Motorboat Owner February 2021

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Motorboat FEBRUARY 2021

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Jeanneau MF795 Fishing for Cod l Wheelhouse boats under 40k l Fairline Vixen

Europe MOTORBOAT CHARTER GUIDE

Welcome to the February issue. I

From the Editor

contact us

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

don’t think I am speaking out of turn when I say it’s all a bit doom and gloom at the moment.

Boat use is pretty much out of the question for most of us, the weather is horrible, we miss our friends and family and the light at the end of the tunnel is very dim and distant. What we need is something to look forward too, and there is little better in that regard than planning some boating related trips that we can undertake when things

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

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February 2021

welcome aboard

We are all wishing for better ‘boating’ days ahead. Sunset return under the Orwell Bridge taken by Greg Goulding

finally start to return to normal. In this issue we have part 2 of our charter guide, and if this one doesn’t whet your appetite, and get you excited about future possibilities, then you have no soul. We may have left the EU, but what better excuse than to get back into Europe, if only on a personal level, than to take the helm of a boat in a completely new location. I’m sure that most of us are aware of the many charters available on the idyllic

French inland waterways, and maybe you have come across boats to hire in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium But did you know that you could also skipper a boat in Hungary, Portugal, Venice, Sweden, Norway and Finland?

No, well read on and start dreaming.

While our evenings have been spent in lockdown, further inspiration has come from the various streaming catchup services. We have overdosed on Prunella and Timothy, with 11 series of Great Canal Journeys, and also uncovered three slightly differently named series that all have a similar theme. Celebrity 5 go barging, Celebrity Carry on barging and Celebrity Britain

by Barge are all an insight to Britain’s fantastic inland waterways network.

While I am not quite yet tempted to buy a narrowboat, I do really want to put a little trailboat onto some of these waterways and pass over those fantastic aqueducts or through those long, dark tunnels. The light at the end maybe dim, but I can’t wait to get out there and see it in person.

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

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

Contributors: Simon Everett Cover photo: Jeanneau Merry Fisher

795 on test off Cannes by Neale Byart Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2021

REGULARS NEWS page 6 INBOX page 18 CUTTING EDGE page 34 TESTED page 36 Q&A page 56

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SECOND LOOK - USED BOATS

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

BOAT TEST

Jeanneau MF795

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NEWS Boot Düsseldorf 2021 cancelled The organisers of the huge German indoor boat show, Boot Düsseldorf, have announced the cancellation of the 2021 event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the associated worldwide lockdown measures. The show is historically held each January at venue, Messe Düsseldorf, and it had been postponed until April 2021 due to the pandemic. However, organisers said these new dates then appeared ‘increasingly unrealistic’, due to ‘the continuing high level of infection and the fact that the end of the lockdown is not foreseeable’.

Regarded as an important main, start of season show for the marine industry, Boot normally sees many British and worldwide marine brands and boat builders assemble in all 17 halls of the impressive exhibition centre, such as Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline. Next years nine-day show will open its doors from 22nd to 30th January 2022. Elsewhere the trend of virtual boat shows continues, with UK broker, Ancasta, hosting a virtual show during January.

Shipping Forecast LW/FM broadcast changes Due to the current COVID lockdown, the UK radio station, BBC Radio 4, has announced slight alterations to its shipping forecast broadcasting times in January. Monday to Friday, there are now three broadcasts on LW and FM, 0048, 0520 and 1203, with a further broadcast on LW only at 1754.

At the weekends, there will be three broadcasts on LW and FM at 0048, 0520 and 1754. The Coastguard will be continuing to broadcast the forecast as normal via NAVTEX and VHF radio, as well as strong wind and gale warnings when in force. According to the RYA, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has assured that Maritime Safety Information will continue to be broadcast and will still meet the requirements of the international standard known as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).

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February 2021

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Silver Puma BRz NEW BOAT Finnish boat builder, Silver Boats is adding a second bowrider model to its fibreglass boat range.

The new and compact Silver Puma BRz is the smallest of the Z-series and joins the larger Tiger bowrider model in the range. Designed for summer days, picnics and watersports, the 19 foot Puma can accommodate up to seven adults, with separate bucket seats for the helmsman and co-driver which turn around to face an aft dinette seating area. Its aft settee bench also offers storage for wakeboards, water skis and towable toys. There are dedicated fender boxes in the back corners and an easy-to-erect canopy should the weather turn. In the bow are wraparound storage lockers with two raised seat-cum-lockers ahead of the windscreen. Its protective, wraparound windscreen has an integral sturdy grabrail running along its top edge for safety, while aft are two bathing platforms, with a swimming ladder fitted as standard.

Additional extras include a fridge and the boat can be equipped with a single outboard engine from 80 to 115 horsepower.

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NEWS Terhi 480 TC NEW BOAT The Finnish builders of the affordable Terhi range have unveiled a third version of its 15ft 480 model. Built from ABS plastic, Terhi launched two new models, the 480BR and 480 Sport, in 2020, and the new Terhi 480 TC (Twin C) is being unveiled for 2021, replacing ‘favorite model’ the 475 TC. The 480 TC is essentially another bowrider model but it has a much larger open bow seating area than its 480 BR/Sport sisters. Seating up to five adults, the boat is helmed from its backseat while in front of the windscreen are two storage-seat compartments, and there is another bench storage-seat in the bow, with the whole area converting to a sunpad. The 480 TC’s backseat also converts into a sunpad and can be used as a fishing platform, with an optional stern canopy stowing in its own compartment.

Jersey Boat Show 2021 cancelled The Barclays Jersey Boat Show 2021, which was due to be held over the May bank holiday weekend, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ports of Jersey, together with title sponsor Barclays, announced that “due to the continuing restrictions surrounding the staging of large-scale public events during the current COVID pandemic, this year’s Barclays Jersey Boat Show will not take place as planned. As organisers of the event, the continuing safety and well-being of our local community and all those taking part remains our priority. With no clear indication at this time when restrictions may be eased, we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the boat show this year. We continue to remain in close contact with our sponsors, key stakeholders and marine traders and whilst disappointed, they understand and support the decision in cancelling this year’s show.” Show organisers added that, should the situation change, they ‘may be able to stage some form of maritime celebration in the summer to showcase our important marine culture’.

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February 2021

NEWS Historic lifeboat back with the RNLI ©RNLI/John McCallion

Following a period as a converted motor yacht then liveaboard, a historic open rowing lifeboat is now back in the care of the RNLI in Poole. Built in 1902, the 38ft-long Louisa Heartwell was originally donated to the RNLI by Miss Emily Heartwell and is a Liverpool design, non-self-righting rowing lifeboat with a power plant of 14 oarsmen, a simple lugsail and mizzen sail. It was originally based at Cromer, on the north coast of Norfolk where it was launched 115 times and saved 195 lives, which is, according to the RNLI, a record for an open rowing lifeboat. After being decommissioned in 1931 it was converted into a motor yacht and became a liveaboard for a number of years on the Grand Union Canal and then at Chichester Marina. It was acquired by marina group, Premier Marinas, in 2019 and has now been donated back to the RNLI, ‘to be displayed as the national asset she is’. Chichester Marina Manager, Paul Cook said “We were delighted when the RNLI accepted our donation and took on the refurbishment of Louise Heartwell. She is a little boat with such an amazing story and can now enjoy her rightful retirement.” Dr Joanna Bellis, Heritage Interpretation Development Officer at the RNLI, added “Now that the Louisa Heartwell is out of the water we have full access around the hull and can further develop our conservation plan based on condition and originality of material. We know she is in extremely good condition for her age and dramatic operational history and we are looking forward to getting to know the boat in detail. In 1917, coxswain Henry Blogg and the Cromer crew needed a remarkable lifeboat they could trust, so caring for Louisa 100 years later is an honour for the RNLI.” The boat is currently being stored at the Lifeboat Centre in Poole, until a permanent berth becomes available at the historic lifeboat collection at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, in Kent.

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February 2021

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Alfastreet 23 Cabin Evolution NEW BOAT Following the launch of its new flagship model, the 28 Cabin, in 2020, Slovenian builder, Alfastreet Marine has unveiled a freshly modified version of its 23 Cabin. The new 23 Cabin Evolution is still the two-berth dayboat/weekender it was, available in inboard sterndrive or electric configurations and a hydraulic hard top. However, it has adopted some of its 28 sister’s features, such as stylish hull windows and an updated cockpit with a walkaround, extending aft sunpad. The UK dealer is Boat Showrooms and the new model is priced from £79,995.

DIARY DATES Thames Valley Boat Show 9th-11th April South Coast Boat Show 7th-9th May British Motor Yacht Show 15th-23rd May Green Tech Boat Show 19th-20th June Southampton International Boat Show 10th-19th September Ocean Village Boat Show 10th-19th September Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Polperro visitor buoys The Polperro Harbour Trust is looking into installing another two moorings for visitors. Polperro is a small, historic fishing port located between Looe and Fowey. The harbour currently welcomes visitors to moor on two buoys in its entrance, these yellow buoys are currently laid for securing fore-andaft so as not to obstruct the main harbour channel. The 2020 price for overnight visitors was £15. For harbour information visit www.polperroharbourtrust.org.

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

Chargers - Inverters - Galvanic Isolators - Fuses Fuse holders - Crossover switches - Cable Sets - Batteries

sales@mdsbattery.co.uk

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NEWS Boatfolk switches to renewable electricity The marina group, boatfolk, has announced that it has switched to a fully renewable electricity source in order to reduce its carbon footprint. The group say the move forms part of its sustainability strategy ‘to educate and influence behaviours to make a positive impact on the marine environment and planet’. The renewable electricity will supply the business and over 4,000 berths spanning across its nationwide marina network. Managing Director of boatfolk, Michael Prideaux, said the group is passionate about the environment and wants everyone to enjoy it for generations to come. He said “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, and we know that reducing the impact on the environment is important to boatfolk customers and colleagues. We’re on a journey to reduce our carbon footprint and this is a crucial next step on that journey. We estimate this fully renewable supply reduces our carbon emissions by up to 1000 tonnes a year compared with traditional carbon led electricity supplies, which is a massive positive impact.”

He added that the supply of ‘responsibly sourced electricity’ will have minimal to no change in cost to boatfolk customers. The marina group is responsible for 11 marinas across the UK, in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

British Motor Yacht Show Premier Marinas is preparing to host the annual British Motor Yacht Show at Swanwick Marina this May. Now in its 7th year, the nine-day show will be held from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd May and, with a ‘generous pontoon layout at Swanwick’, Premier promises ‘a safe, socially distanced and relaxed environment’ for appointment only attendees. This will be the second British Motor Yacht Show to run under pandemic conditions, as the event went ahead in August 2020 and it is thought to be the only boat show to proceed. British motor yacht brands Fairline, Sunseeker and Princess will be in attendance and the event promises to have the usual mix of on-water and ashore displays of prestigious marine equipment, brokers and services.

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February 2021

NEWS Saxdor 320 GTO NEW BOAT

Following the successful launch of the 200 Sport, Motorboat Owner can exclusively reveal the first images of the new Finnish-built Saxdor 320 GTO, as it emerges from the factory.

The T-topped, walk-around and outboard-powered GTO is currently one of three versions of the 320 series, with an open GTR and enclosed wheelhouse GTC model available. The GTO’s versatile cockpit has seating for 6-9, opening side terraces, an aft sunpad with sliding backrest and a wetbar, with a sunpad and bench in the bow. Down below it provides a spacious double cabin with a separate toilet compartment. Power is provided by twin 300hp outboards, giving in excess of 50 knots, or a single 300hp giving a 38-knot top speed. It is available through UK and Irish dealer, Ideal Boat and is priced from £105,626.

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February 2021

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

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Rodman 890 Ventura NEW BOAT Just as Motorboat Owner February was going to press, Spanish builder, Rodman, released this artist impression and information on a new version of its 890 Ventura. The builder has added ‘new design elements’ to its versatile 29ft outboard-powered wheelhouse cruiser, most noticeable are the large and stylish windows in the hull which will no doubt provide light and views from the open plan, two double cabin area. The UK dealer is Chichester-based RBS Marine and the 890 Ventura will be priced from £116,400 fitted with a single 300hp Suzuki.

Princess X95 issued with first ever UKCA RCR certificate of conformity

In January, Princess Yachts’ new X95 hull number 4 became the first British-built boat to receive the new ‘UKCA mark’, forming an important post-Brexit milestone for the marine industry. HPi-CEproof is the only approved body empowered to issue UKCA mark certificates under the new UK Recreational Craft Regulations that came into force on the 1st January this year. The Oxfordshire-based company’s ability to provide this ‘vital new service’ of issuing the new approval certificates enables compliance with the post-Brexit UK Recreational Craft Regulations.

