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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seakart 335 NEW BOAT

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.

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.

Sargo 28 NEW BOAT

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.