FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Motorboat MAY 2019
Owner Affordable practical boating
BOAT TEST
Rodman Spirit 42 Coupé Destination Guide Fog l Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck l Jeanneau Prestige 30S
RIVER CROUCH
Welcome to the May issue.
From the Editor
contact us
Motorboat Owner Digital Marine Media Ltd Suite 6 Philpot House, Station Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HH t: 01268 922991
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
I’m going to whisper this very quietly, I think the weather gods are looking at the wrong month on the calendar. We have just had a four-day Easter weekend with glorious weather and light winds. I am not exaggerating, but I can’t remember that ever happening before. When we wrote our guide to Maldon last year I said that I was going to add it to my cruising bucket list. Easter,
Editor, Neale Byart 01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk Associate Editor, Claire Frew 01268 922993 claire@motorboatowner.co.uk
2
May 2019
welcome aboard
East for Easter. Maldon has now been ticked off our boating ‘bucket list’
those pictures of the weird and wonderful that you see on your travels for our back page. With the Brexit can kicked down the road, we can consider crossing to our near continental neighbours again, at least in the short term, without worrying about what the process might do to our plans and how it might be administered. Of course any cruising plan can be scuppered by the weather, and perhaps the one phenomenon that catches people out more than any other, as well as being more than a little disconcerting, is fog. With the early season being a prime time for fog, we have put together a guide allowed me to tick that off. We also visited for dealing with it, whether you are setting out into poor visibility, or West Mersea, where we spent a calm evening on a buoy and experienced another caught out mid-passage. Whilst it east coast gem. I am sure we will be back to may be a little scary, following a few both. With the forecast looking reasonable simple tips can make the problem for the forthcoming bank holiday weekend, both safer and more bearable and you we are already planning our next trip, with will hopefully come out the other side a view to taking in the Walton Backwaters. feeling relieved and a lot more confident. I hope your season has got off to a great start as well, and remember to keep taking Happy cruising.
Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew
Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk
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Contributors: Alex Smith, Peter Pitcher Cover photo: Rodman Spirit 42 Coupe on test off Portsmouth by Claire Frew
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
3
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CONTENTS MAY 2019
PRACTICAL
REGULARS NEWS page 6 INBOX page 18 CUTTING EDGE page 52 TESTED page 62 Q&A page 78
page 54 Cruising
Norway Bound Leg 3
Kieler Forde, Eckernforde and the Schlei
Know your
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
sound signals
While you may driven know vess that you two min el, will be , and any sou othe may enc utes, there are nding one SOUND long blas r motor SIGN VESSAL help giveounter in fog, other sound STOPP ALS ED signals t every Two long blasts long blas you a better and knowin g what that you picture VESSAL they are long blas ts indicate a UNDER WAY vessel of what’s out will One long that has blast every a sailing t followed by ther 2 minute stopped e. Two s VESSAL comman vessel, a vess two short one RESTRI . One CTED el IN ABILITY s One long TO MANO likely to d, constrained restricted in can indicate and two EUVRE short blasts its abil blast follobe a large vess by draught, ity to man towing el at wed by oeuvre, or fish three sho anchor, alth a vess ing. If ough rt is issu you hea el not und er ed by the buoys also r a bell use a or a last vess el in a bell, and lastl gong it is tow. y one long Keeping saying, a and you good look to keep out goe their eyesshould draw s without chance on all peeled s too, but your crew helm, of seeing any improve if thing by your may alsoyou have one using an . vessels. improve you As already men outside r chance You sho tioned, sections uld rem s of hea this , and, if keep your win ove any rele ring other you wea vant can dscreen conoffice r opy glas clea den ses, n sation the UK met from the regularly wip and clear and ties in nicely with lenses e away poor’ visibility. If you with the description of ‘very ng a clean you are experienci cloth. can see beyond 1km, fog. than rather mist, would rather Most of us, I am sure, but due to in fog,you not be out on the water Ifdifficulty hav in and the on and e one fitted, its unpredictability, use it. it, it is inevitable This has turn your auto accurately forecasting Firstly, it free pilot extensively will s up som numerous benefits that anyone who cruises to doorothe e of you r things time . keep other. r get caught out at some to ing the boa risk without wor own capacit be high seem particul y t on cou ryin Spring and autumn arly rse, whi g about are not fogbanks sho ch is rt han important times, although thick cou too. ded. Secondly if you are sing uncommon mid summerrse that le , quite be mak can fog it in es you it will steer a or Getting caught out removesing, referenc thebut likeliho an easier targ straight disorientat disconcerting and et for othe od of spec es whe to do can you that re you rs ial luckily there is plenty youmight find disorientatio to interpre Moto make sure that t and avoi it hard rboa n due prepare yourself and t Own to sound. to the stay on © Digita side safeerand loss of d and, lastly, l Marin track. come out the other any visu e Media Ltd al May 2019
Cruising in fog
Look
become a bit A s a boater you have toist. Studying of an amateur meteorologreferencing cross synoptic charts and and wind maps to them with forecasts foulT shirt, or full-on decide if today is a are While wind and rain weather-gear day. the short term, in predict to relatively easy harder to pinpoint. fog is altogether rather due to the forms Fog over water usually between the air re difference in temperatu moisturewarm be and water. This can cooler water, laden air passing over air colder or fog, resulting in advection water, evaporation passing over warmer of fog varies from fog. The definition visibility of 1000m source to source, but accepted appears to be the generally purposes, interpretation for maritime
Use au topilot
34 39
p34 PRACTICAL
Essential Guide: Cruising in fog p20
page 62 Tested
Raymarine DockSense
p54 RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
p84
p42
Jeanneau Prestige 30S CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
p66
BOAT TESTS
Beneteau Flyer 8 Rodman Spirit 42 Coupé
5
NEWS Solent ferry-sportscruiser collision: Lessons learned
6
MAIB images
In September 2018 a 10-metre sportscruiser and an Isle of Wight car ferry collided and, according to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report released in March, the crew of the ferry were not aware until alerted by passengers. The incident occurred on the afternoon of the 29th September, in the Thorn Channel as both vessels travelled towards Cowes. The car ferry, Red Falcon, thought to be travelling at 13 knots, was carrying 20 crew and 182 passengers. The sportscruiser, Phoenix, a 33ft Doral Intrigue, had four persons onboard and was proceeding at a displacement 7-knot speed. Red Falcon’s bridge team, shown seated on CCTV footage, had not seen the sportscruiser on the starboard bow as ‘their focus was on a sailing vessel on the port side and potentially impeding the next intended course alteration’ to continue past the Bramble Bank. The report revealed that the cruiser was also ‘obscured by the sun’s glare’. Looking ahead with canopies erected, Phoenix’s experienced skipper did not see the ferry approaching on its port quarter. With chart position evidence showing both vessels in the centre of the Thorn Channel at the point of collision, the Doral was pinned against the ferry’s bow for 18 seconds, causing it to heal over to starboard, before returning upright and left in the ferry’s wake. Several small, nearby vessels quickly closed in to assist. There were no injuries, but the 13 year old cruiser was seriously damaged and limped into Cowes on one engine. It had suffered a 5-metre split in the hull to deck join, hull deformation and detachment of sections of superstructure, and was declared a total loss by its insurers. Red Falcon was not damaged. The MAIB concluded that given the busy situation, the sounding of one short blast from Red Falcon’s horn, although not mandatory, could have alerted Phoenix’s skipper to the ferry’s presence and intended movement. It also advised that had Phoenix been fitted with an AIS transceiver, this would have alerted the cruisers presence to Red Falcon. An internal report was carried out by Red Falcon’s owners, Southampton, Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited, making recommendations to improve navigational watchkeeping practices. The MAIB made no further recommendations.
May 2019
If you any have news from your region, please email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Thames show success A three-day inaugural Thames boat show, held in early April at Penton Hook Marina, is being hailed a success by both visitors and exhibitors. Receiving an estimated 2000 visitors, the Thames Valley and London Boat Show saw many Thames and UK-wide brokers and dealers muster at the marina, including Tingdene Boat Sales who sold two new boats at the show. With plans afoot for a 2020 event, initial thoughts were that the show would move to other locations on the Thames. However, the exhibitors seemed in agreement that the location worked. MBO hopes to receive more details soon.
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NEWS British Motor Yacht Show expands The UK’s leading motor yacht brands are getting ready to exhibit at the annual ‘boutique show’, the British Motor Yacht Show held at Premier’s Swanwick Marina, from Friday 17th May to Sunday 19th May. The 3-day show is set to showcase the latest models from British brands, Fairline, Princess and Sunseeker on and off the water, and this year the event will also be welcoming fifteen overseas brands, including Agapi, Axopar, Bavaria, Brabus, Chris Craft, Greenline, Hinckley, Hunt Yachts, Invictus, Jeanneau, Nordhavn, Prestige and Sealine. Now in its seventh year, on show will also be watersports equipment, luxury car and lifestyle brands, with new exhibitors such as British perfumer, Jo Malone London. There will also be a new artisan gin tasting stand. Motoryachts taking up position in the newly reconfigured Swanwick Marina and layout plans of the show are available via the show website.
New title sponsor for Southampton Boat Show Marine association and British boat show organiser, British Marine has announced that it has signed a new title sponsorship agreement for its 2019 Southampton Boat Show. Online boat charter broker company, Borrow A Boat will be title sponsor for the 2019 show taking place 13th-22nd September at Southampton’s Mayflower Park. Borrow A Boat provide a online platform to get people out on the water, with a portfolio of 17,000 charter boats based all over the world. The previous title sponsor, of two years, was boat sales search platform, TheYachtMarket.com. 8
May 2019
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NEWS Marina events at Portland Week The 400-berth Portland Marina in Dorset will be hosting several events in conjunction with the inaugural Portland Week held this coming August. Boat owners, visitors and berth holders are being invited to get out on the water and try new activities, such as paddle boarding, fishing, diving and building craft sculptures from beach clean materials, during the first Portland Week held 19th-24th August. The schedule of events also includes new boat displays, RIB driving taster sessions, kayak fishing, informative talks, ‘Hook & Cook’ demonstrations and a pontoon party. The Portland Yacht Club is also inviting boat owners to join in for beach barbecue at Worbarrow Bay. The activities will be free or paid for, with donations going to charity.
Marine section at Goodwood There will be a new marine section at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now in its 25th year, the event will be held at the Goodwood Estate near Chichester from 4th to 7th July. British Marine member, GoEarth is co-ordinating the new section, and full details are to be revealed soon.
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May 2019
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NEWS London Yacht Show cancelled In early April, the organisers of the London Yacht Show announced the postponement of the 2019 event that was due to be held at St Katharine Docks from 8th-12th May. Set to showcase several of the UK’s biggest motoryacht brands in the picturesque London marina, the event is being postponed until 2020 ‘to ensure the delivery of a high quality on-water show, with the scale and breadth to attract full participation of the industries it is aimed at.’ Replacing and building on the annual London-on-Water show, the show had been recently rebranded and relaunched with a high-end boating and luxury goods focus, with support coming from Southampton Boat Show organisers, British Marine, in the wake of the London Boat Show 2019 cancellation. Andrew Williams of President Maritime Group, said “Since an initial burst of interest in the London Yacht Show, take-up has slowed from some segments of the industry and from luxury brands. And so, with just over a month to go until the planned launch, overall commitment to the event is not at the level required to deliver a show with the profile, scale and market breadth the industry asked for and deserves in London. Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, we therefore believe it is in everyone’s interest to postpone the show until next year.” He added “We are all now very focused on delivering a great event and experience in 2020, creating a unique experience for visitors and a leading UK showcase for exhibitors within the growing, international yachting, boating and luxury markets.”
Hythe Seafood Festival An inaugural Seafood Festival is to be held at MDL’s Hythe Marina Village on Saturday 8th June. Opening 9am-5pm, the event will offer fresh fish sourced from local waters, cookery demonstrations, live music and family fun. There will be a display of classic cars on the quay and a Griffon Hovercraft will also be landing at Hythe for the day. Hythe Ferry from Town Quay, Southampton, will be offering free travel to the event for kids on the day. 12
May 2019
If you any have news from your region, please email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Cranchi network expands in the UK Tingdene Boat Sales has announced the appointment of two new south coast Cranchi dealers, covering Cornwall to East Sussex and the Channel Islands. Adding to its line-up of 10 sales offices, Cranchi UK distributor Tingdene Boat Sales has appointed Southampton Waters Yacht Sales to cover the south coast from Weymouth to Eastbourne and Brixham-based, South West UK Marine (SWUK) to manage Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands. Tingdene is also looking to appoint a new Cranchi dealer in Abersoch, North Wales (more details coming soon). Cranchi M44HT pictured.
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NEWS New Lymington Boat Club Lymington Yacht Haven has announced the launch of a new boat club offering customers use of a fleet of new motorboats. For a fixed annual fee of £8k, members of Lymington Boat Club will get unlimited use of a new 6.5m Gemini RIB, a Jeanneau Merry Fisher 695 and an Axopar 28 T-Top pictured. Based at the 650-berth marina in the western Solent, members can book sessions through an online booking app, booking a maximum of 2 sessions in advance (2 sessions count as one day) and additional drivers can be added at £1k per year (drivers need a minimum of an RYA Level 2 Powerboat qualification). Members will be given their RYA Level 2 Powerboat training and a 1-2-1 induction on the fleet. Marina Director, Rupert Wagstaff, said “Our aim is to offer everything you’d want for a day on the water. From fishing equipment and tuition, to hiring Stand Up Paddleboards or inflatable toys for towing. Our fleet will be fully-serviced, immaculately maintained and fuelled up so customers can simply step onboard and go boating”. The Lymington Boat Club is the 2nd club to be launched by the marina group, Yacht Havens, after the launch of Plymouth Boat Club in 2018 at drystack Yacht Haven Quay, which recently expanded with a second boat added. To mark the Lymington Boat Clubs launch, the marina is also offering £1,000 off the membership fee for its first 10 members.
