Motorboat Owner March 2021 by Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Motorboat MARCH 2021

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Bella 550BR Family Thames life l Long Haul Charter Guide l Fairline Vixen

NIMBUS 280 COUPÉ

Welcome to the March issue.

From the Editor

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Publishing has been through a rough time over the last decade or so. In fact, ever since the Internet became part of our lives, traditional publishing has taken a bit of a beating. It was largely because of this that we chose to part ways with our previous magazine and set up Motorboat Owner. It was a huge risk, digital magazines back then were few and far between, but our decision was somewhat, and rather

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

March 2021

welcome aboard

Canada’s Rideau Canal features in this month’s motorboat Charter Guide

sadly, vindicated when just a year later that magazine ceased publishing after 27 years. It’s not just magazines, of course. Newspapers are negotiating similarly stormy waters as they battle the loss of paper readers and try to work out how to support a business that is increasingly digital. Covid-19 has also affected many businesses, and publishing certainly hasn’t escaped its wrath. When we launched in

2013, we said that Motorboat Owner would always be free, and we stand by that philosophy. We wanted to reach as many boaters as possible, and our growing numbers of readers show that we have achieved that goal. Affordable boating is for everyone, after all. Our aim, even in these tough times, is to continue expanding the magazine, growing its size and including even more great content, and this is where you can help. We have launched a new initiative to guarantee the future expansion of MBO. If you like what we do, and want to see more of it, we have created options that allow you to support us. You can read about it on page 8, where you will also find out how you can contribute. There is absolutely no obligation, and we will never restrict access to the magazine based on donations, but if you wish to support us, feel free to click on one of the links and chip in. We will use all donations received to directly fund magazine content. Thank you for your support and enjoy the rest of this issue.

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

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

Contributors: Simon Everett, David Johns, Mark Hammond Cover photo: Bella 550BR on test on

the Turku archipelago by Neale Byart Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Luxury Motor Yacht charter on the River Thames

Book your boating adventure with Hobbs of Henley today

E: boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk W: www.hobbsofhenley.com T: 01491 572035

CONTENTS PRACTICAL

REGULARS NEWS page 6 INBOX page 20 CUTTING EDGE page 32 Q&A page 56 TESTED page 70

PROJECT

Bravo Three Trim

PRAC TICA L

MARCH 2021

Ram Rebuild

Before reass ring rebu embly it is well ild kit. wort rings, rod scrap This will repla h getting an parts. The rebu er, retaining ce all the used ‘O’ ring, etc, many ‘O’ years of ilt trim ram with new suggest trouble-fre should then prov that it trim ram is a false e service. I woul ide d rings and with used (andeconomy to rebuild associated possi inside componenbly damaged) a the TriM expensive ram casing raM it is likely ts. If seawater ‘O’ reasse damage gets to do a before Mbly lot the fault - 5 sTe Reassemb is disco of very Ps > ly was vered. of the basic disas to be assem sembly proc ally the rever ess. The se bled and rod was fitted on first part lubricatedthe end cap. the pisto All The inter with oil prior the parts were n fit using nal parts were to reassembl end cap narrow nose fairly easy to y. d the pisto was assembled pliers. Once the n rod. I checkedit slid easily onto that it had been The next fitted the part to right way The large be assem ‘O’ ring round. a piston25 with bled is not M y boat is a Hardy was assem shown was the shoc is kept Itbled phot 3 sterndrive. ograp around in the photo. k piston. MerCruiser Bravo below stern drive the mou sohthe the bolt, The shoc nting flang. The pisto on a half tidal mooring, put into when the boat n rod was as shown in k position its groo e in a vice, has to be in the up engine and the gripped uprigthe ve the to start in the small ‘O’ ht by top of is moored, and lowered ring was be used. As the 2020 the rod. when the boat is to BY DAVID JOHNS

subject of We have covered the Volvo stripping and repairing magazine the Penta trim rams in but when before (July 2014 issue), to us wrote reader, David Johns, out the job saying he had carried Bravo rams, on his MerCruiser see the to like we and would keen. Not process, we were very very keen also only that, we were While the job to share it with you. ways, there is very similar in may so for are a few subtle differences out owners all you MerCruiser he did it there, here is how 36

I noticed that it was season progressed, difficult to lower the proving increasingly Thread not go all the way lock drive leg, and it would the boat throughbefore screw was applied ing to down without powering Raising the the end of the the shock pistothe bolt threa gear. pisto ds the water in forward n oftoget OK, but at the end from her by hand n rod. I held assembly into leg seemed to work to preve the assem escap I needed to sort the nt the bly The corre ing whilst check the season I decided the balls Nm* (17 ct torque for bolt was tight problem out. the lb- ft). of the water for the assem To comp piston rod ened. bly, With the boat out 40 groove the large ‘O’ lete the shoc bolt is 23 Covid-19 lockdown on the ring winter, and a new k pisto

March 2021

outside

was fitted n of the shock in the piston. March

2021

page 60 Cruising

Mark Hammond’s Family Thames life

p36

page 74 Project Boat

PRACTICAL

MerCruiser Bravo three trim ram rebuild ©BMOT

page 70 Tested Seago ecodry dehumidifier

p42

Fairline Vixen

page 78 Hooked

Peeler Crabs for bait

p60 LONG HAUL Bareboat Charter Guide

p82

p??

p22

Nimbus 280 Coupé

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

BOAT TEST

Bella 550BR

NEWS ©GTogwell

England’s Covid-19 Response Road Map

On the 22nd of February, the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, set out his ‘Covid-19 Response Road Map’ for Spring, issuing important dates which will lead England out of lockdown. These dates will be subject to ongoing regular assessment of cases and a four test strategy. For boaters the guidance is confusing with the 8th of March seeing the return of outdoor recreation, overnight stays still not permitted in England and the ‘Stay at Home’ guidance remaining in place at until the 29th of March. Whilst awaiting for more detailed boating-related guidance to be released, it is Motorboat Owner’s interpretation that leisure day boating may be permissible with household members during this March period whilst travelling locally, with consideration of Covid impact and possible implications to rescue services. However, the key date for boating in England is the 12th of April. This date could, subject to government Covid case assessments, mark a full return to boating, with overnight stays to be permitted in England with household members, then with one other household or in a group of no more than 6 from the 17th of May. At the time of writing, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales remain ‘locked down’ under ‘Stay at Home’ guidance. Boaters in England and other regions can refer to government guidance and the regularly updated Coronavirus pages on the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) website. The RYA said, ‘whilst we are all disappointed not to be able to make a full return to normal boating activity sooner’, saying it will ‘remain engaged with officials on the safe return to water in each devolved nation’. the RYA added “In the coming days we will be reviewing the detailed regulations as they are published, in order to update our members, clubs and centres.” See www.rya.org.uk for details. 6

March 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Shoreham Port makeover complete Marina developer, Walcon Marine has completed a two-stage project at Shoreham Port in West Sussex, which has benefitted both commercial and leisure users with the total replacement and the installation of brand new facilities. The transformation began in spring 2020 with the installation of a heavy-duty waiting pontoon outside the port’s lock gates. Thus followed the installation of a 68-berth marina system for the commercial port, and then Shoreham Port’s Lady Bee Marina was completely replaced in the same configuration as the port. Situated just inside the Port’s main shipping canal, the leisure marina now has 32 fingers plus hammerheads, providing 82 berths. An additional 14 berths have also been allocated for the adjacent Sussex Yacht Club. Works were finalised by autumn 2020, allowing berth holders to settle in for the winter. Julian Seaman, Harbour Master at Shoreham Port said“We are delighted to open our newly updated leisure facilities at Shoreham Port for our berth holders to enjoy. The new pontoons have weathered very well in the recent storms and we have received excellent feedback from our leisure users. Features of our new facility include easier access via a double pontoon access bridge, wider pontoon fingers for ease of access to and from vessels and improved lighting. The site will also offer enhanced security, with new fencing, keypad gate access, CCTV and extra lighting where required.” See www.shoreham-port.co.uk/Marinas for details.

Eastbourne RNLI raise funds for damaged D-class In February the RNLI Eastbourne’s D-class lifeboat capsized while on a rescue at Birling Gap. All three crew members were picked up by the all-weather lifeboat, but the D-class sustained an estimated £5,450 worth of damage and consequently they set about fundraising on social media. At the time of writing the campaign had achieved its target, raising £6,281 thanks to 248 people who had donated. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

NEWS Iguana X-Fisher NEW BOAT The French amphibious boat builder, Iguana Yachts, has introduced a new model to its X-line range, the X-Fisher. The T-topped 30ft model has been specifically designed as a deck boat fishing platform, to provide comfort and fun day boating for up to 12 passengers. Kitted out with fishing lovers in mind, it has a ‘summer galley’, multiple integrated rod holders, plentiful storage areas and a live bait well. On the water it offers speeds up to 48 knots and 4.4 mph on land. In other news, Iguana Yachts announced in February that it had fitted a 300hp Cox Powertrain CXO300 diesel outboard to its first Commuter Yacht Tender.

Support Motorboat Owner As you may have read on the opening pages, Motorboat Owner is looking to expand and produce an even better magazine, but we need your help to do so. For some time, bloggers, vloggers and YouTubers have looked to their consumers to help them create the content they enjoy and, during these difficult times, Motorboat Owner is looking to do the same. If you enjoy reading Motorboat Owner, and want to help us create even more great content, we have generated two options for you. For those with the PayPal app, you can simply scan the QR code above and chip in any amount you feel able, as and when you wish to. This is our preferred method, as its low fee structure means that more of your donation can be used for its intended purpose. For those without the Paypal app, there is a link above that allows you to contribute using your card details on the buymeacoffee website. There are no ongoing commitments on either of these platforms, so you can simply make a donation as and when you feel like it. Our promise to you is that 100% of all donations will go towards funding content for future issues. Thank you for your support. 8

March 2021

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

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PRO-BOATING TECH. MADE SIMPLE

. ply

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Built-in 10 Hz GPS

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Radar compatible (excluding GO5)

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NEWS

‘Breakthrough progress’ at Noss on Dart Marina The £3.5m redevelopment of the new Noss on Dart Marina continues to take shape in Dartmouth, Devon. Marina operator, Premier Marinas say there has been ‘breakthrough progress’ in the construction of the new floating marina, with almost all of the old metal pontoons now removed and replaced by contractors, Walcon Marine. Described as a ‘major milestone in the development’, last month saw the installation of a new pontoon access bridge, which will form part of the new access arrangements for the new marina and is currently in a temporary position until it can be moved to its designated location. Measuring over 25 metres in length and 2 metres wide, it will make the incline at low water much more manageable for customers pushing full trolleys up the ramp after a day out on the water. Contractors will be continuing to remove the last of the old marina pontoons and replacing them with a brandnew infrastructure which includes a new H pontoon that will provide berthing for 15m and 18m vessels. General Manager, Andy Osman CMM, is pleased with how the marina is taking shape, “We have already seen great progress on the redevelopment of Noss on Dart this year and despite some poor weather it has not delayed the works or the project timetable. The introduction of the new bridge now gives us the opportunity to finally remove the old structure which will complete the removal and demolition of the last of the old marina and bridgehead layouts. At this point, 109 new pontoon berths have been completed with work progressing by the day to get the rest of the marina completed by the spring.” Unlike the original marina’s alongside format, a new network of pontoons will provide individual, fully-serviced finger pontoons for berth holders and visitors alike, and Premier say, subject to weather conditions, progress is on track for the completion for the 2021 season. For more news and information about the new marina visit the Noss on Dart Marina webpage. 10

March 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

New Thames dealer for Sheerline The builders of the Sheerline range of boats, Wroxham Marine, has appointed Bushnell Marine Services as its new sales agent for the River Thames and south coast. The Sheerline range currently comprises 15 models with a choice of configurations to suit river, coastal and offshore use. Established in 1917, Bushnell Marine Services is a familyowned business based at Wargrave providing new and used boat sales services, with an existing new boat portfolio including Antaris and Maril brands. A Sheerline 955 stock boat, as pictured, is due to be delivered to Bushnell’s in April.

DIARY DATES Thames Valley Boat Show 9th-11th April South Coast Boat Show 7th-9th May British Motor Yacht Show 15th-23rd May Green Tech Boat Show 19th-20th June 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

Crouch Artificial Reef

Essex University will be running a test of artificial reef blocks between Sunken Buxey and Swallowtail in the River Crouch entrance from the 1st to 31st of March. Forming an artificial reef, the area will be marked by a yellow warning buoy for the duration. Clem Freeman of the Crouch Area Yachting Federation (CAYF) told Motorboat Owner, “There should be a minimum depth of 4.6 metres at all times so it shouldn’t cause a problem.”

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NEWS Christchurch Bailey Bridge Marina A new marina has been taking shape in Christchurch in Dorset over the winter months and is on schedule for an April opening. The new Bailey Bridge Marina will occupy a dormant and derelict site just upstream of the Bailey railway bridge on the River Stour, and will offer a single-level dry berthing facility for around 45-50 boats. With planning approved in November 2020, Director Will Eveleigh and his team of contractors have been busy over the winter months clearing and readying the site. He told Motorboat Owner that the marina will operate, in principle, the same way as a dry stack, but with a JCB and hydraulic trailer. The fenced, locked compound will also provide parking for one car per boat customer and is equipped with CCTV and security lighting. Will Eveleigh said that they will also be installing a toilet block and a seating/picnic area overlooking the marina, ideal for socialising, with coffee and tea available on site to berth holders. Subject to approval, they are also looking at installing additional mooring pontoons in the basin area. Launch and recoveries will be controlled by an app. Will said “clients will be able to choose a date and time to be launched, which will be sent directly to the driver who will then put their boats into the water and alongside a pontoon in the deep dock.” Vice versa for retrieval, he continued “Once they have finished with the boat they leave it on the pontoon and then open the app and tap the ‘finished’ button which will then send a message to the driver to pull their boat out the water. The boat will then be washed off and the cover put on in the boat storage area.” Will and his team also operate sister company, River Shack Boats Ltd, further downstream, close to Christchurch’s public slipway, which is a Silver Boats dealership and offers marine engineer services, which will now be available across both sites.

