Motorboat Owner February 2019

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Motorboat FEBRUARY 2019

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Beneteau Barracuda 9 Destination Guide Princess 388/398/410 l Boot Düsseldorf l Falcon BR7

HONFLEUR

Welcome to the February issue.

From the Editor

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Well, DĂźsseldorf, what can I say? Sixteen halls of boats and boating related paraphernalia certainly was enough to keep us busy. We were there for the best part of three days and I can honestly say that I did not actually manage to get around every single part of it.

It was easy enough for us to make the show a bit more manageable, by ignoring those halls full of boats with poles sticking out the

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

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February 2019

welcome aboard

Honfleur in the morning mist. Read our guide to this charming port on page 32

heard as I paced the halls looking for all the latest and most exciting launches, and there were plenty of them to look at. You can read all about the boats and gear launched at the show in the following pages.

I really do mourn the loss of the London boat show and, if you feel the same. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to Düsseldorf next year. Just wear your best walking shoes.

Back home, our winter cruising plans have been disrupted by a mechanical breakdown. It appears that our power steering pipework has been gently abrading itself on the bottom of the engine, and a sudden loss of power steering and a bilge full of hydraulic oil is the result. Of top, and if you are not into scuba diving, course, the gap I need to fit into to maritime art, charters or watersports, fix this, is designed for someone you could cross a few more halls off your who hasn’t eaten all the pies, but I list, but that still left no fewer than six am hoping my new year diet will motorboat halls and a handful of halls dedicated to core boating gear, engines and have paid off just enough to ease the other technology. In short, it’s a great show. process, even if it will do nothing to ease the shock of the price It did also appear that we were far from being the only Brits to make the trip. I lost of a replacement Volvo hose! count of the number of British accents I

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

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

Contributors: Alex Smith, Ray Tanner, Pam Born, John Frew Cover photo: Beneteau Barracuda 9 off Port Ginesta, Spain taken by Neale Byart

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2019

REGULARS

p60

Motorboat

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Owner

PROJECT BOAT

5 6

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NEWS page 6 INBOX page 16 CUTTING EDGE page 44 Q&A page 56 TESTED page 78

7

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I

60 Febr

uary

2019

page 20 New Boats

Düsseldorf Highlights

page 30 Practical

Readers Tip DIY Mooring Aids

PRACTICAL

Project Boat: Lapping Valves p32

page 78 Tested

Streetwize Multi-use Syphon & Air Pump

p30 HONFLEUR Destination Guide

p66

p46

Princess 388/398/410

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Falcon BR7

BOAT TESTS

Beneteau Barracuda 9

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NEWS Group formed to tackle lobster pot hazards During January the marine bodies, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the Cruising Association (CA) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency convened the first meeting of a new Lobster Pots and Small Craft Safety Working Group. At the meeting, results from an RYA campaign and petition pursued by the CA were reviewed and the consensus was that existing approaches to fishing gear marking and hazard reduction need to be reviewed, and new approaches explored in the interests of leisure boater’s safety.

As a result, the government agencies, The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, RYA and the CA have agreed to work together to understand the causes of small craft entanglement and to develop solutions based on best practice in the UK and elsewhere, and to support innovative development. The working group has prioritised its tasks and intends to meet again in the coming months once it has established the regulatory baseline and had time to assess the effectiveness of existing powers across the whole of the UK.

North Sea kayak challenge launched in aid of limbless veterans During the summer of 2019, a relay team of six novice kayakers will take on the North Sea in a two-person kayak. Consisting of former military men and women, a war reporter and a search and rescue pilot, the team hope to recreate the ‘dangerous’ 250-mile route taken by the secretive World War II organisation ‘Special Operations Executive’ (SOE), crossing from the Shetland Isles to Bergen in Norway. Called the ‘Kayak 2 Norway Mission’, the challenge is going to be all about ‘friendship, endurance and courage’ and will raise awareness and funds for the charity, Blesma. Blesma has worked since World War I to ensure limbless veterans ‘are not failed, forgotten or left to fend for themselves’.

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February 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

MBO Reader Survey Mariner winner Derek Robinson from Plymouth is the winner of the Motorboat Owner Reader Survey prize, a Mariner 2.5hp outboard, supplied by Barrus. The outboard was presented to Derek in January by Dave Mallett at Plymouth Marine and Barrus Area Sales Manager, Mick Matthews. The Motorboat Owner reader survey was launched at the Southampton Boat Show and ran across the September and October issues.

MBO Editor, Neale said “I would like to thank all the readers that took part in the survey, it is wonderful to hear that you are enjoying the magazine.” Winner, Derek said “I’m lost for words winning such a tremendous prize and I have to thank MBO and Barrus for this.”

NEWS Beale Park Boat & Outdoor Show cancelled In January, the organisers of the Beale Park Boat & Outdoor Show announced the cancellation of the 2019 show. The 3-day show has been held, for the last five years, on and around one of the lakes at the Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire. Each year it saw an array of new and historic boats, classic cars, marine and leisure equipment exhibited. Its organisers, See it for Real Productions, said ‘It is with great disappointment that we have to announce that the 2019 show will not go ahead. It has been difficult to achieve satisfactory commercial arrangements. It is therefore with regret that we have reached this decision.” Sadly, the show was to receive a setback in 2017, when the former chairman and the show’s ‘vital driving force’, Richard Howard, passed away. This year’s event was due to start on the 31st of May. The organisers added that there are no plans for further shows at the this stage, saying “We have enjoyed the journey and hope that one day the show can make a comeback.”

Record numbers take the plunge in New Years dip for RNLI A ‘record’ 250 swimmers formed a long line along East Looe beach on a calm, crisp but overcast New Years Day, for the 7th annual, ‘famous’ Looe New Years Day dip. Each year the event sees the spectacle of bathers swimming 20 metres offshore to raise money for the local RNLI. Many swimmers wore fancy dress and the event is said to have raised over £1330 in donations for Looe Lifeboat Station. The Looe RNLI station’s Atlantic 85 and D Class inshore lifeboats were on station providing safety cover during the event.

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February 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Uncertain future for PS Ryde after collapse Restoration campaigners were left heartbroken when the historic paddle steamer, the Ryde, collapsed over the Christmas period.

The Ryde was launched in 1937 and served for many years as an elegant passenger steamer. A break in public service saw it become a World War II veteran, joining the D-Day invasion fleet in 1944. In its later years it was turned into an Isle of Wight restaurant and then a nightclub. It now lies rusting quietly at the banks of the River Medina near Island Harbour. Hope came in November 2018, when a campaign for its restoration was established. Raising over £5k, the plan initially had been to move the Ryde from its tidal grave, but the vessels fragility proved too problematic. In the wake of the recent collapses, Campaign organiser, LisaMarie Turner said “Ryde’s bridge has collapsed that much, it is now resting on her bow” and things are falling off on a daily basis. On the 20th of December, the team made a heartbreaking decision to ‘say goodbye and let her go’. Lisa added “There are other options being explored, but for legal reasons we cannot comment on these. But we want to assure you all, we fought till the end for her.”

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

ACrespin / Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

The Ryde pictured in its heyday.

It was built on the Clyde and launched in 1937. See full article in the September 2014 issue

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NEWS Gosport ex-navy land goes under the hammer A historic maritime waterfront site in Gosport is being sold for an undisclosed sum and has the potential of being a new boating hub for Portsmouth. The 5.5 acre site is being marketed as a ‘Marine Employment site’ with ‘deep water access to Portsmouth Harbour’ and is set in the exnavy Royal Clarence Yard, on the peninsula between the two marinas, Royal Clarence and Premier’s Gosport Marina. Royal Clarence Yard has, over the last 10 years, been redeveloped from its original use as a Royal Naval Victualling Yard, into a residential, light-industry and leisure estate. Marketed by estate agents, Lambert Smith Hampton, the site includes a number of listed structures including a Rum Store, Tank Stores with attached Steam Fire Engine House, a main Boat Store, part of the listed Cooperage, and the Grade II listed southern boundary wall. It also includes the remains of the railway station used by Queen Victoria. With its slipway access and waterfront buildings, there has been speculation in the press that the land could be turned into a boating hub, a boatyard, drystack or similar, providing marine employment for the community.

Interboat Intender 950 NEW BOAT Dutch boat builder, Interboat unveiled artist impressions of its new Intender model at the Boot Düsseldorf boat show in Germany in January. The new Intender 950 is a 31ft cockpit cruiser offering a rather clever unconventional 2-berth layout, its lower accommodation has a toilet compartment in the bow and a mid berth double. Prices, supplied by UK dealer Val Wyatt Marine, start at £169,900.

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February 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Four Winns Vista 355 Coupe NEW BOAT The US boat builder, Four Winns unveiled details of its exciting new Vista cruiser flagship at Boot Düsseldorf boat show in January. A family boat, the new Vista 355 Coupe offers a 4-berth layout, with open plan lower accommodation providing a full-beam master suite, lit by stylish hull windows, and scissor berths in the bow. Other key features are an enclosed wheelhouse with twin sunroofs and asymmetrical side decks. The model is also available with several hull colour options. It is powered by twin outboards and parent company Beneteau tell us that twin sterndrive petrol options will also be available. UK prices start at £252,000.

New water lifestyle store A new water lifestyle store, Aqua Living UK, has been set up by British husband and wife team, Christina and Alistair Hall pictured and provides an online shop for everything needed to enjoy an on-the-water lifestyle, whilst supporting the planet. Stocking marine chandlery equipment, eco friendly products and clothing, with every sale made, the company will make a donation to the Marine Conservation Society.

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NEWS Ford to supply all RNLI vehicles for 3 years The car manufacturer, Ford, will be supplying the RNLI with a replacement fleet of new vehicles for the next three years. The exclusive partnership will see Ford ship 210 new vehicles to the RNLI this year, including Fiestas, EcoSports, Focus, Kugas, Transits and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, as well as 20 four-wheeldrive Rangers to be deployed on beach patrols. A further 120 will follow in 2020 and again in 2021. Ford of Britain Chairman and Managing Director, Andy Barratt, said “The RNLI is nothing short of a national treasure, and it is an absolute privilege for Ford to help them with the amazing work that they do.� To see a video about the partnership click here.

St Katharine Docks Seabins Central London marina haven, St Katharine Docks has installed three Seabins as part of an environmental initiative. Located in the West Dock and Central Basin, these will be checked and emptied on a regular basis, each able to collect up to half a tonne of floating debris per year and displacing 25,000 litres per hour.

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February 2019

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NEWS Historic Egremont to be deconstructed National Historic Ships UK

A ‘declaration to deconstruct’ has been issued for the historic, ex-Mersey Ferry, the ‘Egremont’.

The Egremont will be familiar to boaters visiting Salcombe, where it was used for many years as a floating clubhouse by the Island Cruising Club since 1976. Now in dry dock at Sharpness Shipyard, both the shipyard and Egremont Trust, announced the intention to commence deconstruction of the Egremont by early February 2019 unless any alternative solution is put forward before this deadline. Launched in Dartmouth in 1951, the 145ft steel passenger-carrying vessel provided a link between the Wirral and Liverpool. Egremont was moved to Sharpness Shipyard in late 2016 for repairs and conservation work as part of a long-term project. Substantial repairs were carried out before funding ceased and the hull is largely finished with only some minor work left where dock blocks could not be moved. The remainder of the ship has been stripped out pending a confirmed end use. The society, National Historic Ships UK has urged ‘any interested parties wishing to make an offer for the ship or related fittings, propose a new end use or location, or provide further documentary and photographic evidence’ to contact them no later than Monday 4 February 2019. For further information about this vessel visit the National Register of Historic Vessels website.

Mercury celebrates 80th anniversary The US outboard manufacturer, Mercury Marine will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. It all started on 22nd January 1939, when E. Carl Kiekhaefer purchased a bankrupt engine manufacturing plant in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 80 years on, Mercury is one of the leading manufacturers of marine propulsion and outboards, employing 7,000 people. Anniversary events will be held around the world, with UK 80th celebrations at this year’s Southampton Boat Show through distributor, Barrus.

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February 2019

All-weather cruisers handcrafted in Finland

Nordstar Southern UK & Channel Islands MCC Marine Hamble Point Marina, Southampton +44 (0)23 8045 6116 info@mccmarine.co.uk www.mccmarine.co.uk Nordstar Scotland and the North Nord Star UK 2 Kirkbrae, Clackmannan +44 (0)7831 679588 keith@nordstar.co.uk www.nordstar.co.uk

Nord Star model range certified as B-Offshore rated luxury Motor Cruisers from 26-49 ft.

INBOX

@

Conserving battery power question I read the question and answer on conserving battery power in the December 2018 issue with interest. One word of warning, check if you have a Mercathode (or similar impressed current system) to prevent galvanic corrosion of your stern gear. These can draw a steady 100mA or so from your battery all the time the boat is afloat. Do not disconnect this system. Disconnection will stop your battery discharging, but at the expense of possible galvanic corrosion eating your sterndrive.