Rise in women and young people in boating New figures compiled by a consortium of leading marine bodies show a rise in boating activity in UK adults of 1.1% to 17 million, an increase of 700,000, since 2017. The figures, generated from a Watersports Participation Survey and conveyed by Marine organisation, British Marine, also show a rise in women and young people in boating. 14
May 2019
If you any have news from your region, please email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Search & rescue drone trial over Essex coast For the next 12 months, a new drone trial is taking flight along the coast of Essex to support search and rescue operations. The year-long trial, starting in late April, will provide HM Coastguard Rescue Teams with ‘more eyes in the sky’ to assist with search and rescue operations, supporting Coastguard teams and the RNLI around the regions coastline. Operated by Essex Police’s Drone Unit, the drones will be used to pinpoint casualties and assess situations before deploying rescue personnel to the scene. HM Coastguard teams from Walton, Clacton, Mersea Island, South Woodham Ferrers, Southend and Canvey Island, supported from six lifeboat stations, will be taking part in the trial, and the region will be assessed at the end of the trial.
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NEWS Possible new legislation for Channel Islands boaters In April, leisure boaters based in the Channel Islands were told that their passages to the French coast may be affected in the event of Brexit. A communication from the General Secretariat for Maritime Affairs in Brittany and the Côtes d’Armor Departmental Coastal and Maritime Directorate, relayed by the Guernsey Boat Owners Association (GBOA), read 'Those yachts that are planning to call in any marina not designated as a PPF port (Maritime Border Entry Port) have no cause for concern as the following procedure will be adopted: A yacht should inform the Harbour Master's office by VHF of its arrival. The Harbour Master will then advise the Border Police (PAF) or the Customs authorities as the case may be. These authorities may then decide either to visit the arriving yacht or request those onboard to attend the nearest PAF or Custom's office to have their passports stamped. However, a further relaxing of these measures is expected, and it is probable that passports will not be required to be stamped, in which case the information relayed to the Border Police or Custom’s authorities will be sufficient, and those onboard will not need to do anything further. It is absolutely necessary to ensure that the existing border posts are not overwhelmed by the demand." Pictured, Saint Cast Marina
All Wales Boat Show 2019 countdown begins Now in its sixth year, the 2019 All Wales Boat and Leisure Show is being held in North Wales this coming May Half Term week at the new venue of Anglesey Showground. Held from Thursday 30th May to Saturday 1st June, exhibitors from both the marine and leisure sectors, from Wales and beyond, will descend upon the 160-acre site for the three-day event. These include Pwllheli-based Ideal Boat with the Spectre, Robalo, Capelli Ribs, Ocean Craft Marine, Chaparral and Finnmaster ranges, the outboard manufacturers Yamaha, Johnson and Evinrude, Jeckells, Quicksilver and Sussex-based Boat Shop Group with Oki and Parker Boats. Show entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children. Camping is also available on site. 16
May 2019
INBOX
@
Flatacraft Force 4 It was great to see the 80s Flatacraft brochures in last months ‘Back in time’. I remember the Flatacraft very well, I owned a Force 4 from 1979 to 1989. It was the early days of the RIB and I think its only main competitor was the Avon Searider. Ours had an old Johnson 40hp outboard and was notorious for bad starting, leaving my right arm aching from constant pulling on the starting cord! But we had great fun with it, I paid £1100 and sold it for £1000, not bad for 10 years of boating enjoyment. Ours was grey with a yellow peel back bow cover pictured. Keep up the good work on the magazine, in my opinion the best boating mag on the market. Alan Grant Editor comments: Thank you so much for writing in. We hope that these fantastic retro RIBs are still bombing about today and bringing enjoyment.
Mission ‘hose’ complete
In last months issue Motorboat Owner printed a letter from Phil Taplow asking for help identifying a hose he had found onboard his Carver. This was followed by a flurry of emails and calls from readers identifying the hose, which seems to be unique to Harleyford Estate on the River Thames. First to write in was Harleyford Marina Manager, Mark Pearce, followed by many more past and present residents, all saying it is a water connector used some 15 years ago. Mark explained “It twisted onto a water pipe under a covered hatch, which allowed the grass to be cut easily, and helped with the prevention of frost damage. Owners would ‘rent’ one whilst they moored with us at Harleyford. Owners sometimes put an additional tap on the end or when they twisted on the pipe, it became live and often filled your boat and or boots with water.” Editor: Thank you all very much 18
May 2019
email:
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
BACK
IN
TIME
Rifling through the Jeanneau archive this month brought to light this 80s brochure for the Leader range. It features a top spec classic three-door Ford Sierra towing a Leader 550
The heart of the Solent Walk to Cowes & Osborne House or enjoy a beer in the Lifeboat pub. Your choice. 01983 293983
eastcowesmarina.co.uk
Guernsey River Crouch An Essex river for all seasons. Fascinating landscape, breathtaking views, roaring pub fires in winter, spectacular sunsets and curious wildlife. You are sure to fall for this gem of the south east coast
L
ying north of the Thames Estuary, the River Crouch is one of Essex’s best cruising havens. Whether you are a boater arriving by sea or towing a trailboat, this safe and sheltered 20-nautical-mile tidal river provides a wealth of exploration opportunities and sights, and like its river mouth, formed by
two long golden sandy spits, it will be sure to welcome you with open arms. The Crouch offers three modern, all-tides marinas, as well as numerous swinging moorings, slipways, boatyards and anchorages. There is the town of Burnham-on-Crouch, with its countless diversions, the quiet and idyllic Fambridge
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May 2019
RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
ESSEX North Fambridge Bridgemarsh
RIV E R
C RO U
CH
Burnham-on-Crouch Hullbridge
OUCH RIVER CR
Battlesbridge
C R IVER ROA H
WALLASEA ISLAND Paglesham Rochford
st We
in Sw
nestled amongst the stunning marshes and River Crouch runs west to east, and the the head-of-navigation antiques mecca surrounding land is low-lying, so in a that is Battlesbridge. strong westerly, or south westerly, wind you will need to be mindful of the state of the tide to avoid wind against tide in Much like the Thames Estuary, the the river entrance. The entrance is also River Crouch needs to be entered with particularly exposed in stronger easterly care. The tide in the river can run up and north easterly winds. Always ensure to 3 knots, which is something to take you have the most up to date cartography into consideration when planning a and charts for this part of the coast as the visit, and it is best to arrive on a rising sandbanks do move during storms. tide or approaching high water. It is The Crouch entrance has two sand spits also important to remember that the extending out east into the North Sea.
Approaches
Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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WA L
LE
Swin Spitway
Crouch Approaches
Ray Sand Channel
AIL LOW T SWAL 3
BUXEY SAND 5
6
Fambridge Bridgemarsh Yacht Haven Fambridge Marina Yacht Station BRIDGEMARSH ISLAND
2
4
Inner Whitaker EAST SWIN N Middle S Whitaker
Whitaker Beacon
8 1
2
FOULNESS SAND
3
Burnham-on-Crouch
Whitaker
7
RAY SAND
Burnham Yacht Harbour
BANK 1
T
P
EE
D LE
4
D
ID
Essex Marina
M WALLASEA ISLAND
Sutton Wharf & Wakering Yacht Club
Paglesham The Middleway
in Sw
IN
SW
MAPLIN SANDS
Havengore
*not to be used for navigation
st We
ST
WE
Pisces Wreck
South Shoebury
Cardinal hopping, the river entrance faces east, but there’s a shortcut from the Thames THAMES ESTUARY
Approaching from the East Swin channel, look for Whitaker, an east cardinal, and Inner Whitaker, a south cardinal. These mark the start of Whitaker Channel, which leads to the entrance. Keeping Inner Whitaker to starboard, Whitaker buoys 1-8 mark the route between the sand spits Swallow Tail Bank and Foulness Sand. Further along the channel you will encounter a cluster of cardinals creating a dog leg in the channel. These mark the
shallow area known as Sunken Buxey, a hazard that needs consideration at low water. For those making their way to the Crouch from the next tidal estuary north, the Blackwater, there is a useful shortcut to avoid going around the sandbanks. This is by crossing the Ray Sand, using the Ray Sand Channel at, or near, high water. Otherwise the all tides route is via the Wallet Spitway and Swin safe water mark.
22
May 2019
RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
Havengore Bridge
Havengore Bridge provides a shortcut into the Crouch and is manned 2 hours either side of HW
For those coming from southerly directions, from the Thames Estuary it is a case of buoy-hopping along the edge of Maplin Sands. However, from Middle Deep, don’t be tempted to cut the corner or stray too close to Foulness Sand, as this sandbank is part of the active Shoeburyness Military Firing Range. Red flags are displayed, ashore and on buoys, when the range is firing, which is usually every weekday. For shallow draft boats travelling directly from the Thames or Medway, there is an alternative short cut into the River Crouch, shaving 14 miles off the offshore route. But this requires careful planning and navigation. The route,
Havengore Creek is a public right of way and cuts through from the Thames Estuary to the River Roach. To check firing times and to arrange a bridge lift call Havengore Bridge VHF Channel 72 callsign ‘Shoe Bridge’ or telephone 01702 383436. The bridge operators are only on station two hours either side of high water during daylight hours. Approaching Havengore from the south, use the hour prior to high water to make a cautious approach from South Shoebury starboard mark across the Maplin Sands, towards the bridge. Leave Pisces Wreck buoy (isolated danger mark) well to port. There are lots of marks on Maplin Sands with no navigational significance. Depths across the sandbank are quite uniform, and with no obvious channel you should take it slow and careful. The shallowest part is crossing the historic causeway ‘The Broomway’ after which depths should start to rise again. In the final approaches there are two or three sturdy posts running NW/SE. Leave the inshore post to port and head directly for the bridge, keeping closer to the starboard (east) bank as you enter for the best water. The bridge operator can monitor your approach and assist with your positioning if necessary. Once through the bridge take the right fork, via ‘Narrow Cuts’, to avoid the swingbridge at Potten Island. The creeks are sporadically marked with withies, but care is needed to stay within the channel.
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
23
Need to dash into town? Boats up to 40ft can tie alongside Burnham Town Quay pontoon for 1hr
via Havengore Creek, allows boaters to transit through the lifting bridge linking Shoebury to Foulness Island by crossing the Maplin Sands and entering the creeks leading to the River Roach, a branch river off the Crouch. This should only be attempted in settled conditions approaching high water, and when there is sufficient height of tide, usually around high water springs. The bridge is operated by the Shoeburyness Firing Range and will only lift when the range is not in operation, so you will need to ring or radio to check firing times up to 24hrs before an intended passage (see sub section for more information).
Outer Crouch buoys 1 to 4 guide you towards the Inner Crouch safe water buoy, marking the start of the buoyed channel towards Burnham on Crouch. Approximately 3 miles into the river, a preferred channel marker to port, New Branklet, marks the entrance to the River Roach. The first notable landmark on the north bank for Burnham-on-Crouch is the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, a tall white building. The fairway narrows and passes the commercial Wallasea Jetty at Ringwood Point on the port side. A speed limit of 8 knots is enforced from Fairway buoy 1, and marks the start of the many rows of mid river moorings to starboard.
24
May 2019
RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
Weather & Tides
Approaches can be busy with regular weekend racing and during Burnham Week each August
Burnham-on-Crouch
Concealed 5.5 miles inland from the North Sea lies the quiet and unspoilt riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch. The town nestles on the north bank of the River Crouch and is surrounded by low lying fields, marshland and gently sloping mud flats. Burnham is one of the main towns in the area and is easily accessible from the Crouch, with moorings and the all tides marina, Burnham Yacht Harbour. Historically, it started life as a fishing port exporting local oysters. Later Thames sailing barges docked at its town quay importing tea and exporting local oysters and farm produce, consequently boatsheds and shipwright yards flanked its foreshore. Today the town retains much of its charm, with its main shopping street, High Street, running parallel with the Crouch and weather-boarded painted cottages, imposing town houses, picket
• Sandettie Lightship actuals • Met Office Inshore Waters Gibraltar Point to North Foreland • Shipping Forecast Thames • Burnham YH weather station • Burnham Weather Station • Fambridge Yacht Haven Webcam • Crouch Harbour Burnham Tides • Cefas Wave data (east coast)
Charts & Pilot Books
• Imray 2000 Suffolk & Essex Pack • Admiralty SC5607 Thames Estuary - Essex and Suffolk Coasts • Admiralty Chart 3750 Rivers Crouch and Roach • Imray East Coast Pilot (see website for latest notices and chartlets) • Fernhurst Books East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion • Crossing the Thames Estuary (see website ‘downloads’ for latest local chart soundings, inc. Ray Sand)
Where to fill up
Diesel is available at Burnham Yacht Harbour from the fuel berth on F pontoon, the fairway with the slipway and hoist. Petrol and diesel are also available at Essex Marina, via a resident fuel barge located at the end of C pontoon at the western end of the marina, close to the boat hoist. Petrol and diesel are also available at Fambridge Yacht Haven, with a fuel berth located between the two groups of pontoons, on the western end of B pontoon. A fuel can filling service, petrol and diesel, is available at the Yacht Station if necessary.
It is a short walk into town from Burnham Yacht Harbour. Inset, outer yellow marker for the marina
and Victorian fencing all in evidence. There is a museum, a variety of restaurants and cafés, and numerous listed buildings in the town, including the four storey Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, built in 1931 and a distinctive clock tower in the centre built in 1877, not to mention several shops selling ‘pretty things’, antiques and collectables. Its high street also features a preserved, but still operational, art deco cinema, the Rio, built in 1910. From the water the town’s densely populated redbricked façade is studded with several boat-builders yards, waterfront properties,
30s style, the Burnham Corinthian Yacht Club has pontoons and visitors can stay for £25/night
traditional pubs and yacht clubs, with pontoons reaching out into a waterfront forest of yacht masts. Burnham has good transport connections, with its station providing Greater Anglia connections to London and also East Anglia via Shenfield. There is a bus stop next to the clock tower in the town centre, where the number 31X bus goes to Chelmsford via Maldon. With its hammerhead designated for ferries, it is possible to moor alongside Burnham’s Town Quay pontoon for a 1-hour short stay over the high water period. Be aware that even the hammerhead can dry out at low water on a spring tide. Also, despite the no crabbing signs, the pontoon is popular during the summer with holidaymakers and may be very busy. For those wishing to stay overnight with the town closeby, the 350-berth Burnham Yacht Harbour is most convenient. Located out of the tide and in a sheltered, dedicated basin
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RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
on the west side of the town, it is just a 15-minute, flat waterfront walk away. The marina has a diesel berth, hoist, hard standing and a Marinestore chandlery. On site is also a lifeboat station, boats for sale through broker Clarke & Carter, and the bar and restaurant, The Swallowtail, providing excellent value meals, including delicious cakes and Sunday roasts. A walk west along the sea wall to the Parlour Café for a bite to eat is highly recommended. Visitor berthing in finger pontoons is allocated on a size and an adhoc basis. Visitors are advised to call up (VHF 80 or 01621 782150) in advance or on arrival. Overnight visitor rates are £2.80 per metre, £2.50 for electric and discounts for groups. A Co-op supermarket is an
8-minute walk via Foundary Lane. There is also a Tesco Express and One Stop in the High Street.
