once did the boat slam or even feel remotely uncomfortable. We did catch a little bit of air on one of the fast speed runs when we hit some unexpected swell at around 35 knots, but even then the landing was soft. That razor blade-like stem cuts through waves effortlessly in a head sea and, as long as you trim it out of the water in a following sea, you can avoid the bow steering effect that can sometimes be experienced with vertical stem style hull designs. The hull was predictable Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

under fast speed manoeuvring, gripping the water firmly in tight turns and running straight and true at speed. This is definitely a boat that is fun to drive and offers an engaging high-speed experience. The steering on our test boat was just a little heavier than I would have liked, but other than that there is little to dislike about it.

Helm ergonomics are excellent, with the wheel and throttle perfectly positioned regardless of which of the three helming stances you opt for. Seated, you are well protected behind the screen in its low slung, sleek, fully down position and, with limited bow rise during acceleration, visibility forward is always good. If you opt for the lifted bolster, semi-leaning position, you may need to raise the screen

35

a little to avoid the wind, otherwise you can choose to look through or over the screen, depending upon your preference. Standing at the helm with the screen down you experience the full force of the wind right in your face, which can be uncomfortable at higher speeds, but raise the screen and it perfectly deflects the wind over your head, despite still being able to see over the top of the screen or through it, whichever you prefer. One thing that I’m not so keen on is the use of touch screen displays in small fast boats. They are quite tricky to use underway in anything other than dead flat seas, so my preference would be to choose something with proper buttons.

Moving about when underway feels safe, thanks to grab rails that run the full length of the boat along both sides and the nice deep coaming. Very little spray made its way to the two helm seat occupants on our blustery test day, but rear seat passengers may experience a little, especially if they are sitting on the windward side. The V6 Mercury was surprisingly quiet all through

The U-shaped cockpit version has a cavernous lazarette locker, which also houses a slot-in table

the rev range, but especially so when settled into a comfortable 25 or so knot cruise.

Conclusion Axopar has certainly achieved what they set out to do, and the 22 really does feel like it belongs in the Axopar family. It offers all of the characteristics that you would expect from its larger siblings, and despite its diminutive size, manages to squeeze features in that they would have been forgiven for leaving out. The toilet

36

June 2021

compartment is a masterstroke, and one that is bound to make the whole family happier about staying out on the water longer than they might otherwise, and the open, deep cockpit feels safe, easy to move around in and comfortable. The 22 also does well on the boring stuff too. There is tons of storage, plenty of good seating, and lots of nice touches like the gas strutted hatch lids. It really doesn’t feel like Axopar have scrimped on the unseen bits to make their entry-level boat as cheap as possible, accepting a slightly higher price rather than compromise the Axopar brand, which has to be admired. The 200hp engine is obviously the one to choose if you regularly take large groups out, or need the extra power for your chosen watersport, but for

Its protective windscreen is fully adjustable

a couple, or a 2+2 family, the 150hp option would be perfectly adequate and a good compromise between cost and performance.

Even the 115 will offer a good top speed, of around 34 knots, but we think it may just be a bit too tame for serious adrenalin junkies.

ENQUIRIES: For your nearest dealer visit the Axopar website www.axopar.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Finnmaster S6

Nimbus T8

Saxdor 200

LOA: 6.35m Beam: 2.31m Displacement: 1,250kg (ex eng) Enquiries: Ideal Boat 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

LOA: 8.15m Beam: 2.60m Displacement: 2,510kg Enquiries: Offshore Powerboats 01590 677955 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

LOA: 5.94m Beam: 2.29m Displacement: 780kg (ex eng) Enquiries: Ideal Boat 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

Finnmaster’s 6m platform is available in four guises.

The S6 is available with an outboard of up to 150hp for a 43 knot top speed.

PRICE from £39,754

It’s a bigger boat, but that extra size does bring with it a two-berth cabin and outboard engine options up to 300hp.

PRICE from £85,377

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

There are some parallels to be drawn here, but the Saxdor is quite a different boat and offers a smaller, more affordable package.

PRICE from £25,625

37

A TRUE AXOPAR EXPERIENCE A XO PA R 2 2 S P YD E R

Tel: +44 (0) 203 667 6783 info@axoparlondongroup.com www.axoparlondongroup.com

SALES AND SERVICE OFFICES IN: L o ndon ( U K ) – Po ol e ( U K ) – S ou thampto n (U K ) – Po r t smo u th (U K ) – To rquay (U K ) Por tu ga l – G i b ral tar – Mo nac o – Mal ta – E g y pt

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Selva outboard service

YOU WILL NEED

Simon Everett runs us through the service of his Selva 9.9hp Piranha outboard motor

O

ne of the reasons that made me choose the Selva 9.9hp Piranha is the rugged simplicity of the design. It is unpretentious and practical and for that reason very easy to look after. To maintain the five-year warranty I took it to George at Bucklers Hard for the first service, and to get an insight of how I might maintain it myself once that warranty period has expired.

Bucklers Hard are one of the main Selva dealers along the south coast and well

TOOLS • 4mm and 5mm Allen keys • 8mm open ended spanner • 10mm ring spanner • 13mm open ended spanner • 17mm Deep socket – for prop nut • 18mm thin walled plug spanner (supplied in tool kit) • Needle nose pliers • Grease gun – for greasing the steering.

• Container for keeping fasteners safe. I use a magnetic tool tray CONSUMABLES • Selva service kit • 1 litre of 10W-30 four stroke oil

ooooo DIFFICULTY RATING

versed with these engines, many of which are based on Yamaha units that have been slightly reconfigured. The single cylinder Piranha is one of Selva’s own engines and with the built in electric start is a very

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

PRACTICAL

The easiest option is to buy a service kit from your Selva dealer, it will contain everything you need for the service. The oil capacity is only 500cc, so 1 litre of oil will do you an oil change and any top ups in between that may be necessary. After two services you may have enough left over for a third service. New engines often burn a little oil until they are run in, this is not a defect

compact, and lightweight, little outboard.

It also comes with a useful toolkit, which includes everything you would need to perform maintenance tasks, including a narrow walled socket for the sparkplug.

I learned some useful tips from George, who was more than happy to share his pearls of wisdom, one of which is his newfound fondness for ceramic grease over the previous industry standard lithium lubrication, especially for use on underwater gear because it is completely non-conductive and ideal for use on prop shafts and steering trunions. The prop shaft was suitably coated with the white concoction and the prop torqued back into place with the 17mm retaining nut and thrust washer. The prop sits on a rubber bush rather than a shear pin which helps to dampen gear changes and precludes the need to carry spare shear pins in the event of hitting an underwater object.

As this was the motor’s first service George went round and checked all the fasteners to ensure none had worked loose during those 25 hours of shakedown. To help with monitoring my use I have fitted a Yamaha digital hour meter that also acts as a tachometer, which is very useful when it comes to

setting the idle speed. She ticks over very happily at 1050rpm, but anything from 1000rpm – 1150rpm is perfectly acceptable for an engine that only fires once every 720-degrees of crank revolutions.

Another redeeming feature for me that helps to keep maintenance costs to the minimum is the fact there is no oil filter as such, just a fine wire strainer that requires washing every 200 hours or so. The oil used depends very much on the climate it inhabits, generally 10/30 or 10/40 semisynthetic with an API classification of SG or above will be fine, George uses Castrol Power 1 10-30, which is well above the minimum specification with an API of SL. Checking the oil level can be done either resting the dip stick, or screwing it in, interpolation between the two gives the correct reading. With the dipstick screwed in the level should be in the top half of the desired level and with it rested you should see oil in the lower half.

The spark plug is generally changed as a matter of routine, but if it is a good colour it can be put back, it is always wise to carry a spare in the tool pouch anyway.

The spark plug in a single cylinder engine running at low revs has a very easy life, as does everything else in the engine, which

40

June 2021

is why there are so many single cylinder engines working hard around the world in every conceivable situation, from powered garden tools to industrial static engines and everything in between.

Changing the water pump impeller is the most involved part of the proceedings, but even that is more fiddly than it is difficult. There are two sockethead screws that require an Allen key and one 13mm nut to undo. The gear selector needs to be removed by undoing the 8mm nut and then the 4mm socket screw to allow the entire lower unit to be pulled off.

The impeller pump housing is fastened by four 10mm nuts, then it just lifts off.