Some modern drives such as the Mercruiser Bravo 3 with two large contrarotating stainless propellers (no aluminium option) rely on these systems, due to the large exposed area of dissimilar metals. Anodes alone are not sufficient to provide complete protection in a marine environment.

If you have one of these systems consider some other means of providing the power they need. Consider fitting a bigger battery bank, solar panels and/or keeping shore power connected, if this is available.

I own a Hardy 25 kept on a half tidal mooring which has a Bravo 3 drive which I fitted myself. It came with Mercathode electrodes fitted and instructions about fitting the system. A few searches on the internet informed me that ignoring this information was extremely unwise. I have a system fitted and have not had any problems. David Johns Editor replies: Thanks David, when trying to track down a battery drain it is good advice to think about items like the Mercathode system that are using power but are important for the well being of your boat. 100mA may not seem much, but it would take a 110Ah battery down to 50% charge in just 23 days.

If you have such a system with no power, your tip to consider solar (or wind) charging to keep your batteries topped up is a good one.

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February 2019

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

Inside and cover of the 1980s brochure for the Italian-built Cranchi Endurance 31, complete with model wearing retro day-glo swimming costume

Perfectly practical

Really great magazine!

I thoroughly enjoyed my first copy. It seems I’m late to the party, but having just embarked on a 1975 Broom 30 project, it seems I have found the perfect publication that none of the ‘others’ can compare with for my particular needs. Paul Beverley Editor replies: Thank you for your lovely comments, we are pleased to hear that you are enjoying the magazine. We covered the Broom 30 as a Classic Cruisers used boat guide in the March 2015 issue and in fact your boat is the boat we viewed and photographed for the feature, previously named No Regrets. We look forward to hearing more about your project.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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INBOX

@

Am I insured?

Cheap dieselfired heaters Following on from last months Tested feature on cheap diesel-fired heaters, we asked leading online boat insurance company, Craftinsure, for their view regarding one of these non-CE compliant heaters being the potential cause of an insurance claim through, for example, a fire. While their reply may not reflect the insurance industry at large, it does give a useful insight into how a claim may be handled in the case of such an event.

“The fact that a heater (or any other imported item), not compliant with EU regulations is fitted to a boat would not, in itself, result in a claim being declined.

However, all marine insurance policies require that boats are seaworthy and are properly maintained.

There is, therefore, a duty for every owner to ensure, within reason, that any items they fit to their boat are safe. If a heater is purchased new, and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, unless there is a good reason to suspect that the item poses any increased risk, insurers would have no justification in declining a claim due to an inherent defect.

However, if it becomes apparent that the imported items do present a fire risk and that this information becomes public knowledge, there could be an issue from the insurance perspective.

Should a fire occur and the cause be identified as due to a faulty heater, an owner (and therefore their insurer if appropriate) may well have a chance of pursuing a products liability claim against the supplier, but if purchased online from a company in the Far East for example, the chances of any recovery would inevitably be lower”. Rod Daniel ACII Craftinsure.com Editor comments: Thank you Rod, it’s always great to get an expert’s view on complex issues such as insurance.

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February 2019

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DÜSSELDORF

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HIGHLIGHTS

Germany’s massive, Boot Düsseldorf boat show always sees a number of interesting new boat debuts. We paced all six of the motorboat halls to bring you the best of the new models for 2019

J

anuary 2019 has been a bit of a funny month. For the first time in over 20 years, we have not had a London Boat Show to plan for and attend just after new year. With no local boat fix to be had, there was only one thing for it. Book a plane, a hotel, some airport parking, order some Euros and Düsseldorf here we come.

While many European shows are feeling the pinch, Düsseldorf seems to buck the trend, with feedback suggesting this year, it’s 50th anniversary, was bigger and better than ever before. We put on our walking boots and spent the best part of three days pacing the floors of the 16 halls to find the best and most interesting new boat launches for the coming year. Despite this, I would have to say that we still didn’t get to see every part of every hall, such is the size of the show. The way the show is laid out makes things a little easier, with halls

dedicated to certain sectors, meaning you could give them a miss completely if, say, sailing boats or scuba diving aren’t your thing. Even so, if you have missed your new year boat show fix and are thinking of a trip to Germany next year, you really do have to allow at least two full days to get the most out of it. Just a couple of things to be aware of, it gets very busy at weekends and many of the stands operate a ‘gatekeeper’ system, making wandering on and off boats a little harder than you might be used to. The best of the new technology from Düsseldorf can be found in our Cutting Edge pages, but these are the boats to watch out for, and maybe see in the flesh later in the year in the UK. UK prices have been quoted where possible, but due to timescales and the newness of many models, Euro prices have been used where UK prices were not yet available.

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February 2019

BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2019 SPECIAL

Sealine C390

The successor to the SC38 and SC380, and therefore ultimately the popular SC35, the C390 is available in two or three cabin variants and a pair of either D4 or D6 Volvo Penta diesel engines on sterndrives.

LOA: 11.99m Beam: 3.85m Displacement:10,520kg Price from £351,763 www.tbsboats.com

Grandezza 37CA This two cabin wheelhouse bridges the gap between the 34OC and the 40CA, and offers the choice of a double or twin for the second cabin.

It is powered by twin diesel sterndrives of between 260hp and 300hp to deliver speeds of up to 36 knots.

LOA: 11.55m Beam: 3.50m Displacement: 7,500kg Price from €410,719 www.gibbsboatsales.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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DÜSSELDORF Sealine S330V

HIGHLIGHTS

The show was also the first opportunity we have had to see Sealine’s new outboard powered variant of its S330.

Powered by twin 300 or 350hp Mercury Verados, the S330V should hit a top speed of around 38 knots.

LOA: 10.31m Beam: 3.50m Displacement: 6,990kg Price from £227,126 www.tbsboats.com

Nimbus T11

Hot on the heels of their three new 9m models, Swedish builder Nimbus has launched their first 11m outboard powered boat. The T11 has a twin step hull, a large cockpit and a four berth cabin. As well as twin or triple outboards of up to 400hp each, it can also be specified with twin petrol or diesel sterndrives.

LOA: 12.40m Beam: 3.46m Displacement: 5,600kg Price from €262,000 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

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February 2019

BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2019 SPECIAL

Brabus Shadow 500 This is no ordinary Axopar. The Brabus Shadow 500 Black Ops Limited Edition 1 of 28, to give it its full name, is an Axopar 28 T-Top with some very special touches, thanks to the company that give Mercedes cars that little bit extra. Twin 250hp Mercury outboards provide the power.

There is also an 800 model available, based on the Axopar 37.

LOA: 9.18m Beam: 2.95m Displacement: 1,840kg (ex engines) Price from €251,400 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

Beneteau Flyer 10 Beneteau’s largest edition to the Flyer range, the Flyer 10, was launched at the show.

Comprising a four-berth cabin, separate toilet compartment, cockpit galley, bow seating area and some sleek styling touches, Beneteau tell us the model will bridge the gap between the Flyer and the GT ranges.

LOA: 9.95m Beam: 3.32m Displacement: 4,332kg ex eng Price from €155,000 www.beneteau.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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DÜSSELDORF

HIGHLIGHTS

Cranchi E26 Classic This little open sportsboat from Cranchi delivers just about everything you would expect from an Italian builder. Stunning looks, gorgeous detailing and stylish materials, all in one package.

The sterndrive, cabin equipped, Classic version will be joined soon by an open bow, outboard powered E26 Rider model.

LOA: 7.85m Beam: 2.49m Displacement: 2,500kg Price from €102,900 www.tingdeneboatsales.net

Finnmaster P6

Finnmaster’s Cabin range has got a new entry-level model. The P6, joins the existing P7 and P8 but, unlike the other two, has an open bow cockpit. Despite this, the midships wheelhouse still delivers two berths, a compact galley and a fridge for maximum day boating, or occasional overnight, comfort.

LOA: 6.35m Beam: 2.29m Displacement: 1,140kg Price from £45,695 www.idealboat.com

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February 2019

BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2019 SPECIAL

Capelli BR65

Italian builder, Capelli, produce both GRP boats and RIBs. The BR65 appears to take the best of both and the result is a RIB with the layout and facilities of a bow rider, including two separate forward facing seats and a wraparound windscreen. The BR65 can be powered by a single outboard of between 150 and 200hp.

LOA: 6.55m Beam: 2.67m Displacement: 800kg ex eng Price from £56,738 www.idealboat.com

Silver Tiger DCZ

Following on from their first all GRP model, the Raptor DCZ, last year, Silver has followed up with a second, all GRP day cruiser.

The Tiger DCZ is a smaller model that can be powered by a single outboard of up to 150hp. It will also be available in a bowrider version, called the Tiger BRZ. LOA: 6.06m Beam: 2.36m Displacement: 1,150kg Price from €53,139 www.silverboatsuk.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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DÜSSELDORF Q30

HIGHLIGHTS

The Q30 from Q Yachts is an all-electric day boat built in Finland. With the standard 30kWh battery pack it is said to offer a 42nm range at its cruising speed of 9 knots, or 22nm at its maximum speed of 15 knots. There is an option for a 60kWh battery that will double the range.

LOA: 9.30m Beam: 2.20m Displacement: 1,600kg Price from TBA www.q-yachts.com

Yamarin 88DC

Yamarin has a new flagship day cruiser in its range. The 88DC offers a large cockpit and a four berth cabin, with a unique cockpit entry into the midships berth.

Available with a single 300-350hp outboard, the 88DC’s modern lines and in-hull windows suddenly make the former flagship, the 79DC, look a little dated.

LOA: 8.80m Beam: 2.95m Displacement: 2,350kg (ex engine) Price from €128,900 www.yamarin.com

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February 2019

BOOT DÜSSELDORF 2019 SPECIAL

Seafaring 34

There is currently no UK dealer for the Slovenian built Seafaring range, but if you want a 10m, semi-displacement, single engine cruiser with acres of space, three cabins and a top speed of around 24 knots with the largest, 320hp, engine option, it is probably worth speaking to the Dutch dealer. The 34 is also available with a single small engine, or twin 150’s.

LOA: 10.80m Beam: 3.70m Displacement: 5,000kg Price from €231,600 www.seafaringyachts.com

Jeanneau 895 Marlin

Like other models in the Merry Fisher range, the 895 has spawned a Marlin variant. Usually the Marlin is all about fishing, but with the 895 model Jeanneau seem to have put quite a bit of thought into its cruising credentials too, with seating in the bow and a general increase in the comfort and facilities inside. Power is from a single or twin outboard package of up to 500hp.

LOA: 8.83m Beam: 2.99m Displacement: TBC Price from £99.326 www.jeanneau.com

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DÜSSELDORF Jeanneau NC37

HIGHLIGHTS

The NC37 is the latest model to join Jeanneau’s four-model enclosed wheelhouse style NC line-up. It offers two cabins, separate toilet and shower compartments and the usual practical NC features such as wide walkaround decks and easy deck access from the helm, via a sliding side door. Power is provided by twin Volvo diesels and sterndrives.

LOA: 11.47m Beam: 3.59m Displacement: 6,832kg Price from £277.829 www.jeanneau.com

Parker 790 Explorer

The 790 Explorer joins existing pilothouse models, the 660, 770 and 800, in their extensive line-up, and offers 2 + 2 berths, a separate toilet compartment and wheelhouse galley. Engine options comprise of a single outboard of between 200hp and 300hp.

LOA: 7.90m Beam: 2.90m Displacement: TBC Price from €84,600 www.parkerpoland.eu

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February 2019

PRACTICAL

READERS TIP

DIY Mooring Aids

BY RAY TANNER

YOU WILL NEED

W e have seen so many motorboat and

yacht owners asking their crew members to lasso cleats or bollards, mostly without success, or using expensive aids, which are heavy and metal, risking damage to the vessel’s hull. Other boat owners expect their crew members to jump off, either midships or from bathing platforms, with mooring lines in their hands or lines over the top of rails or on deck, where they can easily slip overboard. We have devised two methods of getting those first lines ashore,

TOOLS • Fid (for splicing if necessary) • Boat hook CONSUMABLES • Three-strand rope • Boat hook clips (suitable size of stanchions or guard rails, and boat hook)

DIFFICULTY RATING

ooooo both can be made easily and cheaply and have been used on a 40ft Sunseeker and Hardy 36 Commodore. Hopefully this will help fellow boat owners and crew.

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February 2019

METHOD 1 ‘THE LOOP’

1

2

Using 10/12mm three-strand rope, make an eye around 40cm. Splice in or attach two spaced boat hook clips to the loop using thinner rope (able to thread through the screw holes). Our clips are 25mm and cost £5. This method is ideal for crew on a foredeck/bow.

1 Clip loop to end of boat hook, making the other end fast onboard, under the rail to a bow or stern cleat 2 Place the loop over dock cleat 3 & 4 A quick pull on the boat hook and the loop is released. Pull in the slack and make fast.