Wallasea Island
Opposite Burnham lies Wallasea Island and another popular east coast all tides bolt-hole, Essex Marina. The 500-berth marina protrudes out into the Crouch and is owned by the Barke family, who are best known for Boats.co.uk, formerly Essex Boatyards, with its impressive new headquarters and display of new and used boats for sale ashore. On site, overlooking the marina, is the Essex Marina Yacht Club. A clubhouse as well as a friendly public bar and restaurant, it serves great value food including Sunday roasts. There
“Great marina with super helpful staff - haul out for maintenance excellent. Cannot help us enough.” Jo
- 350 fully serviced berths - Safe and secure moorings - 24 hour tidal access - Restaurant, bar and conference room - Chandlery - Heated workshop - Shipwrights, engineers and outfitters - Yacht brokerage - Refurbished shower and toilet block - Free Wifi - Direct rail links to London - Web: www.burnhamyachtharbour.co.uk - Tel: 01621 782150 Customers can be assured of a warm welcome at our on site Swallowtail restaurant and bar, overlooking the yacht harbour and the river Crouch. It is open 7 days a week all year round. For further information or to make a booking please visit its website www.swallowtailrestaurant.co.uk or call 01621 785505
is also a Marinestore Chandlery on site and a fuel berth on the west side of the marina selling petrol and diesel. Again, visitor berths here at Essex Marina are allocated where available, so you will need to call the marina for overnight berthing (01702 258531). Berths are £2.26 per metre including shorepower. Visitors need consider the tide as many of the berths are across the tide. For the walker or nature lover, Wallasea Island is home to the RSPB’s Wallasea Wetland Project, which is accessible by walking east along the seawall. The causeway leading out to the island is also very picturesque and sees the island cut off at high tide. If you want to explore Burnham or need supplies, an ‘on demand’ foot ferry service from the marina to Burnham Town Quay pontoon operates 10am-5pm daily (apart from Wednesdays) Easter to September. Adults are £4, while children up to 12, bicycles and dogs are £2 each way. If you are taking your tender to Burnham you can leave it tied up on the inside (shoreside) of the hammerhead of the Burnham Town Quay. With a bus stop at the marina entrance, the 60/60A
There are some great walks and views to be had from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island
bus routes connect Wallasea to the nearby pretty market town of Rochford and seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea.
Bridgemarsh
Above the two marinas the river broadens and bends, with low marshland flanked by unspoilt tree-topped hills. At Cliff Reach, which is a popular day anchorage, a marked area denotes an un-restricted speed limit area which extends past Bridgemarsh Island. Situated on a tidal backwater behind Bridgemarsh Island, close to Althorne, is a marina where you are sure to receive a friendly welcome. More humble working boatyard than modern marina, with many motorboat
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In a tidal island backwater, Bridgemarsh Marina welcomes visitors and has a café, Club Nautico
residents, the 180-berth Bridgemarsh Marina is a network of long alongside pontoons that enjoy picturesque views over the island marsh. It is a quiet and charming spot with a floating barge bar and restaurant, a crane and hard standing facilities. Access is via a marked channel found on the east side of the island and boats with a metre draft or less will be able to approach the marina 4 hours either side of high water and some moorings settle into soft mud. The marina can accommodate 1 or 2 boats in a mooring spot on the outer east end of its main and first pontoon, marked Visitor Pontoon, with additional moorings on an adhoc basis. Visitors pay a flat rate of £10 per night and £2.50 for shorepower. Visiting boats need to consider the tidal flow through the marina, around the island.
Fambridge
For those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the Crouch outer reaches, a visit upstream to Fambridge is a must. At Longpole Reach the speed limit reduces once again to 8 knots with trot moorings commencing to port. Here, on the starboard bank at North Fambridge, the Yacht Haven marina group operate two mooring sites concurrently, with visitors accommodated on either a 120-metre
walk-ashore visitor pontoon on the river, known as Fambridge Yacht Station, or inside its 220-berth marina, Fambridge Yacht Haven, located in a well-marked creek with an entrance half a mile west. Both sites have hard standing and dedicated toilet and shower facilities, and there is a 15-minute walk between them. With the charming 500-year-old Ferry Boat Inn pub just up the lane, which is currently undergoing a refit, the Yacht Station floating visitor pontoon is an easily accessible favourite for long or short stays, in winter or summer, and enjoys some fantastic sunsets. It also plays host to the Fambridge River Festival each August. Nestled in a pretty creek and slightly more sheltered behind the marshes, the Yacht Haven marina is an idyllic spot with closer access to a long list of facilities. The marina offers a comprehensive list of services, including boat repairs, lift outs, a fuel berth, undercover storage, park and
The Ferry Boat Inn and the marinas River Breeze Café are great places to eat at Fambridge
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Picturesque and quiet. Fambridge Yacht Haven is tucked away in a little inlet off the River Crouch
launch and hard standing. It also boasts a small chandlery run by Anodes Direct, bike hire at £5 per day, a new children’s play area and the cosy, timber clad, dog friendly, River Breeze Café Bistro. Otherwise known as the welcoming clubhouse home of the West Wick Yacht Club, the bistro offers a licensed bar and good value meals, including full English breakfasts and Sunday Roasts. The marina also offer a complimentary shuttle service to North Fambridge station, with its rail connections to London, but also the next stop, South Woodham Ferrers, where there is the popular Marsh Farm family attraction, a cluster of shops and restaurants, and a large Asda supermarket. The antique mecca of Battlesbridge and
Burnham-on-Crouch are also accessible by travelling on this ‘push-pull’ single line. The overnight rate is the same for each mooring, £2.70 per metre with a £4 charge for shorepower. A short stay mooring for a boat up to 12 metres, staying up to 3 hours, is £5. For overnight moorings at either site, visitors can contact the marina office on VHF 80 or 01621 740370.
Hullbridge & Battlesbridge
For those looking to explore further upstream, there is deepwater until Brandy Hole, for Hullbridge and beyond you will need to carry the rising tide, giving yourself between 1-2 hours before high water. On a big tide it is possible for small, shallow draft boats to moor temporarily Fambridge Yacht Station is a very convenient visitor pontoon on the Crouch with a great pub up the lane
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RIVER CROUCH GUIDE
Battlesbridge’s Antique and Craft Centre has a tea room on the top floor and the Barge Inn next door
against the quayside outside the Anchor pub at Hullbridge for a swift beverage and a quick explore of the village. The sea bed here is gravel, with some protruding large bolders and bygone wooden quay posts, so drying out is not advisable without prior reconnaissance. A historic ford once linked the two slipways and communities of Hullbridge on the south bank and South Woodham Ferrers to the north, and is still visible at low water springs. Intrepid offroaders still occasionally make the crossing with mixed results. Battlesbridge marks the end of navigation on the river and is an absolute gem of a place. Once a trading port in medieval times, a multi-storey granary mill, now an antique and craft centre treasure trove, towers over the quayside. The granary is just one part of a network of antique selling establishments in this small village. There are also two great pubs, The Hawk and The Barge Inn, and several tea rooms. It is possible to venture upriver with the tide to Battlesbridge, but again we would recommend doing this in a small boat or tender from Fambridge,
as the upper reaches are narrow and there are no specific visitor moorings. An alternative way to visit Battlesbridge is by train from North Fambridge or Burnham.
Trailboating
There is a lack of public slipways on the Crouch. However, there are several good places to launch or base a trailboat. Fambridge Yacht Haven and Yacht Station both have excellent slipways, and offer storage and a park and launch facility. Use of either slipway is £40 per day. Burnham Yacht Harbour also has a good slipway and charges £10 per day for launch and recovery (strictly no ski boats or PWCs). Essex Marina Park and Launch at Essex Marina is also a useful boatyard set up
Public slipway at Hullbridge and the cheapest marina slipway is at Burnham YH at £10
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Marine supplies
There is a Marinestore chandlery at Essex Marina and at Burnham Yacht Harbour, and a small Anodes Direct chandlery at Fambridge. In Burnham itself there is Fairway Chandlery, Yachting Solutions and The Wet Works. The local Volvo Penta specialist is Volspec based at Tollesbury. Other businesses at Fambridge include Dave Oakman Marine Services, offering marine engineering services and Boat Solutions providing repairs and maintenance. Battlesbridge Boatworks, based at Hullbridge offer boat and engine repairs. For canopy repairs, there is Jagara Marine Covers at Rochford and Blue Marine at Battlesbridge.
River Roach
Located 3-nautical miles west of the Crouch entrance, the Roach is a charming river that is ripe for exploration and navigable with the tide to Rochford. There is an anchorage at its mouth and entrances into creeks around Potton Island, known as The Violet, and the Middleway, an excellent anchorage for seal spotting. Visitor buoys are no longer available at Paglesham, but pontoon mud moorings are available at the Sutton Wharf Boatyard and Wakering Yacht Club at Rochford at the top of the Roach (access here is approx 1hr ± HW Springs), and at Wakering Boatyard in Potton Creek.
for long or short stays. Set in the grounds of Essex Marina, it has a secure storage compound and ‘park and ride’ launch and retrieval services. Finally for long term stays for those with water-skiing interests, the Woodham Ferrers Water Ski Club may well be worth investigating. Annual membership from £230 includes use of a concrete launch ramp, a dedicated club ski area, clubhouse and facilities with storage available. The club also sells LPG fuel. There is a narrow, one-car public slipway at the end of Ferry Road at Hullbridge, which is accessible 1½ hours either side of high water. There is a free council car park in Ferry Road, alternatively trailer storage might be available at the Up River Sailing Club next door (this has its own slipway), at Hullbridge Yacht Club or Brandy Hole Moorings boatyard. Boats launching on the Crouch need to apply for and display a ‘short visit dues’ river licence available via the Crouch Harbour website (example price for a 4.7m-6.5m boat is £11 for 4 weeks max). Long-term licences should be held for PWCs and water-skiing boats. MBO
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The perfect home for your boat
Fambridge Yacht Haven
So many options, one perfect location! Sheltered Marina Berthing Deepwater Swinging Moorings Valet Serviced Moorings Park & Ride Service Visitors Pontoon New Adventure Playpark Extensive Storage Modern 40t & 25t hoists + 30t mobile crane Call 01621 740370 or VHF Ch 80 or visit yachthavens.com
PRACTICAL
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Cruising in fog
A
s a boater you have to become a bit of an amateur meteorologist. Studying synoptic charts and cross referencing them with forecasts and wind maps to decide if today is a T shirt, or full-on foulweather-gear day. While wind and rain are relatively easy to predict in the short term, fog is altogether rather harder to pinpoint. Fog over water usually forms due to the difference in temperature between the air and water. This can be warm moistureladen air passing over cooler water, resulting in advection fog, or colder air passing over warmer water, evaporation fog. The definition of fog varies from source to source, but visibility of 1000m appears to be the generally accepted interpretation for maritime purposes,
and ties in nicely with the UK met office description of ‘very poor’ visibility. If you can see beyond 1km, you are experiencing mist, rather than fog. Most of us, I am sure, would rather not be out on the water in fog, but due to its unpredictability, and the difficulty in accurately forecasting it, it is inevitable that anyone who cruises extensively will get caught out at some time or other. Spring and autumn seem to be high risk times, although thick fogbanks are not uncommon mid summer too. Getting caught out in fog can be quite disconcerting and disorientating, but luckily there is plenty that you can do to prepare yourself and make sure that you come out the other side safe and sound.
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First and foremost, fog banks can usually be seen quite some distance before you enter them, so your first option may be to simply change course, or even destination, to try and avoid it altogether. If that is not practical, you do usually have time to prepare yourself, your crew and the boat for what’s to come. It’s worth noting that fog banks at sea will often stop as abruptly as they start, so with careful planning, and some cautious navigation, you often find that you pop out the other side quite quickly and, more often than
not, find yourself in bright sunshine once again. The exception to this appears to be radiation fog, which usually occurs at night and clings to the coast. You are most likely to experience this early in the morning and, if you do decide to set off into it, usually find that visibility gradually increases as you motor further away from shore, or as the morning sun burns it off. So what should you do if you find yourself heading towards a fog bank, or wish to set off on passage in very poor visibility? These are our top tips.
Reduce speed
With the best electronics available you may think that you are OK to carry on at speed in fog, but in reality blasting through fog when you can barely see the bow of the boat is unnerving and highly risky. There is always the possibility of coming across a small boat, pot marker or other floating debris that may not offer a good target on your electronics and you will have given yourself almost zero time to react. In 50m visibility at 25 knots, you have less than four seconds from seeing an object to hitting it. At 8 knots, you have 12 seconds. If setting out into fog, or encountering it on passage, slow to a speed that feels comfortable for the visibility that you find yourself in. Also remember that much of your time may be spent looking at instruments, rather than straight ahead, so you also need to allow for that. What this means in practice is that it is often best to drop to displacement speeds in thick fog, only increasing speed Adjust your speed. Cruise at an appropriate speed that you and your crew are happy with as the visibility increases. Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
Navigation lights on
Most leisure boat’s navigation lights may seem to be of little use in fog, but make sure you put them on anyway. Every little helps and sometimes fog can be surprisingly shallow. I have seen boats in thick fog that was only a few metres high. The skipper probably had no idea that his mast head light was actually in clear air and highly visible above the thin layer of fog.
Make yourself visible
As much as you are trying to avoid coming into contact with another vessel, they are also doing their best to avoid you, so make it a bit easier for them by making yourself as visible as possible. You will have already put your navigation lights on, but if not already mounted, hoist a radar reflector and, if you have it fitted, ensure that you are transmitting AIS.
Use your electronics
AIS
AIS and radar are fantastic tools in fog. A properly set up radar will not only be able to see other vessels and large navigational marks, but may well also pick up pot markers and other floating debris. AIS, of course, is limited to providing information only about vessels transmitting an AIS signal, so is definitely not something to rely solely on, but as a back up to radar, it does provide useful additional information that won’t be immediately obvious from a radar return, such as vessel size, speed and direction of travel. If you have ever experienced radar lobes providing a return on your radar screen that looks like your boat is surrounded, it can also pinpoint exactly where the target really is. Being in fog is not the time to try and figure out how 36
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your radar works, so use it and play with it on every passage, adjusting its gain and other settings to get a real feel for how it works and what it is showing you so that in fog it is second nature.
