Motorboat Owner March 2020

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Motorboat MARCH 2020

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Finnmaster T6 & R6 New Boats Vene BÃ¥t 2020 l Southsea l Saga 26 HT

PRACTICAL Engine boost pressure gauges

Welcome to the March issue.

From the Editor

contact us

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

We are two months into the year and we appear to already be on the letter J when it comes to naming storms (I don’t know what happened to E, F, G, H and I). What a month February has been. We started with Ciara, endured Dennis, are currently battened down against Jorge, with the added fun of bouts of snow in between. Still, at least at this rate we will get to the end of the alphabet before

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

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March 2020

welcome aboard

©MLloyd/JonesBoatyard

Calm before the storms. A winter sunrise at the Jones Boatyard marina basin on the Great Ouse

the season kicks off and be guaranteed a storm free summer! All this weather has certainly affected our plans this month, and I guess it’s the same for many of you who use this time of year to paint, polish, service and change anodes. Anyone who spent February lying under their boat in a windswept boatyard has my utmost sympathy and respect. I managed to change my plans, and avoided the worst

of the weather, by postponing our annual lift and retreating to my heated workshop to tidy up some loose ends on our Fairline project.

I also finally managed to finish the fitting of my turbo boost gauges, and you can see how that worked out on page 28. While all this may have helped me avoid the weather, it hasn’t made much of a dent in the jobs list, so I will be paying the price in March no doubt, when some of you hardier soles can reap the benefit of your toils and be out on the water.

Elsewhere in this issue, to help while away the remainder of winter, we have a guide to Southsea, a test of two cracking little boats from Finnmaster, an in depth look at the Saga 26 and all the usual mix of news and features. Whether you are planning to work on the boat this month, or eagerly awaiting the chance to get out on the water having done it all already, I hope the weather is kind for you.

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:

Ross Young, Simon Everett, David Adams

Cover photo: Finnmaster T6 and R6 on test off Pwllheli by Claire Frew Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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New 2020 - Finnmaster R6 and T6

Ready for Adventure

www.f innmaster.f i

CONTENTS MARCH 2020

REGULARS

PRACTICAL

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 24 CUTTING EDGE page 34 Q&A page 48 TESTED page 68

10

t Pressure Gauges Install Engine Boos

11

HOW TO

12

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15

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page 16 New Boats

Helsinki Highlights page 68 Tested

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28 31

Engine boost pressure gauges install

page 70 Project Boat

Fairline Vixen

page 74 Hooked

Fly fishing

p74 p54 SOUTHSEA Destination Guide

p76

p36

Saga 26 HT

Finnmaster T6 & R6

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

BOAT TESTS

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NEWS £2.5m marine restoration project ©RoyalYachtingAssociation

After receiving £2.5 million of funding, a marine restoration project could be set to protect the future of England’s most important underwater habitats. Led by Natural England and championed by the RYA, the project, called LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES, will help protect seahorses, stalked jellyfish and rare seaweeds at risk of damage from leisure activities. It will also provide environmentally friendly ‘advanced mooring systems’ and habitat restoration in five areas across southern England. The five ‘Marine Protected Areas’ set to benefit are the Isles of Scilly, the Fal and Helford rivers, Plymouth Sound and its estuaries, Solent Maritime and Essex Estuaries Special Areas of Conservation. Phil Horton, the RYA’s Environmental and Sustainability Manager, said “We are pleased to have the chance to show recreational boating and sensitive habitats coexisting. This project is a win-win-win for the planet, for people who use the sea and for the marine environment by protecting the delicate seabed and restoring sea grass meadow, a vital carbon sink, as well as providing new places for boats to moor.” Running until October 2023, the techniques and evidence drawn from the project will be evaluated to measure the conservation benefit and assess how it could be repeated across Europe.

Simrad partner Axopar and Brabus Navico, the manufacturer of Simrad electronics, has announced a partnership with Finnish boat brands, Brabus and Axopar. Simrad multi function displays will be offered with the ranges, as well as additional technology and systems such as Simrad’s ecosystem, offering entertainment and Mercury outboard engines integration.