3

4

METHOD 2 ‘THE SIDELINE’

Using 16mm rope and a length of line approx 50% of yacht, attach two boat hook clips sized for either rails or stanchions. With 40cm eyes in both ends, attach one eye to the cleat onboard and running the line outside, attach the clips onto the rails. Using this method fore and aft allows crew to safely step ashore onto pontoons using both hands. A quick pull on the line allows it to be freed to make fast. This is also ideal for single handing. Our boat hook clips are 32mm, costing £9 for two.

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Guernsey Honfleur Tucked away on the southern side of the Seine estuary is possibly one of the most captivating Normandy ports, Honfleur

E

nchanting narrow cobbled passageways, ageing timber-framed architecture, tightly-packed coloured multi-storey townhouses, a dense and captivating ancient sandstone harbour with an ever-changing reflection. You may think we are describing an impressionist painter’s canvas, but Honfleur is truly a picture perfect port like no other. Set in the mouth

of the River Seine, this charming medieval fishing harbour is an unspoilt boating gem, and is the perfect introduction to the Normandy coast. It is also an excellent sheltered stepping stone for explorations up the River Seine to Rouen and Paris.

The town of Honfleur dates back to the 9th century, a time of Scandinavian invasions and the settlement of the

32

February 2019

Destination

HONFLEUR

Portsmouth Brighton Boulogne

ENGLISH CHANNEL Dieppe Guernsey

Cherbourg St Vaast

Fecamp

St Valery en Caux

Honfleur Ouistreham

Vikings. Formally named ‘Honnefleur’ by the Vikings, it grew steadily in importance, and with its tidal basin giving easy access to the Seine estuary, it became a fishing and maritime port, a fortified defence post and an embarkation point for many great maritime voyages. Its original Seine entrance was fortified with Caen stone ramparts, but it was through trade that Honfleur made its fortune. By the 17th and 18th centuries it had developed into a trading port, a centre for pilots,

shipowners, traders and privateers, trading with Canada, the West-Indies, Africa and the Azores. For this, the rectangularshaped Vieux Bassin was built. High rise, three to seven storey merchant and fisherman homes were built side by side along its quayside, with privileged families overlooking their vessels in the drying tidal basin. The sand coloured fortresslike building west of the bridge, known as the Lientenance building, was the former home of the King’s lieutenant and

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governor of Caen, and marks one of the entrances to the once medieval village.

Much of Honfleur’s frontage seen today is, in fact, reclaimed land, evidenced by an original white and red lighthouse set inland in the outer harbour. Honfleur had outgrown its Vieux Bassin, and so was redeveloped with wharfs carved out to the east of its entrance, but silting was a problem. Then in the 19th century it seems a weir and reservoir, a new basin and a lock were created to retain water.

Fast forward 100 years and a lock was constructed in the current location and commissioned in 1994. However, after storm damage in 1998, this had to be rebuilt, with works completed in 2011.

Today fishing and trade still play a vital

role for the town, but both no longer reside in the historic basin, and can now be found in Honfleur’s outer harbour and the huge wharfs upstream, out on the Seine. As a port it is now the third largest for wood products in France and its fishing fleet reside in its outer harbour. Tourism is now a key industry for the town, and its basin has become the centre piece, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Often a showcase for historic yachts, the basin is home to resident boat owners and has a popular visitor pontoon.

Approaches

The Seine approaches are straightforward and generally well-marked. However, as it is a major shipping channel, boaters

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February 2019

Destination

HONFLEUR

Distances

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Honfleur entrance: • Le Havre & Deauville 13 miles • Ouistreham 24 miles • Fecamp 35 miles • St Vaast 61 miles • Rouen 61 miles • Brighton Marina 98 miles • Portsmouth 103 miles • Paris Arsenal Marina 190 miles

Weather & Tides Dripping in historical landmarks, Honfleur’s Place Saint Catherine with its decorative spires

need to keep a good look out for, and stay clear of, large commercial vessels and pilots. The Seine is also a fast flowing tidal estuary, with flows up to 7 knots so, with Honfleur being a locked port, timing is somewhat crucial. It is advisable to approach on a rising tide, and the port advises an arrival at the entrance between an hour and 30 mins after low water and an hour before high water Le Havre (LW+1.30 and HW-1). On the Seine the high water stand lasts approximately 2 hours and at Honfleur this could start as early as 1hr 50 min before high water Le Havre. Tidal differences can be found in an almanac.

Leisure boaters navigating east into the Seine entrance are advised to stay north and just outside the main shipping lane, Chenal du Rouen, leaving the port buoys numbered 2 to 20 to starboard. However, leaving buoy 6 to port is advisable, as this lies in shallow water. Boats approaching

• • • • • • •

Meteo France forecast Honfleur Met Office Shipping Forecast Wight Greenwich Lightship actuals Windfinder wind actuals Le Havre Wind actuals Le Havre Plaisance Windfinder forecast Honfleur Tide times Honfleur & Le Havre

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray 2110 North France Pack • Imray C32 Baie de Seine-Le Havre to Cherbourg • Reeds Nautical Almanac • Imray Shell Channel Pilot Further reading for Seine cruising: • Fluviacarte 1 La Seine-Paris • Imray River Seine Cruising Guide • Imray Inland Waterways of France • Breil Seine

Further afield

The beachside ports of Deauville and Dives sur Mer are close by. The historic city of Caen is a fantastic destination with easy access to wartime landmarks and D-Day beaches. June 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.

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No. 20

SHIPPING LANE

Le Havre

*not to be used for navigation

Radar Tower Lock Building

Honfleur SAS Ecluse

LEISURE BOAT ROUTE

2

4

Pont de Normandie Bridge

6 8

10

12

14

18

20

Lock

Honfleur

Seine-Honfleur approaches

TER OU

Boatyard

R OU

RB

HA

Sliuce Gates

Jardin du Public Visitors Pontoon Lieutenancy Bridge

Visitors Pontoon VIEUX BASSIN

Lighthouse

RESERVOIR

Fishing Harbour

IN

SS

BA DE T

S L’E

Honfleur approaches

Honfleur are advised to monitor the shipping channel VHF 73, as channel 16 is not used on the River Seine. Once level with buoy 10, long training walls commence each side outside the channel, these are submerged much of the time and not very well marked in places.

Honfleur is accessible 24 hours and at all states of tide, and visitors must traverse the sea lock, known as the SAS-Ecluse

Leisure boats must approach staying north of the shipping channel, crossing towards the Honfleur lock after port marker number 20. Distinctive daymarks, an old lighthouse and radar tower

de Honfleur. This operates 24 hours a day and lock openings from seaward are on the hour, with exits on the half hour.

However, the lock gates will generally be open for the high water Le Havre period, and perhaps up to 1 hour and 30 minutes before HW on larger tides, with the exception being low tidal coefficients or bad weather conditions. During this ‘free flow’ period, boats must obey the traffic

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February 2019

Destination

HONFLEUR

A Fairline locking out. The lock sides have ladders and several floating bollards

lights entering and exiting the lock and port. The lock operates on VHF channel 17 call sign ‘SAS-Ecluse de Honfleur’ or telephone 0033 231987282.

Honfleur’s lock entrance is easily identified by the 27-metre high, toadstalllike white radar tower located on the embankment to the east of the lock. This is the main calling point for shipping on the Seine. On this side is also a fairly new wharf for occasional cruise ship visits. If it is clear of shipping, leisure boaters can cross the shipping channel between the tower and buoy 20 and, if the lock is not already open, proceed into a small holding area. Again be aware of the cross current approaching the lock. In the holding area are timber-clad dolphins for leaning against, if necessary, but nowhere to tie up.

The lock chamber is 23 metres wide and its walls are mainly concrete construction with several recessed floating bollards.

Rafting in the lock is to be expected during busy periods. Once through the lock the outer harbour is marked by

several starboard markers.

When it comes to departing Honfleur to open sea, boaters must retrace their route, crossing the channel when clear and proceeding just north of the port markers, and south of buoy 6 for deeper water. Again with half tide conditions seeing up to 7 knots of tide passing the lock entrance, timings are crucial. Boaters are advised to depart at high water Le Havre to make best use of the falling tide.

However, when doing this, you need to avoid wind against tide conditions in the channel and Seine entrance, which can create some quite nasty conditions in the

Once inside the outer harbour, a couple of starboard marks indicate the channel south

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Resident berths are to port in the basin, the empty visitors pontoon can be seen in the background

estuary. Departing the lock approaching low water, is another option, thus making use of the slack water period and being able to see the training walls. Those departing the lock to proceed upstream, to Rouen and beyond, are advised to do so an hour before low water Le Havre, therefore punching the tide at first, before carrying it upstream for the 61-nauticalmile passage.

Where to moor

The port has 30 visitor moorings, plus the ability to take more by rafting. The visitor moorings in the port are administered

by Cercle Nautique Honfleur (CNH) and their bureau du port is on VHF channel 9, or telephone number 0033 231988713.

Visitors have two options at Honfleur, proceed on through a timed bridge and moor inside the very popular, historic inner basin, Vieux Bassin, or remain in the outer harbour, mooring alongside the visitor pontoon, Ponton du Jardin Public, on the starboard side. At peak times you may be met by a member of the harbour staff in a small orange dory. They will give Visitors waiting for the bridge can tie temporarily on the harbour wall to starboard

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February 2019

Destination

HONFLEUR

Marine supplies

Pontoon du Jardin Public in the outer harbour can be busy during the summer. Expect to raft

you instructions and can normally advise of space availability in the Vieux Bassin.

Visitors wanting to moor inside the Vieux Bassin, not exceeding 14 metres, must pass through the narrow lifting road, Lieutenancy Bridge. A schedule for bridge openings can be found on the bureau’s website, but essentially there are up to 8 bridge lifts a day from May-August on the half hour, from 8:30 until the last at 18:30, and 4 lifts a day (8 at weekends) September to April. To enter or leave Le Vieux Bassin, vessels must be on the move and standing off the bridge at least 10 minutes before the lifting of the bridge.

Otherwise the bridge may not be lifted.

Inbound vessels must wait for the green light to proceed as priority is given to outbound vessels. The bridge is lowered when the last vessel has entered the basin. The visitor pontoon in the basin is

There is a diesel, pump out and waste disposal pontoon in the east corner near the swing bridge

Marine Mechanical Maintenance (0033 231888648) is a boatyard and construction site to the east in the outer harbour, Quai de la jetĂŠe Est, and may be useful for repairs and lifting. Mechanique Marine Honfleur (0033 231885498) at Quai du bassin Carnot is the local Volvo Penta specialist. It is also a Mercury, MerCruiser and Mariner agent, and offers general engine repairs and maintenance. It is open Mon-Fri 8:30-12 and 2-5pm.

Where to fill up

Diesel is available 24/7 in the outer harbour from a small pontoon at Quai du Transit, close to the east swing bridge. This is selfservice, credit card operated and by pre-arrangement through the bureau du port (VHF channel 9 or 0033 231988713). The bureau will supply a code, during opening hours, to operate the roller shutter for the shed at the top of the ramp, where the diesel hose is housed.

For larger quantities, the harbour can arrange a fuel tanker on the quayside here. For petrol there is a Total garage on the main road heading south east from town, close to the end of the Bassin Carnot (25-minute walk). Petrol and diesel is also available from a 24/7 self-service fuel pontoon at Le Havre marina. This fuel berth is located in the north half of the marina in the south east corner.

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immediately on the starboard side. During high season, boats can be rafted up to four or more deep here, but rest assured it is very sheltered by the surrounding buildings. To avoid rafting, it is worth asking the bureau, as occasionally spaces become available on the local pontoons.

Note that the use of tenders is prohibited in the Vieux Bassin. Be aware, with its quayside restaurants, the basin is not very private, but the aged, enchanting view is definitely one for a boating bucket list.

The Jardin Public visitor pontoon in the outer harbour is perhaps more convenient for shorter visits and has water, shorepower and a security gate. It is a lot less overlooked and offers a vista of the old lighthouse, once marking the entrance to the port. Again, this is popular and April-

September you may be directed to raft by harbour staff. A white and blue cladded and coded 24-hour toilet and shower block (with free showers), in the adjacent park gardens, may be used by visitors of both basins. Access codes for the pontoon gate and facilities can be obtained from the bureau du port, but the code for the latter may well be written on the inside of the access gate. Be aware, for water on the pontoon, a male adapter may be needed, depending on the terminals.

Fees are normally collected by the harbour staff in a dory. Alternatively, you can visit the Cercle Nautique Honfleur bureau du port, which can be found in a side street on the east side of Vieux Bassin, Rue Saint Antoine. From SeptemberMay this is open 5 days a week between 9am-5pm, closing for a 1-2 hr lunch, and 8am-12 midday on Saturdays. During the months of June-August, it is open 7 days a week 8am-12 midday and 2-7pm. We would recommend picking up the latest port guide from the office and also the login details for the free WiFi, which is only really available in the inner basin.