RADAR
Fog can be unnerving, but radar is the right tool for the job, as long as you are comfortable using it. Radar courses are available through the RYA and some manufacturers
All crew together
Although a minor risk, the chances of a collision are greater in fog so it is good to have all your crew in one place. You don’t want anyone trapped down below in an emergency so get them all in the cockpit or wheelhouse where you can see each other. This also has the added benefit of drawing on extra pairs of eyes and ears to help the skipper out in what is quite a high workload situation. If one of your crew is good on the radar, assign them to it and use the clock face as a way of communicating what they can see. Another crewmember could maybe stick their head out of the window/canopy to listen for fog signals; another could be put on fog signal duty for your vessel. Spread the workload, get everyone involved and the situation will seem a whole lot less daunting.
Lifejackets Many sources will advise that all crew
should don lifejackets as soon as fog is encountered. On an open cockpit boat this probably makes sense, but on an enclosed wheelhouse vessel things are not so clear. Firstly, there isn’t really any likelihood of anyone falling overboard from an enclosed vessel. Secondly, if something sudden and catastrophic happens, an automatic lifejacket may actually be a hindrance. It’s a tough call and one where a manual lifejacket would probably be the best compromise. Whatever you choose to do for your boat and crew, one thing is definite; there should be a lifejacket at hand for every person onboard. Also remember that if a crewmember did end up in the water, the fog would almost certainly make it much harder to find them, so a lifejacket should be imperative for anyone going out on deck. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
Sound signals The normal sound signal for a power driven vessel in fog is one long blast every two minutes. Realistically, with everything else going on, it is hard for the skipper of a leisure motorboat to keep on top of this. There are automatic systems out there that can do the job for you, and these are definitely worth fitting if you are often single or short handed. Alternatively, this is a nice job to give to one of your junior, or less experienced, crewmembers. Give them a watch or timer and put them in front of the horn button with instructions to give one long blast, four to six seconds, every two minutes. It will help them feel involved and may reduce any nerves or worry they may be experiencing.
Listen Another good reason for reducing speed is that it will lower your
onboard noise levels. Listening out for other vessel’s fog horns is an important port of navigation in restricted visibility, so you need to give yourself the best chance of hearing it. For the same reason, turn any music off and keep crew communications limited to navigational matters. On a flybridge boat, using the upper helm will not only give you the best chance to hear other vessels, it will also provide the best visibility. If you can’t escape the engine noise, try backing right down to tickover every now and then and just take a few seconds to listen carefully for other vessels. If you hear something, it is often impossible to tell which direction it is coming from, due to the way sound signals seem to bounce around in fog, so keep to a minimum speed and use your electronics to try and pinpoint the target. You should also keep a listening watch on the VHF. Stay tuned to Ch16 when on passage in case anyone is trying to raise you, or a situation develops elsewhere that you may be able to assist with. If close to shore and a commercial port, listen to their working channel to give you an idea of any large ship movements. 38
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Know your sound signals
SOUND SIGNALS VESSAL STOPPED
While you may know that you, and any other motor Two long blasts driven vessel, will be sounding one long blast every VESSAL UNDERWAY two minutes, there are other sound signals that you One long blast every 2 minutes may encounter in fog, and knowing what they are will VESSAL RESTRICTED IN ABILITY TO MANOEUVRE help give you a better picture of what’s out there. Two One long and two short blasts long blasts indicate a vessel that has stopped. One long blast followed by two short ones can indicate a sailing vessel, a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, a vessel not under command, constrained by draught, towing or fishing. If you hear a bell or a gong it is likely to be a large vessel at anchor, although buoys also use a bell, and lastly one long blast followed by three short is issued by the last vessel in a tow.
Look Keeping a good lookout goes without
saying, and you should draw on all your crew to keep their eyes peeled too, but improve your chances of seeing anything by using an outside helm, if you have one. As already mentioned, this may also improve your chances of hearing other vessels. You should remove any relevant canopy sections, keep your windscreen clean and clear and, if you wear glasses, regularly wipe away the condensation from the lenses with a clean cloth.
Use autopilot
If you have one fitted, turn your autopilot on and use it. This has numerous benefits. Firstly, it frees up some of your own capacity to do other things without worrying about keeping the boat on course, which is particularly important if you are single or short handed. Secondly, it will steer a straight course that makes you an easier target for others to interpret and avoid and, lastly, it removes the likelihood of special disorientation due to the loss of any visual references where you might find it hard to stay on track.
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PRACTICAL
State of readiness
When I am setting off on an offshore passage, regardless of fog, I always like to have a grab bag packed and easy to hand and a liferaft that is ready to deploy. Although the likelihood of a collision is low, if you take the necessary precautions, it is reassuring to know that, if required, you can depart your vessel quickly and easily with everything you need to affect a prompt and safe outcome. To that end I always keep a fully charged handheld VHF, a fully charged mobile phone, a hand held GPS, a small bottle of water and some snacks in my grab bag, and my liferaft is always ready to be deployed with the painter tied on. I also carry a sharp knife on my lifejacket.
Place yourself out of harms way If you encounter coastal fog in an area that is also used by some large commercial shipping, you could consider placing your boat just outside of any buoyed channels and into water that is too shallow for larger boats, but perfectly safe for you. Obviously there is still the risk of encountering other small boats, so a good lookout and slow speeds are still required, but it removes the worry of being run down by something large. Just keep a close eye on your depth sounder in case you wander too far away from the channel.
Protect yourself
Fog is wet. If you are at an open helm or in an open cockpit you, and everything around you will get soaked through in quite quick order. You and your crew should put on a waterproof layer to keep you dry and warm, and anything that is out, that could be damaged by water, should be placed down below or in a locker. 40
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N I W O N STOreCtodKay!
Flyer | Antares | Barracuda
Enqui
Model shown: The new 2019 Beneteau Flyer 8 SunDeck. Email sales@darthaven for more information and pricing.
Darthaven Marina · Brixham Road · Kingswear · Devon · TQ6 0SG
T +44 (0)1803 752 242 · E Sales@darthaven.co.uk
DARTHAVEN.CO.UK/NEWBOATS
Beneteau Flyer 8 SUNdeck By Alex Smith
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BOAT TEST
LOA: 8.1m / 26ft 7in Beam: 2.5m / 8ft 4in Weight: 2,049 kg Fuel capacity: 340 litres Water capacity: 80 litres RCD Category: C10 Engine as tested: Suzuki DF350 Other engine options: DF200, DF250, DF300 Price from £68,947 Price as tested £101,556
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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H
owever old, sore and cowardly I become, there’s something resolutely attractive about a big engine on the transom of a small open boat. True, Beneteau’s new Flyer 8 SUNdeck is 26 feet and comes with a cabin, heads and galley, but such is the flatness of the foredeck, the corseted pinching of the hull’s entry and the breadth of the wraparound side decks that it doesn’t feel like a cruising boat at all. It feels like a very naughty and self-indulgent piece of machinery and one that fully validates the effort involved in trekking all the way to Barcelona’s Port Ginesta to witness it. The engine in question is Suzuki’s
flagship motor, the 350hp 4.4-litre V6, and despite its relative bulk, the integration of three attractive silver panels does a good job of mitigating the scale of its aesthetic impact. The aft access routes also remain very open, courtesy of a pair of extended swim platforms, a stainlesssteel A-frame and a port transom walkway. But while there’s clearly a lot more to be said about
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“Beneteau’s Flyer 8 is the second largest of the four SUNdeck models”
the internal arrangement on this new boat, the use of the top-end power option (not to mention the promise of much livelier seas later in the day) suggest that we ought to get straight out on the water and see what the new Flyer can do. Is more always more? The moment you nestle into the skipper’s seat, with its wraparound lateral wings and integrated bolster, the helm feels like a pleasant place to be. It features a netting storage section, a grippy foot brace and a throttle platform that has been extended aft to improve the ergonomics of the driving position. There’s lots of space for plotters here too, as well as the usual cup Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
A tapering V-shape has cathedral hull qualities with a bowthruster fitted for added reassurance
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PERFORMANCE RPM 650 (idle)
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
holders and 12V point, and while the flat, featureless backrest of the skipper’s seat offers no lumber support at all, those who like to stand up underway are well catered for with plenty of central deck space and a pair of perfectly positioned grab handles on the backs of the helm seats. When you get the throttles down, the security of those positions feels like a useful asset because, as expected, the 350hp package proves to be a bit of a handful. A fairly standard four-second plane develops significantly as you move through the revs, with 40 knots clicking past in just another 11 seconds. Eventually, with 6,100rpm eliciting a shrill twitter of warning from the dash alarm and 112
Knots LPH
GPH
2.6
0.58
4.5 7.2 7.3 7.8 9.3 14.7 25.8 30.5 36.2 38.9 42.7
2.2
4.0 6.1 10.8 17.5 26.5 35.2 42.4 54.8 73.8 87.3 109.0
1.06 1.61 2.85 4.62 7.00 9.23 11.20 14.48 19.50 23.06 28.79
MPG Range (nm) 4.48 321.5
4.25 4.47 2.56 1.69 1.33 1.59 2.30 2.11 1.86 1.69 1.48
306.0 321.0 183.9 121.2 95.5 113.6 165.5 151.4 133.4 121.2 106.6
Noise 65.5
68.4 76.4 80.0 85.1 90.0 92.3 93.1 94.8 95.2 96.3 98.1
litres per hour flowing from the tank, we touch the 45-knot mark. A little aeration in the turn does ease back the outright vigour of the performance, but both the top end and the straight-line throttle response feel like they’re nudging at the boundaries of what this family weekender is able to achieve. In many ways in fact, this flagship Suzuki feels like a bit of a bully. A
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Our test boat was fitted with a Suzuki DF350. With the 350 on the transom, you need to keep the leg tucked well in. A Suzuki DF250 would bring better handling and reduced cost
“A 350hp package tops out at 45 knots and offers a pretty frugal 42lph at 26 knots” loud-mouthed, ill-mannered antidote to the modern breed of clean, quiet, sanctimonious little engines that are content to purr away so obediently in the background. It feels heavy, powerful and loud. You’re constantly aware of its presence, partly because of the throaty rasp of the engine note and partly because of the test boat’s seat-of-the-pants handling. It only takes some very minor elevation of the leg to make this SUNdeck model feel flighty at the bow and, while that gregarious flamboyance will no doubt be appealing to some, when you get back to the pontoon and abstract yourself from the gratifying sensory impact of it all, it doesn’t appear to make that much sense. After all, the DF350 weighs a third of a metric tonne and costs around £30,000. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
You could save around £5,500 and 30kg with the four-litre V6 DF300, or £7,500 and 55kg with the DF250. If you were so inclined, you could even opt for the 2.9-litre, four-cylinder DF200 and cut 100kg and £12,000 out of the equation. And let’s face it, if your job is to own the boat rather than to throw it around for an afternoon, you would happily trade 45 highly strung knots for 36 easy ones, allied to a family-friendly helming experience and a few grand’s worth of fuel. It’s likely that a more modest engine might also do good things for the refinement because on the test boat, even though we’re tucked snugly beneath the windblast in the lee of the screen, our noise recordings exceed 90 decibels at everything above nine knots. To put that
47
Bucket helm seats create a pleasant driving position, with a versatile U-shaped seating area aft
in perspective, your average outboardpowered open boat would tend to register 90 decibels at speeds of between 30 and 45 knots, so to witness noise levels like that at nine knots, increasing to more than 98 decibels at wide-open-throttle, is really
quite invasive by modern standards. Dockside considerations Back at Port Ginesta, in the quiet serenity of the cockpit, with the snarling engine now dormant and a weapons-grade
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An offset aft bench folds flat for easy lounging and a pair of folding side benches adds flexibility
Continental coffee in hand, there is plenty to like about the SUNdeck Flyer 8. The aft bench can be flattened out to generate a sunpad and ahead of me on either side of the cockpit, a pair of fold-down benches combines with the rotating helm seats to create a dining station that could feasibly accommodate eight people. Beneath me, the starboard side of the aft bench is left open to enable easy sliding of loose gear into the space without having to lift any lids or access any closed compartments. And above me, the T-Top is also a really fine feature. With its powerful construction and multiple grabbing points, there’s not a hint of flapping at 40 knots and, as I sit here in the harbour, beneath a hot Mediterranean sun, its extendable aft section keeps me Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
pleasantly shaded, even on the aft bench. True, the thick framework does create an obstruction for your head as you make your way up and down from the elevated peripheral walkways on either side of the helm but, with its attractive low-profile structure and cool matt black finish, it’s an excellent piece of work.
“Sundeck style, it has plenty of space for seating and sunworshipping”
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When you make your way down below, the accommodation is very much as you might expect. With the Flyer’s external lines governing the parameters, it feels like a tapered, pared back sports boat in which the designers have worked hard to rake every angle and shave away every superfluous ounce. There are no fabric linings on the internal fiberglass walls and the cushions are as trim and slimline as can be. Given the restricted dimensions and the relative meanness of the foredeck hatch, that’s a useful approach. Not only does it make everything feel very clean, practical and modern, but it also enables a decent bit of light to bounce around and lend a little more brightness to the space.