March 2021

NEWS Post Brexit shipping company demand Shipping companies are in high demand for returning boats from abroad to avoid tax penalties post Brexit. The UK-based global marine transport and logistics provider, Peters & May, has reported a surge in enquiries from boaters seeking advice and assistance about bringing boats back to the UK in time to avoid tax levies following the country’s departure from the EU. Current travel restrictions mean that arranging to bring boats back under their own steam is more difficult. Since 1st January, all boats moved between the EU and UK now require customs declarations at the border and face paying import VAT, although for many, a ten-month window still exists in which to get boats home without facing this charge. The rules state that UK VAT paid boats must return to the UK within three years of having left the UK or EU and not have changed ownership in the meanwhile to qualify for ‘Returned Goods Relief on VAT’. There is a final deadline in place of 31st December 2021 for boats to return if they departed more than three years ago. Brexit changes have also brought added difficulties for long cruises in Europe in the future. UK residents are now restricted to spending a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days within the Schengen area, meaning it is no longer possible to plan leisurely extended trips sailing in EU waters. As a result, vessel transportation has become an increasingly attractive alternative, enabling boaters to maximise cruising time by spending the full 90 days exploring a chosen location. Well versed in the complex customs paperwork, Peters & May has introduced more frequent sailings between some of the more popular Mediterranean and Northern European routes due to the extra demand. Richard Howatt, Peters & May Marine Sales Manager, said “With late changes having been made to HMRC’s guidance on how VAT on boats in the EU would be imposed, this has been a very confusing time for boat owners. We have been contacted for advice by many brokers, dealers and owners all looking for clarification about the regulations. Having operated in this field for decades, we are particularly well placed to help, both to transport boats home, despite current travel restrictions, and to handle all the complexities of customs paperwork for clients.” For more information about Peters & May sailing schedules click here, and for the latest information on the regulations affecting boats following Brexit, follow this link. 14

March 2021

SWEDEN

Our legacy evolved

The new Nimbus C11 Next generation commuter The C11 is a fast and spacious year-round Commuter designed for long distance transport with high comfort. What distinguishes C11 from traditional Commuters is that it easily changes characteristics from ”closed” to ”open” to better suit day-to-day activities or as a family holiday boat.

AUTH O R I S E D D E A L E R

Offshore Powerboats Ltd, Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire. SO41 3QD, enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk, Tel - +44(0)1590 677955

www.nimbus.se

NEWS Lymington Town Quay facilities update proposed Proposals have been put forward that could see a £1.2-million update of facilities for visiting boaters at Lymington Town Quay. Snug Architects have been working with the New Forest District Council on plans for what is essentially a single-storey building to replace the existing facilities block, integrating a waterfront-facing cafe space and a roof terrace. The proposal details six public toilet cubicles and an accessible toilet, doubling as a family toilet, and for visiting boaters, six self-contained shower/toilet units and an accessible shower facility. The visitor moorings at Town Quay were updated significantly in early 2020, with a purpose-built system of pontoons installed.

Seakart 335 NEW BOAT

Combining the speed and excitement of a PWC with the safety and comfort of a RIB, the new Seakart 335 is a versatile tender or trailboat designed for weekend watersports fun. It provides seating for up to five people and features include a centre steering column, storage areas and an integral bathing platform with ladder. Fitted with a four-stroke Yamaha jet engine and weighing 430 kilograms, it is available in three versions, the 110hp Deluxe, 180hp Racing Standard and Racing Premium, offering speeds of 45mph and 65mph respectively. The Seakart 335 is available through UK dealer, Searific, and is priced from £42,499. It will be making its UK debut at MDL Marina’s South Coast Boat Show due to be held at Ocean Village Marina, 7th-9th May. 16

March 2021

WE DIDN’T INVENT THE TRAWLER WE MADE IT BETTER

CRANCHI T43 ECO TRAWLER Extremely efficient as well as functional, perfect for smooth, long-distance cruising. To find out more please contact +44 7766 115865 cranchi@tingdene.net | www.tingdeneboatsales.net/cranchi

NEWS New boat launches at virtual Vene Bat 2021 This year’s Finland’s Helsinki boat show event, Vene Bat 2021, was held virtually in February and saw the launches of several new motorboat models, including a new version of the Sargo 28. The new Marex 330 Scandinavia was voted ‘Boat of Show’. The new 34ft, Norwegian-built 330 follows the same format as its sister 375 on a smaller scale, combining hardtop and coupe features, with new cockpit side opening doors. It is available with either single or twin sterndrive engines offering 30-34 knots, with a V-drive shaftdrive option also on offer. It is available through UK dealer Wessex Marine, priced from £299,760. Also on display at the virtual show was the new Nimbus C8 and the new Silver Puma BRz (see details in last month’s MBO news pages). Next year’s Vene Bat will be held 11th-20th February 2022.

Sargo 28 NEW BOAT The Finnish builder Sargo Boats unveiled a new version of its 28 at the Vene Bat event. The revitalised model now has a longer hull, promising a softer and drier ride, and new features include wider side doors, more storage and seating on the aft deck, an extended aft cockpit overhang, a larger 500-litre fuel tank, a larger galley with improved storage and a larger wheelhouse U-shaped seating area. Possibly the biggest change is in the forward cabin, which will now feature a larger bed, with V-berth options, and improved storage and hanging space. The model will still be available in a standard version and its rugged ‘Explorer’ guise, and is priced from €176,903. The new 28 is available through UK dealer, Sargo Boats UK. 18

March 2021

VENE BAT 2021 SPECIAL

Nord Star 28+ NEW BOAT Following in the footsteps of its 31+ model, launched in 2020, Finnish builder, Nord Star unveiled its new 28+ at the virtual boat show Vene Bat event. The 31ft wheelhousewalkaround model provides two double cabins and seating for seven in its wheelhouse. Suitable for families or two couples, its forward cabin has a V-berth configuration which converts into a double, and unusually for this style of cruiser, its galley is located on the lower, forward cabin level. It is available with single or twin diesel sterndrive or outboard options. You can see a video of it in action here. The 28+ is available through UK dealer, Nord Star UK, priced from £209,500 fitted with a single Volvo D6-340.

Finnmaster Pilot 7 & 8 NEW BOATS Two models in Finnmaster’s Pilot cabin range have been given a makeover. The Finnish brand has created a more rugged look for its Pilot 7 and 8 models, adding new optional features such as a stylish grey hull and matching roof, complementing its existing black handrails and window frames. The outboard-powered models provide an all weather enclosed wheelhouse and a large aft cockpit with a protective overhang. Both are available through Southampton and Pwllheli-based dealer, IdealBoat.com, with the Pilot 8 priced from £143,725 and the Pilot 7 priced from £78,596. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

INBOX

A ‘Ray of Sunshine’ in these dark days Every month my husband looks forward to receiving and reading your magazine and, I too, always glance through and pick out the non-technical/mechanical bits that are of interest to me. I thought I must write to tell you just how much I am enjoying your boat chartering series. It has been a ‘Ray of Sunshine’ in not only the dark and dismal days of winter but, of course, the doom and gloom that we all face with the Covid-19 pandemic. Wishing to experience locations away from our own cruising base, we have embarked on quite a few boat charter holidays in the past, but these have all been the well-known ones like Scotland and Holland, so I am delighted that your article has exposed some really beautiful and interesting locations that we could visit in the future. We are now excitedly planning ahead for when life returns to some normality. Thank you and keep up the good work. Jenny Dwight Editor comments: Thank you Jenny. There are a few that I wouldn’t mind doing too, although just being out on any water at the moment would be good. am sure I will not be alone in looking forward to the Just testing Inext issue of your magazine particularly in the current

circumstances. Unfortunately it looks like a long wait until the 31st of February. Ian Foster - Many thanks for yet another fine read on the latest issue in what is I’m sure done under very difficult circumstances at the present time. I notice on the last page you say the next issue is out on 31st February. Have you found another couple of days somewhere to increase our boating hours? Martin Ray Editor comments: It’s great to see so many of you eagle eyed for the next issue, had it been April 1st we would have had an excuse. However, a rather sheepish Claire has put her hand up and I have bought her a calendar for her desk. 20

March 2021

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

TIME

With Mercury launching a new V12 (yes a V12) outboard, we at MBO thought it was a good opportunity to look back at a 1986 brochure featuring its top-of-the-range 175/200hp

Carrera weight

As a regular reader of your great online Motorboat Owner publication I read with interest the Q&A in the January issue about the Fairline Carrera. I was until March last year the proud owner of a Carrera, I owned her for 23 years and found her a great sea boat. In your recent article you were discussing weights of around 2800kg for the twin engine version, this is under the weights specified on the boats builders certificate and I thought you might be interested in looking at a copy of the boats builders certificate from my boat I kept on file. I hope this is of interest. Peter F Humphreys Editor comments: Thank you for writing in Peter. What you have there is the figure that relates to the boat’s internal volume. This figure is used for Part 1 registry but, strangely, doesn’t actually relate to weight.

Tonnage: Gross 5.85

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Bella 550BR

March 2021

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 5.53m / 18ft 2in Beam: 2.15m / 7ft 1in Displacement: 650kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 105 litres Water capacity NA Engine as tested: 1 x 100hp Mercury Other engine options: Single outboard 80-115hp RCD category: C7 Price from £29,827

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

e are lucky enough to get to test lots of different boats, including some large, luxurious and expensive models, but there is always a refreshing moment when we step onboard something small, simple and honest. It seems to bring back that essence of boating where most of us started, and the very thing that got us hooked. Stripped of deep pile carpets, luxury wood finishes and a host of features many probably never use, it just becomes you, the water and the thrill of the drive. The Bella 550BR is one such boat. It is affordable, nicely designed and well put together. The 550BR has been around a while now, in fact the Bow Rider range was launched about 5 years ago and

one of the models has previously won a Best of Boats award in 2016. The current Bella Bow Rider range features three models, with the 550 sitting right in the middle. The other two options add or subtract half a metre from the length but offer a broadly similar package for larger or smaller budgets. So, if after reading this, the 550BR

March 2021

“Introducing the Nimbusbuilt Bella 550BR. Is it the belle of the bowrider ball?” appeals to you, do check out the 500 and 600BR models. The 550 is available with a single outboard of between 80 and 115hp. Our test boat had the mid range 100hp option on the transom, flanked either side by a pair of spacious bathing platforms. Each of these platforms house a large wet locker, accessed by lifting the entire platform deck. The starboard locker also houses the filler cap for the boat’s 105-litre (23-gallon) fuel tank. There is also a bathing ladder mounted to this platform. Access across the transom is easy with the outboard down with just a single big step across the deep outboard well. With no transom gate, access into the cockpit from aft involves stepping over the transom and onto the full-width transom seat, a small section of which is laid with

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

non-slip decking and a fold up section of cushion to ease your way and avoid damaging the soft furnishings. The middle section of transom seat has a fold out leaf stored underneath that quickly turns the whole aft cockpit area into a large sunpad by combining it with the port side bench seat. Storage under this L-shaped seating comes by way of an open space beneath the port seat, which looks perfect for a coolbox or a rolled up deflated dinghy, and some locker space beneath the transom seat, the port section of which houses the boat’s battery. The backrest of the transom seat lifts and folds aft to reveal hidden storage for the cockpit canopy. The boat comes as standard with a cockpit cover,

but a full canopy, as well as a bow cover, will need to be added via the options list. The port side bench seat also has a flippable backrest two thirds of the way forward that, when laid forward, turns this bench into a great full-length aft-facing lounger or, when laid back, provides a forward facing seat for one crew member when underway. There is also an open

shelf storage arrangement beneath this forward section of seating. This co-pilot seat comes with a convenient grab rail and has three levels of open shelf storage in the console in front of it. The face of this console can be unlocked and folded aft to provide access to the very large storage area inside this unit. In here there is also a convenient 12V charging socket.

