Motorboat Owner February 2017

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Motorboat FEBRUARY 2017

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Sargo 31 Explorer Destination Guide Sea Ray 240DA l Used Boat Self Survey l LBS Review

PADSTOW

Welcome to the February issue.

From the Editor

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Despite its detractors, the London Boat Show was a bit of a success. Exhibitor numbers were up, and reports from many of them were of improved year on year sales. It is difficult to hide the fact that a large section of the boating public haven’t taken Excel to heart, visiting numbers were a little down, but those who were in the market were taking the opportunity to

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

2 October 2013

February 2017

of exhibits, I made one of myself when I was dragged on stage for one of the ‘Question of Sailing’ panel shows on the main stage. Not only was the scoring highly dubious (our team lost by the way), I had to partake in a physical round, where I was required to dance the Hornpipe with my team mates, including 2000 Olympic sailing silver medallist, Mark Covall. Luckily all the video taken by the MBO team was lost in a suspicious accident, although I have been told it exists somewhere in the darkest recesses of You Tube.

If you have given London a miss for a while, I urge you to give it another try next year. It really is a great way examine their options all in one place, and to get fired up for the season ahead.

On the subject of the season to clearly many of them were signing on the come, how about joining the MBO dotted line. There was definitely a certain team on a cruise in company. Now vibrancy about the show, and the layout was significantly improved over years gone in its fourth year, these cruises offer a great way to spread your cruising by where the show was cut in half by the wings. Full details of this year’s event Sunseeker stand. It was a shame that the classic boats and the start boating exhibits can be found on page 54, it would be great if you were hidden away behind Princess, but they were well worth hunting out. Talking could join us.

welcome aboard

Visit Cornwall/JRam

The Christmas lights at Padstow.

See our destination guide on page 56

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

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

Contributors: John Watts, Kat Young David Bagshaw SMYC Cover photo: The Sargo 31 Explorer on test in home waters by Neale Byart

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3

9 Su p e rior Marinas

& BOAT SALES

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

R i v er T ha m e s . R iv e r Se v e rn N o r f o l k B ro a d s . R i v e r We y

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2017

REGULARS NEWS page 6 INBOX page 18 Q&A page 38 TESTED page 68

p32 PRACTICAL

Used Boat Self Survey Part 2 OnEdition

London Boat Show page 16 News page 20 New Boats page 28 Cutting Edge

page 54

Cruise in Company 2017

page 68 Tested

Garmin Striker 7sv

p16 J.Watts

p56

p68 p42

PADSTOW Destination Guide

p70

Sea Ray 240DA

GUIDE CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE CLASSIC CRUISER CRUISER GUIDE

BOAT TEST

Sargo 31 Explorer

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Launch of new DIY Safe Anti-fouling Initiative The three marine industry bodies, British Marine, British Coatings Federation (BCF) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have launched a new DIY Safe Antifouling Initiative. The aim of the scheme is to inform and educate boat owners on the hazards associated with antifouling their boats, whilst detailing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to Coming to a marina near you. A new scheme to ensure that antifouling paints encourage boaters to use antifoul safely and wear the are being used properly. The appropriate protective clothing initiative follows a year’s research by the BCF Marine Coatings Group, which included survey a into the DIY use of antifouling paints in the UK. Results showed that more than 90% of boat owners were safely antifouling their boats. However, it displayed a number of areas for improvement, such as better guidance on preparing the boat and disposing of waste paint. The three associations have created promotional and advisory tools, such as awareness posters to be displayed across the nation’s network of marinas, chandlers and boatyards and indepth, step-by-step guidance documents for individual owners. The RYA’s Planning and Environmental Manager, Emma Barton, said “It’s important to know that antifouling paints are being used properly and that boat owners are aware of the potential hazards associated with antifouling their boats. The DIY Safe Antifouling Initiative 2017 will help to raise awareness of those hazards and to highlight the importance of using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.” For more information visit the website www.safeantifouling.com

Click on image, left, to download the BCF Marine Coating’s leaflet ‘Antifouling your boat safely’ 6

February 2017

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

English Harbour and Broom Boats form alliance At the London Boat Show it was announced that Broom Boats and English Harbour Yachts would be going into partnership. The Norfolk-based boat builder, Broom Boats will build the English Harbour range of boats under licence, whilst continuing to build its own range of 37-43ft aft cabin cruisers and also the 3035ft Coupe. Broom Boats will also act as the UK distributor for English Harbour via a new entity, English Harbour Yacht Sales.

Managing Director of English Harbour, Adam Greenwood, said, “We are very pleased to be working in conjunction with a builder of Broom’s reputation and quality. This partnership will now allow English Harbour to satisfy increasing demand as we develop new models whilst also developing our worldwide dealership network”. Matthew Harvey, Managing Director of Broom Boats added, “Our alliance makes perfect sense and we are very excited to be working together. Our two companies share many clear values, producing British-built and designed models with the highest attention to detail.

The perfect partnership.” Pictured, Broom Boats Broker, John Long alongside the English Harbour 29 Offshore. Inset, the English Harbour 27 as tested February 15.

Countdown starts to Poole Maritime Festival Visitors to Poole Harbour between 15th-21st May are sure to see it looking at its very best with the launch of Poole Maritime Festival. The festival will celebrate Poole’s maritime history and host two events, European Maritime Day and the Poole Harbour Boat Show. With the theme ‘The Future of our Seas’, European Maritime Day (18th-19th) is a prestigious meeting place and two-day conference for European marine professionals. Here UK businesses will promote their products and services. After this follows the free-entry Poole Harbour Boat Show (19th-21st) with displays of new boats, marine equipment and leisure services.

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NEWS

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Hunton resurrected as Hunton Yachts Ltd The Hampshire-based performance motorboat builder, Hunton Powerboats went into liquidation late last year. However, the new company, Hunton Yachts Ltd, has recently secured the assets of Hunton Powerboats and is ‘looking forward to raising this exclusive British icon to new heights’. Fiona Pool, who remains as Chief Executive, said “This is a very exciting time in Hunton’s history. We have emerged as a leaner, healthier business with a very clear strategy for new product development, dynamic marketing and a global outreach.” The builder plans to launch a new range and has appointed a new dealer in South East Asia.

Aquador 35AQ NEW BOAT

The Finnish boat builder, Aquador has introduced an entirely new design to its range, with its new Aquador 35AQ. The new model has been designed by Norwegian designer, Espen Thorup, who is also responsible for several models in the Flipper and Bella ranges. The 4-6 berth 35AQ has two double cabins with modifiable bulkhead. Other features include an electrically operated skylight, large bathing platform, practical offset, trawler-style side deck with a sliding door on the driver’s side and a large anti-fog, double-convex windscreen. The boat made its debut in January at Boot, a boat show that is held in Düsseldorf.

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February 2017

NEWS Marina of Year 2017 Winners

The winners of the Yacht Harbour Association (THYA) 2017 Marina of the Year Awards were announced at the London Boat Show in January. Voted for by berthholders and visitors, 160 worldwide Gold Anchor accredited marinas were whittled down into five categories, UK Coastal over 250 berths and under 250 berths, UK Inland, International and Superyacht. The winner of the UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2017 (over 250 berths) catergory was Largs Yacht Haven pictured. The UK Coastal Marina of the Year 2017 (under 250 berths) was given to Poole Quay Boat Haven. UK Inland Marina of the Year was awarded to Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina. The winner of International Marina was Karpaz Gate Marina and Superyacht Marina is IGY Isle de Sol. Carolyn Elder pictured, Marina Manager at Largs Yacht Haven said “What a way to start 2017, we’re absolutely thrilled. I must praise our entire Haven Team for their hard work. We have been overwhelmed by the comments and votes we received.” The runners up were MDL Torquay Marina, Portavadie Marina, MDL Windsor Marina, Royal Cork Yacht Club and Talise Pavilion Marina. Other marinas to be honoured with a new Marina of Distinction award were Mayflower Marina, Southampton Town Quay, Overwater Marina, Marina de Vilamoura and Porto Montenegro. See photos of the winners in the Motorboat Owner gallery here.

Bushnells celebrating 100 years at Wargrave This year the Thames-based marina and broker, Bushnells is celebrating its 100th year at its base at Wargrave. The company has been passed down through the Bushnells family and was first established at Richmond in 1859, before moving to the Thameside Marina site in January 1917.

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February 2017

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New Bembridge approach video This season, visitors to Bembridge Harbour have a new navigational aid for visiting the tidal port in the Solent. An approach video has been added to the harbour’s navigation page on the website, which shows each stage and buoy as you enter the harbour. The video footage, shot in summer 2016, begins at the channel entrance and takes you through the buoyed channel to the Duver Pontoon. In addition, aerial footage shows the pontoons, boatyard and general layout of the harbour. Bembridge Harbour are keen to advise that ‘this video is for guidance only. See Notices to Mariners for updates to navigational aids.’

£1m Refurbishment Complete at Racecourse Marina A £1m investment in new pontoons and shoreside facilities at Racecourse Marina on the River Thames is now complete.

The marina at Windsor is operated by Tingdene Marinas Ltd and Operations Director, Steve Arber, explained that “the project has upgraded the facilities and increased our capacity by 50 per cent to 262 berths. It’s gone exactly as planned and we experienced excellent service from our contractors on this project, Walcon Marine, Land & Water, Rolec and Riverworks. Racecourse is completely geared as a one-stop shop for our berth-holders, who can start to relax as soon as they arrive on our newly resurfaced entrance road. Most importantly, the customer feedback has been excellent.” One berthholder said “The changes are fantastic. The new pontoons are so much better, as is the dedicated new berth-holders car park.” Steve Arber went on to praise Racecourse marina manager, Neill Walker, and his team, and added “This latest phase of investment has enhanced the appeal of already popular facilities, such as GOGOS waterfront restaurant and cocktail bar, and our boat sales and boatyard facilities. We’re now looking forward to a great 2017 with our growing number of berthholders here at Racecourse Marina.”

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NEWS

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Barnes Brinkcraft buy Royalls boatyard The Norfolk Broads charter company, Barnes Brinkcraft announced in January that it had bought its neighbouring boatyard, Royalls and its nine hire boats, after the retirement of Nigel and Sara Royall at the end of last season. With its new fleet additions, Barnes Brinkcraft will operate a fleet of 86 boats from its base at Wroxham. There are also plans for an additional five new fleet boats and three new three-bedroomed holiday homes overlooking the private marina. Pictured left to right, Jill, Matthew and Daniel Thwaites.

Barnes Brinkcraft Director, Daniel Thwaites, said “buying Royalls means that we will have more room to increase our fleet and servicing facilities, and with the trend towards more UK tourists opting to holiday in this country and overseas tourists being lured by the favourable exchange rates, this is the right time for us to expand.”

Duchy 35 NEW BOAT The Falmouth-based boat builder, Cockwells, currently has a new motorboat in build, the Duchy 35. At 38ft overall, it is the new mid-range model of the 21-65ft range, and was designed

by Andrew Wolstenholme. The ‘fully customisable’ 35 offers 4-6 berths with two layouts with one or two cabins. Features includes hardwood joinery, a driver-side opening door and walk-through transom. Extras are to include a Seakeeper Gyro Stabiliser and a full width electric sunroof. The price is £325k plus VAT for a standard, twin Nanni T4.270 boat and Cockwells can also offer a single engine standard model for £300k plus VAT. 12

February 2017

Splendidly. And still making a lot of sense.

Your family’s safety at sea can never be taken for granted.

Sargowhy behaves in wavesSargo, like a refined sports car.

That’s we designed a very safe Splendidly.

And still making a lot of sense. sport utility boat.

Whichever your choice of the Sargo models between 25-36 ft. may be, you can isbeprecisely 100 percent of sport one thing: will always be thatcertain kind of utilityyou vessel, boasting Sargo isSargo precisely that kind ofexceptionally sport utility vessel, boasting leaving the harborhandling on board an safe boat. exhilarating and ride characteristics even in rough exhilarating handling and even in Some the Sargo skippers talk about its smooth riderough and Sargoseas. is precisely kind ofride sportcharacteristics utility vessel with no compromises seas.made Some skippers talkat about its smooth ride and good responsiveness higher speeds.

We call as toSargo how solidly builteven and well-equipped even thesimply standard itis.tough sportiness. good responsiveness even atquality higheris speeds. simply boat The idea of rigorous one of theWe core values call of our brand.

In addition, we deliver a generous listtoofthis features it tough sportiness.

All Sargo models between 25-36 ft. live up while and still equipment. a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel All Sargomaking models between 25-36 ft. live up to this while still Every Sargo is standard-equipped with a multitude of safety

features: a complete set of the latest navigation instruments, a bow thruster (28’-36’), anuses. automatic power istrim (PTA) andand marine suited to many kinds of The interior both stylish suited to many kinds uses.have Theadesign interior is both stylish and window ourof models certified installation of practical,defrosters. following All theofgreat Scandinavian tradition. practical, following the great Scandinavian design tradition. trusty Volvo Penta diesel engines.

Sargo is a premium boat built in Finland, a new brand based Sargo is ais premium boat built Finland, a new brand based on a based a premium boatinbuilt in Finland, a new brand onSargo a great tradition since 1967. great tradition since 1967. onora shine, greatyou’ll tradition since Rain be fine.

With1967. a big smile on your face.

Rain of shine, you’ll be fine. Even in rough seas you and your Rain or shine, you’ll be fine. dearest feel safe on board a Sargo. With a big smile on your face.

making a lot of sense. Sargo is a true multi-purpose vessel

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NEWS Jeanneau Leader 33 NEW BOAT The French boat builder, Jeanneau has introduced another new entry-level sterndrive sportscruiser to its range. The new 4-berth Leader 33 has an adaptive layout, with an opening cabin bulkhead with a double berth and dinette area forward (as seen on sister model the Leader 36) and a twin mid cabin. It will be available as an Open or Sport Top, as pictured. Prices are expected to start at €218,400 fitted with twin 250hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI petrols. A twin 220hp Volvo Penta D3 option is also available, with or without a joystick. The Leader 33 was launched at the Paris Boat Show in December last year and is expected to be at the Southampton Boat Show in September, alongside the Leader 30 which will also be making its UK debut.

Venezia Certosa Marina The new 300-berth Venezia Certosa Marina in Venice received its UK launch at the London Boat Show in January, and with low cost flights available to Venice Marco Polo airport, the marina’s owners are looking to attract UK berthholders and liveaboards.

The recently regenerated 24-hectare site on Certosa Island is situated 10 minutes from St Mark’s Square and 15 minutes by public transport from the city and lagoon. The Adriatic ports of Trieste or Rovigno are 50 nautical miles away and the marina 200 nautical miles from Split, Croatia. The marina is approximately a mile from the open sea, and is sheltered by surrounding islands and a 4m wide breakwater. On shore there is a boatyard with dry storage and maintanance services, a hotel, restaurant and bar, chandlery and laundry facilities. Short and long term moorings are available and berths have access to fresh water, shorepower and WiFi. An annual berth for 2017 is €4545 for a 12m motorboat.

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February 2017

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New Western Boat Show The organisers of the Northern Boat Show in Liverpool have launched a Western Boat Show to coincide with Bristol Harbour Festival from 21-23 July. The 3-day boat show will display motorboats, marine products, systems and services. The free-entry Bristol Harbour Festival celebrates the city’s harbour-side maritime history and will see two miles of vessels, food markets, circus acts, live music and performers. Over 250,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival which will be held alongside on Bristol’s newly developed Hannover Quay. Now in its third year, The Northern Boat Show has new dates to coincide with the International Mersey River Festival on 23-25 June.

DIARY DATES Premier Marinas Swanwick Motorboat & RIB Show 25th-26th March Thames Used Boat Show 14th-23rd April 2017 Beaulieu Boat Jumble 23rd April 2017 Barclays Jersey Boat Show 29th April-1st May Southsea Marina Fishing Show 6th May Windermere Boat Show 12th-14th May Poole Harbour Boat Show 19th-21st May Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

UK Marine Industry Growth

New figures released by British Marine, depict a growth in the UK marine industry for a fifth consecutive year and a ‘bounce back’ after the Brexit referendum. A survey found that 2015/16 revenues grew by 1.6%, to £3.01bn and the industry contributes over £1.11bn to the UK economy. Marine employment is up by 4.6% and there was growth in industry sectors, Engines and Equipment Manufacturing, Boat Building and Hire/Charter.

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15

NEWS Photos OnEdition & CFrew

London Boat Show 2017 REVIEW With the slogan ‘The Season Starts Here’, the London Boat Show kick-started the year, opening on the 6th of January in London’s Docklands. Now in its 14th year at ExCel London, the 10-day show saw Absolutely Fabulous actress, Joanna Lumley, opening the Sunseeker stand in front of hoards of cameras on Press/ Preview Day, and the day continued with

MBO Editor on stage for a ‘Question of Sailing’

champagne corks popping at several new boat and equipment launches.

These included the new Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht, Princess S60 and Prestige 630. Celebrating its 50th year, Fairline Yachts announced that the company will be building a new Targa 43 model to be launched in Spring 2017.

Two pools had been erected at the west end of the ExCel’s south hall. Here at the new Dream Lodge Marina and Boating Lake, there was a schedule of events which included a time-trial aboard a Sunsport tender which tested the boat handling skills of youngsters. In the neighbouring Watersports Pool, visitors trialled the latest craze of stand-up paddleboarding. The Bumper Boats were also generating plenty

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February 2017

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of giggles for youngsters. At the other travel between the UK’s south west and end of the hall the show stage played host French coasts, and the Channel Islands.’ to a dazzling fashion and dance show, a Disruption across the travel networks, highlight being a model break-dancing in coupled with snow, effected six out Helly Hansen foulweather gear. of the first eight days of the show and During the week the show welcomed had an effect on visitor numbers. Show some important VIP visitors, including organisers, British Marine, report that the Princess Royal and several MP’s attendance was 5% down. from trade, sport and business sectors.

See new boat and equipment review on page 20 London Boat Show 2018, 5-14 January The show also saw an important AngloFrench agreement signed. In a bid to boost tourism amid the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, British Marine South West, representing 200 marine members, and the Association des Ports de Plaisance de Bretagne, representing 70 marinas and ports in Northern France, agreed to French builder, Prestige Yacht’s new 630 promote and ‘encourage boat owners to Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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INBOX email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

@

Dehumidifier dead

I noticed your product review on the Meaco DD8L Zambezi and it prompted me to go to the boat and remove the timer as I was unaware of the problem they could cause.

