Motorboat Owner May 2015

FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Motorboat MAY 2015

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Jeanneau Velasco 37F PRACTICAL

Birchwood 33 l Fairline Holiday l ÂŁ1K Boat

Volvo DPH drive oil change

Welcome to the May issue.

From the Editor

This month we bring you an exclusive test of the Jeanneau Velasco 37F. It may start at around a quarter of a million pounds, but if you are in the market for a shaft drive, 40 foot, family flybridge cruiser, it actually offers very good value for money. Don’t worry though, we aren’t about to start knocking on Sunseeker’s door to test their latest 80 footer, next month we have another

@

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

General Enquiries

01268 922991

2 October 2013

May 2015

UK first, a test of Bayliner’s new, and very affordable, Ciera 8 sportscruiser.

If your definition of affordable is more second-hand Ford, than a new top of the range Mercedes, we have found an absolute gem of a boat for our ‘Second Look’ feature this month. Turn to page 54 to see what it is, but you’ll have to be quick, I can’t see it hanging around for long.

Elsewhere in the mag we also bring you a

guide to boating on England’s largest natural lake, and a useful practical feature on changing the oil in your Volvo DPH sterndrive. We’ve also been busy wiring up the £1K challenge boat this month, and you can read all about that, and just how close we are getting to our budget, on page 46.

As soon as this issue is online, we’ll be heading down to the South coast where we plan to combine a weekend of boating with a visit to the mecca of bargain boat bits, the Beaulieu Boat Jumble. We’ll be on the lookout for some of the final items we need to get Olive ready for her summer vacation. If you are going, we hope to see you there, we’ll be the ones with a shopping list in one hand, and a very small pile of change in the other.

Talking of summer vacations. How would you like to come on holiday with us? We still have a couple of places left on our early summer cruise to France and the Channel Islands. See page 53 for more info.

welcome aboard

Spring on Lake Windermere and a Sealine S34 is anchored up at the northern end of the lake. See our guide on page 34

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

3

7 Superi or Marinas

M o o r i ng s fo r a l l t y pe s o f bo at s

R i ve r T ha m es . R i ve r Seve rn No r fo l k B ro a d s . R i ve r Wey

TYHA GOLD A N CH O R AWA R D ED MARINAS

N ew & U s e d B o at S a l e s

w w w.tin gde ne . net

We’re also on

Our Marinas Brundall Bay Marina

T. 01603 717 804 Norfolk Broads

Thames & Kennet Marina

T. 01189 482 911

River Thames, Caversham

Upton Marina

Racecourse Marina, Windsor

Upton upon Severn

River Thames, Windsor

T. 01684 594 287

T. 01753 851 501

Walton Marina

T. 01932 226 305 Walton on Thames

Pyrford Marina

T. 01932 340 739 River Wey, Surrey

Stourport Marina

T. 01299 827 082

Stourport on Severn

CONTENTS MAY 2015

p12

PRAC

PRACTICAL

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 10 CUTTING EDGE page 64 Q&A page 18 TESTED page 32

TICAL

REGULARS

HOW TO

Volvo DPH drive oil

HOW TO IN 21 ST EP

change 1

S

2 3

Start wit vertica h the drive in l po the 6 Tor sition. Un the With a do blo plastic x bolts on the between ck of wood cov from the er and rem top and the the prop bla ove it des drive cav undo the itation pla prop con te 4 e nut 5

You can rear pro now remove the p the pro by sliding it p shaft off 6

With the position block of wo od prop, useed on the for NEED ward YOU WILL supplie the special too d undo the with the div l TOOLS e to prop nu • A set of Torx bits to 200nm t rench up • Torque w 7 cket

page 46 Project Boat

ve not only he oil in a sterndri within the leg, it lubricates the gears defence against also acts as a line of in the gear case, water intrusion. Water make short work will especially salt water, and expensive of destroying this delicate but correctly specified piece of machinery the water, absorb oil will, up to a point, remain in service allowing the leg to the oil is changed. until such time as

T

Mayland 16

22

• 30mm so d extension bar • Socket wrench an nut tool • Volvo Penta prop • Funnel cle for old oil • Bucket or recepta

You can the for then remove wa sliding rd propeller it off the by shaft 8

Undo the remove two bolts and the pla that loo stic cov ks like er that is an ano mo de forward unted to the legs, of the props 9

CONSUMABLES • Drive oil t grease • Propshaf Behind t g gaske • Drain plu the oil draO ring anode is • Fill plug the in bolt, g anode ment rin wh be • Replace

You undon ich can e and rem G oil, ’ll only get a Have a ULTY RATIN trickle ove or water DIFFIC buc of collectin ket ready d. if to start leaking, out the drive is g the use at this d oil stage

ooooo 24

May 2015

Using a socket filer cap , undo the , the gea found just bel oil r of the selector at the ow drive top

May

page 53 2015 Programme

Cruising in Company

PRACTICAL

2015

Volvo DPH drive oil change

page 54 Second Look

p34

1980 Fairline Holiday

p54

WINDERMERE Destination Guide

p22

p66

Birchwood 33 Classic

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE GUIDE CLASSIC CRUISER

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

BOAT TEST

Jeanneau Velasco 37F

5

NEWS Holyhead 500-berth marina A new 500-berth marina is planned for the town of Holyhead, on Anglesey North Wales, as part of a ÂŁ100 million waterfront regeneration.

The project, which is currently at the public consultation stage, sees developer Conygar and the Holyhead ferry operator, Stena Line, join forces.

As well as a marina facility, plans for the area between Breakwater Plans detail 380 waterfront Country Park and Soldiers Point houses and apartments outline residential and retail developments, a new beach east of a new breakwater, a maritime museum and a boating lake. The regeneration might also see the re-use of the original lifeboat station as a Youth Marine Training Centre. However, local residents have opposed the marina development and a recent attempt to legally designate Newry Beach, which is on development land, as a village green has failed.

Thames restaurant boat sinks

In the early hours of 17th April the crew of Teddington RNLI were called out to multiple sinking vessels in Richmond-uponThames. The crew arrived first on scene to find ex-college barge, The Boat restaurant, and several other vessels moored at the pontoon near Richmond Bridge, sinking rapidly. Crew Member James Kavanagh, said: ‘It was mayhem. The river was littered with floating debris and owners of the rowing boats tethered to the pontoon were frantically trying to salvage as much as they could. The pontoon had failed and any vessel moored with decent rope was quickly being dragged under. As the tide rose, the stern of The Boat restaurant became fully submerged.’ Built for river processions on the Thames, the college barges were made between the 15th and 19th centuries. The Boat is believed to be one of only 11 remaining. Fortunately there were no casualties and the RNLI salvaged what they could.

6

May 2015

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

DIARY DATES Beaulieu Boat Jumble 26th April Horning Boat Show 2nd May Jersey Boat Show 2nd-4th May Poole Harbour Boat Show 9th-10th May All Wales Boat Show 8th-10th May Hamble Boat Show 16th-17th May 75th Return to Dunkirk 21st May Northern Boat Show 5th-7th June Click any of the above for more info

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Quote ‘MB01’ to get free over night shipping on orders over £100

Motorboat

Back issues Motorboat available at

www.motorboatowner.co.uk

www.motorboatowner.co.uk

Owner

Owner

7

NEWS New South Coast Fairline dealer announced

British boat manufacturer, Fairline Boats has appointed Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd, as its new dealer for the South Coast. Based on the River Thames at Chertsey, Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd is a family business which was established over 100 years ago. The company will be known as Fairline London, and will also run the Fairline Southampton offices and berths on the River Hamble, as well their branch office at Eastbourne Marina. Earlier this year Fairline announced that it was parting company with Boats.co.uk, formerly known as Essex Boatyards, who were a Fairline dealer for nine years. Thought to have been Fairline’s largest dealer worldwide, Essex-based Boats.co.uk dealer agreement expired on the 23rd of April. “We and Fairline remain the best of friends and we will continue to support the dealer network, and our customers, in the same way we always have” says James Barke, managing director of Boats.co.uk.

Prince Philip Yacht Haven opens

Club members were taking up position in a new marina on the River Hamble over the Easter weekend. The two clubs, the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Royal Air Force Yacht Club joined forces in the £2.6m Prince Philip Yacht Haven redevelopment project which is due to be completed by the middle of May 2015. The official opening by club patron HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will be on June 4.

Marina planned for Thames Tideway

An £800 million development on the banks of the River Thames at Purfleet is set to include a marina. Marina Projects reviewed the site back in 2006 and the local council have backed the plans this March. More details soon.

8

May 2015

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

New dredger for Brighton Marina

Premier Marinas has invested £800,000 in purchasing its own dredger which is destined for Brighton Marina on the south coast. Under a 10-year licence the dredged material will be pumped into the sea where it will be naturally dispered into the ecosystem. Operations have the full support of The EA and Natural England.

The dredger is due to arrive in November.

s t s i l a i c e p S The

N N T O RISOS! O N PA ITE M S CO WEB

Flare Amnesty at Hamble Boat Show The disposal of out-of-date flares is a growing problem for boat owners. On Sunday 17th May the Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit will be giving vistors to the Hamble Boat Show the opportinity to take part in its ‘distress flare amnesty’ and dispose of their flares safely. See show website

Top quality boat insurance at the touch of a button

The UK's first online boat insurance provider - created by boat people, for boat people! ● Quick and easy online quotations and cover ● 24 hour claims help line and simple online claims tracking

● Multi-boat insurance discounts - insure two or more boats for less

● Monthly payments available for premiums over £100 at NO EXTRA COST!

● Underwritten by Navigators & General, a trading name of Zurich Insurance plc

See how much you can save in an instant

● Thousands of satisfied customers

www.craftinsure.com or call: 03452 607888 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Highly competitive ‘Peace of mind’ cover

9

INBOX

@

STAR LETTER

Thames River Licence price shock

We started boating on the Thames way back in the 1970’s but in 2004 we followed the “call of the sea” and have spent the last 10 years cruising the south coast on our 40ft motorboat. We have just returned to the River Thames only to find that the licence has doubled from £400 to £800. Now that’s what you call inflation, and is probably why many people are giving up boating on the Thames. So what improvements have happened in the time we have been away? In truth, not many. The locks have been electrified for public use, but locks are now mostly manned by volunteers, which must save the EA a fortune. There also appears to be much more debris to be on the lookout for, with sunken boats and fallen trees lying across the river, with no apparent attempt to clear them away. Where is our licence fee going and does anyone else feel that we are now getting poor value for money? Mr S. The Editor replies: We understand that government funding has been cut over the last few years, and what you see is the result. This year’s fees have at least been pegged to inflation, but what I would like to see is a fairer way of spreading the running costs of the river across all users.

The TMBA (tmba.org.uk) and The ATYC (atyc.org.uk) represent the interests of motorboaters on the river, and I’m sure they would appreciate your support.

Irish angle

I wanted to let you know how much enjoyment I get from your publication. It’s great to get reviews on boats we can actually aspire to, and your articles on maintenance are very informative. We in Ireland are absolutely blessed with a number of massive inland lakes and the mighty River Shannon that allow us to enjoy challenging boating without the need to go to sea. Maybe you could do a couple of articles with an Irish angle. Eamonn Rooney The Editor replies: We have just such an article on the agenda. Watch this space.

10

May 2015

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Keeping condiments dry

I know we were not alone amongst boaters in that we used to struggle to keep our table salt dry and free-flowing when kept onboard. Over the years we tried numerous containers and other tricks such as adding a few grains of rice to the salt. Nothing worked until I came across a very small Kilner jar in my local cookware shop. This worked brilliantly. Season after season our salt flowed freely.

After 10 years the rubber seal on the ceramic lid finally perished but we replaced it with the modern plastic-stoppered version. So far this is working almost as well and certainly far better than anything we had tried previously. I thought some of your readers might find this tip useful. Tally Clift The Editor replies: We seem to suffer from soggy salt onboard our boat, so I’ll be on the lookout for a Kilner jar. Thanks for the tip.

JOIN TODAY MARINE BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE DEDICATED MARINE ENGINEERS WITH OWN FLEET OF RIBS 90% OF BOATS REPAIRED ON SCENE HOME BERTH START & UNLIMITED CALL OUTS

FREEPHONE 0800 88 55 00

CALLING FROM MOBILE: 01489 55 73 64 11 Email: sales@seastart.co.uk • Web: www.seastart.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Volvo DPH drive oil change

YOU WILL NEED

T

he oil in a sterndrive not only lubricates the gears within the leg, it also acts as a line of defence against water intrusion. Water in the gear case, especially salt water, will make short work of destroying this delicate and expensive piece of machinery but correctly specified oil will, up to a point, absorb the water, allowing the leg to remain in service until such time as the oil is changed.

TOOLS • A set of Torx bits • Torque wrench up to 200nm • 30mm socket • Socket wrench and extension bar • Volvo Penta prop nut tool • Funnel • Bucket or receptacle for old oil CONSUMABLES • Drive oil • Propshaft grease • Drain plug gasket • Fill plug O ring • Replacement ring anode

DIFFICULTY RATING

ooooo

12

May 2015

Obviously at this point if water is noticed in the oil, usually indicated by oil that is emulsified and takes on a kind of milky appearance rather than the translucent look of fresh oil, you need to rectify the problem before the boat goes back in the water. This is why changing the sterndrive oil should be at the top of the priority list of maintenance jobs, and one that you really should not extend beyond the recommendations of the manufacturers.

Typically they will suggest changing the oil annually and I think that makes very good sense. The oil isn’t cheap in many cases, often being fully synthetic, but compared to the cost of a damaged drive, an annual outlay for new oil seems like a

cheap insurance policy. Even if you have only used your boat briefly since the last oil change, if the time is up, do it. Leaks can occur at any time and the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the better it will be for your drive’s internals.

Volvo DPH drives, as fitted to boats with D4 and D6 engines, have been around now for over 10 years. This means that many of the earlier ones are well outside warranty, and are probably on their second, third or fourth owner. This brings them very firmly into the DIY scene when it comes to servicing, so we thought we would take a look at changing the oil in this very popular drive.