Celebrating the significance of its appointment, HPi-CEproof auctioned the rights for a boatbuilder to be assessed for RCR certificate number one. The winner was Princess Yachts and auction proceeds were split between the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Classic raceboat for sale The British-built classic raceboat, Gee 185, is for sale. Designed by Jim Wynne and built in Cowes by W.A Souter & Son in 1967, Gee 185 has had an extremely busy 54 years, racing for five successful years with her original owner and, in its current ownership, has taken part in both the Round Britain Powerboat Race 2008 and the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race. Currently based in Antibes in France, 40ft Gee 185 is being sold by classic sailing and motor yacht broker, The Metre Yard. Director, Carl Whitewood told Motorboat Owner “We are looking for a very special owner who will continue to look after Gee like her current owner has in the past 18 years.” He added “The 7th in line to take ownership of Gee will become a part of her incredible history.” Gee 185 is POA (price on application) and a full specification can be seen at www.themetreyard.co.uk

‘Anglian Pass’ being developed for boaters Various inland navigational authorities in East Anglia are working together to develop a new annual pass which will allow boaters to navigate unrestricted across neighbouring waterways. Boaters on the River Nene, the Great Ouse system, the Middle Level Navigation and the River Cam will soon have the option to purchase an ‘Anglian Pass’, which will allow them to move between different waterways without having to pay multiple registration fees. The new pass is being developed by the The Environment Agency, the Conservators of the River Cam and the Middle Level Commissioners, and while final details are still being discussed, it is thought that the pass will be available by the beginning of April 2021, ready for the new boating season, and will then be available from the 1st of April each year. Vessels will be required to have a valid ‘annual’ vessel registration, with their relevant navigation authority, before applying for the pass. Short-term/visitor registrations will still be available.

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February 2021

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Nimbus C8 NEW BOAT Swedish boat builder, Nimbus, released a ‘sneak peak’ teaser image of its new C8 model in January. The new Nimbus C8 will be the latest boat to emerge from its WTC series (8, 9 and 11-metre Weekender, Tender and Commuter models) and, at 26ft, it is the smallest boat in its C series range. The C8 is based on the same hull as the tripleaward-winning T8, and offers an enclosed wheelhouse for all weathers, with a two-berth lower cabin area and separate toilet/shower compartment. It will be available with various outboard engine options and capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. More information on the new model is due to be released in the spring. UK dealer is Lymington-based, Offshore Powerboats.

©CHC

Medina saltmarsh project The Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is part of a project that will help to support and enhance coastal habitats on the Medina which could be under threat. Saying “With increased understanding of the benefits of coastal habitats we now know more about the impact of their loss. Not only do we lose the habitat’s potential to support us, but also the benefit they have already provided, for example a dying saltmarsh releases stored carbon and nutrients back into the environment.” The Medina has some small areas of saltmarsh that are essential to the estuary and the wildlife, and the CHC is working with the Estuaries Project, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England on a project to put measures in place that will stabilise the existing marsh and help it to re-establish in parts of the estuary.

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INBOX

@

Brexit beefs

Further to your article in the January issue, we understand in Jersey that the ports of Carteret, Granville and St. Brieuc are also ports of entry into France. Both Carteret and Granville have summer ferry links to Jersey, whilst St. Brieuc is historically one of the oldest major ports for Brittany, albeit a bit of a pain to enter as it is in the southern end of St. Brieuc bay and tidal, with a restricted lock. If we need to check out, as well as in, then the weekend visit may become a thing of the past. R Ireson Editor comments: Thank you for getting in touch. Things still remain unclear and I am hoping that marinas are allowed to implement customs procedures to allow us third party citizens easier access to more ports. This may be along the lines of an electronic reporting system, but at this time information is very sparse. Regarding the ports you mention, I have seen both Granville, Carteret, and also Dielette for that matter, being referred to as ‘Border crossing points’ but they don’t seem to be included on lists of official ‘ports of entry’. All we can do is wait for further information as it becomes available and hope that we end up with a pragmatic system that makes life easier for us, as well as overseas officials.

I’m a regular reader of your magazine. I read your editorial just now and it struck me that you seem to look at the ramifications of Brexit from a UK perspective only. I am sure there is a large number of people in Ireland, and the continent, who read your magazine. It would be great, if you can keep that in mind when you look into the new rules and regulations. Bart Meester Editor comments: Hi Bart, it’s true that we may have focused more on the UK aspect of the problem so far, as that seems to be where most of the confusion and problems lay. Due to the special relationship between the UK and Ireland, and because Ireland is not a Schengen member, I think travel between the two by boat will be much along similar lines as before. There are issues regarding things like VAT, and I have tried to address these from all perspectives this month. I will, of course, bear our EU readers in mind as we continue to unravel this very complicated situation.

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February 2021

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

A star is born. Princess’s trailblazing 286 Riviera was built from 1983 until 1991, and the numbers speak for themselves, with approximately 440 built.

Bowthruster back issues I’ve just done a back issues search but couldn’t find anything on bowthrusters. Hopefully it’s there somewhere? If not can I suggest a review please? These are important pieces of kit and quite expensive so a good analysis and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for a good magazine. Phil Lawler Associate Editor comments: Thank you for your email and we are pleased to hear that you are enjoying the magazine. We covered fitting a bowthruster in a step-by-step, two-part practical feature in 2014, part 1 October 2014 and part 2 November 14. More recently we covered fitting a remote in the Sept 19 issue.

I hope these articles are of use to you, you will be able to find them by logging in on our website and visiting ‘back issues’.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Jeanneau MF795

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February 2021

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 8.14m / 26ft 8in Beam: 2.82m / 9ft 3in Displacement: 2,153kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 280 litres Water capacity 100 litres Engine as tested: 1 x 200hp Other engine options: Single outboard 175hp to 250hp (Original 795 available with up to 200hp) RCD category: C9 Price from ÂŁ60,133

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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W

e have tested a number of the Merry Fisher range from Jeanneau over the years, right from the excellent little 605 all the way up to the flagship 1095, but there has been a rather glaring omission. Somehow, along the way, we have passed over what must be the quintessential Merry Fisher. Small enough to single-hand, yet large enough to cruise with up to four, the perfect size to be considered an entry level boat and affordable enough to meet that requirement too. Like all Merry Fishers, it is also very practical and utterly multipurpose. The 795 could just be the ultimate Merry Fisher. In these rather strange times, where testing boats has become a little more difficult, we were lucky enough to get onboard

the 795 before the first lockdown. Since then, Jeanneau has released a SĂŠrie 2 version of the 795 for 2021 so, although we are looking at the original, it is important to know that there have been one or two design changes on boats that are hitting the dealers showrooms now. We will address these as we look further into the boat, but the essence of the boat remains

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February 2021

“Could Jeanneau’s 795 be the ultimate Merry Fisher?”

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exactly the same and the Série 2 changes are only likely to bring improvements to whatever we find.

One thing that is nice about the Merry Fisher range is that you tend to know exactly what you are going to get when you get onboard, and the 795 is no exception. Of course, there are differences in scale and facilities but, like other models, the 795 has all the ingredients that make this range so successful. Starting aft, the engine, in our case a 200hp Yamaha, is set between two separate swim platforms. There is enough space when the engine if down to step across between the two without entering the cockpit. The starboard platform has a bathing ladder recessed into the top, which makes it easy to deploy and use while avoiding it Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

becoming a tripping hazard. Just forward of the teak laid port platform there is a small self-draining locker, which would take a couple of fenders or your mooring lines. Entrance to the cockpit is via a transom gate on the starboard side that can be closed to help keep the cockpit child and pet friendly. In here you get

Jeanneau has launched a ‘Série 2’ version of the 795 for 2021, with new features like a side gate

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a transom seat, which slides forward to allow full tilt of the engine, and optional, modular seating for the port side, and also in the forward part against the wheelhouse doors, creating a large sociable seating area around a cockpit table. There is storage in the seat bases as well as below the floor, which is accessed through a large cockpit sole hatch on gas struts for ease of use. You will also find the fuel tank down here, as well as the fuel filter and batteries.

Access forward is best achieved on the starboard side deck where a forward corner mounted step up to the deck doubles as a gas locker, capable of taking a single 907 size Camping Gaz cylinder.

There are convenient hand holds on the aft corners of the wheelhouse to steady your way, although with the modular seating in place the port side deck does require standing on the cushions to gain

access. Once on either side deck, progress is easy and safe thanks to a decent width of deck, 10 inches on the starboard side and 8 inches to port, plus sturdy, goodheight, guardrails. There are also grab rails inset onto the wheelhouse roof along the full length of both sides. At the bow you can have some cushions on the forecabin roof to create a relatively small but usable sunlounging area. Forward of this, the side decks meet and the bow flattens to create a very practical, safe and useable working area for foredeck crew. One large deck hatch at the bow conceals a cavernous anchor locker with an optional anchor winch, which is also mounted below to help keep the deck clear of tripping or toe stubbing hazards.

Moving into the cabin, there is a useful wheelhouse roof overhang to provide some weather protection to the three

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February 2021

part patio style sliding doors. Headroom under the overhang is over 6ft, but taller boaters will need to stoop a little to get through the door. There is a step down into the wheelhouse from the cockpit level, but once inside the headroom is again plentiful, with no less than 6ft 4in anywhere in the wheelhouse. Overall the wheelhouse is quite compact, but in this regard I think Jeanneau have got the balance between cockpit, forward cabin and wheelhouse just about perfect. On the port side there is a dinette, which would accommodate a family of four. The forward dinette backrest flips aft, while at the same time its seat base rises, to create a two-person forward facing bench for when you are underway. You can have an optional refrigerator mounted in the base of the aft dinette seat, and even with this option there is still some locker space Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

below this seat too. Further storage in this area can be found in the floor of the raised dinette that, together with more lockers in the companionway floor alongside, should provide plenty of storage for the galley that is opposite. The water tank can be found in this floor locker, as can the optional windscreen washer bottle, a nice feature missing from many boats of

The forward dinette bench doubles as a nav seat

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supposedly better repute. As you would expect, the dinette converts into a double berth, which is a generous size at 6ft long by 3ft 6in wide.

The galley is a simple setup, but nevertheless delivers a useful collection of features. A single, sizeable sink comes with an infill to create extra workspace when not in use. The fold-away tap on our test boat only delivered cold water, but hot water, at least when on shorepower, is

A compact but usable galley behind the helm

on the options list, if needed. Alongside the sink there was a single burner gas hob, the only option it seems, so some creativity with single pan dishes will be required, especially as there is no oven, or option for one. Work surface and galley usability are both increased by tilting the helm seat forward, that would otherwise take up the forward end of the galley module. Having said that, the galley is still usable with the seat in place, so a cup of tea when underway is still on the cards.

There is some good, open storage behind the galley, and below the worktop there is a very large double cupboard that will easily accommodate all the usual galley paraphernalia. This cupboard could ideally do with some shelving or other compartmentalised storage options, as on our test boat it was just a large open space.

On the aft end of the galley unit, tucked between it and the wheelhouse doors when closed, is where you will find the boat’s master electrical panel and battery

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February 2021

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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switches.

At the helm the skipper gets a single, bucket style, seat with lifting bolster. The helm console is finished in gloss black, which not only looks nice but should help reduce glare on the surrounding glass.

On our test boat, the Yamaha electronic engine control panel was sited in such a way that there was enough room to get a circa 7-inch multi-function display alongside. Beside the helm there is a large sliding window, placed suitably to rest your elbow when cruising, or sticking your head out to communicate with crew, and there is another on the passenger side, albeit set a little further aft, if you take the Premier Pack option. This pack option also includes a second windscreen wiper, the screen wash system, cockpit cushions, cockpit shower and mid-ships cleats. This pack also includes the large opening sunroof, so at a little over £2k it is one tick on the options list that shouldn’t be missed. The helm design of our test boat didn’t seem to leave much space for additional electronics, unless you were able to install them overhead, above the windscreen, but the newer helm design of the Série 2 (see opposite) does seem to have partially tackled this particular problem. Your crew in the nav seat opposite get a suitably placed grab rail, and a place under the windscreen to keep their personal bits and bobs.

If the wheelhouse is going to be used as a cabin, it can be fully enclosed with an optional curtain pack and windscreen cover for privacy, both from the outside world, and other occupants onboard.

Moving forward, a couple of steps take you down into a sunken lower lobby area.

The forward cabin is not separated by a door, but from this lobby, which acts as

Although it doesn’t have full headroom, the toilet compartment is rather spacious

the standing area for the forward cabin, you can climb forward into the offset double berth or access the boat’s toilet compartment. The berth is a good size, at 6ft long by 4ft 4in wide, and has good storage beneath the cushions, as well as in cubby holes and shelves around the cabin.

An overhead hatch offers the only light and air directly into this area, but being open plan to the rest of the boat, it still retains a light and airy feel.

The toilet compartment is best described as ¾ height, coming with just 5ft headroom, but once inside and seated it feels anything but claustrophobic, with good lateral dimensions. Inside there is the option of a portable or installed sea toilet, the latter with holding tank, and you

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February 2021

WHAT ABOUT THE SÉRIE 2 MODEL?

The 795 Série 2 is a new model for 2021, launched, or at least due to be launched, in the Autumn shows of 2020. Due to Covid we have yet to see one in the flesh, but it features a number of improvements to the original design and is the boat that you would get if ordering a 795 today. At the helm, the console has been very slightly redesigned, which means that the Série 2 comes with options for slightly larger MFDs, indeed there is a 9-inch Garmin on the options list, and a bit of space for additional kit. The new console also incorporates a small, flat mid-section that delivers a drinks holder for the skipper and a convenient, wellplaced mount for the optional bowthruster control. The bulkhead directly in front of the navigator’s seat has been removed. This allows access to the large space below the raised dinette from the forward end, rather than through a small hatch. As such, this space is now perfect for storing large items like cockpit, bow or infill cushions. In the toilet compartment, there is the addition of an optional shower (assuming you also choose the hot water option) and to help in this regard there is now a seat that folds down over the toilet. Outside, the most obvious change is the gunwale gate on the starboard side, just aft of the raised side deck. This should make boarding even easier when alongside. There is also now an optional ‘roof rack’ to take paddleboards and suchlike. Lastly, there is the engine upgrade. The Série 2 is available with up to 250hp on the transom, compared to 200hp on the first generation model.