However, in terms of the physical layout, the encroaching roof line plainly dictates what can be achieved. Headroom at the port galley maxes out at 1.66m (or around five foot five) and in the starboard heads, that is restricted to just 1.53m (or around five feet). In the main cabin space too, the vertical height means there’s a compromise to be struck between seating and sleeping. On the one hand, it’s a touch too high to enable you to sit down in comfort during the day, and on the other, it’s a touch too low to enable it to encompass the full width of the hull’s tapering V. As a result, it’s neither especially spacious as a bed, nor especially accommodating as a place to sit. But as a sporting day boat and occasional
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“Albeit a little tight, its cabin is bright, and pleasingly modern”
Weekending galley unit. Though headroom is modest, the fridge and sink are neatly integrated
two-person weekender, it has to be said, it works pretty well. Taken as a whole then, there are really just a handful of features that could do with any real attention. Firstly, there are no windows in the heads, which means no natural light and no horizon to fix your eyes upon, so the creation of a window either in the back of the dash or in the hull side would be a handy upgrade. Secondly, up on the foredeck, the bow loungers are well sized and easy to access, but they could do with a more structured means of elevating and adjusting your backrest. And Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
It has a separate toilet compartment. A hull window or skylight would be nice in here
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thirdly, the step lid at the access point to the cabin is prevented from opening fully because of the tautness of the trunked wiring screwed to its underside. However, far and away the most critical issue for those who want to enjoy their day out unencumbered is the absence of any rams to support the lids on the storage spaces. It’s particularly aggravating here because what you get instead are lengths of string terminated with clips that you are supposed to loop round the nearest cleat or guardrail to hold the lids open. It’s messy, time-consuming and distinctly budget-driven and it means you need an extra pair of hands every time you want to dip into a locker to hunt for a bit of day boating ephemera. With one-handed catches and some simple rams, a few
Extended platforms keep aft access simple
pounds and a day of effort could radically upgrade this element of the ownership experience. Conclusion It’s fair to say that the streamlined Flyer SUNdeck 8 overnights more like a day
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boat and drives more like a cruiser than the purist from either camp would like, but that’s always the nature of a compact hybrid. The fact that the double berth is tight, the galley is low and the toilet is dark is counterbalanced by the simple fact that they’re there. It’s easy to include these things on a tubby little roller of a boat with a precipitous foredeck, a blunt entry, a bone-shattering ride and a rubbing strake that looks ready to pop. It’s not so easy on a boat like the Flyer 8, which is good to look at, decent to drive and moderately affordable to buy. For those who want greater internal space (or even a second double berth) out of an eight-
Flying about, the 8 Sundeck is affordable and fun
metre platform, there are plenty of options around, but if you’re happy with a twoperson weekender that prioritises sport over internal capacity then give it a go.
ENQUIRIES: Beneteau For your nearest dealer visit www.beneteau.com
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Ranieri Shadow 28
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Strikingly modern, overtly sporting two-berth sports boat with space for six and a wide variety of engine options.
Spacious, cruise-friendly four-berth platform with lounging spaces fore and aft and the option of a separate heads.
LOA: 8.30m Beam: 2.70m Displacement: 2,200kg Enquiries: Reddish Marine 01548 844094 www.reddish-marine.co.uk
LOA: 8.05m Beam: 2.50m Displacement: 1,650kg Enquiries: Wills Marine 01548 852424 www.willsmarine.co.uk
LOA: 7.88m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 1,820kg Enquiries: RIBS Marine 01202 477327 www.ribsmarine.co.uk
Italian, Category B, tenman weekender with cockpit wet bar, single or twin engines and four berth accommodation.
PRICE from £104,593
PRICE from £64,500
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
PRICE from £64,081
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CUTTING Fusion Apollo 670
The Apollo 670 has all the hallmarks of Fusion’s existing 770 unit but in a more compact package. Waterproof to IPX7, the 670 audio head unit offers AM/FM radio, is DAB+ ready, and has BlueTooth, Optical Audio, USB, Ethernet and NMEA2000 connectivity options. It also has zoning capability with Fusion DSP for audio optimisation in each zone and PartyBus for audio syncing throughout the vessel. With Fusion now being part of the Garmin family, the 670 can also connect to many of Garmin’s multi-function displays. Price £499 www.fusionentertainment.com
Fernhurst Companions
Three new ‘Companions’ have been released that are very relevant to the motorboat market. Power Boating and Diesel companion are second editions of existing useful publications, but GRP repair companion is a totally new title to join the range and takes the reader through all the processes required to repair anything from a scratch, through stress cracks to larger, deeper damage. Spiral bound, compact and splash proof, they are perfect for keeping onboard. Price £7.99 each www. fernhurstbooks. com
Raymarine
Raymarine has launched a new range of multi-function displays to sit between the entry level Dragonfly and more comprehensive and inclusive Axiom models. The Element range consists of three sizes of screen, 7, 9 and 12 inch and are button controlled chartplotter/fishfinder combos with an emphasis on the latter with support for CHIRP DownVision, SideVision and RealVision 3D, all handled by one single, HyperVision transducer. Run with the new Lighthouse Sport OS, later upgrades should bring radar, AIS and App compatibility. Price from £645 www.raymarine.com
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the latest boating gear and technology
Simrad Cruise
Cruise is the name of a new lineup of budget friendly displays from electronics giant Navico, branded under the Simrad name. The 5, 7 and 9 inch units offer some sounding/ fishfinding capabilities, with CHIRP sonar and transducer included, but are essentially navigational plotters first and foremost. The key selling point, price aside, is that they claim to be the most intuitive and easy to use plotters available, and can be combined with either C-Map or Navionics charts. Waterproof to IPX7, Cruise are ideal for RIBs and open boats and can be flush or bracket mounted. Price from ÂŁ433 www.simrad-yachting.com
CRUISING
Norway bound Leg 3: The Kieler Forde, Eckernforde and the Schlei
In 2018 intrepid Broom owners, Peter and Gill Pitcher, embarked on a journey that would reunite them with a cruising favourite, Norway. Peter recounts the third of six legs as they venture across Germany, through the Kieler Forde, on to Eckernforde and take in the Schlei fjord
O
ur first two legs saw us venturing from Holland to the River Elbe, exploring the German Frisian Islands and taking in some stunning coastal ports on the way, before using the German-engineered shortcut,
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CRUISING
Norway bound
DENMARK LEG
4
Kappeln Schleswig 3
Eckernforde NORTH SEA
G
LE
Rendsburg
Borkum
Ba
2 Can al
River
LEG
1 LEG
Kiel
Elbe
Cuxhaven
GERMANY
Kiel
I T FR EAS Norderney
ltru La n m ge oo g
S LAND N IS A I S E
GlĂźckstadt
Bensersiel Stade Greetsiel
Wedel Hamburg
HOLLAND
the Kiel Canal. The Kiel canal leads out into the Kieler Forde, which is, in effect, the southern-most part of the Baltic Sea, where there is a huge choice of marinas. We chose Laboe as our next port of call because of its proximity to its historic German navy memorial and submarine
technical museum. Arriving at Laboe and at marina, Yachtzentrum Baltic Bay, we found three possible mooring places marked Upon venturing up the Schlei fjord, Seawolf negotiated the lifting bridge at Kappeln
Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Laboe’s German navy submarine, U 995, houses a technical museum. Navy memorial with the visitor-indicative green tags. Unfortunately all were difficult and quite small places, so in the end we were offered an alongside berth at the entrance, which, whilst perfectly safe, meant we received a lot of wash. Also, had the wind have been in the north west, it would have been most uncomfortable. Here we paid a top-end price of ₏35 for the night. It was perhaps not the best choice, boating wise, but we had gone there for specific reasons. The navy memorial was a 20-minute walk north east from the marina. It was originally built for all fallen German sailors of World War 1, but then extended
as a historical site for all men from all nations lost at sea during both world wars. It was well worth the visit and, although quite traumatising, we were pleased we went. Across the road lies a navy technical museum housed inside a beached German World War II submarine, U 995. If you have never been inside a U boat is it quite eye opening, particularly the conditions under which men were expected to live and fight a war. After leaving the Kieler Forde we There is a captivating view of the marina at Laboe from the top of the Navy Memorial
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A visit to Eckernförde coincided with Kiel week. Seawolf pictured on the harbour wall pontoon
enjoyed a pleasant passage in largely sheltered waters around to Eckernförde, which is a historic city centre, harbour and holiday resort. On arrival at marina, Heimathafen Eckernförde, we were lucky to find one mooring spot left on the inside of the harbour wall. There were also berths in the old ‘binnenhafen’ but these were not really suitable for Seawolf. We had not realised it was ‘Kiel Week’ and within a few hours of us arriving hundreds of boats descended on the harbour, mainly yachts but there were boats of all description, new and old. The town was ‘en fete’ and, with all sorts of activities happening, including stalls
on the quayside and fireworks, we had an incredible two days. In the evening we had band performances, shows, fun fair, you name it, it was Germany on holiday. There was also a yacht club marina across the bay but, with all the activities going on, staying at the town marina was best for this occasion. We also walked to and from the old town, which has a very modern shopping centre. We stayed for two nights and paid €20 for the first night and €23 for the second, which included a tourist tax, both prices included a 10-amp shorepower connection. The weather was now looking not so promising. Forecasters were giving strong
Old and new, Erkernförde town was bustling and its old harbour was the sailing centre for Kiel Week Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Getting to know the locals. Peter on the marina’s cobbled quayside at quaint and rural Maasholm
winds and rain for the next few days so we decided to spend that time on the Schlei, a 22-nautical-mile long fjord off the Baltic Sea with several places to visit. On entering the Schlei it is important that you keep to the buoyed passage. There is plenty of depth in the passage but you must not deviate, as it gets shallow in places. Upon entering, there is a town immediately to starboard called Maasholm. This small fishing village has good alongside berths at the Sportboothafan, so we decided to spend
the night before moving up the Schlei itself. The town of Maasholm was rural, very quaint and small but has, just in the entrance to the main street, a bakers offering lovely croissants and cakes with tasty coffee. It also has a small supermarket. We spent the night, at â‚Ź18 with shorepower, before moving on the next morning. First port of call on the Schlei, Peter and Gill stayed at the busy Sportboothafan at Maasholm
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Schleswig. The view of the cathedral and our friendly fisherman neighbours on the commercial quay
As the weather had become unpleasant, as predicted, we decided to move right along to the south west end of the Schlei fjord and the town of Schleswig, where there was a lot of interesting things to see. For this we needed to go through two bridges, the first at Kappeln and then the Lindaunis Bridge, both open once an hour at a quarter to the hour. Travelling at 7-8 knots we managed to get between the two bridges in an hour, otherwise we would have needed two hours.
On arrival at Schleswig we decided to head for its marina, which forms the main harbour in the centre of the town. We did not see a suitable berth at first but, in the courteous way we have found here, one of the harbour master’s team saw us struggling to find a place and waved us in alongside the harbour wall, this was under the crane and close to where the fishermen unloaded, but we were made welcome. Schleswig is a must visit town. Apart from the historic city itself, with its
German grandeur. Peter and Gill explored the stunning castle and estate Schloss Gottorf at Schleswig Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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A Schleswig gem. Peter and Gill adored the beautiful old fishing village of Holm
cathedral and old fishermen’s village of Holm, both of which we visited and very pleased to have done so, there are also two other major attractions. The Schloss Gottorf castle and museum is a must visit, but you have to make sure you leave enough time to explore it. We only had two hours and did not do it justice. It is very well preserved, lots of information in English and extensive gardens. The other major attraction of this region is the Viking village in Hedeby, just across the Schlei, for which there is a ferry. Visited on our second day in Schleswig, we found that this is not only a museum, but also a totally reconstructed village from the 800s,
where the staff explain the significance of each of the buildings while neatly dressed in the costumes of the time. We learned a lot about the Vikings and the significance of this part of north Germany. After a lovely 2-night stay at Schleswig we moved back up the Schlei fjord to the town of Kappeln. Being a historic and main crossing place of the fjord, it is a significant town with a huge bridge over the Schlei and lots of fishing facilities. Here we also found numerous boatyards, thus, if anybody needed any work done on their boat, you have a huge choice. There is also a Museum Hafen for historic boats which we found very interesting.
Incredibly informative. There are Viking scenes and costumes at the Viking museum at Hedeby 60
May 2019
Broom 425, Seawolf moored at Arnisser Segel Club and Schlei bridges, Kappeln and Lindaunis
The visitor berths are located on Kappeln’s lively, restaurant-studded quayside, just north of the bridge at the Gastliegerhafan (guest harbour). However, after a little research, we found out that the boxes here accommodated boats up to 14 metres and were 4.3 metres wide. We thought these were a bit tight for Seawolf, especially with the wind blowing and the current, so we opted for yacht club marina, the Arnisser Segel Club, where we were given an alongside visitor berth. Here we paid €38 for two nights, including electric, and noted that there was also a
fuel berth selling diesel at €1.59 per litre. The tourist office is located in an old mill and provides literature for walks around the town, visiting the historical places of interest, including a fish smoke house, fishermen’s monument and other old significant buildings. Although still cloudy and drizzly, the wind had dropped and, with improving weather for our next leg, we set off up the east coast of Jutland into Denmark.