Forward facing seats in the bow conceal further storage, which is accessed from the cockpit 26

March 2021

The cockpit offers good seating and lounging options, plus copious amounts of storage

Opposite, a single pedestal mounted, bucket style seat is provided for the helm. This has a lifting bolster and is fully adjustable. The helm console itself is fairly basic but provides space for a couple of engine instruments and an optional 9-inch multi-function display. The 550 doesn’t come with a windscreen wiper as standard, but one is available on the options list, along with a second for the port side, if required. There is some useful cubby-style storage at knee level, just above the moulded footrest, some more at steering wheel height, which includes 12V outlets and a drinks holder, and a final one above the dash, under the windscreen. Further storage is provided inside the console and accessed via a hatch in the bow companionway. If all that wasn’t enough, there is another locker A backrest on the portside bench delivers both in the cockpit sole between the forwardan aft facing sunlounger and a co-pilot’s seat Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

PERFORMANCE As tested 40% fuel, 0% water, 3 crew, Force 2

RPM

facing seats that is large enough to store spare cushions or maybe some watersports kit. The cockpit sole, plus the bathing platform, on our test boat was fitted with grey soft foam decking, an optional extra but one well worth considering for the additional comfort and safety it brings when boating barefoot. To move into the bow there is an opening section of windscreen and a lower Perspex style door. Up front there are two seats tucked into the aft corners in front of the helm consoles and a further, larger, seat in the bow. The two forward facing seats could really do with some form of back cushion if anyone was planning to travel in these positions when underway. These two seats, together with a small, moulded step above them,

750 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5850

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

2.3 3.3 4.6 5.9 6.8 10.5 18.0 22.7 26.5 31.0 34.6 36.9

1.3 2.1 3.8 5.5 8.0 10.6 12.5 17.4 21.9 27.0 32.1 35.3

0.29 0.46 0.84 1.21 1.76 2.33 2.75 3.83 4.82 5.94 7.06 7.77

7.93 7.17 5.47 4.87 3.86 4.50 6.55 5.92 5.50 5.22 4.90 4.75

Range (nm)

183 165 126 112 89 104 151 136 127 120 113 109

both offer an alternative way to board and disembark the 550 when moored alongside by stepping over the gunwale just in front of the windscreen. A break in the bow grabrail here on either side helps with this. The larger, forward seat base lifts to reveal another large storage compartment, and this seat also acts as a step to enter and depart the boat over the bow, Scandinavian style, through the open bow rails that are raised to provide a good hand hold as you proceed. The anchor

March 2021

At the helm, simplicity reigns with just a couple of engine instruments and a multifunction display. The test boat was fitted with a midoption 100hp Mercury

“Fast and fun, the 100hp Mercury delivers 37 knots” locker has a moulded groove to allow your rope/chain to pass through even when the lid is closed, and the locker itself is large enough to take a couple of fenders, as well as your ground tackle, when underway. In general, the bow section is well-designed as a place to socialize and hang out when not underway, and the ability to bring the optional cockpit table up here would make a nice addition to this area. Underway The first thing to note is just how quiet the 550 is when underway. This has much to do with the low noise levels produced by the 100hp Mercury, but also by the way that the outboard is mounted low down behind that solid transom that acts as a sound barrier. With 100hp on Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

tap, performance was never going to be blistering, but even so there is enough power there to make the drive fun and engaging. The 550 gets up on the plane in around 3 seconds, reaches 20 knots in 7 seconds and 30 knots in 12 seconds. To reach the boats top speed, of around 37 knots, takes some time after this as the engine and hull needs the assistance of some precise trimming to eek out those last few knots. Of course, you always have the option of the 115 if speed is your thing, but for most families, even those that like to partake in some watersports, the 100hp option should prove to be more than adequate. The hull can be teased into planing at speeds as low as 11 knots, while 22 knots seemed to be its sweet spot in terms of a relaxed, quiet and comfortable

cruise. For maximum efficiency, 18 knots delivered an impressive six and half nautical miles per gallon. This is one boat that definitely needs engine trim to get the best out of it, as we found out when trimming the leg fully down while at cruising speed. It felt like someone had put the brakes on, so you can imagine what it would do to your fuel consumption. We lost 6 knots and 500rpm at full throttle just by trimming down. At the helm the windscreen is fairly low so, while you are fully protected when seated, you are less protected if driving the boat leant against the lifting bolster, which felt like a more natural and commanding position to be in. This position also delivered a rest for your throttle arm on the moulding alongside, something you don’t have when seated. A slight issue we found when seated was that the top engine dial, which displayed engine trim, was a little too high and difficult to see. Moving beyond the aesthetics, what is the 550 like to drive? The answer is, great. It is exciting enough to please the more

Good facilities aft for your water-loving crew members with decent wet storage too

experienced boater, but most importantly for a boat of this style and size, it is utterly safe and comfortable. I tried everything I could to upset it, and it wasn’t fazed. A complete novice could take the family out without any fear of pushing the 550 too far and getting into trouble. You could throw it into a tight turn, and it would comply, leave the leg trimmed out while doing so and the prop would just ventilate, slowing the boat down and bringing everything calmly back under control. If you want a bit more excitement, the 115hp option should provide it. Equally, if slow and

March 2021

steady is more your thing, the 80 should still deliver plenty of fun, particularly if you only ever have two onboard and are not particularly concerned about fast paced watersports. The UK dealer will even offer the 550 with a 60HP option which will save a further £3k on the starting price quoted. Conclusion The 550BR is a boat that will appeal to newcomers, not least because of its very affordable price, but also to those who are looking to move up from a small sportsboat or RIB into something that offers great, comfortable family dayboating capabilities, and for that it delivers

An optional canopy keeps the weather off, and is completely concealed when not in use

everything you could need. There is a serious amount of storage, good sociable seating options, safe family-friendly features and credentials, and it all comes in a package that makes boat ownership and use about as easy as it could possibly be.

ENQUIRIES: Stingray Sportsboat UK Ltd Tel: 01202 023117 www.stingrayuk.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

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LOA: 5.6m  Beam: 2.27m Displacement: 650kg ex eng Enquiries: IdealBoat.com 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

LOA: 5.94m  Beam: 2.29m Displacement: 780kg ex eng Enquiries: IdealBoat.com 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

LOA: 5.74m Beam: 2.29m Displacement: 1,280kg Enquiries: Bates Wharf 01932 571141 www.bateswharf.co.uk

The smallest of the Finnmaster Bowrider range, the R5 comes with outboard power up to 100hp and some quality touches.

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The very essence of a simple, entry-level, affordable, family dayboat, the Saxdor 200 Sport even has a cabin option.

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> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

The Bayliner VR4 is available with a choice of inboard or outboard power, and both petrol and diesel, with up to 200hp on tap.

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Jeanneau Leader 30

CUTTING

EDGE

Mercury V12 Verado

SPECIAL

When it comes to outboards we are used to seeing an ongoing creep upwards in terms of power outputs and technology, but Mercury has taken a quantum leap forward with their latest launch that must have left their competitors reeling. The new 7.6 litre 600HP Verado uses a narrow angle V12 motor, a world first, but there is so much more to the new engine than just engine size, configuration and power, which we’ll come to in a minute. The naturally aspirated, quad cam engine generates high torque levels to help get heavy boats up onto the plane and yet, despite its size and displacement, Mercury claim that it also delivers exceptional fuel economy. Certainly, a single 600 does now bring an alternative option where twin 300, or 350hp, outboards would once have been the only choice, although, let’s be honest, the real market for this new behemoth is undoubtedly going to be in the USA, where a quadruple installation of V8 outboards is suddenly going to look just a little conservative. As well as the host of innovative and world first engine specs, the V12 Verado also boasts twin counter rotating propellers, something we have seen before on the outboard market. But look a little deeper and you will find New digital throttle some other pioneering features on this and shift with display

March 2021

the latest boating gear and technology

Easy access via the ‘bonnet’ for everyday items

engine. Firstly, it has the industry’s first ever twospeed automatic transmission, which will allow the outboard to operate at optimum RPM across different workloads. First gear has a 20% lower ratio than second gear, which means the engine can deliver both powerful acceleration, as well as improved efficiency at cruising speeds. The shift between gears is said to be so smooth that, unless you are looking at the tacho when it happens, you won’t even notice it. It also comes with the world’s first steerable gearcase. The top part of the outboard, the part you see on the transom, remains static, while the underwater section steers. This allows for a better use of space on the transom, great for those that want to cram on as many as possible, while also delivering a wider steering angle, up to 45° rather than the more typical 30°, for improved close quarters manoeuvring, better response to joystick commands and more agile handling at speed. Access to service points has, as you might expect, evolved with this engine. Rather than a large, heavy cowl to remove, the top of the cowl opens like a car bonnet, only with an electronic release. The hatch is held open with a gas strut, and all daily service items are right there, colour coded for ease of use. For your user interface, Mercury has combined the V12 with their new, next generation digital throttle and shift. These are not only sleek and ergonomic, they also feature functions such as push button controls for Active Trim and have a digital display on the control body for trim levels and other relevant information. Prices for the new engine have yet to be announced, but delivery to boat builders and customers should be up and running by this summer. Price: £TBA www.mercurymarine.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

CUTTING

the latest boating gear and technology

Baltic

The Baltic Athena is the first ever inflatable lifejacket designed and developed specifically for women. This allows it to provide a better fit and comfort and comes with high levels of adjustment to make it flexible for all body shapes. The 165N automatic jacket itself is slim and uses padded Velcro fixings for protection and comfort between the buckle and your body. It is available in white, navy and black with one size designed to fit those between 40 and 120kg. Price £149.95 www.baltic.se

Scanstrut

Nest from Scanstrut is a new way to charge your phone onboard. Using wireless charging technology, Nest is basically a cubbyhole into which you put your phone. It has a grippy mat inside to stop your phone sliding around and a lip on the edge to stop it falling out. It is IPX6 waterproof, so can be used in an open cockpit and is self-draining so can even be hosed out when washing down the boat. Even when not charging a phone, Nest can still be used as a convenient storage solution for other items such as keys, wallet or sunglasses. Price circa £110 www.scanstrut.com

Zodiac has launched a new range

of tenders/inflatables. The Open 3.1, 3.4, 4.2 and 4.8 join the existing Open models to deliver a seven-boat range that goes all the way up to 7 metre. All new models are designed to include a minimum of four seats, good stowage, optional larger fuel tanks for extended range and useful features such as a bow roller and fairleads, navigation lights and USB outlets. All models are available with PVC or neoprene tubes with maximum engine size starting at 25hp for the 3.1 and rising to 80hp on the 4.8 model. Colour schemes are a mix of dark and light grey with black on both the tubes and GRP hulls. Price from circa £5,800 zodiac-nautic.com

March 2021

PRACTICAL

PROJECT

Bravo Three Trim Ram Rebuild

BY DAVID JOHNS

We have covered the subject of stripping and repairing Volvo Penta trim rams in the magazine before (July 2014 issue), but when reader, David Johns, wrote to us saying he had carried out the job on his MerCruiser Bravo rams, and would we like to see the process, we were very keen. Not only that, we were also very keen to share it with you. While the job is very similar in may ways, there are a few subtle differences so for all you MerCruiser owners out there, here is how he did it

y boat is a Hardy 25 with a MerCruiser Bravo 3 sterndrive. It is kept on a half tidal mooring, so the stern drive has to be in the up position when the boat is moored, and lowered to start the engine when the boat is to be used. As the 2020 season progressed, I noticed that it was proving increasingly difficult to lower the drive leg, and it would not go all the way down without powering the boat through the water in forward gear. Raising the leg seemed to work OK, but at the end of the season I decided I needed to sort the problem out. With the boat out of the water for the winter, and a new Covid-19 lockdown

March 2021

imminent, I set out to work out the cause of the problem. As the leg could be raised and partially lowered using the trim pump, this was obviously working. My attention therefore moved to the trim rams. To access these, I removed the propellers and the drive leg and, with these out of the way, I attempted to rotate the trim ram pistons using the piston flanges. The internal parts are all circular, so these should have rotated easily with mild hand pressure. Neither of the rams would move easily, although they could be rotated if forced with a 30 cm long bar through the piston flange to act as a lever. Clearly the rams were binding and would need to be stripped down. With the November 2020 Covid-19

Leaking MerCruiser trim rams can be repaired

lockdown just being announced I knew that I would lose access to the boat, therefore this was going to be a job that would have to be done at home. To enable this, the trim rams had to be removed from the boat. This was fairly easy.

TRIM RAM REMOVAL - DAVID’s 5 STEPS >

1 I first put a tray on the ground under the gimbal housing to catch the small

amount of oil that inevitably leaked when the hydraulic lines were disconnected.

2 On each ram I disconnected the short hydraulic line at the ram end, leaving the line attached to the boat.

3 Next the long hydraulic line was disconnected at the boat end, leaving the line attached to the ram.

4 The earth strap was unbolted from the trim ram casing and the bolt replaced in the casing so it would not get lost.

5 Each ram was unbolted from the bar fixing it to the gimbal housing. A word

of warning, do not attempt to undo one end of the bar and drive it out to free the rams. Unlike the bar at the drive leg end, this bar is captive, axial movement is prevented by a circlip on each end between the ram and the gimbal housing. Finally, all the open ends of the hydraulic connections on the boat were blocked or covered to prevent dirt from entering the hydraulic system. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

PRACTICAL

TRIM RAM STRIP DOWN - 9 STEPS >

1 First the anode from the end of the trim ram was removed. The wooden bung was to stop dirt getting into the ram’s hydraulic connection.

2 The next step was to remove the hydraulic line, this was not strictly necessary but provided an opportunity to clean it up, and prevent accidental damage during the rest of the strip down.

3 Then the end cap was unscrewed from the trim

ram casing. This normally requires the use of a special tool to engage in the cylindrical depressions in the end cap. I made my own end cap tool from an offcut of ½” thick aluminium, some 18mm ply and three M8 x 100mm coach bolts. It took me about 10 hours to build using hand tools and a pillar drill. I do not have any precision machine tools. Rotation of the ram casing was prevented by gripping it by the casing flange. I did not grip the cylindrical section of the casing in a vice, as this was likely to distort it. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which the end cap unscrewed. Bearing in mind this ram had been used in the sea for five seasons since new, it came undone straight away. My homemade tool is probably a bit over-engineered.

4 The piston rod assembly was removed

from the ram casing. The wooden bung in the hydraulic line hole was temporarily removed to release the vacuum. I was ready to catch the oil retained in the outer casing. The piston rod assembly slid out with moderate hand pressure.

5 The floating piston was removed from the trim ram casing. This was achieved by holding the casing open end down, and tapping the open end of the casing with a piece of wood until the piston fell out. There was some oil trapped behind this as well. The wooden bung was then replaced. 38

March 2021

6 The shock valve assembly was unscrewed from the end

of the piston rod. The flange end of the piston rod was gripped in a vice (not the shaft) and the retaining bolt was unscrewed using a 14mm socket. I took care not to lose the three small check balls, which are free to fall out when the tension on the spring is removed. The small ‘O’ ring on the end of the piston rod came off with the shock valve assembly.