Volvo Penta DPH drives have been with us for over 10 years. This means they are well within the realms of DIY servicing

It’s only a half day job, even with two drives Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

13

PRACTICAL

HOW TO IN 21 STEPS

1

Start with the drive in the vertical position. Undo the 6 Torx bolts on the top plastic cover and remove it from the drive 4

With the block of wood positioned on the forward prop, use the special tool supplied with the dive to undo the prop nut 7

2

With a block of wood between the prop blades and the cavitation plate undo the prop cone nut 5

You can then remove the forward propeller by sliding it off the shaft

8

Behind the anode is the You’ll only get a trickle of oil drain bolt, which can oil, or water if the drive is be undone and removed. leaking, out at this stage Have a bucket ready to start collecting the used oil

3

You can now remove the rear prop by sliding it off the prop shaft

6

Undo the two bolts and remove the plastic cover that looks like an anode that is mounted to the legs, forward of the props 9

Using a socket, undo the oil filer cap, found just below the gear selector at the top of the drive

14

May 2015

10

11

12

The oil should now flow quickly from the drive into the collection receptacle

Once the oil is drained, dispose of it at a dedicated oil disposal site. Many marinas and boatyards now have one

Check the washer on the oil drain plug. Replace it if damaged and replace the drain plug back into the drive

13

14

15

The drive should now be trimmed up to 35° so that the filler plug top is level

We actually found that 37° was better, possibly because the boat was not on level ground

Using a funnel, pour oil of the correct type into the filler. The drive holds 5.2 litres, with 0.2L between the min and max marks

16

17

18

Fill until the oil is level with the top of the filler cap, then replace the filler cap and lower the drive back down

Raise it again to 35° and check the level. Top up, if required, and replace the filler cap. Change the rubber O ring if damaged

Replace the adapter and bolt it onto the leg. This is the part that looks like an anode

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

15

PRACTICAL

19

20

21

Apply a very liberal coating of suitable grease to the prop shafts, this is very important as it will allow easy removal of the props next time

Then using the wood block, re-install the props, tightening up the forward prop nut to 200nm and the aft nut to 100nm

Refit the drive top cover, using the six Torx bolts removed earlier, and the job is finished

Oil – Genuine or not The DPH drive uses a 75W/90 fully Synthetic gear oil to API GL5. This is easily obtained from any Volvo Penta spares or servicing outlet, but is quite an expensive oil. There are other manufacturers that sell GL5 synthetic gear oil to the same viscosity, and you may be able to save a few pounds by using this instead. Ultimately though there is no getting away from the cost of the right oil and you should avoid cutting corners by using a cheaper semi synthetic product. You may have noticed that the oil the owner chose to put into the drive serviced here was red, rather than the usual golden colour. This was because it was an

Volvo Penta GL5 75W/90 Synthetic Transmission Oil is usually around ÂŁ90 for 5 litres

16

May 2015

alternative to Volvo’s oil that met all the right specifications. When the DPH drive is fitted to the 400hp D6, it requires a synthetic GL5 oil with a viscosity of 75W/140. Different drives, even from the same manufacturer, often require different oils. Some use the same oil as you use in the engine. Always check the owner’s manual for the correct specification, and use the recommended oil.

There are alternative oils out there that meet the same specifications, such as TRX Synth (right) from Miller oils, available for around £65 for 5 litres

COST £ Genuine Volvo Penta oil to the right specification is around £90 for 5 litres. As each drive takes 5.2 litres you’ll need to buy another another one litre bottle, at around £19, to complete the job. The drain plug washer is around £4, and the filler cap O ring about £2. This gives you a total cost of £115 for a single drive.

You may be able to make savings using non genuine oil, and reusing washers and O rings, to bring the job down to around £80 per drive.

TIME TAKEN Around 90 minutes per drive.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

17

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Mariner impellor dilemma

Q I am trying to change the impellor

on my 3.3hp two stroke Mariner but I can’t seem to undo the bolts that hold the gearbox onto the leg. I don’t want to use too much force as snapping them off would be a disaster. Do you have any ideas?

A I’ve been there, done that, got the T-shirt and snapped the bolt. The problem

is that you have a stainless steel bolt going into an aluminium casting and the resulting corrosion makes removal very difficult. Add to this the tendency for stainless bolts to easily sheer and you have the problems you are encountering. I would suggest you try using heat, as the aluminium will expand more than the stainless, with a liberal application of light oil or releasing agent. If you do get some movement in the bolt, work it back and forth gently to increase movement rather than just undoing it. Normally once you get a slight movement you are winning the battle, and it just requires patience and care to get the thing undone. When it comes to reassembly, I would always recommend Tef-Gel, a PTFE based waterproof lubricant. It is designed to eliminate corrosion caused by dissimilar metals and has never let me down yet. It’s not cheap, but worth it to save a sheared bolt.

C-Map card for Raytheon RL80

Q The boat I have just bought is fitted with a Raytheon RL80

chartplotter. I understand that these take C-Map cartridges but there seems to be lots of different types. I have been offered a C-Map ‘Max’ card. Will this work in this plotter?

A No, unfortunately for the RL80 you need either a C-Map

NT or an NT+ depending if your RL80 is N RL80C or an RL80C Plus. I have been told that you can tell the difference when you first power it up.

If it says Raytheon on the screen you have an RL80C and require an NT card. If it says Raymarine, it is an RL80C Plus and will work with an NT+ card but to be certain you could call Raymarine Technical Support on 01329 246777. If you call, do so from the boat with the plotter in front of you as they may well ask for details that you can only get from the unit.

18

May 2015

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Quayline 245 project

Q I have purchased a project boat here

in Sweden called a Quayline 245. I need to replace the windscreen and return a few other bits back to original but I cannot seem to find any information, or even any images of the boat, on the internet. I really would just like to see what the boat was like originally so I can try and return it back to its former glory. Can you help?

This project Quayline 245 ended up in Sweden

A The Quayline 245 was made by Quayline boats of Hertfordshire using moulds from

the Falcon 245, the very last model that started with the Falcon 22. Quayline exhibited the 245 at the Southampton Boat Show about 10 years ago. I remember getting on board and being very pleased to see the model back in production again. As far as I know they only ever built one boat, which I later saw in a very sorry state after a trailer accident. I am guessing this explains the nature of your ‘project’, although there must be an interesting story in how the boat ended up in Sweden. Anyway, I digress. I do have some images of the boat, which I have sent to you via email. Unfortunately they were taken after the accident, so may not be too much use to you. I have also forwarded a scan of the Brochure that I picked up at the boat show, although again it doesn’t really provide a great amount of detail. Your best bet might be to study images of the Falcon 22, 23 and 245. These will give you a good idea of how the windscreen would have looked on the Quayline, and should give some ideas of how you can bring your 245 back into service. I wish you luck with the project and please do update us when the boat is back in the water. We’d love to see it.

The Quayline 245 was produced from the moulds of the Falcon 23/245.

Right, the original brochure

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

19

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Anchor winch cables

Q I have decided to fit an anchor winch to my Bayliner 2655. The model I have chosen is the Quick Prince, which is 500 Watt. I need to run some cables from the engine start battery in the engine room at the stern. What size cables do I need?

A The correct size cables are important for two reasons. First they ensure that the

item in question works as it is designed to, and second, and most importantly, they can carry the current required without overheating and potentially causing a fire.

To work out the right size cable you need to know three parameters. The current draw in Amps of the item being powered, the distance between the item and the power source, and the acceptable voltage drop of the appliance. Critical items, such as navigation lights, usually require a voltage drop of 3% or less. Non-critical items can have a drop of up to 10%. Personally I like to stick to 5% maximum. There are other factors, such as ambient temperature, but by erring on the side of caution when making these calculations you can usually build these factors in at the same time. Usually, to work out how many Amps something draws, you just divide the Watts by the volts. This gives us 42 Amps for your windlass with no load. The Quick website, however, provides a working current for this model of 80 Amps. Now depending upon the route of the cables I will guess a distance between battery and windlass of around 8 metres, or 16 metres for the round trip. To make the next stage easier you can go online and search for a voltage drop, or cable size, calculator. Be sure to find one that specifies if the length of the cable run is one way or round trip so you know what figure to put in. Doing this shows that you could probably ‘get away’ with 35mm2 cable for just over 5% voltage drop, but 50mm2 cable would be better, with a voltage drop of just over 3%. The circuit should be protected by a fuse or breaker of around 100 Amps.

Anchor winches require hefty cables to ensure minimal voltage drop and best performance

20

May 2015

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Cruisers Vee Express 267

Q Last summer I bought our first boat,

a Cruisers Vee Express 267. We have had a great time so far but recently I was told these boats suffer from structural problems, which has got me worried. I didn’t have a survey undertaken when I bought it, as I knew the previous owner who had owned it for many years and looked after it very carefully. Do these boats have a history of problems?

A There was a specific problem with the 267, which was identified quite early on

and was due to insufficient reinforcement on the hull, resulting in cracks. There was a concerted campaign at the time to recall the boats and remedy the problem and I understand that most, if not all, boats had the rectification work carried out. I would imagine that if by chance your boat missed the recall it would, by now, be showing obvious signs of the problem. To put your mind at rest, you could employ the services of an experienced surveyor, one who was in the business back in the late 80’s, who would almost certainly be aware of the history of the 267, and ask them to check your boat over. They should be able to confirm that the remedial work has been done. Once you get the all clear, and I’m sure you will, you can carry on enjoying your 267, which besides this issue is a really great boat.

Force outboard spares

Q I have bought a Bayliner Cuddy with a 1991 90hp Force outboard. Can you tell me where I can get spares for the outboard?

A Force Outboards were originally Chrysler motors. I understand that they ended up in the same stable as Mercury at some point, and I believe that by 1991 they were being produced by Brunswick, possibly sharing many of the same components as Mercury outboards of the same era. Anyway the point is that in 1991, Barrus, the current Mercury importer to the UK were responsible for Force outboards over here. It’s a long shot, but it might be worth giving them a call to see whether they can help you. Alternatively, you could speak to a long standing Bayliner service centre such as Windermere Aquatic. With Force being the standard power plant for smaller Bayliners in the 80’s and early 90’s they must have built up a wealth of knowledge on this particular brand.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

21

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Birchwood 33 Classic

W

hen Birchwood closed in 2002 the British Boat industry lost a true gem, but its legacy is the wide range of boat models that are still going strong, and still very much loved. Birchwood Boat Company, was established in the mid 60’s and was based at Huthwaite, in Nottinghamshire. Already well known for its 20ft ranges, the 70’s was an important era for this prolific builder, as it began to build larger cruisers. One such model is the Birchwood 33 Classic. A classic by name, and indeed by the nature of its popularity. This comfortable aft cabin cruiser has really stood the test of

time. Today it is still much admired, with some devoted owners keeping them for many years.

The Birchwood 33 Classic was based originally on an aft cabin 33ft boat called the GT33, built in kit form by a company called GT Marine. Its semidisplacement hull was designed for inland and coastal cruising by naval architect Graham Caddick. Only a few GT33s were built before Birchwood bought the company in the early 70’s. Birchwood continued to build the boat, and renamed it as the Birchwood 33 GT. One of its distinguishing characteristics is a one-

22

May 2015

Image provided by Richard Orton

level, all-round deck. A few years later in 1973, the company used the hull again but introduced a new version, this time with a modified superstructure moulding. It was called the 33 Classic.

While the forward accommodation remained similar to the GT, the boat now had a raised aft deck, which provided full standing headroom across the whole beam of the aft cabin below. In 1975 you could buy a Classic for as little as £10,225 ex engines and VAT. A longer forward cabin top version was introduced in 1979.

This offered more headroom down below, which resulted in a shorter foredeck. This

Built 1973-1983 (approx 300) Prices then £27,000 (1980) Prices now £24,000-£36,000 Length 33ft / 10.06m Beam 11ft / 3.35m Draught 3ft / 0.91m Air Draught 9ft / 2.7m Fuel 820 litres /180 gallons Water 455 litres /100 gallons Displacement 7 tonnes approx

change was very much in tune to one of its 1970’s rivals, the Moonraker 36/350. An extended version of the 33, known as the 35, was introduced in 1976, but very few of these were built. The 33 Classic ceased production in 1983. The subsequent model, the 33 Viceroy used the same hull but had an all-new superstructure, incorporating a fully enclosed wheelhouse and a flybridge. More aft cabin models followed, such as the TS 31 and TS37, before the company ceased trading in 2002.

While Birchwood mainly sold completed boats, a fair few 33s,

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

23

Above, is a short forward cabin top model with generous foredeck and fixed back to the wheelshelter

particularly the last of the early 80’s boats, were sold in kit form. This is where a basic hull, superstructure and engines were sold to buyers to be kitted out by other yards, or owners themselves. One particular owner told us that Nicholls Boatyard, at Runnymede on the River Thames, completed his 1980 boat. With changes to the hull design during production, various in-build custom features, and ‘home-build’ versions being completed to different specifications, you will find that very few 33 Classics are the same.

The boat has two toilet compartments. Left, the ensuite to master cabin and right, the ‘day loo’

Interior The boat sleeps six people and its accommodation is divided into two main areas. You have the master quarters, which are aft, and a main, dual-purpose cabin area forward. The interior is very spacious, there is excellent headroom and large windows give plenty of light throughout.

You descend steeply into the aft cabin via a central companionway, which has a door and opening top. The full width aft cabin has a double berth running athwartships, as well as a large fullheight wardrobe, dressing table, and a toilet compartment on the port side. The cabin is spacious, and the berth itself is a generous 4ft wide. Beneath the berth is the boat’s water tank, and access to the stern gear. The ensuite toilet compartment has a small washbasin and a sea toilet. If a boat has been used predominantly inland the latter may have been replaced with a porta potti. Sadly there is no shower in this compartment, but it may be possible to add one. Waterproofing and fitting a shower tray and drainage will be the main hurdles to overcome.

24

May 2015

Most boats have an open plan forward cabin area. This ‘77 version has full height, forward bulkheads

Moving forward through the wheelhouse, passing through another central companionway door and down a flight of steps, takes you to the main forward cabin area. This is usually open plan with a 4-seater dinette on the port side, which converts to a double, a toilet compartment and a galley on the starboard side, and a V berth forward that also converts to a double. There are usually plenty of cupboards, drawers and under-bunk storage in this area.

The interior finish and layout may vary, depending upon who finsished the build.

A boat that we viewed had full height, bulkheads separating the V berth from the main cabin area, giving a degree of privacy. A couple of early 80’s boats we viewed had a long, U-shaped dinette area opposite the galley.

The galley area forms a shallow L shape, disguised by several lifting panels. There is a full gas oven, a stainless steel sink with a draining board, and plenty of worktop and cupboard space. A fridge is housed in the dinette seat base opposite the galley.

Step up into the corner toilet compartment and you will find a washbasin, toilet and full height shower.