The Série 2 version of the 795 comes with a number of design tweaks for improved usability Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

29

PERFORMANCE As tested 50% fuel, 25% water, 3 crew, Force 4

RPM

get a sink, again with cold water only as standard. A single opening port provides ventilation, and storage is by way of an open shelf plus a small cupboard below the sink. While there was no shower option for the original 795, that has been rectified on the SĂŠrie 2 model.

Underway Our test day threw up some rather tricky conditions, with a Force 4 gusting Force 5 producing up to 1-metre seas.

We did find some flatter water for our performance data, but purposely stayed in the rough stuff to see how the 795 handled what could be described as pretty typical British type conditions. As you would expect, going flat out in these

600 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5900

Knots LPH

GPH

1.7 2.8 4.2 5.6 6.6 7.8 11.0 17.3 22.5 26.5 30.4 32.0

0.33 0.66 1.03 1.63 2.60 3.94 5.59 6.31 7.99 11.2 13.7 16.5

1.5 3.0 4.7 7.4 11.8 17.9 25.4 28.7 36.3 51.0 62.1 74.9

MPG Range Sound (nm) (db)

5.15 4.24 4.08 3.44 2.54 1.98 1.97 2.74 2.82 2.36 2.22 1.97

317 261 251 211 156 122 121 168 173 145 136 121

67 69 70 74 76 77 78 82 86 87 89 91

conditions was not very enjoyable, in fact it was barely possible. What we could do though was find a comfortable cruising speed that could be maintained despite the conditions. We found that going into a head sea we were restricted to around 16 knots if we wanted to keep the crew happy, maybe a little more if you wanted to work the throttle hard. Having said

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February 2021

Our test boat was fitted with a Yamaha F200, which was the maximum for the original 785

“This 27ft fisher performed admirably in some quite testing conditions” that, at around 14 knots the 795 stayed on the plane and dealt admirably with these quite testing conditions, and you could certainly get home safely, comfortably and reasonably quickly at these sort of speeds without any effort at all. Turning round to take the waves on the stern, we could increase speeds to a constant 20 knots with ease. Just raise the engine trim a little to ensure the bow doesn’t stuff into the back of the wave in front.

Beam seas could be comfortably taken at similar speeds. Where the water was flatter, we were impressed with a top speed of over 30 knots and acceleration times of 6 seconds to plane and 20 seconds to 30 knots. Merry Fishers aren’t out-and-out sportsboats but even so, turning was brisk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

and precise as long as you fed the turn in slowly. Turn too tightly and the engine ventilated freely and speed would decrease rapidly. Whether you really need the extra 50hp that the Série 2 offers is debatable. I would say no, as it felt fast and responsive enough with the 200, but at £4k extra others may think it’s a bargain for a couple more knots and slightly faster acceleration.

At the helm, the 795 offers a good, commanding helming position, particularly when standing. Using the lifted bolster, the more relaxed leaning option is also good. On our original series 1 model, the helm seat did not slide, meaning its seated position wasn’t perfect.

It was comfortable, with good lateral support from the bucket seat and an

31

ideally placed foot rest, but the seat was just a little too far back for me to use it for back support. The throttle is well positioned, and the small GRP lip of the coaming moulding made a perfectly placed elbow rest.

The choppy conditions on our test day meant quite a bit of spray was getting thrown up and, when going into a head sea, much of this ended up on the windscreen. The twin wipers did a great job of maintaining good visibility in these conditions, and, due to the all-round glass of the wheelhouse, visibility was generally very good on all corners. Like most hard top, wheelhouse boats, a tight turn to port meant a loss of side and port aft quarter visibility, so a good check over your shoulder is needed before throwing the wheel to port. All in all the 795 put in a good show for a boat of its size in some quite harsh conditions. Yes, there are

A useful wet locker on the port bathing platform

other boats that may have dealt with the conditions better, but pound for pound this feature packed and practical Merry Fisher will be hard to beat.

Conclusion There is no doubting the aesthetics of the 795. Everything about it looks just right and is, in my humble opinion, the best looking Merry Fisher of the range, but there is more to the boat than just good

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February 2021

looks. It is also a very capable family day cruiser, a competent weekender, a great fishing platform and will even hold its own as a distance cruiser. Yes it could get a bit cramped if the whole family are aboard for longer periods, but a couple could easily spend extended time onboard, and I would have no problem cruising in a 795 to its full range abilities, as long as I could pick the right weather windows. It may suffer a little if driven too hard in bigger seas, but with a sensible approach to conditions, combined with a sensible approach to speeds, the 795 will take you wherever you want to go. Of course the 895 might be a bit more spacious, the 695 a bit more affordable

The 795 is much more than just a good looker

and the Marlin perhaps better suited to a more fishy specific role, but when all is said and done I honestly think the 795 hits the perfect multi-role compromise and makes it, perhaps, the pick of the Merry Fisher range.

ENQUIRIES: Jeanneau www.jeanneau.com for your nearest dealer YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Jeanneau MF795 Marlin

Finnmaster Pilot 7

Parker 760 Quest

LOA: 7.17m Beam: 2.80m Displacement: 1,750kg ex eng Enquiries: Cambrian Boats 01792 655925 www.cambrianboats.com

LOA: 7.2m Beam: 2.59m Displacement: 1,700kg ex eng Enquiries: Idealboat Sales Ltd 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

LOA: 7.70m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 1,800kg ex eng Enquiries: Parker Boats For your nearest dealer www.parkerpoland.com

If the 795 ticks most of your boxes, but you want it a bit more fishing orientated, the Marlin version is sure to please.

PRICE from £57,180

Slightly smaller than the 795, the Pilot 7 comes with legendary Scandinavian build quality and outboard power from 130 to 200hp.

PRICE from £78,596

Launched at Düsseldorf last year, the 760 Quest is the latest wheelhouse boat to join the extensive line-up from Parker.

PRICE from £66,227

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Bella 550BR

33

CUTTING Lowrance

Lowrance has followed in the footstep of other marine electronics players and launched its own version of live sonar, called ActiveTarget. ActiveTarget delivers moving, live, high-resolution images of what’s below the boat straight to your compatible Lowrance display. The system offers three viewing options of Forward, Down or Scout, the latter offering an ultra-wide, overhead view of structure and fish in front of the transducer. Compatible displays include HDS Live, HDS Carbon and the recently introduced Elite FS range. Price from £1,790 www.lowrance.com

ePropulsion

When you think of electric outboards for your tender, ePropulsion may not be the first name that comes to mind.

Launched a couple of years back, the ePropulsion range has had a makeover resulting on a whole new lineup of models with some clever features.

Ranging from 3hp to 9.9hp equivalent outputs, three new Spirit models and two new Navy motors are joined by three pod drive units of the same outputs. They all operate on a new 48-volt platform, have floating batteries and all but the entry level motor now offer hydrogenation capabilities, with up to 1kw of power generated through a trailing prop. Price from £1,600 www.epropulsion.uk

Fender Hookers

Sometimes pulling your fenders in and out can be a bit of a chore, especially for those on inland waterways where you may spend your day going in and out of locks. Equally, dangling fenders are not very attractive, and can even cause damage if a wave flicks them up. Fender Hookers are designed as a halfway house solution. Your fenders remain attached where you need them, but are stored securely away from the water when underway. Made from UV resistant plastic, they are suitable for guard wires or rail up to 25mm, and for fenders up to 280mm in diameter.

Price £12 per pair www.caltoncraft.co.uk

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February 2021

the latest boating gear and technology

Fernhurst Books Fusion

Garmin brand, Fusion, has introduced a range of wake tower speakers optimized for wake boats and designed to produce crystal clear, high performance audio at all volume levels. The Signature Series 3 Wake Tower Speakers combine red, green and blue LEDs with cool and warm white lighting to deliver full colour palette illumination.

Available in three sizes, 8.8 inch, 7.7 inch and 6.5 inch, the speakers are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment with their IP65 rating.

Price from £589 www.garmin.com

If there is one thing that lockdown has given us, its time to plan our adventures when we are finally allowed. To that end there is nothing finer than a good pilot book of your chosen area, and arguably, there aren’t many finer areas than the West Country. Luckily for us, there is some new reading material to while away a lockdown evening or three. The fully updated 9th edition of the West Country Cruising Companion, by Mark Fishwick, covers the area from Portland Bill in Dorset and west along the Devon and Cornwall coasts all the way around to Padstow on the north Cornwall coast.

Price £42.50 www.fernhurstbooks.com

A Small Boat Around Britain

In 2019 Motorboat Owner readers Phil and Nigel took their Rhea 850 on a 2000-nautical-mile adventure around the UK. A small boat around Britain, is a 140-page hardback book that recounts their adventure with a mix of light-hearted story telling and stunning coastal photography. The trip also helped raise money for two charities, Prostate UK and Brain Tumour Research, and at least £5 from each book sale is donated to these causes. Price £25.00 www.boataroundbritain.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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tested

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

Henri Lloyd MAV HL Liner Jacket

PRICE

£99

The Henri Lloyd MAV HL Liner Jacket is a real chameleon. It is sold under Henri Lloyd’s ‘Performance’ line, so is a technical marine item, rather than from their ‘Apparel’ fashion range, and it shows. As the name hints at, the jacket is as much a mid-layer as it is an outer garment. It is extremely lightweight, yet offers brilliant thermal qualities. It is certainly warm enough to do both jobs and the fact that it comes with showerproof capabilities means as an outer garment it should be perfect in all but the most inclement weather. Its light weight also makes it very comfortable to wear. It has two outside pockets, both with zips, but at least one Motorboat Owner inner pocket would be a nice addition for those more “A real ‘go-to’ valuable and important items. The version I am wearing is hoodless, garment for all but Henri Lloyd do offer a hooded version as well. With no hood occasions” stowage, you have to choose between the advantages of having one, Value 4/5 over the inability to put it completely out of the way when not needed.

Usability 5/5 Performance 4/5 As a mid-layer, I would say it’s really not necessary, but others might disagree. As well as the two different versions, the Liner Jacket is also available in a more fitted woman’s version, again either with or without a hood. For us men there is the choice of white with a blue stripe, blue with a white strip and the plain blue that I chose. Woman get the same colour options, plus one extra, orange with a white stripe. The jacket is made from 100% nylon and has elasticated cuffs and hem to help keep the weather out. It is also windproof, while still having good breathability.

The best praise I can bestow on it is the fact that in some of the near freezing temperatures we have experienced recently, I have been outside with just a T shirt on beneath the jacket and have not only felt warm, but the jacket completely blocked any wind on my otherwise bear arms. In terms of its waterproof abilities, I think Henri Lloyd is selling it short. I have been caught in a torrential downpour and the water just beaded and ran off the Elasticated cuffs and jacket like it would on the well-waxed bodywork of your robust zips car. As a quick-grab jacket for almost all occasions, it is about as multi purpose as you can get. The fact it is so light and scrunches down into a small size, seemingly without creasing, makes it easy to pack and perfect for travelling. Enquiries Henri Lloyd www.henrilloyd.com 36

February 2021

The Ultimate Crusier

The new E30 Endurance is the ultimate day cruiser for the larger party, or a fantastic weekender that can get into berths and anchorages bigger boats simply cannot reach.

Its finely crafted appearance doesn’t hamper the practical touches, like a walkaround foredeck and well appointed midships helm. Look below though for the biggest surprise, where you’ll find a well equipped and furnished saloon, separate heads and aft sleeping area.

Brilliantly conceived, thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted.

Available now E30 Endurance

POA

T: 01933 551606 | cranchi@tingdene.net | www.tingdeneboatsales.net/cranchi Virtual viewings now available

Guernsey Europe PART 2

MOTORBOAT CHARTER GUIDE

Motorboat Owner uncovers the cruising regions offering weekly bareboat charters in Europe T

aking the helm of a motorboat in another country is a fulfilling way to broaden your cruising horizons without the burden of overseas ownership, and for first timers, it is almost a guaranteed way to catch ‘the boating bug’. This month, part 2 of the Motorboat Charter Guide highlights some of the key charter destinations in Europe, and provides a snapshot of companies and motorboats

available for weekly bareboat charter.

Like the UK and Ireland, chartering in Europe is still predominantly an inland waterways affair, with prices for a week aboard a four-berth cruiser starting at €698, and, if sedate cruising is your thing, there are plenty of countries and regions to choose from, including France, Germany and Portugal to name just a few. However, one consideration is that there may be locks

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February 2021

ŠImage-Le Boat

THREE-PART SERIES Part 1: UK & Ireland

Part 2: Europe Part 3: Long haul

to negotiate. These may be operated by a lock-keeper, manual wind push/pull on some French routes or electric, so it maybe something to research and consider when choosing a destination. The waterways of the Netherlands, Germany and the Douro in Portugal have a small number of modern, large locks, some of which are impressively deep, but these are lockkeeper assisted. Lock-free cruising routes, which are ideal for first time boaters, or for those short-handed or less able, can be

found in the Camargue region of France, the Lago Alqueva in Portugal and the Bodrog River and Lake Tisza in Hungary.