The impeller is keyed by way of a 2.5mm roll pin, so be careful not to lose it when you lift the impeller off its shaft. The service kit includes a new, rubber impeller but not a new roll pin. The impeller simply slides onto the shaft, a blob of grease is useful to hold the pin in place while the impeller is located. Refit the housing cover and then rotate the gear shaft to help

locate the impeller into the housing. There is also a plastic seal for the cooling water tower to replace, this is simply a matter of pulling the old one out of its seating and pressing the new one in. Then the lower unit can be replaced into the mid section, being careful to line up the gear shaft and water tower into their respective seatings at the top.

The final operation is to check the engine is running properly, with no leaks, in the water tank. With the engine warmed up you can now change the oil.

This is easiest by sucking the old oil out through the dipstick hole with an oil vacuum pump. I generally like to halve the interval of my oil changes on any engine I have, so whilst the manual says annually or every 50 hours after the first service, I will continue to change the oil every 25 hours. It is a philosophy that has stood me in good stead over the years and I can honestly say I have never had an engine problem, you can’t beat fresh oil for keeping things moving.

HOW TO IN 42 STEPS >

1

Remove the cowling and you’re ready to start

2

Remove the dipstick and check oil level

3

Inspect all round for signs of any leaks

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

PRACTICAL

4

Remove the propeller by undoing the prop nut 7

5

The prop should slide off.

Inspect prop shaft and seal 8

6

Brush grease on the splines (use Ceramic grease inset) 9

Remove the lower unit by undoing its retaining bolts

These are two 5mm Allen headed bolts each side....

... and the 13mm nut at the front of the leg

10

11

12

Inside the lower unit an 8mm Something to keep the nuts, The lower unit will then nut needs to be removed bolts and tools in is handy pull off

13

14

Have a vice with soft jaws Remove the retaining nuts handy to change the impeller of the water pump housing

15

There are 4x 8mm nuts holding the pump housing

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June 2021

16

17

18

Removing the water pump housing nuts

The water pump top just lifts off

The impeller lifts off, it is keyed to the shaft

19

20

21

A gentle push on the o-ring Clean the water pump lifts it out of the groove sealing ring groove

Check the water pipe seal

22

23

24

Replace the water pump housing lid

Replacing the water pipe seal

The water pipe fits into the new seal

25

26

27

Replace the gearbox and lower unit

Check all fasteners for correct torque

Check for leaks and any signs of problems

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

PRACTICAL

28

29

30

Siphon the sump oil out via the dipstick hole

Carefully refill with 0.5-litre of the 10W-30 oil

Check the dipstick for correct oil level

31

32

33

Change spark plug using thin walled spanner in kit

The new spark plug designation

Before starting, check the battery voltage

34

35

36

Start engine and check for water tell tale

Warm the engine up and set the idle speed

Once warm the idle can be set to about 1000rpm

37

38

39

Check the alternator charging output at idle

Final test after servicing

Grease all the swivel points

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June 2021

40

41

42

Finally clean up excess grease and spray protection all over

Innotech 1000 was used and recommended

Reinstall the cowling. All done

TIME TAKEN If you take your time and work methodically, a couple of hours should be plenty. This includes stopping to put the kettle on.

COST £ For a dealer service budget on £255.00 including the parts. A DIY service kit is about £90.00

It is worth investing in or making a sturdy outboard bracket stand. You will also need a suitable water testing tank Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

CUTTING Dometic

Dometic has launched a new, compact version of their useful CFX cooler range. The CFX3 25 can, like others in the range, cool down as low as -22°C so it can act as an onboard freezer as well as additional fridge space. The 25-litre cooler weighs 12.7kg and is just 57cm x 42cm x 34cm, so compact enough to fit inside a locker or cupboard. It can run on both AC or DC, consuming around 6.5A when running in 12V, and can be controlled via Bluetooth or WiFi using a CFX3 App. Price £694.00 www.dometic.com/en-gb

Dubarry

Mention Dubarry and many boaters will think of sailing boots, but all that may be about to change with Dubarry’s new range of clothing, footwear and accessories. The Aquatech collection, including jackets and mid-layers, offers features such as UPF sun protection, wind and water resistance, breathability, anti odour and quick drying abilities. The trainer style footwear are lightweight, grippy and hardwearing.

The Aquatech range is available in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes.

Price £Various www. dubarry.com

Mercury

Mercury Marine has extended its joystick piloting option down to its V6 3.4 litre range of outboards. That means that new owners of twin 175225hp Mercury installations will be able to benefit from joystick docking and manoeuvring as well as a position or heading hold function. The new system, developed in conjunction with Dometic, is available from Mercury dealers now.

Price £TBC www.barrus.co.uk

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June 2021

the latest boating gear and technology

GN Espace

Boat galley specialist, GN Espace, has a new induction hob designed just for boats. The Three Zone Built-In Induction Hob includes a 2.5kW boost function, auto simmer, a dual zone bridging function to allow pots to sit across two elements, as well as melt and keep warm options. The hob is powered from the boat’s battery via an inverter with a claimed 97% efficiency, so it is as convenient as gas, but without the perceived problems that gas brings.

Price £1295 www.gnespace.com

Typhoon

Staycations are going to be popular again this year, unfortunately you also can’t escape the fact that our seas are not as warm as those in our usual holiday destinations.

Typhoon has put these two facts together and launched a timely range of family wetsuits that look perfect for messing around in and on UK waters.

The Storm3 range delivers 3mm neoprene on the body, with 2mm at the extremities for better articulation and movement. They come with mesh panels to reduce wind chill and extra protection for knees. There are long and shorty versions, in men’s, woman’s and children’s sizes.

Price from £41.95 www.typhoon-int.co.uk

Canal Guide

Even if you are a committed coastal boater, there may still a little part of you that finds the inland waterways and canals of Britain fascinating. We are certainly drawn to the unique architecture, such as aqueducts and long dark tunnels, that can only be found on the canal network. If you are planning a canal cruise, or even if you just want to read about them, the Canal Guide is worth a look. Taking in 55 of the best canals, the book takes in the infrastructure, history, wildlife and, most importantly, the pubs to be found on each. Price £18.99 www.bloomsbury.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Bayliner E21 / T21

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June 2021

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 6.81m / 22ft 4in Beam: 2.36m / 7ft 9in Displacement: 1,200kg inc standard engine Fuel capacity: 167 litres Engine as tested: E21 1 x 150hp Mercury, T21 1 x 115hp Mercury Other engine options: Single outboard up to 150hp RCD category: C10 Price E21 from £34,230 Price T21 from £32,880

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Bayliner E21

Bayliner T21

W

e have tested a few models from Bayliner’s entry-level Element range, but have, until now, never taken a look at the largest of them. The 7m Element comes in two guises. The first is the basic deck boat design, called the E21, while the second is the centre console T top style, called the T21. Both of these boats have been through a couple of guises on the route to where they are now and were known, on launch and still sometimes now, as the E7 and CC7.

“Same hull, two ways.

Could Bayliner’s Element flagships be perfect for boating beginnings?”

to use features that make it perfect for larger families or groups that just want to get on the water with minimal cost and minimal hassle. The E21 does have a few more ‘grown up’ features than its smaller siblings, notably the option of a proper wraparound windscreen with walkE7/E21 through bow access, as found on more The E7 is basically a stretched version of the previously tested Element and Element expensive bow riders. There also appears to be more use of chunky stainless steel XL, now known as the E16 and E18. It offers a very similar formula of open deck, fittings and metalwork that, together with its extra length and girth, help to give the plenty of seating, easy to maintain, easy 50

June 2021

E21 a ‘bigger boat’ feel. The aft section, behind the helm and co-pilot seat, offers a large U-shaped seating and socialising area. Here you will find plenty of grabrails, some cup-holders and a small table that can be installed centrally. If you don’t go boating with an almost full football team, this whole aft deck can be converted into a large sunpad that is perfect for a couple or family. As you would expect, all this aft seating hides voluminous lockers, so there is no shortage of storage for whatever kit your favoured waterborne activity requires. Talking of which, the standard boat comes with port and starboard bathing platforms either side of the engine and the optional watersports tower, but for best access to the water you would probably want to add the additional lower bathing platform sections on either side,

the starboard one of which comes with a flush mounted bathing ladder.

The helm and co pilot seats are, like the smaller models, fixed position affairs with lift off cushions and storage below.

They may not be the last word in comfort, particularly if your stature is way outside of averages, but on a boat like this they are more than adequate and, of course, help to keep the cost down on this entry level

Large seating area or private sunpad? You decide

The E21 offers good social space. The optional windscreen provides a sportsboat driving experience

boat. The helm is simple, with just a small switch panel for the boat’s few electrical circuits and a dashboard that, on our boat, was fully occupied by the Mercury display and active trim controls. If you wanted some kind of multi-function display here, and I could imagine you might, you may just about be able to squeeze something small in with a little bit of thought and

Storage for an icebox in the E21 co-pilot console

builder cooperation, but you are going to be limited with regards to its size.