A practical and spacious galley which can be concealed by lifting panels when not in use

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

25

The aft cabin has a thwartships double berth, an ensuite, a dressing table and full length wardrobe

Again a sea toilet is common here and a set of seacocks are located under the raised floor. We know of one owner that replaced the sea toilet for a pump out toilet with an integral holding tank beneath it for inland use.

Window leaks are common, so it is important to inspect surrounding wood and fabric surfaces for tell-tale signs.

Like many older boats, the replacement of sagging cabin linings is a familiar job.

This needn’t be expensive and may be

something that you can do yourself.

Having a centre cockpit boat has its pros and cons. Having an entirely separate master cabin with ensuite facilities is superb, particularly if you have guests aboard. However, it does make the morning visits to the galley to put the kettle on a little bit chilly, so diesel heating would be beneficial.

Wheelhouse and helm Unzip and roll up the side cockpit canopy sections and you are greeted with a spacious wheelhouse, lined with wood. Light streams in through the two large sunroofs in the hardtop. The helm is usually on the starboard side, with a pedestal helm seat, and there is a U-shaped bench along the port side. You will find a gas locker under the seat/step on the starboard side, which houses two cylinders.

The helm incorporates a slanted A navigator’s seat may be fitted and there also might be a pedestal for a table in the wheelhouse dashboard and an upright steering wheel.

26

May 2015

1977 £24,750 (featured) Twin Volvo TMD40A 130hp Tingdene Boat Sales 0118 947 7770 www.tingdeneboatsales.net

There is excellent visibility at the helm

With limited dash space, any navigation and depth equipment, new and old, such as an original Seafarer echo sounder, are usually bracket mounted or suspended from surrounding flat surfaces. A chart table hinges up on the port side for use by the navigator.

A fixed GRP back to the wheelshelter was available during production, and it seems a fair few purchasers went for this option.

This is a GRP shell, which is lined with coordinating wood and has three windows, with a larger central window. Fully enclosed wheelhouse models were available later in production.

The air draft of the 33 Classic is approximately 9ft. One Thames owner we spoke to, Richard Orton, modified his 1980 33 to enable him to get under the 7ft 6in Osney Bridge. This involved rebuilding the hardtop and removing as much weight from it as

1979 £26,500 Twin Ford 120hp diesels Broadland Yacht Brokers 01603 784440 broadlandyachtbrokers.co.uk

1984 £34,950 Twin Ford Mermaid 80hp diesels Norfolk Boat Sales 01603 781178 www.norfolkboatsales.co.uk

1974 £32,950 Twin Bedford 150hp diesels Tingdene Boat Sales 01299 827082 www.tingdeneboatsales.net

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

27

possible. The windscreens now fold and the hardtop itself hinges back to lay on the aft deck. Even the rails around the aft deck are telescopic and collapse down bringing the airdraft down to 7ft 2in. Ingenious.

We would recommend a thorough examination of the wood surfaces in the wheelhouse, particularly over the top of the aft companionway door and the flat surfaces under the windscreen, for signs of leaks. The wood in the cockpit may be faded through exposure to the sun and will need to be maintained regularly.

A fully enclosed wheelhouse was an option but might also be an owners modification

enclosed by thigh-high vinyl dodgers, which are strung to stanchion uprights topped with teak handrails. The wood On Deck handrails will need occsional attention, While some may prefer the smooth lines a light sand and a coat of varnish or teak of the previous GT model, the Classic has oil every now and then. The dodgers lots of usable deck space over the aft cabin, are usually attached with bungee cord which the GT does not. Access to the aft or cable, both of which can deteriorate deck is via two fairly small moulded steps. through exposure to UV. There is usually The flat, uncluttered aft deck is ideal for a ladder down the transom to a slatted outside seating, and there is space for wood bathing platform. some deck chairs and a table. It is usually Moving down to the side decks is fairly easy, albeit narrow. Owners may have added a grab rail on the top corner of the wheelhouse roof to aid the descent.

A boarding rope can also be suspended from this, which is a useful aid for getting on and off the boat. The side decks are very generous and are edged with chunky rectangular-shaped toerails. As we mentioned earlier, the longer cabin top version has a shorter foredeck area. This also saw the removal of the forward hatch from the foredeck, which can be a bit of a tripping hazard.

The decks of some boats were finished with a faux teak effect, the coating of which can become flakey and lift away in places. Therefore the decks may have been restored using non-slip paint.

While on deck it is worth checking the Its sidedecks are wide, safe and great for crewing roof and joins of the forward cabin top 28

May 2015

The unadorned raised aft deck offers alfresco dining opportunities

for stress cracking. The decks have also been known to flex, so it is worth checking the flat areas of the foredeck, and around the stanchion bases. Finally look at the hardtop carefully, as these have been known to suffer from UV damage.

Hull and Handling With its medium-V hull it is a semidisplacement cruiser and a bit of a chameleon, providing a great balance for sea and inland use. It has a fairly deep keel, which offers responsive handling characteristics, particularly at close quarters. Like most boats with broad sterns, the 33 isn’t t its best in a following sea. However, they are well praised for their safe and solid-feeling sea keeping abilities. It is worth noting that the 33’s hull chines were extended all the way aft in the late 70’s, this was to help generate more lift.

Above the waterline the hull appears chunky and purposeful, and is distinctively Birchwood, with a mid-hull, horizontal knuckle that curves outwards, running around the whole boat. This

enhanced interior volume, added strength to the hull and pushes the water aside.

Sadly, as it protrudes, it is easily damaged, so check it carefully for repairs.

There is often a section of coloured gelcoat around the aft cabin. These sections are prone to fading and will require seasonal polishing to keep them looking good. Painting of such areas is common, so it is a good idea to check over this area and to consider any ongoing maintenance. Having this area wrapped is the modern answer to such problems, but you will need to ensure that the surface is absolutely flat of brush marks or damage prior to having this done.

There is usually an area of coloured gelcoat around the stern that might need polishing

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

29

This 1977 model is fitted with Volvo Penta TMD40A 130hp diesels. When it comes to engine access, floor hatches lift out but you may need an extra pair of hands to reveal and work on both engines

Engines The boat is usually powered by twin Ford diesel engines. As it is on shafts, maintenance should be fairly simple and minimal when compared to an equivalentsized sterndrive boat. However, it is important to remember that these boats are circa 40 years old and you will need to ensure that regular maintenance has been carried out. Ford engines are easy to work on, reliable and highly regarded. Spares are also generally easy to source and inexpensive.

Engine horsepower ranged from 80145hp. The most common installation in earlier boats are twin 80’s, with twin 120’s in later boats. A 1975 brochure we uncovered shows that the boat was also offered with sterndrives, petrol or diesel.

We also understand that there was a single diesel shaftdrive option. Both these options are very rare, if they exist at all.

Twin 80hp engines should provide a top

speed of around 10 knots. The re-engining of boats with these smaller engines is not unheard of. We are aware of one example where the Fords were replaced with 135hp Perkins Sabres. These engines provided a 16-knot cruising speed, but required the cockpit floor to be raised just over an inch. The 1977 boat we viewed had also been re-engined with a pair of Volvo Penta TMD40A 130hp diesels, also giving a cruising speed of 16 knots.

The original twin Ford 120hp diesels seem to be the most common in boats today. At the time these would have produced a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 16 knots. These were, and still are, ideal for pottering along at displacement speeds. However, as owners will testify, they are not quite enough to get the boat over ‘the hump’ and on the plane. Turbos can be added to these particular engines to uprate them to 150hp. Lancing Marine sold a kit in the

30

May 2015

90’s, allowing owners to uprate the engines themselves, for around £2,000. The uprated engines should offer a cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed in the region of 20-22 knots. One owner told us the result is ‘tremendous’, and delivered an economy of ten gallons an hour at cruise.

The fuel tanks are located outside of the engines and accessible via the engine bay. These may still be the mild steel originals and should be checked for signs of corrosion and leaks. Removal and replacement is possible with the engines still in place, as the tanks are narrow, but involves dismantling the cockpit seating.

Engine access is via bulky, lift-out hatches in the wheelhouse floor. With little room, neither engine is particularly easy to get to. With no seat pedestal to be removed, the hatch on the port side is easier to lift. However, it does not expose the engine entirely as the L-shaped seating

is in the way. Access to both engines will require careful stacking of hatches somewhere out of the way, perhaps not something that could be done easily when underway.

Finally soundproofing is important on a boat like this. There is nothing worse than vibration and noise when you’re running all battened down and sat on top of the engines, and is something to consider during a sea trial.

Conclusion The Birchwood 33 Classic is a ‘keeper’, and long-term ownership is surely testament to this boats staying power and popularity. With prices between £25-£35k, it is an affordable, twin diesel, aft cabin cruiser, that will suit a family or a couple.

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

Family 33 Viceroy 1984-1989

Prices £30,000-£35,000

Length 33ft 6in Beam 11ft 2in The same 33 hull but has a flybridge, an island double berth and a galley dinette aft.

Buy one (pictured) 1984 £25,000 www.tingdeneboatsales.net

TS31 1985-1991

Prices £40,000-£50,000

Length 31ft Beam 11ft A compact and comfortable aft cabin cruiser with twin helm positions and 4-6 berths.

Buy one (pictured) 1989 £47,500 www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

29 Sedan / AC 1976-1983

Prices £20,000-£31,000

Length 29ft 11ins Beam 10ft 5in The ever popular 29ft cruiser is available in aft cabin or sedan versions and offers 4-6 berths.

Buy one (pictured) 1978 £19,950 www.gumtree.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

tested AGlaze Canopy Kit Has your canopy fared as badly as ours this winter? Luckily I was having a chat with the guys at AGlaze about it, and they suggested I try their Canopy Kit. Now I always prefer to use a product designed for the job, rather than any old random chemical, especially on something as important, and expensive as the boat’s canopy, so I was only too happy to give it a go. The kit consists of a cleaner and a protector. The cleaner can be used neat or diluted, depending upon the level of grime, and with no specific ratios or recommendations on the pack I simply added about 10ml of cleaner to around 100ml of water. The canopy was first soaked with fresh water, before the cleaning solution was applied using a soft bristled brush. It was gently worked into the material before being hosed off.

The results were rather good. Almost all of the green had disappeared; the only bits remaining looked to be where I had missed when scrubbing. A quick second

32

PRICE

ÂŁ26.40

A two-part kit. The one litre cleaner should last a long time

scrub on these areas had them looking as clean as the rest, and I then left the canopy to dry. I then gave the clean area a light misting with the fabric protector, which is said to offer protection to help stop the canopy turning green again. Once this had dried, a quick spray with the hose confirmed that the area treated was shedding water far better than the nontreated area next to it. Diluting the cleaner

A sorry state. One winter had turned our canopy from blue to green. Could AGlaze reverse the process?

May 2015

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

as we did, at 10:1, Owner should mean that “An inexpensive the one litre bottle and easy way to should go a long way, clean a canopy” and last numerous Value 4/5 canopy cleaning sessions. Our canopy Usability 4/5 Performance 4/5 was pretty bad, so I cannot imagine that many people will need to use it neat. The 500ml fabric protector will get used up more quickly; I could easily see myself getting through the bottle in one application. The kit delivers the best value Motorboat

With very little effort the green is gone and water, and hopefully dirt, now runs off

for money but each part can be bought individually if required.

Contact: 01795 599880 www.marineaglaze.com

“THE NORTH’S PREMIER INLAND MARINA AND HOLIDAY RESORT” • • • • • • • •

Private, secure mooring on the edge of Lake Windermere Fantastic location, 1 mile from Bowness-on-Windermere On-site Bar & Restaurant 400 marina berths Annual & holiday mooring available Access to Lake Windermere 365 days per year Luxury self-catering accommodation at discounted rates for berth holders On-site boat sales and service - Shepherds Marine (www.shepherdsmarine.co.uk)

Windermere Marina Village Bowness-on-Windermere Cumbria LA23 3JQ www.windermeremarina.co.uk marina@wmv.co.uk 015394 46551

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

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

by Neale Byart ?????????????????

Guernsey Lake Windermere Set in the spectacular Cumbria countryside lies a lake that is only 10 miles long and 1 mile wide but this special place keeps drawing boaters back year after year

N

estled amongst the peaks of the Cumbrian countryside, Lake Windermere is the biggest of the cluster of lakes lying south of the Lake District National Park. It is what is known as a ribbon lake, a long thin lake that was formed when the ice melted after the last ice age. Measuring approximately

10.5 miles long, over 1 mile at the widest point and 64 metres at its deepest point, the lake holds over 314 million cubic metres of water. Several rivers drain into it from the north and waters flow out to the River Leven, which meanders out to Morecombe Bay and the Irish Sea. The further north you go the more

34

May 2015

Image provided by Windermere Marina Village

Destination

IRISH SEA

LAKE WINDERMERE

Lake Windermere

THE WASH

King’s Lynn

Sonning Windsor

London

ENGLISH CHANNEL

dramatic the scenery becomes, with the peaks of the Cumbrian Mountains rising like giants at the head of the lake, often dusted with snow. On a bright windless day, with the reflections, it is often hard to tell where the water meets the land.

Dense woodland features along the west shoreline, while waterfront homes, hotels, marinas, campsites and parks speckle the east shore, yet the landscape remains very much unspoilt. There are 18 islands or ‘Holmes’ on Lake Windermere, only one of which is inhabited. Belle Isle is a private

island approximately 1km in length and lies to the west off the town of Bowness.

Ruins of ancient Roman settlements have been found around the lake, including a fort at Waterhead. Tourists have been drawn to the Lake District National Park for centuries. However, with the introduction of steam power, people really only began visiting and boating on the lake in the 19th century. New steam railway links to the nearby town of Windermere brought tourists, and soon there were commercial and leisure steam-

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

35

The town of Bowness, in the middle of the lake, is a popular stop. Here there are two 2hr public jetties

powered vessels being used on the lake.

Powerboat racer Sir Henry Segrave broke the world water speed record of 98.76 mph, on Windermere in 1930 aboard his boat, Miss England II. Many famous writers have drawn inspiration from the lake through the years. Author of Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome spent much of his childhood holidays here, and went to school at Windermere. Also the famous writer and book illustrator Beatrix Potter adored the area and lived at Ambleside. overlooking the lake.

For many years there was no speed limit on much of Lake Windermere.

However, in 2005 a blanket 10mph speed limit was brought in, to run alongside the existing 6mph limit on the upper, lower and central sections of the lake. We understand that this was introduced due to residents complaining about the noise.