Next month we rejoin Peter, Gill and Seawolf on leg 4 as they explore the east coast of Denmark, visiting Sonderburg, Middelfart and more. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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tested Raymarine DockSense
PRICE
£TBA
When joystick controls came along around 13 years ago, many of us, myself included, thought that driving a boat at close quarters would never get any easier. For years we were right, joysticks brought ease of Motorboat Owner control that could never “A brilliantly be delivered using gear clever piece of levers and thrusters. Despite this, they do still leave the skipper technology” with plenty of opportunities to get it wrong, I know, I have been Value N/A on the wrong end of a joystick when things were not going quite Usability 5/5 as expected. The next generation of helm electronics is about Performance 5/5 to make things even easier. It started with Volvo Penta’s SelfDocking system, which is still currently in development and one that I have not managed to get my hands on yet. Then, at Boot Düsseldorf boat show in January of this year, Raymarine announced its new DockSense System. Less than three months later I am sitting at the helm of a prestige 460 and am about to drive it bow first into the sturdiest looking floating pontoon in the marina. DockSense has been developed in partnership with Prestige boats, hence the 460 test bed, but will eventually be available as an option on any brand. It works only with joystick enabled boats and, because of its likely price, will initially only be found on boats around this size or larger. Having said that, all expensive technology eventually trickles down the chain, so it is very possible that we may end up seeing DockSense, or something very similar, on smaller joystick controlled outboard and sterndrive vessels. DockSense works by creating a DockSense creates an adjustable virtual bumper virtual bumper around the boat, around the boat and uses 3D vision to berth it 62
May 2019
All tests in Motorboat Owner are carried out by real boaters in real life situations
A 3D stern camera guided the boat in, its image was relayed on the DockSense screen at the helm
which is user programmable in size down to around 46 cm. The system uses special cameras, each with a 120° field of view, located around the boat, which combined provide a full 360° view. The cameras ‘see’ in 3D, which means they can also measure distance and have a range of up to around 15 metres. On a boat the size of the 460, there are five cameras, one on the stern, one on each side midships and one each side at the bow. These cameras allow the system to detect obstacles in the water and, while using joystick control, will take over control to avoid the boat coming into contact with the object. To take control back, you simply switch back to throttles as you would when normally relinquishing joystick control. The system incorporates a highly processed GPS signal to provide accuracy of around 30cm, which means that with the smallest bumper size set you should be able to step off the boat and tie it up with ease, especially as the system compensates for wind and tide, meaning once you have it in position you can hold the joystick in that direction and the boat will just sit there. On our test boat cameras were mounted on brackets and rails, which was not a pretty solution and left them vulnerable to movement and therefore an extensive setting up and calibration routine, but in production the boat builders will be incorporating them into the design of the boat. This will be relatively simple on the stern and sides, where small mouldings will be easy to fit into the superstructure, but will require some clever thinking at the bow, where the gunwale moulding is allegedly too low. The cameras have motorised covers to help keep the lenses clean and dry, which is imperative for reliable operation and they are said to work in very low light conditions, down to around 15 lux, so even moonlight is light enough for their use. So how does it work? I gingerly take the helm of the 46 foot Prestige and, with Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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tested
Push the joystick forward and drive towards the pontoon, they said, and sure enough the boat slowed and came to a stop. Cameras were mounted of each side of the bow on the stanchions
joystick engaged, I am encouraged by the skipper to push it fully forward. The only trouble is the 20m concrete pontoon that is directly in front of us. It is unnerving to keep the joystick pinned as the gap closes, but sure enough the boat starts to slow and despite taking no pressure off the joystick we come to a rest with the bow around a metre or so off the pontoon. The boat then just sits there until further input is made at the helm. The Raymarine screen provides the option to change the bumper size, as well as any other user changeable parameters, and also provides a nice birds-eye visual of the boat, the obstructions, any thrust vectors and normal camera visuals. A twist of the joystick and the boat spins around to lay side-on to this pontoon, as if mooring up to it, but again stopping around one metre short. At this point the skipper adjusts the bumper size and the boat slides another half a metre or so closer and stops once again. Spinning the boat around again, and putting full reverse input into the joystick, the boat backs up to the pontoon we originally left and moors up med style between a small hammer head and a little boat. The single crew steps off, takes a couple of minutes on his own to attach a few lines and gives the skipper the thumbs up, at which point he lets the joystick go and switches off the engines. Even with very experienced crews, I have rarely seen a boat of this size moored up med style so easily and calmly with just two crew. I remember thinking when joysticks were launched that they took away some of the skill needed, skill that many of us may have taken years to acquire. DockSense, takes that even further, and there is no doubt that it will ultimately erode close quarters manoeuvring skills in the way that automation has undoubtedly dulled the skills of the 64
May 2019
All tests in Motorboat Owner are carried out by real boaters in real life situations
average airline pilot. While some of us may lament that loss, and grumble into our pint at the yacht club bar, there is no denying that systems such as Raymarine’s DockSense make getting into boating so much easier. I wonder how many people have been lost to the hobby due to minor mishaps and scares when trying to dock their boat in the early stages of ownership. The stress of mooring is probably one of the biggest reasons not to take a boat out, and almost Bird’s eye visual shows thrust vector certainly accounts for at least some of those boats that seem to sit in a permanent state of idleness in many marinas around the country. Anything that makes boating easier, less stressful and more enjoyable has to be a good thing for us boaters and the industry in general. For those of us on a more modest budget, well we can continue to work on our handling skills for a good few years yet. Enquiries: Raymarine www.raymarine.co.uk
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Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Rodman Spirit 42 CoupĂŠ
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BOAT TEST
Length (LOA): 12.35m / 40ft 6in Beam: 4.24m / 13ft 10in Displacement: 12,000kg Fuel capacity: 1.150 litres Water capacity: 360 litres RCD category: B Engines as tested: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS400 Other engine options: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS500 Price from ÂŁ386,400
Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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R
odman are quite unique in the leisure boat world in that, alongside their range of inboard and outboard sportsfishers and cruisers, you can find military patrol boats, passenger ferries, fishing boats and coastguard vessels among their offerings. If ever you needed reassurance that this Spanish manufacturer can build a solid and safe craft, this is surely it. The Spirit 42 CoupĂŠ is built on the same platform as the flybridge model of the same length. It was launched in 2018 and since our test has undergone a slight
makeover with new hull windows to give it a sleeker, more modern look. Step aboard the 42, and some of that commercial building background is immediately obvious. The sturdy metal work, the chunkiness of the mouldings and the general practical design and layout of the exterior spaces all give an insight into Rodman’s ethos.
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“Capacious Coupé.
Rodman’s Spirit 42 is a compelling cruiser, with two ensuite cabins, huge roof skylight and spacious saloon”
Entry onto the boat at the transom is easy enough, thanks to a huge, uncluttered, bathing platform with transom gate to port. Our test boat was fitted with synthetic teak, both on the platform and in the cockpit, but real wood is also an
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
option for the traditionalist. The cockpit is large and, again, uncluttered with deep mouldings to offer security for any younger crew. The transom gate could, perhaps, have been taller to both close the gap at the bottom and maintain that
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secure height around the whole cockpit area. A transom seat across the back would seat three of four crew and has storage below while lockers on either side, positioned on the aft corners, are perfectly designed to take mooring lines and maybe a fender or two. In the floor on either rear quarter are hatches that provide access into the machinery space below. A large single hatch placed centrally in the cockpit
is also an option, and one that might be better for easier, more comprehensive engine access. On both forward corners of the cockpit there are a pair of teak laid steps that take you up onto the respective side decks. At 12 inches wide, with a deep chunky toerail, a tall sturdy guard rail and plenty of convenient grab rails, these decks make moving forward as easy, comfortable and safe as it could possibly be. Once you
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have taken the steps from the cockpit, access is one-level all the way forward where you step over the forward cabin top moulding onto a flat working area that houses the anchor winch and a large, deep anchor locker.
A three part sliding patio door arrangement takes you into the boats accommodation. Here, the emphasis seems to be on minimalist simplicity with carpet, soft furnishings and even woodwork colour-matched in neutral
The U-shaped galley is on the lower level and offers good facilities and plenty of storage Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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The spacious and well-equipped day-toilet is also en-suite to the guest cabin
shades. The beaminess of the 42 is very apparent in the wheelhouse, where the space delivered is reminiscent of a larger boat. To port there is a large L-shaped dinette seating arrangement with storage below and a table with fold-out leaves opposite the starboard side storage unit that provides five full height base unit cupboards with integral drawers and ample worktop space to fix a decent sized TV. Just forward of this, two steps lead up to the raised helm position with double bench seat and large glass inlaid sunroof overhead. The helm console is, like other areas of the boat, quite minimalist, which works in its favour as everything you need is easy to find and ideally located. Although our test boat only had a small display installed at the helm, the console certainly lends itself to a big central 12 or so inch MFD, which would seem more inkeeping with the size and style of boat.
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The 42’s galley is located in the lower accommodation, three steps down from the wheelhouse. It is situated on the port side and is U-shaped, with the sink and cooker located fore and aft, a large fridge/freezer on the aft bulkhead and some useful additional worktop at the forward end. Storage here is good, with cupboards and drawers below, and the obvious lack of oven is rectified by the installation of a combination microwave up high, and hidden in a recess, in the aft section. The steps down to the galley can be removed to gain access to a huge storage and services space. We think that it would even be possible to install a washing machine down here, which would be a useful addition for the more Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
The master cabin has its own private ensuite with good head and elbow room
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PERFORMANCE
As tested 45% fuel 0% water 4 crew Force 4
adventurous owner. Opposite the galley, and situated back under the helm console, is the boat’s guest cabin. This offers two single berths, a half height hanging locker and additional storage beneath the bunks and in a single small cupboard between them. 6ft 1in standing headroom here is limited to the area immediately inside the door and you also get en-suite access to the boat’s day toilet, where headroom is a generous 6ft 2in. The facilities for guests are good with lots of space, a circular shower stool and sink with double storage cupboard below. Moving forward further takes you to the master bow cabin. Again headroom is good, at 6ft 2in, and space inside more
RPM
Knots
LPH
GPH
MPG
Range (nm)
Noise (db)
700 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 3650
4.3 5.8 8.4 10.3 15.4 21.8 27.6 28.5
2.9 7.0 17.0 35.0 57.0 78.0 101 115
0.64 1.54 3.74 7.70 12.5 17.2 22.2 25.3
6.72 3.77 2.24 1.34 1.23 1.27 1.24 1.13
1,700 953 566 339 311 321 313 285
66 69 71 73 77 79 82 84
than adequate, although I did find the entrance doorway to be a little narrow. A double island berth is accessed by steps up either side and storage is plentiful, with a half height locker on either side, two drawers in the end of the berth and access to all the space below the berth through hatches below the mattress. The forward cabin benefits from its own en-suite toilet compartment, which is much the same as
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Twin Volvo Penta D4s produce a top speed of around 29 knots, with 30+ knots available from the D6 IPS500 option
“Twin 300hp IPS400 deliver a surprisingly punchy performance” the day toilet in terms of size, headroom and facilities. Underway With just a pair of 300hp engines, you might think the 42 would be underpowered, but that did not appear to be the case. Considering the weight of the boat, and the amount of hull that needs to be pushed through and on top of the water, the twin IPS400 took a surprisingly quick 5 seconds to get the boat up and onto the plane and went on to reach 28.5 knots at the top end. On a calmer day, our test was carried out in a Force 4-5 with a typical Solent chop to match, Rodman tell us that this engine option is capable of almost 30 knots. The boat does not feel Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
quite as dynamic as other sportsboats of this size, with tight turns feeling just a little lazy, but that is down to IPS as much as anything else and does mean that the boat always felt composed and in complete control. The test conditions gave us ample opportunity to really push the boat and despite a few rattles and the odd slam
Since our test, the 42 has undergone some cosmetic changes to the hull windows
75
at top end speeds, the hull performed well, maintaining a comfortable cruising speed in the low 20’s without any fuss. This, luckily, is also the most economical cruise, with the 42 delivering almost 1.3nm per gallon at 22 knots. In head or beam sea conditions, quite a bit of spray was reaching the windscreen, but this was taken care of by the sturdy twin pantograph wipers. Heading down wind, and with the spray subdued, we could open the large electric roof for a nice flow of fresh air aided, if required, by the sliding window alongside the helm. The helm ergonomics are good, with the driving position feeling comfortable and with everything easily to hand, but our test boat did have one problem, the helm seat was too high. Because of this, visibility was not what it could be, with turns to both port and starboard eliciting quite serious
Engine access is via hatches in the aft corners of the cockpit. A single large hatch is an option
blind spots. Having the roof open helps to eliminate this to some extent, but this is not always possible and when closed the glass panels do not offer quite the same experience. On the plus side, visibility aft was good, which is not always the case with a raised helm position, and this was much to do with the 42’s nice flat running angle.
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Conclusion The 42 Coupé is a good all rounder. It delivers light, airy and spacious accommodation, a very acceptable driving experience and modern, stylish looks. Yes, there were a couple of little niggles, the helm position being the biggest, but this was boat number one and the Rodman representative who was with us on the test day seemed very receptive to hearing our thoughts and implementing any changes. We are told that the helm on subsequent boats should be lower and the window line also possibly changed to provide an improved view. With that in mind, and taking account of all the positives that the 42 delivers, I would say that it offers
The 42 Coupé is a good all-round family boat
an excellent option for a spacious, safe, comfortable and practical family boat. The IPS400 delivers good performance for reasonable economy and, of course, if you want more there is always the option of choosing the 370hp IPS500.
ENQUIRIES: RBS Marine 01243 512101 www.rbsmarine.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Sealine C390
Nimbus 405 Coupé
Bavaria R40
LOA: 11.99m Beam: 3.85m Displacement: 10,520kg Enquiries: TBS Boats Tel: 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com
LOA: 13.33m Beam: 3.86m Displacement: 11,600kg Enquiries: Offshore Powerboats Tel: 01590 677955 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk
LOA: 12.6m Beam: 3.99m Displacement: 9,300kg Enquiries: Clipper Marine Ltd 01489 550583 www.clippermarine.co.uk
The latest in the German range, the C390 has four layout options with 2-3 cabins and fitted with Volvo D4 or D6 sterndrive power.
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Spawned by a Flybridge sibling, the R40 comes with a full beam midships master cabin and twin Volvo D6 engines.
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> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Jeanneau NC37
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Q&A
Your Questions Answered
Damaged outboard prop
Q On my last trip out on my RIB, I hit the bottom and broke a
blade off the propeller. The engine is a 30hp Evinrude ETEC and the prop is a 10.3 x 12. I have been offered a free replacement, but it is a 10.5 x 11. The boat’s not going back in the water until next year, so I am trying to gauge whether it is a suitable replacement, or whether I should buy a new one. I don’t really want to wait until the first trip out to find out if this free prop is no good. What do you think the different size will do to my boat’s performance?
A Ah, the black art of prop selection. I’ll do my best to give you an idea of how
I would expect the new prop to affect things, but it comes with a caveat that it may not be 100% accurate. Firstly, it is generally accepted that one inch of pitch is worth around 200rpm at full throttle, with a lower pitch increasing maximum RPM and a higher pitch decreasing it. Your replacement prop has a finer pitch, and will therefore deliver about 200rpm more at full throttle, so you will need to check that this is still within acceptable parameters (6100rpm for your engine). In theory, for the same RPM, the new free prop will deliver a slower top speed, and will most probably still do, even if you can use the extra RPM it will likely provide. It should, however, provide quicker acceleration, which may be useful if you travel heavily loaded or use your RIB for watersports. Changing diameter will also have an effect, with slightly larger blades providing better grip low down, but extra drag at higher speeds. This leads to another of those ‘rough’ guides that suggest an extra inch in diameter will knock about 200prm off your top speed. The small increase in diameter that you are looking at is negligible, but will help a little to offset that extra 200rpm the smaller pitch is going to deliver by maybe 50rpm or so. So, to sum up, you will probably find that the new prop delivers about 150rpm more than the old one, slightly better acceleration, but a slower top speed by somewhere in the region of 2 knots, based upon a 2.15:1 gear ratio and 6000rpm. Obviously there are other considerations to take into account, such as any cupping or rake on the props and even if they are from the same manufacturer, but, in short, unless you travel everywhere flat out, I think the new prop should offer a usable alternative, as long as you understand that your engine will be running at higher RPMs to achieve your usual cruising speed and may, therefore, use slightly more fuel. If you do make the change, I would be very interested to hear how close my predications are. 78
May 2019
If you have a question, email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Fairline Carrera economy
Q I have a Fairline Carrera with twin
AQ131 120hp petrol engines and I am trying to find fuel consumption figures for these engines so that I can work out the most economical cruising speed, and usable range from the fuel tank. This information seems quite freely available for diesel engines, but I cannot for the life of me find anything on the AQ131. Can you help?