7My Bravo Three sterndrive had a spacer between the shock valve and the end cap assemblies. This was simply clipped onto the piston rod and was easily removed.

8 The way was now clear to remove the end cap

assembly. This should have easily slid off the piston rod, but as this was the item that was binding, it did not prove very easy. It took an hour to slowly drive the end cap off with a hammer (cushioned with offcuts of softwood, which were reduced to splinters) to drive it off. Given this effort it was amazing that the trim had operated at all.

9 All the internal assemblies that were removed were stripped down and

cleaned. The end cap was most in need of a good clean. There had been a buildup of a powdery residue behind the rod scraper. This had been binding the main body of the end cap to the piston rod. The rod scraper, plain washer and one of the small ‘O’ rings had been damaged by the presence of the residue, and the force needed to operate the trim. These parts had to be replaced. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

PRACTICAL

Before reassembly it is well worth getting an ‘O’ ring rebuild kit. This will replace all the used ‘O’ rings, rod scraper, retaining ring, etc, with new parts. The rebuilt trim ram should then provide many years of trouble-free service. I would suggest that it is a false economy to rebuild a trim ram with used (and possibly damaged) ‘O’ rings and associated components. If seawater gets inside the ram casing it is likely to do a lot of very expensive damage before the fault is discovered. TRIM RAM REASSEMBLY - 5 STEPS >

1 Reassembly was basically the reverse

of the disassembly process. The first part to be assembled and fitted on the piston rod was the end cap. All the parts were lubricated with oil prior to reassembly. The internal parts were fairly easy to fit using narrow nosed pliers. Once the end cap was assembled it slid easily onto the piston rod. I checked that it had been fitted the right way round.

2 The next part to be assembled was the shock piston.

The large ‘O’ ring is not shown in the photo. The shock piston was assembled around the bolt, as shown in the photograph below. The piston rod was gripped upright by the mounting flange in a vice, and the small ‘O’ ring was put into its groove in the top of the rod.

3 Thread lock was applied to the bolt threads

before screwing the shock piston assembly into the end of the piston rod. I held the assembly together by hand to prevent the check balls from escaping whilst the bolt was tightened. The correct torque for the piston rod bolt is 23 Nm* (17 lb- ft). To complete the shock piston assembly, the large ‘O’ ring was fitted in the groove on the outside of the shock piston. 40

March 2021

4 The spacer between the end cap and the shock valve was replaced, and the large ‘O’ ring on the floating piston was replaced with a new one, lubricated with oil and the piston was refitted into the ram casing.

5 The piston rod assembly was installed

into the ram casing. I used the end cap tool to screw the end cap into the ram casing. The correct torque for the end cap is 61 Nm* (45 lb-ft). The hydraulic line was refitted. The correct torque for the hose fitting is 11 Nm* (8 lb-ft) and finally, the anode was refitted as it had little erosion, and did not need replacement.

YOU WILL NEED TOOLS • Workbench with a vice • 3/8” AF open ended spanner (or an adjustable spanner) for hydraulic lines • 14mm Socket (or spanner) for shock piston bolt • Circlip 90º removal tool (not pliers, looks like a bent needle) to remove ‘O’ rings • Narrow nosed pliers • Special tool to unscrew the end cap assembly. MerCruiser part number for the spanner wrench is 91-821709T* and a large pin set part number 91-811907* • The special tool part numbers and the torque figures quoted are those specified in the MerCruiser Bravo Workshop Manual MATERIALS • Oil to lubricate parts and assist assembly • Bungs to prevent dirt entering open hydraulic apertures

• Mercruiser Bravo Trim Ram ‘O’ ring rebuild kit • Thread lock

The rebuild was complete. Having completed one trim ram, I then had to repeat the process with the other one. When refitting the trim rams to the boat, they will have to be bled to remove the trapped air. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Guernsey Long Haul PART 3

MOTORBOAT CHARTER GUIDE

Motorboat Owner uncovers exotic, long haul cruising regions offering weekly bareboat charters W

e all need a bit of escapism at the moment. With many of us pining for our boats, planning our next boating adventure is at the forefront of our minds. With that in mind, Motorboat Owner would like to welcome you aboard part 3 of the Motorboat Charter Guide, which provides a small snapshot of the exotic, long haul, worldwide destinations offering weekly bareboat charters. Whether you

are an experienced boater or a first timer, taking the helm of a hireboat in another country is a great way to broaden your horizons without the burden of overseas ownership and, for first timers, it is almost a guaranteed way to catch ‘the boating bug’. There are plenty of countries and blue water destinations to choose from, including a lockless waterway in Florida, a Canadian canal adventure and island

March 2021

©Image-Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

THREE-PART SERIES Part 1: UK & Ireland Part 2: Europe

Part 3: Long haul hopping in the magnificent Caribbean. Stable and spacious powercats are fast becoming the charter boat of choice for many long haul, worldwide, coastal charter companies, so you won’t be short of space. Such boats will be modern, built for purpose and are usually equipped with all the ‘bells and whistles’, such as generators, big fridges and air conditioning. All you will need to do is fill the fridge. At some places, even this service is provided for you. However,

when you include flights, this type of weekly bareboat charter is not cheap, so sharing the cost with family and friends makes sense, as well as increasing the fun. As with our Europe installment, with such a big area to cover, MBO was faced with numerous local companies offering holiday charters, as well as individuals chartering out their own boat, and there are simply too many to be able to mention them all, so we bring you our pick of the ‘bucket list best’ to whet your appetite.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

CANADA

Rideau Canal

In south east Canada, the Rideau Canal winds its way through remote Canadian wilderness 125 miles, from Ottawa to Kingston, and it brought Canada both fortune and independence. Built in the 19th century, it follows an ancient, indigenous and treacherous trading route, where, for centuries, brave souls tackled white water and waterfalls in canoes to move precious cargo up and down the country. Described as a triumph of British engineering, it was originally intended as

a military supply route, and was delivered by the hands and the knowledge of those who had worked on the Caledonian Canal. Today it links a series of wide lakes and rivers and is the oldest continuouslyoperated canal system in North America. The landscape of this wild and wonderful waterway is likened to a Scandinavian archipelago, a secret boating wilderness with rugged, tree-studded vistas, dotted with picturesque towns and villages, and remote yet modern moorings. Thankfully locks now replace

March 2021

Le Boat - 1-wk price from £1,539 ON THE WEB: www.leboat.co.uk

half, Ottawa section of the canal. July is peak season for the canal and it can get busy in the heat, while the months of June, August and September are slightly milder and a bit quieter. However, those travelling in October will be sure to witness Canada’s famous colours of autumn. The canal featured in the Channel 4 television series, Great Canal Journeys, with Timothy West and Prunella Scales, which is useful viewing. There is plenty of information available on the Le Boat and Rideau Canal websites.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images - Le Boat, Destination Canada

the fast flowing water, and there are 47 locks in total, including a eight-lock flight at Ottawa, all of which are manned for assisted passage. The locks are still traditional in the sense they are manually wound, with repairs and replacement parts still manufactured as they were centuries ago, by blacksmiths. The Rideau Canal is charter company, Le Boat’s flagship destination, and it has a base for its Horizon class fleet at the historic town of Smiths Falls in Eastern Ontario, which is located in the upper

PRICES

HUNGARY CANADA

NW Explorations - 1-wk price $4,125 Cooper Boating - 1-wk price $4,389 MarineMax - 1-wk price $TBA

ON THE WEB: www.cooperboating.com nwexplorations.com www.marinemax.com

Charter companies include NW Over on the other side of Canada you can Explorations, which has a base just explore the remote waters and the rugged, south of Vancouver and the US/Canada snow-capped mountain, forest landscapes border, who offer a very large fleet that includes many Grand Banks models. of British Columbia. Cruising highlights Another possibility is a charter through include the Gulf Islands, negotiating the MarineMax or Cooper Boating, with Strait of Georgia to the city of Victoria, and the regions of the Sunshine Coast and bases at Vancouver, Sidney and the Powell River. You’ll find maps, guides and lots Desolation Sound, with their stunning of information on the charter supplier marine parks which are sanctuaries for websites and the Ahoy BC website. Orcas, Black Bears and Bald Eagles. 46

March 2021

©Images-Destination Canada

British Columbia

SEYCHELLES ©????????

©?????

The Moorings - 1 wk price from £4,987 ON THE WEB: www.moorings.co.uk

Carrick on Shannon

©????????

Ocean, 1,000 miles off Africa’s east coast, a cluster of 115 islands makes for an exotic yacht charter. Set amongst coral reefs, the Seychelles provide crystal clear azure waters, secluded coves fringed with majestic palms, pristine whitesand beaches and abundant sealife for diving and snorkeling. It is also a famous nesting ground for turtles and home to giant tortoises. The cruise charter area concentrates on the unspoilt Inner Islands where you can cruise between seaside resorts, visiting shops, boutiques and

restaurants. Passages combine a mix of open-water cruising (circa 26nm) and short hops between adjacent islands. In this part of the world, the tidal range is just under 2 metres, and annual monsoons influence the weather, sea currents and wind directions. The best times to visit the Seychelles are April, May, October and November. Regardless of the season, wind speeds average 10 to 20 knots and the temperature ranges from 28°C to 30°C. The Moorings has its powercat base at Eden Island Marina in Mahe, which the largest island of the archipelago.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images-Seychelles Tourism Board, The Moorings

Seychelles Lying in the Indian

FLORIDA

Florida On the west coast of America, Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its glorious white sandy beaches, and enjoys an average of 361 days of sunshine per year. Here it is possible to charter a motorboat in two regions, Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway or Key West.

ICW West Coast

Lesser known and possibly the US’s best kept secret is a waterway that runs just inside the coastline, known as the ICW. The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000mile inland waterway that runs from Boston, Massachusetts, southward along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the southern tip of Florida, then following the

Gulf Coast to Brownsville, Texas. Florida’s west coast section near Tampa is a particularly exciting boating haven, rich in wildlife and diverse scenery. The waterway here is a combination of wide, buoyed estuaries fringed with wild mangroves, man-made saltwater canals and rivers flanked by waterside residences, and all crisscrossed by numerous lifting bridges. The waterway transits major towns, small boatyard villages and charming beachside resorts. Moorings are traditional US-style wooden docks, often affiliated to towns or restaurants. There are also plenty of modern marinas and boatyards to visit, not forgetting those remote estuary anchorages where you can enjoy sunset

March 2021

PRICES

©????????

The Moorings - 1-wk price from $5,500 Chittwood Charters - 1-wk price from $2,395 Dream Yacht Charter - 1-wk price from €2,880

Carrick on Shannon

ON THE WEB: www.moorings.com www.chitwood-charters.com www.dreamyachtcharter.com

trawler models, from a 36 to a 53, for hire from a base at Marina Jacks.

Key West At the very water

orientated end of Florida’s narrow peninsular lies Key West and the renowned Florida Keys. The region has 800 islands to explore, including the main interlinked islands of Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon. Boaters can cruise between a network of reefs and national parks, and overnight at anchorages or traditional boating villages. Dream Yacht Charter has three powercats available at its base at Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina. The company also offer one-way charters to or from Miami.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images -Visit Florida, Chitwood Charters

and sunrise panoramas. Abundant with wildlife, you will encounter manatees, bottlenose dolphins and pelicans almost every day. As you can expect, there are numerous motorboat charter offerings on this stretch, to name two that are UK-known are The Moorings with its base at St Petersburg and Chittwood Charters at Sarasota, both of which offer weekly bareboat charters. The Moorings has two Fountaine Pajot powercats and a Jeanneau Leader 36 based at Vinoy Resort Marina. Chittwood Charters is run by knowledgeable personality and ICW enthusiast, Captain Jerry Chittwood, who has numerous Grand Banks aft cabin

CARIBBEAN

British Virgin Islands

phenomenon of the Baths on Virgin The British Virgin Islands are truly a Gorda, the shops and bars at The Bitter jewel of the Caribbean, and offer really End, the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost easy going coastal charter cruising. Here, Van Dyke, stunning Marina Cay and there are 60 islands to navigate by sight, The Indians for snorkelling (pictured). and you can island hop from one location Anegada is one of the longer passages, to another, stopping for a snorkel and a but is also well worth the visit, as here spot of breakfast or lunch before moving transport is laid on to visit the other side off to your overnight stop, which may be of the island to the stunning, legendary, another anchorage, marina or quayside. lobster serving Loblolly Bay. Many of the islands have visitor buoys and Stable and spacious powercats are in addition there are often smaller buoys the choice of many charter companies for tenders at the popular snorkel sights. in this region and they are usually fully Snorkelling is an absolute must, so don’t equipped with all the mod cons, including forget to pack your own kit if you have it. generators, air conditioning, ice makers, Cruising highlights of the islands even blenders for those obligatory pina include the incredible natural coladas and daiquiris that you will be 50

March 2021

PRICES

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Virgin Charter Yachts - 1 wk from $6500 The Moorings - 1 wk from £5,905 MarineMax - 1 wk from $TBA MARTINIQUE The Moorings - 1 wk from £6,412 Dream Yacht Charter - 1 wk from £2,120 ST MARTIN The Moorings - 1 wk from £3,051 ST LUCIA The Moorings - 1 wk from £4,749 GRENADA The Moorings - 1 wk from £7,499

ST LUCIA

ON THE WEB: www.moorings.co.uk www.dreamyachtcharter.com www.virgincharteryachts.com www.marinemax.com

Caribbean islands

For those perhaps with a bit more experience in open water and coastal cruising, powercat charters are available

on four other Caribbean islands. With each island very unique in its landscape and culture, on these charters you can make passage around the island, hopping between enchanting anchorages, snorkeling sites, traditional docks, modern marinas, market towns, boatyards and welcoming yacht clubs. Charter boats are available on the ‘French-Caribbean paradise island’ of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles, the ‘Windward Island jewel’ of St Lucia, famed for its incredible Pitons and its banana plantations, the ‘Spice Isle’ Grenada in southernmost portion of the Windward Islands and finally the smaller Dutch-French island Saint Martin north in the Leeward Islands.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images-Motorboat Owner, Virgin Charter Yachts, The Moorings

making like a pro by the end of the holiday. Most of the motorboat charter companies are based on Tortola, the wellknown companies being The Moorings at Road Town and Virgin Charter Yachts and US company MarineMax Vacations, both at Nanny Cay Marina. Although hot and sunny all year round, the best time to visit the BVIs and the Caribbean islands is between November and April. The rainy season, which is the result of high humidity, runs usually from May to October.