Ten years on, the limit, and slower pace of the lake, does not seem to have deterred the annual boating residents. With so many great choices of accommodation in the area, as well as superb launching

facilities, it has also remained a popular holiday destination for trailboaters too.

The lake offers safe boating in peaceful and tranquil surroundings, plus there is the draw of the busy and colourful town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which lies on the east bank and is the biggest waterside town on the lake. Year after year, this pretty town, with its spectacular views, attracts tourists from all over the world.

Rules, Licences & Navigation

All powered vessels must be registered before use on the lake, and a licence can be obtained from the Lake Warden Office at Ferry Nab. There is a flat rate for new boat registrations of ÂŁ20, plus you will need to buy and display a set of selfadhesive registration numbers, which cost ÂŁ10. Lake Windermere is maintained by the South Lake District Council (SLDC).

Lake Rangers patrol the lake and they are responsible for vessel safety, the enforcement of speed limits and boat registration.

There are few hazards to worry about on

36

May 2015

Destination the lake, and those that exist are marked with unlit red buoys and usually represent shallow water. Yellow buoys are used to indicate fairways and safe water, while green buoys are used for racing markers.

Larger rocks, such as Bass Rock along the west shore, are marked with a red triangle on top, and may also be surrounded by red buoys. The shoreline is mostly rocky so you are advised to keep at a safe distance. There is a large rocky area in the middle of the lake at Bowness, and this will need some careful navigation. Here there are a network of islands, some with very shallow areas between them. For example, is not possible to pass between the small islands of Hen Holme and Lady Holme. Again these areas are well marked and dotted with red buoys. The safest route through this section takes you close to the shore at Bowness, passing between the north east tip of Belle Isle, and neighbouring Hen Holme. As we mentioned previously, in this central part of the lake there is a blanket 6mph speed limit. This area of the lake is also densely

LAKE WINDERMERE

populated with swinging moorings and can get very busy during the high season. As well as other leisure users, and a plethora of small hireboats, you will need to keep a look out for the passenger ferries that carry tourists up and down the lake. Outside of the Bowness area there is a 10mph speed limit. Speed restriction markers are positioned where the limit changes to 6mph at Bowness, and at each end of the lake. You can pick up a lake chart, priced at ÂŁ4 from the Lake Wardens Office. This double-sided laminated map has details of the jetties, depths, facilities, marinas and speed limits on the lake.

There is no tide to worry about on the lake but heavy snow or rainfall in the hills does mean that lake levels fluctuate during the season, so this is something to bear in mind if you are leaving your boat on a fixed jetty for an extended time.

When mooring up to jetties we would recommend going bows in and visually checking the depth as you go. The water is usually fairly clear, so you should be able to see the bottom.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

37

Ferry Nab is the first port of call for all trailboaters to register and launch. It has excellent facilities

Where to launch

However long your visit, the slipway at Ferry Nab is an excellent option for visiting trailboaters. It is a superb facility and very well set up. There is plenty of parking, trailer storage, toilet and shower facilities, a café (Dan’s Shack), chemical toilet disposal and drinking water available. The Lake Warden’s office overlooks the slipway, so it’s also convenient to get all the paperwork and registration formalities out of the way, and speak also to the friendly team, before embarking on your lake adventures.

The wide slipway itself is a fairly shallow Registration forms, a map and lake boating information is available at the Lake Warden

Office

concrete slope, so you might need to wade a little or put a rope on for launching and recovery. Two long piers either side make it easy for boarding. If you intend to leave your car and/or trailer here, a 7-day car park space permit is £35, this is double for a car and trailer.

Where to moor

You will find the marinas and places to moor predominantly on the eastern shore of the lake, where there is also excellent road access. Lake users can moor to the designated wooden public jetties provided, but berthing on these is restricted to 2 hours during the day. The public jetties in Bowness and Waterhead get very busy during the summer, Bowness being the prime lunchtime and shopping stop for boaters on the lake. If you want to dine out during the day or evening, several waterfront restaurants and hotels have jetties for patrons. Some landlords might allow overnight stays but always check.

Having a base berth and/or accommodation may be a good plan, particularly if you have a smaller trailboat,

38

May 2015

Destination and there are various marinas that offer this. A swinging mooring is another way to base your boat on Lake Windermere.

Holiday swinging moorings are available through the SLDC and are priced at £13.50 per night.

The overnighting options for trailboaters sleeping aboard without a base berth are to look for an empty berth early evening, or anchor up overnight or pick up a SLDC swinging mooring. When it comes to anchoring, we are told there is fairly good holding due to the lakes stony bottom. Be aware, however, that the anchoring of powered craft is restricted in some bays at certain times of the year, such as at Pull Wyke, in the north, between March and August. Alternatively you can book into a marina with access to facilities. One-off overnight marina moorings with facilities can be expensive, with examples ranging from £35 to £85 per night.

Marinas

When we visited the lake in March, work was underway extending Ferry Nab Marina. This will be used for annual berthing for boats up to 14 metres, but will also be able to accommodate visitors by arrangement. An annual berth fee here includes a parking permit, and electric is

Jetty at ‘Lakeside’ restaurant and youth hostel

LAKE WINDERMERE

Fuel

At the time of publication a diesel fuel station is being installed at Windermere Marina Village (015394 46551). Located on the entrance channel jetty, to the west of the slipway, visitors and berth holders will need to book a slot at least 24 hrs in advance. Fuelling slots will be limited to prevent queuing in the entrance channel. There will be a discounted rate for berth holders. If you are trailing a petrol boat to Windermere, we would suggest intitial roadside fuelling. There is a useful BP Garage on Lake Road (A591) at Troutbeck Bridge. LPG is available on the water at Low Wood Bay Marina (015394 39441). Here there is an acme type hose with adapters for flush-fit and UK bayonet type fillers. Petrol will soon be available on the waterfront at the north end of the lake through Waterhead Marine (015394 32424), which is owned by Windermere Quays at Bowness.

Marine Supplies

Maiden Marine at Ferry Nab is a Yamaha and Beneteau agent. It has a slipway, boatyard facilities and a chandlery, stocking spares for Yanmar, Volvo Penta and Yamaha engines.

Windermere Quays offers chandlery, repairs and servicing. It is a Bayliner and Maxum specialist, and a service agent for Mercruiser and Yanmar.

Windermere Boat Sales (at Bowness Bay Marina) provide various marine services and is a Suzuki dealer. The Marina Village offers gas bottles.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

Ambleside

Waterhead 4

Coniston

P

J

A Lakeside & YHA Hostel A B

P

B Waterhead Marine Coniston

M P

Low Wood Bay Marina

Pull Wyke

2 Wray Bay

M Marina J Public Jetty P

LPG

P

Langdale Chase Hotel

3

M

J White Cross Bay Holiday Park & Marina

J

Bark Barn jetty on the west shore

M

1

Mooring for patrons

J

5

Slipway

7

6mph

Shop Fuel

Windermere

Boat Hoist Marine Services Pump out

E

B

Elsan disposal Toilet & Showers Ferry House

Accommodation

CHAIN

FERRY

C D

6mph

Bowness-on-Windermere

A

A Bowness Bay Marina 1 B Windermere Quays

E

M M

C Ferry Nab Marina & Slipway D Maiden Marine

6

M

Tower Wood

J

E

M

E Windermere Marina Village

Beech Hill Hotel

P

J

M

P

J

KEY 1 2 3 4

6mph

P

Lakeside Hotel

Lakeside P

Swan Hotel

10

9

8

Fell Foot Park

Bowness Bay Marina has electric boats for hire and looks north towards the National Park

J

M

Lake Windermere Map

Bark Barn Jetty Visitor Centre at Brockhole Wray Castle Wateredge Inn

5 Queen Adelaides Hill 6 7 8 9 10

At Fell Foot Park there is a public jetty, a cafe and a passenger ferry to Lakeside

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Windermere Steamboat Museum Lakes Aquarium Haverthwaite Steam Railway Lake Motor Museum

40

May 2015

Destination charged per unit. As well as the facilities already mentioned at Ferry Nab, it also has a pump out facility. Overnight moorings are available on the Ferry Nab public jetties for £35 per night.

Windermere Marina Village lies to the south of Bowness and Ferry Nab and is definitely a sight to be seen. The modern marina development consists of several hundred moorings enveloped by modern waterfront homes. Shepherds Marine is a long established Sealine dealer and a keen Sealine spotter will loose count of the number of models you will see here, large and small, old and new. It is a superb location to base a boat, but also a great place for trailboaters, as the marina has excellent facilities and several selfcatering holiday cottages and apartments available which sleep 2-10 people. Prices start from around £400 per week for a 1-bed holiday appartment out of season.

Packages can include accommodation, a mooring, use of the marina slipway, car parking, trailer storage and launching, if required. Moorings booked with accommodation are priced at £15 per night. There is a bar and restaurant onsite called The Boathouse. If you are lucky

Berth and stay, Windermere Marina Village has self catering apartments and cottages for hire

LAKE WINDERMERE

Weather & Safety

It may be a lake, but weather conditions and safety should be taken seriously.

The lake’s high sides make it very sheltered in most conditions. In strong winds, choppier parts of the lake tend to be where it is wider and where the surroundings are low lying. At the northern end of the lake, squalls and mist can roll down off the hills and can restrict visibility at times. A VHF radio, and flares should be considered, and carrying enough lifejackets for everyone on board is required by the byelaws. Navigation lights and a method of making appropriate sound signals should be carried.

Useful weather links: Low Wood Bay Weather Station MET Office 5-day Forecast Windermere MET Office Lake District National Park forecast XC Weather Bowness forecast Lake District Weather Line 0844 846 2444 for a recorded forecast

Pump out & Elsan disposal

In accordance with lake byelaws, sea toilet discharge is not permitted.

There are various pump out stations, including Ferry Nab (£4 or £35 for 10 uses), Windermere Quays (pontoon E), Low Wood Marina (self service £4 on northernmost jetty), Windermere Marina Village and Tower Wood. There are usually chemical toilet disposal points as well but a very useful one is located at Ferry Nab slipway.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

You can explore ashore at Waterhead as there is a public jetty and Wateredge Inn patron jetty

enough to have sleeping facilities onboard and wanted to base your trailboat at the marina, it is £85 per night for the first two nights and £25 per night after that.

If you are looking for an annual berth, or to base your boat on the lake for a minimum of a month, there is also Windermere Quays at Bowness.

The marina has 180 berths, storage, a chandlery and launching facilities on site.

We also understand that permission has just recently been granted to extend the marina. It is also a Bayliner dealer, which accounts for the popularity of this US brand on the lake.

White Cross Bay Holiday Park and Marina is another consideration for a trailboater. This large campsite on the

White Cross Holiday Park has a marina, accommodation and a shallow sloping slipway

north-east shore of the lake offers selfcatering log cabins and caravan packages that can include use of the slipway and marina berthing. On-site facilities include a shop, restaurants, an indoor heated swimming pool and a children’s play area.

Prices for a two bedroom caravan start at £278 a week out of season, rising to £1193 a week for a top of the range lodge in the school summer holidays. The marina has some annual berths for those with holiday lodges on site. Visitor berths are available with self-catering accommodation and are priced at £1 per foot per night.

Trailboaters can launch themselves, or a tractor can be arranged if help is needed.

The slipway itself is shallow, so a rope may be required for launching and recovery.

Low Wood Bay with its 40-berth marina and watersports centre is also suitable for trailboaters and annual berth holders alike. It has ample facilities, including a pump out, toilets, boat launching facilities, storage, visitor jetties, a restaurant and hotel accommodation.

At the very southern end of the lake, at the junction to the River Leven, lies The Swan Hotel. This beautiful waterfront hotel, next to Newby Bridge, has annual

42

May 2015

Destination mooring facilities and also allows hotel patrons to moor outside.

Other marinas offering annual moorings include, Bowness Bay Marina, Maiden Marine, Mereside Marina and Waterhead Marine.

What to do

There is a wealth of great outdoor activities to be found in the area, such as sailing, pony trekking, bicycle hire, gorge walking, canoeing, abseiling, not to mention walking. You can find out more at the tourist information centre on Glebe Road, close to the ferry jetties at Bownesson-Windermere. There is a lot to see at Bowness. The town’s main high street, Lake Road, climbs uphill from the lake and is lined with shops and restaurants, including the flagship store for Lakeland.

The waterfront is a tourist hot spot and departure point for lake cruises. It is here you will need to keep your eyes peeled for ‘Bownessie’, the Bowness version of the Loch Ness Monster.

If the names Mrs Tigglewinkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Peter Rabbit stir happy childhood memories, then no trip to Lake Windermere would be complete without retracing the footsteps of one of Britains greatest writers and illustrators,

The Bowness pub Hole in t’ Wall dates back to the 1600’s

LAKE WINDERMERE

Food Supplies

There is a Tesco Express store on Lake Road in Bowness. It is the closest to the lake and is open daily from 6am11pm. Further up Lake Road there is a Co-op Supermarket which is open 7am-10pm daily. If you have a car and are looking for trolley-sized supplies, there is Booths in Windermere town (LA23 1QA). Alternatively, the BP fuel garage at Troutbeck Bridge (Lake Road) has a M&S Food Store ideal for essentials.

Annual Berthing

Prices are based on a 10-metre boat Windermere Marina Village £4,925 Windermere Quays £5,125 Ferry Nab Marina £4,968 Swan Hotel £2,375 Maiden Marine £3,960 SLDC Swinging mooring £1250

Maps & Charts

Ordnance Survey Map Explorer OL7 Windermere Lake Chart (from Lake Rangers office) £4

Useful numbers

Lake Warden Office 015394 42753 Tourist Information 015394 28995 Police 101 / Emergency 999 Doctors - St Mary’s Surgery 015394 88484 or Windermere Health Centre 015394 45159 Marina Village 015394 46551 Windermere Quays 015394 42121 Low Wood Marina 015394 39441 White Cross Bay Marina 015394 43937 Waterhead Marine 015394 32424 Windermere Boat Sales 015394 22695

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

Beatrix Potter. Her farmhouse ‘Hill Top’ at Ambleside is open to the public and run by the National Trust. Described as a ‘time capsule of this amazing woman’s life’, it is easy to see how this stunning home and location was such an inspiration to her in the production of her beautiful books. Timed tickets cost £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children. There is also The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness and her paintings are on display at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. There is a regular shuttle bus service to Hill Top, and onward services to Hawkshead from Ferry House, which is on the west side of the chain ferry. The Windermere Steamboat Museum is currently closed for a £10m redevelopment (re-opening 2016).