Alas too late, my old EcoAir had died, so your review was even more timely as I’ve just ordered the Zambezi to replace it. I would like to thank you and the team for a well put together publication which I enjoy reading each month, my favourite being the destination guides. Chris Arnold Editor replies: Sorry my advice came too late to save your old dehumidifier, but I think you’ll be pleased with the Zambezi.

I understand that dehumidifiers that have become faulty due to use with a time switch can be repaired for a fixed cost by the supplier. It’s not cheap, especially with postage added, but may be worth considering if the unit is fairly new.

BACK

TIME

IN

Selling the dream. A Corvette Classique 32 joins an elegant cocktail party in this early 1990’s ‘Riverscape’ brochure cover.

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February 2017

NEWBOATS The London Boat Show saw a number of interesting new boat launches.

We paced the hall to bring you the best of the new models for 2017

Fibrafort F215 Cabin

PRICE FROM with 60hp

£29,995

Following on from the launch of the very affordable little F160 sportsboat at Southampton, Bushnells Marine used London to unveil the F215 Cabin. Like the F160, the F215 is a cost effective package, offering a twoberth cuddy with toilet, a well laid out cockpit with some basic galley facilities and engine options that start at 60hp. The teenager inside of me still enjoys the fact that these boats are called Focker in their native Brazil, but with my mature head on, you can’t argue with the great value for money that they offer.

With a 150hp on the back, this boat could be yours for just under £38k, and that is one fast and affordable Focker.

LOA: 6.55m Beam: 2.45m Displacement: 850kg (ex engine) www.bushnells.co.uk

Grandezza 25S

PRICE FROM

£78,407

Finn-Marin Ltd is the parent company of both Finnmaster and Grandezza boats. It is no surprise then that when Grandezza wanted to add a 25ft Day Cruiser to its lineup, it started with the Finnmaster T7. The 25S is basically a T7 with an inboard engine and, as such, it offers the same offset double in the cabin, the same in-cabin toilet arrangement and the same stylish and practical cockpit with galley.

The main differences can be found under the cockpit, where the 25S doesn’t appear to offer the second small berth, and aft, where the lack of an outboard means that the 25S can make better use of the transom with a full width bathing platform and rear facing seat/sun lounger.

LOA: 7.56m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 2200kg www.gibbsboatsales.co.uk

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February 2017

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

Jeanneau MF795 Marlin

PRICE FROM

£50,694

It wouldn’t be a boat show without at least one new Merry Fisher. The 795 Marlin is the fishing orientated version of the 795 that was launched at the 2015 Southampton Boat Show. The Marin version provides a smaller wheelhouse with an upright windscreen, a side door next to the helm for easy access to the full, deep, walk around decks, an optional side door on the port side, and a rear door for access to the large cockpit with good lockable storage, plenty of rod holders, a live bait well and a cutting board over the engine.

Comfort wise you get a small double berth in the bow, and an option for a separate toilet compartment with either a chemical or sea toilet. Engine options are single outboard of between 150hp and 200hp.

LOA: 7.17m Beam: 2.8m Displacement: 1750kg (ex engine) www.cambrianboats.com

Greenline 36

The gap in the Greenline range between the 33 and the 40 has been well and truly plugged.

The new 36 offers the same low drag displacement hull design of the 33, less the small stabiliser wings, but the extra length means PRICE FROM £281,113 that you get two cabins and a much improved wheelhouse, which feels more akin to the 40.

The family friendly layout provides two singles in the mid cabin, which can be converted to a double, and a double in the bow, that can be converted to singles thanks to a scissor berth configuration. There is only a single toilet compartment, but it is very spacious and has a separate shower cubicle. Being a Greenline, the engine options are single diesel of either 220 or 370hp with, of course, an electric hybrid option. Maximum speed on diesel is said to be 25 knots with the larger engine, while the electric motor, which is only available with the 220hp engine, will propel you silently at up to 6.5knots.

LOA: 11.99m Beam: 3.75m Displacement: 7000kg www.greenlinehybrid.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

21

NEWBOATS Finnmaster Husky R7

PRICE FROM

£43,695

The Husky brand has finally started to get a foothold on the UK market, and about time too. I have driven a couple of these boats and they are exceptionally good. The R7 has an aluminium hull and GRP superstructure to combine a robust, workboat look with stylish curvy leisure lines. In Finland these boats are used as we would use our car and, as such, offer minimalist and practical features. The bow is available either completely uncluttered, or you can opt for lockers and seats on either side for a more conventional bowrider layout. A deep cockpit and tall raked screen should offer excellent protection from the elements. The aluminium is protected against corrosion and, should it be damaged, is easy to repair. Power comes from a single outboard up to 200hp.

LOA: 6.45m Beam: 2.33m Displacement: 1055kg (ex engine) www.idealboat.com

Excel Virago RIBs

PRICES FROM

£1,899

If you are looking for a small affordable RIB package then Excel Boats new Virago range might be the answer. The range consists of four boats, all with aluminium hulls and all available with tubes made from either Hytex PVC or Hypalon. The entry level Virago is the HSR310, which would also be suitable as a tender. Other models are the HSR350, HSR390 and the flagship HSR420. Engine options range from 20hp up to 40hp with tiller or console steering versions. Prices, excluding engine, start at £1,899 for the 310 in PVC up to £4,199 for the 420 in Hypalon.

310 LOA: 3.1m Beam: 1.57m Displacement: 49kg (ex engine) 350 LOA: 3.5m Beam: 1.80m Displacement: 55kg (ex engine) 390 LOA: 3.9m Beam: 1.80m Displacement: 66kg (ex engine) 420 LOA: 4.2m Beam: 2.20m Displacement: 96kg (ex engine) www.excel-boats.co.uk 22

February 2017

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

Quicksilver Activ 755 Cruiser

Despite all the expensive bling on display, the PRICE FROM £48,998 Quicksilver Activ 755 Cruiser was one of the highlights for me. The newest model to join the Quicksilver range brings with it a new style, an attention to detail and a use of quality materials that should make choosing a seven metre day cruiser just that little bit easier. The 755 has all the features you would expect to find on a boat of this style, including an offset double in the bow, a cockpit galley that includes hob, sink and fridge and a great cockpit layout that should work well both underway and when stationary. It also has a few that you wouldn’t, such as a compact, but separate, toilet compartment, concealed canopy and hardware and illuminated cup holders and 755 badges.

LOA: 6.99m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 1440kg (ex engine) www.barrus.co.uk

Cormate Utility 23 Supermarine

Cormate boats combine a touch of elegance with some serious sporting credentials, and the new Utility 23 Supermarine is no PRICE exception. Available with either outboard or FROM £61,704 sterndrive power from 115hp upwards, the U23 can reach speeds of up to 50 knots in standard form, or 80 knots with the Race Edition. At the helm you get race boat style throttles, but elsewhere you also find some rather practical features such as a small cabin, a sociable seating arrangement in the aft cockpit and good side deck access to the bow. At just 750kg ex engine, the U23 is an exceptionally light boat, which means that even with the entry-level 115hp outboard you still get 40 knot performance.

LOA: 7.15m Beam: 2.35m Displacement: 750kg (ex engine) www.finedesign-marine.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWBOATS Rodman Spirit 31 Outboard Open/HT

PRICE FROM

£121,200

Rodman’s Spirit 31 has received a substantial makeover, and the result is the new Spirit 31 Outboard. As the name suggests, the inboard engine/s have been replaced with single or twin outboards up to a total of 400hp. This change has allowed Rodman to create a proper second cabin with a double berth, rather than the single pilot berth of the inboard version.

LOA: 9.48m Beam: 3.36m Displacement: 6000kg www.rbsmarine.com

Chaparral Surf 244

Ideal Boat were displaying the first of the new ‘Surf ’ range from Chaparral. The range consists of five boats, the 227, 244, 246, 257 and 264, that have been given the ‘Surf ’ treatment. This means that they have a PRICE FROM £125,000 different hull, optimized for a combination of wakeboarding and cruising, and also come packed with wakeboarding features such as a tower, board racks, surf gates, ballast tanks and a touch-screen unit at the helm that not only provides engine and navigational information, it allows the skipper to control the surf gates and ballast tanks. All models come with a bow ladder for ease of picking crew up from the beach, and all but the smallest model have an onboard toilet. All ‘Surf ’ models come fitted with Volvo’s Forward Drive, for added safety and improved wake functions, and the model on display is available with either a 300 or 350hp Volvo petrol engine. The ‘Surf ’ range starts at £93,995.

LOA: 7.42m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 1996kg www.idealboat.com

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February 2017

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

Bayliner Element E7 & CC7

PRICE FROM

£23,822

Bayliner’s Element range continues to expand, with two new models making their London debut. The CC7 and E7 have taken the same theme found on the Bayliner E7 5 and 6 metre versions but in a 6.8 metre hull. You still get the Element M shaped PRICE FROM £25,656 hull for great stability, but with more room onboard that allows additional seating and socializing. There are also a couple of other upgrades on the E7, such as individual engine instruments on the dash, to replace the usual single large ‘Mini’ style instrument, and stainless steel Bayliner CC7 grab handles and cup holders, all eleven of them! With each Element seemingly getting better with size, we have great expectations from these two new models. Both new models are available with a single outboard of between 115 and 150hp.

Bayliner E7

SYSTEMS SOLUTION The

• Quality engineering • Innovative design • Competitive pricing • Guaranteed compatibility • Unrivalled warranty

Bayliner CC7

LOA 6.81m Beam: 2.36m Displacement: 1300kg (ex eng) www.bayliner.com

for ENGINES t: 023 8045 4507

e : S A LE S@ VE T US. CO. UK

W W W .V E T U S . C O M

ENGINES | STERN GEAR | FUEL | INSTRUMENTS | FRESH WATER | WASTE WATER | MANOEUVRING | ELECTRICAL | STEERING | HATCHES | VENTILATION

NEWBOATS Waterspoor 777 Aviator

PRICE FROM

£42,320

The latest Dutch Sloop style boat to reach our shores is the Waterspoor 777 Aviator. This 25 footer may look like it was designed for crawling around the canals of Amsterdam at walking pace, but don’t be deceived. While it would be perfect for a sedate life on the river, with a capacity of up to 12 people, the 777 can also be fitted with an engine of up to 270hp that will give it a top speed of around 25 knots and watersports capabilities. The small toilet compartment in the bow is also a nice feature to extend your time on the water.

LOA: 7.77m Beam: 3.02m Displacement: 2450kg www.tbsboats.com

Rand Picnic

PRICE FROM circa

£19,400

The Danish built Rand Picnic offers boating in its simplest form. The 16 footer can carry 10 people in a very sociable layout. Designed primarily for use with an electric outboard, the Picnic will cruise for around 8 hours at river speeds with a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0, and up to 13 knots for one hour with a Cruise 10.0. The engine size and battery capacity can be adjusted for almost any combination of speed and endurance in between. The boat can also be ordered with a petrol outboard of up to 40hp for speeds of around 24 knots.

Look out for a full test soon.

LOA: 5.35m Beam: 2.1m Displacement: 390kg (ex engine) www.randboats.com

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February 2017

Greenline 36 Hybrid The future is coming.

The new Greenline 36 has massive batteries, powerful inverter, 220 volt cooking and solar panels as standard whether in Diesel only or Diesel/Electric Hybrid version.

Call us for details of regional shows near you

UK dealer Inspiration Marine Group Ltd Hamble Point Marina SO31 4NB Tel: 02380 457 008 south@inspirationmarine.co.uk www.inspirationmarine.co.uk

INSPIRATION MARINE GROUP

CUTTING

EDGE

MacGlide

It had to happen eventually. MacGlide is a new stickon antifouling. Yes, you read that right. MacGlide comes in self-adhesive sheets and is simply stuck on to a prepared hull. It is not an antifoul in the traditional sense, as what it offers is a low adhesion silicone surface that is said to be self-cleaning at speeds above 7 knots, but it offers an alternative to silicone based paints that work the same way. All old antifoul will need to be removed before professional application, but once applied it is said to have a five year lifespan with nothing to do other than an optional annual lift and wash. MacGlide will be available in red, black and blue.

Price circa £115m2 applied www.grapefruitgraphics.co.uk

Dometic CF26

The CF26 from Dometic looks like a useful bit of kit. The portable 21 litre fridge freezer can maintain temperatures down to -18°C while drawing just 2.9A. It operates on 12 or 24 Volts DC, and can also be plugged into mains power when it is available. There is also an option to run it from solar panels if you really need to conserve battery power.

The CF26 sits in the middle of the five model CF range, weighs just 12 kg and even has an interior light. If you need additional fridge space, or would like to add a freezer on board for longer cruises, the CF26 appears to be the perfect answer.

Price £499 www.dometic.com

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February 2017

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

Torqeedo

Torqeedo has partnered with BMW to provide new battery power for its Deep Blue 40 and 80hp electric propulsion system. Technical information on the battery is hard to come by, but it appears to be a 33kWh lithium ion unit, producing 345Volts. The result, according to the brochure, is a run time of up to 19 hours at 4 knots with a Deep Blue 80, although if you want to achieve the top speed of approaching 30 knots, don’t go far from a charging point. You will get in the region of just 35 minutes at these speeds between charges.

Price TBA www.torqeedo.com

Suzuki

Garmin

Garmin launched a new range of multifunction displays at London. The “22” range consists of eight models ranging from the 7 to 12 inch and numbered 722, 822, 1022 and 1222. The 722 and 922 are touch screen only models, while the 1022 and 1222 are purely button control models. Each of the four models is available in sonar or non-sonar versions. Features include Auto Guidance, WiFi tether to iPad for weather and sea conditions overlay capability and support for FLIR thermal camera and IP, VIRB camera and Fusion-Link integration.

Suzuki outboards have a new mechanical binnacle mount remote control box.

Produced after feedback from boat builders and end user, the new control is designed to be more ergonomic, easier to fit and easier and more comfortable to use.

Price Included as an option with suitable remote rigged outboards www.suzuki-marine.co.uk

Price from £999.99 www.garmin.com/en-gb

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CUTTING

EDGE

FAB Dock

Are you fed up with antifouling, and want to reduce maintenance on your sterngear? If so, FAB Dock will be of interest. FAB Dock is a way of dry berthing your boat while staying in the water, and consists of an inflatable ring that forms a contained pool. The rear section of the ring deflates and drops into the water, allowing you to drive your boat into it. Once the rear section inflates, it then pumps all of the water out of the pool leaving your hull dry. FAB Dock doesn’t take up much more room than your boat, so shouldn’t incur additional mooring fees, and can be deflated and easily moved from berth to berth. FAB Dock can be custom built for boats from 15ft to 100ft or there are three universal sizes to cover most boats up to 30ft.

Price from £5,495 www.finedesign-marine.co.uk

International Toplac

International has announced the addition of two new colours to its Toplac range of high gloss enamel topcoat paints.

Woodward Green 139 and Platinum 151 will join the existing 21 shades and will be available in 750ml and 2.5 litre packs.

Price from £26.50 yachtpaint. com

Selva

I always enjoy a visit to the Selva stand, as they usually have something just a little different on offer. At this show I discovered their range of portable four stroke outboards with integrated battery and electric start. Available in 6, 8 and 9.9hp versions, these motors conceal a small 12V 14Ah Lithium-Ion battery, that weighs just 0.7kg, under the cowling. This is charged by a 70W alternator that comes as standard on all electric start versions and a push button start on the side of the engine, together with tiller steering, keeps the motor just as portable as a pull start version.

Price from £1,699 www.selvamarine.co.uk

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February 2017

LONDON BOAT SHOW SPECIAL

Yamaha F100F

Yamaha’s new 100hp outboard is lighter, more compact, smoother and quieter than the previous model. The F100F is a four cylinder, 1.8 litre, single overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinder. It comes with a 35A alternator, power trim and tilt, shallow water drive and is available in long and extra long shaft lengths. The 162kg engine is fully compatible with Yamaha’s Digital Network System, meaning it can take advantage of the full array of Yamaha’s sophisticated control functions such as VTS (Variable Speed Trolling) and the Y-COP immobilizer security system. Price from £10,099 www.yamaha-motor.eu

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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PRACTICAL

PRE-SURVEY GUIDE

Used Boat Self-Survey

PART 2

FOUR-PART SERIES • Part 1 Hull and exterior • Part 2 Interior and electrics • Part 3 Machinery • Part 4 Sea trial

W

elcome to part two of our guide to buying a used boat, and what to look for before committing to an offer and a professional survey. Last month we talked about what a buyer should be looking at on the exterior of a potential purchase. In this issue we move inside the boat and examine the possible pitfalls that may lurk on some used vessels.

Last month in Part 1 we looked at the hull and below the waterline

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February 2017

Interiors

A boat’s interior can be its best selling point, or its Achilles heel. It is easy to look at a bit of damaged gelcoat and imagine it fixed, or a broken propeller and take into account the cost of replacement, but if you step onboard a boat and the interior is damp, dark, messy and smelly the viewing will often go no further. Sometimes though, you have to look through this, as many a gem has been hiding behind an uncared for interior. Equally, it pays to look closely, as replacing interiors that are damaged, beyond a simple clean, can get very expensive.

A good place to start is at the bottom.

Finding a serious problem lurking in the bilge may allow you to quickly move on to your next potential purchase.

Start by lifting up all available floor panels, excluding the engine room, as we will cover that next month. Stick your head down and have a good sniff.

How does it smell? If you get a strong smell of diesel, petrol or effluent, the chances are there is a leak in one of

these systems. It could be as simple as a loose hose, but try and track down the source as on older boats it is common to find fuel and water tanks that are corroded and need replacement. This can prove to be a significant job that may entail removal of the engines or

You should lift up every access panel that you can to allow a full inspection of the bilge area

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

PRACTICAL

parts of the boats structure. If the smell is of petrol, or gas, you may want to consider abandoning the viewing and report your findings to the boatyard and/or broker. Any boat with petrol or gas vapour in the bilge is not one that you want to be hanging around on for too long.

A slight damp smell in the bilge is not uncommon, and is not really something to worry about. It is fairly common for boats, even new ones, to have a bit of water in the bilge and, if this has been left standing for any length of time, it may start to stagnate.