BAHAMAS

Bahamas With 16 major islands,

the Bahamas lie south of Florida and are renowned for their sapphire-blue waters, so stunning and brilliant in colour that they are said to be visible from outer space. In the ‘out islands’, thirty miles south-east of the Bahamian capital of Nassau, is a region known as the Exumas, and these form a 120-mile-long

archipelago of 365 islands running northsouth, Departing from marinas at Nassau, it is possible to explore the Exuma islands, known as Cays, by charter powercat. Key highlights of the Exumas include a group of four-legged local celebrities, its famous swimming pigs. The islands were also the location for two Bond movies, ‘Thunderball’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’,

March 2021

PRICES PRICES

The Moorings - 1 wk £5,138 Dream Yacht Charter - 1 wk €2,650

ON THE WEB: www.moorings.co.uk www.dreamyachtcharter.com

the wettest months are May and June. Both companies, The Moorings and Dream Yacht Charter, have a powercat charter base on the main island of Nassau at Palm Cay Marina, and from here it is a 40-nautical-mile passage to the low lying, yet surprisingly sheltered, Exumas chain of islands, the popular first stop being Highborne Cay.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images-The Moorings, Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism & Aviation

with swimmers and snorkellers able to swim through the Thunderball Grotto and with schools of nurse sharks. Similar to the Caribbean, the recommended time to visit the Exumas is between December and April, which is the high season and when the temperatures cool very slightly to between 82-88ºF. The hottest months are July and August and

THAILAND

Phuket Nestled in the heart of

Well, enter once again charter company, The Moorings, which has a powercat base south-east Asia, Thailand is endowed with unparalleled beauty and notoriously at Ao Po Grand marina on the north east coast of Phuket. unique scenery. But who knew that you A unique waterworld, the landscape could charter a motorboat to explore the stunning emerald-coloured tropical waters is studded with towering limestone rock off Phuket? To follow in 007’s and Bridget formations, like the one seen in the Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, Jones’ footsteps, you can cruise through intriguing caves, snorkelling spots, lush Phang-nga Bay and the Andaman Sea. 54

March 2021

PRICE

PRICES

ON THE WEB: www.moorings.co.uk

Hong with its myriad of caves, before heading to Krabi, travelling amongst the Phi Phi Islands. For those who don’t mind a little heat, daytime temperatures average 89°F (32°C) from July to February, and 61°F (16°C) at night. It’s hotter from March to June. For those who enjoy nightlife, the colourful and vibrant resort of Phuket awaits.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

©Images-The Moorings, Tourism Authority of Thailand

mangrove forests, and a coast that is dotted with pristine white sand coves and beaches for swimming. With relatively easy line-of-sight cruising between islands and the numerous, thriving coral reefs, and a two-metre tidal range, The Moorings suggested itinerary sees charterers heading north to Ao Phangnga National Park and mountains of Koh

The Moorings -1 wk £3,699

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Cruising EU waters post Brexit

Q How does temporary admission (TA) work in practice? Will I need to

have the date I entered and left EU waters recorded, and is there any paperwork required for the boat to be registered under TA rules?

A This is an interesting one and, unfortunately, one that doesn’t seem to have a

clear answer. EU documentation (see here) states the following: Just crossing the frontier of the customs territory of the Union is generally sufficient. But, you may be required to use a route specified by customs and they may require you to make an oral or written customs declaration. It is possible they may require the provision of some kind of security or guarantee to cover the payment of the customs duties and VAT that become due if the boat does not leave the EU. So, as you can see, it is as clear as mud. I suspect, for those that are weekending, or taking a short holiday in EU waters, it will require very little, if any, formalities beyond registering your entry and exit. For those that want to keep a boat long term in EU waters, and take advantage of the 18-month TA arrangement, I would check with the customs department of the country in which you will be keeping the boat to find out what they require, as it appears that the EU leaves it up to individual EU territories to implement. For EU boats coming to the UK, the rules appear very similar. The same 18-month timescale is in place for boats, and short trips will, no doubt, be simple and easy to declare on arrival and exit. For longer term TA to the UK, there is a webpage here that provides further information. 56

March 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Smokey Volvo AD41s

Q I have a pair of AD41 engines

that smoke terribly. At idle I leave a haze behind the boat and after a long run the transom is covered in soot. What can I do about it?

A AD41s do tend to be quite

smokey engines, although yours sound worse than usual. Black smoke and soot is often a result of unburnt fuel, so you should start with simple things like making sure your engines are getting enough air. Try running with the engine hatch open, and with new air filters, and see if this makes a difference. If not, then things start to get a little more involved, with engine parts such as turbos, injectors and injector pumps coming under suspicion. These will almost certainly require the services of a professional with suitable equipment to test, so make sure you have checked the simple things first. Some people have claimed to see a noticeable reduction in smoke simply by using a fuel additive designed to clean the fuel system. It may be a placebo, but probably worth a try before investing in more expensive procedures. One AD41 owner I spoke to said that they experienced a marked improvement in smoke emissions just by using Millers Diesel Power ECOMAX. Although I have no personal experience of this product, at around £13 to treat 500 litres it may be worth a go before calling in the experts. NOW IN STOCK

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Used £5k cruiser dayboat search

Q I am part of a group who own a few interesting cars, which we share. We

have some classics and some race cars, but have decided that we would love to buy a boat. A couple of our chaps have some experience and one has some certification but overall we’re novices. We would like to get something that seats 4-6 people (does not need to sleep that many though) and that will allow us to potter up and down some of the canals we have around here in the Midlands. As it’s our first leap into this area we would like to keep our budget really tiny, around £5k, and then if we get the bug we can expand from there. I’m just wondering if you could recommend anywhere where we are likely to find a boat to satisfy our needs?

A With much of the waterway network around the Midlands being suitable

only for narrow beam vessels, the most important consideration is to look for a boat with a maximum 7ft beam, 6ft 10 inches is actually preferable. Another consideration is the boat’s air draft, ie how high out of the water its tallest point is and therefore its ability to get under bridges and through tunnels. Depending upon which canals you plan to use, you want a boat with an air draft of around two metres. If you can find one that is only 1.7m, you should be able to get almost anywhere. Boats within your budget don’t always end up for sale at traditional outlets, so you will need to scour local ads and Internet sites such as eBay and Boats and Outboards as well when hunting them out. Two brand names to search for that should throw up some useful results would be Norman and Viking, both of which have produced models of around 20ft or so which are perfect for the inland waterways, should seat 4-6 and will sleep 2-4. There are also boats that were initially designed for coastal use that could also be used on the narrow beam canal network. One such boat, available in budget, would be the Fairline Vixen like the one we are restoring. This has a 6ft 10in beam, will float in less than 3 feet of water, has an air draft of 1.85m with the canopy down and is still capable of being used on the sea, if required. At the time of writing, this classic Fairline 20 Family was listed on eBay for just over £5k 58

March 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

VAT status UK boat in Jersey

Q I live in Jersey, having moved here from the

UK a few years ago. I brought my boat, which was originally UK VAT paid, with me. My boat was in Jersey on the 31st of December 2020. What is its VAT status now that Brexit has happened?

A You have lost your EU VAT paid status, as the boat was not in the EU on the

31st of December. Your ability to retain UK VAT paid status will be reliant on whether you can claim returned goods relief (RGR). To do so your boat would need to be eligible and you would need to return it to the UK before the end of 2021. There may be a question mark over your eligibility to claim RGR, which we understand may be dependent on your residency status. It may, therefore, be possible that UK RGR would not be applicable, so your vessel could have also lost its UK VAT paid status. In this scenario you should be able to import it into the UK for up to 18 months without payment of duty or VAT, as long as it is used for your own personal use under temporary admission rules. Any permanent move to the UK or the EU would then require importation and a bill for VAT.

English Harbour 27

Q I’m looking for a new boat for the coming

season and I’ve stumbled upon a very lovely looking English Harbour 27 for sale. It looks perfect for my cruising area, which will be on the Broads, but I’m struggling to find information online on it. What is its air draft? Does its radar arch hinge?

A The air draft of the English Harbour 27 with the mast hoop up is 10ft 9in

or 3.3m. The boat was offered with a spring-loaded mechanism folding hoop and, with this down, its height above the waterline (to the windscreen) is 7ft 6in or 2.3m. This does mean that passages under Potter Heigham old bridge at 6ft 6in/1.98m would be out of the question sadly, which is not uncommon for many boats. You’ll find more info in the EH27 used boat guide in the January 21 issue. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

CRUISING

Family Thames time The last time Motorboat Owner caught up with Sealine owner, Mark Hammond, he had just delivered his first ever boat, a S29, from Brighton to Bray. It seems moving to the Thames was one of the best decisions he has made for his family and a new boat has just cemented this. Mark gives us the full story

March 2021

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

mentioned to a friend recently that we had bought a new boat and they said it must be amazing to cruise around the coast. “Where is it moored?” they asked. “On the Thames.” I replied, and they raised an eyebrow. “On the Thames? Is it a canal boat?” “Nope, a powerboat with twin engines making 740hp and capable of 34 knots”. “But you’re on the Thames.” they said, “You can’t go that fast. Isn’t that like having a Ferrari and rather than racing it around Monaco, just cruising around the circuit?”. In a way they’re right. But when I think why I am on the Thames in the first place, I know that for now it is the perfect place for me to be. How did I end up on the Thames? Well, it all started six years ago. We had been on holiday and once again we had ended up at a marina. After all, there are always lovely bars and restaurants around marinas and where better to enjoy a beer or a cocktail than in a beautiful location, near the sea, marvelling at the glorious boats and yachts. My wife recalled the tale where after going to the London Boat

Show with friends, and after a couple of glasses of Champagne, she had almost blown the deposit for her first flat on a small speedboat. She then suggested we have a day out at the next show. I booked us tickets there and then, thinking at the time I was being impulsive. So, in January 2014, my wife and I went to my first ever London Boat Show. By the end of February, I had read pretty much every RYA book on powerboating, I had got my VHF licence, passed my Powerboat Level 2 on the Thames, and was the proud owner of a 2006 Sealine S29 called Amanic. Now that was impulsive! Amanic had been based in Torquay and my original plan was to have someone skipper with me for the voyage from there to Brighton to give me some professional tuition. Sadly, the timing didn’t work out and the skipper ended up moving it alone to Brighton. That also meant my maiden voyage was a solo affair, it was a real baptism of fire. I practiced numerous times, single handed, cruising out of the marina for a blast and returning to the berth, without any accidents or

March 2021

collisions. I learned a lot. The first trip with the family aboard did not go as well as I hoped. Heading out of the marina I pushed Amanic’s throttles forward and when I looked around expecting to see my wife and four-year old daughter both smiling, what I saw was my daughter’s white, terrified face. My dreams of enjoying the coast evaporated, and I feared we had just bought a very expensive, floating caravan. We tried again on several occasions to take her out, but my daughter remained terrified. I had some subsequent great trips out to sea, either on my own or with friends, with my wife and daughter staying ashore enjoying Brighton each time. Later that year my son was born, and the logistics of a young baby at sea added another complication into the mix. I realised I had to have a rethink for the next season because as lovely as Brighton was, it just wasn’t going to work for us.

The Solent was a bit too far away from where I live in south east London, so I started to research the Medway and the Thames. I initially stumbled on Chatham Maritime Marina, which appeared ideal, but I then explored the other MDL Marina Thames sites, Penton Hook, Windsor and Bray, and the company’s Freedom Berthing package giving the ability to explore all three. Whilst it was a bit further away than I had hoped, the decision was made, Bray Marina on the beautiful Thames was going to be our new home. With my Dad at my side, I delivered Amanic around the south coast from Brighton to Bray in early 2015 (see September 2015 issue). We have been based there ever since and love it there. The marina has an excellent restaurant on site, formally the Bray Brasserie, it is now a new Mediterranean restaurant called

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Mediterranevm. The marina offers lots of green space too, which means we can walk or mess around with the kids. What else about the Thames works for me? Quite a lot to be honest. I seem to get more days cruising each year than I did at the coast. You are also much less affected by the elements, which means more time on the boat, and more time with your family and friends doing the things you love. Then you have the experience itself. It is clearly not the adrenaline fuelled adventure you have at sea. But then again, my life is already hectic. On the river you are forced to slow down. The pace is more relaxed and more sedate. There is no point trying to rush, and if you do set yourself a destination in mind, you have to accept you have no control over how long it may take to get there. Sometimes you will get to a lock and sail right through, while other times you’ll have to wait an hour or so. Then again, if you do have to wait, you

Mark doing the ropes at Boveney Lock, with social distance restriction barriers in place

get to relax onboard, do a spot of fishing (something that my son in particular loves), grab something to eat, or chat to your fellow boaters who are very friendly in my experience. The lock keepers along the river are unsung heroes in my view. They’re helpful, friendly and do an amazing job keeping everyone safe, and always give my kids a friendly wave as we sail by. Then there is the wildlife, which has proven to be a real interest to everyone.