On the opposite side, your crew get a similar setup with the seat, plus a small ‘glovebox’ a couple of cup holders and a decent sized locker, large enough to store a big cooler, in the console in front of them.

A nice touch on our test boat was that the table had an alternative floor fitting up here between the two stations.

Up in the bow there is typical bow rider seating with three cushions concealing three further lockers below. Again, there are plenty of grabrails and cupholders up here and, again, this area can be infilled to create a second sunpad.

CC7/T21 The T21 is obviously built on the same hull as the E21, but in terms of how Bayliner has used the internal volume, things couldn’t be more different. Starting

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June 2021

T21 features a central helm position and lots of deck space, fore and aft, for fishing or watersports

in the aft cockpit, gone is the large U shaped seating. This is clearly not a boat with family lounging and group gatherings at its heart. This boat has a purpose, and that purpose appears to be fishing, although we think there is quite a bit more versatility to the T21 than just as an angling platform. The transom houses two forward facing seats with flip up backrests.

When the backrests are laid down, these two seats combine with the surrounding mouldings to create a large, flush, nonslip deck area. This is perfect for fishing, but would also make a great general watersports staging deck. In between the two seats there is a large baitwell/fish locker, but could equally be an ice chest for your favoured refreshment. Our test boat had an additional cushion on the lid of this, together with a removable backrest that incorporated a couple of fishing rod

holders, to create a third forward facing seat. The optional bathing platforms, as per the E21, are also available on the T21.

Moving forward, the helm seat comprises a double leaning post with a dedicated space below to store an Igloo style cool box. The helm console, centrally placed in the boat, allows easy access fore and aft down both sides. It is a reasonably compact unit, but still offers some useful space to mount a few optional extras that you may require. Our boat had a large, round speed dial that, to our mind, took up too much of that precious helm real estate. Without it, there would certainly be room to flush mount a small multifunction display in its place. A small windscreen offers protection to the central helm position and a grab rail around it offers safety to those moving past.

When it comes to options, we tend not

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June 2021

to try and sway readers either way, rather we tell you what’s on offer, and the benefits it brings, and let you make up your own mind on a cost/benefit basis. However, when it comes to the T21 we are going to say that we think buying one without the £1,500 T-Top would be a mistake. It is not only practical, offering protection from the sun and, to a lesser extent, the rain, as well as delivering lots more chunky hand holds and the possibility of some extra rod holders, it just makes the boat in terms of its looks. You only have to glance at Bayliner’s website to realise how integral the T Top is to the boat. That’s right, there

is not one single image of a T21 without it.

The centre console houses a large locker, accessible from the helm, and in the sides there are also a couple of small cubby holes with useful charging points for any electronics. Just make sure they are waterproof electronics. A forward facing seat on the front of the helm console offers a nice riding position on flat dry days, and this seat lifts to offer an alternative route into the storage within the console.

In its basic form, the bow delivers a large flat, non-slip deck area from which to fish. Bow rails provide a certain amount of security, although they are not

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June 2021

E21with 150hp

PERFORMANCE

T21with 115hp

PERFORMANCE

Fuel figures are taken from generic data and may not

Fuel figures are taken from generic data and may not

accurately represent fuel consumption in this combination

accurately represent fuel consumption in this combination

RPM

Cruise (4000)

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG Range (nm)

23.0

27.2

5.98

3.85

WOT (5800)

35.0

53.6

11.8

2.97

particularly high, so some care is needed up here. There are four access hatches within this raised bow deck, three of them offering access to large lockers, while the fourth hides an anchor locker, within which you can opt for an electric windlass.

For those less fishy, this whole area can be covered in cushions to create one big sunpad/lounging deck.

Underway Our two test boats were fitted with two different engines, so we had the opportunity to try both the standard, entry-level 115hp option, as well as the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

141 109

RPM

Cruise (4000)

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG Range (nm)

20.0

22.5

4.95

4.04

WOT (6000)

30.0

40.1

8.82

3.40

148 124

“Despite being the same hull, they delivered quite different driving experiences” largest, 150hp choice. The no-nonsense Element range are not equipped as standard with such features as fuel flow information, so we were unable to take actual readings on the day. We can, however, use our experience of these engines to give some ball park figures for the kind of fuel usage these two options will deliver. Considering the boats are built on the same hull, they delivered quite

57

different driving experiences. How much of this was down to the different engine options, and how much was perhaps due to weight distribution, we don’t know.

Starting with the E21, there was some evidence, although nowhere near as much as we experienced on the smaller models, of torque steer. When you give it a fist full of throttle, you need to hold that wheel tight if you want to take off in a straight line. Acceleration was good and, with the 150hp engine, its top speed was a very acceptable 35 knots. We found the E21 settled into a nice comfortable cruise at around 4000 rpm, and 23 knots, returning an economical 3.85nm per gallon. The hull responded well to trim and turned sharply with little loss of grip and no evidence of prop ventilation. The optional windscreen is a real boon, delivering good protection to the helm and co-pilot and changing the driving experience, compared to the windscreen-less E16 and E18 we have tested. In short, it felt like a proper little sports boat and delivered a drive that will not disappoint.

Sportscar elements. There is a lockable glovebox ahead of the E21 co-pilot for bits and bobs

The T21, with its standard 115 horsepower, felt like a different boat.

Contrary to the E21, there was no bow lift at all during acceleration, and no amount of trim seemed to change its aspect. There may have been a slight issue with rigging, or it could be the extra weight of the 150 that delivered the bow lift. Either way, it did make the T21 a slightly wetter ride in exactly the same conditions. Having said that, it was a very easy boat to drive.

It felt planted and stable, but coming from the 150hp version it seemed to lack the same level of excitement. It’s not that

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June 2021

115hp is too little, it’s more that once you have tried more, its hard to go back. The 30 knot top speed and 20 knot cruise are both sufficient, but if I was in the market for one, I think I would find the extra £4k, by any means possible, to put a 150 on the transom.

Conclusion Here at MBO, we have always had a bit of a soft spot for the Element CC range.

We were particularly impressed by the CC5 and CC6 when we tested them a few years back. I am not sure what it is, but it may have much to do with how they give you that ‘Boston Whaler’ experience at a fraction of the money. And don’t be fooled by the price. They may not quite be up to Boston Whaler standards, but they punch well above their weight when it comes to dealing with less than perfect conditions. The T21 just didn’t feel quite as good to drive as we remember the CC5 and the CC6, and not as good as the E21 on our test day either. This makes me believe it was all about that smaller

Fishing features. There’s no denying the T21’s versatility as a fisher-cum-day boat

engine, combined with the possibility of a slight rigging issue on our test boat. I would love to have another go on a T21 with 150hp on the transom. If it feels like a combination of the E21 we tested, and the CC6 previously tested, it would definitely be my ‘goto’ Element. The E21 is a different kettle of fish. It’s a great boat, it drives brilliantly and it delivers a fantastically versatile family platform. In the fiercely competitive compact day-boat market, the Bayliner Element series stands out due to its price. Within the range the E21 stands out due to sheer competence. MBO

ENQUIRIES: Bates Wharf 01932 571 141 www.bateswharf.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Scrabster Kinlochbervie

Wick

Loch Eriboll

Lochinver

Peterhead Mallaig

SCOTLAND

Round Britain Tobermory

Oban

Port Edgar

Port Ellen

Sunderland Marina

NORTHERN IRELAND Bangor

IRELAND

Grimsby

2000nm in a Rhea 850

Dublin

WALES

Kilmore Quay

ENGLAND

PART TWO

Lowestoft

Milford Haven

Ramsgate Gosport Yarmouth

Padstow Fowey

Sovereign Harbour

Dartmouth

Falmouth Helford River

In 2019 friends, Philip and Nigel set course around Great Britain to raise money for charities close to their hearts, also writing a book to accompany their adventures. In part two, Philip recounts their journey up the east coast, Ramsgate to Lowestoft and onto Grimsby on the Humber 60

June 2021

“Circumnavigating Great Britain in my lovely little Rhea was challenging, even frightening on a couple of occasions. We just hope reading about a couple of old idiots rounding ‘Blighty’ will inspire others to give it a go, but also donate a few quid”

THE BOOK: Small Boat Around Britain Documenting Phil and Nigel’s 2000-nauticalmile adventure around the UK, with at least £5 from each book sale donated to their causes.