Weather forecasts are also displayed The narrow streets are full of arts and crafts, and here daily. When it comes to overnight berthing prices, the Vieux Bassin and temptations, such as caramels and local cider 40

February 2019

Destination VisitScotland

Heading away from the Vieux Bassin you are sure to find countless authentic restaurant gems

Jardin Public have the same rate and a 10-metre boat will be charged €31.80.

Pump out and waste oil disposal facilities can be found on the fuel pontoon, close to the east swingbridge.

Where to eat and drink

With its active fishing fleet unloading its bounty on the cobbled Jetee du Transit quayside, it is logical that fresh fish and town specialties, shrimp and oysters, feature on many of Honfleur’s menus. You will also be able to enjoy local ciders and calvados in many establishments.

There is a bewildering choice of eateries in Honfleur, with many of them concentrated around the Vieux Bassin, each clambering for a view. Here colourful-canopied alfresco bistros extend across the road to the quaysides during the high season, with menus and staff outside to tempt you in. Those not requiring the picturesque backdrop, or perhaps on a more modest budget, are sure to find gems in the roads behind the harbour front.

For a Parisian-style brunch or a quick bite to eat, we can recommend the restaurant called Le Weekend. This is situated just off the south east corner of the Vieux Bassin

HONFLEUR

Transport

There is a bus station, Gare Routiéré next to the Bassin de I’Est, offering bus services to Le Havre, Caen and Deauville. Here you will also find a taxi rank. Brittany Ferries operate ferries from Le Havre to Portsmouth, with seven 8hr sailings a week. The company also operate a fast ferry service from Ouistreham, which is approximately an hours drive from Honfleur, to Portsmouth.

Food supplies

There is a convenient Casino food store in Quai Lepaulmier, which is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Sat and 8am-7pm on Sundays. There is also the large Carrefour supermarket to the south west in Rue De La Republique, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the Jardin Public outer harbour pontoon. This is open 8:30pm-7:30pm Mon-Sat and 9:3012:30 on Sundays. Also in Rue De La Republique you will find several fresh food stores, including a butcher or charcutier, a deli, the fishmonger ‘Poissonnerie Les Embruns’, cheese shop ‘La Fromagère et Le Vigneron, and a bakery ‘Boulanger Pâtissier La Baneterie’. As you can imagine there are plenty more bakeries dotted around the town. There is also a large Lidl supermarket overlooking the eastern basin, Basin Carnot, (an 18-minute walk). Further on, a large hypermarket, E.Leclerc Honfleur (40-minute walk/2km) is in an outlet shopping village (buses available).

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17

£

HONFLEUR

8

14

KEY

UR BO AR RH TE OU

5

14

1 Jardin du Public Visitor Pontoon

18

2 Vieux Bassin Visitor Pontoon

PUBLIC GARDENS

3 Bureau du Port (Cercle Nautique)

13

Fuel Bus Stop

£ Cash point

4 Maritime Museum

10

5 El Parasole

1

Casino store

2

Carrefour supermarket

3

6 Le Weekend

L'Hippocampe poissonnerie Footpath

7 L’Envie

1

8 Naturospace 9 Office de Tourisme

Centre/Shopping streets

5

10 Mont-Joli viewpoint 11 Place St Catherine

11

12 Mécanique Marine (Volvo dealer) 13 Boatyard

£

14 La Plage du Butin

£

2

43

BA IN SS

3

DE

6

ST L’E

7

9 £

1

2

12

Honfleur is picture perfect. Ornate churches, a maritime museum, gardens and bygone slipways

in Rue Montpensier. The Italian-themed French chain restaurant, Il Parasole (0033 231989429), in Rue Haute is sure to be a failsafe hit with families and couples.

Popular for its pizzas and conveniently close to the visitor moorings, it also offers a takeaway service. A small but authentic local favourite for an evening meal, again of the beaten track, is L’Envie (0033 214631364), which can be found on the corner of Place de la Porte de Rouen.

Places to see and visit

Honfleur is a delightful place to explore, and you could easily lose an afternoon browsing its densely packed ancient architecture, maritime landmarks, many boutiques, craft shops, art galleries and tempting food stores, or simply people watching from one its many cafés. A traditional market is held every Saturday morning in the roads to the east of the Vieux Bassin, and an organic market is held every Wednesday in Place Sainte Catherine in July and August. Selling the local bounty, the fish market hall, L’Hippocampe Poissonnerie next to the

Bassin de I’Est is another interesting place to visit.

On a sunny day we can recommend strolling along the waterfront promenade towards the lock and heading west along the seafront. Watching ships travelling in the narrow river entrance is quite a spectacle. The tarmac path leads to the sandy beach, La Plage du Butin, and borders beautifully manicured public gardens on the way, with several ponds and water features, which are also well worth exploring. Set in the gardens is an indoor swimming pool, mini golf and an equatorial zoo called Naturospace, showcasing birds, butterflies and tropical plants. Entry is €8.90 for adults and €6.90 for children.

Another lovely walk is to the west of town and up the hillside to MontJoli, where the views back across town and the Seine estuary, towards the magnificent Pont de Normandie bridge, are spectacular. The quiet backstreets are an artist’s dreamscape, decorated with ageing wooden shutters, ornate wrought ironwork and, depending upon

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February 2019

Destination season, vivid red geraniums. On your way why not take in the sloping west side of the Vieux Bassin with its stunning 15th century wooden church of SaintCatherine? Rebuilt entirely of wood using shipbuilding techniques after its destruction in the Hundred Years War, its interior is simply astounding. In the vicinity you will also find the town’s main museums and passageways full of galleries dedicated to arts and crafts. You will also find shops filled with sweet temptation, selling chocolates and caramels.

As previously mentioned, there are several interesting museums to visit in Honfleur, including a Maritime Museum which overlooks the Vieux Bassin from the east. Housed within the landmark Saint-Etienne church, the museum charts the maritime and navy history of Honfleur with exhibits, objects, models, engravings and maps, some items dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Behind this is Honfleur’s former 17th century prison, which is now the Normandy Cultural

HONFLEUR

A maritime view. Honfleur’s Vieux Bassin is frequented by historic and famous vessels

Museum. Both museums are open daily April to September, Tuesday-Sunday.

During high season several tour boats operate from the outer harbour, including La Lieutenance, that takes visitors out and under the mighty Normandy Bridge, and the La Jolie France, which visits Le Havre. You can pick up a free map and find out more about local transport links and attractions at the Office de Tourisme de Honfleur in the main road, Quai Lepaulmier, to the east of the Vieux Bassin. MBO

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CUTTING Mercury Joystick

Mercury outboards and SeaStar Solutions have collaborated to provide joystick control for Mercury’s V6 3.4L 200hp and 225hp four stroke, and 200hp Sea Pro outboards with DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift), to bring joystick piloting to a broader audience. As well as aiding in close quarters manoeuvring, the new joystick system also offers options to hold the boat in position, hold its heading or do both at the same time. Price £TBA www.barrus.co.uk

Tohatsu

Tohatsu has launched a brace of new outboards. The new MFS60AWETL is based on the existing MFS50 and is a three cylinder, 886cc, 60hp motor with a 21A alternator and a weight of just 98.5kg, a saving of around 10kg over the existing BFT60 model. The new BFT250AXU is a six-cylinder, 3.5-litre 250hp outboard with a 90A alternator and a weight of 286kg.

Price approx £7,825 MFS60 £23,129 BFT250 www.tohatsu.co.uk

DockSense

Raymarine has teamed up with Prestige Yachts to deliver a new Assisted Docking package. DockSense uses FLIR machine vision cameras mounted all around the boat with a DockSense app running on one of Raymarine’s Axiom displays, and provides a user-adjustable ‘Virtual Bumper’ around the vessel that will ensure that contact with docks and other boats does not occur during close quarters manoeuvring. The system integrates with joystick control to provide steering and throttle inputs when contact looks likely.

Price £TBA www.raymarine.com/docksense 44

February 2019

the latest boating gear and technology

Dometic PLB40 Simrad

Simrad has launched a new fully integrated information display.

Called ‘Information Display’, it does what it says on the tin and offers and combines a sleek design with a configurable interface that simplifies monitoring and control of all onboard systems. The centralized hub uses Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth® connectivity as well as USB, CAN and NMEA 2000® ports to connect to all onboard systems. Seen at Düsseldorf on the Parker Monaco 110, this new product brings true ‘glass bridge’ technology down to the small boat market. Price £TBA simrad-yachting.com

The Dometic PLB40 is a powerful and lightweight portable power pack. Designed primarily for use with Dometic’s electric coolbox range, the lithium ion battery pack is said to be able to run one of their freezer coolboxes for up to 40 hours, meaning you don’t need to worry about running your boat’s batteries down when away from power for the weekend. The PLB40 weighs 7kg, charges in 5-6 hours and also provides cigarette style outlets as well as USB ports.

Price £650 www.dometic. com

C-Map

Digital cartography supplier, C-Map, has added AIS overlay functionality for its Embark navigation app. The overlay allows Embark users to see real time AIS information for vessels within a 100km radius. The new AIS feature is available for users of Embark Premium, which is a subscription service delivering charts, marine weather and tides, and available on iOS and Android. Subscriptions start at £25.99 a year, but users can try Embark Premium free with a 14-day trial. Price from: £25.99 per year from Google Play or App Store Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Falcon BR7

Winner of ‘Best for Beginners’ 46

February 2019

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 6.51m / 21ft 4in Beam: 2.34m / 7ft 8in Displacement: 1,060kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 130 litres RCD category: C Engines as tested: 1 x Mercury 175hp Other engine options: Single outboard 115hp – 175hp Price from £38,500

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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I

f you are the Finnish manufacturer of an award winning range of fibreglass day boats and cruisers, but find that many buyers in your buoyant home market prefer their boats to be built from aluminium, what do you do? The answer, for Bella Boats, was to produce a new range, based on the excellent tried and tested GRP BR models, but with a hull made out of this tough and lightweight material.

Named Falcon, Bella Boats has produced five boats for the range, four open bowrider models and one ‘commuter’ boat with a small wheelhouse.

With the BR models ranging from 5.4 up to 7m, and named BR5, BR6, BR7 and BR8, we jumped onboard the deceptively named 6.5m BR7 to see whether these metal hulled boats are as good as their

plastic equivalents.

In Finland, you tend to get two types of aluminium boats, those made 100% from this material and those that combine a metal hull with a fibreglass deck and cockpit. While the former are perhaps tougher and more suited to hard-wearing commercial use, the latter combine the benefits of aluminium below the waterline,

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February 2019

“Bella’s Falcon BR7 is a fun Finnish bowrider with a aluminium hull, GRP deck and some clever, practical features”

namely durability and light weight, with the refinement of GRP on the parts you interact with. Falcon boats come under the latter category and are built using 4mm 5083 grade aluminium sheet for the hull, 3mm for the sides and 6mm for the stringers, with a single-part GRP deck moulding fixed on top.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

The BR7 offers basic, open, day-boat features with enough space for the whole family. Aft, there is a two part aluminium bathing platform on either side of the engine and with an under slung ladder, We are family. Falcon four-boat BR line up, the smallest the 5.4 metre BR5 and largest, the BR8

49

The aft bench offers storage and conceals the canopy framework

Easy access to the bow is via an opening windscreen section and lower door

and conveniently placed grab handle, on the starboard side. Then, as part of the GRP deck moulding there is a two part raised platform that incorporates a pair of self-draining deck lockers, the starboard one of which also houses the fuel tank filler and is gas strutted for ease of use.

In front of this, an almost full-width transom seat allows boarding from aft on either side. The backrest of the transom seat tilts aft to reveal the boat’s standard two-part canopy and frame, which can easily be pulled out and erected when required. The whole backrest and canopy storage is removable if you prefer a more open backed boat, maybe for watersports etc. The transom seat base provides a large locker, big enough to store the boat’s cockpit table, and the floor of the locker lifts out to gain access to the boat’s fuel tank.

Moving forward, there is further storage in the floor by way of a 2m long locker, which would be perfect for storing your water-skis, wakeboards or other

50

February 2019

sporty accessories. On either side of this are the boats helm seats, both of which are supportive bucket seats that are adjustable fore and aft, up and down and that swivel aft to add to the social seating when at rest.

The navigator’s seat comes with a combined elbow rest and grabrail and has, in front of it, a moulding that provides some open storage and a glove box. This whole moulding opens aft to gain access to the storage space provided by this port side console. At the helm, the console provides space for a decent sized multifunction display alongside a couple of engine instruments as well as some open storage below the wheel. It’s a simple and basic helm, but the ergonomics are spot on and visibility from the helm seat is excellent, with a single pantograph wiper You can convert the bow into a sunpad, with the on the helm side to help maintain that sunpad cushions stowing in the bow locker Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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PERFORMANCE As tested 70% fuel 0% water 4 crew Force 1

RPM

visibility in rain and spray. Access to the storage provided by the helm console is via a large hatch on the side.