If there is a significant amount of water in the bilge, this is again something that needs investigating. Determining if it is salt or fresh water may give a clue as to its origin, but I’ll leave it up to you as to how you find this out.

While you are looking in the bilges, use a torch to examine all the inside of the hull that you can access, as well as all of the stringers, bearers and bulkheads. What you are looking for is evidence of damage, or poor repairs, to

Check the operation of seacocks and inspect for corrosion or evidence of leaks

Diesel in the bilge could indicate a big and expensive problem, so check carefully

the hull and cracks where the hull meets any stringers, bearers or bulkheads.

It is not uncommon to find the odd bit of fibreglass tabbing showing signs of cracks or delamination, so make a note of any you see and, if you proceed to a full survey, ask the surveyor to give these areas very close scrutiny.

Any large cracks, or lots of small ones, together with evidence of any shifting, probably means the boat has had a hard life and may require extensive repair work or strengthening.

The last check to make while down in the bilges are any seacocks. You should be able to work out how many there are, and where they are, from the outside of the boat. Check the condition of them in terms of corrosion, check the hull around the seacock for evidence of leaks and gently try and open and close each one, always leaving them in the position you found them. They

34

February 2017

should operate freely. If one feels stuck don’t force it. Remember it’s someone else’s boat and you don’t want to break anything. Just log it as a potential issue that needs sorting if you take the purchase further.

Working your way up, the next step is to look at the carpets and flooring in every cabin. Leaks often seem to accumulate in a corner somewhere so look for any sodden areas of carpet, or any stains that might indicate they were wet at some point. Tracing interior leaks is not easy, but knowing there is one somewhere will at least forewarn you. If the carpets are just generally grubby, they will almost certainly clean up with a proper carpet washing machine, and this will be easier and cheaper than replacing them. The same applies to other soft furnishings. Seat cushions and mattresses that are not damaged can be relatively easy to clean.

If, however, there is damage to the material, you need to take into account the cost of a re-upholster if you decide

Wet carpets indicate a leak, but can be dried and cleaned. Stained carpets may need replacing, which can be a tricky job

to make an offer. Maybe consider getting a quote from a local firm before the offer stage.

The next step is to look beneath the soft furnishing and inside any cupboards and lockers. Again you are looking for any movement or cracks.

The same applies to interior mouldings

Like carpets, dirty upholstery can be made to look like new again, but damaged cushions will need re-covering Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

35

PRACTICAL

such as a galley unit, seating modules or heads compartments. These are often fixed in and made waterproof with sealant. If the sealant has separated, it could be just that the sealant is old and has dried out, or it could be because the moulding has moved. If you suspect movement, try to grab hold of the moulding and gently wiggle it. It should be solid, so if there is movement this may be another area to point out to your surveyor, if it reaches that stage.

You should also look upwards at any headlinings or overhead panels and make sure that the material is still nicely fixed in place and that damage is minimal, or at least concurs with the age and usage of the boat. This last point is important to remember. At all stages of inspection, you have to take into account that you are looking at a used boat. You cannot expect it to be as immaculate as the day it left the factory, when you are paying a fraction of the price when new. Loose headlining may indicate damp but it can also just be a sign of age where the foam backing has started to deteriorate. In these cases you are unlikely to be able to stick them

Damaged cabin headlining makes a boat look very tatty, but can be replaced at a cost

Woodwork damaged by water may just need a rub down and some new varnish, but rotten wood will need removing and replacing

back in place, as the backing foam turns to dust, so you either have to choose to live with it, or take into account the cost of replacement.

Poor condition interiors are often caused by leaks, so it is important to carefully check around all of the windows, ports and hatches for signs of water ingress. The headlining or cabin lining may be stained, the carpet, furnishings or mattresses beneath a hatch may be stained or wet, and woodwork below windows can be damp, rotten, or have varnish peeling due to water ingress. Leaking windows and hatches can sometimes be very simple to repair, maybe requiring adjustment or a replacement seal, but may also require complete removal and refitting with new sealant. If you find white powder residue around any stainless steel window frames, it is likely that there is an element of aluminium in the construction of the frame, which is corroding. In the long term, these may need replacing and that will prove to be a very expensive job, possibly requiring custom made hardware.

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February 2017

Electrical systems

Moving onto the boats electrical circuits, first impressions go a long way. If the cables that you have seen while looking around the boat are all neat and tidy, there is a good chance that the electrics have been well cared for and faults should be few and minor. If, however, you find a veritable birds nest of messy cables, possibly joined with chocolate block, or snap lock connectors, you can guarantee that the boat will be hiding some serious electrical gremlins. Depending upon whether the boat is on or out of the water and whether it has power connected, you should at least be able to test some of the boats 12 or 24V DC electrics. The only exception be a boat that has had the batteries removed. If you are a serious buyer, I don’t think it unreasonable for the owner, or broker, to ensure the boat is powered up for your viewing, as long as you request the fact in advance and with enough notice. Test every circuit, every light and every 12/24V appliance that it is feasibly possible to. Don’t forget the hidden stuff such as trim tabs, power trim if the boat has an outboard or outdrives, and the anchor winch. You should also find the float switches for any automatic bilge pumps and ensure that they are operating correctly too. I would also like to see all electronic navigation equipment powered up and showing signs that they operate correctly. If you are buying a boat for a couple of thousand, it is to be expected that a few items may not work.

If on the other hand your purchase is in the 10’s or even 100’s of thousands, it is

Messy wiring should ring alarm bells. If this is visible, what is it like behind the scenes?

not unreasonable to expect all, or at least almost all, electrics and electronics to work, and to take any non-working items into account when compiling an offer, One word of advice though, is to leave everything as you found it, whether that be on or off. There may be a reason the owner has left something on or off, and it may not always be obvious. The only exception to this would be if you found a problem that could potentially get worse.

I once viewed a boat that had the battery charger on. The batteries were bubbling and venting furiously, filling the boat with dangerous hydrogen gas. I turned the battery charger off, but I made sure I informed the broker that I had done so and why, and I also asked him to inform the owner.

Check every circuit is operational if you can

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

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

37

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Which antifoul will banish the barnacles?

Q This is my second winter of ownership

of our Princess 32 and I am about to antifoul it again. Last year I picked up a couple of 750ml cans of the cheapest stuff I could find and applied it until it was used up. The result wasn’t very good. At the end of the season I had a good harvest of barnacles all over the bottom of the boat. I suspect the cheap antifouling might be part of the problem, but before I start looking for an alternative I wondered if there was a particular antifoul that worked well on east coast waters.

A While it is true that some antifoul paints work better than others in certain

areas, and that cheap antifoul is not always as good as more expensive brands, although sometimes it can prove just as successful, I think your problem may be down to application. To be effective, antifoul paint needs to be applied to the required thickness. It is easy, as you found out, to make 1.5 litres cover the hull of a 32 foot boat, but if you look at the manufacturers websites they will give you the required quantities for any given hull type and length, and your boat would need more than 1.5 litres to achieve the required film thickness. To give you an example, International’s Cruiser Uno, which I have found to be good on the east coast, requires 3.2 litres for a boat of your size. Seajet Samurai 031, another good product that is well-priced, would require 3 litres. We have attached our antifouling guide to the end of this issue, which anyone about to embark on this job may find useful.

To be effective, it is important to apply the right amount of antifoul 38

February 2017

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

How can I check my rev counter?

Q I suspect that my rev counter is under-reading,

as when I am flat out it reads 500rpm below its rated maximum, despite having the correct size props and achieving almost exactly the expected top speed. Is there an easy way of checking, or should I just install a new one?

A You can buy quite cheap handheld tachometers, which work by reading a piece

of reflective material stuck onto a flywheel, crank shaft pulley or cam shaft pulley. If you use the latter, you will have to double the result to find the correct engine rpm.

It should go without saying, but great care should be taken when working in close proximity to a running engine. Remove all jewelery and loose clothing, tie long hair back and keep fingers well away from moving parts.

New inland family cruiser for £50k

Q I am looking to buy my first boat that I want to use for family trips on the

non-tidal Thames. The boat should be able to accommodate four, two adults and two young children, for up to a week at a time and have cooking and toilet facilities onboard. I would really like to buy new, as I know very little and like the idea of having dealer support and warranty, but my budget is £50k, so I suspect I may end up looking for something pre-owned. Any suggestions?

A If it’s a boat just for non-tidal use, then I think your criteria can be met in full.

How about a brand new Viking 24 for £47,866, or for a little over budget, a larger 275 pictured. For quite a bit under budget, you could also look at the smaller Viking 215 and 22 models, that manage to meet all of your criteria for £39k and £45k respectively. In a similar vein, you could get a compact Shetland 4+2 well within budget, starting at £23,999, or a Shetland 27 if you stretch things a little? There is a lot to be said for dealer support for a newcomer to this hobby, and with that in mind the Viking, with its Thames-based dealers at Reading, must surely be top of the list. Good luck.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Installing a domestic fridge

Q I want to install an electric fridge on my cruiser but, being on a budget, I am

somewhat put off by the cost of 12-volt units. I can pick up a boat sized domestic fridge locally for around ÂŁ70, and I am wondering about installing it on the boat and running it from an inverter. Would this work? Will the movement of the boat cause a domestic fridge any problems, particularly any slamming at sea? What size inverter will I need and will my two 110Ahr batteries deliver enough power?

A I have been down this route myself so can offer you some first hand advice.

Typically, these small domestic fridges draw about 300W when running, although their startup current is going to be significantly more, which means you are probably looking at a 1kw inverter as a minimum. So, when the compressor is running, the fridge will draw around 25A from your batteries. Based on 50% usable power you have 110Ah available, assuming no other use. This will sustain the fridge for around 4 hours, less if using lights etc. Take into account a duty cycle of around 33%, although this depends largely upon ambient temperature, the contents of the fridge and the amount of times the fridge door is opened, you should have up to 13 hours run time, again less if you take into account other items using the battery. With the engine running, your alternator should keep up with demands. When on shorepower, your battery charger should take care of things assuming it is at least a 15A version. As long as you don’t want to spend days on anchor, you should be ok, but you can always turn it off if power is short, it will stay cold for a few hours anyway. I didn’t experience any problems with the fridge, despite it being onboard during some quite rough passages, and it was still working when I sold the boat around five years after installing. What I will mention though is that domestic fridges have no form of door catch, and on more than one occasion the contents were dumped onto the floor when the door swung open. In the end, I resorted to a bungee across the door to keep it shut when underway.

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February 2017

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Engine oil change

Q I have a 1995 Sea Ray with a MerCruiser 4.3 V6 engine and I am planning to do my first oil change.

What specification oil does this engine require?

A The manual for this engine talks about using

straight 30 or 40 weight oil, depending upon the temperature the boat is being operated in, although personally I would stick with a good multiviscocity oil. Quicksilver, a brand closely associated with Mercury Marine, produce a 25W-40 Four Stroke Engine Oil in both synthetic and mineral blends. The mineral version would be my preferred choice, although any good quality oil to the same specification would be equally good.

Robust, durable boats ideal for both amateur and professional anglers

Pro-Fish™ 560

Authorised Admiral Sales & Service Dealers Boatylicious Marine Ltd, Poole, Dorset 01202 618000 sales@boatylicious.com

Pro-Fish™ 660

For more information visit www.barrus.co.uk

Boating Mania, Upminster, Essex 01708 226909 boatingmania@btinternet.com Bottom Line Ltd, Douglas IOM 01624 671671 sales@bottomline.im Swordfish Marine, Dunoon, Argyll 01369 701905 enquiries@swordfishmarine.co.uk Harbour Marine, Pwllheli, Gwynedd 01758 701707 info@harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk

CELEBRATING OUR FIRST 1OO YEARS, GEARING UP FOR THE NEXT.

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Sea Ray 240 Sundancer

I

f you are looking for a first boat or have outgrown your cuddy or bowrider, American boat builders have provided the UK with a bewildering array of stylish and affordable pocket cruisers in the 2425ft size bracket. But which one do you choose? This month we visit the Sea Ray stable, and to one particularly popular 4-berth boat that saw a two-model, 10 year production run in the 90’s and 00’s, the 240 Sundancer.

US boat builder, Sea Ray Boats was founded by a young Cornelius ‘Connie’ Nathaniel Ray in Oxford, Michigan,

in 1959, and the company specialised in producing stylish fibreglass performance leisure cruisers. In 1986, the builder became part of the Brunswick Corporation, joining other major US manufacturers, and competitors, such as Bayliner and Maxum.

Sea Ray as a brand is highly regarded for its inventive use of space, and we can trace the 240 Sundancer’s origins right back to 1975, and to the SRV 240 Sundancer, Sea Ray’s first sterndrive powered sportscruiser to incorporate a double mid berth. Fast forward to 1995 and Sea Ray

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February 2017

Built 1996-2005 Prices then £31,495 (1996) Prices now £17,000-£27,000 Length 23ft 6in / 7.16m Beam 8ft 6in / 2.59m Draught drive up 2ft / 0.6m drive down 3ft 3in / 1m Air Draught 9ft 4in / 2.84m Fuel 49 gallons / 227 litres Water 9 gallons / 41.6 litres Displacement 1.95-2.5t approx

was offering two mid berth sportscruiser models, the 230 and 250 Sundancer. But in this fiercely competitive size bracket, Sea Ray upped the stakes and a year later introduced a new 240 Sundancer. Often referred to as the 240 DA, the new boat bridged the gap between the two models and looked almost identical to the 250, but without the bowsprit. This 24ft single sterndrive sportscruiser follows the typical entry-level sportscruiser DNA. It offers a generous cockpit for day boating, whilst delivering comfortable 2-4-berth accommodation down below. It is a fast

boat too, with single sterndrive power options up to 250hp, and later 320hp.

In reality, it wasn’t until 1997 that we would see the 240 Sundancer in the UK, but it has certainly proved a popular model for long-standing dealers, Marina Marbella (UK) Ltd, based on the River Hamble.

In 2000 the 240 Sundancer received a makeover and, for this, Sea Ray borrowed inspiration from its existing model, the 260 Sundancer (introduced in 1999). Its side decks disappeared, providing a full width cabin area, and its superstructure

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

was awarded curvaceous lines with sunken portholes. There was also a larger, non-integral bathing platform for access. Changes were fairly minimal in the interior, while the cockpit saw quite a major layout transformation.

The 240 Sundancer was replaced by the 245 Sundancer in 2005. This was a totally new boat and, despite its name, it was slightly smaller overall than the previous 240’s. This boat was rebadged the ‘240 Sundancer’ a couple of years later and was in production until 2010.

Today, Sea Ray offers 45 models ranging from 19-65 feet covering four categories, sportsboats, sportcruisers (the Sundancer range), sport yachts and yachts. The builder does not currently produce a 24ft modern equivalent to the 240. The smallest mid cabin sportscruiser currently offered is the 265 Sundancer, known as the 260 in the US, which is priced from £102,240 with a standard single 6.2L MPI ECT MerCruiser (Bravo III) engine.

Sea Ray, the brand, is now approaching 60 years old and has a superb owners archive on its website. There is also a great support network of owners out there, mainly in the US, including the very active

Can you spot the differences? Top, the 90’s 240 Sundancer which was built 1996-1999.

Bottom, the later 240 Sundancer, which was in production between 2000-2005

Club Sea Ray website and forum.

With prices lingering around the £1727k mark, we stepped aboard a petrol 1997 240 at Clarke & Carter to find out why these boats were so successful.

The brochures. Left, the 1975 SRV 240 Sundancer. Bottom, the 1996 and 2002 240 Sundancer

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February 2017

Private, cosy and functional. The 240 Sundancer has a traditional, convertible dinette area forward

Interior As you descend through the central companionway, a cosy cabin area greets you. Ahead is the fairly spacious, V-shaped, raised dinette. The galley unit is to port and a toilet compartment is on the starboard side. The dinette area, with its slot-in table, is ample for four and converts into a generous double berth. However, due to the galley unit on the port side, this berth is slightly offset.

As the floor has various levels, cabin headroom does vary, but crucially the height at the galley sink is just under 6ft.

You will note that the companionway door is solid white GRP, rather than the often found clear plastic, and closing this creates a very private cabin area, as well as providing practical foredeck access.

The galley unit is basic, but perfectly adequate for dayboating and weekending.

The galley unit features a circular plastic

or metal sink, a single alcohol hob (an optional extra) and a dual voltage 31-litre fridge that is powered by shorepower and 12 volt. Some boats may even be fitted with a microwave and, on older boats, there are usually two good size lockers either side the fridge, providing galley and cabin storage. There is a bin concealed in the companionway steps, and behind the galley worktop is an open storage unit, which incorporates the boats electrical switch panel. The only thing the galley lacks is easily accessible electrical points.

There is usually just one socket in the entrance to the mid cabin.

Tucked away aft, underneath the cockpit sole, is a full-beam mid berth. We were impressed with the size of this berth, at well over 6ft in length. The berth offers seated headroom, with a backrest cushion, and a sliding opening port, with a fly screen, set into the cockpit bulkhead. The

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The evolution of the galley. A stark but practical 90’s galley, progressing to wood finishes in 2003

mid cabin berth can also be sectioned off for privacy by a semi-rigid concertina enclosure, which was changed to a

The mid berth may look basic but it is actually quite a generous size, particularly in length

curtain on later boats. Storage for clothing is limited. Early boats do not have a wardrobe, while boats from 2003 onwards have one on the starboard side, just forward of the toilet compartment, which reduces the length of the seating slightly.

Early models usually have the standard basic toilet compartment with just a toilet, a part-moulded floor, and carpet wall linings. On these boats, the galley sink has to double as a washing convenience when overnighting. However, a sink unit and cubicle was an optional extra. Updated models from 2000 have a moulded cubicle as standard, with an integral washbasin, storage and shower mixer tap. The ability to shower and wash aboard transformed this 24ft boat, as owners could now be more self sufficient and stay aboard longer.

An electric toilet and a holding tank were also optional extras.

1990’s boats will usually have the

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February 2017

1997 £17,950 Single MerCruiser 5.7LX 250hp Clarke & Carter Burnham 01621 785600 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk The basic 90’s toilet compartment, left, and a 2000 cubicle

fashionable white interiors of the era, and Sea Ray offset these with heavily patterned fabrics.