Price £25.00 www.boataroundbritain.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Ramsgate May 20th

“Leaving Ramsgate turned out to be a very unpleasant experience with the short and very steep waves on the nose. That day I realised how different motor boating is from sailing. With Phil’s masterly helming we managed to turn around and return to a very welcoming Ramsgate. A trip to one of its numerous and pleasant waterside pubs was a much preferred alternative to my entering the North Sea for the first time, by boat!” Nigel

Our first two legs had seen us hugging the south coast and rounding Beachy Head to Eastbourne, then on to Grimsby Ramsgate. Now we were contemplating our first offshore passage, across the outer Thames estuary, to Lowestoft, the most easterly Lowestoft point on the British mainland. For this we would be passing several wind farms and some significant sandbanks.

We pondered our next move and pored over the latest weather forecasts whilst sat in the mighty Victorian Royal Harbour at Ramsgate. It was predicted to be Force 3 gusting 4, rising to Force 5 later. But, we had worked out that we should arrive in Lowestoft before the 5 Ramsgate kicked in. However, this did mean that we are going to encounter a stretch of wind against the tide in the first hour or so. We agreed that this would probably be the ‘moderate’ bit of the predicted ‘slight to moderate’.

First things first, we needed to refuel before our departure. While treading water, awaiting our turn on the Sovereign Harbour fuel barge, there was a very noticeable change in the wind.

Even in the harbour, it felt a bit stronger than the forecast Force 3 to 4. With fuelling completed, we asked permission to

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June 2021

Solent chop on steroids. Tackling the Thames Estuary the first time they encountered nasty conditions

leave the harbour, which was granted.

There were swells in the outer harbour and, beyond the harbour walls, we could see significant white horses. It was well beyond what one would expect with a Force 3 to 4, even against the tide. We discussed the possibility of it smoothing out a bit further along the passage and decided to carry on up the track (on the plotter that was still 90° out). I kept the helm on manual to try and dodge some of the larger waves.

We trudged on, by now at displacement

speed, and were beyond the famous North Foreland Lighthouse. But, it was becoming obvious that we are not going to spend seven hours with this sort of sea state to contend with. We agreed that it was a straightforward Force 5 gusting 6 with steep short waves, like a Solent chop on steroids, and decided to turn around and go back to Ramsgate. But while this is easy enough to type, it is not as easy to execute.

Nigel (a lifelong rags-and-sticks merchant) thought it would be a good idea to reduce the boats speed to 5-knots or

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

63

so, from our 10-knot displacement speed.

There followed a discussion about the size of rudders and the necessity for power and speed, to enable steerage on a motorboat (which has very small rudders) versus a sailing boat, which usually has a very long rudder, affording maneuverability at very slow speeds. I’d had the boat a year but 30 years of motorboating experience in all sizes of boats. The Rhea 850 has excellent sea keeping capabilities, but we still have to execute a 180° turn without broaching.

The moment arrived, and she went round in steady order, well done Start Me Up. After an uncomfortable, lumpy following sea back to Ramsgate, I maneuvered the boat back alongside the pontoon finger. Right, where were those cold beers? The false start resulted in a fun day in Ramsgate, which is actually a very attractive harbour, and you get the sense that the place is on the up.

“What a difference a day can make!

The weather was much better and we made good headway through miles of wind farms. About an hour before arriving at Lowestoft the wind and tide kicked up an uncomfortable swell and we were pleased to arrive at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club marina. That night we enjoyed a very pleasant evening at a picturesque, beachside pub.” Nigel

Ramsgate to Lowestoft May 21st

There was nobody able to help us with our chartplotter software and autopilot compass problem. Then I remembered that, when I had my first boat, a Princess 45 in 1989, we put our freestanding 12-volt television on the bed in the guest cabin, where it would be safe, in expectation of an uncomfortable sea state. As we got underway, I engaged the

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June 2021

autopilot, the boat immediately veered off course and decided to head up the beach.

I instantly turned it off and took control of the helm and headed back to Brighton where we used to keep that boat. We got the electronics people in and it transpired that we had plonked the TV directly above the autopilot compass, fixed under the guest bed, causing it to veer. Was this our problem? We searched unsuccessfully for the autopilot compass. I phoned the people who sold me the boat to see if they could help, they would get back to me.

The forecast was better and, from the very high inner harbour wall, a completely different (smooth to slight) sea state was evident. We left our berth immediately.

Outside the harbour, I advanced the revs There was a warm welcome waiting at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club

Problematic plotter. Frustratingly, Start Me Up’s chartplotter was still not tracking north up

to 3500 and we cruised very comfortably at 20 knots.

We eventually lost sight of land and I became irritated by the plotter. The boat was shown going sideways where it thought north was east. Even though the autopilot held the course the plotter would decide to create a destination ‘mark’ and the ‘stop panning’ button would appear.

I learnt subsequently that this is called ‘ghost panning’ and is probably a result of the operating software needing updating

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

65

Grimsby calling. Start Me Up departs Lowestoft’s outer harbour and passes its historic waterfront

to facilitate the huge number of chart files and operational capabilities that needed managing. We did have accurate GPS latitude/longitude and were able to note our position on the paper charts, thus maintaining a safe course avoiding the very shallow water and around the numerous and vast wind farms.

We had about an hours run time to Lowestoft when the weather suddenly picked up, then picked up a bit more. This resulted in us reducing to displacement speed for the final 10 miles or so. A long hour passed by before, at last, we had reached Lowestoft. I called up on VHF channel 14 for permission to enter the harbour, which was granted, and then on VHF 80 for a berth at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club (RN&SYC).

The RN&SYC marina manager was there to greet us and we were glad to have arrived. We hosed down the boat and tidied up all of the paperwork. Perplexed about the plotter, I contacted our Rhea dealer again who put me in touch with my electronics manufacturer, Garmin. They were helpful in so far as they confirmed that the software needs updating and said that the problem couldn’t be fixed against the pontoon. They recommended two dealers in Lowestoft, who by now were closed, so I would ring them first thing.

Before setting off on the trip my ‘personal plumber’ (my urologist) had noted we were visiting Lowestoft where his son Geoff lived, saying that he would love to see the boat and introduce us to his favourite Chinese restaurant. We phoned

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June 2021

Geoff who lived very nearby and he came to look over the boat and have a beer with us. It turned out that the Chinese restaurant was closed on Tuesdays, which was no problem in the end as we went to The Jolly Sailors instead and had an epic meal.

Lowestoft to Grimsby 22nd May

I was given a couple of contact numbers for fixers of boat navigation systems, one of them also featured in the RN&SYC leaflet, KM Electronics Ltd. It was 8.30am, and I wondered if they would be open? I rang the number, the phone was answered, by a human being called Kevin Smith, which I assumed was the K bit of KM? I told him my problem, he said, he would download the latest operating software for my Garmin and then come down to the marina, install it and then set up the autopilot again, warning me that it could take a while.

At 9.30 am we could see a man with a bag heading towards the visitor’s pontoon at RN&SYC, and it was him. He came onboard and we waited for the software upgrade to load up (30 minutes). He asked where the compass was to make sure there was no other possible interference with the autopilot. I called the boat dealer, who

“Whilst waiting for the electronic navigation expert to download new software onto the Plotter, my Xiaomi electric scooter was used for the first time to make a half mile trip to the Asda Superstore for essential supplies. A carton of French beers, a couple of bottles of vino and a pint of milk were easily transported back to the boat, in a carrier bag clipped onto the shopping hook I had installed on the scooter.” Nigel

Spurn Lighthouse marking Spurn Head spit and the entrance to the Humber

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67

Phil and Nigel arrive at Grimsby with its colossal Victorian Dock Tower and big trawler fishing fleet

suggested a couple of possible places, but we couldn’t find it. Carrying on anyway, we went out of the harbour to carry out other routines for the (hidden) compass to find north, which it successfully did.

We headed back to the visitor’s berth. I was intensely grateful, how much? £48 inc VAT said Kevin. I wanted to kiss him.

What a fantastic service and amazing value for money.

And so we went on our way around the Norfolk coast, across the Outer Wash, past

Humber Cruising Association marina, Grimsby

more wind farms, until Spurn Head came into view and we picked up a target buoy to head up into the Humber Estuary.