If blue water cruising is more you, there are coastal bareboat charter opportunities in key destinations in the Med, these include Croatia and Greece. Admittedly such weekly charters are comparably, and understandably, more expensive than the inland counterparts, but if you are the type of boater who, when at your favourite holiday destination, has often envied the

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

GREECE

boater blasting out of the marina on a boat like yours and thought ‘that could be me’, now might be your chance.

You will find a wide variety of cruisers available across the destinations, some will be mainstream motorboats while many will be purpose built. Inland and canal cruisers are generally comfortable and stylishly robust, with designs that maximize interior and exterior space.

Whichever and wherever you choose, look for mod cons such as an inverter

or generator, decent onboard shower facilities and maybe, destination and season dependant, heating. Water toys, such as inflatable tenders and stand up paddleboards, will almost certainly add to the experience and extend explorations.

With such a big area to cover, we were faced with numerous local companies offering holiday charters, as well as individuals chartering out their own boat, and there are simply too many to be able to mention them all. Instead we have

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February 2021

FINLAND FINLAND SWEDEN

BELGIUM NORWAY

SWEDEN

NETHERLANDS GERMANY BELGIUM

HUNGARY FRANCE

CROATIA

FRANCE

HUNGARY

ITALY

PORT

UGA

L

GREECE

ITALY

CORFU

PORTUGAL

CORFU

cruisers and regions available. You may also be able to uncover a last minute deal on the website Late Sail.

Booking directly is usually best and, fear not, many of the longstanding inlandbased charter companies cater for all types of budget. Be aware of extra charges on specific routes and also that some charter companies charge per person. You will, of course, need to factor in additional flight and transport costs for getting to a base, which could be quite remote.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

Images - The Moorings, Nicols, VisitFinland, Le Boat, Gota Kanal Charter

mostly concentrated on charter fleets and worldwide companies that are familiar to us in the UK, including Le Boat, Locaboat, Linssen Holidays and The Moorings.

However, this article also uncovered areas where we did not know charters existed, and companies that were large yet unfamiliar, such as Nicols. Marketing broker and booking websites, such as Borrow-a-boat, Waterways Holidays and Boating Holidays by Blue Water Holidays, can also provide a useful overview of the

FRANCE

France has possibly the biggest

slow pace boating on canals and rivers, choice for inland holiday bareboat what’s not to love? The towns of Cognac, charters and, described as the largest Rochefort and Sancerre provoke more network in Europe, with around 8000km ‘food for thought’. There are the wellof waterways, it is hardly surprising. It known former industrial canals of the is quite simply a myriad paradise ripe Canal du Nivernais, Canal du Midi and for boating exploration. Spectacular Canal de Bourgogne, and then there are canals and rivers chisel out the landscape lesser known canyon-like rivers, the Lot, studded with history, culture and stunning Doubs and Mayenne, all of which have architecture, not to mention taking in charter opportunities. Motorboat Owner French gastronomic delights and some was also not aware, until now, that you of the most remote and unspoilt regions could also charter in Brittany, on the of France on the way. Food, wine and Nantes-Brest canal, in the west. There are, 42

February 2021

PRICES

CANAL DU MIDI Le Boat - 1-wk price from £809 Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1600 Nicols - 1-wk price from €726 CAMARGUE Le Boat - 1-wk price from £809 Nicols - 1-wk price from €1018 AQUITAINE Le Boat - 1-wk price from £739 Nicols - 1-wk price from €923 RIVER LOT Le Boat - 1-wk price from £749 Nicols - 1-wk price from €979 Locaboat – 1-wk price from €1036 ALSACE Nicols - 1-wk price from €979 Le Boat - 1-wk price from £739 Locaboat - 1-wk price from €1036 BRITTANY Le Boat - 1-wk price from £739 Locaboat -1-wk price from €1036 Nicols - 1-wk price from €923

SAÔNE Nicols -1-wk price from €979 Locaboat - 1-wk price from €1036 PARIS

CHARENTE Le Boat -1-wk price from £809 Nicols - 1-wk price from €698

ALSACE

BURGUNDY

BRITTANY

FRANCE CHARENTE

BURGUNDY Nicols - 1-wk price from €923 Locaboat -1-wk price from €1036 Le Boat – 1-wk price from £739 Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1600

SAONE

AQUITANE

RIVER LOT CAMARGUE CANAL DU MIDI

Prices quoted in € euros and £ sterling

ON THE WEB: www.leboat.co.uk www.linssenboatingholidays.com www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk www.locaboat.com

of course, locks to negotiate, for instance the Canal du Midi has 63, but this is all part of the fun. The scenery includes beautiful limestone-cliff valleys, incredible aqueducts and dense vineyards, and you can get the family spotting the spires of fairy-tale-like castles and ornate Chateaus.

As you might imagine there are numerous companies that offer motorboat holidays across the country, however the well-known ones are Locaboat, Nicols and Le Boat. Boats on offer in the region include the characteristic Penichette

range from Locaboat, which are styled on traditional French barges, Le Boat with its cruiser range and Nicols which are a distinctive stylish cross between the two.

All of these are very practical, and most are equipped with all mod cons such as an inverter or generator, shower facilities and heating. Linssen Holidays also has a number of affiliate bases across France, offering various sized Dutch steel, aft cabin and sedan Linssen models. Another useful marketing broker website is France Afloat.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

GERMANY

Germany With dramatic unspoilt

scenery, nature reserves and lakes, historic cities, ornate spires, and a vibrant, cosmopolitan café culture, it is no wonder Germany’s inland waterway network is often described as a magical boating paradise. Its intertwined waterway network provides three regional possibilities for holiday charters. The first, and possibly the most well-known, being around its capital. Berlin’s unique Mecklenburg waterway system of rivers and national park lakes, in the north east, is connected to the ‘wilderness’ region of Brandenburg, which can be found to the west of the city. Then there is the

lesser-known Moselle region in the south west, famed for its wine-making and Saar Loop. The companies Le Boat, Locaboat and Nicols have numerous bases in the Mecklenburg and Brandenburg region, while Linssen Holidays also occupy these, as well as the Moselle region.

Mecklenburg and Brandenburg Often called

the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’, the Mecklenburg region is a waterworld wilderness, encompassing the mighty Lake Müritz in the north and the vibrant city centre of Berlin in the south. This region is a mix of remote anchorages, marinas,

44

February 2021

PRICES

MECKLENBURG Le Boat - 1-wk price from £809 Nicols - 1-wk price from €1370 BRANDENBURG Nicols - 1-wk price from €979 Le Boat - 1-wk price from £809 Locaboat - 1-wk price from €1036 SAAR AND MOSELLE Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1830

MECKLENBURG BERLIN BRANDENBURG

GERMANY SAAR & MOSELLE

ON THE WEB: www.leboat.co.uk www.linssenboatingholidays.com www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk www.locaboat.com

Saar and Moselle In the heart

of Europe, at the confluence of three countries, the Saar and Moselle River region again encompass large bathing lakes, meandering rivers and historic roman towns. Its close proximity to France and Luxembourg is also a huge influence on the lifestyle, cuisine and wine making in the area. Visitors to the region can also marvel at the 41-metre high boat lift at Arzviller, connecting it to over 2,000 km of waterways. Linssen Holidays has a fleet available through its partner base at Merzig, which also offers organised flotillas to Paris, Vienna and Chalon-surSaône.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

©Images-Le Boat

and quaysides at colourful riverside towns, while its lakes are invitingly clear and a haven for watersports and swimming.

Brandenburg’s network of rivers and lakes lie due west of Berlin and are directly connected to the Mecklenburg lakes.

Studded with art, architecture and history, it takes in the Neuruppin Lakes, the secret forests of the Woblitz River and the Kings of Prussia site at Potsdam.

It is worth noting that while some northern areas of the network are licence free and require no skipper qualifications, journeys into Berlin city will require an ICC qualification (International Certificate of Competence).

NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM

Netherlands and Belgium The Netherlands is an idyllic The inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium are more than just a mecca for boating, boating is very much an institution for the locals, and one that is very infectious. Belgium is famed for its network of interconnected canals, some being rather wide like motorways and still very much used commercially.

These ultimately deliver you to the sights and attractions of beautiful Bruges. The Netherlands is made up of a diverse, 2000mile waterway network of meers and canals with locks and lifting bridges.

haven for the leisure boater. Waterways occupy and criss-cross the vast flat landscape like roads, connecting the large tree-lined inland and saltwater coastal meers dotted with remote islands.

Sprinkle in superb scenery studded with windmills, a dash of culture and historic architecture, quaint market towns and old fishing harbours with ‘tinkly’ carillion bells, and you have a relaxed Dutch boating waterworld that is ripe for charter exploration. There is, of course, also the draw of the vibrant, historic capital,

46

February 2021

PRICES

©????????

Netherlands Le Boat - 1-wk price from £809 Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1695 Locaboat - 1-wk price from €1036 Schiffart Yacht Charter - 1-wk price from €605 BELGIUM Le Boat - 1-wk price from £749 Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1840

SNEEK HINDELOOPEN -STAVOREN

NETHERLANDS Carrick on Shannon AMSTERDAM VINKEVEEN WILLEMSTADT KINROOI

NIEUWPOORT

BELGIUM

ON THE WEB: www.leboat.co.uk www.linssenboatingholidays.com www.schiffartyachtcharter.com www.locaboat.com

traffic from Lemmer in the south, on the Ijsselmeer, to Groningen in the north.

When in the Netherlands, charterers may need to master the art of the ‘box mooring’. These four-post, wood piled moorings are often found in marinas.

There are, however, plenty of alongside mooring spots available on picturesque, cobbled town quaysides and remote pontoons on reed-fringed canal stretches and islands. When visiting towns, one tip is to ‘do as the locals do’ and hire bikes to extend your onshore explorations of the unique landscape, which is thankfully

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

47

©Images-JFrew & Le Boat

Amsterdam, with its maze of narrow canals, flower markets, cheese sellers and intriguing cafés selling your more ‘exotic goods’. If the bustle and culture of Amsterdam is high on your list of priorities, it is easy to get to, with good transport links from local marinas.

Friesland has the largest amount of water of all the provinces and is made up of large meers, interconnected by both large and small waterways. The largest of these waterways is the Prinses Margriet Kanaal which travels north east across the province carrying large commercial barge

NETHERLAND AND BELGIUM

ŠImage-Le Boat

vastly flat.

In the south, various Dutch steel Linssens, which were designed for these waters, are available from the pretty windmill town of Willemstadt on the Biesbosch. Locaboat also has two bases in this region, at Alphen and Loosedrecht, while Le Boat has a base at Vinkeveen, all three of which are in close proximity to Amsterdam. In the Friesland region you can also charter Linssens at Sneek. Le Boat has also recently expanded its Friesland bases at Hindeloopen and Stavoren, which are on the Ijsselmeer, and is now offering one-way charters south to its sister base at Vinkeveen (a 12-lock passage). Amongst the vast array of other charter providers, a good range of Dutch steel boats are available from De Schiffart Yachtcharter based at Terherne.

Belgium plays host to some of the

oldest man-made waterways in Europe, so it is hardly surprising that these are bejeweled with some of the oldest, highly decorated buildings and ancient towns.

Connecting between northern France and the southern Netherlands, its waterways are still actively used for commercial transportation, but a thriving leisure boating backbone means there are also marinas, boatyards and boat clubs too.

Le Boat has a base at the coast and canal port of Nieuwpoort, which provides easy inland connections to nearby Bruges and the major towns of Antwerp and Ghent.

Linssen Holidays also provide a range of cruisers from a partner base at Kinrooi near Maaseik, which is close to the German and Netherlands border, taking advantage of the Meuse Lakes.

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February 2021

HUNGARY

TOKAJ

KISKORE BUDAPEST

HUNGARY

Nicols - 1-wk price from €1726 ON THE WEB: www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk

River, towards the mountainous border completely new. It is now possible to hire of Slovakia but also head south on the a boat to explore a waterway system of Tisza River, branching off onto the Upper rivers and lakes in the north east region Tisza. The second base at Kismore allows of land-locked Hungary. Hungary’s newly more intimate explorations of Lake Tisza, leisure adapted, lock-free waterway system which is thought to be Hungary’s largest takes in the Tokaj wine region and the artificial lake reservoir. Between the two lush lake landscapes of the Tisza. Hireboat bases are 29 newly installed mooring sites company, Nicols, has opened two new and there are 20 brand new, purpose-built bases here in July 2020. At its Tokaj Nicols hire boats to choose from. One-way base you can head north up the Bodrog passages are also available.

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©Images-Nicols

Hungary Now for something

MEDITERRANEAN

Mediterranean For those who

known for its sea breezes that can whip up in the afternoon. But, fear not, with fancy coastal boating in crystal clear so many off-lying islands, sheltered waters, lunching in remote coves, dining ashore on authentic, delicious local cuisine headlands, coves and towns to visit, shelter is not hard to find. Motorboat charter is or anchoring out under starry skies, the mainly available in Croatia and Greece, Mediterranean has a number of bareboat with a season that extends from April hire options to whet your appetite. The to October. The hottest months, and Med is a mecca for boating with coves, therefore the most expensive, are July beaches, marinas and town quaysides, and August. Off season, the months of ideal for soaking up the warm weather.