Yes, interiors may appear a little stark and dated, but these are usually good quality, perfectly serviceable and promote plenty of light in the cabin area. Wood veneers, usually cherry, did not really appear until much later in the 00’s.

Light coloured carpet linings are also common in US-built cruisers. These can suffer from mould through lack of ventilation, or staining that could indicate leaks from portholes and hatches.

The portholes on 90’s boats are usually Perspex, which is prone to damage and can suffer from crazing. We noted a lack of opening ports in the galley, toilet and main cabin area, although the foredeck hatch, cabin door and a slide-opening porthole in the mid cabin should provide sufficient ventilation. Sea Ray addressed this in its 2000 model update, by adding metal-framed opening ports all around.

On Deck We were very impressed by the access to the foredeck on these boats. The curved companionway door, with its moulded step and generous flat top, provides a fairly wide and reassuringly safe passageway through the windscreen onto the foredeck.

2001 £24,950 Single Volvo KAD32 170hp diesel Clipper Marine Poole 01202 916 424 www.clippermarine.co.uk

2002 £21,995 MerCruiser 5.0l MPI 260hp Madog Boat Sales 01766 514 205 www.madogboatsales.com

1997 £19,950 MerCruiser 5.0l MPI 240hp Harbour Yachts 01202 660150 www.harbouryachts.co.uk

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The 90’s cockpit is quite spacious and versatile for two people. Foredeck access is impressive

The foredeck itself is one level and slopes gradually to the bow. On both boats, low guardrails enclose the area and, due to the foredeck slope, offer slightly more height and on-deck security at the bow. Many boats will be fitted with an electric anchor winch, with a chain locker that is accessible from the foredeck.

The combination of a transom door and decent bathing platform make these boats very accessible for boarding and crewing.

90’s models have a good size integral

Later boats have an extended bathing platform

platform, with a bathing ladder and hips that extend aft each side. Most 00’s models will be fitted with the extended bathing platform, giving an extra 2 foot on the length, bringing the 240 up to 26ft overall.

This is perfect for side-on and stern-to access. These will usually be fitted with a swim ladder (longer than the previous model) and an access hatch to inspect the drive/propeller. These later models also have a useful deck storage locker in the transom, which is accessible from the bathing platform.

Cockpit & Helm The cockpit is where you will spend most of your time and, with two layout configurations, it is here you see the major differences between the two 240 models.

On 90’s boats you enter the cockpit via a transom gate on the port side. There is a dinette-cum-sunpad area to starboard.

This backs immediately onto a double helm seat and its combined seat base provides a large storage locker, which is accessible from both sides. This carpetlined locker neatly swallows up the cockpit table and pedestal, fenders, rope and other

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February 2017

The ‘00’s cockpit offers comfort for the helmsman and better forward-facing seating for the navigator

deck equipment. The double helm seat is not adjustable but provides adequate support and visibility. Although the helm seat is a good double width, the steering wheel is mounted centrally and may not be comfortable for two when underway.

On the port side there is a sunlounger, its moulded base providing the necessary headroom for the mid berth below.

The 00’s 240 has a curved transom with a gate on the starboard side. Inside the cockpit there is a dedicated dinette area to port that converts into a sunpad. Pull a lever and the aft-facing seat slides out to meet the transom seat. Ahead is an L-shaped bolstered seating area providing good forward facing views whilst underway. Again, on the opposite side is the helm, this has a single supportive bucket seat on a pedestal and raised

plinth. Behind this is a small storage unit with optional sink. The revised layout is obviously more akin to modern-day sportscruisers and, therefore, more desirable. We think it is also more suitable for younger families as it keeps everyone ‘up front’ whilst underway.

The covered cockpit is an important area on this boat, so be sure to inspect the condition of the canopy. There is a lot of canvas and it could be an un-factored expense if found to be in poor condition.

With a number of horizontal zipped sections and removable side screens, the canopy can usually be configured in a number of ways. Check the clear sections for UV damage and also where it comes into contact with the metal framework, as this can burn and damage it in sunshine.

With the canopy up or down, there is

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Not too big to trail. The 240 Sundancer weighs between 2-2.5 tonnes but it is a big boat on a trailer

excellent visibility whilst helming, seated or standing, on both models. The helm consoles are very tidy and stylish, with dials and rocker switches displayed in wood effect dash panels. Unfortunately there is no space for a flush mounted chartplotter, so bracket mounting is usually the only option on these boats.

Whilst in the cockpit, inspect the condition of the white vinyl seating. Wear tends to be in thoroughfare areas, such as bolstered transom backrest on 90’s boats and companionway edges of L-shaped seating on the 00’s boat.

Hull and Handling Small, fast sterndrive-powered sportscruisers are fun to drive, and the 240 Sundancer is no exception. Despite its 2-tonne weight, the combination of the modified V hull and copious power provide an exhilarating ‘get up and go’ ride, not too dissimilar to a sportsboat. It is also surprisingly stable for its size.

However, these boats are particularly sensitive to trim at speed, and movement onboard, weight distribution or wind conditions will easily upset the lateral trim.

Hydraulic trim tabs were fitted as standard to improve performance. Owners might want to consider going a stage further and upgrading to an automatic system, which should work brilliantly at keeping the boat level, regardless of weight and wind shifts.

The Sea Ray decals, stripes and logos along the waterline and superstructure of these boats can deteriorate and look tatty.

They can be easily removed altogether, or sourced from Sea Ray and replaced.

With the right vehicle and trailer the 240 Sundancer is towable. Weighing up to 3.5 tonnes all up, its shear size and weight when on a trailer means it not really suitable for regular day launches. However, we are certainly aware of owners towing their boats to far-flung places, such as the Med, for holidays afloat. Its size also makes it very suitable for drystacking, which can

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February 2017

Engine evolution.

A MerCruiser 5.7LX V8 fitted to a 1997 240DA and a Volvo Penta KAD32 diesel on a 2001 boat

be a great cost-saving way to boat.

(Bravo II) priced at £44,271.

The reincarnation of the 240 Sundancer Engines brought new MerCruiser engine options.

The 240 Sundancer is usually powered There were two variations of a MerCruiser by a single petrol V8 MerCruiser and 5-litre engine available and again, sterndrive. Diesel options were available these were usually mated to Bravo 1 or sporadically during the build. However, upgraded Bravo III sterndrives with duo very few were built and therefore these props. There was the 230hp 5.0l EFI giving tend to be quite rare in the UK. a top speed of approximately 34 knots Initially, in 1996, the model was offered and the 260hp 5.0l MPI offering 40 knots. with several petrol options, and one diesel There was also a 300hp engine in the form engine. The base engine was a 210hp of a 350 Magnum and a 320hp MX 6.2.

MerCruiser 5.7 litre V8 engine, which By 2003 the entry-level engine was the was priced at £31,495. Two other power 260hp MerCruiser 5.7l EFI MCM Bravo versions of this engine were available, III, which was priced from £41,151. There the 220hp 5.7 EFI and a 250hp 5.7 LX. was also a 300hp MerCruiser Magnum Top of the range at £40,291 was a 140hp 350 available for £56,680, a 320hp for MerCruiser D3.0L diesel engine that was £57,815. Finally, top of the range was mated to a single prop Bravo I sterndrive. the 170hp Volvo Penta KAD32 priced By 1999 petrol options ranged from a at £59,292. This engine offers a top 36-knot 220hp (£37,750) to the 5.7l 260hp speed of approximately 28 knots and EFI MCM (£42,274). Sea Ray had upped cruising speeds in the region of 21-23 the diesel power option by introducing the knots. Despite being considered a little 150hp D2.8l MerCruiser D-Tronic Diesel underpowered, these boats will no doubt Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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provide the best economy and, therefore, tend to carry the highest price on the used market.

Re-engining is fairly rare. However, we did spot a 1997 model for sale at Harbour Yachts that had been re-engined in 2010 with a modern MerCruiser 5.0 litre MPI 240hp petrol engine, which was mated to a MerCruiser Alpha 1 sterndrive.

It is important to let your nose be your guide when you step aboard. If you smell fuel, be wary, there could be a leak. Access to the engine is via the aft cockpit floor.

On early versions removing the large hatch is quite awkward, particularly if you are on our own. The hatch can be lifted clear and placed vertically on the back seat. Another narrow panel can also be lifted out to see more of the engine. Later models have a gas strutted hatch, and the transom seat hinges down for easier access.

The 1997 240 viewed through Clarke & Carter was fitted with a MerCruiser 5.7 LX/V7 Thunderbolt engine. This seemed quite tight, height-wise, inside the engine bay, with cutaways in the hatch surround for the throttle linkages. There was just about enough room at the front and sides of the engine to get down into the engine bay itself. The fuel tank is set into the hull and located under the mid berth. This protrudes out into the engine bay from under the engine room bulkhead. You will also find the boat’s plastic water tank in the engine room on the port side, with the battery banks positioned further aft. Look at the condition of any existing engine soundproofing, as it may be degrading.

Engine hatches often vibrate where GRP meets GRP, a rubber hatch seal will not only stop this, it will also reduce engine noise in the cockpit.

Running a petrol-powered boat will,

A single outdrive keeps maintenance costs down.

Above, a modern MerCruiser 5.0MPi and Alpha 1 drive fitted to a re-engined 1997 240DA

of course, cost more than a similar diesel powered vessel, but not so much that you should be put off. The savings made on the purchase should help make up for the extra running costs, and the nature of this style of boat normally means that they are not used for cruising serious distances, helping to keep fuel usage to a minimum.

Obviously you do need to exercise caution with regards to safety, but good maintenance and a sensible operating regime will mean the risks are negligable.

In short, unless you are planning cross-

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February 2017

Channel forays and two week extended cruises, a petrol powered 240 is probably the right boat to choose.

Having a single engine and outdrive helps to keep maintenance costs down, and a keen amateur should be able to tackle most or all of the ongoing drive and engine servicing, but ensure that all maintennace is up to date so help avoid any nasty surprises. Most boats will be fitted with MerCruiser Bravo sterndrives and these have been known to suffer from galvanic corrosion. If you have any concerns we would recommend that you have a MerCruiser experienced engineer give them a thorough check over for you.

should not be used or sold within the EU. These boats are very cheap in the US and easy to import to the UK, therefore grey imports may be fairly common. We would always recommend checking the hull number, bill of sale and VAT status on any boat that you are interested in. Also be aware that mains powered appliances could be 110 volt on imported boats.

Buying Notes As this model was launched in 1996 all models should have a CE plate fitted next to the helm, which provides the boat’s RCD rating. Non CE compliant boats

Conclusion Sea Ray described the 240 Sundancer in its brochures as a ‘versatile, affordable family boat’. It is certainly very affordable now and would make a great first sportscruiser. As a family boat, it would be perfect for weekending or dayboating, but if spending longer onboard, it is perhaps more suitable for a couple.

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

Family 215 Express Cruiser

260 Sundancer

Prices £13,000-£25,000

Prices £25,000-£35,000

Length 21ft 6in Beam 8ft 6in This 21ft cuddy is an ideal trailboat and offers 2 berths with a separate toilet compartment.

Buy one (pictured) 1998 £16,495 www.morganmarine.com

Length 28ft Beam 8ft 6in The 240’s slightly larger sister delivers an identical layout with a bigger galley and toilet.

Buy one (pictured) 2001 £25,950 www.tbsboats.com

315 Sundancer

Prices £50,000-£70,000

Length 31ft Beam 9ft 4in The 315’s open plan interior offers 4-6 berths with two dinettes and double mid berth.

Buy one (pictured) 2005 £49,950 www.hutchins-marine.com

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Motorboat Owne r

Cruise in C ompa n y

Cruise in Company 2017 Summer Cruise

Broaden your horizons Normandy Cruise 28th May - 10th June

C

ruising in company is a fantastic way to broaden your experience and expand your cruising horizons. It also offers great security for those venturing offshore for the first time. Our Cruise in Company team will be there before, during and after each passage, offering a helping hand, advice and assistance whenever it is needed. We also make all of the arrangements for your cruise, leaving you free to just turn up and enjoy your holiday.

When The cruise will start on the evening of Sunday the 28th of May with a pre-cruise briefing. We will return back across the Channel to Brighton on the 10th of June where the cruise will terminate.

Where This year we will be running a two week early summer cruise to the Normandy coast of France. We’ll start in the Solent and will head south across the Channel to the port of Cherbourg. From here we will take in a number of ports on the French coast. Final details are still being prepared, but destinations are likely to include Saint Vaast La Hougue, Dives sur Mer, Deauville, Honfleur, Fecamp and St Valery en Caux.

How much does it cost?

Entrance fees are ÂŁ415 inc VAT per boat regardless of size. There is no limit to the number of people onboard and no hidden costs.

Can I come?

All subscribers to Motorboat Owner are eligible to sign up. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Can I bring any boat?

We can accept any boat that is capable of making a cross Channel passage, has a range of at least 100NM with at least a 20% fuel margin, and a cruising speed of at least 16 knots.

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February 2017

What is the cancellation policy?

Once your booking is confirmed, and payment made, a full refund, less an admin fee of £30, will be issued as long as the space can be filled. Our cruises are subject to a minimum number of bookings. We reserve the right to cancel the event if it is under subscribed. In this event you will receive a full refund.

What paperwork will I need?

Compulsory paperwork: • Passports for all crew • The boat’s original Part I or SSR registration document • Certificate of boat insurance (at least £2m third-party cover) • Ship’s radio licence • VHF operator’s certificate Recommended: • Proof of the boat’s VAT status • EHIC health cover card • Travel Insurance • Manuals for all on-board systems • Coastguard CG66 registration Do I need formal qualifications?

Officially no formal RYA qualifications are needed for this cruise, although if you have any, such as an ICC, it is a good idea to bring them with you.

Do I have to carry certain equipment?

As a minimum, we ask that your boat is equipped to the levels recommended by

Port Guillaume, Dives sur Mer

the RYA for UK pleasure vessels. Click here for more information. A full list will be sent out with your booking form, but any vessel regularly going to sea is likely to already be equipped to a suitable level. We do request that boats carry either a liferaft, or an inflated tender.

How can I apply?

Register your interest at cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk. We will reply with a booking form, which requires completing and returning to us.

How can I find out more?

If you have a specific question that is not answered here, please feel free to email us at cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk or call Claire Frew on 01268 922993 What happens next?

There are limited spaces available so please register your interest at cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk as soon as possible. We’ll reserve a space for you pending the return of your completed form and payment. Once this is received your place will be confirmed.

Saint Vaast la Hougue

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CRUISING IN COMPANY

What does the entrance fee include?

The fee includes all of the planning, admin work and any assistance you require during the trip. By being part of the group we may also be able to negotiate discounts on berthing and fuel, although this is at the discretion of the harbours visited.

Guernsey Padstow There are very few harbours along the rugged north Cornwall coast and tidal Bristol Channel. However, there is one characterful harbour that you will want to revisit time and time again. Padstow

T

he charming small fishing village and harbour of Padstow is tucked away up a sheltered estuary on the north Cornwall coast. It began life as a fishing village next to a little drying creek, nestled into the west bank on the River Camel. The stunning shallow sandy Camel Estuary winds its way north, out to

sea and, at its entrance, lies the infamous Doom Bar. Legend has it that a vengeful mermaid created it, but perhaps storms are the more likely culprit.

In the late 15th century the construction of a bridge at Wadebridge prevented larger vessels from journeying up river on the tide. This spurred on harbour construction

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February 2017

Destination

PADSTOW

Swansea Cardiff

Bristol

Watchet

Padstow Penzance

Salcombe

Matt Jessop/Visit Cornwall Matt Jessop/Visit Cornwall

Aerials provided by J.Watts

at Padstow, and it soon was to become a Cornish trading hub for local materials, such as copper, tin and slate.

Through the centuries the Cornish export industries and trade links slowly dwindled, but by this time the harbour had become an important refuge for visiting ships on the north coast of Cornwall, triggering another major industry in the 19th and 20th century, shipbuilding. Padstow continued to grow as a fishing port, and the arrival

of a Padstow to London railway route in the 19th century meant that fish could now be transported directly to London’s Billingsgate Fish Market. This also put Padstow on the map as a tourist seaside destination.

Padstow used to flood on high equinox tides, but in the late 20th century a harbour gate was installed. This acts as a defence, as well as retaining the water in an inner harbour at low water.

Today, Padstow’s fishing industry

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KYoung

Padstow’s inner harbour is very sheltered and has ample facilities including water and electric

remains very lucrative. As a working fishing harbour it is home to a number of fishing vessels, of different colours, shapes and sizes. These vessels winter inside the inner harbour and spend the summer in the outer harbour. The primary catch is shellfish, such as crab, lobster and scallops.

The bounty is unloaded inside the inner and outer harbours, and proudly served up in local restaurants just yards away.

The television chef and Padstow resident, Rick Stein has harnessed this industry

and has created various ‘Stein’ branches throughout the town, including five restaurants, shops, self catering holiday homes and even a cookery school. It is no wonder that Padstow is often be referred to as ‘Padstein’. But sustainability of the Cornish lobster fishing industry is a big concern for Padstow and, consequently, the harbour is home to a lobster hatchery.

A lobster can live for approximately 70 years and are a treasured delicacy. The facility breeds and introduces the baby The tidal Camel Estuary is a great place to visit with a trailboat

JWatts

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February 2017

Destination

PADSTOW

Visit Britain

Berthing Fees

Padstow Inner Harbour 10m overnight berth £20 10m week £119 / month £465

Distances Hungry? A local speciality, the Cornish Pasty

lobsters back into the wild.

The town and its surroundings are very much unspoilt and ‘inkeeping’. Old and new, pastel coloured and brick buildings envelop the characterful harbour, and there is always something to watch, particularly when the gate is open.

Tourists sit on the quayside clutching their chips, watching the nautical activity while keeping one eye on the gulls circling overhead, although we think it is the visiting boaters moored inside the inner harbour that have the best seat in the house. Escaping the crowds, they can watch the harbour activity unfold around them, and with excellent facilities on hand. In one year alone the harbour accommodates up to 3,500 visiting boats.

Padstow may be a popular year-round holiday destination, but is also a important bolthole and a lovely place to visit by boat.