The Humber Cruising Association Marina is south-west of the fish dock through a very old lock that opens three hours either side of high water (HW) and has a free flow two hours either side. We were three hours before and were told that we were on a list for entry, but commercial traffic had priority. We could only see one fishing boat so thought we’d follow it up to the lock to see if they would let us in any way. They didn’t, so we waited patiently outside. Then after 10 minutes or so the lock manager invited us into the lock, informing us that it was one boat at a time and no need to tie up, saying there wasn’t going to be a big surge of water and we should be able to control the boat. EEK, I thought. I was told to move forward a bit

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June 2021

“In my opinion, Grimsby is aptly named.

However, the washing facilities provided by the Humber Cruising Association Club marina were very good. The place was a bit like a ghost town. It seemed very strange that nearly everything was shut by 8.30pm.”

Nigel

in the lock so the back gates could be shut, glancing up at the sign ‘Maximum boat length 9 metres’, I did. I held Start Me Up in position and then almost immediately the lock gate opened into the fish dock.

We were told to find ourselves an appropriate berth on the visitor’s pontoon, which we did.

We hosed the boat down and went to look for somebody to report our arrival to. We found a couple who said that the staff had gone home. Entering the open and empty sailing club we found the bar, albeit closed, but Nigel was able to play the piano without annoying anybody.

The same very lovely couple were able to open the bar and get us a drink. They

Humber Cruising Association clubhouse

provided us with a gate card (for a £10 deposit), but were unable to recommend any restaurants in Grimsby, advising us to go to Cleethorpes, which was a £8 taxi ride away. A taxi ride later, we found a nice Thai restaurant which was still open and had a delicious Massaman curry. Job done. Grimsby and Cleethorpes are really one town, a bit like Brighton and Hove, you really can’t see the join. Cleethorpes has a lovely seafront and was indeed the very genteel end of Grimsby. Cleethorpes was very much like Hove to the brassy Brighton. Back at the marina it was time to plan our next passage to Sunderland.

PART THREE NEXT MONTH

Phil and Nigel head along the Yorkshire coast from Grimsby to Wick, stopping at various ports between

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

69

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Watering up

Q My boat, a Fairline

Mirage 29, was launched for the summer last week and I went to Grafton Lock to fill my water tank. It seems that the Environment Agency has instigated a new policy regarding the supply of water on the River Thames.

The new device fitted to the water outlet restricted the flow of water to the extent that it took me about 45 minutes to top-up my 60-gallon tank, and a lot of water was wasted as much of it was discharged from the new device onto the ground. This is an unacceptable situation and I would like to try to improve things before the season gets busy and tempers are frayed by the inevitable long delays at water points. The onsite EA personnel say they will pass on my complaint about this, but say that nothing is likely to change. Do you know if the Canal and River Trust have instigated a similar policy and if so, if and how they have overcome the problem of such a dramatic reduction of water delivery capacity?

A We have seen no announcements or news items from C&RT regarding

this, but I would not be at all surprised to find they follow suit at some point.

The idea is a sound one, to reduce the chance of contamination, which is a regulation, and also to carry out best practice as defined by various interested parties. The device is designed to spill any water trying to feed back up the pipe, so you need to reduce back pressure as much as possible. The advice is to: use as short a hose as possible (under 7 metre recommended), avoid expandable hoses and ensure you have no fitting on the hose other that the one used to connect to the standpipe. I would also suggest that if spillage is significant, you may be better slowing the flow, as well as making sure that your hose is in good condition without any folds, creases or kinks. I suspect there will be some teething troubles, such as you experienced, but complaints such as yours should feed back up the line and, if they receive enough, they may look at how the problem can be solved while sticking to the regulations.

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June 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

AD31 oil leak

Q I have a Fairline

MBO Library shot

Targa 27 with a pair of Volvo Penta AD31 engines and seem to have quite a lot of engine oil leaking at the back of both engines. It is difficult to see where it is coming from, but the port side of both engines seems to be more oily than the starboard side. Is there a common leak source I should be looking at?

A My initial thoughts are that what you are

seeing is coming from the after-cooler, which is on the aft port corner of the engine. This has a small hole in the bottom of the casing and any oil that finds it way into here will be blown out of this hole under pressure, making the source quite difficult to trace. If this does turn out to be the source of your oil leak, it is likely that the shaft seals on your turbos are faulty and allowing oil to bypass them.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Dormant outboard maintenance

Q For various reasons I will not be using my boat

this year at all. It has an outboard and I’m wondering about what I should do to mothball the engine for an indefinite period.

A I have a selection of outboards that get varying

amounts of usage, but some of them have been idle for a number of years. Just the other day I took one out of storage after four years and it fired up after a couple of pulls. This is what I did back in 2017 when I last ran it. The only caveat would be that if it is a fourstroke, I might warm it up and change the sump oil and oil filter first, so that it has fresh oil protecting all the internals while it is stored. Here’s what I did: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ran the engine, turned the fuel off and let it run out of fuel.

Drained the carburettor bowl Drained the internal fuel tank (or external if that’s what you have) Removed the spark plugs and sprayed some fogging oil into the cylinders Turned the motor over with the spark plugs out to spread the oil around the cylinder 6. Replaced the spark plugs 7. Sprayed the entire engine and electrics with some anti corrosion spray

When it came time to re-commission, I just put some fresh fuel in it and fired it straight up, but you could consider giving it a mini service by changing the gear oil, changing the sump oil if it is a four stroke and you didn’t do it when putting it away, and replacing the spark plugs, before attempting to start it. If you really want to be fastidious, I would also suggest thinking about the impeller. You could remove it before storage, or replace it upon re-commissioning, as long term storage does cause distortion. Having said that, I don’t usually bother and so far, touch wood, have suffered no problems.

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June 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Fuel economy with trim tabs

Q Does using the trim

tabs increase my fuel consumption? To get my boat up on the plane I keep the drive trimmed in a neutral position and add a bit of bow down trim tab. This works well, but if I set the boat up to cruise at 18 knots and then lift the trim tabs, the bow starts to rise and my speed drops. Push the tabs down again and the speed picks up. My thinking is that the tabs are creating drag and therefore must be responsible for extra fuel usage, but the increased speed for the same revs says differently.

A It sounds to me that at your chosen cruising speed, the tabs are actually

helping and improving your fuel consumption by allowing the boat to run at its most efficient attitude. Yes they will add a bit of drag, but in this case I suspect the drag is far less than that of the hull when it is running at a less than perfect angle.

You mention a neutral position for your sterndrive, and by this I suspect you mean its zero setting. I would try trimming it down and see if it can compensate for the lack of tabs as you bring them back up. Start with tabs and leg down to get the boat on the plane, then wind the tabs off and leave the leg trimmed fully down. Then try lifting the leg a little at a time and see how this affects your boat’s speed and attitude. Some boats run better with the leg trimmed slightly in, while others seem to prefer it trimmed out. Weight distribution on the boat can make all the difference, and a bit less weight aft, together with some extra weight in the boat, may mean your boat might run perfectly trimmed without any tab or drive down trim. You could also try running a bit faster, 18 knots on some boats is not quite fast enough for the hull to run flat without trim, and maybe 20 knots would be better. It’s going to take a bit of trial and error, but usually you shouldn’t need to use your trim tabs to get the bow down once running, leaving them available for lateral trim, if needed.

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Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

I

think it’s fair to say that I got a bit distracted this month. I had every intention of continuing with Leonora’s electrical system and hoped to have a decent number of circuits online and live by now. The trouble is, during those evenings in front of the TV, I sit researching parts that I may need in the coming months, and getting them on order ready for the time when they will be needed. Towards the end of last month, and early this month, the parts in question related to the boat’s fuel system. Although the engine is up and running, so far it

has only been run from a remote fuel tank. The boat’s original, circa 141-litre tank, has been sitting in the cabin having been removed from its floor recess many months ago.

This tank has a clever gauge built into it that is viewed through a glass filled port inside the cabin at floor level. This is a simple, almost failsafe way to keep an eye on fuel levels, but is not the most convenient, especially when underway.

It was this kind of musing that led me off down the path of searching for sender units and fuel gauges so that I would be

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June 2021

Some additional kit to help bring Leonora up to 21st century standards. A fuel sender and gauge

able to see the state of fuel from the helm.

As the various bits came in, all thoughts of electrical installations were forgotten and I moved forward with the fuel system.

To start with I carried out a simple pressure test on the aluminium fuel tank.

It appeared to be serviceable and in pretty good condition, but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing any tiny pin holes.