Wray Castle is another great place to visit. The mock-gothic castle was built in

the 19th century and run by the National Trust. It is possible to visit the castle by boat but only non-powered craft are allowed to berth on the jetty, so anchoring in Wray Bay and visiting by tender is an option. Entry is £8 for adults and £4 for children. There is also a regular ferry service to the castle jetty from the pier at Waterhead.

If you fancy swinging from tree to tree then the Treetop Trek at The Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, will make a great family day out. This beautiful park has public jetties so you can visit by boat.

At the southern end of the lake is Lakeside, here you will find the Lakes Aquarium and the Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Buses also run three times a day to the nearby Lake Motor Museum, which includes displays on the film ‘Back H

Bowness-on-Windermere

H

KEY A59

Tourist Information Old England Hotel (with patrons jetties) Hole in t’ Wall Village Inn

5

2

5 The World of Beatrix Potter 6 7 8 9 10

£

2

1 2 3 4

Lakeland Shop Shahibs Indian Restaurant & Takeaway Porto Restaurant

£

1

11 Public Jetties (max. stay 2hrs) 12 Windermere Quays Marina

2

7

2 8

4

A5

92

Lake Cruise Piers

10 11

1

High Street

H

Bus Station

C £

Footpath

C

6

9

Villa Positana Bowness Bay Marina

12

3

Hardware Store

1

Tesco Express

Chandlery

2

Brysons Bakery

Cashpoint

3

Co-op Supermarket

There is plenty to do and see in Bowness-on-Windermere, not to mention great shopping 44

May 2015

Destination

LAKE WINDERMERE

Getting there

19th century Wray Castle on the northwest shore

to the Future’ and Campbell’s Bluebird.

The museum is sure to be a hit with the devoted ‘petrolhead’. There are jetties for patrons of the elegant Lakeside Hotel and across the lake at the beautiful National Trust site, Fell Foot Park. If you are arriving by boat, there is a passenger ferry that operates seasonally between Lakeside and Fell Foot Park.

Bark Barn jetty is a new, very substantial wooden pier on the west bank of the lake close to Red Nab and Bass Rock.

Installed for public and ferry use, from here you can explore the remote western shoreline. The 19th century Bark Barn was used to store oak bark for use in the leather making industry. There is a lovely waterside path that runs south to the Ferry Nab Chain Ferry. Two other great places with jetties on the west shore are the National Park Visitor Centre at Brockdale, and Queen Adelaide’s Hill. Both have two sets of jetties. Queen Adelaide’s Hill is an easily accessible vantage point offering wonderful views. Finally there is an absolutely stunning 20-minute lakeside walk from Ferry Nab to Bowness via Cockshott Point.

The great thing about the lake, particularly if you are trailboating, is that it’s not too far from a major motorway, namely the M6, which runs north to Scotland and south to the midlands, where it meets the M1.

Lake Windermere is approximately 23 minutes and 16 miles away from junction 36 on the M6. You will need to be aware that there is a toll on the M6. A car towing a trailer is £10 on weekdays, at weekends it’s £8.60 during the day and £6.60 at night.

Where to eat & drink

You will be spoilt for choice for dining in the town of Bowness and elsewhere.

There is an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs, too many to name. The Hole in t’ Wall (015394 43488) is a must. Tucked away in a back street it dates back to 1612 and was frequented by Charles Dickens.

Here are a few more we can recommend: • Porto Restaurant (015394 48242) • Villa Positana (015394 45663) • The Village Inn (015394 43731) • The Boathouse (015394 22785) • Shahibs (015394 43944) • The Wild Boar (015394 45225) • The Brown Horse (015394 43443) • The Masons Arms (015395 68486) • The Samling (015394 31922) • Wateredge Inn (015394 32332) • The Lakeside / YHA Ambleside Hostel (0845 371 9620) • The Swan Hotel (015395 31681) • Old England Inn (015394 87890) www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

Motorboat Owner

£1K

CHALLENGE

PROJECT Mayland 16

S

omething seems to have happened this month. The project boat and I have made some kind of connection, and that’s not an electrical pun based on this month’s work. Olive was supposed to be a project boat, one that we could get on the water as cheaply as possible, with the emphasis on safe boating, rather than worrying about what it looks like. I don’t know how it happened but I suddenly seem to find myself caring. Take the electrical installation for example. I could simply have replaced a bit of wiring and

got things working with minimal effort and probably zero cost. Unfortunately with my new caring attitude I had to find a way of making it look as neat and tidy as possible, as well as practical and safe. This has meant giving more hours to it than I should, as well as spending a little more of our precious dwindling budget, but do you know what? I don’t care. I think this is what happens when people take on a project and, in some small way, helps me to understand why some people spend far more than is sensible when restoring an

46

May 2015

“The Mayland needed re-wiring. £23 later, let there be light”

board size hole in the back and mounted it on the inside. Now the electrics are enclosed, but easily accessible by removing the lid. This is not only tidier, but also much safer.

If there is one thing this project has taught me it’s that all those years of keeping odd bits and bobs because ‘one day it will come in handy’ was the right thing to do. This job was completed with kit that was nearly all either with the boat when we bought it, or stored gathering dust in my garage.

The electrical requirements onboard Olive will be very modest. Our five circuits will consist of internal lights, navigation lights, aux 12v socket, GPS and VHF. There will also be a bilge pump wired permanently to the battery.

A garage rummage turned up a length of

old car, boat, piece of furniture etc. It’s a pride in doing the best job possible and sod the expense. We really can’t afford to be quite as cavalier with our budget, but in a small way Olive has had the same effect on me.

Having said that we were still able to re-wire the boat for very little outlay, mainly by re-using as much of the original electrical kit as we could. When we bought Olive there was an old car battery on board. It was flat and I assumed dead, but I gave it a charge, and left it trickle charging all winter. The result seems to be a usable battery which, although probably not in its first flush of youth, should deliver enough power for our requirements. The battery was originally housed in a makeshift battery box that looks very much like the bottom half of a 20 litre liquid container.

This was originally fitted beneath the galley unit but I have relocated it outside of the accommodation by installing it beneath the starboard cockpit bench seat.

The original fuse board was missing a switch, but otherwise in reusable condition. Having decided we only needed five circuits anyway, this has been reinstalled in its original position on the bulkhead. To tidy up the rear of the fuse board, which sticks out into the cabin space above the galley, I came up with a cost free answer. In my garage I had an old electrical enclosure box that was slightly The makeshift battery box, and battery of dubious capacity, have been refitted larger than the fuse board. I cut a fuse Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

47

10mm2 wiring that would be perfect for my main battery feed to the fuse board. The sizing of such wires, in fact any wires for any circuit, is dependant upon the length of the wiring run and the current being drawn through the circuit. With just 1.5m between battery and fuse board, and a total power draw of just a few Amps, 10mm2 would deliver the required current without excessive voltage drop.

Inside the electrical enclosure, I made a negative busbar from a nut and bolt and connected a six-way chocolate block to take care of the power connections to each circuit, six in case I ever need another circuit and replace the missing switch. Next came the expenditure. I couldn’t leave the wires visible, or even worse just dangling, as they were when we bought the boat. With no linings to hide the wires behind, I came up with the solution of using self-adhesive trunking.

I only needed to get the wiring up the bulkhead, across the cabin to the helm, to both navigation lights, and forward

All original switchgear has been reused with unused labels from a previous installation

to the masthead light. I had an off-cut of 40mm trunking that I used to bring the main power feed up to the fuse board, but for the rest I bought a 3m length of 16mm trunking, plus a number of corner, T, and end pieces to make the job look as professional as possible. With the trunking fixed in place I could run the wiring. This was all done either with the wires removed from the boat when we got it, or some offcuts I had laying around. With all the circuits being short in length, and none of them drawing more than a couple of Amps, 1.5mm2 cable was used for all.

The back of the fuse board protruded into the cabin. An electrical enclosure box has been fitted to cover it up

48

May 2015

Lighting, both internal and external, has been reconnected

I’ll probably be shot down by electrical experts for non compliance with cable colours, but needs must and I will be adding a bit of red tape to the ends of any positive cables to make them easily identifiable. On the helm there were two switches that were unused but serviceable.

These I have used to switch the masthead light and the side nav lights separately, just in case we ever find ourselves at anchor overnight.

On the side of the helm unit there was a hole that looks to be about the right size for a 12v outlet. We’ll need a way of charging phones etc, so this is a vital part of the boats electrical system. I have ordered one from eBay for the princely sum of 99p. This includes shipping from China, which is amazing. This hasn’t arrived at the time of writing but the wires are run, and fitting it should be a two minute job when it is delivered.

The masthead light that was originally on the boat was, in fact, a stern light mounted horizontally. This means that it did not deliver the all around performance that a masthead light should. To be honest, despite this I would probably have re-used it, as we really have no intention of being out in the dark or in restricted visibility, but we managed to

pick up an all-round light at a recent boat jumble for £1, so this has been duly fitted, but not before the mast, together with the two cabin top grab rails were removed and passed over to Claire’s father for him to work his magic on. Freshly varnished these have all been refitted, the grab rails with a fresh dollop of Sikaflex 291 to cure the leaks that were caused by poor fitting in the past. The Sikaflex was the remnants of a tube used last summer and stored since in the fridge. The nozzle was clogged but a spare nozzle soon had the sealant flowing again, and it’s gone back in the

The mast and cabin top rails have been given a coat of varnish and are now back in place

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

49

The finished wiring, all hidden, tidy and protected

fridge ready for the next job.

The starboard nav light initially refused to illuminate and, suspecting the bulb, I decided to check the internals.

Unfortunately it had been fitted to the boat with mild steel screws so they had to be drilled off. Luckily no permanent damage was done to the light and once the loose wire was reconnected the original unit was replaced using stainless steel bolts, so it should be easy to remove if we need to replace a bulb. The port side light is working but I will need to do the same

A 1990’s GPS unit will provide speed data and some basic navigational capability.

thing with it when the boat is next pulled out of the drive, as it too has rusted mild steel screws holding it in place.

The GPS was another boat jumble bargain. £5 got us the GPS, a 12 volt lead and a mounting cradle. While not strictly a necessary bit of kit, it will provide us with a speed over the ground figure and some basic navigation capabilities, but it is very old school and doesn’t have charting capabilities. I suspect the internal battery is shot, as it takes an age to lock on to satellites, but once it does it stays locked until it is turned off. We are just going to have to get used to leaving it on, or remembering to turn it on long before we need it. It’s a sealed unit, so changing the battery is not an option. We don’t have a VHF for the boat yet, so for the time being the wires have been made safe and are left tucked inside the trunking. We’ll be at Beaulieu this month, so that’s one thing that will be on the shopping list.

The internal light is the one that was already onboard. We have relocated it from the bulkhead onto the cabin roof and it seems to provide more than enough light for our needs. The only circuit that

50

May 2015

I haven’t tackled yet is the bilge pump. This is something else we’ll be keeping an eye out for at Beaulieu, and until we know what we end up with I don’t know what wiring to run. Hopefully we’ll get an auto with built in float switch that will be wired direct to the battery and operate on auto mode only, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Battery charging is the next issue.

Our outboard doesn’t currently offer this feature, although this is something I might look into at a later date. For now though, the budget is running out, so I am going to look for a small cheap solar panel, and hope that it will be able to keep up with our modest power demands. I’ll probably stick my car battery charger on the boat when we finally get on the water, so if we get the opportunity to plug into shorepower on our travels we will be able to give it a proper charge.

Elsewhere, Claire has made a start on the internal upholstery. There is quite a bit to do with both cushions and curtains to be made. The plan is to have two cushions going right into the bow to provide two single and compact berths.

We’ll then fit curtains to all the windows for privacy, and another across the area called, rather grandly if I’m honest, the toilet compartment. So far, templates have been made for the bow cushions and we have collected odds and ends of free fabric from everyone we know after putting out a plea. We are not sure what we have, or even if we have enough of any one fabric to make matching cushions, but maybe we will start a trend of having multi fabric

Claire has started on the interior cushions by making some paper templates

interiors.

Next month we are planning to continue with the internal upholstery, finish off the last bits of electrical work, and I’m hoping to make a start on the galley.

Motorboat Owner

£1K

This month’s spend

Mast head light £1 12v socket 99p CHALLENGE GPS £5 Trunking and accesories £16.50 Monthly Total £23.49

Total to date: £921.43 Budget remaining: £78.57 Time spent this month

23 hours 30 minutes

Total time to date

148 hours 45 minutes

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

51

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

Price from £120

sales@firemonkeyltd.co.uk

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

Price from £10.00

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

Manual, automatic or electronic activation.

Price from £100

08452 177574

52

BOAT FIRE SYSTEMS

STANDARD RANGE

March 2014

Motorboat Owne r

Cruise in C ompa n y

Cruise in Company 2015 Programme

Cruise in Company LAST CHANCE TO BOOK

Channel Islands & France Cruise

31st May - 13th June

Dunkirk & Opal Coast Cruise 2nd - 15th August

Cruising in company is a great way to

broaden your experience, expand your cruising horizons and build confidence.

It also offers great security for those venturing offshore for the first time. Our team will be there before, during and after each passage, offering a helping hand and assistance whenever it is needed.

We make all of the arrangements for the cruise, leaving you free to turn up and enjoy your holiday.

Where

The first cruise will depart from the Solent and take in the French ports of Cherbourg, Dielette, Carteret and Granville, and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey with opportunities to visit Herm and Sark.

Our second cruise will be departing from Ramsgate and will be taking in Dunkirk and ports along France’s Opal Coast in this, the 75th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.st

Where can I find out more information?

Simply log into your account at motorboatowner.co.uk and download the February magazine from the back issues section. Page 60 and 61 provides full details. Alternatively just call Claire Frew on 01268 922993, or send us an email at cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk

How do I book?