September and October are quieter, while Despite being a semi-enclosed sea, it is 50

February 2021

PRICES

CROATIA The Moorings - 1-wk price from €2,039 Nautilus Yachting - 1-wk price from €1835 GREECE The Moorings - 1-wk price from €2,228 Nautilus Yachting - 1-wk price from €TBA CORFU The Moorings - 1-wk price from €1,799

ON THE WEB: www.nautilusmotoryachts.com www.moorings.co.uk

CROATIA

SIBERNIK

SPLIT DUBROVNIK

GREECE CORFU ATHENS

Croatia in particular seems to be one of the most popular motorboat charter destinations in the Mediterranean, and is perhaps one of the very few remaining where you’ll have a choice of hiring a mainstream 30-50ft motorboat or power catamaran. Bases, such as Trogir and Split, provide the ideal springboard to explore the Dalmatian Islands, while Sibenik, Sukosan and Biograd do the same for the off-lying Kornati Islands.

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©Images-The Moorings & Motorboat Owner

still offering warm, spring-like weather.

Stylish and stable purpose-built powercats are available through the company, The Moorings, at Athens in Greece, Marina Gouvia in Corfu and Agana in Croatia. Nautilus Yachting offers bareboat charter aboard mainstream motorboats, flybridges, sportscruisers and purpose-built powercats, also from Athens, as well as from three bases in Croatia, at Sibenik, Spilt and Trogir.

PORTUGAL POR TUG AL

PORTO

LISBON

LAGO ALQUEVA

Nicols - 1-wk price from €1166 ON THE WEB: boat-renting-nicols.co.uk

Portugal is the most southerly of

the charter destinations in Europe and, lying closest to the equator, is a popular all-year-round holiday destination. Here, in the warm climes of the south, the option is inland, with charter holidays available on the lock-free Alentejo Grande Lago, which is thought to be Europe’s largest man-made lake. Further north on the Douro River, which meanders east from Porto through some of the most spectacular vineyard valley scenery, the charter company Feel Douro is no longer offering bareboat holiday charters, with skippered charters aboard its Greenline fleet starting at €2250 for a week.

Alentejo The Grande Lago, also

known as Lago Alqueva, was built in 2002 as a power resource. However, after the construction of the Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana River, the reservoir is now used for boating. Over 400 submerged hills have created islands, which now have moorings and beaches. Charter company, Nicols has its base at Amieira Marina, which, due to the warm climate, is open all year round. Here it offers its signature range of French-built cruisers. On the banks are quaint little villages where you can pick up bottles of local Alentejo wine, like Monsaraz. The lake is perfect for watersports, swimming and fishing.

©Images-Nicols

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February 2021

Locaboat - 1-wk price from €1036 Le Boat - 1-wk price from £1409

©????????

©?????

PRICES

ITALY

VENICE

ITALY ROME

ON THE WEB: www.leboat.co.uk www.locaboat.com

Carrick on Shannon

Note, while Venice’s picturesque narrow architecture, delicious cuisine, vibrant city canals are off limits to hireboats, its culture and spectacularly diverse vistas is busy lagoon is not for the faint hearted sure to enchant and captivate you. But it is and visitor moorings are limited. You can, an experience that is even more rewarding however, parade past famous landmarks, by boat. such as the spectacular gondola-studded frontage of St Marks Square. To visit the Venice & Friuli On the north city, most charter companies recommend east side of Italy lies a network of coastal mooring up on the adjacent islands waterways that stretch from Chioggia and marinas, including Vignole, all of and Padua in the south and Aqueilia in which offer fast and frequent watertaxi the east, and at its centre is the glamorous connections. The waters of the Friuli ‘floating city’ of Venice. In this part of Italy region, located in the north east, are much there are two main regions for bareboat less crowded, more relaxed and perhaps charter. The main one is Venice and its better suited for beginners. Le Boat has a lagoon of 120 off-lying islands, beaches base at Cascale, which is closest to Venice, and rivers with assisted locks threading and at Precinicco. Locaboat has a fleet inland leading to intriguing nearby towns. base in the west at Chioggia.

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©Images-Le Boat

Italy A visit to Italy, with its opulent

SCANDINAVIA

Scandinavia

engineering projects ever undertaken and Comprising Sweden, Norway, Denmark connects Sjötorp on Lake Vänern in the and, by some definitions, Finland, west to Mem on the east coast, ultimately Scandinavia’s naturally rugged landscape providing a useful route from the Baltic of fjords and unique archipelagos is Sea to the North Sea. 190 kilometres in unlike any other. With so much water, it length, 87 kilometres of which is manis hardly surprising that boating is very made, it rises east to west ascending 91 much part of the lifestyle here. You can metres through 58 locks whilst passing moor directly onto a bare rock or against through several great lakes. You will find a a town quayside, and the tide is generally useful map and guide here. less than half a metre. The boating season Göta Kanal Charter is one company may be short, with the months of July offering bareboat holiday charters on and August at its height and the water at the canal. Its fleet consists of eight 2-10 its warmest for a customary dip, but it is berth, 8-12-metre boats, some of which simply a spectacular playground that must are electric powered. You can either go be witnessed. one way from its base at Söderköping to Sjötorp or vice versa, or a round trip. It was, in fact, this company that was used in Sweden’s Göta Kanal is Channel 4’s television series, Great Canal described as one of the largest civil 54

February 2021

PRICES

©????????

SWEDEN Gota Kanal Charter - 1-wk price from €1163 FINLAND Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €1750 NORWAY Linssen Holidays - 1-wk price from €3000 Canal Boats Telemark - 1-wk price from 29898kr

Carrick on Shannon FINLAND

LAKE SAIMAA

SWEDEN NORWAY OSLO FJORD, & SKAGERRAK

TELEMARK CANAL

GOTA KANAL

ON THE WEB: www.gotakanalcharter.se www.canalboats.no www.linssenboatingholidays.com

Finland - Lake Saimaa

Often called the ‘land of a thousand lakes’, Finland offers a unique boating paradise of naturally rugged archipelagos with remote islands and beautiful, historic towns and ornate cities. Lake Saimaa is its largest natural freshwater lake and the fourth largest in Europe. Here you can hire a Linssen through a charter partner of Linssen Holidays and explore the labyrinth of blue water and lush islands.

Norway - Oslo Fjord, Skagerrak and Telemark The Skagerrak is a sea area between the

southeast coast of Norway, the west coast of Sweden, and Denmark, leading north into the Oslo Fjord. The spectacular fjord is decorated with naturally shaped harbours, small towns and sheltered waterways running off it, providing a variety of moorings. Here, Linssen Holidays offer a range of cruisers for fjord and coastal exploration. Alternatively, a new charter company, Canal Boats Telemark, is hiring out a fleet of electricpowered Greenlines to explore the incredible Telemark Canal and coastline from a base at Porsgrunn. Linking the towns of Skien to Dalen, the former trade canal links various lake sections and spans 105 kilometres, rising to a height of 72 metres through a series of locks, with a particularly large flight at Vrangfross.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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©Images-Canal Boats Telemark, Gota Kanal Charter, Visit Finland

Journeys with Timothy West and Prunella Scales (see series 4, episode 1).

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Twin outboard v’s diesel sterndrives

Q I am looking at upgrading my sportsfisher to something a bit larger and am

currently looking at 30-35ft wheelhouse boats. My current boat runs a 200hp outboard, so I am familiar with the issues of obtaining petrol and the running costs on this particular boat. My search has shown that at the size I am looking at there are choices to be made, usually between twin outboards and twin diesel sterndrives. I know that the diesel will be cheaper to run, but are you able to put it into figures for me. Am I looking at 20%, or 70% more. Near the smaller figure I could manage, especially as the boat will be cheaper to buy, but at the other end of the scale I might find it a bit scary.

A Twin outboards are certainly taking over the particular market that you are

searching, and for good reason. They are easy for the builders to install, cheaper to buy, simpler to service and free up space onboard. The downside is, as you point out, compared to diesel sterndrives they will get through more fuel. To give you an idea I have looked back at two similar boats that we have tested. The Parker Monaco was fitted with twin 300hp outboards while the Aquador AQ35 had twin diesel engines with sterndrives. The boats are similar in size and weigh almost the same. The Aquador had less horsepower, at 520, than the 600hp Parker, but being a little bit lighter meant their top speeds were within half a knot of each other. Ignoring fuel burn at flat out speeds and just concentrating on what may be a more typical cruising speed of 22 knots, I can see that the Parker will burn around 92lph, giving 1.1nmpg, while the Aquador will get through 54lph for 1.8nmpg. Of course there are going to be other factors at play here, such as hull design, but I think you can use these figures as a base point. You also have to remember that, unless you regularly head for the horizon and cruise for hours to get to your destination, much of your engine hours will be at slower than cruising speed and will therefore improve the overall fuel consumption figure further. You also need to put the fuel costs into perspective. For an average 50-hour year the difference between the two boats above, will probably equate to a small percentage of the overall running and ownership costs, and remember that you would save on servicing costs with the outboards to offset some of the extra fuel used. On that basis, buy the boat you like, assuming a choice of fuel availability, and that suits your requirements, rather than thinking too much about whether your weekend on the water will cost you a few pounds more in fuel.

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Wiring a 12-volt dinghy pump

Q I have a high-powered

dinghy pump that came with crocodile clips to attach direct to the battery. This is quite a bit of work in my boat, so wondered of I could cut these off and fit a cigarette style plug and use the 12V power outlet in my cockpit?

A There are two important bits of information you need to find before going

ahead with your plan. Firstly, how many amps does the pump draw? Secondly, what is the socket on your boat rated to, and has it been wired and fused to deliver its full rating. Usually 12V cigarette style outlets are designed for up to 16A, but often wired in such a way that they can only safely deliver 5 or 10A. Many pumps that come with crocodile clips do so because they draw quite a large current, typically up to 20A. Not many cigarette style sockets are designed and installed for this sort of duty, so I would consider installing a dedicated socket just for this job. This has the advantage that you can place it on or near the transom, where it is likely needed, rather than at the helm. Marinco produce a 12V plug and socket that is rated up to 40A and is perfect for high draw items such as dinghy inflators. They are available through Force 4 in the UK. Just make sure you use appropriate sized cable and fuse.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

VAT post Brexit

Q What is the situation with VAT on British owned and registered boats now that we have left the EU?

A The following is the situation as far as I understand it,

based on reading everything we could find on the issue, but with a subject as nuanced as VAT, there is always the possibility that we have misunderstood or misrepresented any particular rule. If you feel that you could be facing a VAT liability I would strongly suggest seeking expert advice. You have to remember that there may also yet be changes, and some degree of fine tuning, as the new legislation gets tested and put into practice. As I am sure you can imagine, the rules around VAT are very complex, and the permutations of individual circumstances are almost infinite, but we’ll try and unravel the most common scenarios for British boaters, regardless of where your boat is kept, as well as touch on the rules for EU boaters with a boating connection to the UK. If your boat was in the EU on the 31st of December 2020 it will keep its EU VAT status as long as it remains within the EU. They can, of course, still travel outside of the EU for short periods of normal use. As long as these boats have previously been in the UK, they will also retain their UK VAT paid status temporarily, provided it stays with the same owner while in the EU and is returned to the UK within three years of export.

Boats that were exported more than three years ago will have until 31st of December 2021 to be returned to the UK tax free under this returned goods relief system.

Boats in the UK on the 31st of December 2020 will keep their UK VAT paid status, but lose their EU VAT paid status, although there may be some circumstances where retuned goods relief can be claimed when taking the boat back to the EU for EU nationals.

Boats purchased since the 1st of January 2021 in the EU and brought to the UK will

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk require VAT to be paid on import. Likewise, anyone from the EU buying a boat from the UK will, from this date, have to pay VAT if they take it home.

UK VAT paid boats can still visit the EU with no VAT implications, and can stay for up to 18 months under temporary import rules, although a British national can now only stay in a Schengen country for 90 days in any 180. The boat only has to be taken out of the EU for 1 day to restart the 18 month clock again. So, for example if you keep your boat on the North French coast, you could visit the Channel Islands once every 18 months and leave your boat based in the EU indefinitely without paying VAT, as long as you follow the rules, requirements and any paperwork required to comply with the countries temporary import procedures. However, if you do this for more than three years, you risk losing the ability to claim returned goods relief and could end up paying UK VAT to bring the boat home. Bringing the boat back to the UK within three years and claiming RGR will reset both your boat’s EU temporary import clock and its UK three-year RGR clock but will, undoubtedly, require lots of paperwork.

Boats going out to the Med since the 31st of December 2020 will either have to pay VAT on import, or be registered as a temporary import and have to visit a non-EU country once every 18 months to restart their TI clock. While this may not be too difficult for boats based in certain parts of Greece, with Turkey close by, or the south west coast of Spain, due to its close proximity with Gibraltar and North Africa, it will be much trickier for anyone on the south coast of France, Italy or south east coast of Spain, where a non-EU country is out of easy reach. Failure to reset your 18 month clock will result in the boat becoming liable for VAT as an import into the EU. It will undoubtedly be simpler now for a UK citizen who wants to keep a boat in the Med to buy one that is already there, and that is considered EU VAT paid. Boats already out in the Med on the 31st of December 2020 do not need to worry about the 180 day rule, as they are considered EU VAT paid, even though they may be British flagged. In these cases, some proof that the boat was in the EU on the above date would be sensible to have. These boats can be brought back to the UK by the original owner under the returned goods relief system within 3 years, or by the 31st of December 2021, to retain their UK VAT

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

60

Peters&May

paid status. If they are sold in the EU and brought home by the new owner, or if they are brought back to the UK by the original owner but after the 3 year period, they become liable for UK VAT on import. The situation as it stands is that it is easier to buy and sell boats in the area where you wish to keep them, rather than moving them to and from the EU/UK. Ultimately, it seems unlikely that it is going Moving boats between the UK and to be possible to retain both EU and UK VAT paid EU could incur VAT charges status in the long term. If you are in a situation where you have both now, you will ultimately need to decide which to keep and take the steps required in order to do so, whether that means moving your boat permanently into the EU or bringing it back to the UK. There is also the real possibility that a boat could lose its VAT paid status completely, for example by taking it to the EU, leaving it there for over three years but diligently taking it out of the EU once every 18 months.