The last thing you want on a petrol boat is fuel sloshing around in the bilges. There were just three openings in the tank, the filler, breather and fuel take-off, so with

the larger two blocked off, successful after trying a variety of household objects, I connected a pressure tester to the take-off pipe. There seems to be many schools of thought regarding how much pressure to use when testing a metal fuel tank, with most ranging from 2 to 6 PSI. I opted for the lower end and tried pumping the tank up with my manual pressure tester. It soon became apparent that it simply wouldn’t deliver the quantity of air needed to pressure such a large vessel, so I resorted to a high-speed dinghy pump. This

The original fuel gauge was tank mounted, and only viewable at floor level from within the cabin Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

75

seemed to quickly get up to around 1.5psi but couldn’t achieve any more. Initially the pressure started dropping and, after careful use of my ear, followed by some leak detection fluid, I managed to find that the gasket around the sight gauge was leaking. After duly tightening the bolts, the leak stopped and the tank was pumped back up to 1.5psi and the pressure remained. I then let it sit for 24 hours, just to be sure, but once confirmed that there appeared to be no leaks I concluded that the tank’s integrity is good and declared it usable.

It was clear from moving the tank around that there was some detritus inside. It is bone dry, having sat for in excess of 10 years, but what was left sounded like small, loose particles that I did not want in my fuel system. As I was about to add to this by drilling holes in it, I decided I would tackle this later.

When choosing a sender and/or fuel gauge it is important to understand the many different types, using different resistance settings, and the requirement to match them. Most commonly in boats

A pod to house the fuel gauge has been sourced

you will find US resistance and European resistance. A US resistance sender will read 240 Ohms when empty and 30 Ohms when full. A European sender reads 0 Ohms when empty and 190 Ohms when full. A mismatched sender and gauge will not only give you an incorrect reading, if any at all, but the gauge will go up as the tank empties! I decided to go with the Euro system, because they seemed more widely available and cheaper, so ordered a Euro resistance gauge and separate Euro resistance sender.

This is the process I followed to test the tank, add a fuel gauge sender and add a gauge at the helm. MBO

HOW TO IN 27 STEPS >

1

With the tank out of the boat, two out of three of its ports were sealed up

2

The pressurising rig was constructed using various fittings and a dinghy pump to pump air into the tank

3

The tank was pumped up to around 1.5psi, but initially did not hold pressure

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June 2021

4

Using leak detection spray, it was determined that the sight gauge gasket was leaking

7

5

All that was needed was to tighten up the screws and the leak stopped, allowing an overnight pressure test

8

6

To determine the correct sender unit you need to measure the internal depth of the tank and then deduct 25-50mm 9

For our 250mm deep tank I bought a 225mm long sender that offers a resolution of 8 readings

When fitting, it is important to know, and avoid any internal baffles.

Tapping the tank and listening to the sound soon finds them

I needed to ensure that I could make a secure fitting into the 3mm metal of the tank by using a scrap piece of 3mm aluminium

10

11

12

Once confirmed, I went ahead and started drilling the tank. I used a 25mm hole cutter with a vacuum to pick up the swarf

I stopped just short of cutting right through, as I didn’t want to lose the disk into the tank

I then had to enlarge the hole to the required 39mm using a step saw, again trying to suck up as much swarf as I went

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13

14

15

Using the sender as a template, I centre punched where the fixing holes were required

These were then drilled out with a 4mm drill bit.

4.2mm is the correct size for 5mm taps but this was the closest I had

Using some cutting oil, I then carefully tapped each hole with a 5mm thread to take the M5 fixing bolts

16

17

18

To help ensure that the gasket would create a good seal, I cleaned up the aluminium around the hole with abrasive paper

I then used a vacuum cleaner with a suitable attachment to suck out any metal swarf plus any other detritus from the tank

A final check inside the tank using both a torch and a small camera ensured that it was clean and free of debris

19

20

21

Before fitting, I checked that everything was working by temporarily wiring the sender to the gauge

I checked full functionality of the sender and gauge by mimicking the full range of sender movement

The sender was then inserted with its gasket and the bolts tightened evenly and securely

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June 2021

22

23

24

Without spare space at the helm, the gauge was fitted into a pod that will be mounted above the dashboard

The spare two holes in this pod have already been earmarked for some additional instruments over the coming weeks

At the boat, I just had to run the wiring between sender and gauge and add some power to the gauge

25

26

27

The power was taken from a spare terminal on the back of the ignition switch so, car like, the fuel gauge only reads with the ignition on

This part of the job is finished, but the tank remains empty until such time as I make the final connections

There is still the filler hose, breather hose and engine take-off to connect, but for now the temporary fuel tank will remain, as it’s easier to empty between tests

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Sender unit £19.00 Fuel gauge £8.93 Gauge mounting pod £16.99 Consumables £3.56

Balance from last month

Meanwhile Claire has been making the interior infill cushions and sourcing fabric for the cockpit

£2,449.30

Total to date: £2,497.78

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Hooked T

Simon Everett goes fishing for Trout

rout are traditionally associated with fly fishing in rivers, but inland boaters can also enjoy the sporting qualities of this aristocratic fish.

The magnificent brown trout is one of our most beautiful indigenous fish and it is not just an inhabitant of the rivers and streams across the countryside.

Lakes and lochs are well populated with this magnificent fish, and catching them from a boat is the most successful way of accessing them. Large waters hold some trout that would make peoples’ jaws drop.

Loch Awe has a well deserved reputation for large trout, with many over 15lbs being caught, and it holds the British record with a trout of 31lbs 12ozs. These monster trout are very predatory and can only grow that big on a high protein diet satisfied by eating other fish. Brown trout are carnivorous, minnows and sticklebacks in addition to insects and even frogs and mice are known elements of their diet.

TACKLE: LURES AND SPINNERS

Simon’s tackle box of small lures and spinners

All of the large bodies of water in the UK hold populations of these trout, most of the lakes are accessible to small boats. Registration is required on some, others are free to fish and free to launch, unless from a private foreshore. Spring and early summer is the first prime time to catch these big, hungry trout, and again in the autumn. During the heat of midsummer they tend to go into the deeper water, where the temperature is stable and the depth protects them from the glare of the sun. In the spring, the fish are found in the shallower water around the margins, although the really big fish still prefer to stay a little deeper, around the 20-foot contour. This makes them more difficult to target by fly fishing and lure fishing accounts for the vast majority of larger trout.

Tackle needs to be balanced and robust, but not overly heavy, a light spinning rod capable of casting 5g-30g is ideal for the majority of this fishing and will do double duty for perch and pike too, provided it is from a good maker and has a bit of backbone. These rods tend to have quite a fast, tippy action with plenty of power to subdue the odd big fish further down the blank. For ease of casting a spinning reel is the most popular, but light multipliers are finding favour with specialists, the engineering finesse of these reels is incredible, casting lures as light as 3g. I am happy to use

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June 2021

Simon fishing from his inflatable and what a glorious setting. The reward, Lakeland Gold

monofilament and fill the reel with a thin 8lb line. There is a constant argument as to which is better, braid or monofilament, for lures that do not spin at all then braid works well, but using any kind of spinner soon has fine braid in a tangle of loops, hence my preference for monofilament. I am lucky in that I have two spools and can change from one to the other in a couple of minutes. If you do use braid, include at least a yard of fluorocarbon on the end as braid is not very abrasion resistant and even trout teeth can fray it.

How determined you are to catch a big trout, as opposed to just catching a trout, will dictate the size of lures you use.

For normal sized trout, small spinners and lures up to about 9cm are used, the specialist big fish chasers will use a lure a foot long and run it in the very deep water along the edge of the drop off or the course of an old river bed, often using a downrigger weight to keep it 60 feet down. These specialist tactics will pick up the bigger fish, but it requires a steely

determination and many blanks before contacting the target. Smaller lures tend to not run as deep and are better for searching the shallower water for the smaller fish. Even these smaller fish are not exactly numerous, and a day where you catch more than one is a day to be remembered. Favoured lures are the Abu Toby in the smaller sizes, between 4g and 12g, the zebra pattern, which is black and gold stripes, is an excellent all rounder for freshwater, as is the plain silver. Other

Fishing by tube. Simon and his Selva-powered SIB ready for the off at sunrise at Ullswater

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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The Sutherland Special clearly visible in the mouth of Simon’s trout. 22 inches of wild brown trout

similar, small patterns will work too, as will small rubber lures in that size range.