Approaches

As the approaches to Padstow are tidal, with the outer harbour and estuary approaches becoming shallow or drying at low water, your entry timing is crucial.

The harbour is best attempted on a flood tide in good weather conditions. Due to the nature of the local industry, harbour visitors will need to keep a good look out for pots in the estuary entrance, and be

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Padstow: • Milford Haven entrance 68 miles • Swansea 76 miles • Watchet 87 miles • Portishead 110 miles • Bristol 118 miles

Weather and tides

• MET Office Inshore Waters Lands End to St Davids Head • Shipping Forecast Lundy • Padstow Inner Harbour Webcam • Rick Stein Webcam • Seascape webcam Polzeath A weather forecast is displayed from 8am daily at the Harbour Office

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray 2600 Bristol Channel Pack • Imray 2400 West Country Pack • Admiralty SC5603 Falmouth to Hartland Point Chart Folio • Admiralty SC5608 Bristol Channel Chart Folio • Ordnance Survey 106 OS Newquay & Padstow • Fernhurst Books West Country Cruising Companion • Imray Bristol Channel & Severn Cruising Guide • Reeds Almanac For more information visit: www.padstow-harbour.co.uk www.padstowlive.com

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Padstow Approaches Roscarrock Newland

The Mouls Rumps Point

Pentire Point

PADSTOW BAY

Hayle Bay

Stepper Point

Polzeath

NCI Coastwatch

DOOM BAR

Harbour Cove

Greenaway

Bar

Saint Saviours Point Not to be used for navigation

DBagshaw

aware that these make it hazardous to enter the estuary in the dark.

A sandy bank, known as the Doom Bar, within the camel estuary represents an important consideration, as access over this is tidal and weather dependant. The Doom Bar is an area of shallows to the west of the estuary mouth. There is a 4½hour window when the entrance can be attempted, 2½ hours before high water until 2 hours after high water. However, an arrival at 2½-2 hours before high water is recommended on a first visit, particularly for those wanting to stay in the inner harbour at Padstow. In stronger wind conditions, from the west to north quadrant, waters break over the shallow bank and heap up in the entrance. Most pilot guides will advise against crossing the bar in such conditions. However, if you do find yourself caught out in stronger westerly winds, the Harbour Office advise attempting the Doom Bar only at high water, when they report the swell is less pronounced. During 2017, the Harbour Commissioners hope to have a webcam installed at Rock that looks north, observing the conditions at the Doom Bar. From seaward, the approaches to

Middle Ground The Pool

Rock

Inner Harbour

JWatts

60

The estuary entrance and the Doom Bar pictured at low water

February 2017

Destination

PADSTOW

Marine supplies

Padstow Harbour Commissioners have produced a video of the approaches. It uses aerial footage of a RIB entering the estuary and points out the buoys and major landmarks

Padstow appear as an almost impregnable sandy bay flanked by lush green rolling hills. Lying to the east of the entrance, the sweeping sandy Padstow Bay is open to the west, with the rocks at Pentire Point in the far north and Stepper Point in the southwest. The rocks, Newland and Roscarrock, represent the main off-lying hazards and lie approximately 1.4 nautical miles north of the entrance. For passages from the east, pilot guides will usually recommend keeping north of these rocks.

However, in good weather, and with careful chart planning, it is possible to pass between Newland and Pentire Point.

The stone tower on the Stepper Point clifftop is a useful daymark if approaching from the west. Here, on the clifftop, also lies the white Stepper Point NCI Coastwatch Station. Current weather and sea conditions are broadcast from here on VHF channel 65 at 0900, 1200 and 1500 daily, with an additional broadcast made at 1800 in summer. The station can also be contacted on 07810 898041 for weather and sea conditions updates during working hours. In order to give the Doom Bar good clearance, upon passing Stepper Point keep heading east in the direction of Polzeath, a village on the east side of the

There is no chandlery in Padstow but, if you are looking for parts or services, contact the Harbour Office for advice. They are also happy for any parts ordered online to be delivered to the Harbour Office. Calor and Camping Gaz are available through the Harbour Office. If you are looking for canvas repairs there is Freeman Sails (01841 534 827) on the South Quay at Padstow, it also offers some basic chandlery supplies. At Rock the Rock Boatyard, otherwise known as GB Smith & Son (01208 862815) provide boat building, boatyard, launch/recovery, marine engineering and engine maintenance services. It also operates a small chandlery. If you are looking for engine services, Rock Marine Services (01208 863396) are main dealers for several outboard manufacturers, including Yamaha, Mariner, Mercury, Mercruiser, Honda, Suzuki and Evinrude. It also has a workshop equipped with inboard and outboard computer diagnostics.

Where to fill up

There is a tidal fuel pontoon on the outside of the South Pier, this provides diesel only. Visitors need to call Padstow Harbour on channel 12 for fuel. Fuel cans, petrol or diesel, are filled once a day by arrangement with the Harbour Office. These should be marked and deposited at the storage point outside the office. Petrol is from a local garage at Trecerus (a 5-minute drive) and carries an additional small delivery charge.

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Visitors are arranged stern-to in Padstow’s inner harbour, and have direct pontoon access ashore

estuary, before turning onto a southerly heading into the channel and towards the port marker, Greenaway.

Greenaway is the first of two channel markers in this stretch and at this buoy you will pass over the eastern edge of the Doom Bar where the approximate depth here is 2 metres at the lowest tide. From Greenaway, use the top of the Celtic cross of the War Memorial at Saint Saviours as a heading, to ensure that you remain mid channel until you reach the next marker.

The next marker is the starboard buoy, Bar, marking the south-eastern edge of the drying Doom Bar. Keep heading south favouring the Saint Saviours side (west).

It is at this point that you are advised to call the Harbour Office on VHF Channel

12, callsign ‘Padstow Harbour’ or 01841 532239. The Harbour Office will normally ask for your vessel’s length and draft.

As you continue south you will see the preferred channel marker, Middle Ground, this marks the northern tip of the drying sands outside Padstow and where the channel divides, with Rock to the east and Padstow to the west. Visitors wanting the inner harbour will need to keep this to port and follow the narrow buoyed channel that leads close inshore and towards the harbour entrance. Here the speed limit is 5 knots, and you will need to keep a look out for the Padstow to Rock Ferry in the narrow channel. The Padstow Harbour Commissioners dredge this channel and, if your arrival is out of

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February 2017

Destination

PADSTOW

Food supplies

The Black Tor Ferry returning from nearby Rock

hours, you will also need to look out for the large harbour dredger, Sandsnipe, which operates twice daily in high season.

Next you will see the concrete piers of the outer harbour ahead, the northern most with its tidal ferry slipway. After turning inside these, you will see the entrance to the inner harbour with its tidal gate. The gate operates approximately 2 hours either side of high water, although on neap tides it is often only 1½ hours either side. There is a depth gauge showing the height over the gate’s sill on the inner south pierhead.

Where to moor

The inner harbour has floating pontoons that form a U-shape, with two longer fingers running side-by-side north to south. Visitors will be directed to the outer pontoon. There is room for up to 10 boats and, in order to maximise space, visitors are asked to moor stern-to to the outer pontoon in Mediterranean fashion, with bowlines to the yellow buoys provided.

We would advise having fenders ready on

Padstow is a great place to source local produce and fresh fish, which can be bought from the Prawn on the Lawn or Steins Fisheries at South Quay.

Basic supermarket essentials can be purchased from the Spar shop on the corner of Middle Street/Duke Street. It is open Mon-Sat from 7am-8pm, Sun 7:30am-8pm. If you have transport, there is a Tesco Superstore on the outskirts of town (0.6 mile 15-minutewalk uphill). There is a Boots chemist in Market Street and a Post Office in Duke Street. Finally the Chough Bakery is conveniently located on the waterfront, overlooking the inner harbour.

Transport

The nearest station is Bodmin Parkway, which is on the Great Western rail network (see network map). From here the journey time to London is just over 4 hours. Padstow is served by a couple of useful bus routes, the 11A to Bodmin Parkway station via Wadebridge and the 56 to Newquay via Newquay Airport. The Padstow Bus Terminus is on the South Quay, behind the old railway station building. The bus routes, 95 and 96 serve the north side of the river, from Wadebridge to Camelford via St Minver, Rock, Bude, Trebetherick, Polzeath, Port Isaac and Delabole. Padstow Cycle Hire on South Quay supply child and adult bikes at £5-15 per day respectively. Local Taxi firms are Atlantic Cabs 07544 544450, Ocean Taxis 07980 001323 and Wadebridge Taxis 01208 812725

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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DBagshaw

The approaches to Padstow’s inner harbour dry. The Pool is an area where you wait and stay afloat

both sides, and your stern, upon arrival, ready to reverse in alongside another visitor and securing yourself at the stern.

A bowline can be secured to the relevant buoy later. Usually a member of the harbour team will come out in a dinghy to assist you, otherwise there is a communal inflatable that visitors can use for this.

Moorings in the inner harbour are charged at £2 per metre per day. There is shorepower available on the pontoon, with outlets operated by a card system. Cards are available from the Harbour Office in denominations of £1 or £5. WiFi is available to harbour users, with passwords obtainable from the harbour office. 24hour access, coded-entry toilet, shower and launderette facilities are located on the ground floor of the red brick building (also the Tourist Information building) on

Harbourside pub, The Shipwrights Hotel

North Quay, and inside the southern end of the Harbour Office building. Washing machine and tumble dryer tokens can be purchased from the Harbour Office.

At busy times when the stern-to moorings are full, visitors will be asked to moor or raft up alongside the quay walls. Here there is ladder access to shore, shorepower and water. The rise/fall of tide in the inner harbour is approximately 2 metres. The Harbour Commissioners state that the maintained minimum depth of water in the inner harbour is 3 metres and it can accommodate vessels up to 35 metres, with a maximum width of 9 metres, as the gate is 10 metres wide.

For those who arrive early for the gate, there is an area known as The Pool which lies south east of Middle Ground buoy on the Rock side. Here there are private mooring buoys and a lifeboat buoy, the Harbour Office advises that visitors may temporarily pick up any empty buoy. If you miss the gate it is possible to stay overnight afloat in The Pool, with 1.5 metres at low water springs in certain areas, but it is not something that the harbour recommends as it can be exposed and very shallow in places. For further information contact the harbour office on 01841 532239.

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February 2017

Destination

PADSTOW

Slipways

The South Slip is the slipway nearest to the Harbour Office. Note the sill tide gauge next to it

Where to eat and drink

Padstow is a food heaven for tourists and boaters alike, particularly for those who love fish and shellfish. As you can imagine crab, lobster, oysters and scallops are just a few of the local specialties on the menu.

But if you wander the charming streets, you are sure find yet more traditional Cornish foods. On our visit we spotted three Cornish pasty establishments in a row, and many cafes with opportunities to sample a Cornish Cream Tea. Of course, being a fishing harbour, there are countless fish and chip establishments catering for all tastes and budgets.

If you are looking for a special lunch or evening meal that is sure to impress, then there is the Paul Ainsworth No 6 (01841 532093) tucked away on Middle Street, Rick Stein’s original Seafood Restaurant (01841 532700) on South Quay and St Petroc’s Hotel & Bistro (01841 532700) in New Street.

If you like Italian food, Rojanos (01841 532796) in Mill Square may be just the ticket. When it comes to pubs, Padstow has several to choose from, all offering great food and ale from the St Austell Brewery. Not forgetting the Sharpes Brewery’s aptly-named Doom Bar cask beer, which is brewed in Rock. The Old

If you have a small trailboat, the most convenient tidal slipway is South Slip, next to the Harbour Office in the South Quay Car Park. Be aware this is a very busy tourist car park. The Harbour Master recommends early morning launches, ideally before 10am, during high season. If necessary the car park attendant will shut the gate to incoming traffic while you launch. The slipway is fairly narrow with walls either side and a concrete slope with a steep gradient into the drying outer harbour. Charges are £4.50 per day for boats under 10hp and £6.50 for over 10hp. Storage for small trailers is available in the area in front of the Harbour Office on the inner breakwater. Charges are £23 for a week and £5 per day. We would advise contacting the helpful harbour team in advance (01841 532239), particularly if you looking to launch a larger boat and need to store a larger trailer. Rock is an alternative for tidal vehicle or hand launches. Here the same fees apply and individuals can launch off the beach, which is a hard compact surface with a thin sandy top layer. The small ferry pontoon can be used temporarily for loading and there are several finger moorings (up 8 metres) for hire. Local boatyards providing storage, moorings and launching assistance are Rock Marine Services and Rock Boatyard.

Again for more information contact the Padstow Harbour Office. The Shell garage at Wadebridge (off the A39) is a convenient place to stop for fuel.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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KYoung

The stunning North Cornwall coast, Padstow RNLI Lifeboat station west in nearby Mother Iveys Bay

Custom House (01841 532359) is highly regarded by boaters and holidaymakers alike. This multi storey pub-cumrestaurant on the south side of inner harbour offers a varied menu with some pub classics, and being located so close to the quay it is possible to keep an eye on the boat in the harbour. The Shipwrights Hotel (01841 532451) is another favourite.

Dating back to the 14th century, it is a lovely traditional, exposed brick pub that overlooks the inner harbour from North Quay. If you are looking for a busy, friendly local pub then the Golden Lion Hotel comes recommended by the Harbour team.

If you are in need of a rest after a long coastal walk, we would recommend grabbing a coffee and a cake at the nautical Down By The Ferry cafe. If you fancy eat-in or take away fish and chips then the queues outside Stein’s Fish and Chips on South Quay will be hard to ignore, it is very popular.

Overlooking the beach at Rock, the Rock Inn (01208 863498) is recommended. It is open for light bites, breakfasts, lunches and evening meals

with a varied menu of seasonal specials and pub favourites.

Places to see and visit

The great outdoors awaits you at Padstow with numerous activities, coastal walks and cycle routes. First and foremost there is the lovely coastal walk out to the estuary mouth, which takes in a gorgeous sandy beach at Harbour Cove, the War Memorial at Saint Saviours Hill and of course those stunning estuary panoramas.

For those looking for something energetic, how about a walk or cycle along the Camel Trail, towards the nearby town of Wadebridge (34 mins/6 miles by bike)?

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile level, trafficfree route following a disused railway to Wenfordbridge via Bodmin, which runs alongside the River Camel. If you don’t have bikes onboard there is the bike hire company, Padstow Cycle Hire. This impressively large and well-equipped outfit, located at the start of the trail on South Quay, will supply child and adult bikes at £5-£15 per day.

Rock is a great place to visit, and is easily accessible by the foot ferry

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February 2017

Destination

Padstow’s narrow shopping streets are simply charming

7

8 2

6 1 4

3

2 Harbour Toilet & Showers 3 Tourist Information

Footpath

C

Fuel Berth

9

10

Post Office

1

Slipway Ferry

11

1

4 Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 5 The Seafood Restaurant 6 Rojanos

Cashpoint

Bus Station

2

KEY 1 Harbour Office & Facilities

3

C C 12

PADSTOW

5

7 Down By The Ferry

Spar store

2

The Chough Bakery

3

The Prawn on the Lawn

4

Stein’s Deli

8 The Shipwrights Hotel 9 Old Custom House 10 The Golden Lion Hotel 11 St Petroc's Hotel & Bistro 12 Padstow Museum 13 Stein’s Fish and Chips

4

13 14

14 National Lobster Hatchery 15 Padstow Cycle Hire

to be released back into the wild. At the centre you will see resident giant lobsters and Spider Crabs. It is open to the public 7 days a week and admission is £3.75 for adults, £1.75 for children and £2.50 for senior citizens. A family ticket is £9.

If you have a tender, we can definitely recommend taking a trip on the tide up to Wadebridge, it is very scenic and great fun. Finally, the town has enough shops to keep every shopaholic occupied for an afternoon. Gift shops, local craft and art galleries plus ‘boatique’ clothing branches, such as Fat Face, Joules, Seasalt and White Stuff. MBO

Visit Cornwall/MJessop

that operates at 20-minute intervals throughout the day. The Black Tor Ferry departs from the Ferry Slip on North Quay. However, on an extreme spring tide the ferry may operate between Saint Saviours Point and Daymer Bay at low water. Return tickets are £4 for adults, £2 for children, £1 for dogs and £4 for bikes.

The Camel Sailing and Powerboat Centre at Rock is also a great place for kids and adults to try out watersports, it offers sailing and RYA RIB tuition.

On rainy days there is the free-entry Padstow Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts and memorabilia illustrating the history of Padstow over the last two centuries, including railway and lifeboat displays. The museum building is the ornate red brick building in Market Place, and is open from Easter to the end of October. There is also, of course, the National Lobster Hatchery, which is on South Quay. Here local fishermen bring in pregnant lobsters and the marine conservation centre rear baby lobsters

15

Work off that Cornish Cream Tea by following the Camel Trail to Wadebridge by bike

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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tested Garmin Striker 7sv

PRICE

£699.99

Many multifunction displays incorporate fish finding abilities, some even include the very latest side and down viewing capabilities but, if you take your fishing seriously, there is nothing quite like having a dedicated fishing display, and that is exactly what the Garmin Striker series offers. The series includes five models, with 3.5 to seven inch screens, all offering traditional CHIRP sonar. Within the range, the dv models also offer CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar, and the single SV model also comes with CHIRP SideVu sonar. It is this last model, the top of the range 7-inch Striker 7sv, that we are testing.

The 7sv comes packaged with Garmin’s GT52HW-TM transom mount transducer, although if required it could be paired up to one of their suitable through-hull transducers at an additional cost. The standard transducer is a 250W unit in traditional sonar mode, 350W in

The operating system is easy to use but the plugs can be a little fiddly

ClearVu and SideVu mode, and measures temperature as well as depth up to 240m and 150m respectively.

Our kit came with a tilt and swivel bracket, making mounting options easy and numerous, including vertical or horizontal services on the dashboard or overhead. It can, of course, also be flush mounted if desired and, with just 30mm of unit protruding behind, together with around another 20mm for cables, you won’t need much space behind the dash to install it flush.