In this way it will have lost its UK VAT paid status, and the possibility to claim returned goods relief, and never gained EU VAT paid status.

While British boaters who are crossing the Channel would previously have been concerned about having VAT documentation to supply to overseas officials, now the opposite will be the case. Overseas officials will have no reason to request proof of VAT paid, unless they think you are trying to import the boat, but British officials are likely to ask for proof that the boat is UK VAT paid on your return, to tackle any smuggling of boats from the continent. A history of ownership and being British based prior to 31st of December 2020 is likely to be sufficient if no VAT paperwork is available.

Equally boats from the EU visiting the UK will only have to concern themselves with their own officials on re-entry, as the visiting boat’s VAT status will not be of interest to UK officials unless it is being imported.

The UK/Ireland situation is a little different. Because there is a separate freedom of movement for people between the two, and also because Ireland is not part of Schengen, the 90 in 180 day rule that applies to the person is not applicable. Movement of boats between the two countries will still attract the same VAT rules as the rest of the EU though, so visiting Ireland from the UK will be fine, and VAT free, as long as the boat comes back to the UK within 18 months. Likewise, Irish boaters will be able to freely visit the UK on their boats, and even keep them here longer under temporary admission rules, but will ultimately be required to import them and pay VAT if they wish to keep them in the UK permanently, or longer than temporary admission allows.

February 2021

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Scattering ashes at sea

Q My father, from whom I inherited my love of boats, died recently and

always said he wanted his ashes scattered at sea. Once travel restrictions are lifted I plan to take the boat out with some close family and carry out his last wish. Are there any restrictions, regulations or protocols that I need to be aware of, or do I simply pick a spot and scatter?

A There are no regulations to follow and the protocol of the event is entirely up

to you. You can make it sombre, fun, religious or whatever you and your family desire. This is your own personal moment to remember a loved one, so do what feels right. If I can make some recommendations it would be that you pick an absolutely flat calm day. Non-boating relatives may not like being rocked around, and I am sure I don’t need to explain the problem that a strong wind may cause.

Even if there is only a gentle breeze, scatter the ashes downwind and keep the urn as close to the surface of the water as your boat will allow. Putting the anchor down will not only automatically put the stern downwind, tide permitting, it will also allow you to turn the engines off and bring a peace and tranquillity that the situation may require. Turn electronics off too, just in case. Encourage the participants to bring loose flowers, if they want to drop something in the water, to avoid any plastic getting into the sea. If you can find a suitable piece of water that can be easily seen and identified from the shore, this brings the possibility of family members ‘visiting’ the spot later without having to get afloat.

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Guernsey Rigging your SIB If you are looking to set off on affordable explorations in a small inflatable boat, Simon Everett looks into rigging a SIB for fishing and adventure trips

H aving made your choice of boat, and

systems that allow different attachments for my latest incarnation I have picked a to be mounted in a single base fitting, one Wolfstar Killer Whale 370 (ÂŁ1095) that, of the best and most versatile is Railblaza. despite its useful size, weighs just 33kg Designed and built in New Zealand, to in its bag, the next stage is to rig it out very high quality, they do attachments according to how you want to use it. There for all sorts of vehicles, including tubeare several companies producing modular mounted fittings, so they are ideal for 62

February 2021

SMALL BOAT ADVENTURES

R I G G I N G YO U R S I B

Priced at £1095, fresh out of its bag and fully inflated, the 12ft Killer Whale 370 as a blank canvas

SIBs. The system revolves around the simple and secure range of ‘StarPort’ mounts that every accessory across the range will fit into.

Of course, for adventure trips, there is little in the way of accessories that are actually needed. I want to be able to do some photography and video, so one of the main fittings I chose is the Railblaza bow cleat with a StarPort fitting in the top. This will allow my camera mount to be fitted looking back, or forwards if the dolphins come to play. It can also be put to work mounting a host of other accessories,

if the need arises.

Restraint is needed when kitting your boat out, as it is easy to get carried away.

The bow cleat with StarPort was an easy first decision. I also wanted a couple of rod holders, a fish finder transducer mounting point and the means to run it. Before committing to the drill it is as well to dry mount first and put your ideas to the test.

Often, small oversights can be discovered and mistakes avoided. Blu-tac is ideal for this purpose, or masking tape, to hold fittings roughly in position to check they really are in the best place, are not fouling

The first job was drilling, in readiness for fitting the StarPort mounts. Right, SIB features. The Killer Whale has a bow cleat which is very useful. With a Railblaza mount makes it more so Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

63

Electronics and mounts selected, ready to fit. This included a solar panel, fish finder and transducer

anything and won’t get in the way.

My first job was to screw the StarPorts to the inside of the transom. These were to take a rod holder each for trolling, or simply for tidy rod storage when underway. I had planned to mount the transducer on an externally fitted StarPort, but once I had mounted the inboard ones I wondered if the transducer could be mounted on one of them. By experimenting with the transducer arm kit I managed to create an articulated arm that was easily shipped for fast running, and quickly deployed when approaching the mark. It was made by combining

Bow bag from Ivler. An ideal storage solution

two different arm kits and robbing a rod holder of its knob. A bit of feedback will be sent to Railblaza to see if this arrangement can be replicated in one kit.

Fitting the StarPorts is a simple enough operation. There are two options in each packet, you can either through-bolt or screw down. On the transom I chose to use the screws and not go clean through the transom, alleviating the possibility of the fasteners leaking and allowing water ingress into the laminate. I had to ensure the mounting was aligned vertically, and that it gave clearance from the outboard and launching wheels, which had already been fitted by the distributor. A set of wheels is, perhaps, one of the best bits of kit you can fit to a SIB, or other small boat being used for fishing or camping. It allows you to easily drag the boat ashore or up a slipway, or launch across a sandy or muddy beach single handed and with great ease. There are many options out there for retrofit, if your boat came without. Offering the StarPort up to get a rough idea will get you in the ballpark,

64

February 2021

then minor adjustments can be made with your sticky stuff. I marked the screw holes with a pencil before drilling. The stainless steel screws were started into small pilot holes to ensure absolute accuracy and then tightened down by hand to avoid over torqueing them. The result was symmetrically located StarPorts either side of the transom. These will have a couple of functions, including being able to take a forward facing camera, if required.

The next stage of the rigging was the soft furnishing and storage. Ivler bags are built to fit, with some models mounting on the thwart slides while others utilise the spray deflector overhang of the rubbing strake with hooks that tighten to snug them into place. The bow bag has a couple of compartments, leaving a space forward that will be used to stow my anchor warp and ground tackle. The two compartments can then be used to separate gear according to the trip. There are external rod holders built in and loops to take tools or other small items. Made from tough PVC and insulated, these bags are incredibly versatile.

In addition to the bow bag I have a smaller tube bag for the fishfinder battery and electronics box, with cable glands fitted to make setting up the electronics

Simon has installed a fuse box, voltmeter and wiring for the Lowrance Hook 5 and solar panel

easy and help keep them well protected.

I chose to fit a StarPort to the lid of this bag to take the Lowrance Hook 5 screen unit and keep the trailing leads in the boat to the bare minimum. This layout just leaves the transducer cable to tuck under the tube, while everything else can be retained within the bag itself. The lid of this bag was furnished with a hard plastic insert that is ideal to support the fish finder mount, again the bag is insulated

Transom trimmings. Simon offers up the transom mount with a rod holder and marks out the holes for the Lowrance mounting plate Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

65

Interchangeable, a solar panel can be mounted in any StarPort, on the bow cleat or on the transom

to keep the battery protected from the worst of the cold. If using it in sub zero temperatures, a small hand warmer can be placed inside the bag to help maintain battery performance. The pictures show you how the StarPort was mounted with through bolts to clamp it to the plastic insert through the fabric and insulation of the bag. For added convenience there is a USB socket in the base of this StarPort, so if necessary I can charge my phone from it.

Part of my system is solar and is supplemented with a modern, high efficiency solar panel held in a Railblaza tablet mount that can utilise any of the starports. I shall probably end up putting one on a thwart to take the solar panel, but until I start using it in earnest I have held back from making the final decision. There are several others I can use, or it can just be laid on the lid of the bow bag temporarily,

I am not going to get much call for it until it warms up a bit and travel restrictions are lifted. A solar installation is something I have no previous experience of and, while I plumped for a 5W panel because it definitely fitted the holder, I think I might have been better going for the 9W model, as it is the same height and only about an inch wider and would still have fitted the holder arms. We live and learn and I may have to upgrade later.

Although the 9W panel is not much bigger in dimensions the output is nearly double and this is down to the fact that the output increases with area, which is a square function, so it increases very quickly for little dimensional increase. The one I have will provide a useful top up when running the fish finder and GPS, hopefully enough to extend the battery life to a couple of days. Had I gone for the bigger one it

The electronics box and batteries fit within the Ivler bag and two 8Ah batteries provide more options 66

February 2021

The Lowrance bracket is aligned on the Railblaza mounting plate and the Lowrance fishfinder is ready to fit to any StarPort mount. Next Simon needed to weigh up how to mount the transducer

would very nearly provide the total draw from the Lowrance unit. You can benefit from my mistake here, I suggest you go for the 9W version and have the luxury of the additional output, especially if you want to charge USB devices, such as an action cam or mobile phone, from your electrical system. On less than perfect solar generating days the larger panel will still give as much as my smaller panel flat out, another plus for the larger unit. I don’t really want to get a physically larger battery, the Ivler bag houses my two 12v 8Ah AGM batteries and the electronics perfectly. Wired in parallel, this gives me

16Ah in total, so I will work around their capacity, which I suspect should provide power for around two days of my typical use. With the fish finder and rod holders catered for my main requirements for fishing trips are in place. For camping expeditions, I will really just need some extra dry storage, so plan to supplement the Ivler bags with some additional dry bags as and when required.

For night time navigation I have the Railblaza mast light that puts the all round white light above my head to ensure that it is visible from any direction. This can be installed in any of the StarPorts that aren’t

The transducer is mounted on an adjustable arm for convenience, but also works on the bow Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

67

Electrics set up, the USB StarPort is finally mounted with stainless machine screws and the Ivler electronics bag slides onto the thwart rails. Simon also fitted a tacho

being used at the time. As a backup I have a magnetic base that fits into the crown of my Tilley hat and an LED navi-light that sits atop my head on the magnetic base. It might sound simple, but it works.

Lastly, you need to choose some motive power. Here the choices are endless, but that means that there will almost certainly be one that offers the features, functions, specifications and price point that meets your requirements. I chose the Selva Piranha 9.9, as it offers a brilliant power to weight ratio and, being only 30.5kg for the basic version is still easily manageable.

I opted for the electric start version (ÂŁ2,109), that houses its own battery under the hood and comes with just a slight weigh penalty. One little addition I

have requested to my Selva, and that was fitted for me by the supplying dealer, is an hour meter/rpm gauge. These little selfcontained units are easy to fit and work by induction, so there is no complicated wiring to carry out. Fitted under the cover it cannot be seen during normal use but is very useful for recording hours run for your servicing schedule, and rpm when servicing and maintaining it. For just a few pounds, I think every outboard should have one.

Now all I need is the weather window and the travel restrictions to be lifted so I can launch and give her a shakedown run. I have so many plans I want to fulfil, including some multi-day trips. Roll on spring.

Simon chose a 9.9hp Selva Piranha outboard

Rigged and ready for the water. Solar panel, fish finder and StarPorts fitted 68

February 2021

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Merry Fisher 1095 Yamaha F300s £193,687

Cap Camarat 9.0 WA Yamaha F200s £125,549

NG VI RI AR CH AR M

Jeanneau MF795 S2 Yamaha F200 £77,828

EX

O M DE

Cap Camarat 7.5 CC Full Warranties £67,500

01792 655925 Cambrian Boats, Langdon Road, Swansea, SA1 8QY sales@cambrianboats.com - www.cambrianboats.com

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

W

ith our project boat a few miles away from base, and trying to keep within the spirit of the ‘stay at home’ request, we decided to restrict any work on Leonora to things that we could do without leaving the house. Luckily, just before the lockdown was announced, I had been to the boat to take some measurements that I would need to move things forward. So far, everything I have done to the Fairline Vixen has happened either in the cockpit, or outside of the boat altogether. This month I can introduce you to a little bit of the cabin, more specifically, the smallest bit of the cabin, the toilet compartment.

This is really a glorified cupboard at the moment and, although we have big plans for this space at some point in the near future, this month it was just a matter of addressing a big hole in its aft bulkhead.