March 2021

Favourite family mooring. Mark’s new SC42 Skyfall London moored for a spot of lunch at Windsor

My kids love spotting all the birds on the river, especially at the start of the season when you see all the ducklings, goslings, and cygnets following their parents as they paddle along beside you. I still marvel at the sight of a Heron, or a Red Kite circling overhead, and one of the highlights of last year was spotting a Kingfisher perched on a tree branch alongside the riverbank. Then there is the view you have of the river, which is one I always feel lucky and privileged to see. Cruising past Hampton

Court Palace, Cliveden, and the numerous amazing homes that back onto it, I was genuinely taken aback when I first saw them and I still am. If you’re lucky you might spot someone famous too. In 2019 Michael Parkinson gave us a wave from his back garden as we cruised by, the year before Tom Kerridge who was moored up behind us, helped me look for my daughter’s sunglasses when she dropped them in the river in Marlow. The other big perk is all the lovely

Sun dips between Bray and Windsor. Mark and his son aboard Amanic on Marlow town moorings Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Feels like home, 19th century Oakley Court is a treat and another very welcoming family favourite

places you can stop. Over the course of a typical season, we normally travel between Hampton Court Palace and Henley, and between those two destinations there are so many beautiful places to stop and explore. You have the history of Hampton Court Palace, it’s amazing maze, breathtaking house, and for the kids the Magic Garden. You have the beautiful untouched stretch of the river by Runnymede, the home of the Magna Carta. Windsor is a frequent haunt of ours. It’s a beautiful town with lots of moorings by the river. It has Alexandra Park, with crazy golf, a small fun fair and café that sells superb ice-creams, it is the epitome of heaven for kids. Marlow is another beautiful place to stop, with a plethora of restaurants within walking distance of the river. The mooring fee at Marlow also has the added perk of giving you access to the Court Garden Leisure Centre, so after a relaxing night on the boat you can head there for a workout or a swim. There is Cliveden of course, and its truly beautiful

house and grounds. There are loads of pubs along the river. I can recommend the Boat House at Boulters Lock, with its excellent restaurant, bar and moorings, and, of course, the infamous Bounty at Bourne End. There is also a plethora of great moorings or marinas where you can secure an overnight berth. But of all the places on the river, our personal favourite is Oakley Court, which is a beautiful Victorian-Gothic hotel at Bray and was the set of more films than I could mention, including old Hammer Horror movies and the Rocky Horror Show. It has idyllic grounds, an excellent bar and restaurant, and the staff there are incredibly welcoming. It feels like our second home. I know it is not done to talk about money or the environment, but they are factors too. The reality is you will use so much less fuel on the river than at sea. If you spend a good day out at sea you could easily empty your tanks and pay several hundred pounds to refuel before your next trip. In the five seasons I’ve been on

March 2021

Aboard their new SC42, the family can enjoy four forward-facing helm seats with the ‘top’ down

the Thames, I typically use between half and three-quarters of a tank each year, which means I can use the cash I have saved to spend in the lovely bars and restaurants I have mentioned. Travelling at a slower pace also means more of the boat is accessible more of the time. My kids loving spending time on deck, but also love going below deck where they make dens, play or watch movies together wrapped in their duvets. That means

us adults have a chance to relax as well knowing they are in a safe environment, providing everyone with an amazing escape from our busy family lives. So, are there any down sides of being on the river? The Thames water levels rise significantly over winter, which limits when you can go out. Once again, January and February has seen the river level rise significantly, causing the Environment Agency to red board

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Breathe in. The SC42 is almost twice the beam of the S29, which was interesting at first in the locks

much of the river, prohibiting boats from going out. So even if we weren’t in lockdown, we would be restricted on where we could go. You also have to contend with the day trip boaters, people who have hired boats of varying sizes (from row boats to 40-foot cruisers) often without any training or experience. Future boaters perhaps, but my advice is to give

them lots of space. We had spent a lot of time on Amanic in 2019, which had been a combination of long weekends and the odd week away and it was wonderful. But my kids were a bit older and we started to crave some extra space, ideally a cabin for the kids, a cabin for us, and somewhere in between to relax in the evening below deck. After Fishing fun and family time at Bray. Mark’s son loves fishing, though it seems to be more about casting than catching

March 2021

Family crash pad. The Sealine SC42’s secure, canopied cockpit is ideal for Mark and his young crew

a lot of deliberation, and even more impulsiveness, in December 2019 we part exchanged Amanic for a Sealine SC42 (now called SkyFall London), which had been our dream boat for the last few years. Entering 2020, river conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic meant our nautical adventures on our new boat started a bit later in the season than we had hoped. However, in May as the lockdown measures were eased, we were finally able to get onboard and deliver it from Penton Hook to Bray. Navigating locks in the larger boat, with a 4.5 metre beam, was nerve-racking, but the extra space means we are now able to stay onboard for longer and explore even further, and share the experience with more friends and family, when social distancing rules allow of course. Given the travel restriction this year, getting SkyFall London couldn’t have come at a better time. As I enter my sixth season on the

Thames, its appeal is just as strong. Would I ever go back to the sea? Absolutely! But will I be moving back to the sea in the next couple of seasons? I doubt it. The Thames provides me with exactly what my family and I want right now. Have I convinced you to come to the Thames? Maybe, maybe not. But if not, hopefully you’ll understand why it works for so many people. Coming back to the Monaco analogy, my friend was right. Having a sportscruiser on the Thames is like going for a cruise around Monaco in a Ferrari as opposed to racing one there. But then again, if you are going flat out you don’t get the chance to appreciate just how beautiful Monaco is, it just passes by in a blur. What’s wrong with slowing down, taking in every moment, every scene, and appreciating everything around you whilst you’re doing something you love? Isn’t that point of having a boat in the first place?

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

tested Seago ecodry desiccant dehumidifier

PRICE

£159

When it comes to keeping the inside of your boat dry and fresh there are two types of boater. Those that use a dehumidifier, and those who prefer to ventilate. I am most definitely in the former category, as I have found the difference to be like night and day. A dehumidified boat is not only bone dry, even one with minor leaks, but if you use a modern desiccant type they produce a nice level of heat as a by-product that makes the boat noticeably warmer when visiting during the winter months. At the end of last year, Seago launched a new desiccant dehumidifier to the market, which was Motorboat perfectly timed for us to put it through its paces. Our Owner boat has access to shorepower and we have used a variety of “The best boat desiccant dehumidifiers through the years so have a certain dehumidifier your amount of experience to fall back on. Desiccant models have a £150 can buy” couple of benefits over the refrigerant type. They work better in Value 4/5 low temperatures, normally down to around 1°C, and they are Usability 3/5 lighter. Adversely, they do not like to be used on a time-switch, Performance 5/5 I have killed a few over the years doing so and they are not cheap, so please take heed. The temptation to use a time-switch is understandable, as desiccant dehumidifiers are not cheap to run. The heat they produce doesn’t come free and the Seago ecodry is no different in this regard. Unless you are lucky enough to have access to unlimited free electricity, you will need to think carefully about how you use, not just this Seago model, but any desiccant dehumidifier, as you will see from the power consumption figures we have recorded below. Before we get into the finer details, initial thoughts on the ecodry are generally good. It is very compact at approx 50cm x 29cm x 18cm and lightweight, at just 6kg. This makes it easy to move around, easy to store and unobtrusive to use. One gripe I have on the design is that it has a shallow moulded hand hold on either side. This makes it easy to pick up, but doing so is exclusively a two-handed affair, so getting on and off the boat with it is not ideal. A central carry handle would be a big improvement. A two-litre bucket slides out from one side for emptying, and an air filter is easily 70

March 2021

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

It has a clear, easy-to-use display on top with all functions intuitive to work around

removed from the opposite side for cleaning. On top there is an excellent LCD display that shows what mode the unit is in (low, high or sleep), the current humidity and temperature and a few other useful functions. This display has no fewer than seven brightness levels to choose from, including the ability to turn it off, which may be useful at night if you want to leave it running in ‘high’ mode. The air outlet can also be set from here to swing or remain static, the former is useful for better air and heat distribution. As you would expect, the ecodry comes with a hose and connection to allow a constant drain into a sink, to save having to keep emptying the bucket and allows for unattended continuous use. Running cost wise, we recorded a 24hr consumption of 10.25kwh on its high setting, drawing around 675W in operation, 7.66kwh on its low setting, drawing around 410W, and the same on the sleep setting. The unit goes through cycles, so this wattage power level is not continuous and was, at certain points during its cycle drawing as little as 30W. The sleep setting does appear to be no more than the low setting with an auto dimming function for the display. As you can see from these figures it would be quite easy to rack up a large electric bill if you just used the hose and left the Recessed handholds each side, instead of a carry handle, unit on permanently, particularly make it awkward to carry one-handed Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

tested

on its high setting and with the humidity setting on continuous. At 20p per unit of electricity, you could be looking at up to £2 per day. The low setting would be better for continuous operation at around £1.50 per day, but even that would soon add up. Obviously operating on a time switch to save electric costs is out, as we have already mentioned, but the ecodry does have a built-in timer. Unfortunately, this is not a 24-hr timer that provides on and off settings, it simply allows you to set the unit to run from 1 to 12 hours before turning off. This is still a very useful feature and allows you to leave it running when you leave the boat for a pre-determined period knowing that it will switch itself off once the time is up. It will require regular trips to the boat though to reset it through the winter. The alternative to this would be to use the humidity setting. We initially tested the unit on continuous, which means it will just keep working regardless of whether its needed or not. In reality, you do not need to dry the boat to the levels that the unit can achieve if left like this, and setting it to dry down to 50%RH will mean the unit will switch on and off as needed (50% is listed as being within the good level of humidity for health and comfort, while below that usually required for mould and mildew). A 24-hour test on this setting, in low mode, resulted in electric The ecodry is compact and light and, despite its narrow base, seemed very stable usage of just 2.8kw (£0.56 per day) while 72

March 2021

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

The unit came with a hose for continuous draining into a sink. Its filter slides out for cleaning

still collecting 0.8 litre of water. In high mode, at the same 50%RH setting, the unit consumed 3.8kw of electricity and gathered 1.2 litres of water in 24hrs. Obviously, running costs when set to a humidity level will vary depending upon the environment and dampness of the boat, but it appears to be an efficient way of using the ecodry. In terms of water extraction, we were impressed. Over 24 hours on high setting in a relatively damp, cold boat the unit gathered 2.5 litres of water and reduced the relative humidity from 69% to 34%. The claimed 7 litres per day is quoted at 20°C. On low setting this reduced to a still very acceptable 2 litres over the same period. The unit also raised the temperature from 8°C to 14°C over the 24hrs with a reasonably static 6°C outside temperature. On low setting, the water extraction rates were equally impressive at 2 litres in 24 hours. We also saw a similar reduction in humidity and only a slightly smaller increase in temperatures. Noise levels at 1m were recorded as 54dB on high and just 48dB on low, which is very quiet, certainly quiet enough to sleep with it running, especially if you are more than a metre away, or even in a separate cabin. The big test was how the unit would handle power interruption, which should be avoided if at all possible as desiccant dehumidifiers require a cool down period when switched off by the power button. The shut down process takes around two minutes on the ecodry. Would it turn back on again or remain off, like some other models? The answer is that it resumed service exactly where it left off. This, together compact size and lightweight, makes it a great dehumidifier unit for boats. Available from around £149 online, it is also one of the cheapest desiccant dehumidifiers available, certainly with this level of functionality. It is only the lack of a single handed carrying handle and a 24hr timer that keeps it from being the perfect boat dehumidifier, but it is still right up there as one of the best. Enquiries Seago www.seagoyachting.co.uk Available on www.amazon.co.uk and www.ebay.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

t may only have two or three days fewer than other months, but February has felt a whole lot shorter. I had ambitious plans for the project boat this month, namely installing all of the domestic power, and maybe even getting a couple of the circuits operable. Unfortunately, I fell somewhat short of target, although things have moved on in smaller than planned increments. With the domestic electrics at the fore, I started the month by installing my newly made 12v distribution panel that I produced at home last month. To start

with, I had to strip all of the old stuff that had been mounted to the aft toilet compartment bulkhead. In the process, I worked out why some of the domestics seemed to show signs of life, despite there being no domestic power onboard. It started a couple of months ago when I first got the engine running. A visit to the boat’s interior brought to my attention an illuminated cabin light. With the flick of a switch, the toilet light, cockpit light and, with a bit of persuasion, the galley light would also turn on. It turns out that these were all being powered from one

March 2021

Old electrical switchgear removed and the new panel takes pride of place

BEFORE

AFTER

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

of the accessory terminals on the back of the ignition switch. This is not the way I would do it, as the ignition had to be on if you wanted any cabin lighting, but such are the things you find when fixing up old boats. This has all been removed and all domestic circuits will be routed through my new switch panel once I finally get around to installing them. With a clear bulkhead, the new panel’s hinges were screwed in place. I then added a simple double roller catch that would keep the panel firmly in place, but also allow very easy access behind it to change fuses or access the back of the helm console. Clearly the bulkhead itself will now need tidying, with holes to be filled and some staining or painting required, and this will be done once we start the interior refit in earnest. For now though, I am very pleased with the way this part of the project has turned out. With a view of starting to put some circuitry in place, I began by looking at the

dash and helm console. I wanted to add a few switches and warning lights for items that I would want control of at the helm, things such as the bilge blower, horn, bilge pump and windscreen wiper. I removed the steering wheel, which is damaged and will need to be replaced anyway, and started to think about where on the console I could fit these items. There is plenty of available space either side of the steering hub, but the console here has been strengthened with encapsulated plywood and is over an inch thick. The switches I have purchased were not designed to be installed in anything this