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March 2020

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Raymarine Roadshow Marine electronics manufacturer, Raymarine, is running a UK Roadshow which will see equipment and experts visiting 13 marinas during March and April.

Boaters getting ready for the season ahead will be able to see and buy its latest equipment, software, and speak to electronics experts. The roadshow will start in Southampton on Saturday 7th March, travelling west to Wales, Cornwall and Devon, before heading east to Suffolk, Essex and Kent. It will then head north to Yorkshire and Scotland, before finishing in Conwy in North Wales on Monday 13th April. For a full list of marinas and dates visit the Raymarine website.

Thames Valley and London Boat Show This May the Thames Valley and London Boat Show returns to MDL’s Penton Hook Marina for a second year. This year’s free-entry show will be held over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, Friday 8thSunday 10th May, and will showcase a variety of boating brands both ashore and afloat, including Sealine, Jeanneau, Fairline, Cranchi, Glastron, Bayliner, Alfastreet and Orkney. A range of land-based exhibitors will also be displaying products and services including chandlery, marine engineering, sports equipment, SUP paddleboards clothing brands, insurance, the RNLI and finance companies. The shore side area of the show will be marquee covered, with food and drink will also be available at pop up stalls and a bar, and live entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday.“Building on the success of last year’s show we will have more brands and more boats this year. We’re delighted at the way it’s growing.” said show organiser, Chris Manners from TBS Boats. Visit www.pentonhookmarina.co.uk for details.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Havengore Bridge

Qinetiq, who manages the MOD Shoeburyness Range in Essex, has announced a programme of works to refurbish Havengore Bridge, which spans a popular tidal shortcut from the Thames Estuary to the Roach and Crouch rivers. Havengore Bridge can only be used when the MOD Shoeburyness Range is not active and over the high water period. The hydraulic system will be redesigned and improved with upgraded hydraulic components and replacement of the main lift cylinders. Control equipment, systems and software will also be redesigned and upgraded to modern standards and fully integrated with the hydraulics. A new safety system and fault diagnostic technology will also improve bridge operations and reduce repair times. Works were due to commence on Monday 10th of February and will take several weeks to complete, during which time Qinetiq say it is no longer able to offer manual lifting. So no marine traffic will be able to pass through until the bridge is returned to full operational capacity in early April. Qinetiq added that it is ‘committed to improving the reliability, serviceability and long-term resilience of the bridge and will provide further updates as they become available.’

Havengore Bridge information can be found via the Crouch Harbour website.

New MDL Marina restaurants A new bar and restaurant will be opening shortly at MDL’s Woolverstone Marina pictured and its name was chosen following a competition. With submissions made by social media, staff and the marina community, the new waterside eatery will be called ‘Loch & Quay’. Sixty-six potentials were whittled down, including The Hungry Sailor, Mainbrace Meals, River Retreats and the Bosun’s Locker, and restaurant owner and manager decided on ‘Loch & Quay’, submitted by Daniel Webb, as they liked the play on words. Winner Daniel won a meal for two at the Loch & Quay. A new restaurant is also due to open soon at MDL’s Bray Marina on the River Thames, called Mediterranevm.

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March 2020

MDL THAMES MARINAS Why choose a marina on the Thames when you can have 3?

Penton Hook, located next to Thorpe Park, is your gateway to the Thames Valley and just 20 miles from Central London.

Windsor is a tranquil oasis just five minutes from junction 6 of the M4.

Bray, in its country park setting, gives you easy access to the upper Thames.