Like many boats, the rear of the helm console is reached from inside the boat by removing a panel and Leonora is no different, apart from the fact that the panel was completely missing. The reason I was looking at this hole this month is because one of my next jobs to do on this project is to start on its domestic wiring. This hole, or more importantly, the new panel that I was going to make to cover it, was going to be where I would mount the boat’s

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February 2021

The toilet compartment bulkhead as it was, and a suitable piece of ply for our new electrical panel

main electrical distribution panels. As you can see from the photo, there was already an old fuse panel mounted on the bulk head just below the void, plus a junction box with a few random wires going to it.

Weirdly some of this appears to be live.

I’m not sure how, as I have only connected the engine wiring, but I guess a previous owner has tapped into this somewhere at the helm. This will all be ripped out, thrown away, and I’ll be starting from scratch.

So, back to the hatch. After a quick measure up I found a suitable off-cut of

exterior ply to make a new panel. My plan was to have this panel hinge from the port side to allow easy access to the wiring behind it, as well as the back of the helm console. With the square of ply cut, and a quick check to ensure it would fit as planned, I started to mark it out with an equally spaced grid pattern and centre marker so that I could define where different components would go, and ensure that they were correctly spaced.

In term of what I will be installing, I sat down and worked out how many DC circuits I envisaged needing and came up

Careful marking out to ensure that the panels fitted would be perfectly aligned and central Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Test fitting of the electrical panels before the board was covered with a foam backed vinyl

with 12. There will be a couple of others, but these will be wired directly, so would not need a switch on this panel. I would also need an auxiliary outlet for charging phones etc, and each of the circuits would need a fuse. With that in mind I got myself on my favourite Internet auction site and helped to swell China’s trade surplus by a few more pounds. As much as I would like to buy top quality, British or EU made products, it is just not feasible on a budget project such as this. The resultant two sixgang switch panels, auxiliary power panel with volt meter and 12-gang fuse board with positive and negative busbars built in were all sourced for just over £50, and my total orders this month to complete

the first stage DC distribution, including many parts that will be used next month once I am able to get back onboard, came in at just over £100.

Once the parts were received I could crack on. I started by measuring and marking the cut-outs required for the two switch panels and the auxiliary power panel, and got busy with a jigsaw. Then it was just a matter of smoothing off all the freshly cut edges and rounding the four corners. I happened to have an off cut of foam backed cabin liner laying around, and a square was cut from this to cover the new panel. This vinyl was stapled onto the board and then the areas of the cut-outs were removed. With that

The finished panel. On the back, a fuse box was installed and the board modified for the voltmeter 72

February 2021

All wired up and ready to receive incoming power from the battery and then connection to the individual circuits as they are installed.

completed, I screwed the three panels into place. There was one slight snag in that the voltmeter on the aux power panel had a shorter thread than the two power outlets, and therefore couldn’t be fixed in place.

After removing this panel, the hole was drilled oversize to allow the fixing nut to pass through the wood and screw firmly against the back of its front face, and it was all put back together again. I am very pleased with the result.

Two stainless steel hinges, from my ‘box of random bits that may come in useful one day’, have been added to the edge of the new board ready for it to be attached to the boat, and a latch has been sourced that will keep it secure, but allow easy access when needed. Again, that’s a job for when I am back onboard. In the meantime I flipped it over and installed the fuse board on the reverse side and ran wiring between it and the three panels.

Once installed I will just need to run a

main positive and negative feed to the fuse board and then each circuit will be fed back and connected to the appropriate switch as they get completed. Fuses will be rated accordingly, when circuits start to get connected.

Last month I reported on my nonfunctioning trim pump, and the fact that the problem was found to be the two solenoids. After a bit of online research I found that the exact solenoids were still

The replacement trim solenoids were of a slightly different design, but much cheaper

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

The trim pump mounting bracket was modified and wiring replaced

available to purchase. This would have been the easy option, but at nearly £60 for the two I was tempted by a different approach. This may turn out to be a very canny move, or I could have wasted my time and money and will end up buying the genuine Volvo replacements at a later date, only time will tell. What I found was that there are some very affordable replacements available that are labelled up as being for Mercury or Mercruiser trim pumps. Ultimately, a solenoid is just a solenoid and if it’s rated high enough for a Mercruiser trim pump, I can’t see them having a problem being used with a Volvo pump. The actual pumps are often the same, or very similar, anyway. At just £14 for the pair, I am not kidding myself that

they will be the same quality as an OEM Volvo solenoid, but with a saving of over £40 I thought it was worth a gamble. When they arrived it was clear that, due to the fixing holes, they were not going to be a straight swap. Nevertheless, two new holes drilled in the aluminium pump bracket took just a couple minutes to rectify that. Once the solenoids were mounted, they were wired up, which included taking the opportunity to replace a couple of suspicious looking terminals, and I am glad to report that, on the bench at least, they appear to be doing the job just fine. Another job lined up for the next boat visit will be to reinstall the

The zips of the original dinette cushions were seized, Claire unpicked the seams.

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February 2021

The prop has been returned from the menders.

pump, fill it up with fluid and see how it works in situ.

While I have been using the dining room table for my wiring exploits, the lounge has been turned into an upholstery workshop, occupied by Claire. At the end of the summer she diligently unpicked the seat covers from the main two large cabin cushions that make up the dinette seating.

There was little actually wrong with them, other than being a bit grubby, somewhat dated and made from vinyl, but using the old material as templates, and reusing the existing foam, Claire has reupholstered both of these with a modern fabric. They look brilliant and show what can be achieved with a bit of material and a home sewing machine. There are lots more cushions still to do, including the cabin infill and all of the cockpit upholstery, but if this is a glimpse of what the boat will look like, I can’t wait to see it finished.

Claire gives her tips on how to replace upholstery on the next page.

Lastly, this month saw the return of our old, damaged propeller from the

repairers. Unfortunately I couldn’t go along to see the process, but they kindly sent me a couple of images of the process that included building up some new metal on the damaged leading edges. The result speaks for itself, and at around a quarter of the cost of a new prop. We used Steel Developments in London, but there are a few other companies offering a similar service around the UK.

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Two 6-gang switch panels £32.28 Aux power panel £8.54 Fuse board £11.99 Trim pump solenoids £14.04 Material for cushions £23.92 Velcro for cushions £8.99

Balance from last month

£2,257.34

Total to date: £2,357.10

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

75

At the start of January, with trepidation, I launched into re-covering Leonora’s dinette/V-berth cushions and it turned into a job that I didn’t want to end. It had been a while since we had been on our excellent upholstery course with Hawke House, which was of course put to good use on our Project Mayland 16, Olive.

In terms of fabric, I wanted a modern look for ‘Leo’, so paying homage to its blue hull, I had pre-ordered 5 metres of woven denim blue linen look fabric at £8.97 per metre and, to keep costs down, for the backing, 3 metres of breathable black base lining fabric at £2.99 per metre, as well as 5 metres of 50mm Velcro, all from Amazon. The vinyl button-holed V-berth cushions had been very well made by Fairline, cut and measured to perfection, and luckily the internal 4-inch foam cushions were identical, with no funny angles to contend with either. Their top sections were substantial enough to use as templates for the new top and back sections. The blue fabric was 145cm wide, so I was also able to cut out the two cushion tops side by side, thus ensuring the fabric grain was running in the same direction. I quickly invested in some pinking shears to stem the woven blue fabric’s frayings, but otherwise it is a lovely fabric to work with. Lots of measuring, cutting, pinning and sewing followed and the job was done. Two very plump fitting cushion covers for Leo. I was however a little disappointed with my 90° corners, with the stitching tight and showing in a couple places (some practice needed).

With plenty of fabric and Velcro to spare, next month I will attempt to cover the two infill cushions to match. There are also plans afoot to recover the slim padded back rests too. Claire 76

February 2021

upholstery tips Templates You can unpick old cushions and use these as templates, but be aware the fabric may have stretched or be damaged.

If you are starting from scratch with no cushions or foam as a guide you can make a foam template using brown paper, this will form the base (bottom side) of your cushions. Additional top calculations will be needed for angles, such as for a hull curving outwards.

Heights and measures To ensure a tight, ‘plump’ fit, reduce the material cushion depth by ¼ inch. For example if you have 4-inch foam, your material height will be 3¾ inch. On an upholstery course we at MBO were provided with handy metal guides for the foam thicknesses, these are also 1cm thick, and ideal for marking out seams with tailors chalk.

Velcro, poppers or zips?

30-50mm Velcro is easiest. Creating a flap system with the hook on the inner edge and loop on the outer flap is best, as this ensures it does not snag on the foam when fitting. Create and stitch the Velcro sections first, if you leave attaching until last, the cushion will be large and unruly, and Velcro snagging could damage it.

Stitching A domestic sewing machine can be used for boat cushions, but go gently and help the needle out by spraying it with some lubricant. A needle tension of 6 and an ‘A’ straight stitch of 2.6 length is recommended. Use man-made fibre thread, as cotton will degrade in a salty, damp environment.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

Hooked Simon Everett says Cod love pink

A

s well as being the main content of fish fingers and the staple ingredient for a Friday night fish supper, cod are a popular fish for anglers to target. They are an obliging fish during their season, which is traditionally throughout the winter months around most of the British coast, although some do remain throughout the year. All of our main estuaries hold good numbers, with the Humber, Mersey, Bristol Channel, Fal, Tamar and Solent being the well known areas, although by no means the only ones. This means cod are a species within reach of virtually everyone on the sea.

Cod are an obliging fish, they have fairly catholic tastes and, like a Labrador, seemingly an insatiable appetite. They are also a proper predator, hunting crabs, other fish and squid. Whilst using a big bait is the generally accepted method for inshore cod fishing, in deeper, clearer water lures are very effective. This might seem strange but for some reason one TACKLE: RED GILL LURE MAKERS

Most lure makers have a pink in their lineup. Inset photo, a pink Red Gill ready to use

particular colour stands out as being highly effective, who would have thought that the colour of a cartoon panther would be so effective? Pink, of all colours, is the one to watch.

Pink doesn’t always work, but it is a very important colour to have in your armoury.

That is why the best lure makers usually have a bubblegum pink version in their line up. I have used pink flies for bass and pike for the last quarter of a century, to very good effect, so it didn’t come as that much of a surprise to hear that pink lures were starting to make a big noise on the market in various shapes and sizes.

Having a selection of lures is your hedge fund in a box, different colours and sizes so you can present something akin to what the fish are eating. It often happens that they can switch their feeding pattern with the change in the tide. Slack water is especially difficult, and dropping right down to very small lures is needed to keep the takes coming. When I say very small, don’t be afraid to try as small as 5cm, of course you need to change the trace to lighter line, otherwise the small lure won’t work properly and you risk tangles. A longer boom is a good idea too.

Quite why pink works so well is a bit of a mystery, but there might be something in the fact that the pink pigment has an ultra-violet luminescence to it. Certainly there is merit in the UV thing, it has been proven time and again that luminescence

78

February 2021

Pink is a reliable colour for cod and a pink Red Gill lure proved irresistible on this occasion

and UV, especially in shallower water where the light still penetrates to some degree, attracts fish, and lures that either reflect, or give off, some UV colour are more effective. Is it coincidence? I don’t know, but it seems to be a recurring coincidence, so I am happy to make use of the added advantage. This is borne out by the efficacy of other brightly coloured lures, orange, which is at the same end of the spectrum, and the lemon yellow Savage Gear eel, another sand eel replica, are both very good catchers that both have an ultra violet glow, so I am convinced there is something to it.

There are a couple of methods of working these lures, depending on the type of ground you are fishing over. The rig is the same though, just the amount of weight changes according to the depth and the amount of movement you have

to overcome, due to the speed of your drift and the strength of the current. Cod tend to dwell close to the bottom, so this is where you need to present your lure, within a couple of metres of the seabed.

The more drift and stronger the tide the heavier the weight you need and longer the trace you can use. At slack water, with lighter weight, a 3-foot trace is plenty long enough. In the full flow of tide your trace can be as long as 6 or 7 feet. To prevent Another lucrative lure cod catch

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

79

Line-lure assembly. Present your lure just above the seabed. Right, a good haul to the pink Red Gill

the trace from tangling around the main line use a boom to hold it away, hollow plastic booms are becoming frowned upon now, the alternative is to use the original, stainless steel wire, or French boom.

Working the lures doesn’t involve much skill, but does require a degree of feel.

For the best feedback from the business end, braid cannot be beaten and is the most popular line that anglers now use.

When you feel the lead hit the bottom, immediately wind in to come clear of the snags, but not too far, just one or two turns of the reel and to reduce the number of snags you get, lift the rod tip at the same time. This brings your lure clear of the bottom, simply lower the rod tip, fairly gently, this will cause the

lure to flutter or swim on the descent, but you will maintain that vital contact. If you sweep the rod tip and then drop it quickly you get a period of loss of connection until the weight of the lead puts you back in contact. The idea is to lift and lower the lure using the rod tip so as to maintain a taught line throughout the lift and lower.

Fish will take just as often on the lowering phase as on the lifting one, with slack line you will miss many bites. I hope you can get out and put the method to good use, fair winds and fine weather.