Just drop us an email expressing your interest and we’ll send you an application form. Email cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk

The Channel Islands and France cruise in June will visit St Peter Port in Guernsey

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

53

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

Fairline Holiday 1980 ‘Rval’

I

f you are wandering the brokerage pontoons this spring with a little over £10K burning a hole in your pocket and a desire for a small family sized sportscruiser, you’d be forgiven for passing Rval, a 1980 Failrine Holiday MkIII, without a second glance. It is, after all, a rather dated design and you’d be forgiven for dismissing it as yet another overpriced old tub that this sector of the market is often awash with. Well let us let you into

a little secret. Behind that 1970’s façade is a boat that feels less than a fraction of its age. This is because the current owners have invested both time and money, and Rval has been the benefactor of a serious amount of work. It has, in fact, been re-trimmed and upgraded to within an inch of its life. To put it another way, if you were to take a bog standard Fairline Holiday and decide to freshen it up to the same level, you would probably be

54

May 2015

FOR SALE

£11,950

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

55

Re-carpeted, re-trimmed and even a new gas hob, Rval is ready to use and enjoy exactly as she is

looking at getting little change out of ÂŁ4ÂŁ5k. That makes Rval, up for ÂŁ11,950, a very good buy indeed, and one that should put it ahead of many of the more modern looking, but sometimes tired, boats that are also often for sale in this price band.

Step onboard and you are not greeted with the musty odour of the typical used 30 odd year old boat, but rather an aroma more usually associated with the likes of Allied Carpets. The cabin has been recarpeted, but not in the fashion of the hastily done for a quick sale. It has been cut to fit and then edge bound to provide a made to measure appearance. The bow dinette has been reupholstered with new cushions and backrests. The headlining panels have been recovered and new LED lights have been set into them. The table feels a little too high for my liking, so may need a shorter leg to bring it down 56

to a more usable height, and the dinette converts into a double using the table as an infill. The triple aspect windows, a feature you rarely see on modern boat designs, all have new looking curtains.

These are showing some signs of staining, although with no visible leaks around any of the cabin windows or overhead hatch, this is purely a cosmetic problem, and not a sign of anything serious. They should clean up and look like new again without too much effort. The windows are mostly Perspex and have a little evidence of cloudiness and crazing, but not enough to warrant replacement at this time. There is a small opening port on either side, these are the type that lean in from the top when open, and so deliver fresh air into the cabin even when it is raining heavily, without letting water drip into the cabin.

Open bilge storage can be found under

May 2015

Two quarter bunks are perfect for the kids. The toilet compartment is short on facilities, but the seacocks for a sea toilet are still there

both port and starboard seats, the area under the bow cushion is taken up with the boat’s 20 gallon fresh water tank. There is also a half height hanging locker to port, which has been converted into shelving, with an open shelf on top that would be a useful position for a TV. In addition there is a shelf, re-carpeted of course, all the way around the dinette seating. A curtain rail is fixed to the cabin roof just aft of the dinette and, although there is currently not one fitted, a curtain here would deliver privacy to the occupants of the forward berth should there be more than two on board.

Aft of the dinette on the starboard side is the galley. This looks original in terms of its layout and facilities and comprises of a single sink, with hot and cold water, and a double burner gas hob with grill, the latter

of which looks to be a recent replacement.

Two drawers, one cupboard and some open space behind the worktop, provide storage. Standing headroom at the galley, and throughout the cabin, is 5ft 10 inches, and a second, high-level, forward facing window gives you a good view forward when standing down below, as well as providing good natural lighting to the galley area. This large window is also perpsex but is crystal clear and appears to be leak free. We suspect it has also recently been replaced.

Opposite the galley is a small toilet compartment. It is very basic, offering only a porta potti with no sink or shower.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

57

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

An almost new canopy, and a hull in very good condition, means there is little work to do outside

There would originally have been a sea toilet installed here and, with at least one of the blanked off sea cocks still in place in the port dinette locker, it would be relatively easy to reinstall if needed.

There is no opening window in this compartment, but there is some fixed ventilation. Aft of the toilet and galley are two further berths, one on either side.

These are quarter berths, being half in the saloon and half under the cockpit, and are a full six foot in length. Getting in and

out of them can be a bit awkward but they would make perfect bunks for children, as they each would have their own area.

Beneath each of these bunks there is a huge amount of storage, and again there is a curtain rail fitted across the port hand berth which, with the addition of a curtain, would add a little privacy to what currently is a very open plan cabin. Like the rest of the boat, all of the quarter berth cushions have been re-trimmed, as have the two shelves, one on either side, above

Storage is plentiful beneath the quarter berths. The galley is compact but practical 58

May 2015

these berths.

A small set of open steps, with the treads carpeted to match the cabin, lead up through the companionway into the cockpit. The companionway is secured by a sliding hatch overhead, and an opening door that swings into the cabin and fixes against the bulkhead when onboard. The wooden door is nicely varnished, and even the underside of the sliding hatch has been recovered with carpet.

In the cockpit the refurbishments continue. The full width seat along the transom has been recovered, and there is even a pair of matching scatter cushions made from the same material, and with the same pattern. A small cockpit table has also been inlaid with the same vinyl.

The cockpit sole is covered with a perfectly tailored piece of new exterior grade carpet, and both the helm and the navigator’s bucket seat have been recovered in matching vinyl. There are other areas too that are not so obvious but yet have also been re-trimmed. Panels in the transom beneath the seat, which you can’t even normally see, have been recovered. The box below the navigator’s seat, which houses a gas and electric fridge, has been adorned with a new covering on all three visible sides, even the top which is covered by the seat itself. There has been so much attention to detail gone into this boat that it takes a while to find it all.

To gain access to the engine the cockpit table is removed, the carpet folded back and the transom seat lifted out of the way.

The large engine hatch is then lifted up and leant against the transom. It does not have any gas struts and is quite heavy, so would need to be tied back when working in the engine room. There does appear to

The cockpit has also been re-carpeted and reupholstered. Even the cushions and table match

be some remnants of old gas strut fittings, so it should be relatively straightforward to re-install them, if required. The engine bay has had some recent soundproofing added, beneath which sits the V8 Volvo Penta 200D with 992 hours recorded. The engine is in standard raw water-cooled guise, but the exhaust manifolds and risers appear to be in very good condition. This is a bonus, as many raw water cooled V8’s on the market will need these replacing as a matter of course, and you will be looking at a minimum of £500 to do so.

The drive is almost certainly a 280, but as the boat was in the water when we visited we could not confirm this. The 280 drive is a pretty robust unit, but on any old sterndrive powered boat it is beneficial to pay extra attention to the condition of this complex component during the

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

59

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

The 200hp V8 petrol engine will provide good performance on the sea or decent economy on the river

pre purchase process. 200HP was the largest single engine you could specify in a Holiday, and it has been said that it may actually be slightly overpowered. I say I’d rather have too much power than too little; just ensure that you treat those last few hundred RPM with care if you get to open her up. In terms of performance, Rval should achieve well over 30 knots with this engine, but in doing so she will be munching through around 16 gallons of fuel per hour. Throttle back and cruise in the mid 20’s and the fuel consumption should drop to a more reasonable 8 gallons per hour, in other words around 3nm per gallon. If she is kept on the river, fuel consumption really isn’t an issue and, in fact, a quieter and cleaner petrol engine would, in my opinion, be a better bet than a smoky old diesel. Another benefit of this type of engine is its simplicity. This engine was conceived before fuel injection, before engine management and before sensors were built into every component. This 60

is V8 technology from the 50’s and, as long as it has clean fuel and a good spark, it should provide years of trouble free service. With any petrol engine boat the real concern should be about availability.

If you have waterside petrol available where you are, either on the river or on the coast, a boat like Rval would make a decent choice. Safety is really just a matter of common sense and good maintenance.

The Holiday hull should deliver a decent ride in all but the heaviest head seas, and a short keel should provide good directional stability at river speeds.

Elsewhere in the engine room there are the boat’s two batteries, together with master battery switches, and a large calorifier. The latter does not currently have an immersion heater fitted but, with a plug socket already located in the engine bay, a blanking plug fitted where the immersion heater should go, and shorepower available it would be an easy upgrade to allow hot water without

May 2015

running the engine. The automatic fire extinguisher fitted to the underside of the engine hatch is well past its service life and will need replacing.

Beneath the transom seat on the starboard side is the boat’s gas locker. This currently has a single 4.5kg Calor bottle installed but is big enough to take a larger bottle, or maybe store a spare. There is a bubble tester fitted, which is a nice safety feature. The transom seat would have originally folded out to offer a double sunpad, or occasional berth. The fold out part has, at some time, been removed but it would still serve as a single sunpad or berth, if required.

Both bucket seats adjust fore and aft, and the helm seat swivels. The helm is very comfortable, with a perfectly placed footrest and nicely positioned steering wheel and throttle. The navigator’s seat, mounted on top of the fridge, is a little higher and, whereas you look through the glass screen from the helm, you peer through the clear PVC section of the canopy from this seat. The helm is basic and still very original; in fact it looks like it hasn’t been touched in over 30 years.

It still has the original engine controls and instruments and an old Seafarer type of echo sounder. This is one area where a new owner can stamp his or her own mark. With everything else upgraded, the helm is really all there is left to do, and that’s only if you want to. It is perfectly serviceable as it is. The sliding companionway hatch has a nice built in chart table/locker and the canopy, which looks almost new, has a section in front of the helm that can roll up and be clipped The helm has remained largely untouched since out of the way without removing the rest the boat left the factory (top). A gas/electric fridge is fitted beneath the navigator’s seat of the canopy.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

61

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

The exterior of the boat is in very good order, considering its age. The one area that does need attention is the anchor locker lid

Externally the hull and topsides are in very good condition for a boat of this age.

There are a couple of lock related scuffs above the waterline, and an area or two of stress cracking, but nothing obvious that needs attention. The side decks are very generous for a 23 footer, but there are no guardrails, so moving forward should be undertaken with care and making good use of the low down grab rails. The

Access to the boat is best achieved over the transom via the small bathing platform 62

foredeck provides a nice large flat working area with a pulpit rail for security. The rails sport some integrated fender baskets, which are handy, but may obstruct the helmsman’s visibility when in use. The anchor locker is a good size and you could certainly store a fender or two down there, if required. The anchor locker lid is one area of the boat that does need attention.

The fibreglass is chipped and cracked, which has allowed water to soak into the wood substrate. Repairing the fibreglass will be easy enough, but the wood must be dried out first and may need replacement if rotten. The lid unbolts so this could be a job for the winter in your shed.

The easiest access on board is over the transom, where a ladder is fitted allowing you to climb up from the bathing platform, through a cut-out in the transom seat backrest and onto the rear seat. The middle cushion lifts out to avoid

May 2015

it getting damaged underfoot. The bathing platform also has a flip down ladder to aid getting in and out of the water. Because the platform is not full width you will probably have to board over the cockpit sides when moored alongside. This isn’t as easy as boarding from aft, especially from a low pontoon or riverbank. Upgrading to a full-width bathing platform might be something to consider if this proves to be a problem. Some Holidays are fitted with proper dinghy davits and Rval has the mounting pads moulded in to her transom should the new owner decide to install some. There is a little bit of gelcoat damage around the starboard one, but this is nothing that a bit of filler wouldn’t sort out. There is currently an outboard bracket mounted on Rval’s transom. This could house a get-you-home auxiliary if required. On the river something like a 4hp would be fine, but out at sea you would need to consider a high thrust 8 or 10hp as a minimum to make any headway.

Being petrol you could, of course, plumb the auxiliary into the main tank, assuming the outboard was four-stroke, to provide a maximum endurance on auxiliary power if it was ever needed.

but most owners of boats with twin diesel engines could only dream of achieving 3mpg, so things really aren’t as bad as you may have been led to believe. Used on a river, your trips to the filling point will be so infrequent as to be of no consequence.

If you find yourself wandering the sales pontoons at Penton Hook, take a closer look at Rval, you may find yourself to be as pleasantly surprised as we were.

Boat Name: Rval Make/Model: Fairline Holiday Year: 1980 (MkIII) Engine: Volvo Penta AQAD200 200hp petrol LOA: 22ft 6in / 6.84m Beam: 8ft 9in / 2.67m Air Draught: 7ft 3in / 2.21m Displacement: 2000kg Fuel: 225 litres Water: 91 litres Thames Boat Sales 01932 570055 www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

SPECIFICATIONS

Conclusion Rval is without doubt the nicest 35 year old boat I have ever stepped aboard. It has benefitted from its current owner’s occupation to become what must be one of the best, if not the best, Fairline Holiday MKIII’s you can buy today. As a starter boat it will accommodate a family of four with ease and yet, if you wanted, you could still put it on a trailer and take it home to keep mooring fees to a minimum. Yes the engine will be a bit juicy if used at sea

The mast is removable, which brings the air draft down to 2.2 metres without the canopy

63

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

CUTTING Humminbird AutoChart LIVE

Users of Humminbird’s Onix and Ion multi-function displays can now create their own mapping data thanks to AutoChart LIVE, delivered as a free software update. Useful for those who fish, or just need more detailed chart data, it would be especially handy on lakes and lochs that may not have much in the way of existing charts at all, or parts of the coastline that change faster than they are currently surveyed. Price Free www.smgeurope.com

Garmin VIRB

The next generation of Garmin action cameras has been announced. The VIRB X and VIRB XE can shoot high definition, wide angle footage. They come with more mounting options and are waterproof, without an additional case, down to 50 metres.

The cameras use micro SD cards, have a two hour battery life and are Bluetooth enabled.

Price from £240 www.garmin.com

Raymarine eS Series FLIR has launched a new range of Raymarine multifunction displays.

The eS Series are available in 7”, 9” and 12” models and offer both touch screen and button control, built in 10HzGPS/GLONASS receiver, a choice of C-Map or Navionics cartography, as well as Raymarine’s own Lighthouse charts, and the option of CHIRP DownVision technology.

Price from £995 www.flir.com/marine

64

May 2015

the latest boating gear and technology

Duplex Antifoul

Duplex is a new Silicon based anti fouling that is said to be up to 43% better than other similar products at releasing barnacles according to US navy research. Designed for professional application, Duplex has been used in the commercial market and is now available for leisure users. It has a 5-10 year lifespan and is also said to provide increased speed and lower fuel consumption.

Price £4680 for a 17m boat www.smartsurfaces.co.uk

Zhik ZKG

Zhik ZKG’s looks like a useful alternative to the traditional deck shoe. Available in a range of colours the shoes have a canvas appearance but are made from perforated neoprene to allow feet to breathe and water to drain away. The soft soles are non-marking and offer high levels of grip in wet conditions. Price £79 www.zhik.com

Digital Yacht Sonar Server

Sonar Server is a new wireless interface from Digital Yacht. It is designed to send real time depth data from any NMEA 0183 compatible depth instrument to the Navionics charting app, by creating a wireless network on board.

Price £100 www.sonarserver.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

East Coast Pilot 4th Edition

The cruising bible for the East Coast has be relaunched. This fouth edition has been extended northwards by one more port, Great Yarmouth.