Moving forward, access to the bow is via a central companionway through an opening section of the windscreen and a lower door. In the bow there is U-shaped seating with backrests on the aft sections to allow two crew to travel forward facing with their feet up, or a larger group to sit socially when at rest. Storage under the two side cushions is limited to some shallow fender storage, but beneath the forward cushion there is a locker that is large enough to store unused cockpit cushions.

Up at the bow, the low pulpit rails raise to create a pair of grabrails, with a gap in the middle, to aid boarding and

700 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG

2.9 4.5 5.9 7.3 10.0 17.5 24.5 29.7 34.2 39.5 42.0

0.42 0.92 1.45 2.46 3.48 3.56 4.81 6.86 8.89 12.7 14.3

6.90 4.89 4.07 2.97 2.87 4.92 5.09 4.33 3.85 3.11 2.94

1.9 4.2 6.6 11.2 15.8 16.2 21.9 31.2 40.4 57.9 64.9

Range Noise (nm)

197 139 116 85 82 140 145 123 110 89 84

54 63 69 75 78 79 82 83 83 86 89

disembarking over the forward end. To this end, two steps have been moulded into the forward end of the bow well to help ease your way. A fold-out panel below the forward cushions acts as an infill to turn the whole bow into a large sunpad.

The raised bow, complete with aluminium checker plate, acts as a step when boarding at the front, and lifts to gain access to a small anchor locker below.

The Falcon range all come with the same styling consisting of exposed

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February 2019

Mercury’s new 175hp V6 outboard proved to be a great engine, and perfect match

“Effortless, enjoyable and surprisingly quiet” aluminium, white and grey fibreglass and black metal work and detailing and, to maintain the rugged look and feel of an aluminium boat, they are fitted with aluminium checker plate style panels on the fibreglass cockpit sole. Although these looked the part, and added a decent level of non-slip, on our bright and sunny test day they delivered a significant amount of glare, which I found unbearable at times.

In reality, one of the modern soft closedcell foam decks that many sportsboats now use would work better and be just as, if not more, practical. If you chose a grey colour you could also maintain the boat’s rufty-tufty appearance.

Underway Driving the BR7 delivers a couple of Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

revelations. Firstly, it is surprisingly quiet. Aluminium hulled boats can have a tendency to deliver excessive hull noise, but as our figures show, the Falcon was in fact quieter than many GRP boats we have tested. The second revelation was the new Mercury engine, which was punchy, responsive throughout the rev range and also remarkably quiet. Having said that, when you push the throttle forward and use the top end of the motors 175hp, you are rewarded with a satisfying growl that, while loud enough to enjoy, was not so loud to impact on the overall enjoyment of the boat. At the bottom end, the acceleration was instant, bringing the boat fully onto the plane within three seconds, and the power simply doesn’t let up until you are at the top end, with 30 knots

53

flying past just four and a half seconds after climbing onto the plane and 40 knots following fairly quickly after that. With this amount of power on the transom, the BR7 cruised effortlessly in the 20-25 knots range and, given flat enough waters, felt like it would run all day at 30-35 knots without breaking sweat. Throwing it around, which was thoroughly enjoyable, the boat just dealt with anything we tried with zero fuss, and at no time did it ever feel like things were getting out of control. This was the first opportunity that we had to get our hands on one of Mercury’s new 3.4 litre V6 range and, even in this smallest output, we were hugely impressed, although the angle of the hood does throw you off a little when you glance back to look at the engine trim.

The hull of the BR7 is superb, with no loss of grip in tight turns and barely a hint of ventilation from the prop. The steering set up on our test boat was spot on, with light, precise and balanced control but still delivering enough feedback to know what was going on at the business end. At the helm the boat delivers an almost perfect seated driving position with the screen offering fantastic protection, a perfectly placed elbow rest helping to deliver precise

There is plenty of storage, including lockers on either side of the bathing platform

throttle control and an angled footrest helping the skipper feel connected to the boat. The lifting bolster also offers the option to lean against it for a semi standing position or provides enough room to fully stand at the helm when at close quarters, where the throttle still falls easily to hand.

In the leaning position I did find that the top of the screen was right in my eye line, but taller or shorter boaters would not be affected by this and, with such a great seated position, it doesn’t feel like this would ever be an issue. In short, just about everything about the helming experience felt right. The boat feels refined and well put together, to such a degree that it delivers the feel of a larger boat.

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February 2019

Conclusion I mentioned at the beginning that the Falcon range was derived from the award winning Bella BR models, and questioned whether they could be as good. Well you don’t need to take just my word for it, the answer can be found on the ‘Best of Boats’ webpage where you will see that the jury of 17 European journalists, of which I am the UK representative, believed that it was. Just two months ago it was awarded the ‘Best for Beginners’ title in the 2018 awards, emulating the GRP model range that it was derived from, and that won the same award in 2016. To be fair, the BR7 could, in my

The BR7 won the ‘Best for Beginners’ catergory in the Best of Boats Awards in 2018

opinion, have also been a contender in the ‘Best for Fun’ category and, for an entrylevel day boat, that probably tells you all you need to know.

ENQUIRIES: T L Harvey Ltd Tel: 0121 568 8837 www.tlharveymarine.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Husky R7

Silver Eagle BRX

Bella 600BR

LOA: 6.45m Beam: 2.33m Displacement: 1,055kg ex eng Enquiries: Idealboat Sales Ltd Tel: 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

LOA: 6.40m Beam: 2.25m Displacement: 860kg ex eng Enquiries: Silver Boats UK Tel: 01202 489634 www.silverboatsuk.co.uk

LOA: 6.05m Beam: 2.34m Displacement: 1,000kg ex eng Enquiries: T L Harvey Ltd Tel: 0121 568 8837 www.tlharveymarine.com

Another aluminium hull with GRP cockpit, the Husky has no bow seating, but makes up for it with a more sociable cockpit.

PRICE from £46,838

The Eagle is an all aluminium boat that weighs just 860kg. It can be powered by a single outboard of up to 200hp.

PRICE from £46,895

If aluminium is not your style, the Bella 600BR is basically the same boat as the BR7 but with a GRP hull, as well as deck.

PRICE from £34,154

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Jeanneau NC33

55

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Exhaust temperature

Q Is it possible to fit exhaust gas

temperature gauges to KAMD42 engines.

I have already added boost gauges and I like the idea of having as many ways as possible to monitor the health of my engines. Also, what should the exhaust gas temperature be, on a healthy 42?

A It is possible, in fact Volvo have a service part that consists of a collar that

fits between the turbo and the exhaust elbow that is used to measure exhaust back pressure and exhaust gas temperatures. Volvo advises that this part (part no 885309) can be left in place permanently to provide this information continuously. The downside is that the part is now obsolete, so finding a pair will be tricky. The alternative would be to take the elbows off and have an engineering shop drill and tap them to take a suitable temperature probe. The exhaust gas temperature at the point where Volvo install their part should reach a maximum of around 410°C, with a normal running temperature of around 300°C. Anything above 450°C would indicate a potential problem.

Trailer bearings

Q I have a Bayliner cuddy on an Escort trailer.

The trailer is quite old and I would like to preempt any problems by servicing it and changing the bearings. Unfortunately there does not appear to be an Escort trailer dealer in the UK and I have no idea what bearings I need. Can you help?

A The best thing would be to remove the old bearings and look for some part numbers or sizing information stamped onto them. They are unlikely to be an unusual size or difficult to source. Try Bearing Boys or Simply Bearings once you know the size.

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February 2019

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Draining old oil

Q I’m going to tackle a first oil and

filter change on my new-to-me V8powered Sea Ray. I have spent years changing the oil in various cars so I know the process but immediately I have come up against a problem. There is almost zero room below the sump to put a container to collect the old oil.

Surely you don’t just undo the drain bolt and let it run into the bilge to be cleaned up later, do you?

A Changing the oil and filter in a boat is just as easy as doing it on a car with

the only difference being, as you have found out, the removal of the old oil.

Some engines are set up with pipe work connected to the sump drain, but most are not so we have to take it out via the dipstick tube or, if fitted, a drain tube.

Both of these require a pump to suck it up from the sump so you need to make sure the engine and oil is nice and warm first to help the flow. You can buy electric pumps, or even pumps that attach to a power drill, but I always use a vacuum pump. The best of these are made by Pela, although there are cheaper versions around. Just make sure you get one with a big enough capacity to do the whole job in one go. The average small block V8 takes around 5 litres, so the Pela 650, or equivalent, would be the one to go for.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Fairline Phantom 32 handling at river speeds

Q Great article about the Fairline

Phantom 32 in the December 18 issue. We have owned one for a couple of years and keep it mainly inland, with an occasional trip onto tidal waters. Overall it’s a fantastic boat, but there is one thing that has always bugged me.

Trying to get the thing to run straight and true at river speeds appears almost impossible. Basically we end up continuously correcting the steering one way and then the other. Surely I should be able to set the helm dead ahead and it should run straight. Is there a problem with my boat, or are all 32’s the same?

A Firstly, it’s more a case of all outdrive boats being the same. It’s a quirk of

running a planing hulled, outdrive powered boat at slow speeds and it has affected, to various degrees, every outdrive boat I have run on the inland waterways. Having said that, there are a few checks to carry out to see if a technical issue could be making things worse. First you should ensure that there is no slack or play in the steering itself. Get someone to wiggle the steering wheel back and forth just a small amount while you check the connection to the steering arm at the stern. Any wheel movement without corresponding leg movement will be compounding the issue. If you have any slack, get it looked at and removed and you will improve the situation straight away. Also, next time the boat is out, try wiggling the drives from side to side. A little movement is expected, but if they appear particularly sloppy get them looked at, they may need some new bushes. If everything mechanical is in order, then you might find that reducing input from the helm improves things. Helm input can often set up an oscillation that would be better with less, or even no input. Lastly, if you have them, try running with your trim tabs fully down. At river speeds the increased drag is negligible and it sometimes helps keep the boat on a straighter course. Fixes such as adding skegs, keels or bolt-on rudders will improve the slow speed handling but I would not recommend them for a boat that occasionally still uses its planing hull for its intended purpose.

58

February 2019

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Non-starter Nimbus

Q I have a Nimbus with a single AQD40 that

will currently not start. When I turn the key I can hear a click from the engine bay but nothing more. The batteries are new and fully charged.

I took the starter off and took it in for an overhaul, but they have declared it serviceable.

What could be the problem?

A It sounds like you have a poor connection

somewhere. I would initially suspect a dodgy earth, so check and clean up all of the earth connections first. If that fails, it may need a bit more digging on the positive side.

Again, check the integrity and cleanliness of the connections and have a look at the starting relay. The clicking indicates that all is well up to this point, so I would put money on a poor connection after the relay.

Halon extinguisher

Q My recent project boat purchase has been

laid up for a few years and one of the things I have to deal with is the Halon fire extinguisher in the engine room. The gauge indicates that it is still full. How do I dispose of it?

Halon has been banned in the UK since 2003 and I understand even owning one, outside of a few defined exemptions, is now deemed illegal.

Disposal is strictly controlled, so you could try talking to a local fire service company who may, for a fee, dispose of it for you. Alternatively, try a call to your local council waste management department for advice.

A

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

I

t’s been a couple of months since I last worked on our project Fairline’s engine, and this month I started where I left off in November, with a paint brush in hand. Normally, it would be too cold for painting in a workshop, but I am happy to report that my budget heating system (see Jan 19 issue) is still working, which meant I could carry on. I gave the preprimed bellhousing a coat of my chosen paint, POR15 in Ford Red, and did the same with the bottom end pulleys, that had been cleaned and primed last month.

While these were left to dry, it seemed like a good opportunity to start looking at the cylinder head rebuild. To re-cap, the head had been completely stripped and

the corroded number four exhaust port had been professionally welded before the whole thing was cleaned.

My starting point here was the inlet and exhaust valves. Apart from being removed, these had remained untouched and were still coated in carbon and varying degrees of rust, from a mild surface coat, to some quite severe. The first job required was to mechanically clean off the carbon and rust, and see exactly what sort of condition the valve shafts and heads were in, and whether they were re-usable, or if any needed replacement. Surprisingly, all but one came up clean and, most importantly, undamaged in the important areas of the shaft and the mating surface.

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February 2019

The one that was too far gone is currently with an engineer who is looking at the possibility of reworking it to make it reusable. Luckily, this was one of the inlet valves, as the exhaust valves are stellite coated, for extra hardness and protection, and therefore cannot be machined. If it is beyond saving, a new valve is only around £20 so it won’t be too expensive to replace.

Those valves that are going to be re-used could now be lapped into the head. This process involves using a grinding paste to create a perfectly sealed joint between the valve and its seat in the cylinder head.

It is this joint that allows compression to build up in the cylinder and without it the engine will be down on power or, in a worst case, not run at all. When reusing valves, it is important to put them back in the same place they were removed from and, to this end, ours have been meticulously handled and stored to ensure this is the case.