The unit powers up quite fast and, once running, the menu and functions are very intuitive and easy to work your way around. The main menu screen manages to fit every function, bar the customization tab, on the one screen, so moving between traditional, Side and ClearVu, or one of the combination screens, is just one click away. Creating new customized screens is a piece of cake, with five templates offering two or three functions. Once set up, you can further customize the screen by

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February 2017

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

changing the size of the functions. You may have noticed in the photos, a GPS map option. This unit is a fishfinder only, and does not support mapping, but this function is for the user to add waypoints and routes based around their own fishing area. The built-in GPS antenna provides speed and course over ground information and, at a push, the unit could be used for navigation In use we found the imaging to be The fish don’t stand a chance, but the Striker 7sv is very crisp and clear. The SideVu and also a useful tool for general sub-surface exploration ClearVu were particularly impressive. up to one metre for 30 minutes. The only Although we didn’t have much luck other slight issue was that the screen is very hunting wrecks while we were using the reflective. This sometimes produces minor unit, we did drift close to a fish farm and could clearly see all the lines, and weights viewing issues, although not enough to on the seabed in almost photo-like clarity. cause any real problem, unless, like us, you want to photograph the screen.

In all modes we found the unit delivered For many, the lack of chartplotting good separation between small targets, facilities will mean the Striker series is a bit especially in ClearVu mode, which was too specialized. For those, there is always very beneficial when running alongside the GPSMAP models, including the 75sv, the traditional CHIRP sonar. In each which offers a very similar package to the screen the user has the option to fine tune settings such as gain, colour scheme, 7sv, but with charts too. One thing is for contrast, range and brightness but I found sure, with the Striker series, and the 7sv in particular, Garmin has packed a big sonar that the standard or automatic settings punch into a compact and affordable piece were so well defined that I couldn’t gain of kit and, for those whom fishing is an much by tinkering. important part of your If I could find any criticism, it was the boating experience, three plugs, one for power and two for Motorboat Owner the Striker 7sv would the transducer. Compared to some other “A great deal of be a worthy addition makes they felt a little puny and could be technology for a tricky to correctly orientate. There was no to your electronic good price” screw or lock-in mechanism but, although suite. they may not look particularly waterproof, Value 4/5 a pair of rubber O-rings on each plug is Usability 5/5 Contact: Garmin UK Performance 4/5 said to provide IPX7 waterproofing, that’s www.garmin.com/en-gb Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Sargo 31 Explorer

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February 2017

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 9.96m / 32ft 7in Beam: 3.3m / 10ft 8in Displacement: 5,100kg Fuel Capacity: 500/700 litres (single/twin engine) Water Capacity: 120 litres RCD category: B Engine as Tested: Single Volvo Penta D6 400hp Other Engine options: Single Volvo Penta D6 330, D6 370, Twin D4 225, D4 260, D4 300 Price from £215,820*

*€250,350 at the exchange rate on the 31st January

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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A

nyone who knows me will tell you that I am a big fan of Finnish wheelhouse, walkaround boats, and in particular the range from Sargo. They just make so much sense for northern European waters, delivering a great mix of performance, good seakeeping and practical cruising credentials. Each time I have tested one, I have come away smitten, but would I go for the clever but compact 28, or the spacious and slightly more family friendly 33? To be honest I would be very happy with either, as they both impressed me hugely. There is, of course, an obvious fly in my decision making ointment. I haven’t tested the boat that sits in-between these two in the range. The 31 has been around for a while, much longer than

the 33 in fact, so surely I would need to complete the trio of tests before I could finally make my decision.

Up front, the 31 offers the standard small twin cabin that you would expect to find on this size and style of boat.

Headroom between the bunks is 5ft 10in, and the two berths are a generous 6ft plus in length. The cabin comes with two opening ports, each with a shelf underneath

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February 2017

“Versatile, fun and family friendly.

This wheelhouse ticks all the boxes” and a useful 12v and 240v power outlet on the port side, two in-coaming lockers, one on either side, and some open storage beneath the aft end of each bunk. You also get a large lined locker under the bow section, so storage is plentiful for your guests or kids. The berth can be in-filled to create a good-sized double, although doing so does mean sacrificing your standing floor space. This latter point is not the problem it may appear, as just outside the cabin there is a compact lobby area, which can be separated from the rest of the boat, by closing the companionway door and hatch, and incorporated into the forward cabin. This area, which is about 2ft2 and has well over 6ft headroom, includes a useful storage cupboard with a small half-height hanging locker and a door to starboard that leads into the toilet compartment.

This toilet compartment is quite generous in size, but only has around 5ft 9in of headroom. It offers a toilet, sink and shower and comes with an opening port and a small amount of open storage.

It is basic but very functional, although I would want to add some kind of blind, curtain or frosting on the porthole for a bit of privacy.

Moving from the lower lobby up into the wheelhouse involves ascending a set of quite steep steps, with each step The toilet compartment offers basic facilities, but is quite roomy for this size of boat being 11 or 12 inches each, and through Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

The forward part of the wheelhouse is full of practical features, including the boat’s galley

the companionway door and hatch. The wheelhouse has the helm to starboard and a large, U shaped, dinette/lounge area aft.

On first glance you might think that was all there was to this boat, but you would be wrong. To start with, opposite the helm and hidden under a lifting section of work surface that would be perfect as a chart table, is the boat’s galley. This is actually more practical than it might appear, as it is configured in a small Lshape and comprises a good, deep sink and a two-burner hob. Below the sink is a large storage locker. And below the hob is a small drawer and a dedicated bin cupboard. The electric fridge is behind you, mounted beneath the helm seat pedestal. You also get a small over head locker and, in front of the galley unit, another small storage locker beneath another lifting section of helm console.

Aft of the galley you find a sliding side access door, mirroring the one at the helm,

to provide easy access to the deck and, in the absence of an aft door, your entry and exit points into the wheelhouse.

At the helm, you will find all of the usual Sargo hallmarks. You get a pair of comfortable, supportive and adjustable helm seats with lifting bolsters, the clever lower console, where the steering wheel and throttle are fixed, that levers and tilts with three fixing positions for seated, leaning or standing helming, an overhead panel for instruments and a simple, yet ergonomically brilliant, dash layout. Our test boat was fitted with a single 16 inch display with remote keypad, which was networked to show engine instrumentation. If you like traditional dials and gauges, you would probably have to go smaller on the multifunction display, but you could still probably fit something in the region of 12 inches.

Below the helm seats, as well as the fridge, you will find a cutlery drawer

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February 2017

The dinette wraps around the aft of the wheelhouse, cleverly concealing an entrance to the aft cabin

and a second, large, drawer to provide additional galley storage. Both helm seats get a footrest and the navigator’s seat also comes with a conveniently placed grab handle. The navigator’s seat also swivels a full 180° to allow it to face aft and become an additional seat for socializing. The side door, next to the helm, is only 5ft high, but feels full height as you have to step up and through it. The side doors come with Sargo’s trademark wooden latch, to lock the door closed or partially open. Our test boat was not fitted with any method of latching the door fully open, but we were advised that this important feature is something that will be available.

The dinette/saloon area wraps around the aft section of the wheelhouse and would easily and comfortably accommodate a family of four, with five or six being catered for in a slightly more cosy fashion, and by bringing the swivelled navigator’s seat into play. The pedestal table can be folded and swivelled out of the way when not in use, although this does mean sacrificing a large part of the aft bench seat. In the aft wheelhouse Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

bulkhead there is a large opening window that folds out and, on either side of this, there is a small wine bottle sized locker.

All along the aft bulkhead, above the window, there is a handy shelf unit.

Headroom in the wheelhouse and galley area is excellent, at 6ft 6in, but if that is not enough you can always slide the large roof back, complete with its three skylights for added light, and you have as much as you could ever need. Blinds are fitted to all windows aft of the side doors so the

The supportive helm and navigator’s seats, the latter of which swivels to face the dinette area

75

A master aft double cabin tucks neatly under the cabin sole

dinette area can offer good privacy when moored stern too.

At this point, you might start to suspect that this 31 foot boat only contains a single two-berth cabin, but you would be wrong.

If you lift the port side section of dinette seating and swing what is now obviously a door out of the way, you will see a pair of steps leading down into a second cabin.

Here Sargo have made good use of the space available to create a decent double

Striking and utilitarian, the Explorer version comes with dark gel and matt black metalwork

cabin. It’s fair to say that vertical space is a bit restricted, the best headroom you will find is 5ft 5in, but this seems to matter less when you are spread out on the 6ft 6in by 4ft 6in berth. Other features of this cabin include three opening ports, a half height cupboard, a second cupboard with shelves, some open shelf storage and a nicely placed single dressing bench, which should go a long way to making up for the lack of full standing headroom.

The exterior space on the 31 is, as you would expect from a Sargo, practical, safe and plentiful. You have single-level walk around decks, with ample width alongside the wheelhouse. The deep coaming is further topped all around with a safety rail with breaks over either side just in front of the wheelhouse for side access, and, in typical Scandinavian style, a break over the bow where access is further enhanced with a single step fold down ladder and raised handrails either side. Beneath this step through is an anchor locker, neatly divided in two on out test boat to allow separate storage for your anchor and

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February 2017

Wheelhouse side doors make it ideal for single handing

mooring lines. The bow section of the walkaround deck opens up to provide a fantastic and safe crewing platform, and also incorporates a teak laid seat on the cabin top.

In the aft cockpit you get a seat along the aft wheelhouse bulkhead, which conceals a huge locker underneath. In here you can opt for a portable cooler, which is a nice touch when socializing around the large teak table. A small locker in each

“These boats are guaranteed to put a smile on your face” aft corner provides great storage for ropes etc, and can also be topped with cushions to add to the al-fresco seating options.

Right in the middle of the transom, a

While the outside space is eminently practical, it can also serve up a comfortable social area Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

PERFORMANCE As tested 50% fuel 0% water 3 crew Force 3 RPM

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

Range (nm)

Noise (db)

600 1000 1500 2000 2500 2750 3000 3500 3600

3.4 6.3 8.3 12.9 18.3 25.3 29.2 35.7 35.9

1.2 3.1 12.2 26.9 38.8 42.9 50.9 72.5 77.5

0.26 0.68 2.68 5.92 8.54 9.44 11.2 15.9 17.1

13.1 9.26 3.10 2.18 2.14 2.68 2.61 2.25 1.52

1441 1018 341 239 235 295 287 247 167

60 66 70 74 76 77 78 79 80

single gate leads out onto the wide bathing platform. Here there are fender baskets integrated into the transom guard rail and you have lifting teak grates to allow access to the drive and props, when lifted, to aid clearing any obstructions.

Back in the cockpit, in traditional Sargo style, almost the entire floor lifts on gas struts for engine room access. The sheer size of the hatch can make lifting tricky, not least because you have little area left on which to stand while lifting it, but once up it provides complete, unfettered access to the boats single or twin engine installation.

The choices here range from a single 330hp Volvo Penta D6, up to a pair of 300hp Volvo D4s, delivering a top speed of up

to 42 knots. Fit out in the engine room is meticulous, I swear the battery boxes have been installed using a template, and with the single engine installation, everything is easy to get to, with plenty of space to work down either side of the engine, and even the front isn’t quite as tight as it looks in the photo. A nice touch here is that the cockpit table top slots neatly into some fixings on the underside of the engine hatch, keeping it easy to hand and yet out of the way.

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February 2017

A single diesel will provide great economy and a good turn of speed.

Our test boat was fitted with a 400hp Volvo Penta D6

“The economical single engine boat delivered 36 knots with ease” Underway Our test boat was fitted with the most potent single engine option, a 400hp Volvo Penta D6, which delivered good performance. With a top speed of 36 knots we were only 6 knots off the pace of the same boat fitted with twin D4’s and 200hp more. The boat was quick of the mark, and equally responsive when extra power is applied at cruising speed. As always with a Sargo, the helm interaction is top notch, with light, perfectly balanced steering and a driving position that felt ‘just so’ whether standing, seated or leaning. The 31 now comes with bonded windows, which are said to offer a general stiffening of the wheelhouse, as well as better leak protection. Whether this made a difference Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

I don’t know but, like the other Sargos I have tested, everything felt well put together, and more than capable of staying that way even if you punched through some big waves. I certainly managed to get the boat airborne a couple of times, and the soft landing didn’t seem to unsettle the boat at all. When I tested the Sargo 33 a few months ago, I said that they had worked miracles with the sound levels. The 31 isn’t quite in the same league but that shouldn’t deter you, it is still a very quiet boat with conversations flowing easily in the wheelhouse at all speeds. These quiet noise levels were only broken by a slight resonation from the open sliding roof at a very specific RPM, and a faint whistle from the supercharger, but when you are picking up on things like this you know that the

79

boat is generally very good indeed. The 31 cruised economically at speeds of between 24 and 30 knots and would sit at 25 knots all day long. Like all wheelhouse boats, you do get a blind spot on the inside of a tight turn to port, but apart from that, visibility from the helm was very good. In short, the boat is effortless to drive and, when doing so, you feel safe and in control at all times.

What better accolade could you need?

Conclusion As with all boats in the range, you can choose a standard or Explorer model.

We are testing the latter with its dark gelcoat and matt black metal work, but the standard boat comes with polished stainless steel, if you prefer a more traditional look.

In either guise, Sargo boats offer a real alternative to the similarly styled Botnia Targa range. Having said that, there are enough differences between the brands that you will likely fall down quite easily on one side of the fence or the other. If you like the contemporary, you will probably

Fender baskets on the transom. These would be shiny stainless steel on the standard model

sway towards Sargo. If traditional is more your thing, then Botnia might just clinch it. Whichever way you go, they both offer a great range of brilliantly built, seaworthy, safe and practical cruisers and I probably don’t have to tell you which side of the Finnish wheelhouse fence I sit. Personally, I love the modern feel of the Sargo range, and their use of modish colours and materials, but is the 31 my new favourite Sargo? Well in some ways yes, and in other ways no. 31 foot has always felt like a nice size in this style of boat. Small enough to

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February 2017

be easily handled, on your own if necessary, but large enough to offer all the comforts you would expect of a cruising boat.

Go bigger and you sometimes find that performance and driving experience start to tame. Much smaller and space may be an issue with more than a couple onboard.

So in that sense the 31 fits the bill, but I have to say that with the excellent 33, Sargo has managed to pack it all into one great boat. The 31 is excellent, and if my budget stopped there I would be a very happy customer, but if I could just stretch things a little further, by maybe selling a kidney or two, I think the 33, with its family friendly

Stylish, sporty, seakindly and comfortable.

The Sargo 31 ticks all the boxes

layout, and a little bit of extra space, just edges it for me. Either way, trying to decide which Sargo to go for would be a great problem to have.

ENQUIRIES: Sargo UK Tel: 02380 453245 www.sargoboats.co.uk YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

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New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Antaris / 400

Super day boat & trailer with electric engine & 5hr cruise time

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

Fairline / Sunfury 27

Stylish 6 berth sports cruiser with 2 cabins, suitable inland or at sea

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2016 | £110,000 | 26ft | 8m

REDUCED Superb cruiser with 250hp & overnight facilities for 4

Fully spec’d with 52hp, bimini, bowthruster, fridge & seating for 10

REDUCED triple cabin steel cruiser with huge specification

1972 | £39,950 | 37ft | 11.3m

New design compact cruiser, beautifully fitted & just 45hrs use

relax and recharge...

...with Val Wyatt Marine – offering everything you need to get on the water – from our picturesque family-run marina.

As well as an impressive range of river boat and offshore brands – including the handmade Interboat and British-built Haines – we offer:

• sales - new and used • moorings and maintenance • friendly, expert advice • on-site refreshments • local produce, for that all important picnic all from our superb site at Willow Marina. So come and check out the boats, have a cup of tea and cake, and soak up the atmosphere.

Open seven days a week.

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

Speak to us about selling your boat

See 100’sofofboats boatsforfor sale See 100’s sale at at www.tbsboats.com www.tbsboats.com Formerly www.thamesboatsales.co.uk Boats Boats purchased.

Part exchange available on all boats Formerly www.thamesboatsales.co.uk purchased.

Part exchange available on all boats

Brand new Brand new Sealine S330 Sealine S330

Single Volvo Penta D6 330hp Single Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesel. In Stock. Great Diesel. In Stock. Great Specification. Penta D6 Specifi cation.

Penta D6 330hp Diesel.

In Stock.

Great 2009 Jetten 37aC new Sealine new Sealine C330 2000 Fairline targa 43 Brand new Sealine S330 330hp Diesel.

In F380 Stock.

Great BrandBrand Specifi cation.

2009 new Sealine F380 new Sealine C330 2000 Fairline targa 43 Brand new Sealine S330 with Single Yanmar 75hp Diesel. 4 berths Twin Volvocation.

Penta D6 330hp Diesels.

Twin Volvo Penta D3 220hp Diesels. Huge Twin TAMD 480hp Diesels. 5 berths, generator, with Single Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesel.

Specifi

with Single Volvo Penta S330 D6 330hp Diesel. in stock Great Specification.

NEW SEALINE in stock Great Specification.

Singleinverter Yanmarlow7 bowgenerator, / stern thrusters, Twin Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesels. Specification.

Twin Volvo PentaIND3STOCK 220hp Diesels.

Huge SEALINE Huge Specification.

Twin TAMD 480hp 5 berths, bowthruster, air con, full nav kit Diesels. £134,950 INwith STOCK NEW SEALINE C330 NEW F530 POA Huge Specification.

Specification. bowthruster, air con, full nav kit new.£134,950 bow / stern thru 2007

Brand New Sealine S330. Twin Volvo 2007 Penta D3 220hp diesels. Cruising Pack, Comfort Pack, Entertainment Pack, Heating, Cockpit wet bar & BBQ. Great Specification

2015 Four winnS h180 Bowrider

Brand New Sealine C330. Twin Volvo Penta D3 220hp diesels. Cruising Pack, Comfort Pack, Navigation Pack Upgrade inc, Entertainment Pack, Saloon TV Package, Heating

2004/05 galeon 380.

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 43 260hp. Diesels.

6 berths, full nav kit, holding tank, folding radar arch. £114,950

SEALINE SC35

01932 570055

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 300. 6 berths, blue hull, Twin Volvo Penta D4 260hp. 5 berths bowthruster, radar, gps, 2011 plotter.

2004 Sealine S42 bow thruster, heating. Great Condition.

340 soon’.