The hinged panel has a catch to allow easy access

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Helm stripdown. The old instruments have been removed and some remedial work is needed

thick, so I would have to look elsewhere. Then it dawned on me. Alongside the Volvo Penta helm panel, there was a Volvo hour meter. This had been installed very poorly, and looked awful. The helm panel had what was obviously a blanking plate for a two-inch round dial, so the answer may lie in moving the hour meter into the panel, freeing up space where the hour meter was previously fitted. A few screws later, and a selection of wires disconnected, having first taken photos so I know where to reconnect them to later, and the helm panel and hour meter were out. The blanking plug was knocked out and it would appear that, with a slight

enlargement of the hole, my plan would be workable. I am quite dubious about the reliability and accuracy of most of the other gauges on this panel, so for now the whole lot has been taken back to the workshop where I will clean it up, test what I can, fit the hour meter into it and replace the items that are not working. During this process I have also made a paper template of the area alongside, having revealed a large diameter hole after taking out the hour meter and its horrible plastic mount. I will create a new panel to go in this position and cover the hole, into which I will install the new helm switchgear. With little more I could

A spare hole in the dash panel will house the hour meter and a new dash panel section will be made 76

March 2021

The hydraulic pump is finally back in and we now have fully operational drive trim

do towards this job while on the boat, I moved away from the domestic electrics and onto another outstanding item. Last month I wrote about my cost effective cheat to try and fix the nonworking power trim pump for the Volvo 290 drive using non-standard solenoids. Now I was back on the boat, the pump was refitted, the wiring connected and the unit filled with ATF. The solenoids appear to work perfectly, and with a few cycles of trimming up and down to bleed the air out of the system I now have a fully functional drive trim. A quick check of the overhauled rams on the drive confirmed that there were no leaks, so I could breathe a sigh of relief and tick that job off. Unfortunately getting the hydraulic trim working has caused me to add a new job to the list. The trim display at the helm is clearly not working correctly. It does come to life and display some figures, but they do not change as the drive rises or drops, and they don’t correspond with anything that it should be displaying. At this stage I don’t know if it is the display at fault, a

problem with the sender or whether there is an issue with the wiring in between. It’s not a crucial fix, as I can operate without it, but I would like to get it working properly and will investigate further another time. Spendwise, this month I did purchase some electrical items in the hope of fitting them. They are accounted for below, although you won’t see them appear on these pages for a month or two until the helm has been better prepared for them.

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Double roller door catch £0.56 4 x helm switches £19.08 2 x warning lights £10.61

Balance from last month

£2357.10

Total to date: £2387.35

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Hooked T

Simon Everett seeks out Peeler Crab for bait

he big tides in spring herald a mass migration around our shores, this is when the humble shore crab moults its outer shell in order to grow. The fleshy crab climbs out of its suit of armour and has to remain in hiding for a few days while the new skin hardens to give it the familiar protection. Just before shedding, and during the soft stage, crabs and other armoured shore creatures such as lobsters and spider crabs, are vulnerable to attack from predators, such as fish and birds. Because they are full of protein they are eagerly sought by various species of fish, and octopus love them too. This makes them a very good bait for anglers to use. The onset of warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours triggers the crabs to begin their first moult of the year, it is a mass moult and the male crabs are the first to shed their skins. They tend to be found well up the beach under any cover they can find. Boulder strewn beaches are a good place for them to peel in relative BAIT: PEELER CRAB

Plenty of bait, a bucket of peeler crabs. Simon likes to put some seaweed in with them

safety. Once the males have moulted and hardened they return to the deeper water and go on with their new lives as a slightly larger member of the species. Some species of fish, in certain areas, time their own antics to coincide with this spring moult and take advantage of the plentiful supply of rich protein source. Smoothounds in the Solent especially, but also the Bristol Channel and the Thames estuary, come into very shallow water in search of the moulting crabs. Thornback rays and bass are others that target the crab moult with a fixation on them for a month or so. Later in the summer, during the longest daylight length, the female crabs go into their moulting stage. The males search out a female to protect and carry her under their larger frame whilst she goes through the moult. Once she has shed her outer shell mating takes place, as the process can only take place whilst she is soft. She lays her fertilised eggs in a shallow scrape and stays over them for a short while before then covering her legs and under her pouch flap with the sticky eggs and carries them for a couple of months while they develop. Any crabs found that are carrying eggs should be carefully returned as these help secure the future stock. It is a good idea to wear some gardening gloves, at least on one hand, when collecting peeler crabs. They need to be scraped out from the sediment under rock

March 2021

A peeler crab is less vibrant than a hard crab, right. Top left, crabs absolutely at the point of shedding. Half a peeler crab is bound onto the hook with bait elastic, bottom left

ledges, or rocks need to be carefully lifted could try and buy some crabs off them to reveal them, the barnacles and even directly, otherwise you will have to put in the rocks themselves can be sharp, so a an order at the local tackle shop for your pair of gloves makes life for your hands supply. They are not cheap, but they are much more comfortable. Those who are a very effective bait and at certain times really geared up for collecting peeler crabs of year they are the only bait that works, will put out ‘traps’. These can be seen at hence the demand and the price they can dead low water along the waterline, rows command. of tyres are often used, and they make If you are collecting crabs to use excellent features for crabs to take cover straightaway, then just keep them in a in, especially once they mature into the bucket with some wet seaweed, they will seabed and seaweed becomes attached to them and they form miniature reefs. These also benefit many species, including small fish. If not tyres then roofing ridge tiles or lengths of guttering are often used to create peeler crab habitat. You will see them in regimented rows of dozens, if not hundreds, pointing out at an angle towards the water. Beware, do not collect Search under the weed covered rocks for crabs crabs from someone else’s trap lines. You Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

A male crab protecting his peeling female, left. Smoothhound normally feed on crabs

cower under the cover quietly. If you need to keep them for more than a day then they will need a swill with fresh seawater before you head home and put them in the bottom of the fridge, the drop in temperature sends them into a semi-dormant state and prevents them from drying out or continuing to develop towards the peeling stage. If you don’t put them in the fridge they will simply die and become unusable. The other option is to freeze them fast and use them as frozen peeler crab, but they won’t be nearly so effective, or stay on the hook as well. The fridge is the best option, or a controlled temperature box, which is essentially the same thing. Having collected your crabs you need to know how to put them on the hook. The hard outer shell needs to be peeled off, leaving just the soft, fleshy version underneath. I like to keep the legs and claws and peel them separately, to use on the bend of the hook both as more natural appearance and to help keep the main bait on the hook. It is a fiddly job but worth it in my view. You need to be careful not to separate the joints and a bit of hard shell left at the hinges won’t hurt. Peeler crab is a very soft bait, so needs to be protected on the hook by wrapping it with bait elastic, make sure you do not accidentally

mause the hook with a strand of elastic, keep it away from the hook point. The peeled body is cut in half between the eyes. Small crabs will need both halves putting on the hook. Pass the hook point through the top side first and out the bottom, then twist the hook and put it back through again, so the point and the eye of the hook are both out of the top. Slide the bait up the hook and repeat with the second half. The two chunks of crab are then bound onto the hook with bait elastic and finally a few of the legs and a claw can be hooked through and slid onto the bend of the hook and left to dangle naturally. A running leger is the normal way of fishing with peeler crab. The bait should be presented as naturally as possible, so a flowing trace of about 3-feet is ideal that will keep the bait close to the bottom and allow it to move gently in the tide until it finds a natural resting spot. The fish are used to nosing out peeler crabs and the scent given off by your bait will soon have them finding it. The main species to target with spring peeler crab are bass, rays and smoothounds, with the latter being almost entirely sustained by feeding on crabs. They time there arrival to the shallows to coincide with the main spring moult, so you can expect hectic sport.

March 2021

www.boats.co.uk

www.parkerpoland.com

www.boatshopgroup.co.uk

parker@parker.com.pl

www.stirlingsmarine.co.uk

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Nimbus 280 Coupé

ith £50k in your pocket, those looking for a cruiser with an enclosed wheelhouse and the economy of a single diesel shaftdrive will be faced with a bewildering array of mass-produced fishers and rugged, commercially-routed vessels. However, for those that prefer a modern, yet modest, look, should take a glance towards Scandinavia. One such Coupé range is in-budget and hard to ignore. Quality Swedish boat builder, Nimbus, was established in the 1970s, and knows a thing or two about building practical,

family coupé cruisers. They have become its trademark, and many have made their way, and are much loved, to UK shores. Motorboat Owner came across one such modestly-sized model with an affordable price tag, a Nimbus 280 Coupé, and decided to investigate. The 280 Coupé was introduced in 1997 and it was actually a development of the very first Nimbus, the 26. At the time it replaced and combined the features of two models, the 27 Coupé (1993-1996) of which it was identical in five-berth layout, and the 29 Coupé Nordica (1989-

March 2021

Built approx 200 1997-2006 Prices then £98,296 (2003) Prices now £45,000-£65,000 Length 27ft 8in / 8.45m Beam 9ft 4in / 2.85m Draught 3ft 1in / 0.96m Air Draught 13ft 9in / 3.1m Fuel 54 gallons / 250 litres Water 39 gallons / 180 litres Displacement 2800-3000kg

1996). The 280 Coupé shared the 27’s hull and two-model option, being available in Coupé and Familia versions. However, its exterior superstructure had been given a refresh and sported some new features. It has a different cabin window line, opening wheelhouse side windows, a fibreglass radar arch and its cabin roof now extended out over the aft cockpit, providing an overhang for additional shelter. Stepping aboard was now also easier with a flatter, improved bathing platform and portside transom door leading into the aft cockpit (previously

in the centre on the 27). The 280 Familia version was introduced in 2004, offering the more traditional Scandinavian layout, an open-backed wheel shelter and a separate aft cabin, with a centre cockpit forming the main living space. This did not have the all-season appeal that the patio door brings and this, together with its shorter build run, means it is not surprising that you will see more Coupés in the UK. Nimbus say they built approximately 200 280 Coupés over the 10-year production period until 2006. Ten years on, in 2015, Nimbus introduced its

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

so called ‘heir to the classic 280 Coupé’, the two large overhead, sliding sunroofs and 305 Coupé, which is now one of Nimbus’ surrounding windows, with large opening best sellers. sections, stream light into the space and offer plenty of ventilation. Interior To starboard is a four-person dinette A patio door leads into the light and area. This converts into an occasional bright wheelhouse-cum-saloon area, its double berth measuring 6ft in length lifting handle acting as a useful position and 3ft 2in wide. The aft seat base offers locking feature. The space is the epitome a decent storage area, albeit on the 1997 of ‘no frills’, functional practicality and, boat viewed, it housed a single 907 with a fairly high deck coaming, you feel Camping Gaz cylinder inside. very secure. Harnessing the outdoors, Moving forward, you will find the co-

Spot the difference? Previous model the 270 Coupé left, and the 280 Coupé right 84

March 2021

pilot is well catered for, with the forward dinette bench seat rocking up to face forward in one exceptionally smooth action on a very well-engineered metal hinge system. Albeit not as high as the helm position, it provides a decent view and is a rather comfy double seat all the same. Set on a raised plinth, there is also an excellent standing view to be had out of the overhead sunroof. Ahead of the seat is a teak grabrail, a series of handy vinyl pockets for bits and bobs and, under the windscreen itself, a large format, Perspextopped chart storage area. Fairly traditional in its format, the helm is neatly compact and practical. It is equipped with a single, very supportive bucket seat, with the galley’s good size 65 to 80-litre fridge set in its moulded base. Engine dials are displayed in a moulded dash above the cabin companionway, while switches and other controls are close to hand next to the wheel on the console itself. Echoing the co-pilot’s side, another, smaller Perspex-topped chart storage area nestles under the windscreen. There is an additional electrical switch panel in the

footwell. Again, a raised plinth allows the skipper to helm whilst standing up with their head out through the sunroof. With no spare dash space in the helm console itself, bracket mounting equipment beyond the chart storage area, or above the companionway, may be the answer. There is, however, space in the pelmet above the helmsman for a flushmounted multifunction display of around 7 inch or so. One boat we viewed had a Raymarine C80 installed here. The galley unit is compact, yet practical, with a gas oven and two-burner hob mounted at its centre. A covered deep square metal sink is set aft, under which there is a bank of storage drawers, the larger bottom one is often equipped for the ‘supplied as standard’, Nimbus branded crockery. Under the oven is an excellent storage area for larger items, such as pots, pans and kettles. Worktop space is a little lacking, but the helm seat hinges forward to provide much needed additional galley serving space. A rectangular storage step in the cabin companionway leads down to a small

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

lobby area. Immediately to port lies a single open pilot berth, extending aft under the cockpit floor. This fairly narrow and shapely berth is 6ft 6in in length and is perfect for storage when cruising, or as a second cabin when a friend or grandchild comes to stay. A teak shelf is neatly built into the bulkhead above it for storage.