A few more parts were repainted and the valves mechanically cleaned

LAPPING VALVES - HOW TO IN 12 STEPS >

1

All you need for this job is some grinding paste, both coarse and fine, and a valve lapping tool

2

Smear some coarse grinding paste all around the seating surface on the valve

3

With some engine oil, lightly lubricate the valve stem

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

61

4

Carefully insert the valve into its corresponding port and valve guide

7

After a few spins, lift the valve, turn it 90° and carry on. Repeat for a couple of minutes until you hear the note of the grinding change

5

The valve lapping tool consists of a wooden handle with a sucker on each end

8

I did the process twice with the course paste, before switching to the fine stuff for a final lap using the same procedure

6

With the sucker attached, start spinning the valve as if trying to start a fire

9

It is important to remove any grinding paste from the valve and port once you have finished

10

11

12

The result that I was looking for was a nice consistent and unbroken lapped surface around the valve

The valve seat should look the same. If there is any pitting on the seats, they will need replacement

It took me around eight minutes per valve to do the three part process. I only had seven to do at this time so it was an hours work

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February 2019

With one valve out of the picture at this time, work on the head has come to a halt. Fortunately, the parts I had painted earlier were now dry and so I was able to turn my attention back to the bellhousing. I had already bought and accounted for the new seals and bearing for the jackshaft (ÂŁ14.80 September 2018 issue), so it was now time to put it all back together again.

REPLACING BELLHOUSING, SEALS & BEARINGS - 12 STEPS >

1

I started by giving the jackshaft a good clean.

A wire brush cleaned the splines and some wet and dry on the running surfaces 4

Then the bearing retaining circlip could be installed and the bearing left to cool down

2

3

The bearing is an interference fit on the shaft, so to make it easier to slide on, I heated it up to quite a high temperature in my heater outlet

I was then able to knock the bearing into place on the shaft with surprising ease

5

6

Back on the bellhousing, the inner bearing was placed inside, and knocked into its final position using a suitable sized socket as a drift

Buoyed by my earlier success using heat from my heater, I now placed the bellhousing in front of it to ease the installation of the bearing

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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7

While the bellhousing was warming up, I packed the new bearing full of a suitable marine grease

8

9

With the housing nice and hot, it only took a gentle knock to seat the shaft and bearing into position

I could then replace the two large circlips, one to hold the bearing in place and the second to seat the outer seal on

10

11

12

The outer seal could then be placed into the housing and drifted onto the circlip using a large socket

Finally a good dose of grease was pushed into the bearing cavity through the grease nipple on the housing

I then placed the seals, new spacer ring, mounting ring and new bolts loosely on the housing ready to go to the boat for installation

Elsewhere I managed to put another small collection of components through the sandblaster. The top camshaft pulley, the fuel pump, the thermostat housing, the oil cooler and the water pump mounting bracket are all now cleaned up and ready for a repaint.

It’s been a satisfying month so far. I was a little bit frustrated that I couldn’t completely reassemble the head, due to one dodgy valve, but with components going back on the engine, the head starting to go back together and the bellhousing ready to be refitted to the boat, there is definitely an air if optimism about the job.

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend £0

Total to date: £1,299.76

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February 2019

– SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY

“There is indeed something very special about boats made in this part of Finland. I guess it’s the Ostrobothnian nature, the skill and creativity of the designers and craftsmen that explain the robust toughness of the product. We’re proud of the solid and trustworthy SARGO boat.”

Thomas Sarin, CEO, Sarins Båtar Ltd.

Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton Hampshire, SO31 4JD

Tel: +44(0)2380 453 245 Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk www.sargoboats.co.uk Sarins Båtar Ltd., 67900 Kokkola, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Princess 388/398/410

I

f you are in the market for a 40ft flybridge and your money can’t stretch to the gorgeous British-built, Princess 42, then we have found an elder sister, which is just as capacious, for roughly a third of its price. May we introduce to you a 20th century Princess trilogy, the 388, and its revised siblings the 398 and 410.

Reflecting its model name, the 388 was introduced in 1988 and replaced the understated Bennett-designed 38/385 in the range. It was the 7th flybridge, designed by Bernard Olesinski, to appear during Princess’s range shake up of the 80s, and was perfectly positioned between

its flybridge siblings, the 35 and 415. It offered 4-6 berths with two cabins, two WCs and a 30-knot top speed.

In 1991, the 388 was updated and renamed the 398. The most important change here was the addition of an integral bathing platform and a transom door. At just under a foot larger, the model was now 41ft 8in. In 1992 it seems the hull and superstructure of the 398 was used again with the evolution of the 410 model. Notable changes on this model was a shift to two ensuite cabins in the accommodation and the movement of the flybridge ladder to the port side, to

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February 2019

Built 1988-1994 Prices then 388 £112,872 (1989) Prices now £79,000-£95,000 Length 388: 40ft 8in / 12.39m 398/410: 41ft 8in / 12.70m Beam 13ft 10in / 4.22m Draught 3ft 3in / 0.99m Air Draught arch 13ft 2in exc. arch 11ft 4in / 3.46m Fuel 250 gallons / 1137 litres Water 100 gallons / 454 litres Displacement 8000kg approx

correspond with the port side transom door, leading to the flybridge layout being reversed. The 410 was built for a further two years until it was phased out and replaced by the 420, with its key feature of flybridge steps, in 1994.

With prices starting at an affordable £79k, we decided to take a closer look.

Interior At over 13ft wide, this Princess’s interior is palatial to say the least. Two sliding glass doors part in the middle to reveal a fabulously wide and bright, 6ft 2in height saloon area. There is a two-person settee

to port and L-shaped seating with a table to starboard. The plywood bases of the latter offering plentiful storage. In most cases the table will drop down to convert the area into a double bed, alternatively Princess added a convenient double sofa bed which is housed in the port settee.

Further forward, on the port side, is what Princess named the cocktail cabinet, an L-shaped corner unit consisting of cupboards and drawers for drinks and glass storage.

To starboard you will find a comfy, raised two-person helm position. This doesn’t feel as enclosed as many flybridge

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

67

boats, and provides excellent visibility out through the large three pane windscreen, with each pane equipped with a wiper.

Ahead of the skipper lies a simply laid-out helm console, with the throttles mounted

on a plinth and a fairly large, slideopening window alongside. The 388 has a vinyl-covered, angled, rectangular dash panel displaying engine dials and switches.

The later models have a semi-circular dash

Original brochures and images showing the trilogy of models 68

February 2019

panel, with the very latest models sporting Princess’s era prevalent burr walnut effect here.

While at the helm it is worth inspecting any navigation equipment, if fitted, as this is likely to be rather dated, if it hasn’t been upgraded. With flush mounting space at a premium, owners may well have installed MFDs in the long panel overhead, or bracket mounted them over the large Perspex topped chart storage area, with its useful sunken locker. Hatches in the

ply seat base reveal storage space, and the main electrics breaker panel is set into the footwell. Here you will normally find a Marine Projects/Princess build plate.

Three steps down from the saloon area bring you to the well-appointed U-shaped galley area, which is a genuine two-person galley, a rarity on a boat of this size. The generous worktop features a three or four-burner hob and a sink and drainer, with a large capacity fridge and full gas oven fitted below. All-electric boats will

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

69

normally have a microwave in lieu of an oven, and be equipped with a generator.

In typical Princess style, the builder has utilised every crevice for galley storage, with banks of various sized eye-level lockers, sectioned areas for crockery and large cupboards under the worktop.

As you move passed the galley, you

are likely to spot a layout difference between models. The 388/398 has an easily accessible day loo on the port side, which is the larger of the two toilet compartments, with a separate shower stall area with teak seat. The master cabin’s, smaller-by-comparison, ensuite toilet and shower compartment (5ft 10in headroom) is set to starboard. The evolution of the 410 model saw both toilet compartments becoming ensuite, and effectively swapping roles. The larger port compartment became the ensuite to the master, and Princess moved the entry door to the starboard compartment into the side cabin. This leaves two independent ensuite cabins but no immediate day loo access from the cabin companionway. Both compartments are equipped with moulded wash basin units, It has two WCs, the larger one is on the port side shower curtains, storage and sea toilets.

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February 2019

1990 388 £79,995 (featured) Twin Volvo TAMD61A 306hp Clarke & Carter Burnham 01621 785600 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

1992 410 £99,000 Twin Volvo TAMD71B 380hp Boatshed Essex 01621 744 842 www.boatshed.com A side cabin mirrored cupboard on 388/398s was replaced by a door to the toilet compartment on the 410

Moving forward, along the cabin companionway, brings you to a very wellproportioned side cabin. Positioned on the starboard side this offers twin berths, a large, full height hanging locker and generous headroom of 6ft 1in. The outer berth is the longer of the two at 6ft 7in by 2ft, while the slightly shorter inner berth is wider at 2ft 3in.

There are useful hatched, shallow storage areas under each berth. If you step into the cabin and close the door behind you, the 388 and 398 will normally have a ‘secret’ shelved carpeted cupboard behind a full length mirror. This space was absorbed and replaced with ensuite toilet access on the 410. Overall, despite not converting into a double, this is an excellent cabin for overnighting guests, or if used as a family boat, ideal for two growing youngsters.

1992 398 Kr.785,000 DKK Twin Volvo TAMD61A 306hp Yacht Broker Denmark 0045 21724333 www.yachtbroker.dk

1989 388 €89,500 Twin Volvo TAMD61A 306hp Smits Yachtmakelaardji 0031 10 511 8000 www.smitsjachtmakelaardij.nl

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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The forward cabin is an impressive and comfortable place to be. Inside, a large island double berth, measuring 6ft 5in by 4ft 8in at its widest, dominates the view, yet there is ample dressing space, 6ft headroom and the two hanging lockers.

It also features a drawer in the base of the bed, a small dressing table to port and

cupboards at the head of the bed.

A teak interior finish was fitted as standard across earlier models, with a glossy light oak standard alternative appearing in early 90s price lists. It is always worth inspecting for any evidence of leaks on wood and cloth surfaces in the vicinity of windows and hatches, and also

Its side decks have a slope. Right, the bathing platform is ‘bolt-on’ on a 388 and integral on the 410 72

February 2019

The flybridge is capable of seating up to 6 people or more. Right, owners modification for nav kit

along the windscreen frame joins.

mentioned, this was moved to the port side on the 398 and 410 models, thus On deck falling in line with the transom gate for Moving about on deck is relatively easy, practicality. The flybridge itself is fairly due to good side decks and well-placed uncluttered, with generous seating and grabrails along the coachroof. The 10floor space to move about. Its layout inch wide side decks narrow at the bow, consists of an L-shaped bench seat set in and are enclosed by sturdy double height the port aft corner, seating 4-5 people, guardrails. However, the slight slope in while ahead is a generous 2-3 person helm deck could catch you off guard when seat with a reversing bolster, set in front of making your way to and from the cockpit. an integral central helm console. Neither The raised foredeck is fitted with grabrails, seating areas offer storage, although it and slopes gently and stylishly to the bow. is possible to slot items such as fenders Apart from an integral bathing platform under the aft seat. and transom gate, the rest of the exterior The simple and practical helm console remained unchanged through the model displays all the essential dials and changes. However, the 410 in 1994 did switches, but, like the interior helm, there sport two horizontal bars across the aft is a lack of space for flush mounting any saloon windows, echoing those seen on additional navigation equipment. Princess the 470 and 500 models. would have usually fitted Raytheon, later Raymarine, in the 90s, so the boat would Flybridge have been equipped with, for instance, a Characteristic to the era, access to the bracket-mounted RL70 unit or similar. flybridge is via a ladder. This is wide The owner of the featured boat had dealt and substantial with wooden rungs and with the problem quite effectively. Two decent grabrails each side. As previously ‘wing-mirror-like’ pods had been mounted Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

A huge cockpit boasts plenty of seating, storage and sheltered outside space

in the two console voids either side, housing modern displays, one we presume used for a navigation chart, and the other for radar.

Check the condition of the flybridge tonneau cover. Having to wrestle with a large and ill-fitting tonneau is one of the negatives of owning a flybridge, so you want one that is in good condition. Being self-draining, smaller covers can be made to cover the seating and console when the boat is in use during the season.

Cockpit Step aboard and you will find a rather spacious, self-draining cockpit that

provides a generous 6ft 2in headroom under the canopies and flybridge overhang. In the case of the 388, this offers a full beam bench seat aft, seating up to 6 people, with hatches beneath to access an interlinked storage area. On the two later models the seating is reduced to make way for a transom gate to port, but it’s a small price to pay for greater access. There’s also space to erect a table for cockpit dining.

Set into the cockpit floor is a large hatch, which reveals a deep lazarette with ladder access. There is ample room down here for an inbuilt generator or a deflated dinghy. You will also find engine exhaust systems each side, the boats calorifier set

The 388/398 has the fly ladder to starboard. There is a generous lazarette and a gas locker to port 74

February 2019

to port, and a diesel heating unit, if fitted, to starboard. There is also a 50-gallon water tank each side. Aft, you will find access to the boat’s steering system.