Please call for viewing. £124,950 ‘2013 SC35 due inTwin Volvo Penta

Twin Yanmar 250hp Diesels. 6 berths, generator, aircon, heating, huge specification. £95,000

NEW QUICKSILVERS

2011 Sealine SC3

2004 Sealine S42

2004/05 CruiSerS 340

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 43 260hp. Diesels. Twin Yanmar 250hp Diesels. 6 berths, Single Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 petrol. nav kit, holding tank, folding Specialh180 offer pric £31,500 6 berths, full heating, huge specification.

2004/05 galeon 380. generator, aircon, 2015 Four winnS Bowrider 2004/05 CruiSerS radar arch. £114,950 £95,000

Single Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 petrol.

Special offer pric £31,500

Brand New Sealine F530. Twin Volvonew.

Penta IPS800 diesels. Please call for full specification Please call for latest offers

IN STOCK

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 300. 6 berths, blue hull, bow thruster, heating. Great Condition.

Please call for viewing. £124,950

2010 SEALINE F46

bowthruster, ra ‘2013 SC35 due

£309,950

Choice of three available, 2009 & Choice of 5 new models in stock, Twin Zeus-Drive CMD 5.9 480hp Joy 2011 both with twin Volvo D4 260hp Activ 455 open, Activ 455 cabin stick & Skyhook. 6 berths, Generator, and a 2011 with twin Volvo D4 300hp. Activ 505 cabin, Sundeck 675 and Dishwasher, full Raymarine nav pack, Prices from £139,950.

Activ 755 open.

Flybridge BBQ Ice Maker, Bimini, Full Penton Hook Marine Sales, Penton Hook Marina, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PQ Please call for full specifications Please call for specifications & prices teak package. Huge spec and one owner from new Formerly www.thamesboatsales.co.uk Boats purchased. Part exchange available on all boats

sales@pentonhooksales.co.uk See 100’s of boats for sale at 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com sales@pentonhooksales.co.uk

Penton Hook Marine Sales, Penton Hook Marina, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PQ

Penton hook.indd 1

Penton hook.indd 1 Brand new Sealine S330 with Single Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesel. in stock Great Specification.

2003 SEALINE S38

Brand new Sealine S330 Single Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesel. In Stock. Great Specification. Penta D6 330hpnew Diesel.

In Stock.

Great Sealine F380 Specification.

with Twin Volvo Penta D6 330hp Diesels.

Huge Specification.

2007

£97,950

Twin Volvo KAD300 285hp, Bowthruster Holding Tank, Leather Saloon, Teak Cockpit floor & Platform, Cockpit BBQ, Radar GPS Plotter, 5 Berths

Library Picture

2009 Jetten 37aC

Brand new Sealine C330

2000 Fairline targa 43

Twin Volvo Penta D3 220hp Diesels. Huge Specification.

Twin TAMD 480hp Diesels. 5 berths, generator, bowthruster, air con, full nav kit £134,950

2014 SEALINE F380

Fairline Phantom 38

Single Yanmar 75hp Diesel. 4 berths, heating, Due Soon. bow / stern thrusters, inverter low hrs from new. £149,950

£245,950

2012 SEALINE SC42 (S450) £259,950

Twin Volvo Penta D4 300hp, heating, generator, Raymarine chartplotters, bowthruster, Teak cockpit & flybridge.

Great specification & one owner boat

Choice of 2 from £259,950 with twin Volvo IPS500 370hp. 5 berths, BBQ, Electric roof, Heating, Extended Bathing Platform, Leather, Generator

2015 Four winnS h180 Bowrider

2004/05 galeon 380.

2004/05 CruiSerS 340

2004 Sealine S42

Single Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 petrol.

Special offer pric £31,500

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 43 260hp. Diesels.

6 berths, full nav kit, holding tank, folding radar arch. £114,950

Twin Yanmar 250hp Diesels. 6 berths, generator, aircon, heating, huge specification. £95,000

Twin Volvo Penta Kad 300. 6 berths, blue hull, bow thruster, heating. Great Condition.

Please call for viewing. £124,950

01932 570055

sales@pentonhooksales.co.uk Penton Hook Marine Sales, Penton Hook Marina, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PQ

2011 Sealine SC35

2005/06 Sealine S34

Twin Volvo Penta D4 260hp. 5 berths, heating, Twin Volvo Penta 170hp Diesels.6 berths, bowthruster, radar, gps, plotter. £169,950. radar, gps, chartplotter, heating, bowthruster.

‘2013 SC35 due in soon’. £92,500.

QUICKSILVER BOATS IN STOCK Activ 455 open, Activ 455 cabin, Activ 505 cabin, Sundeck 675 & Activ 755 open Please call for offers

London Boat Show 8th to 17th January 2016 ~ MARINA'S & VIKING - B140, BROOM - A140 NEW CRUISER AGENTS- A140 FOR:London Boat Show 8th to 17th January 2016 ~ MARINA'S & VIKING - B140, BROOM

New boat agencies represented

NEW CRUISER AGENTS FOR:London Boat Show 8th to 17th January 2016

~ MARINA'S & VIKING - B140, BROOM - A140

NEW CRUISER AGENTS FOR:-

ntact Thames & Kennet Contact Thames & Kennet

Contact Thames & Thames Kennet& Kennet Contact NEW BOATS – All available immediately Call Sales Hotline +44 (0) 1933 551622

Contact Thames & Kennet

Contact Thames & Kennet Call Sales Hotline +44 (0) 1933 551622 viewings by appointment Contact Thames & Kennet Contact Thames & Kennet

Call Sales Hotline&+44 (0) 1933 551622 Contact Thames Kennet

Call Sales Hotline +44 (0) 1933 551622

Contact Thames & Kennet

Contact Thames & Kennet

Viking 215 – New Boat – Mariner 20hp Broom 30HT Coupe – New Boat - Nanni 65 The oat - Mariner 40EFI The 215 offers 6’headroom throughout, a 4 berth design, galley and All new 30HT with full sunroof to the hard top, Graphite colored er with full bathing platform and shower/toilet room with cockpit seating for 5 and bathing platform hard top and hull, Teak cockpit, Bow thruster, Hull windows. The with 3 cabins and 6 berths, Inventory Viking 215 – New Boat – aMariner 20hp boarding.

Inventory with Hot & Cold water, oven, hob, grill & fridge.

A 4 berths large toilet and galley with Corian worktops. cabin gives ng Tank , Heating,Viking Shore Power275 and - New Boat - Mariner 40EFI that is also trailerable, Part Exchange possibilitiesa–4View London Boat Show w at Caversham. A fantastic family river cruiser great throughout, berthatdesign, galley and withpackage full bathing platform andView at the LondonThe 215 offers 6’headroom Boat Show - Call for Tickets £34,083 inc Vat call for tickets . £155,000 Inc Vat ON £61,588 inc VAT

Call Sales Hotline +44 (0) 1933 551622

Contact Thames & Kennet

Broom 395 Aft cabin – New Boat – Twin Volvo D4 360 Split galley design with Classic interior package, Heating, Inverter, Bow thruster, Powered folding mast, 2 Tv’s, Autopilot, VHF, GPS Broom 30HT Coupe Boat - Nanni 65 The Plotter, Cockpit BBQ Stainless windows. – TheNew 395 offers tremendous space master with to ensuite facilities, Allwith newtwin 30HT withcabins full both sunroof the hard top,Large Graphite colored galley and saloon, AVAILABLE NOW £452,503 Inc Vat

Broom 395 Aft cabin – New Boat – Twin Volvo D4 360 Split galley design with Classic interior package, Heating, Inverter, shower/toilet room with cockpit seating for 5 and bathing platform Bow thruster, Powered folding mast, 2 Tv’s, Autopilot, VHF, GPS hard top and hull, Teak cockpit, Bow thruster, Hull windows. The transom boarding. Interior with 3 cabins and 6 berths, Inventory boarding. Inventory with Hot & Cold water, oven, hob, grill & fridge. A Plotter, Cockpit BBQ Stainless windows. The 395 offers tremendous cabin gives 4 berths a large toilet and galley with Corian worktops. includes Bow thruster, Holding Tank , Heating, Shore Power and BAVARIA S360 COUPE - New Boat greatContact package that is also trailerable, View at the London Contact Walton space with twin master cabins both with ensuite facilities, Large Part BAVARIA Exchange possibilities – View at London Boat Show 215 New Boat VIKING 295 – New Boat S30 OPEN New Boat Contact Upton Thames & Kennet Battery ChargerVIKING Afloat to view at Caversham.

Viking 215 – New Boat – Mariner 20hp Broom 395 Aft cabin – New Boat – Twin Volvo D4 360 Broom 30HT Coupe – New Boat - Nanni 65 The Viking 275 - New Boat - Mariner 40EFI Boat Show - Call for Tickets £34,083 inc Vat galley andVolvo saloon, AVAILABLE NOW £452,503 Inc Vat call for tickets . £155,000 Inc Vat STAND B14020 LONDON £61,588 inc VAT Twin D3-220 Bowthruster.

Smart Mariner HP Highline Specification Vikings new flagship offers great family Volvo D4 300hp, Bowthruster, The 215 offers 6’headroom throughout, a 4 berth design, galley and Split galley design with Classic interior package, Heating, Inverter, All new 30HT with full sunroof to the hard top,Garmin Graphite colored A fantastic family river– cruiser with full bathing platform and shower/toilet room with cockpit seating for 5 and bathing platform Bow thruster, Powered Pack. folding mast, 2 Tv’s,now Autopilot, VHF, GPS hard top andPrice hull, Teak£149,875 cockpit, Bow thruster, Hull windows.

The transomEasy boarding.Board Interior with 3 cabins and 6 berths, Inventory Power & Comfort Call for Stern access. accommodation with 40hp Mariner navigation.

Call now for boarding. Inventory with Hot & Cold water, oven, hob, grill & fridge. A Plotter, Cockpit BBQ Stainless windows. The 395 offers tremendous cabin gives 4 berths a large toilet and galley with Corian worktops. includes Bow thruster, Holding Tank , Heating, Shore Power and Contact WaltonSpecial Contact Upton Contact Thames & Kennet ntact Racecourse Premaster Season Price Retail offer £33,000 Retail £78,000 offer £72,000 Special Season Price great package that is also Special trailerable, View at the London space with twin cabins bothoffer with ensuite facilities, Large Part ExchangePre possibilities – Viewoffer at London Boat Show Battery £38,000 Charger Afloat toSpecial view at Caversham.

Boat Show - Call for Tickets £34,083 inc Vat galley and saloon, AVAILABLE NOW £452,503 Inc Vat call for tickets . £155,000 Inc Vat STAND B140 LONDON £61,588 inc VAT

PRE OWNED BOATS

Contact Racecourse

Contact Upton

Bow/Stern Thrusters. bow and stern thrusters. This Dutch steel cruiser been restored to a very standard. With comfortable accommodation and sleeping for 7. Two owners from new £135,950

rine C80 Chart plotter, Holding Tank, An immaculate 4 berth sports cruiser ast, Large Cockpit with seating for 6 in d cabin and toilet room.

Contact Walton

Contact Thames & Kennet

Windsor Racecourse Upton Stevens 1240DL – 1999 - Perkins Sabre 135LContact F Twin VolvoContact D3 -190 Diesels Viking Seamaster 28- 2012 - 40HP Honda 2013 A great family boat that will navigate the entire widebeam UK inland waterway system with 6 berths £44,500 - Also 2013 INBOARD AT £69,500 VISIT THE TINGDENE / VIKING STAND AT THE LONDON BOAT SHOW - NEW Viking 295

Viking 24 –Thames 1998 – Honda (2012) . A very tidy Contact & 30 Kennet

example of the Viking 24 with a new outboard in 2012 with full service history, Features 4 berths, Hot and cold water, spacious cockpit with sunbed conversion. A good family riverboat offered at a competitive figure. Afloat and ready to trial. £19,950

Contact Walton

Contact 1240DL Thames &– 1999 Kennet Contact Upton Viking 24 – 1998 – Honda 30 (2012) . A very tidy Stevens - Perkins Sabre 135L F Contact Walton Sessa C30 – 2007 – Twin Volvo D3 -190 Diesels Viking Seamaster 28- 2012 - 40HP Honda 2013 example of the Viking 24 with a new outboard in 2012 with full Bow/Stern Thrusters. bow and stern thrusters. This Lemar Bow Thruster, Raymarine C80 Chart plotter, Holding Tank, A great family boat that will navigate the entire service history, Features 4 berths, Hot and cold water, spacious Dutch steel cruiser been restored to a very New Canopy, Just Serviced, An immaculate 4 berth sports cruiser widebeam UK inland waterway system with 6 cockpit with sunbed conversion. A good family riverboat offered at standard. With comfortable accommodation at home inland or on the coast, Large Cockpit with seating for 6 in berths £44,500 - Also 2013 INBOARD AT £69,500 a competitive figure. Afloat and ready to trial. £19,950 and sleeping for 7. Two owners from new ease, Cabin with separate mid cabin and toilet room.

VISIT THE TINGDENE / VIKING STAND AT THE Viking 24 – 1998 – Honda 30 (2012) . A very tidy Stevens 1240DL – 1999 - Perkins Sabre 135L F Sessa C30 – 2007 – Twin Volvo D3 -190 Diesels Viking Seamaster 28- 2012 - 40HP Honda 2013 £135,950 £69,950 LONDON BOAT SHOW - NEW Viking 295 example of the Viking 24 with a new outboard in 2012 with full Bow/Stern Thrusters. bow and stern thrusters. This Lemar Bow Thruster, Raymarine C80 Chart plotter, Holding Tank, A great family boat that will navigate the entire 2005 Regal 2665 Commodore service history, Features 4 41 berths,2006 Hot and cold water, spacious Abate Primatist - Twin Volvo D6 Jeanneau Prestige 36a very Dutch steel cruiser been restored to New Canopy, Just Serviced, An immaculate widebeam UK Broom inland waterway Sealine S28 4 berth sports cruiser 395 system with 6 Fittedcockpit with Yanmar 240hp DieselA good family riverboat offered at with sunbed conversion.

With comfortable accommodation diesels.‘A beautiful Italian sportscruiser’ fitted with bow at 1999 home inland or onVolvo the coast, LargeKAD32 Cockpit with seating forContact 6 in berths £44,500 - Also 2013 INBOARD AT £69,500 2003 - Twin Volvo Penta KAMD300 Diesels Contact Thames - Twin Penta diesels.

2009 - Twin Volvo D6-330, Bow thruster & Kennet Uptonstandard.

Contact Walton ntact Racecourse a competitive figure.

Afloat and ready to trial. £19,950 andGenerator, sleeping for 7. Twochartplotter, owners fromradar, new ease, Cabin with mid cabin and toilet room.cabin VISITversion THE TINGDENE VIKING STAND AT THE thruster.Walton Luxuriously spacious and designed to spoil televison, 4 berths withseparate seperate double master Two cabin extended /saloon – Full navigation Contact £135,950 £69,950 LONDON BOAT SHOW - NEW Viking 295 you and your guests with comfort and style

Garmin Twin Volvo KAD 43-230 Diesels New Teak on bathing platform, New y, New canopies, Toilet waste tank, The with 4 berths and saloon, open plan to nsom access, in immaculate order.

420S chartplotter, Sealine S28 –autopilot 1999 – Twin Volvo 170hp

microwave, teak cockpit, davits AQUALINE VOYAGER 60 - 2011 -Beta 150hp

pack, Electric folding Viking 24 Highline - 2012 Mercury 25hp omast

4 berths, Teak laid cockpit, LED lighting, Flip A superb 2£89,995 cabin, 2 en suite, saloon, galley and A very tidy S 28 with new canopies and cockpit upholstery, fully £49,950 £199,950 back helm seat, Cut out barge. Perfect for European cruising surveyed and new boat safety certificate, a spacious cabin with 4 Contact Kennet Contact Upton wheelhouse Contact Racecourse HullThames sides for easy&boarding.

Excellent condition Astounding specification - £219,000 berths and cockpit with seating for 6 in comfort. £32,950 ONE OF 3 BARGES AND 6 WIDE BEAMS £49,950 Contact Upton Contact Windsor Racecourse Contact Thames & Kennet AVAILABLE AT THAMES & KENNET MARINA

Contact Upton

Contact Thames & Kennet

£37,950

Contact Walton

£94,950

Contact Walton

Contact Walton

Viking 24 Highline - 2012 Mercury 25hp o AQUALINE VOYAGER 60 - 2011 -Beta 150hp Sealine S28 – 1999 – Twin Volvo 170hp Gobbi 345sc – 2002 – Twin Volvo KAD 43-230 Diesels 4 berths, Teak laid cockpit, LED lighting, Flip A superb 2 cabin, 2 en suite, saloon, galley and Featuring Autopilot, Plotter, New Teak on bathing platform, New A very tidy S 28 with new canopies and cockpit upholstery, fully back helm seat, Cut out wheelhouse barge. Perfect for European cruising cockpit and cabin upholstery, New canopies, Toilet waste tank, The surveyed and new boat safety certificate, a spacious cabin with 4 Hull sides for easy boarding. Excellent condition Astounding specification - £219,000 345 is a very spacious boat with 4 berths and saloon, open plan to berths and cockpit with seating for 6 in comfort. £32,950 ONE OF 3 BARGES AND 6 WIDE BEAMS fore cabin, easy deck and transom access, in immaculate order. £49,950 Viking 24 Highline - 2012 Mercury 25hp o AQUALINE VOYAGER 60 - 2011 -Beta 150hp Sealine S28 – 1999 – Twin Volvo 170hp Gobbi 345sc – 2002 – Twin Volvo KAD 43-230 Diesels AVAILABLE AT THAMES & KENNET MARINA £69,950 4 berths, Teak laid cockpit, LED lighting, Flip A superb 2 cabin, 2 en suite, saloon, galley and Featuring Autopilot, Plotter, New Teak on bathing platform, New A very tidy S 28 with new canopies and cockpit upholstery, fully 2005 Crownline 270CR 135 A very Broom Ocean 34 1998 Sabre Perkins Regal 2665 Commodore, 2004, Yanmar Sealine Sealine 305 Statesman – 1989 Twin Volvo Twin Volvo KAD43 230hp back helm seat, CutCap out Camarat WA Sealine S34 Sessa C42 2007 – Twin 310hp Volvo D6s (315 Jenneau 755 wheelhouse barge.