It includes many updates and also new QR Codes for smart phone and tablet users to view information online.

Price £23.50 www.imray.com

65

Jeanneau Velasco 37F

66

May 2015

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 11.43m / 37ft 5in Beam: 3.84m / 12ft 7in Displacement: 8271kg Fuel capacity: 800 litres Water capacity: 330 litres RCD category: B Engines as tested: Twin Volvo Penta D4 300 diesels Other engine options: None Price from ÂŁ242,149

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

67

A

s IPS finds its way onto ever smaller boats, and outdrives are getting fitted to increasingly larger vessels, that old stalwart, the sub 40 foot shaft drive flybridge cruiser is getting slowly squeezed out. That makes the Jeanneau Velasco 37F something of a rare breed, a new launch into the entry level flybridge sector, propelled by good old fashioned shafts.

The original Velasco, the 43, was a trawler type flybridge with reverse sheer windscreen. The F suffix denotes a more traditional style of flybridge boat and the 37F is the second boat in the range following on from the 43F. Despite its more conventional design, the 37F has retained a couple of the more practical trawler type elements, as you’ll see as we go on.

Entry onto the boat is over a wide bathing platform that houses a concealed bathing ladder. There is a gate on either side of the transom seating, which makes boarding from either side just as easy even if the platform is obstructed by a tender. The transom seat contains two storage lockers at either end and a single bottle gas locker in the middle. In the cockpit floor there is a large lazarette with easy

68

May 2015

“The 37F is a tradtional flybridge with some trawleresque features”

The side door is an excellent feature, and the flybridge offers some versatile seating and lounging options including the infill above

access to both of the engine’s raw water strainers. Three mirror tinted glass panels, one fixed and two sliding, separate the cockpit from the accommodation. Inside you get a galley up and aft configuration, with the galley to port and a U shaped dinette to starboard. The dinette will comfortably seat four around a large table.

There is storage under the starboard seat, and a smart drinks cabinet arrangement under the aft cushion. This is held up when in use by a gas strut. In the floor, in between dinette and galley, is a single large lifting section that provides access to the engines. This hatch is quite heavy and cumbersome and, on our test boat, was not fixed in place with hinges or supported by gas struts. This made it a two person job to lift and replace. Access to the port engine is simple, but to get at the starboard one you need to drop down and The flybridge steps are easily ascended with plenty to grab hold of as you go crouch beneath the dinette.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

69

The galley is simple and practical. The limited storage is supplemented by a huge floor locker

The galley looks to be eminently practical with a single deep sink, a double gas hob with a gas oven below, and a built in fridge at the forward end. Storage is adequate, with two drawers in the galley and a single cupboard that is given over

entirely to a built in rubbish bin. This is supplemented by some crockery storage in the unit beneath the navigator’s seat just in front of the galley. On top of this there is another hatch in the floor, forward of the engine hatch, which provides access to A family sized dinette can be converted into an extra double berth, with curtains all round for privacy

70

May 2015

The helm is well laid out, with room to add a decent set of electronics

a large locker that, being more central to the boat, would be great for storing heavy galley stores and equipment. The hob and sink are supplied with covers to keep the galley looking neat and tidy when not in use and to provide extra work surface.

These heavy covers are loose fitting, so there may be potential for them to jump out and cause damage if caught out in heavy seas. This whole area has lots of glass for a great view out, but all of it can be curtained off if you decide to use the dinette as an extra sleeping area. There is also a curtain just behind the helm that sections the saloon off from the rest of the boat for added privacy.

Moving forward and you have a single forward facing navigators seat to port and a large bench helm seat to starboard. This bench seat is capable of taking up to three people, which means the 37F delivers proper forward facing seating for four down below. That’s not something you see on many boats, especially those below Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

40 feet. Next to the helm is one of those trawleresque features that I mentioned earlier, a half height sliding door to provide easy deck access from the helm.

This will be a real bonus for those helming shorthanded, or even just to help with crew communications. The bench seat has a lifting bolster to ease passage in and out of the boat via this door. The helm is simple and practical with lots of room for additional instruments and a decent sized multi-function display.

The helm seat has a lifting bolster to allow access to the side door, or a perched driving position

71

Space in the forward cabin is great, partly thanks to the innovative extending bed

A couple of steps down the companionway, aided by a nice leather clad grab rail, and you have the main cabin forward, a guest cabin to starboard and a toilet and shower to port. In the forward cabin, with the door shut behind you, there is an uncharacteristically large amount of standing space at the foot of the double berth. This is because Jeanneau has incorporated a clever extending aft end to the bed. As it is, the berth is just under 6ft in length but, if you want it to be a bit longer, the end just pulls out to provide another seven inches or so that are filled in with some additional cushions. Even with the bed extended, the space in this cabin is very good, plus there is 6ft 3in of standing headroom. Storage is supplied by a half height hanging locker to starboard and a large locker underneath the aft end of the berth. This locker is easily accessed by lifting the end of the bed, which is on gas

struts and stays open on its own, leaving your hands free to pack away or rummage at your leisure. Two side windows and an overhead hatch provide plenty of natural light and two opening ports within the side windows deliver ventilation when required. One unusual aspect of the 37F is that there is no en-suite access from the main cabin, but this is more than made up for by the extra room this has provided in the toilet compartment.

The guest cabin has two single bunks which are generous in their length, at 6ft 6in, although a little tight on the width at around 2ft. For a side cabin it feels spacious and the headroom is very good, with over 6ft at the forward end, dropping to 6ft as you step down between the bunks, and still over 4 foot in the remainder of the cabin. A hanging locker, small ottoman between the berths and some under bunk lockers provide the mid

72

May 2015

Headroom in the mid cabin is excellent for a boat of this style and size

cabin’s storage. Between the bunks the floor panels lift out to gain access to the bilge area. The cabin has a small window with an integral opening port, but still manages to feel light and airy.

The toilet compartment, opposite the guest cabin, again offers lots of space and

over 6ft headroom. There is a nice deep sink and two cupboards. It has a separate shower cubicle with a fold down seat. This cubicle is a little tight, so you have to lift the seat to get in and shut the door, but still manages to offer decent headroom.

Gaining access to the flybridge is via a

There is no ensuite access, but the lack of a second door has allowed Jeanneau to make better use of the space available

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

PERFORMANCE As tested 40% fuel 50% water 5 crew Force 3

RPM

Idle 700 rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 2750 3000 3600

set of steps. This might sound like a retrograde move but these are not the near vertical steps flybridge boats used to have. These are more like a set of stairs, with the bonus of not obscuring the helmsman’s vision aft from the lower driving position. There is plenty to grab hold of while ascending, and also while transcending between steps and flybridge at the top.

Up on the flybridge the 37F delivers a flexible seating/lounging arrangement.

The large aft sun pad has a section that lifts to create the backrest for the aft section of dinette seating. The back rest of the forward dinette seat flips to offer two forward facing positions. An infill here turns these into two forward facing loungers, and the single helm seat swivels

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG

4.2 5.8 7.6 9.2 13.1 16.3 18.9 25.8

0.66 1.08 3.08 6.82 12.1 15.2 17.6 24.9

6.36

3.0 4.9 14.0 31.0 55.0 69.0 80.0 113.0

5.37 2.47 1.35 1.08 1.07 1.07 1.04

Range Noise (nm) 1119 64

945 434 237 190 188 188 183

68 70 76 79 81 83 86

to be part of the social scene when in port or at anchor. All three sections of the dinette seating offers under cushion storage.

The side decks on the 37F are reminiscent of those found on the small Merry Fisher range. The starboard one is wide and sunken with knee high gunwales topped with guardrails up to hip height.

There is a step up just forward of the helm to bring you onto the foredeck level. The port side deck is at foredeck level all the way back to the cockpit and is a little

74

May 2015

Twin D4 300’s deliver 26-27 knots top speed, and comfortable cruising in the low 20’s

“The 37F delivers a good, solid, old school, kind of driving experience” narrower, but still sports a raised toe rail and guardrails to above knee height. Both side decks are illuminated, plus there are well positioned grab rails on both aft corners of the wheelhouse, as well as down both sides. While the starboard deck will be the deck of choice when moving forward, the port one is still as good, or even better, than those found on similar sized boats, so you won’t feel obliged to moor starboard side to. Up front, the foredeck is easily worked and a large, deep anchor locker is compartmentalised to offer a separate section for storing fenders Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

or ropes, without getting them tangled up in the anchor chain. The foredeck cabin roof is equipped with two large sun pads. The aft end of each of these lifts and fixes in place, so that sun worshippers can lounge in a semi upright position.

Underway The lower helm position offers good visibility for a flybridge boat with few blind spots, thanks largely to the use of low level fixtures in the cabin and the open stairs to the flybridge. The curtain behind the helm, used to section off the saloon when being used as a berth, does provide an obstruction to visibility behind, when looking over your right shoulder, but it can be easily moved if required. The bench seat feels a little too distant from the helm so I found myself perching on the edge rather than being able

75

to sit back. This was also necessary to reach the throttles, which were otherwise too far away. I actually found the driving position better if I raised the seat bolster and drove the boat in a semi standing stance where everything fell a bit easier to hand. Being slightly higher this also improved visibility forward as the bow was rising onto the plane. The steering wheel is fixed but felt well placed when driving in either position. The flybridge driving position was excellent and delivered just the right amount of wind in your hair without feeling like you are being blown away.

Performance wise the 37F delivers a solid ride, typical of a shaft drive flybridge boat of this size. You don’t get the same levels of excitement that an IPS or stern drive boat will deliver, but rather a performance how it used to be, and how many people still like it to be. It reminded me very much of one of my all time favourite flybridge boats at this size, the Sealine F37. The 37F is no rocket ship. In these days where boats don’t seem to be allowed off the production line unless they

The foredeck sun pads have raised backrests, perfect for those long summer days at anchor

can achieve 30 knots, it was refreshing to find Jeanneau were very happy that this boat tops out at 27 knots with the twin D4 300’s (we achieved just shy of 26). They seem to have realised that few people cruise at such high speeds and have delivered a boat that will cruise happily, and comfortably, in the low 20’s, but will also deliver a very good ride right down to about 14 knots, perfect for those who are in no rush and another nod to the Velasco’s trawler heritage. It does seem to need most of its 600hp to maintain a 20+ knots cruise, which may seem surprising

76

May 2015

seeing as how the Sealine achieved 30 knots with a pair of 260’s, but when you look at the weight and beam, you realise that the F37 and the 37F are actually rather different animals. The Velasco carries an extra 371kg and provides an extra two inches on the beam. The latter may not sound much, but it feels very noticeable with the spaciousness of the boat’s interior and, in my opinion, more than makes up for the odd knot or two off the top end.

Conclusion To sum up, the 37F is a solid, practical, old school kind of boat, with some modern design twists. If you are after a new, sub 40 foot, flybridge on shafts, which seems

The starboard side deck offers a very secure way forward, and the port one is also eminently usable

to have become a bit of a niche market, it offers good value for money at under £250k, or a little over if you add the Premiere pack that includes that very useful side door.

ENQUIRIES: Cambrian Boats 01792 467263 www.cambrianboats.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Sealine F380

Beneteau ST34

Galeon 380 Fly

LOA: 11.40m Beam: 3.77m Displacement: 9800kg Enquiries: Thames Boat Sales Tel: 01932 570055 www.thamesboatsales.co.uk

LOA: 10.98m Beam: 4m Displacement: 7450kg Enquiries: Maiden Marine Tel: 01539 488050 www.maiden-marine.co.uk

LOA: 11.99m Beam: 3.74m Displacement: from 9700kg Enquiries: MGM Boats Tel: 02380 456318 www.mgmboats.com

The F37’s successor, and the most obvious rival.

Sterndrives won’t be for everyone, but offer good performance and economy.

PRICE from £262,128

The single engine ST34 trawler yacht is 36ft overall and will reach 20 knots with the larger 425hp engine option.

PRICE from £199,900

The 380 is, unusually, available with a choice of shafts or sterndrives. It also comes in two and three cabin versions.

PRICE from £233,256

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Bayliner Ciera 8

77

ALL AVAILABLE FROM STOCK NOW

VELASCO 37F

NC11

VELASCO 43

sales@cambrianboats.com 01792 467263 14 Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1PQ

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 01189 403211 403211

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

Beavis Marine/22 Beneteau / Flyer 650 WA

Princess/32 Freeman / 27

Langley/25’ Slipper Launch Viki / 23

Interboat/25 Capriole / 850

1995 | 22ft/6.7m 2004||£9,950 £15,000 | 20ft | 6m

1978 1980 || £13,500 £24,995 || 32.3ft/9.9m 27ft | 8.23m

2000 2005 | £24,750 £32,500||25ft/7.6m 23ft | 7.0m

2009 1998 | £44,950 £34,995 | 25.8ft/7.9m 28ft | 8.5m

AHigh fantastic little boat for inland spec weekender with 150hp waterways and estuary cruising.

Yamaha complete with trailer.

Well-maintained with large Rare version withmodel folding windcockpit great accommodation. screens,and excellent condition.

Built to traditional specifications Luxurious mahogany & teak craft but GRP hull. GRP hull. withwith lowamaintenance

Open day boat for 10 people with Beautifully designed and spacious toilet room, fridge, & bowthruster. river cruiser with low air-draft.

Sealine/310 Marco/810 Ambassador

Sheerline/950 Rosebank / 34 Tri AftCabin Cabin

Broom/38 Ocean Sheerline/1020

JL Pinder/English Broom / 38 Ocean Barge

1994 2005 || £37,500 £35,000||31.5ft/9.6m 26.5ft | 8.1m

2006 1999 || £95,000 £89,000 | 31ft/9.4m 34ft | 10.4m

1998 || £139,950 2007 £102,000| |38.5ft/11.7m 33ft | 10m

2008 75ft/22.9m 1998 | £140,000 £139,950 | 38.5ft | 11.7m

AHigh family sports cruiser, suited specification withwell full galley, for both river and cruising. good storage and coastal large dinette.

An ideal riverspacious cruiser offering 41 Twin 115hp, 6 berths, berths 2 cabins. owner in from new, p/x considered.

6 berths incruiser 2 cabins plus lower in 3 Luxurious with 6 berths saloon,&2very x heads and shower. cabins spacious cockpit.

ATwin unique opportunity tocoastal purchase Volvo 200hp, high an English double width barge. spec, new canopies, 6 berth.