A You are right, fuel flow data for these, and many other old petrol inboards,
is very difficult to come by and we don’t have access to the information here either. What I can do though is to give you some useful guidelines. If you look at any boat test, of any planing hulled boat, you will see that, with one or two very rare exceptions, the most efficient cruising speed occurs just around the time the boat is fully on the plane, preferably with neutral leg trim and zero trim tabs. For your boat, this is going to be around 18-20 knots. Working out range is going to take some more effort, but again some basic assumptions can be made that should get you in the right ballpark. At full throttle, and at the boat’s top speed of around 28 knots, you will be getting through around 16 gallons (73 litres) per hour. This would give you a full to empty range of around 120nm from your 70-gallon (318-litre) fuel tank, or about 95nm allowing a safety margin. At speeds of around 18-20 knots, I would expect your consumption to drop to around 9gph (41lph), providing a range of around 155nm, or 125nm with a safety margin.
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WINDLASSES, CAPSTANS, ANCHORS, BOW ROLLERS AND ACCESSORIES
Q&A
Your Questions Answered
Navigation ‘withies’
Q I am new to boating and keep
hearing the phrase ‘withies’ when it comes to navigating our local creeks and rivers. What are they and how do I use them for navigation?
A Withies are used in areas where there are small, muddy, tidal creeks. They
are simply long straight branches, usually willow, that are stuck into the mud to mark where the channel can be found. They are long enough to still be seen at high water, when the surrounding marshes can often be covered and finding the channel would otherwise be very difficult. Unlike buoys, they are not usually marked for port and starboard, but rather placed in pairs with the deeper water to be found in between. Sometimes they can be paired up with traditional buoys, either port or starboard, to mark the other side of the channel. Willow is used as it is strong, flexible and long lasting. Withies are still used extensively around the tidal estuaries of Essex.
Sterndrive trim sender fault
Q My Volvo drive wont trim up. The trim gauge at the helm
indicates that it is already fully up, but clearly the leg is down. If I press down I can hear the motor running, although the drive won’t move any further, but when I press the up button there is absolutely nothing, no motor running or even any clicking from the relays.
A The problem is almost certainly with the trim sender. On most Volvo drives,
the motor will cut out once the leg is fully raised. Your sender is telling the system that the leg is already fully up, so the motor will not run. It will, of course, try to run when the down button is pushed as it thinks it has some movement that way. Check the sender and, if you can, see if you can manipulate it to show the leg fully down. This is easier on some models of Volvo drives than others. The sending mechanism may have just slipped, and resetting it may cure the problem, otherwise you may be looking at a new sender unit. 80
May 2019
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Q&A
Your Questions Answered
Aluminium or Zinc drive anodes
Q When purchasing new anodes
for my drives this year, the assistant in the shop advised me to buy aluminium, rather than the usual zinc. I am now not so sure this is the right choice. My boat is based in saltwater all year round and it appears that aluminium are best for brackish water. Should I go back and switch to zinc, or will aluminium be OK?
A Aluminium anodes are the best choice for brackish water, but they are
equally suitable for a saltwater based boat. I have been using aluminium anodes on my Volvo drives for the last three years and found that corrosion levels on the drives themselves have been fairly typical, while the anodes seem to last longer than Zinc. One caveat though, is that in every case I have found removing them at the end of the season has been very difficult due to the build-up of corrosion products around the stainless steel fixing bolts, which effectively seize the bolt onto the anode. For that reason alone, I am going back to zinc next year.
Sonic 100 drive spares
Q My boat has a Sonic 100 sterndrive
unit. Where can I get spares and service information on this unit?
A Sillette Marine Propulsion Systems seem to be the go-to
resource for Sonic sterndrives. They have a downloadable PDF of the 100 drive, which you may find useful, and should be able to help out regarding consumables and spares. 82
May 2019
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CLASSIC CRUISERS
a complete guide to the best boats on the used market
Jeanneau Prestige 30S
T
his month, Motorboat Owner delves into the archives of prolific French boatbuilder, Jeanneau, and to an era when the hardtop sportscruiser was beginning to turn heads in the UK. The model in question is the Jeanneau Prestige 30S. Now a major French boat builder, Jeanneau’s roots go back to 1957, when one Henri Jeanneau, already passionate about aeroplanes and automobiles, had just discovered powerboating. Based in Les Herbiers, he began building a wooden racing boat to participate in the 6-hour Paris race, the largest national race at the
time. Bolstered by the success of being first across the line, he launched into boat building, with the first fibreglass hull introduced in 1958. However, the first production-line fibreglass motorboat did not come until 1963, a day cabin boat called a Sea Bird. Then, among a selection of motorboat models, came its largest cruising wheelhouse-style motorboat, the 37ft ‘America’. In the years that followed the company diversified into building sailing yachts as well as becoming more prolific in motorboats, and by the 1980s had launched its deck boat range, Cap Camarat, with a debut
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Built 2006-2009 (approx 250) Prices then £108,084 (2006) Prices now £49,950-£75,000 Length 29ft 10in / 9.1m Beam 10ft 9in / 3.3m Draught 2ft 9in / 0.9m Air Draught 9ft 6in / 2.76m Fuel 108 gallons / 490 litres Water 34 gallons / 160 litres Displacement 4300kg approx
model, the 575. Nine years later saw the birth of the Prestige range and the debut of open sportscruiser model, the 41, designed by Vittorio Garroni. Known as Garroni Design today and directed by his son, Camillo, it is a relationship that has continued for decades with many models, such as the latest Leader range and ‘best sellers’ such as the Leader 805. So where did the Prestige 30 fit in? Well, its journey started when Jeanneau introduced its first hardtop sportscruiser in 2003, the Prestige 34, designed by Garroni. This beamy 34 footer could be fitted with a hardtop with a retractable
sunroof, and provided six berths in two separate cabins and, powered by twin sterndrives, offered long-legged cruising abilities. In the following years, Jeanneau looked to bridge the gap between the popular and existing four-berth, 8-metre open cockpit Leader 805 and the Prestige 34. The Prestige 30 was born. Sporting similar lines as its larger sibling, with its bluff bow and oval portholes, the 30 provided a spacious four-berth interior, was available in open or solid retractable hardtop guises, and in single or twin engine configurations. The open version was offered with or without a radar arch.
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The model made its UK debut in September 2006 at the Southampton Boat Show. With prices starting at around a budget friendly £108k for a twin diesel Open version, with an upgrade to the solid hardtop, known as the SportTop or ‘S’, available for just over £7k, it was attractively priced and an eye opener amongst its rivals. One of its biggest and closest rivals has to be the British sportscruiser, the Sealine SC29 built from 2005 to 2009. In fact, with similar prices on the used market this is still the case today. The 30 Open had several rivals in the open sportscruiser guise, namely the Bavaria 30 and Sessa Oyster 30. Motorboat Owner has yet to see the Open version in UK waters. However, at the time of writing there were several examples, all non-radar arch
versions, for sale in the Med and other warmer climes where it is, perhaps, more at home. The social enclosed cockpit and hardtop format made sense for UK waters, and British buyers embraced the 30S. Jeanneau built approximately 250 Prestige 30s before production ended in 2009. So, 13 years after its launch, what does this model offer the used boat buyer? Is it the future proof, competitively-priced hardtop it once was? With used prices lingering between £49-75k, we took a closer look. Interior Down below, Jeanneau presented a slightly different slant on the sportscruiser layout, with a toilet and shower compartment set aft, and below the cockpit, and the midships cabin entrance further forward.
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A large skylight provides plenty of light in the companionway lobby
Slide back the Perspex companionway door and you are met by a surprisingly light and spacious cabin area. Glossy cherry wood finishes are offset by plain faux leather or cloth, provides a modern feel and clean sophistication. Light from the windscreen cascades through a clear
window over the companionway where there is a short descent down to a teaklined central lobby via four glossy but grippy open steps. The saloon lobby area offers between 6ft and 6ft 5in headroom. A chunky, white Corian, rectangular galley unit can be found to port, and is
Its stylish galley unit has a microwave oven, two burner hob, single sink and slotted storage Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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fitted with a covered two-burner gas hob and a single round metal sink, underneath is a fridge, drawers and cupboard storage. A cupboard unit above the forward end of the worktop houses a microwave and slotted storage for cups, glasses and crockery. There is no galley bin and it would be beneficial to have slotted storage for the sink and hob covers, perhaps inside the cupboard door, as these are heavy and cumbersome. Moving aft, and past the galley, is a door leading to the boat’s toilet and shower compartment. This simplistic, wood and GRP moulded compartment is equipped with a good size worktop, a metal wash basin with a shower mixer tap and a sea toilet. Headroom in here is 6ft 3in immediately inside the inward-opening door, reducing to 5ft 4in over the toilet,
which could pose a problem for those who stand and ‘perform’, but there is ample space to shower. There are two storage lockers in here, under the sink and at eyelevel, whilst the boat’s plastic holding tank is housed behind a cupboard door aft. Situated opposite the galley, on the starboard side, is a door leading to the mid cabin, and a very nice cabin it is too. Immediately inside the door is a sizeable dressing area with decent headroom. It is also equipped with a single settee and a good-size, half-height hanging locker. With a mattress shaped wider at the head end, the berth is a generous 6ft 5in in length, by 5ft 5in wide, reducing to 4ft 10in. As you would expect, the shapely cockpit moulding does encroach on the space over the berth, but there is still height and room to get in and out of
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2007 £74,750 (featured) Twin Volvo D3 190hp diesels TBS Boats Penton Hook 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com
The toilet compartment is equipped with a shower and offers good headroom and storage
the berth and also sit up and read, should you wish. Two opening portholes provide ventilation and a watery-view. Back out in the saloon, an extremely generous and impressive raised U-shaped dinette makes full use of the boat’s 10ft 9in beam and bluff bow. It dominates the bow area and provides plenty of seating for social occasions, with room for up to 8-9 people around a small-by-comparison table. The table top provides the base for a large double berth with an infill cushion and a wooden
A plastic holding tank is fitted behind a panel in the toilet compartment but is devoid of any gauge
2007 £69,750 Twin Volvo D3 190hp diesels Clarke & Carter 01634 571 605 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk
2007 £59,995 Twin Volvo D3 190hp diesels M.Schmidt & Partner Y. Brokers 01475 529975 www.michaelschmidt.co.uk
2007 £49,950 Twin Volvo 5.7 GI 280hp petrols TBS Boats Hamble 02380 458524 www.tbsboats.com
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Private, cosy and social. There is plenty of seating in the saloon with a dining area for four
insert, measuring 5ft 10in long and 6ft wide. This occasional sleeping area is also easily separated off by a floor-to-ceiling length curtain. On the starboard side is a wardrobe-cum-storage cupboard. Cockpit & helm The 30S boasts a very social and spacious cockpit. More coupĂŠ cruiser than sportscruiser, Jeanneau also cleverly did not follow the German thinking of a fixed sunpad, seen on the Bavaria 30, thus creating a versatile and sensible cockpit for use in British waters. However, what it is lacking is additional forward facing seating when underway. As you step through the port side transom door you are greeted by a vast, solid hardtop-covered cockpit area, with superb standing headroom of 6ft 6in, and fully enclosed around the transom by canvas. To starboard is a large angled,
U-shaped dinette seating area, capable of seating up to 8 people around a good size pedestal table. This drops to form a sunpad, which can be used as an occasional berth if required. The canopy covered sidedeck, outboard of the seating, features the shorepower connection and a rather useful deep draining locker for large items such as fenders. Opposite the dinette seating is a seatcum-chaise longue facing aft. Seating, at a pinch, two, it is a really comfy spot for one, and bound to be a favourite with everyone onboard. Underneath is an open storage area for a compact liferaft. Moving forward, in the port companionway the chaise longue moulding rises up and incorporates a sink and a stylish hinged locker. Below lies the toilet compartment for which there is a hatch for ventilation. Located on the starboard side, the helm
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comprises an elliptical moulded helm console with stylish metallic accents, a double, albeit tight, helm seat and a folddown floor panel for a wind-in-your-hair driving experience. There is a good 6ft of standing headroom at the helm with the roof closed, with the step providing enough height to peer out over the roof moulding. The arch-shaped dash panel may well be equipped with an ‘of the time’, 7-9 inch chartplotter with corresponding speed and depth instruments. Options when new included Garmin Echomap 95sv or Raymarine C80 or C70. A cockpit fridge (£1k extra) is housed under the helm seat and is accessible from the companionway. Ensure that the hardtop’s electric sunroof is fully operational and working freely, as these can suffer track issues caused by debris and neglect.
Instead of canvas sides the model has Plexi-glass fixed side windows and a green-tinted wraparound windscreen. While the fixed side panels provide plenty of light, they do inhibit communication and ventilation, for instance when coming into moor or when the roof is closed in
Cockpit wet bar. Starboard sink and wet locker
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Good aesthetics, with all you need at your finger tips, but the double helm seat is a little cosy
inclement weather. This may also increase the chance of the windscreen misting up which, without a screen blower option on the list, may prove to be a bit of a nuisance. Inspect these side panels as the Plexi-glass scratches easily. It is here in the cockpit where it is best to talk about the two optional packages available when the boat was new. The first being Preference, which included features such as a 4hp bowthruster, trim tabs and a teak cockpit and bathing platform. The
It is equipped with decent wipers with washers
next was the upgraded Excellence package, which offered all the Preference bells and whistles, plus items such as cushions for a foredeck sunpad, cabin carpets, an electric toilet and a navigation electronics package. Other desirable options included heating, priced from ÂŁ3k, and an electronic throttle controls upgrade. Be aware also that these boats were not fitted with an autopilot system which can be expensive to retro fit. On deck The 30 has generous side decks and a large recessed foredeck area, making it easy to move about on deck. Getting out onto the side decks is easiest on the port side and this manoeuvre is reassuringly semiprotected by a stylish deep bulwark deck moulding and aided by superstructure grabrails. The textured decks themselves are generally 9-10 inches, with a decent toerail, and sturdy guardrails follow the windscreen line with a wire insert. At the
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Stable and capable, the Prestige 30 has a modified planning hull that is well regarded
bow there is an electric windlass and a chain locker capable of swallowing one or two fenders. Access aboard could not be easier with the full width integral bathing platform, which is fitted with the retractable bathing ladder and available with teak as an option.
battery with access to both items via a hatch in the raised dinette floor. Engines The Prestige 30 was available with four Volvo Penta engine configurations during its build, single or twin, petrol or diesel. At its launch it was available with two twin petrol options and one twin diesel choice, namely 225hp 4.3 GXi V6s (ÂŁ92k in 2006), 280hp 5.7 GI DP V8 engines (ÂŁ94k 2006), and 190hp D3 diesel engines priced at
Hull and Handling The 30S performs admirably. Like many other sportscruisers, it will slam when pushed hard in choppier conditions, and yes there will be a few shakes and rattles, but it is generally regarded as sea kindly, with owners who praise its soft riding capabilities. Fitted with the more common twin configuration, it is quick to respond, provides a comfortable, reassuring ride and settles into planing speeds easily, usually without the need for trim in settled conditions. For added reassurance when manoeuvring and berthing, most examples will have a factory-fitted 4hp There is easy access over the bathing platform bowthruster. This has a dedicated bow Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Twin Volvo D3 190hps are common. A large heavy hatch reveals lazarette-style storage and engine access
ÂŁ108,084. In 2008 Jeanneau introduced a single 260hp D4 diesel option, as standard, and dropped the smaller petrol units. Most popular in the UK seem to be a pair of 190hp Volvo Penta D3 engines, delivering a top speed of 34 knots, a fast cruising speed of 26 knots, and a comfortable and economical cruising speed in the 20-22 area. Examples fitted with the twin 280hp Volvo 5.7 GI DP engines should provide a 38 knot top speed, with a cruising speed of somewhere in the region of 25 knots.