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February 2021

www.boats.co.uk

www.parkerpoland.com

www.boatshopgroup.co.uk

parker@parker.com.pl

www.stirlingsmarine.co.uk

USED BOAT

SECOND LOOK

Wheelhouse boats under £40k

P

icture this, going to the boat on a crisp clear winter day, stepping aboard and firing up the engine and the heating, casting off, shutting that wheelhouse door behind you and heading for the horizon. Leaving your cares at the pontoon, you are safely cocooned inside with the boat urging you not to head back in just yet. We are all wishing for that feeling at this particular moment while amidst the UK-wide lockdown, and let us hope it comes soon. It is, however, this all-season practicality, that feeling of safety and general ‘pluckiness’ that you could get from a wheelhouse cruiser.

82

This month we set ourselves the task of finding a sensible wheelhouse boat with a budget of £30-40k. Wheelhouse cruisers can be used inland or on the coast, for cruising or fishing, but what makes a good one? They should have a deep cockpit, overnight accommodation, galley facilities and offer reliable, easy handling. Add in the bonus of a large single diesel engine and you might have just found the cruiser that could take you, fast or slow, around Britain without breaking the bank. Setting our sights and hopes on the rugged and robust brands, and seeking out smaller models from the Aqua Star, Seaward,

February 2021

FOR SALE

£32,000 Trusty, Hardy and Nelson stables, proved quite a mission during the pandemic.

Many such boats on the market would normally fall into this price bracket and category, but they were proving quite elusive. They are obviously, and rightly so, highly prized, and sold all too quickly.

We did narrowly miss a beautifully-kept 1992 Seaward 23 in Devon for £32k. The smaller and older Botnia Targas were scarce also. However, looking at other aft cockpit, sedan-like cruisers unearthed some quite surprising and interesting finds. If it didn’t have a back door though, it did not make the cut.

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

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

83

FOR SALE

£32,500

Hardy 27

Hardy boats are the epitome of solid, sturdy and steady wheelhouse cruisers. This 1996 Hardy 27 is a great size for a couple and is equipped with a single 100hp Volvo Penta TAMD31D shaftdrive diesel engine, giving 9 knots. With its moulded decks, transom gate and deep cockpit it is certainly easy to move about on deck. Down below, its very private living quarters provide a separate toilet compartment with a shower, a good size galley and a spacious dinette that converts into a double. Up in the ‘commanding’ wheelhouse you can let the outside in with a large sliding sunroof. On-going maintenance of its characteristic wooden wheelhouse doors and blue gelcoat will be needed, but this example comes ready to go with a bowthruster, coppercoat antifoul, nav equipment and heating.

Length 8.6m Beam 2.8m Engine Single Volvo Penta TAMD31D Broker details: RBS Marine 01243 512101 www.rbsmarine.com 84

February 2021

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 695 Marlin

If you are looking for something modern and with less in the way of maintenance, this pint-size, fast fisher may fit the bill. At just 22ft, this Jeanneau is so easy to step aboard and go, and its easy to maintain Suzuki 150hp will surely bring a grin when you push the throttle forward. The Marlin guise provides a good size cockpit and a cleverlyadaptable wheelhouse, while its asymmetrical side deck and helm side door make it a doddle for shorthanded helming. There is no galley aboard, but a small offset double, fridge, sink and separate toilet compartment bring weekending ability. This 2015 example could be considered as ‘nearly new’ with some of its cushions still in their wrappers. With a weight from 1500kg it is trailerable too.

Length 6.71m Beam 2.54m Engine Suzuki DF 150 outboard Broker details: David Morris Yacht Brokerage 01621 868494 www.davidmorrisboats.co.uk

FOR SALE

£39,995

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

85

FOR SALE

£35,000

Aquastar 27 Pacesetter

This particular wheelhouse has a workboat pedigree and, as a cruiser, is pluckiness personified. Guernsey builder, Aquastar, introduced the 27 in 1970, and the Mk2 cruiser, known as the Pacesetter, was introduced in 1982. Based in Topsham in Devon, this particular well maintained version is fitted with a single 150hp Volvo Penta TMD 41A shaftdrive diesel engine, which the owner advises provides a top speed of 13-15 knots and an economical 8 knots cruising. There is ample accommodation for two people, with a V-berth forward and double infill, and there is a convertible dinette in the saloon. With a modern electronics package fitted, which includes a Raymarine touch-screen chartplotter and radar, it is in a ‘ready for adventure’ state.

Length 8.08m Beam 2.89m Engine Single Volvo Penta TMD41A diesel Broker details: W Trout & Son Ltd 01392 873044 www.troutsboatyard.co.uk 86

February 2021

Kempers Kempala 1100 Sport Now to an unusual and altogether more easy going, Dutch-derived find. If you prefer a relaxed pace, or perhaps have the ambition to ‘do’ the European waterway system, this could be the boat for you. Well maintained for its age, this 36ft 1978 Dutch steel cockpit cruiser is the largest in budget, and definitely the most spacious. Its interior offers four berths with an in-filled V-berth forward and convertible saloon double. Fitted with a single Volvo Penta MD32A 106hp diesel, it should cruise happily at 6-8 knots. Some of its great liveaboard features include an inverter and diesel heating, while a bowthruster compliments its obedient handling.

Length 11m Beam 3.3m Engine Single Volvo MD32 diesel Broker details: Farndon Marina 01636 705483 www.farndonmarina.co.uk

FOR SALE

£39,995

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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FOR SALE

£29,995

Orkney Pilot House 20 MkII

If fishing is more your thing, or you are looking for a no frills family dayboat, this Orkney is a little cracker. Its onboard practicality, albeit basic, and commercial pedigree is hard to ignore. You have the ‘year round’ protection of the wheelhouse, a large cockpit, to which you could potentially add a canopy, and sleeping accommodation for two. Coming in hugely under budget, at just £29.9k, this 2014 Mark II version is fitted with a Honda 80hp outboard, offering low maintenance and reliability, and is good for 23 knots+. It even comes with its own SBS trailer so you could extend your horizons.

Length 5.95m Beam 2.4m Engine Honda 80hp outboard Broker details: Burton Waters Lincoln 01522 567404 www.burtonwaters.co.uk 88

February 2021

Hardy Mariner 25 We could not go to press without including this second, smaller and very well-maintained Hardy. The Mariner 25 would normally have been fitted with a larger Yanmar shaftdrive diesel. However, this 2003 version seems to have been re-engined in 2016, and now features a 30hp Beta shaftdrive diesel engine, which is in beautiful condition. With the new smaller engine giving displacement speeds of approximately 8 knots, it would be ideal for inland and estuary use, for day or weekend boating. It also has a bowthruster. Its cosy cabin area has a convertible dinette-double in the bow, while its basic galley includes a microwave.

Length 7.62m Beam 2.95m Engine Beta 30hp diesel Broker details: Morgan Marine 01206 302003 www.morganmarine.com

FOR SALE

ÂŁ35,995

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

89

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Custom / Bossom Nell

Electric launch, seating for 8, new batteries 2017, cockpit table

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

Corsiva / 500 Tender

Striking white hull, teak effect flooring, sprayhood & tonneau

Corsiva / 595 Tender

Perfect day boat, spacious seating, infill cushions for sunbed, bimini

Interboat / 6.5

Vetus 42hp giving 14 knots, teak floor, bowthruster, fridge

1999 | £12,000 | 19.5ft | 5.9m

2017 | £17,500 | 16.4ft | 5m

2017 | £19,000 | 18.7ft | 5.7m

Interboat / 19

Interboat / Intender 700

Intercruiser / 27 Cabin

Haines / 36 Sedan

NEW | €46,456 | 19ft | 6m

NEW | €57,771 | 23ft | 7m

2014 | £109,950 | 27ft | 8.5m

NEW | £283,866 | 36ft | 10.8m

Excellent day boat, black blue hull, Esthec floor, upgraded upholstery

Luxury day boat with spacious sundeck, cockpit lights, bimini

Superb extended cruiser, 170hp thrusters, shorepower, heating

FROM

£382,410 400 AFT CABIN

PRICE AS AT 1 APRIL 2020 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT ST

British built since 1980

2017 | £45,500 | 21.7ft | 6.6m

NEW MODEL stylish cruiser, excellent specification, 115p Nanni

FROM

INTENDER 820

£49,770

PRICE AS AT 1ST FEBRUARY 2020 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT

Premium Dutch Quality

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

New Boats | Used Craft | Moorings | Maintenance | Coffee Shop

Classified

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1998 Bayliner 2452 Ciera Express Single 260HP Vortec petrol

2001 Faeton 630

2019 Corsiva Coaster 640 SC

engine fitted in 2012. Hardtop with open plan 4-berth interior with separate toilet compartment. Ideal for fishing or family cruising. Lying Southampton.

Single Mercruiser 4.3 EFI petrol sterndrive. Fisher/weekender with open-backed wheelshelter, two-berth dinette-cum-V-berth.

Electric sea toilet, VHF, chartplotter, fishfinder, electric windlass.

£17,500

£17,995

£31,000

01758 703 013 sales@idealboat.com

01792 655925 sales@cambrianboats.com

Single Mercury 25hp outboard.

Stylish open deckboat with a safefeeling walkaround deck area, dinette seating/sunpad in the bow and a canopy bimini. An ideal trailable dayboat.

01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

01189 403211

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

2010 Ribtec 1050 Cabin Rib Gt2 £ 99,950 VAT paid

2019 Parker 800 Weekend £ 98,292 VAT inc

EB3325

PARK800W

South Coast

EB3632

BRO

KER

BRO

KER

CK

AGE

1997 Princess V40 £ 89,950 VAT paid

2019 Parker 690 Day Cruiser £ 78,738 VAT paid

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

AGE

Interboat / 19

Aft cabin cruiser with twin diesels on shafts, bowthruster

2010 | £26,500 | 19ft | 6m

1989 | £40,000 | 36ft | 11m

Sheerline / 950 Tri Cabin

BRO

KER

KER

AGE

AGE

Creative Marine / Frolic 31

2002 Cranchi 39 Endurance £ 69,950 VAT paid

ENPA04

EB3677

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

1999 | £79,950 | 31ft | 9.6m

1989 | £85,000 | 40ft | 12.3m

2009 | £110,000 | 32ft | 9.8m

400 AFT CABIN KER

2008 Bimax Genesi 930 £ 59,950 VAT paid

Cala d'Or, Mallorca

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

ES3719

EB3647

£49,770

PRICE AS AT 1ST FEBRUARY 2020 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT

Premium Dutch Quality

2005 Chris Craft Corsair 25 £ 54,950 VAT paid Essex Marina, United Kingdom EB3672

E&OE

Open 7 days a week.

Email: info@boats.co.uk

FROM

INTENDER 820

AGE

AGE

1999 Fairline Targa 30 £ 62,950 VAT paid

PRICE AS AT 1ST APRIL 2020 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT

British built since 1980

BRO

KER

Haines / 320

Excellent specification, aft cabin, bow & stern thrusters, heating

2000 | £79,000 | 31ft | 9.5m

£382,410

Essex Marina, United Kingdom EB3699

BRO

CK

2010 | £75,000 | 28ft | 8.5m

Perfect for extended cruising, fully equipped, bowthruster, generator

2009 Bayliner 320/335 £ 69,950 VAT paid

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

STO

Intercruiser / 28 Cabin

Lovely example, large cockpit and only 102 hours, bowthruster

Elegant electric launch, new batteries 2019, winter cover

F ON O ECTI A SEL

100's

E ABL AIL S AV OAT OF B

Essex: 01702 258 885 - essex@boats.co.uk Poole: 01202 797 777 - poole@boats.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Broom / Ocean 40

4-6 berths, equipped galley, heating, folding arch & windscreen

FROM

2018 Parker 800 Pilothouse £ 72,950 VAT paid

Cambrian Boat Sales...........................................................................

Cranchi / Tingdene Boat Sales...........................................................

Jeanneau..............................................................................................

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

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

Saxdor Yachts / Ideal Boat.................................................................

Silver Boats............................................................................................

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

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

Moonraker / Super 36

Fantastic day boat with low hours, solid teak floor, bimini

1996 | £19,500 | 27.8ft | 8.5m

Essex Marina, United Kingdom EB786

BRO

CK

Bayliner / 2655

Great example with 2 double berths, Mercruiser 250hp

1994 Carver 390 £ 77,960 VAT paid

Essex Marina, United Kingdom ENPA08

STO

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

Essex Marina, United Kingdom

STO

EB3707

HQ: 01702 258 885 Poole: 01202 797 777 Cala d'Or: +34 971 643 353

CK

AGE

AGE

Boats for Sale

STO

KER

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Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dawncraftowners.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Atlanta Boat Owners

Electric Boat Association

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Elysian Boat Owners

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairey Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fairline Owners Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Birchwood Classics

Fjord Club

www.birchwoodclassics.com

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Group

www.broomowners.com

www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

Freeman Cruisers Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

freemanboats.forumer.com

Classic Motor Boat Association

Freeman Owners Club

www.cmba-uk.com

www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

Freeman Cruisers

www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

Haines Owners Club

mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

Hardy Owners Club

corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

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www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

February 2021

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Marex Owners Club

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Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Club

www.maxumownersclub.com

www.sealineowners.com

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardsquadron.org

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

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www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

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First Footprints

Snow covers the pontoons on Lough Erne SPOTTED! by Colin O’Neill

Solar Continental

Solar self sufficient Broom Continental at Wallingford SPOTTED! by Kat Young

‘Volcanic’ sky over Wallasea

A fiery sunset over Essex Marina, Wallasea Island SPOTTED! by Pam Born 94

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