Perfect for European cruising cockpit and cabin upholstery, NewF37 canopies, Toilet waste tank,-The surveyed and new boat safety certificate, a spacious cabin with 4 clean and well presented 34 with 6 berths, open plan FittedHull with sides Volvo for 5.7 V8 Petrol 240hp diesel, 200hp Diesel Engines. A popular small fly bridge cruiser with a good specification boarding. condition 2004 Twinspacious Volvoboat Penta KAD300 diesel Astounding specification £219,000 345 is -a very withaccommodation 4 berths and285hp open plan to the 305 isUpton berths and- cabin, cockpit withdoor, seating forKAD32DP 6 inand comfort.

2004 Twin side Volvo Penta Diesels hours) with full Volvo service history.

Maintained to an Honda 225hp easy Outboard.

RoadExcellent Trailer, bimini, fore plotter VHF radio, canopies act Contact Very low engine hours, Full canopy, Extended with forsaloon, 6, with this power option a r, VHF,Racecourse Hydraulic gangway, Contact Walton Contact Thames &ONE Kennet £32,950 and soft furnishings immaculate. £89,950 OF 3 BARGES AND owners, 6 WIDE BEAMS fore cabin, easy deck andwith transom access, in immaculate order. £49,950 engines.

6 berths two seperate cabins, bathing platform,standard 4 berths, Pumpout toilet, capable craft for coastal use and at home on inland waters. Ideal platform, Leather upholstery, Bowthruster, Raymarine chartplotter, davits, immaculate by fastidious 4 Berths Contact Walton spray hood, GPS, VHF 1996Broom 29 - £59,950. New Broom 370 - £375,335 Raymarine GPS, Serviced & antifouled 2015. as a family craft good exterior space in the cockpit and fly bridge. g tank. A popular 3£69,950 cabin craft AVAILABLE AT THAMES & KENNET MARINA generator, electric toilet, holding tank inflatable tender, television, heating in 2 Cabins £74,950

£59,500

ontact Racecourse

£38,000

£134,950

Contact Windsor Racecourse

CONTACT US

:- boatsales@tingdene.net S HOTLINE +44(0)1933 551622 SEALINE S34 - 1999 - Twin Volvo KAD43 230hp

iF YOU ARE TRYING TO SELL A BROOM BOAT CONTACT US AS BROOM AGENTS,BOATS REQUIRED

£84,995

Viewing highly recommend.

£35,950

£149,999 Contact Upton Contact Thames & Kennet Contact MOORINGS Upton ARE AVAILABLE ATANY OF OUR EIGHT MARINAS Contact Thames & Kennet CONTACT TODAY TO DISCUSS - marinas@tingdene.net COME & MEET US ON STAND B 140 LONDON BOAT SHOW, TO GET YOUR NEW BERTH FOR 2016 Sealine 305 Statesman – 1989 - Twin Volvo

Broom Ocean 34 - 1998 - Sabre Perkins 135 A very

£36,950

Contact Walton

£25,000

Contact Walton

Regal 2665 Commodore, 2004, Yanmar

clean and well presented 34 with 6 berths, open plan 240hp diesel, 200hp Diesel Engines. A popular small fly bridge cruiser A well presented S34 with a good specification Racecourse Marina Windsor net Marina SCAN HERE fore cabin, side door, plotter and VHF radio, canopies Very low engine hours, Full canopy, Extended with accommodation for 6, with this power option the 305 is a Radar, VHF, Hydraulic to £89,950 view our Road gangway, Upton Marina m Lakesincluding Plotter,Maidenhead and soft furnishings immaculate. bathing platform, 4 berths, Pumpout toilet, capable craft for coastal use and at home on inland waters. Ideal New flexiteek bathing platform, Leather upholstery, boats for sale Upton uponasSevern Road New canopies, HoldingWindsor 1996Broom 29 - £59,950. New Broom 370 - £375,335 Raymarine GPS, Serviced & antifouled 2015. a family craft good exterior space in the cockpit and fly bridge. tank. A popular 3 cabin craft 135 A very Broom Ocean 34 1998 Sabre Perkins Regal 2665 Commodore, 2004, Yanmar Sealine 305 Statesman – 1989 - Twin Volvo SEALINE S34 - 1999 - Twin Volvo KAD43 230hp iF YOU ARE TRYING TO SELL A BROOM BOAT Berkshire Worcestershire erkshire Viewing highly recommend. £35,950 £38,000 with excellent cockpit £74,950 cleanStourport and well presented 34 with 6 berths, open plan Pyrford Marina Marina 240hp diesel,27 200hp Diesel Engines.

A popular small fly Walton bridge cruiserMarinaCONTACT A well presented S34 with a good specification US AS BROOM AGENTS,BOATS REQUIRED 2012 Shetland A SL4 5HT WR8 0PB LQ side827 door, plotter and VHF Marex Holiday Fairline Corniche 31radio, canopies 2700 01932 01932 275 01299 082 Sealine S34 Very low Maxum engine hours, Full SCR canopy, Extended with accommodation for 280 6,343 with this power option the 305 is a221 689 fore cabin, including Plotter, Radar, VHF, Hydraulic gangway, Fitted with Honda 40hp outboard 01753 851717 01684 593111 7770 and soft furnishings immaculate. £89,950 Walton on Thames1988Stourport River Surrey Severn 2005 - Single Volvo D2 Diesel andonBow Thruster.

- Twin Volvoon 200hp shaft drive – Tricab model 2002bathing - Single platform, 300hp Mercruiser 350 Magnum petrol 4 berths, Pumpout toilet, capable craft for coastalWey, use and at home inland waters. Ideal New flexiteek bathing upholstery, 2006 – Twin Volvoplatform, D4 225 Leather hp diesels 1996Broom 29 - £59,950. New Broom 370 - £375,335 Raymarine & antifouled 2015. as acockpit, family craftheating, good exterior in the cockpit and fly bridge.

New canopies, Holding popular 3 cabin craft Teak twospace showers, flatscreen TV, New upholstery and canopies engine, 4 berthsGPS, withServiced two double berths, seperate Fully serviced andtank. with Anew survey.

Contact Waltonhighly recommend. iF YOU ARE TRYING TO SELL AOF BROOM BOAT MOORINGS ARE AVAILABLE ATANY OUR EIGHT MARINAS Viewing £35,950 £38,000 with excellent cockpit £74,950 Speed/fishfinder, depthsounder Fully serviced and surveyed toilet and shower, spacious cockpit New canopy and cockpit upholstery CONTACT US AS BROOM AGENTS,BOATS REQUIRED £44,950

CONTACT TODAY TO£39,995 DISCUSS - marinas@tingdene.net £34,950 COME & MEET US ON STAND B 140 LONDON BOAT SHOW, MOORINGS ARE AVAILABLE ATANY OF OUR EIGHT MARINAS CONTACT US TINGDENE EVENTS Full details ofFOR all boats available TO GET YOUR NEW BERTH 2016 Visit CONTACT TODAY TO DISCUSS - marinas@tingdene.net Tingdene @ Thames Used Boat Show Sales Email:- boatsales@tingdene.net at all 10 sales offices at Thames & Kennet Marina Online COME & MEET US ON STAND B 140 LONDON BOAT SHOW, www.tingdeneboatsales.net 24 HOUR SALES HOTLINE +44(0)1933 14th - 23rd April 2017 CONTACT US 551622 instructions required afloat sales Looking forward to the emergence of Spring? TO GET New YOUR NEW BERTH FORfree 2016 Windsor Racecourse Marina Thames & Kennet Marina SCAN HERE Sales Email:- boatsales@tingdene.net Yes we are too, so here’s a date for the perfect kick-off moorings at all marinas to view our Maidenhead Road Upton Marina Caversham Lakes start of season event. You can expect an excellent 24 HOUR SALES boats for sale Windsor selection of used and Upton upon Severn Henley RoadHOTLINE +44(0)1933 551622 new motorboats, narrowboats and to view,Worcestershire with lots of great advice too.

Racecourse barges Marina Windsor Berkshire Thames Kennet Marina SCAN HERE Reading,&Berkshire Walton Marina Pyrford Marina Stourport Marina RG4 Windsor Racecourse Marina to view our Maidenhead SL4 5HT Road Upton Marina Caversham WR8 0PB RG49RA 6LQ Lakes 01932 221 689 01932 343 275 01299 827 082 Marina Thames & Kennet Marina Windsor Racecourse 01753Windsor 851717 Upton593111 upon Severn River Wey, Surrey Road 01684 0118Henley 947 7770 Walton on Thames Stourport on Severn boats for sale Upton Marina MaidenheadBerkshire Road Caversham Lakes Worcestershire Reading, Berkshire Walton Marina Pyrford Marina Stourport Marina Pyrford Marina Walton Marina Stourport Marina Hartford Marina Upton upon Severn Windsor HenleyRG4 Road 9RA SL4 5HT WR8 0PB RG4 6LQ 01932 221 689 01932 343 275 on Thames 01299 82701480 082 454677 River Wey, Surrey Walton Stourport on Severn Worcestershire Berkshire Reading, Berkshire 01753 851717 01684 593111 0118 947 7770 Walton on Thames River Wey, Surrey Stourport on Severn GU22 8XL KT12 1QW DY13 9QF Portishead Quays WR8 0PB SL4 5HT RG4 6LQ 01932 343 275 01932 221 689 01299 827 082 01275 397 277 01684 593111 01753 851717 0118 947 7770 £92,950

£59,950

Classified

2015 Beneteau Antares 7.80

Single Suzuki 150hp outboard.

Dayboat/overnighter/weekend cruiser with 4 berths and seperate toilet compartment. Canopy/ bimini cockpit cover, sunroof to wheelhouse, holding tank, blue hull. Lying Thames & Kennet Marina

£39,500

01189 477770 guy.girling@tingdene.net

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

2008 Bavaria 30 Sport

1988 Shadow 26

Single Volvo Penta D4 300hp diesel engine. Stylish sportcruiser, 4 berths with two doubles and seperate mid cabin. Heating, Raymarine C80, 2kw radar, bowthruster, microwave, electric or alcohol two-burner hob, shower.

Single 43hp Volvo Penta 2003T diesel engine. Economical river cruiser with open plan layout offering 4 berths. Holding tank.

Hot and cold pressurised water system via calorifier and immersion.

BSS certificate until Jun 2017

£59,950

£24,950

01189 403 211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

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85

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Electric Boat Association

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Atlanta Boat Owners

Elysian Boat Owners

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Fairey Owners Club

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairline Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fjord Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Club

www.broomowners.com

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

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

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum www.dawncraftowners.com

86

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

February 2017

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

Shetland Owners Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

Nauticus www.nauticus.co.uk

Nelson Boat Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK www.nimbusowners.co.uk

Norman Appreciation Society www.normanboats.co.uk

Princess Owners Club princessownersclub.com

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

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

Storebro Passion www.storebropassion.de

Sunseeker Owners Club sunseekerownersclub.com

Viking Owners Club

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

Regal Owners Forum www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

Rinker Owners Club

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www.rinkerboats.com/owners-club

Rodman Owners Club

www.rbsmarine.com/rodman-owners-club

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

Sealine Forum www.sealineforum.co.uk

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89

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Antifouling Guide

YOU WILL NEED

P ainting the bottom of your boat with

antifouling is an annual job that no boat owner, trailboaters aside, can avoid. It’s not the most enjoyable aspect of boat ownership, but it is a relatively simple job and one that usually, at least, marks the start of a new boating season.

So does the act of painting really need a step-by-step feature? It is, after all, just painting. For many of us the answer is probably no, but for a newcomer, who perhaps has never had to antifoul a boat before, the process may seem a 1

TOOLS • Paint scraper • Screwdriver to open paint tin • Paint mixer or stirring stick • Paint tray • Paint roller • Brushes

ooooo DIFFICULTY RATING

little daunting. Fear not, our step by step guide will provide the newcomer with everything they need know to undertake their first antifoul, and hopefully there be will be one or two tips for the old hands as well.

First published June 2014, updated January 2017

Choosing your paint The market is full of different brands of antifoul paint, and each brand often has many different products. Choosing the right one can be a bit of a minefield.

One good tip is to ask other boaters in your marina or club what they are using, and how they have found it. If they have been in the area for a few years, the chances are they will recommend a good paint based on their own trial and error. One thing to note though is that not all paints are suitable for fast boats. Some soft antifoul will wear away too quickly if used on a motorboat, so check the specifications, which often mentions a maximum speed the paint is suitable for. If you are on a drying mooring, check also that the paint is recommended for this

kind of use. Cost is another factor, but this should only be considered after performance and suitability. It could be a false economy buying the cheapest paint if it simply doesn’t work well for your area or your type of boating.

I chose Seajet 031 Samurai, as it is a paint I have used before and been pleased with the results. The fact that it is also Seajet’s budget paint at around £50 for 2.5 litres is an added bonus.

Sterngear and other underwater fixtures Sterndrives, being aluminium, cannot be coated with any copper based paint.

This means that many hull paints are unsuitable for drives. Some paints, such as Seajet’s 034 Emperor, can be used on both the hull and drives, but check thoroughly before application as a copper based paint on an aluminium drive will encourage galvanic corrosion of the drive.

P brackets and rudders can usually be painted with the same paint as the hull, as being made of bronze, a more noble metal, the copper content won’t cause them any corrosion issues. Stainless steel shafts are usually left unpainted and props

are difficult to keep coated so these can be cleaned and polished, or, if you want to stop fouling, try one of the specialist sterngear products. Trim tabs can be painted with hull paint, as can the external flanges of any seacock.

Avoid painting the moving part of your speed log as it will affect its calibration, but the plastic flange can be painted as can any other plastic through hull fittings below the waterline.

Bow and stern thrusters can be painted with the same hull paint, but on thrusters, as with all underwater fittings, ensure you don’t paint over the anode.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

2

PRACTICAL

Protective clothing When working with old and new antifoul, it is important to take some safety measures. Safety goggles are essential, and a dust mask is a must if you are sanding old antifoul. Old clothes or overalls are useful, as you will get paint on them no matter how careful you are, and a hat will help keep the paint out of your hair. Gloves will keep your hands mostly paint free

Tape types

When buying masking tape for the waterline, it is best to get the 50mm wide stuff, as you’ll be less likely to over paint it and have to remove antifoul from where it shouldn’t be. If you have drives, you’ll need some 25mm wide tape for a border around the transom shield, to avoid the copper paint coming into contact with the aluminium. If the tape is going to be on and off in the same day, cheaper stuff is generally fine. If the tape is going to be applied for a longer period, say over a couple

and I always wear a pair of knee pads, as hull painting inevitably leads to much kneeling on uneven surfaces.

of weekends, I would suggest buying a good quality low adhesion variety as it will be easier to remove once the job is done.

Avoid buying really cheap tape as you may find that the paint will creep under it no matter how well it is applied.

Amount of paint Each manufacturer will have a chart on their website to help you calculate the quantity of paint needed. Typically a 10 metre boat will require around five litres to achieve the correct thickness of paint. It is important to buy the right amount, and to use it all, as the thickness of the finished coat is crucial to getting the best performance out of it.

3

First published June 2014, updated January 2017

New hulls

If a hull has never been antifouled you will firstly need to find the waterline. Some manufacturers mark the hull or, on a small boat, you could simply launch it and mark the waterline with a marker pen. The area to be painted then needs to be sanded with a coarse paper to provide a key for the paint. Once sanded the hull should be cleaned of all dust and residue, before applying a primer coat, followed by two coats of antifoul paint.

Compatability

Most antifoul paints use copper and biocides, and generally these types can be painted on top of each other even if they were produced by different manufacturers. The supplier of your new paint should have a compatibility chart on their website to check that the new paint can be applied directly on top of last years antifoul. If you don’t know what was on the boat before, or find that

Launch times

Once the hull is painted the clock is ticking for the boat to be launched. Antifoul needs immersing in water within a certain period, which is often around two months but check with your paint supplier, otherwise its effectiveness diminishes.

the new and old paints are incompatible, you will need to apply a barrier coat before painting the hull. This would usually be in the form of a primer, and should be available from the supplier of your antifoul. Some paints use Teflon, or other low friction technology, which are difficult to over coat with traditional antifoul or primers. These may need to be stripped completely before painting.

HOW TO IN 15 STEPS

1

When arranging a lift, try to book a time when the temperature is likely to be above 5°C. This is usually the minimum required

2

Get the boat pressure washed as soon as it is lifted. This should get rid of most of the slime and accumulated fouling

3

Use a scraper to remove any remaining fouling or areas of badly flaking old paint. Goggles are essential for this task

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

4

PRACTICAL

4

You can now smooth the old paint with sandpaper.

Use it wet and wear a facemask and goggles.

After, wash away the dust 7

5

6

Mask up the waterline.

Ensure you rub the edge next to the paint firmly so that the new paint doesn’t creep up underneath 8

If you have sterndrives, mask up a 25mm border all around them to avoid corrosion issues when using copper based paint 9

Mask up anything else that you don’t want to paint, including any anodes not being removed. Painted anodes will not work

Any areas where the old paint has come away completely, leaving bare gelcoat, will need to be painted with a primer coat

Before painting, it is imperative to mix the paint properly. A mechanical device is easier, and will do a more thorough job

10

11

12

Once any primer is dry, you can start with the first coat of antifoul. Don’t spread it too thin; you need the right thickness over two coats

Any areas where the roller can’t reach can be touched in with a paint brush. Clean any over painting with white spirit or thinners

Check the tin for over coating times, and apply a second coat once the minimum time has elapsed

5

First published June 2014, updated January 2017

13

14

15

If you have paint left over, use it up by applying a third coat on high wear areas like the bow, the waterline, the keel and the chines

Before the last coat fully dries, carefully remove the masking tape. This should leave a nice crisp edge

If you can’t get to the areas where the chocks are, give them a quick coat of paint once the boat is lifted before being re-launched

CONSUMABLES • • • • • •

Primer Antifoul paint Coarse sandpaper Masking tape White spirit or thinners Cleaning cloths

TIME TAKEN After the boat has been pressure washed and dried you should be able to antifoul a boat with two coats in a single day. If the hull needs lots of preparation and a full primer coat it may take an extra day.

COST £ The cost will vary depending upon paint chosen and size of boat, but on this 28 footer we used two 2.5 litre tins of Seajet 031 Samurai making the total cost £135, including consumables.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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