Trolling can work, and it covers a greater area of water, but when a likely looking area is found it is worth stopping quietly and drifting the area and casting so as to minimise disturbance. Noise aboard the boat, such as talking, a radio playing music and bumping about will kill the fishing dead. These are wild fish, used to dodging danger, and they will dive for cover at any sudden noise. Stealth will be rewarded. A drogue is a useful tool, a bucket on a warp will do the same job, to slow the rate of drift down and allow you to get more casts in before the boat drifts off the spot. Whenever water enters the lake is always an area worth fishing, the stream brings nutrients that attracts invertebrates and small fish to feed on them, the trout are there to feed too, they will tend to be found where the current is starting to ease, so cast towards the end of the riffled water and expect almost instant action.

Trout are hard fighting fish and the small ones are acrobatic, often leaping out of the water, shaking vigorously in an attempt to shed the hook. Larger fish will tend to use their shoulders and stay

deeper, trying to power away. It is best not to bully the fish and if a good fish wants to power off, let it take line against the drag, otherwise the hook hold will often be lost. Once alongside the boat a gentle landing net is a boon, it will prevent many lost fish at the side of the boat, those with rubber mesh are the very best, Savage Gear do a superb, floating net and I would recommend one. Once the fish is alongside and you have your picture, release is important, these fish are a pressured resource and they are far too valuable to only catch once. If you are going to take a fish for the table it must conform to the local size limits, I suggest anything over 2lbs should be returned as it is a trophy fish and needs to be preserved.

Before releasing your fish, revive it carefully and ensure it is going to go back strongly, the Savage Gear net floats and can be used to allow the fish to revive for 5 minutes or so before releasing gently.

On the subject of legalities, in England and Wales you will need a National Rod Licence from the Environment Agency.

In Scotland, unless you are targeting migratory trout, there is no rod licence for trout and coarse fish. Give it a go, it will enhance your freshwater boating trips.

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June 2021

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

Starter boats for up to £20k

S

tarting out, what boat would you buy? The pandemic has meant many of us are holidaying locally again this year, and boating has boomed, with an upsurge of newcomers. This has meant that the used boat market is moving very quickly, so first time boat buyers need to be quick off the mark in doing their research and setting up a viewing before making offers and splashing the cash.

But, to a newcomer boat buying can be a bewildering minefield. This is where MBO can help. In this feature we look at eleven potential used starter boats of various shapes and sizes, priced up to £20k, to see what they could offer a first-timer.

But what makes a good starter boat?

Whether you are a family, a couple or flying solo, any boat can make a great 84

starter boat, large, small, open or cabin, cheap or expensive. Ultimately it will come down to money, as much as anything else, so it is important to be realistic about what you can afford. You also need to think about how and where you are going to use the boat, and what you feel confident to handle. Small boats can provide a lot of fun, are usually low maintenance and cheaper to run. Factor in storing a boat on a trailer at home and you have a very affordable option for coastal holiday blasts or gentle inland jaunts. Adding a cabin or cuddy provides shelter in the inclement UK weather, as well as overnighting possibilities. Going larger brings distance and prolonged stay options, but larger boats bring mooring costs, offset by stepaboard-and-go convenience.

June 2021

Neale’s first boat “In 1999 I started

looking for a trailboat for me and my family. I was rather taken by the Bayliner Ciera 2155, and then one day I saw an ad for a reduced 1987 2450 for just over my £10k budget. I was on the phone and down to the Hamble faster than I thought possible. I had enough wits about me to make an offer below even the new reduced price and, parting with £7.5k, it was mine. Despite having to re-engine it, swapping old OMC for KAD32 diesel, it proved a fantastic first boat”

Buyers should regard a boat’s engine, or engines, as a high percentage of the value of the boat. Beware of scams, of brokerimitating websites requesting cash up front and the lure of a low price. Remember if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Buyers purchasing through internet auction sites again need to do research to compare pricing, ask plenty of questions and see the boat in the flesh before parting with any money. Avoid getting into fixer uppers and projects, particularly if this is a first-time purchase, as these could hamper use and could taint you and your crews first boating experiences. Viewing and buying through a reputable broker is recommended, as this usually provides that added reassurance, guiding you and your crew through the purchase, from

negotiations and niggles, to deposits, sea trials and final balances. Boat dealerships can also provide a good opportunity to look at a wide variety of boat styles, helping to narrow your selection. Finally, if you intend to boat in a particular region and/or have a specific style, boat make or model in mind, it is worth registering your interest with a broker, as they usually have their fingers on the pulse on what might be coming available in their area.

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

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

85

FOR SALE

£9,000

Shetland Speedwell Small boats can provide a lot of fun, and that is exactly what this retro, British-built 1970s Shetland could offer. Priced at £9k, this blue-themed 20-footer has a large cockpit and has the bonus of a versatile and well kept cabin area. The open plan cabin has a small galley unit, a toilet cubicle and an adaptable dinette for overnight stays. It is fitted with a Mercury 9.9hp four-stroke outboard, which is ideal for sedate inland cruising adventures, and is for sale on the Thames where it is perfectly at home for day boating and occasional overnighting. This boat comes packaged with a 2019 trailer, so your boating forays could be as far flung, with the exploration of inland canals, lakes and rivers, or sheltered coastal estuaries just a hitch away.

Length 6.17m Beam 2m Engine Mercury 9.9 outboard Broker details: Val Wyatt Marine 01189 403211 www.valwyattmarine.co.uk 86

June 2021

Landau 20 Walkaround

Here we have another example of a British built small boat that would be ideal as a trailboat or for those jaunts to the nearest waterside pub for a pint or a roast. The Landau 20 was originally available in two versions, a Cabin or Walkaround.

As its name suggests, this 2005-year walkaround offers excellent easy-to-move about deck space, which is superb if you are shorthanded, but it also has the convenience of a two-berth cuddy.

Often outboard powered, this particular boat is fitted with a 120hp MerCruiser diesel sterndrive, which should supply economy and plenty of power for those coastal blasts. First time buyers will need to factor in the costs of running a sterndrive, ie ongoing maintenance, but those of a practical mind could easily do this themselves.

Length 6.1m Beam 2.21m Engine MerCruiser D1.7L DTI diesel sterndrive Broker details: Norfolk Yacht Agency 01603 211033 www.nya.co.uk

FOR SALE

£19,950

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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FOR SALE

£18,950

Fairline Mirage

Here at MBO we have a fondness for a classic Fairline, and to us the Mirage is the very essence of an affordable, first cabin cruiser.

Built between 1975 and1987, the roomy 29ft Mirage is suitable for a family or a couple, offering oodles of internal accommodation within a spacious, five-berth, full standing cabin area. Originally designed for coastal pursuits, these boats were available with a choice of single or twin, diesel or petrol configurations, and many are now enjoying retirement on the inland waterways. We uncovered two mid 70s versions in the common aft cockpit guise for sale through Norfolk Yacht Agency, fitted with petrol and diesels twins.

Length 8.67m Beam 3.09m Engines twin Volvo AQD32 diesels or twin Volvo AQ130 petrols Broker details: Norfolk Yacht Agency 01603 211033 www.nya.co.uk FOR SALE

£18,950

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June 2021

Monterey 235 SC For those who are looking for style and speed, then a sportsboat with a cuddy cabin is an excellent option. Priced at £15,500, this US-built Monterey comes ready to go on a double-axle trailer and is fitted with a gutsy, but thirsty, MerCruiser 5.7L V8 sterndrive petrol engine. Built in 1999, this is a high quality 23 footer ideal for ‘park and ride’ weekend blasts, skiing and towable toys, but could also be used for sedate inland day boating in conjunction with a mooring. It has a large open cockpit with adaptive seating and is covered by a new canopy, while inside the generous cabin offers a V-berth that converts into a double, with a chemical toilet and a compact wash basin-cum-storage unit.

Length 7m Beam 2.6m Engine Single MerCruiser 5.7L V8 EFI petrol sterndrive Broker details: Morgan Marine 01206 302003 www.morganmarine.com

FOR SALE

£15,500

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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FOR SALE

£16,995

Fletcher 19 GTS

Our line up would be at a loss without a British-built Fletcher, and luckily it came in the shape of a 19 GTS for sale on the River Thames through Boat Showrooms. This 2007 version will almost certainly offer decent performance with its 3.0-litre MerCruiser petrol sterndrive.

Overnighting, albeit basic, is possible due to its crawl-in V-berth-cum-double cuddy cabin, which is also an excellent space for storage whilst day boating. It comes as a package with a twin axle trailer, ready to hitch up and explore inland and coastal destinations in the UK and abroad. Again, buyers need to consider ongoing costs of maintaining and running a sterndrive.