Back at cockpit level, access to the side decks is via a small step in the coaming on each side. There are lockers built into each cockpit coaming, the larger of which housing two gas bottles to port, with access to fuel shut offs to starboard.

Hull and Handling The boat has a modified deep V hull, with moulded longitudinal spray rails, and propellers and shafts recessed into tunnels.

It also has a reverse sheer transom which provides a longer waterline. All of this helps deliver speed and fuel efficiency, and provides reassuring seakeeping, with the hull well regarded for providing a soft ride.

Bowthrusters were still a bit of a novelty in this era, although retro-fitted versions seem fairly common and bring added piece of mind. It seems some owners

have also added sternthrusters to help counteract any windage aft on this fairly high-sided boat.

Both the cockpit and side decks will likely be finished with the prevalent 80s and 90’s white teak effect. Laying real or synthetic teak would bring a modern edge.

Engines This 41ft flybridge is powered by twin shaftdrive diesels and, during its 7-year

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

75

Port engine access is easiest. Left, engine hatch reveals TAMD61As fitted to a 1992 398. Day access is via a smaller hatch

production, Princess awarded a power increase of 180hp to its engine options.

The 388 was offered with three engine options, 200hp Volvo TAMD41s (1989 £113k), 250hp Cummins 6BTA giving 25-27 knots or 306hp Volvo TAMD61As (28-30 knots). The latter proved the most popular option. The 398 was again offered with TAMD61s or Cummins 6BTAs, but also larger 380hp Volvo TAMD71Bs, providing a top speed of 30-32 knots. TAMD61s proved the most popular. Finally the 410 was initially available with a choice of 250hp 6BTAs, TAMD61s, 340hp TAMD62s, or 304hp or 355hp Caterpillar 3116TAs, giving top speeds of 25-32 knots. By 93/94 Princess had removed the TAMD61 base option and the three options available were two versions of the Caterpillar 3116TAs (from £180k) and 340hp TAMD62s (£190,785).

Boats fitted with the 306hp TAMD61s should be capable of 27 knots and cruise happily at 20-22 knots. Later boats fitted with the larger 71Bs should offer top speeds of 27-30 knots and faster cruising

speeds of 22-24 knots. We have yet to see a version fitted with the 200hp engines, but can imagine it would achieve a top speed of 20-22 knots and a cruising speed of 1416 knots. Regardless of engines, we would expect the fuel consumption for this large shaftdrive cruiser to be in the region of 1 gallon per mile, and for this it should be happy and most economical at cruising speeds in the low 20’s.

Day-to-day access to the engines is via a small, metal-framed hatch in the saloon companionway floor. Here you can drop down (with no ladder) at the back of the engines. Inside you will find the engine bay quite tight for space, particularly with larger engines, but thoughtfully engineered. Raw water and fuel filters are easily accessible on the aft bulkhead, and both dipsticks reachable from a central raised battery box. With no access through the galley steps, it is a crawl forward to inspect the front of the engines, for checking belts for example. The fuel tanks are set outboard of each engine.

For servicing tasks, such as oil changes,

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rolling back the saloon carpet uncovers two large GRP-moulded gas strutted hatches which reveal the engines in their entirety. The removal of the port settee, saloon table and forward part of the starboard settee is necessary for both ‘grand piano’ shaped hatches to lift.

Maintenance is key and buyers should be aware of the costs of running and servicing an older, larger twin shaftdrive boat. Volvo Penta and Cummins engines are generally well regarded with good availability of spares. However, at this age you should check items such as cooling,

fuel and exhaust systems carefully. Engines with very high hours may also be showing signs of piston or bore wear. As always, look for evidence of a solid service history and consider getting a separate engineers report.

Conclusion Still at a manageable size, this flybridge has all the space, comfort and ability a couple or family should need, and is priced at a fraction of its 21st century successors.

You can find specs and information on older Princess models on the Princess Heritage page. Before buying any used boat, always employ the services of a YDSA or a IIMS accredited surveyor and, if you have any doubt about the engines, a separate engine survey by a suitably qualified person is recommended.

Family 45

1982-1991

Prices £65,0000-£95,000

Length 47ft 2in Beam 14ft 1in A ground-breaking, 3-cabin, 1980s flybridge for Princess, with over 400 built in 9 years.

Buy one (pictured) 1988 £75,000 www.cowesyachtagency.com

Princess 38/385 1980-1988

415

Prices £35,000-£55,000

Prices £50,000-£70,000

Length 38ft 1in Beam 13ft Two understated flybridge models offering two cabins and good seakeeping.

Buy one (pictured) 385 1988 £52,000 www.portsolent.boatshed.com

1985-1992

Length 43ft 10in Beam 13ft 11in A flybridge classic, the 415 offers space, seakeeping and comfort for distance liveaboard cruising.

Buy one (pictured) 1990 £66,995 www.princess.co.uk

CONTEMPORARY CHOICE Princess 43 The 47ft 43 is the smallest flybridge in the Princess model range and the successor to the popular 42. It offers two double cabins, 6 berths and a 32-knot top speed.

Price from £594,000

Length 47ft 6in / 14.5m Beam 13ft 11in / 4.25m Fuel 300 gal /1363 litres Water 100 gal /455 litres Displacement 14000kg Princess Yachts www.princess.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

tested Streetwize Multi-Use Syphon & Air Pump

PRICE

£6.73

It is an utter rarity to find a piece of kit for a boat which performs well and completes a task quickly and efficiently, all for little more than a fiver ex VAT. Having read the mixed reviews on the MultiPurpose Syphon & Air Pump from Streetwize Accessories with a couple of people reporting a problem with the push fit hoses, we guessed that it was probably a cheaply made item. However, I Motorboat had become so exasperated by a niggly problem of Owner draining an inaccessible bilge compartment on our boat and, “A cheap and very without wanting to spend a fortune on yet another bit of kit, I effective pump for was prepared to give this pump a go. This was on the pretext bilge spills” that, if it didn’t work, I’ve not wasted a fortune on it.

Value 5/5 The bilge compartment in question, right in the very bottom Usability 4/5 of the boat, was only accessible through a tiny hole, no bigger Performance 5/5 than a 10p coin. I guess that, over the years, odd spillages of oil and water had been seeping into this area and it was time to clear it out. So, armed with a couple of 5-litre plastic bottles and some strategically placed nappies for any spills, I assembled the pump by pushing the narrow hoses into the ends of the pump, pushed the end of one hose down the bilge hole and the other hose into one of the bottles and started pumping. To my utter amazement, in just over 3-4 minutes, I had filled the 2 x 5-litre bottles without too much effort and, once the contents of the bottles were disposed of in a proper and safe manner, it was ‘job done’.

Yes, the hose fittings are flimsy and may not last into eternity, but it did this small job very well. The pump measures only about 8 inches in length, so I have cleaned it up and will store it on the boat, ready for the next niggly job.

After a spillage, the pump proved ideal to get into hidden and inaccessible bilge cavities

Purchased via Amazon from Motion Performance www.motionperformance.co.uk Enquiries: Streetwize Accessories www.streetwizeaccessories.com

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February 2019

Join us

Friendly marinas & helpful boatyards

Great destinations in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. deanreddyhoff.co.uk

Beneteau Barracuda 9

By Alex Smith

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February 2019

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 8.91m / 29ft 2in Beam: 2.96m / 9ft 7in Weight: 3,441 kg Fuel capacity: 400 litres Water capacity: 160 litres RCD category: B4 / C10 Max power: 500 hp Engine as tested: Twin 250 Suzuki outboards Other engine options: Twin 200s Price from: ÂŁ124,486

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B

eneteau is a massive player in the world of recreational boating. Its current fleet comprises around 40 boats from 16 to 50 feet in length, across six main product lines – and that’s before you factor in the company’s premium Monte Carlo craft or its 14-strong sailing range. In short, whether you’re into fishing, cruising, day boating, watersports, overnighting or causal parties afloat, Beneteau has a platform to match your needs.

But what’s particularly interesting about the company’s four-strong Barracuda line is that, rather than supplement the existing fleet with another stream of pursuit-specific platforms, its purpose is to

deliver the best possible range of talents from a single hull and, in line with the design principles, we witnessed 15 years ago upon the launch of the original Barracuda 7, this latest flagship achieves that in some very satisfying ways.

A better value main deck The first and most obvious nod towards recreational versatility consists in the Barracuda’s layout. Despite a length of just 29 feet, it uses a beam

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approaching ten feet, allied to a pilothouse slightly offset to port to help maximise ease of movement for the skipper along the starboard walkway. In addition to the natural shelter of the wheelhouse, it also sets aside a substantial proportion of the overall length for a big fishing-friendly aft cockpit and yet it still factors in enough space for a pair of authentic double berths and a separate heads compartment.

In terms of the basic parameters then, things look very positive and, when you step onboard the new Barracuda, it’s evident that Beneteau’s designers have also worked hard to make this boat as user-friendly as possible. The freedom of movement, for instance, is outstanding, courtesy of twin transom walkways, three generously sized pilothouse doors, a pair of deep, grippy walkaround side decks and

“Beneteau’s new Barracuda 9 is a great value multi-purpose family package” Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

83

The cockpit keeps things flexible with a combination of sliding and folding benches

Access aboard is via twin bathing platforms with a live well in the starboard transom step

a starboard side access gate. In truth, the offset pilothouse means that the 11-inch port walkway tends to feel a touch tight if you try to turn around and head back the way you came, and the catch for the side deck gate on the starboard side is also impeded by the frame for the skipper’s door halfway through its arc of travel. But there’s an ease to the flow of deck space here that feels like that of a much larger boat and, with gunwales nearly three feet high, the sense of security is also impressive.

But of course, big internal volume is of no great value if it isn’t thoughtfully used and the cockpit is a fine example of this boat’s fastidious approach to space management. It uses a fold-down twoman seat on either side, plus a cleverly

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Visibility is superb and the steep screens and overhead skylights keep the pilothouse very bright

arranged aft bench with a sliding base that can be shifted forward to the aft end of the wheelhouse. That creates an easy-rig dining space for eight people on four inward-facing benches, without impeding the walkways that enter the cockpit on either side of the wheelhouse.

On the test boat, the fixing bolts for the sliding seat box don’t actually align with their deck-mounted sockets, so securing the bench in its aft-facing position is not possible but, with a hinged workstation above the engine well to add extra scale and practicality to the cockpit, the merits of this arrangement are beyond doubt.

As you make your way into the pilothouse, that same efficiency of space management is again very striking.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

Ease of movement all round is outstanding. Bow cushions slot into to place, giving seating for 4

85

Just inside the aft sliding doors, a pair of inward-facing benches generates a sheltered four-man dining station, which leaves the central walkway unobstructed until the table is dropped into place.

And as for the table itself, it’s not a cumbersome chunk of freestanding timber that you have to wrestle into place and stow alongside its pole in one of your storage spaces. It’s a Targa-style unit, mounted on a vertical bar and recessed into a purpose-built moulding in the wheelhouse roof. It’s rattle-free underway, quick to operate and the bar itself makes a very handy steadying point as you make your way fore and aft.

Further forward, the two-man helm

is pleasantly inclusive and, despite the curtains bunched up around the mullion just ahead of the skipper’s sliding door, all-round visibility is superb. In fact, with a sliding overhead sunroof, five tinted skylights, a big windscreen, a trio of pilothouse doors and a clutter-free external arrangement, the sense of light, air and space is very satisfying in here, and it’s made all the more so due to the fact that at no point does the headroom above the main walkways dip below six-foot three.

Storage is also astonishingly good.

There’s a vast array of hatches and doors, revealing plenty of storage compartments of every shape and size, wherever an

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“Its interior offers two double sleeping areas, the larger being the mid berth”

Left, though relatively short, the width of the bow cabin main berth makes it very usable.

Right, the guest double enjoys unusual overhead hatch access to the wheelhouse

expanse of lining or a hollow moulding makes it feasible. And for the bigger stuff, there’s a pair of under-deck lockers towards the aft end that are so deep and wide that Beneteau has seen fit to supply a removable ladder to help you climb inside. In fairness, the ladder is probably an unnecessary bit of clutter rather than a practical asset, but the fact that you can physically occupy these spaces does help illustrate how extraordinarily generous they are.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

It’s good to see a fully enclosed toilet compartment with decent headroom

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PERFORMANCE

As tested 70% fuel 10% water 3 crew Force 2 The fuel figures below are taken from generic data and may not accurately represent fuel usage in this combination

RPM

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG Range Sound (nm) (dB)

650 (idle) 4.0 6.7 1.77 2.26 191.0 50.5 And yet the bow space on the 1000 4.9 9.1 2.40 2.04 172.3 66.0 Barracuda 9 is oddly under utilised.