The single 260hp seemed quite desirable but is considered underpowered by some. On paper, this configuration claimed to offer a 28-knot top speed and a cruising speed of 22 knots. Realistically, fully loaded, the top speed is likely to be more around the 25-26 knot mark, with cruising speeds in the region of 20-22 knots, where you might expect an economy of around 30 litres per hour. Of course, running a single engine, you also have the additional benefit of lower maintenance costs over twin examples. Engine access is via a hatch in the aft cockpit floor that lifts thwartships from the cockpit companionway. In turn this lifts the table and aft seat moulding, so it is necessary to remove the fore-and-aft backrest cushion before attempting this. Volvo 5.7 GIs were one of two twin petrol options Owners may want to consider upgrading 94
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the factory fitted single gas-strut for a little added strength and reassurance. Opening the heavy hatch reveals a chunky ply-formed storage area ahead of the engines, which is capable of housing large items such as fenders or a deflated tender. The boat’s batteries are housed under a starboard hatch. Also in this vicinity is an electric services cupboard. Just about a crawl-in affair, this cupboard-cumchamber houses the windscreen washer tank, Cristec battery charger and the boat’s motherboard, with all wires neatly arranged and tagged, with most trunked and tied away. There is another electric cupboard in the mid cabin berth featuring fuses and breaker switches. Engine access itself is up and over a half height ply bulkhead, and yes, access is unfortunately as tight as it sounds. But there is just enough space to crawl in and nestle in front, or next to, each engine.
There is obviously a little more space with the smaller displacemnet engines, and plenty on the single engine versions. Fuel filters are sited on the forward bulkhead, while a single 490-litre tank can be found behind this. Volvo engines are well regarded, with a good service support network and availability of spares. Be aware that D-series engines are electronicallymanaged and may need specialist diagnostic equipment for fault finding and servicing, so buyers may need to factor this into their running costs. Conclusion An impressive hardtop sportscruiser that is budget-friendly, more spacious than comparative rivals and perfect for a couple or family.
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 Prestige 34
Prices £70,000-£90,000
Length 34ft 6in Beam 11ft 11in Sportscruiser available in hardtop and open guises, providing 6 berths in 2 cabins. Buy one (pictured) 2004 £76,500 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk
Leader 805
Prices £29,000-£42,000
Length 25ft 7in Beam 10ft 9in Usually single diesel, a popular and versatile open cockpit sportscruiser providing 4 berths Buy one (pictured) 2000 £29,500 www.rbsmarine.com
Prestige 38 S
Prices £120,000-£160,000
Length 39ft Beam 12ft 9in Popular two-cabin hardtop sportscruiser with tender garage and joystick control. Buy one (pictured) 2008 £139,950 www.brightonboatsales.co.uk
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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CRANCHI Z35
2x Volvo Penta D4-260 Engines FROM £270,000 INC VAT EW
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Viking 275 Highline
Narrowboat Tingdene/Colecraft 52 Beta Marine 38 Diesel Engine FROM £139,950 INC VAT
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Mariner 40EFI ELPT Outboard Petrol Engine FROM £69,950 INC VAT Lying T&K
Cranchi E30
Volvo Penta 350 Petrol Engine £169,950 INC VAT
Lying Windsor
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Glastron GT185
Volvo Penta V6 -200C Petrol Engine £36,950 INC VAT Lying Walton
Glatron GT229 Cuddy
Volvo Penta V6 - 280C Petrol Engine £59,950 INC VAT Lying Walton
2017 Glastron GS259
Volvo Penta 280 Petrol Engine £82,950
Lying Windsor
EW
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2019 Viking 24 Highline
Suzuki 30hp Outboard Petrol Engine £59,966 INC VAT Lying Thames & Kennet
TINGDENE SALES OFFICES Thames & Kennet Marina 01189 477770
2005 Gobbi 315 SC
Volvo AD41Diesel Engines £69,950
2010 Bayliner 315
2x Mercruiser 4.3 Petrol Engines Lying Windsor £79,950 Lying Windsor
“LARGEST BOAT SALES ON THE RIVER THAMES” Portishead Quays Marina 01275 397277
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New and Used
Boats for Sale 01189 403211
NEW Corsiva / 570 Classic
Great open day boat with enclosed outboard engine, generous seating
Call our friendly team to arrange an appointment to view any of the used boats for sale below – or visit our website for this month’s complete range www.valwyattmarine.co.uk
NEW Corsiva / 565 Tender
Modern, stylish looks, teak effect floor, other models available
Antaris / RB18
Comfortable day boat, generous seating, extended canopy
Carver / 3007
Spacious cruiser, 7 berths, full enclosed flybridge, Volvo engines
2019 | £13,950 | 18.7ft | 5.7m
2019 | £14,195 | 17.4ft | 5.3m
2007 | £19,500 | 20ft | 6.1m
Custom / Primeur 710
Haines / 31 Sedan
Intercruiser / 27 Cabin
Sheerline / 1050
2018 | £37,500 | 23.3ft | 7.1m
1996 | £64,950 | 31ft | 9.5m
2014 | £85,000 | 28ft | 8.5m
2001 | £95,000 | 34ft | 10.4m
‘As new’ only 3 hours, refrigerator, 50hp outboard engine, with trailer
Exceptional quality, bowthruster, 4 berths, refurbished internally
Perfect weekend cruiser, heating, bowthruster, BSS until 2023
FROM
£346,680
400 AFT CABIN
PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1ST 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT
British built since 1980
1981 | £29,950 | 30ft | 9.1m
Bow & stern thrusters, spacious aft cabin, heating, 2 WCs, generator
FROM
INTENDER 820
£48,570
PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1ST 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT
Premium Dutch Quality
Enjoy the life you live www.valwyattmarine.co.uk | 01189 403211 | info@valwyattmarine.co.uk Val Wyatt Marine, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8LH
New Boat Sales | Used Craft | Moorings & Storage | Boat Maintenance
Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club
Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum
www.arvorboatowners.co.uk
www.dawncraftowners.com
Aquastar Owners Club
Dell Quay Ranger website
www.aquastarclub.co.uk
www.dellquayranger.supanet.com
Atlanta Boat Owners
Electric Boat Association
www.atlantaboats.co.uk
www.electric-boat-association.org.uk
Bavaria Owners’ Association
Elysian Boat Owners
www.bavariaowners.co.uk
www.elysianboats.co.uk
Bayliner Owners Club
Fairey Owners Club
www.baylinerownersclub.org
www.faireyownersclub.co.uk
Beneteau Owners’ Association
Fairline Owners Club
www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk
www.fairlineownersclub.com
Birchwood Classics
Fjord Club
www.birchwoodclassics.com
www.fjordclub.com
Broom Owners Club
Fletcher Owners Group
www.broomowners.com
www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149
Chaparral Boat Owners Forum
Freeman Cruisers Forum
forum.chaparralboats.com
freemanboats.forumer.com
Classic Motor Boat Association
Freeman Owners Club
www.cmba-uk.com
www.freemancruisers.com
Classic Offshore Powerboat Club
Freeman Cruisers
www.classicoffshore.com
freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk
Cleopatra Owners Club
Haines Owners Club
mycleopatra.ning.com
www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php
Coronet Cruisers
Hampton Safari Boat Club
freespace.virgin.net/simon.sherlock/index.htm
hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net
Corvette Motorboat Association
Hardy Owners Club
corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com
Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com
98
www.hardy-owner.org.uk
Jeanneau Owners Network
www.jeanneau-owners.com
May 2019
Owners Club missing? Contact us at
Marex Owners Club
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Sea Ray Owners Club
www.clubsearay.com
www.marexownersclub.co.uk
Sealine Forum
Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com
www.sealineforum.co.uk
Maxum Owners Club
Sealine Owners Club
www.maxumownersclub.com
www.sealineowners.com
Microplus Boats
Seamaster Club
www.microplus.dk
www.seamasterclub.org
Monterey Fourm
Seaward Owners Club
forums.montereyboats.com
www.seawardboat.com/club.html
Moonraker Owner’s Club
Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association
www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm
www.victoriashadow.co.uk
Nauticus
Shetland Owners Association
www.nauticus.co.uk
www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/
Nelson Boat Owners Club
Star Craft Owners Club
www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk
www.bates-starcraft.co.uk
Nimbus Owners Club UK
Storebro Passion
www.nimbusowners.co.uk
www.storebropassion.de
Norman Appreciation Society
Sunseeker Owners Club
www.normanboats.co.uk
sunseekerownersclub.com
Classic Princess facebook group
Viking Owners Club
Click here for Facebook group
www.vikingowners.org.uk
Regal Owners Forum
Warrior Boats Owners Club
www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk
www.regalownersforum.com
Relcraft Boaters Group
Advertise with us
www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk
Rinker Owners Club www.rinkerboats.com/owners-club
Rodman Owners Club
www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub
Classified adverts from £25
advertising@
motorboatowner.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
1974 Fjord Selcruiser
£14,950 0118 947 7770 email address
99
Wakering Yacht Club BOATING HIP MEMBERS RING,
O TOON MO INC.PON T LIF * ANNUAL ANDING S HARDST & 4 WEEK FROM
£791 PA
• VISITORS & NEW BOATING MEMBERS WELCOME • Fully Licenced Clubhouse • Friendly atmosphere & regular events • *Lifting facility (limits apply) • On site fuel facilities All enquiries: wakeringyc@gmail.com
Wakering Yacht Club Purdeys Industrial Estate Rochehall Way Rochford Essex SS4 1JU
Advertisement Index
New and Used
Boats for Sale 01189 403211
Shetland / Family Four
Call our friendly team to arrange an appointment to view any of the used boats for sale below – or visit our website for this month’s complete range www.valwyattmarine.co.uk
Viking / 22
Corsiva / 475
Tidy & original example, 15hp Suzuki, BSS until 2020, with trailer
Great starter boat with hob, grill, porta potti & Honda 25hp
Great open day boat, spacious seating & teak effect floor
1986 | £5,000 | 20.2ft | 6.2m
1987 | £5,995 | 22ft | 6.7m
NEW | £9,995 | 14.8ft | 4.5m
Coaster 640SC
Interboat / 22
Interboat Intender 950
Custom / Norfolk Launch
High specification, refurbished & revarnished, launching trailer
1962 | £19,995 | 27ft | 8.2m
Haines / 320 Aft Cabin
Brand new model: planing hull, teak effect floor, Mercury 150hp
Excellent condition, bowthruster, under 200 hours
Own the first of its kind; full cabin facilities, capable of 26 knots
Redesigned with 2 double cabins, 2 en-suites & stunning finish
NEW in stock | £25,995 | 20.3ft
2011 | £34,500 | 22.3ft | 6.8m
NEW to order | £169,900 | 31ft
NEW | £247,200 | 32ft | 9.8m
FROM
£346,680
400 AFT CABIN
PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1ST 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT
British built since 1980
FROM
INTENDER 820
£48,570
PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1ST 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT
Premium Dutch Quality
Enjoy the life you live www.valwyattmarine.co.uk | 01189 403211 | info@valwyattmarine.co.uk Val Wyatt Marine, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8LH
New Boat Sales | Used Craft | Moorings & Storage | Boat Maintenance
All adverts are clickable
Barrus / Glomex & Mariner Outboards......................................... Page 7 & 13 Burnham Yacht Harbour....................................................................... Page 27 Darthaven Marina / Beneteau............................................................ Page 41 Dean & Reddyhoff / East Cowes Marina ........................................... Page 19 EC Leisurecraft..................................................................................... Page 83 Marine AGlaze..................................................................................... Page 53 MDS Battery.......................................................................................... Page 12 Parker Poland....................................................................................... Page 17 Sargo Boats UK..................................................................................... Page 11 Sea Start................................................................................................ Page 65 Secure Marine / Hurricane Fenders................................................... Page 81 Simrad................................................................................................... Page 9 Tingdene Boat Sales............................................................................ Page 96 Tingdene Marinas................................................................................ Page 4 Val Wyatt Marine................................................................................. Page 97 Vetus / Maxwell Marine...................................................................... Page 79 Wakering Yacht Club.......................................................................... Page 100 Yamaha................................................................................................ Page 15 Yacht Havens / Fambridge Yacht Haven......................................... Page 33
100
May 2019
L K what I saw
Spotted something weird, wonderful, or interesting on your travels?
@
send your images to us at
editorial@
motorboatowner.co.uk
Spring babies
A clutch of cygnets resting on the River Roach SPOTTED! by Jamie Banner
Man the lifeboat
Lifeboat on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Newbury SPOTTED! by Penny Rawle
Fisherman’s funny
Mayday....Mayday, this is Bass**d, Bass**d SPOTTED! by Claire Frew
Mersea sunset
The sun dips at Thornfleet,West Mersea SPOTTED! by Anya Coppock Motorboat Owner
101
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