There is plenty of seated headroom in the berth and above it is an opening porthole. Moving on and into the bow cabin, it seems that there were two variations available in here, either a dinette converting to a double berth or a fixed double berth, as seen on the predecessor 27 Coupé. As you can imagine, there are

Its galley is compact and well executed. The toilet compartment is appointed for cruising 86

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1997 £47,500 (featured) Volvo TAMD31P diesel Clarke & Carter Burnham 01621 785 600 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

Spare bed. There is a useful pilot berth on the port side

pros and cons to both. While most seem to have the dinette, the early production, 1997 version MBO viewed had the fixed double, which makes sense for a couple, as while cruising they can leave the bed made up, which leaves the wheelhouse-saloon and aft cockpit as a living area. The double is vast at 6ft 2in in the centre and 6ft 7in at its widest, and laying in a V-berth configuration there is 6ft 5in length. The dinette configuration probably makes more sense and provides the best of both worlds for a family, as it forms that second living area by day and a potential V-berth or double berth cabin option at night. Indeed, for a couple this lower dinette space will also form a very private lounging area of an evening, that is until you have to make up the bed of course. The fixed, two-cushion double allows for plenty of storage underneath, with a lined central locker and a large drawer seen at the front. The

2004 £53,950 (featured) Volvo TAMD31P diesel Mark Cameron Yachts 07988 763254 www.mcyachts.co.uk

2002 £57,500 Volvo TAMD31P diesel Waypoint Yacht Brokers 01983 200785 www.waypoint-yachtbrokers.co.uk

2000 £49,500 Volvo TAMD31P diesel Cowes Yacht Agency 01983 290006 www.cowesyachtagency.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

The cockpit evolved, mouldings replaced retractable seats

V-berth moulding may still be under there too, so it may well be possible to convert it back to a dinette. On both versions there are lined lockers in the seat mouldings, plus a hatch in the bow section providing access to the bowthruster, if fitted. The cabin is quite a secluded, cosy space. It is separated off by a bi-fold door which, with the door shut, leaves just enough space at the foot of the bed/ table for one person to dress with 5ft 10in headroom. On the port side is a rather deep hanging locker with an integral shelf making use of the incredible depth available inside. Beneath this is a large and very handy drawer. There were no opening portholes in the forward cabin of the 1997 version viewed, other than an escape hatch

above the berth and tucked well into the bow. Ensure that you inspect this carefully, as it may be plastic, and consequently might be suffering from crazing. The toilet compartment is located on the starboard side and, despite providing just under 5ft 6in headroom, it is an excellent space. A unit running along on the left hand side integrates a plastic wash basin with a shower mixer tap, and integral lockers provide storage and pipework access. A sea toilet is mounted on a raised plinth immediately ahead. Light and ventilation is provided by an opening porthole. A shower curtain covers the door and a shower tray drains by operating a switch on the aft bulkhead. Also on this bulkhead, an access panel

March 2021

A practical exterior. Side deck space is pinched but secure. Stanchions are easily accessible from the cabin interior

reveals seacocks and a manual bilge pump. Having diesel heating fitted will extend a cruising season and keep you toasty when that patio door is shut, so is an option worth looking for.

into the floor, which is ideal for cockpit entertaining and dining. On the 1997 boat viewed, an additional single fold-out teak seat had been fitted to the port side, thus expanding the party size. We came across a 1998 version with a cockpit side door on Cockpit the port side, which we assume was retroStep through the half-height, port side fitted and an ingeniously-practical idea for transom door, and under the full height boarding and short-handed use. canopy, and the cockpit feels safe, deep When it comes to side deck access, a and spacious. There is usually some form moulded step to port provides the easiest of L-shaped seating to starboard, which route. On pre 2002 boats, the hinged on early boats hinged and provided open bench seat appears to do the same job storage underneath. Having no fixed to starboard, but was obviously not the outside seating was obviously something best for weight bearing, with one owner that Nimbus wanted to address as, from adding a fixed support underneath for this around 2002, a moulded L-shaped seating very purpose, perhaps another reason for pod appeared out here. This offered a large Nimbus changing it to moulded seating. fore and aft storage locker, and saw the gas It is here in the cockpit that you will also locker relocated inside it. You may also spot some neat little touches by Nimbus see a pedestal table fitted here, slotting that make life on deck that little bit easier. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Easy boarding with a bathing platform and transom gate. Sliding side windows for good crew-helmsman communication

There is a vertical teak rack for boat hooks and brooms, a cup holder mounted on the patio door, an open rope locker and an optional outboard bracket. Being shaftdrive, the under-floor storage in the cockpit is phenomenal, and one of the key things that makes this boat exceptional for cruising. Two large hatches reveal a deep, full-width lazarette area with a centre sectioned area capable of swallowing large items, such as folded bikes, a portable generator and/ or a deflated tender. It is a real bonus and not something you would expect on such a modestly sized cruiser. Its four 75Ah batteries are housed in a box on the port side next to a calorifier, while aft there is easy access to the steering system. On Deck The bathing platform is excellent for boarding, and packed with features. Two wooden trap-door-like hatches reveal moulded storage areas that are ideal for ropes, small fenders or a second anchor. These wooden hatches have a tendency to deteriorate and rot, consequently they may well have been replaced. There is usually a handy, four-slot metal fender basket mounted to the transom. One owner had repositioned this on top of the cockpit

overhang, cleverly installing a canister liferaft in its place. A bathing ladder retracts into the centre and a shower is concealed in the transom gate coaming. As aforementioned, the easiest way to get forward on deck is from the port side in the cockpit. However, with the externally-mounted stanchions finishing well short of the aft cockpit, and a series of interconnected handrails, it is also possible to climb directly up on to the side decks from the pontoon. The moulded decks feel quite narrow under foot, measuring an average of 6½ inches, particularly with the lack of stanchions aft. But, with sturdy handrails along the cabin roof you feel safe enough. Its grippy, sloping foredeck is a safe sanctuary and leads to a pronounced bowsprit and anchor, with a small hatch providing access to the chain locker. Hull and Handling Don’t be put off by the single shaftdrive installation, as this boat is obedient and economical. Nimbus strive to produce the most efficient hulls and the 280 Coupé is a bit of a cruising chameleon. Nimbus is also renowned for its high build quality, and 280C owners are quick to praise their impeccable handling abilities, reassuring sea keeping and general solid feel.

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Cruising chameleon. It is capable of sedate displacement and planing speeds

The 280 Coupé has a semi-displacement hull shape with a deep V entry, a deep, partial length keel, smooth underwater sections and skeg protecting the propeller. The best of both worlds you might say, as it is happy to cruise at displacement speeds, yet capable of fast cruising when needed. The combination of single engine, keel, four bladed prop and large rudder offers stability and good handling characteristics. However, you will find most 280s fitted with a bowthruster for that added piece of mind when close quarters. We even spotted one for sale with a sternthruster. A bowthruster was originally a £2k factory option, but was fitted as standard in the very last models. Early boats tend to have a white hull,

although the characteristic Nimbus navy blue hull was available in later models (£1300 option), which looks very elegant and makes the boat appear larger. It will, however, require annual maintenance to keep its lustre, with one owner even resorting to a navy wrap. Engines The 280 Coupé was really only available with one engine option, a single 150hp Volvo Penta TAMD31P (£98,296 in 2003). However, with the roll out of Volvo’s new D3 engine in 2004, and the fact the D3160 was an option that year with the new 280 Familia, it is possible that some of the last of the 280 Coupés produced may well also have this engine. Indeed, the option

Semi displacement. The 280 Coupé has a partial keel with a rudder and prop-protecting skeg Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Most 280 Coupés will be fitted with a Volvo 150hp TAMD31, but the very last may have a D3-160

appears on UK price lists at £119k, and Nimbus confirmed that several of the last 280 Coupés were equipped with the D3. However, we have yet to find one for sale in the UK. Back to the TAMD31P, some would argue that, with 150hp, the 280 Coupé was a little underpowered. During the 90s, Nimbus marketed it as being capable of 21 knots. Maybe the Swedes were a little ambitious in this, as this 3-tonne boat should be capable, realistically, of a top speed in the region of 17-18 knots, which is still pretty good. Trim tabs are somewhat crucial to reach planing cruising speeds, as bringing the bow down should deliver more speed without changing the revs. With the TAMD31P engine revving to 3900rpm, at around 3400rpm it should deliver around 12 knots. Lower the tabs and the speed should increase to around 14 knots. At these speeds you should expect economy in the region of 3.5 miles to the gallon.

While 14 knots is a decent speed for distance cruising, the boat will, of course, be at its most economical at displacement speeds of 6-7 knots. A large hatch in the galley-dinette companionway reveals the majority of the engine, deep in its moulded, wellengineered engine bay. Access, albeit from overhead, is good for basic routine checks and oil changes, but tight and awkward for low level service items, such as replacing belts, oil filters or impeller changes. You will note that access to aft items, including the turbo and air filter is quite restricted, as the engine somewhat disappears under the floor aft. The fuel and raw water filters are readily accessible and can normally be found mounted on the forward bulkhead in the lazarette. Volvo Penta engines of this era are generally regarded as reliable and easy to work on, although the AD31 does suffer from corrosion to the front and pulleys, due to water pump leaks, and also on the

March 2021

oil sump if they have lived in wet bilges. The turbos can stick, if not used regularly, and the intercooler will require periodic cleaning. The rarer D3s, which are electronically managed, will require a higher level of dealer support for fault finding and diagnosis. No matter the engine installation, it is always worth checking that regular servicing has been carried out and is up to date. We would also recommend examining the sound insulation in the engine bay, as this can transform the experience of long distance cruising, particularly with the canopies up and patio doors shut.

Conclusion The very modest 280 Coupé is an incredibly versatile cruiser, and it is easy to see why it is popular for both inland waters as well as coastal cruising in the UK. With the proposed and imminent loss of red diesel in the UK, this boat is sure to hit the spot for those who want to throttle back to a relaxed pace, combining the economy to get them where they need to be cheaply with the ability to boat throughout the year.

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

Family 26/2600

Prices £20,000-£33,500

Length 27ft 7in Beam 9ft 4in An original Nimbus with a single diesel and the family orientated aft cabin layout. Buy one (pictured) 1987 £33,500 imperial-yachtbrokers.com

310 Coupé

2000-2007

Prices £60,000-£75,000

Length 30ft 6in Beam 10ft 4in A 4-6 berth, 2-cabin aft cockpit cruiser, ideal for coastal cruising and a couple or family. Buy one (pictured) 2001 £69,950 www.blackrockyachting.co.uk

370/380

1993-2011

Prices £95,000-£160,000

Length 37ft 8in Beam 11ft 9in Rare, popular 6-berth Trawler 370, which evolved into the 380 Commander (see MBO Oct19). Buy one (pictured) 2008 380C £159,950 www.solentmotoryachts.com

CONTEMPORARY CHOICE Nimbus 305 Coupé The evolution of an entry level Coupé with simple self-effacing practicality. It is powered by a single 110-220hp diesel giving 24 knots. See full test Nov19. Price from £265,625 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

Built 2012 onwards Length 33ft 3in Beam 10ft 7in Displacement 4100kg Engines Volvo Penta D3-110, D3-150, D3-220 www.nimbus.se

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

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

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

Corsiva / Coaster 640SC

Only 12 hours, stylish planing hull, teak effect floor, bimini

Seamaster / 27

Spacious with six berths, equipped galley, bowthruster, heating

Interboat / 6.5

Spacious open day boat, teak floor, fridge, bowthruster

1986 | £14,000 | 17ft | 5.2m

2019 | £31,000 | 20.3ft | 6.2m

2007 | £37,500 | 27ft | 8.2m

Interboat / 25

Interboat / Intender 700

Interboat / Intender 820

Haines / 34 Sedan

2009 | £47,500 | 25ft | 7.9m

NEW | €57,771 | 23ft | 7m

2017 | £95,000 | 26.6ft | 8.1m

2009 | £135,000 | 34ft | 10.4m

Elegant dayboat with wooden rudder, large cockpit seating 10

Due June, Blue Black hull, unique transom, triple back sundeck

Stunning 170hp version, 35 hours, extensive specification, toilet

FROM

£382,410 400 AFT CABIN

PRICE AS AT 1 APRIL 2020 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT ST

British built since 1980

2017 | £45,500 | 21.7ft | 6.6m

Spacious sedan cruiser, side door, bow & stern thrusters, Nanni 200hp

FROM

INTENDER 820

£49,770

PRICE AS AT 1ST FEBRUARY 2020 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

Classified

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

2017 Aquador 27 HT

2006 Four Winns 278 Vista

1989 Broom Ocean 40

£124,950

£42,500

£85,000

Single MerCruiser 260hp diesel sterndrive, 90 hours. 4-berth hardtop cruiser with spacious, social cockpit and open plan cabin. Bowthruster, heating. Lying Lymington.

01590 677955 enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk

Single Volvo D4-260 diesel sterndrive. 4-berth sportscruiser with open plan cabin area with galley, double/dinette and double mid berth. Bowthruster, diesel heating, electric windlass. Lying Pwllheli

01758 703 013 sales@idealboat.com

Twin Volvo Penta TAMD61A 306hp diesels. Rare flybridge-aft cabin Broom model, offering 6-8 berths with two seperate cabins including an aft cabin suite with island double. Generator, electric toilet.

01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

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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

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

March 2021

Owners Club missing? Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Facebook

www.maxumownersclub.com

Click here for Facebook group

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardsquadron.org

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

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1995 Sealine 330 Statesman

£69,950 01753 851 717 email address

L K what I saw

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

send your images to us at

editorial@

motorboatowner.co.uk

MDL mutt memo‘random’

Great new signs spotted at Windsor Marina SPOTTED! by Ross Savage

Bray-bound sunset

Heading for Thames home berth as the sun dips SPOTTED! by Mark Hammond

Herm Sunrise

An island calling, the sun rises over Herm Island SPOTTED! by Richard Poat 98

March 2021

Britain’s only FREE dedicated motorboat magazine

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Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

OWNER STORIES

Motorboat Owner March 2021

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