Length 5.79m Beam 2.13m Engine MerCruiser 3-litre petrol sterndrive Broker details: Boat Showrooms (Harleyford) 01628 569888 www.boatshowrooms.com 90

June 2021

Viking 23 If you have ambitions of exploring England’s vast canal network, we may have just discovered your perfect first boat. The Viking 23 Narrow Beam is a canal roaming, four-berth aft cockpit cruiser that combines the convenience, fuel economy and low maintenance of outboard power, with a comfortable cabin that has appointments similar to larger cruisers. Its narrow, open plan, full standing cabin provides a long galley unit equipped with a full gas hob/oven/grill, two convertible double dinette seating areas, a separate toilet/shower compartment and a hanging locker. This 1998 example is powered by a serviceable four-stroke Honda 15hp, ideal for relaxed adventures on rivers and canals.

Length 6.7m Beam 2.2m Engine Honda 15hp outboard Broker details: Val Wyatt Marine 01189 403211 www.valwyattmarine.co.uk

FOR SALE

£14,995

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Four Winns 205 Here is another stylish and high-quality American cuddy cabin, that is also a bit of a head turner. This budget busting 23 footer appears to be in excellent condition and ready to go. It is fitted with a 225hp Volvo 4.3L GXi petrol sterndrive, which should have plenty of poke for those holiday blasts across the bay (a 38-knotter at least). Trailable, with the addition of a suitable trailer, but also mooring worthy, it would be perfect for a family or couple for watersports and weekending, be it slow or fast paced. Add a full standing camper cockpit canvas canopy to this floating pad and you have a secure, conservatory-like entertaining and living space when the weather turns.

Length 7.01m Beam 2.46m Engine Single Volvo 4.3L GXi petrol sterndrive Broker details: Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk

FOR SALE

£22,950

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June 2021

FOR SALE

£13,995

Maritime 21

Now for a something a little more traditional. We stumbled upon this shaftdriven, wheelhouse-style Maritime 21 for sale at Morgan Marine at Brightlingsea, and thought it was perfect for lazy afternoon estuary dwelling and fishing.

Built in Teignmouth in the late 80s/early 90s, it has been refurbished (we noted the covers still on the new V-berth upholstery) and re-engined with a new 25hp Beta Marine diesel, which should provide excellent economy at displacement speeds.

The hull has bilge keels for those who wish to take to the ground, and its cockpit is big enough to host a party and ample for those hoping to catch their evening supper.

Length 6.1m Beam 2.64m Engine Beta Marine 25hp diesel shaftdrive Broker details: Morgan Marine 01206 302003 www.morganmarine.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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FOR SALE

£19,950

Sessa Dorado 20 This Italian-built, compact, openbacked wheelshelter sportsfisher is, of course, ideal for angling, but it could also prove itself in day boating and overnight forays too. A manageable size and perfect for solo jaunts, thanks to its deeply moulded walkaround side decks, this 2003 version is fitted with a modern 2005, 100hp four-stroke F100 Yamaha outboard engine, which should be economical to run, easy to maintain and good for at least 20 knots. Its lockable cabin/cuddy provides somewhere to bed down for the night, with a V-berth converting into a double bed.

Length 5.93m Beam 2.4m Engine Yamaha F100 outboard Broker details: Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk 94

June 2021

Sealine 255 The line up would not be complete without a budget Sealine, and it comes in the shape of a family-sized 1987 255 Senator. With this one you have to look beyond the faded blue hull gelcoat, as there is a superb first sportscruiser lurking beneath. These fourberth cruisers offer a spacious cabin area, with a convertible forward dinette, a decent disguised galley, a ‘Jack and Jill’ access toilet compartment and a separate double mid cabin. Outside it provides an incredibly well-designed canvas-covered cockpit, with upholstery that appears to be like new.

Despite having its original twin sterndrive petrol configuration, which will not be everyone’s cup of tea, we wager that this one won’t be on the market for long.

Length 8.08m Beam 2.9m Engine Twin Volvo Penta AQ151C petrols Broker details: TBS Boats Bray 01628 773177 www.tbsboats.com

FOR SALE

£19,950

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

95

Falcon 23 Here is a great example of an entry-level pocket sportscruiser. The popular and brilliant, British-built Falcon 23 was the successor of the 22, and provides four berths and plenty of single sterndrive pluck for fast coastal jaunts. Its cabin layout and versatile cockpit will suit a couple, or a family with young kids. This particular early 90s petrol example for sale on the Broads looks spotless, with upgraded cockpit and interior dinette upholstery. Maintaining an older sterndrive-powered boat again will not be for everyone. However, it represents a comfortable, affordable package and we think this a great boat for a first time buyer.

It is likely to snapped up, so be quick.

Length 7.16m Beam 2.51m Engine Single Volvo Penta 431 petrol sterndrive Broker details: Norfolk Yacht Agency 01603 713434 www.nya.co.uk

FOR SALE

£16,950

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June 2021

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Shetland / 535

Cruiser complete with trailer, Mariner 9.9hp, double berth

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

Shetland / Speedwell

Double berth cruiser, recently upholstered, BSS until 2023, trailer

Custom / Bossoms Oyster 14 Lovely electric open day boat, seating for 6, recent overhaul

1987 | £7,500 | 18ft | 5.4m

1974 | £9,000 | 20ft | 6.1m

2000 | £14,000 | 14.3ft | 4.4m

Creative Marine / Mayfly 16

Broom / Ocean 40

Interboat / Intender 820

2000 | £22,000 | 16ft | 4.9m

1989 | £85,000 | 40ft | 12.3m

2017 | £85,000 | 26ft | 8.1m

Beautiful, elegant electric launch, varnished teak decks, cover

Spacious, fully equipped cruiser, fantastic accommodation, low hrs

Available now, stylish with teak deck, adaptable transom, Volvo 170

FROM

£393,900 400 AFT CABIN

PRICE AS AT 1 APRIL 2021 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT ST

British built since 1980

Antaris / 550 Suzan

Fantastic day boat seating 6, 2020 Suzuki 20hp, sprayhood & tonneau

2009 | £14,500 | 18ft | 5.5m

Super Van Craft / 13.80

Dutch built with flexible accommodation, heating, thrusters

1988 | £159,950 | 47ft | 14.4m

FROM

INTENDER 820

£52,800

PRICE AS AT 1ST APRIL 2021 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT

Premium Dutch Quality

Enjoy the life you live www.valwyattmarine.co.uk | 01189 403211 | info@valwyattmarine.co.uk Val Wyatt Marine, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8LH

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

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dawncraftowners.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Atlanta Boat Owners

Electric Boat Association

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Elysian Boat Owners

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairey Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fairline Owners Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Birchwood Classics

Fjord Club

www.birchwoodclassics.com

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Group

www.broomowners.com

www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

Freeman Cruisers Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

freemanboats.forumer.com

Classic Motor Boat Association

Freeman Owners Club

www.cmba-uk.com

www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

Freeman Cruisers

www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

Haines Owners Club

mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

Hardy Owners Club

corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

98

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

June 2021

Owners Club missing?

Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Facebook

www.maxumownersclub.com

Click here for Facebook group

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardsquadron.org

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

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

1988 Waterland 650

£4,500 01932 343 275 email address

99

Classified

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1999 Regal 6.8 Ventura

1990 Shadow 26

2018 Rand Picnic 18

£22,995

£19,995

£29,995

Single MerCruiser 5.7 V8 EFI 240hp petrol sterndrive. Stylish, 22-foot, two-berth cuddy cabin sportsboat, with large open and convertible cockpit with full canopy and sun bimini. Electric anchor winch.

01189 403211

info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

Single Volvo Penta 167hp AQ171C petrol. A classic trailblazer of a riverboat-sportscruiser, four-berth, ideal for a couple or a young family. New canopy, BSS certificate until 2023, updated upholstery.

01684 593 111 uptonboatsales@tingdene.net

Eco-friendly built, electric open and social day boat. Fitted with a Torqueedo Cruise 4kw electric inboard engine. One owner from new. Lying Chertsey

01932 571141

sales@bateswharf.co.uk

Advertisement Index Axopar..................................................................................................

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Dometic.................................................................................................

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MDS Battery...........................................................................................

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Shillingford sunset

Red skies on the upper Thames at Shillingford SPOTTED! by Pamela Born

Gosport stormy skies

Still conditions and stormy skies at Gosport Marina SPOTTED! by Michelle Whitehead

Porlock view

A bird’s eye drone view of Porlock Weir SPOTTED! by David Bagshaw

Liberation lights

Liberation Day fireworks at St Peter Port, Guernsey SPOTTED! by Dylan Ray Motorboat Owner

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