Discover the essence of relaxed river life with Val Wyatt Marine From our superb family-owned site at Willow Marina we cater for your every boating need. As well as an impressive range of river boat brands – including the handmade Interboat – we offer moorings, maintenance, on-site refreshments and local produce for that all important picnic, and much more.

Visit www.gowiththeflow.life to be in with the chance to win a luxury boat trip along the Thames with picnic hamper

Closing date 31-7-15 Terms and conditions apply

GREAT CHOICE OF BOAT BRANDS • FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE • OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Val Wyatt Marine, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8LH | info@valwyattmarine.co.uk |

01189 403211

www.valwyattmarine.co.uk

/X

P

on

C

ed

ed

er

er

sid

X P/

2005 Bavaria 37 sport

2x Volvo D6 Diesels - £94,950 Contact Windsor Racecourse

id ns

o

C

/X

P

on

C

1997 Fairline Targa 37 (choice of 2)

ed

er

sid

2006 Bayliner 305

2x Volvo Penta KAD 42 Diesels- £84,950 Contact Windsor Racecourse

2x Cummins Diesels - £64,950 Contact Windsor Racecourse

2013 Bavaria 34HT

2x Volvo Penta D4 Diesels - £129,950 Contact Windsor Racecourse

ed

er

X

P/

1995 Broom 36

2x Mercruiser 220hp Diesels- £97,500 Contact Thames & Kennet

id ns

o

C

1993 Stevens Smelne

1996 Broom 29

Single Nanni 50hp Diesel - £54,950 Contact Thames & Kennet

2002 Stevens 1180s

Single Volvo TAMD41B Diesel- £100,000 Contact Thames & Kennet

2x Volvo TMD31 Diesels - £189,950 Contact Thames & Kennet

1996 Broom Ocean 29

2003 Jeanneau Merry Fisher 805

W

NE

2000 Jeanneau Leader 805

2015 Viking 24 Highline

Single Mercruiser 220hp Diesel - £34,950 Contact Walton

Single Honda 20hp Outboard - £38,800 Contact Walton

1999 Sealine F33

1984 Birchwood TS33 Viceroy

2x Volvo KAD 32D/DP Diesels - £79,500 Contact Upton

Single Volvo MD22L-A Diesel - £59,950 Contact Walton

2002 Bayliner 245SB

2x Volvo 125hp Diesels - £25,000 Contact Upton

Single Mercruiser 5.0 Petrol - £23,995 Contact Upton

Extensive Selection of New & Pre Owned Boats for Sale

More Locations, More Choice!

Brokerage Services

Optimised Boat Finder Search Facility

Quality Photographs & Descriptions

Seven Superior Marinas Throughout the UK

Single Volvo Penta Diesel - £42,000 Contact Walton

1999 Doral 270SC

Single Mercruiser V8 Petrol - £22,500 Contact Upton

We have over 140 boats to choose from at seven different locations

SCAN HERE to view our boats for sale

www.tingdene.net Pyrford Marina

Tel (01932) 343 275

Thames & Kennet Marina

Tel (01189) 477 770

Brundall Bay Marina

Tel (01603) 717 804

Norfolk Broads River Thames, Caversham Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

River Wey, Surrey

Walton Marina

Tel (01932) 221 689

Racecourse Marina, Windsor

Tel (01753) 851 717

Upton Marina

Tel (01684) 593 111

Upton upon Severn Walton on Thames River Thames, Windsor

Stourport Marina

Tel (01299) 827 082 Stourport on Severn

81

OPEN ALL WEEK HUGE CHOICE OF BOATS AVAILABLE

visit boatshowrooms.com Boat Showrooms of

Harleyford SPECIAL ISI NG I N :

RI BEYE SALES CENTRE

BROOM BOATS

BOATS WANTED NOW! FOR OUR BUSY BROKERAGE SERVICE

to see all available boats

Boat Showrooms of

Boat Showrooms of

THE STEELBOAT CENTRE, SPECIALISING IN:

UK AGENTS FOR :

London

STEVENS STEELCRAFT

Hamble

PEDRO BOATS

1996 Fairline Targa 39, 2 x Volvo Penta KAD42 230hp Diesel, 6 Berths, Undergone full refurbishment over the last 12 months. 2014 Survey available, BSC expires 2018. £94,950

2010 Princess 42 Flybridge.

Immaculate one owner example, twin Volvo D6 diesels. Very well equipped inc two luxury en-suite cabins must be seen. £324,950

1988 Pedro 36, 1 x Volvo Penta TMD31 4 Cyl 100hp, Diesel, spacious 6 berth Dutch steel cruiser with bow thruster, Eberspacher heating and holding tank. £64,950

2000 Broom 38. Twin Yanmar 250hp diesels. Lovely Condition, only two owners from new plus she has nearly all available options. £155,000

1982 Broom Crown 37, 2 x Volvo TAMD40A 296hp Diesel, very good condition, Capable of cruising the sea and inland waterways. 6 Berths in 3 Cabins. £59,950

2008 Linssen Grand Sturdy 33.9 AC. One of the best available. Very well equipped & low hours on the 1x Volvo D275hp diesel. Perfect condition.

Price reduced to £145,000

2004 Viking Seamaster Waterline 30, 1 x Nanni 50hp Diesel, Ideal live aboard, 6 berths in 3 cabins. Only 6 ever made. Bow Thruster, BSC expires 2017 £49,950

1998 Linssen Dutch Sturdy 380AC. Fitted with a single Volvo on shaft with bowthruster presented in excellent condition.

Reduced to £125,000

2007 Grand Banks 47 Heritage Classic. Superb restyled model in excellent condition. Twin Cat C9 diesels for 23+knots. V. well equipped with generator, bow & stern thrusters, dinghy crane plus rib, Raymarine navionics.

Galley down layout. Lying Hamble Seriously for sale at reduced price - £485,000

1998 Shadow 26 Cabriolet, 1 x Beta Marine 43hp, Shaft Drive, Diesel.

4 Berths in 1 Cabin. Immaculate condition, bow thruster, central heating, Boat Safety expires 2018. £34,000

2005 Beneteau Antares 9.80.

Twin Nanni diesels. Excellent all-rounder in sound condition.

Makes a great family cruiser with all mod cons. £75,000

1989 Grand Banks 42 classic.

A lovely example, wintered undercover every year and maintained to the highest level. 2 x 135hp diesels, many upgrades & replacements. €210,000 euros inc tax.

2003 Kent 28. A compact, yet surprisingly spacious vessel full of character. Ideal for inland or coastal cruising. Good clean condition.

Single Nanni diesel. £64,950

1988 Grand Banks 42 Classic. 7 berths, large aft cabin with Queen size berth & crew single with en-suite, fwd ‘V’ twin berth with guest heads & shower.

Twin Cat 350hp, gen, good navionics, full inventory. Major refit means great condition. Reduced to £128,500

1984 Hardy 25. A lovely example of this popular, versatile boat. Economical & ideal for river or coastal use. Single Volvo 37hp diesel sterndrive. £18,250

2004 Island Packet 38 Express.

A beautiful & stylish 4 berth sports cruiser with twin 370hp Yanmar diesels for 30knots+. Air con,generator, hydraulic passerelle & much more, must be seen. Lying S/coast. Recently reduced £160,000

1992 Kempala 38. One owner from new! Lovely condition. Can sleep 8.

Twin Perkins 120hp each diesels.

Brand new Batteries & a recently fitted F/Panda Generator. £89,950

1994 Grand Banks 49 classic. One of the best we’ve ever seen. Large spacious vessel, sleeps 6/7 in 3 cabins. Full Med spec & very well equipped. 2 x Caterpillar 3208TA diesels. €375,000 euros inc tax.

2005 Haines 320. A truly lovely example offered in great condition.

Very well equipped spacious vessel with 6 berths. Single Nanni diesel.

Must be seen. £118,000

2004 Grand Banks Eastbay 43 SX. Probably the best one in Europe with many factory fitted options. Twin Cummins 450hp diesels, bowthruster, generator, Raymarine navionics, 4 luxury berths, 2 heads, galley down layout. Lying S/coast.

Now reduced to just £265,000.

1975 Project 31. A much loved & well cared for example in excellent all-round condition. Replacement lower S/S screens allowing access to the upper reaches of the Thames. £15,950.

1999 Grand Banks 46EU. In truly amazing condition. Kept in a wet boathouse.

Many valuable options & upgrades. Twin Cat 3208 375hp diesels plus bowthruster, generator, good navionics, Aquadrives, hydraulic r/arch, full Bimini, Avon rib & much more. Stunning vessel. €495,000 euros tax paid

1992 Sealine 270 Senator, 2 x Volvo Penta AQ250 4 Cylinder 300hp Petrol, 2 double cabins with en-suite shower and holding tank. Perfect for extended cruising. £24,950 1979 Fairline Mirage 29, 1 x 2005 Mercruiser 1.7DTI 120hp, Diesel, 5 Berths in 2 cabins. Excellent condition.

Perfect for extended cruising. Boat Safety expires 2018. £19,500 1982 Relcraft Coral 23, 1 x Volvo Penta 120hp, Petrol, 4 Berths in 1 Cabin. Perfect for day trips on the Thames. Boat Safety expires 2018. £11,995 1989 Viking 26, 1 x Yamaha 9.9hp Outboard, 6 berths in 2 cabins & cockpit. Folding windscreen, great condition, Boat Safety expires 2017. £7,995

2007 Quicksilver 540, 1 x Mariner 40hp Outboard, 2 berths in cabin, large open cockpit, ideal for day or fishing trips. £7,950

Tel: 01628 569888 email:harleyford@boatshowrooms.com

Tel: 01932 260261

email:shepperton@boatshowrooms.com

1991 Grand Banks 36 Sedan. A muchloved vessel sleeping 5 in 2 cabin areas.

Twin Ford Sabre diesels + bowthruster, generator, new heating, full Bimini top, dinghy,FSH. Sound all-round condition for its age. Surprisingly spacious little ship. £147,500 tax paid 1997 Grand Banks 49 Motor Yacht.

Possibly the youngest & most versatile 49 MY in the world for sale today Fantastic specification, the best & latest engine options. Never used in the Med so Gel coat and deck / underwater fittings in great condition. Keenly priced to sell at £295,000 tax paid.

2003 Grand Banks 42 Motor Yacht. V. well maintained & in excellent condition.

Up to 7 berths in 3 cabins. Highly spec’d with passarelle, twin 3126, 420hp Cat diesels plus generator, good Nav gear, Rib & outboard plus much more.

Full Med Spec. £329,000 tax paid.

Tel: 02380 458990 email:hamble@boatshowrooms.com

www.boatshowrooms.com/used-boats

Classified

Plymouth Pilot 23 hull

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1989 Sealine 218

1992 Nimbus 31 Ultima

£14,995

£54,945

07781 132197 email address

01189 403 211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

1978 Cleopatra 850

1982 Princess 33 MKII Flybridge

1971 Moonraker 36

£11,995

£33,500

£28,995

‘Honey Chile III’ as featured in November 13 issue of Motorboat Owner. Powered by a single 55hp Iveco diesel engine. Four berth wheelhouse cruiser

£18,500 ex VAT

Single Volvo Penta V8 sterndrive petrol engine. 2 cabins 5 berths.

Hardtop wheelhouse cruiser.

Lying Stourport Marina

01299 827082 stourportmarina@tingdene.net

Single Volvo Penta 205hp petrol engine. 4 berths. Comfortable family boat or trailboat. Great condition and ready to go

Twin Volvo AQAD40B (2 x 165hp) diesel 6 cylinder duoprop engines.

7 berths. Hot air heating and a holding tank. Lying Harleyford

01628 569888 harleyford@boatshowrooms.com

Single Volvo Penta TAMD41B 200hp diesel engine. 5/6 berths. Excellent condition. PS/Plotter, Radar, DSC VHF and Autohelm 02393 510433 neil@clippermarine.co.uk

Twin Perkins 6354 175hp turbo diesel engines. 6 berths, 2 toilets & showers. Recently re-upholstered.

Davits, electric winch, radar, chartplotter. Well maintained.

07919882255 Email address

Advertise with us • short description • 1 photo • contact details - email, telephone number, website (with hyperlink)

Special introductory offer £25 per month

Call us on 01268 922991

advertising@motorboatowner.co.uk

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Electric Boat Association

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Atlanta Boat Owners

Elysian Boat Owners

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Fairey Owners Club

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairline Owners Club

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fjord Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.fairlineownersclub.com

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Club

www.broomowners.com

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

Classic Motor Boat Association www.cmba-uk.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club www.classicoffshore.com

Cleopatra Owners Club mycleopatra.ning.com

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

Freeman Cruisers Forum freemanboats.forumer.com

Freeman Owners Club

www.freemancruisers.com

Freeman Cruisers freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

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

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum

Hardy Owners Club

cranchiownersclub.com

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum www.dawncraftowners.com

84

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

May 2015

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Forum

www.maxumownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Microplus Boats

Sealine Owners Club

www.microplus.dk

www.sealineowners.com

Monterey Fourm

Seamaster Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seamasterclub.co.uk

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Seaward Owners Club

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

Nauticus www.nauticus.co.uk

Nelson Boat Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK www.nimbusowners.co.uk

Norman Appreciation Society www.normanboats.co.uk

Princess Owners Club princessownersclub.com

www.seawardboat.com/club.html

Shetland Owners Association www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Star Craft Owners Club www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Sunseeker Owners Club sunseekerownersclub.com

Viking Owners Club

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

Regal Owners Forum www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

Owners Club missing?

@ contact us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

85

L K what I saw

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

@

send your images to us at

editorial@

motorboatowner.co.uk

Nice aft

Funny boat name at a boat jumble SPOTTED! by Tom Buckden

Riverside Easter egg tree

Knitted Easter eggs hanging on a tree at Bourne End SPOTTED! by Sam Javis

Row boat on tow

An ingenious way of towing a rowing boat SPOTTED! by Mark Sumner

Goose with a view

Canada Goose makes a nest in thatched boat house SPOTTED! by Gavin Speight 86

May 2015

Britain’s only FREE dedicated motorboat magazine

NEXT MONTH

ONLINE 22nd MAY

ISLE OF MAN

Destination Guide BOATS • Bayliner Ciera 8 • Botnia Targa 31

PRACTICAL • Calibrating instruments • Project Boat update PLUS

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

Motorboat Owner

87

FREE DIGITAL BOATING MAGAZINE

at

SIGN UP 8

motorboatowner.co.uk

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

NEW & USED BOATS

PRODUCT REVIEWS

CRUISING GUIDES

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

OWNER STORIES