1500 6.7 17.7 4.68 1.43 121.1 71.9 There’s no table for relaxed dining, no 2000 7.8 24.0 6.34 1.23 104.0 74.4 forepeak step for boarding, no bow 2500 9.8 36.3 9.59 1.02 86.4 79.0 3000 14.9 46.0 12.15 1.23 103.7 81.9 ladder for watersports, no infils for 3500 22.4 59.2 15.64 1.43 121.1 84.5 sunbathing, no portholes to improve 4000 27.6 73.0 19.28 1.43 121.0 88.5 light ingress into the main cabin and 4500 30.8 95.0 25.10 1.23 103.7 88.7 no overhead canvas to provide shelter.

5000 35.0 129.6 34.24 1.02 86.4 90.6 There is a token pandering to the 5500 39.3 145.6 38.46 1.02 86.4 94.0 demands of leisure in the form of a 6000 (WOT) 41.7 154.4 40.79 1.02 86.4 95.1 two-man seat moulding in the front of the wheelhouse structure but, given the below, it’s a touch aggravating to find that uncommon versatility of the Barracuda as the lid over the cabin door has a catch on either side, causing you to put down a multi-purpose platform, it would have been reasonable to expect a lot more from whatever you’re carrying in order to gain access. However, the use of twin rams the bow than this. helps take the weight out of the operation and, once you’re down below, things again Surprises down below feel very user-friendly.

When the time comes to make your way 88

February 2019

Our test boat was fitted with twin 250hps, which is the maximum power option. Having a helm side sliding door makes it ideal for single-handing

“Hitting a brisk 42 knots, performance is straightforward and family cruiser compliant” Ahead of you in the V of the bow lies the convertible main bed. With a length of five-foot nine and a width of up to sevenfoot six, it enables you and your partner to sleep lengthwise or diagonally depending on your preference and it also offers some extra lateral space for any overnighting gear. There’s no overhead skylight and the encroachment of the enclosed heads compartment does compromise the view on the starboard side but, with a panoramic window strip to port, the space avoids feeling either excessively dark or tight.

Head further aft, beneath the pilothouse deck, and the use of lockers at the head and foot of the guest double means the second berth lacks any hull windows to help illuminate the space. But with a width Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

of four-foot seven, a length of six-foot three and a large plywood hatch overhead, this is actually a much more versatile region of the boat than it first appears.

When you’re cruising on your own, the big hatch means you can dump any bulky gear directly below, without cluttering up your primary cabin and without having to negotiate the cabin door, the steep steps and the 180-degree turn. And when two couples are cruising together, not only is the guest pair able to enjoy much more natural light and fresh air than they might commonly expect, but they’re also free to get up and have breakfast in the pilothouse or in the aft cockpit without having to disturb those in the main cabin.

Odd though it might initially seem, it’s a really effective solution.

89

Dependable driving dynamics Such is the flexibility of this boat that, by the time I get the chance to take the wheel, I’ve already become quite a passionate advocate of the Barracuda. Naturally then, I’m keen to align my driving expectations with a few physical realities before I put the throttles down. After all, this is a beamy, three-and-half tonne boat with a six-man pilothouse, cockpit dining for eight, permanent sleeping for four and more than 500kg of engine on the transom. More to the point, on the day of the test, we have six men and 400 litres of fuel on board, so while it may be equipped with the top rated twin 250s, I’m not expecting fireworks.

Once underway, those expectations are fully borne out. The driving experience is not defined by the adrenaline-stoked grins of a sports machine, but by the simple, straightforward compliance of a family cruising boat. We’re planing in less than five seconds, hitting 40 knots in around 20 and achieving a top end of 42 knots, all of which is exactly where you would want this boat to be. With quite a buoyant bow, she does feel a touch lumpy, treating even minor swells like ramps and yet the ride isn’t unduly hard and the re-

The aft bench slides forward on runners for dining

entry isn’t unduly wet. Instead, there’s a sense of slightly muted detachment to the experience, as though the prioritising of internal space and features imposes limits on the vigour of performance that can’t be overcome by wishful thinking or the deft tweaking of helm controls.

With the Suzuki dash display refusing to show us any kind of fuel flow figures except ‘Litres per 100km’ in bizarre and widely spaced increments, it also proves impossible to gather any meaningful efficiency figures for the test boat. But as I nestle into the big, pleasantly bolstered helm seat, with a wide-open view of the seascape and the happy knowledge that this boat can turn its hand to pretty much any kind of waterborne recreation

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I choose, I still find it difficult not to smile with genuine satisfaction at how much the Barracuda 9 offers.

Conclusion A pilothouse-equipped sports fisher is, by its very nature, a versatile boat but, with its convertible furniture, its hatch for the guest double, its easy-rig tables, its huge storage and its multiple access points both to the wheelhouse and the pontoon, the Barracuda takes recreational versatility to very impressive heights. The fact that the drive is uninspiring, that the bow is underused and that the finish in parts is a touch rudimentary really doesn’t matter that much, because the recreational merits at the heart of Barracuda 9 remain brazenly

Priority here is recreational versatility, with a driving experience that is secure and compliant.

self-evident. For the family adventurer in need of a do-it-all companion, this finelooking, user-friendly pilothouse cruiser represents one of the best value platforms sensible money can buy.

ENQUIRIES: Beneteau For your nearest dealer visit www.beneteau.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Quicksilver Captur 905

Atlantic Adventure 900

Sargo 28

LOA: 8.88 m Beam: 2.99m Displacement: 3,100kg Enquiries: RIBS Marine 01202 477327 www.ribsmarine.co.uk

LOA: 9.22m Beam: 2.78m Displacement: 3,400kg Enquiries: Gibbs Quay Boat Sales 01202 682457 www.gibbsboatsales.co.uk

LOA: 8.80m Beam: 3m Displacement: 4,200kg Enquiries: Marco Marine 02380 453245 www.sargoboats.co.uk

Single or twin outboardpowered pilothouse boat with seating for ten, sleeping for six and a sliding cockpit workstation.

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Four-season craft with single or twin inboard engines, heavyweight build, great residuals and a beautifully soft ride.

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91

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

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

Liberty / 4.75 XL

Perfect starter boat with trailer, serviced, polished & antifouled

Interboat / 16

Seating for 6, regularly serviced, sprayhood, tonneaus, BSS 2022

RLM / Bahama 31

Well maintained spacious 7 berth cruiser with twin diesel engines

Viking / 20

Perfect river cruiser, 4 berth, toilet, polished, antifouled & serviced

2013 | £8,995 | 15.4ft | 4.7m

2006 | £14,000 | 15.6ft | 4.75m

1970 | £15,950 | 31ft | 9.5m

Princess / 30 DS

Interboat / 650

Interboat / Intender 700

Haines / 32 Sedan

1983 | £22,500 | 30.5ft | 9.3m

2009 | £26,950 | 21.3ft | 8.4m

NEW | £49,950 | 23ft | 7.0m

2015 | £169,000 | 32ft | 9.75m

Excellent family cruiser, well equipped galley, bowthruster

Modern colours, cruising canopy, teak floor, sunbed, Vetus 27hp

Luxury dayboat, folding transom, Esthec floor & triple back sundeck

2003 | £15,995 | 20ft | 6.1m

Equipped for river and estuary use, 100hp engine 142 hrs, immaculate

Get the boating life.. ...with Val Wyatt Marine.

Offering everything you need to get on the water – from our picturesque family-run marina.

01189 403211

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

So come and visit us at our superb site at Willow Marina, soak up the atmosphere and experience a whole new lifestyle!

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

2019 CRANCHI M44HT

Twin Volvo Penta D6 330hp diesels £564,630 Lying Windsor

2011 Cranchi Endurance 30

Narrowboat Tingdene - Colecraft 52

Single Volvo Penta Volvo Penta D4 300 Single Beta 38 diesel engine £129,950 Lying Thames & Kennet £143,748

EW

Twin Volvo Penta KAD 300/DPE diesels Lying Hartford £69,950 Lying Windsor

EW

N

2004 Cranchi Endurance 33

EW

N

N

Glastron GT185

Glastron GT229 Cuddy

Admiral 570

2011 Viking 215

2000 Gobbi 345 SC

2018 Viking 275

Volvo Penta V6 -200C Petrol Engine £36,950 Lying Windsor

Volvo Penta V6 - 280C Petrol Engine Mariner 15 EFI Outboard Engine £59,950 Lying Windsor £19,567 Lying Walton

Single Mariner 40 EFI ELPT outboard Honda 20hp (2018 model also available £29k) Twin Volvo Penta KAD43P DP diesels £22,750 Lying Windsor £69,803 Lying Upton £74,950 Lying Walton

TINGDENE SALES OFFICES Thames & Kennet Marina 01189 477770

“LARGEST BOAT SALES ON THE RIVER THAMES, SEVERN AND EAST ANGLIA” “LARGEST BOATNETWORK SALES ON THE RIVER THAMES” Portishead Quays Marina 01275 397277

Racecourse Marina, Windsor 01753 851717 Hartford Marina 01480 454677 Walton Marina 01932 221689 Broadlands Marina 01502 440238

Upton Marina 01684 593111

tingdeneboatsales.net e. boatsales@tingdene.net

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

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Atlanta Boat Owners

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Cleopatra Owners Club

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mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

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Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

94

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

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February 2019

Owners Club missing?

Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

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www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

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www.maxumownersclub.com

www.sealineowners.com

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

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forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardboat.com/club.html

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

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www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Princess Owners Club

Viking Owners Club

princessownersclub.com

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

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motorboatowner.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

1992 Bayliner Ciera 2556

£18,750 01684 593111 email address

95

Classified

2004 Ryds 510 MC

50hp Mariner outboard. Versatile daycruiser-trailboat with practical forward and aft cockpit areas, and enclosed wheelhouse. Complete with braked ‘Extreme’ trailer.

£9,995

01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1995 Sealine 360 Ambassador

2003 Viking 20

Twin Volvo Penta KAD43P diesel sterndrives. 6 berth, 2-cabin sportscruiser. Fitted with heating, inverter, bowthruster, new holding tank, new duo props & batteries.

15hp Mariner Bigfoot outboard.

Four berth river cruiser. Antifouled, polished and engine serviced 2018.

Shower, new battery, water heater, four-burner hob and oven.

£59,950

£15,995

01753 851717 jo.minton@tingdene.net

01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Advertisement Index

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

Liberty / 4.75 XL

Interboat / 16

Seating for 6, regularly serviced, sprayhood, tonneaus, BSS 2022

Well maintained spacious 7 berth cruiser with twin diesel engines

2013 | £8,995 | 15.4ft | 4.7m

2006 | £14,000 | 15.6ft | 4.75m

1970 | £15,950 | 31ft | 9.5m

Princess / 30 DS

Interboat / 650

96

Interboat / Intender 700

Viking / 20

Perfect river cruiser, 4 berth, toilet, polished, antifouled & serviced

2003 | £15,995 | 20ft | 6.1m

Haines / 32 Sedan

Excellent family cruiser, well equipped galley, bowthruster

Modern colours, cruising canopy, teak floor, sunbed, Vetus 27hp

Luxury dayboat, folding transom, Esthec floor & triple back sundeck

Equipped for river and estuary use, 100hp engine 142 hrs, immaculate

1983 | £22,500 | 30.5ft | 9.3m

2009 | £26,950 | 21.3ft | 8.4m

NEW | £49,950 | 23ft | 7.0m

2015 | £169,000 | 32ft | 9.75m

Get the boating life.. ...with Val Wyatt Marine.

Offering everything you need to get on the water – from our picturesque family-run marina.

01189 403211

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

So come and visit us at our superb site at Willow Marina, soak up the atmosphere and experience a whole new lifestyle!

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

All adverts are clickable ValWyattAdvertising2018-A4HPLS.indd 1

Barrus Chandlery (Besto & Talamex) .............................................

Dean & Reddyhoff............................................................................

Marine AGlaze..................................................................................

MDS Battery.......................................................................................

Nord Star / MCC Marine..................................................................

Parker Poland.....................................................................................

Sargo Boats UK..................................................................................

Secure Marine / Hurricane Fenders....................................................

Tingdene Boat Sales.........................................................................

Tingdene Marinas.............................................................................

Val Wyatt Marine..............................................................................

Vetus..................................................................................................

RLM / Bahama 31

Perfect starter boat with trailer, serviced, polished & antifouled

31/01/2018 11:00

Page 13 Page 79 Page 7 Page 12 Page 15 Page 29 Page 65 Page 19 Page 93 Page 4 Page 92 Page 57

February 2019

L K what I saw

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

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Solent Sub

A submarine passes Cowes in the Solent SPOTTED! by Archie Lyall aged 11

Ice Cream anyone?

Ice Cream boat off Sandbanks in Dorset SPOTTED! by Anne Hathaway

By the light of the silvery moon

Summer night looking from Queenborough pontoon SPOTTED! by Guy Kilbey Motorboat Owner

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