Petrol, diesel, calor gas and chandlery essentials available at each marina WC pump-out facilities available at Penton Hook and Windsor marinas Yacht and cruiser clubs offering training, cruise in company, social events and lots of advice to get the most from boating Free visitor nights available between each marina, plus all of the MDL network including Chatham Maritime Marina on the Thames Estuary All three marinas are open 365 days of the year, offer 24 hour security, fuel at cost and discounted boatyard services as standard

ENQUIRE ABOUT A BERTH TODAY AND REGISTER FOR A FREE WEEKEND STAY AT MDL MARINAS.CO.UK/TRY-MDL

W EY O K LL SH OO VA AT N H ES BO TO AM ON PEN T H D AT N Y LO MA & -10 8

COME HOME TO

NEWS RS Pulse58 NEW BOAT A division of the popular racing sailing dinghy brand, RS Sailing, has unveiled a new electric RIB tender. RS Electric Boats has launched the Pulse58, a 5.8-metre, bespoke design RIB with a fully integral electric drive. The RIB has a tunnel, cathedral-shaped hull and is constructed from strong, biobased infused epoxy resin, recycled PET core material, and naturally-sourced basalt and flax fibres. The RIB also has a long waterline which is claimed to offer decreased low speed drag that suits the instant torque of electric power, while providing a stable and maneuverable platform at speed. A deeply-set 57Kwh battery bank, under the console, delivers up to 104 volts to the RAD drive propulsion unit. The integral RAD drive is a retractable drive unit that belt-feeds power from the twin motors to a hub-less drive unit. An onboard electronic management system controls all aspects of the drive, battery conditioning and drive tilt mechanism for shallow water. Standard electronic equipment includes a Raymarine Axiom 7-inch touch screen display which, alongside chartplotting, displays power reserve, range and battery data. RS say the RIB will deliver a range of 35 nautical miles ‘at least’ at its top speed of 20 knots and will last for a day’s use under normal RIB usage and distances.

The base boat UK price is £85,550.

Pulse58 made its debut at the Boot Dusseldorf boat show and will also be appearing at the RYA Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace 10

March 2020

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Portland Marina extension The extension of Dean & Reddyhoff Portland Marina in Dorset has reached the next phase.

The marina was built inside the Victorian Portland Harbour, behind its own breakwater,

by Walcon Marine in 2009, and the company returned in 2019 to complete a five‐pier extension adding nearly 300 berths to the extension’s 250 berths already in place. Two of the five piers have now been installed, named A and B, on the western side of the marina, with a new doublewidth back walkway pontoon running alongside the western breakwater and piles have also been installed ready for the third, pontoon C. Once complete, new outer pontoons, designated for larger boats, will have a higher freeboard.

Orkney Boats dealer at Chichester Marina The south coast boat broker, Boat Shop Group, will now be offering the Orkney Boats range at its base at Chichester Marina. The 40-yearold motorboat brand, Orkney Boats produce a 13-27ft range of fishers, pilothouse cruisers and traditionally styled dayboats at nearby Arundel. Boat Shop Group’s Mick Mills is delighted, and said the brand will suit Chichester Harbour very well.

SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF VETUS BOW AND STERN THRUSTERS J C Marine Services specialize in the supply and installation of Vetus Bow and Stern Thrusters, with a lifetime warranty on GRP work, three years manufacturer’s warranty on all Vetus parts We have also designed and manufactured our own external stern box, ideal for twin stern drive vessels.

Bow & Stern Thruster Installation Specialist Price List 2019 Approx size *25kgf Bow / Stern Thruster supplied & fitted £2750 / 18 ft - 28 ft *55kgf Bow / Stern Thruster supplied & fitted £3250 / 28 ft - 41 ft *75kgf Bow / Stern Thruster supplied & fitted £3750 / 34 ft - 51 ft *95kgf Bow / Stern Thruster supplied & fitted £4250 / 39 ft - 59 ft Installation includes Thruster, tunnel/pod, looms, control, battery, battery box, fuse and fuse holder, Isolator switch & battery recharge kit Nationwide service available

Thrust-It Remotes Compatible with: Vetus – SidePower – Craftsman £125 plus £5 p&p JC Marine Services Unit 29 Jubilee End Lawford, Essex CO1 1UR Jon 07854009980 info@jcmarineservice.co.uk www.jcmarineservice.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Sunseeker Manhattan 55 NEW BOAT Following its success with the Manhattan 52, British boat builder, Sunseeker has unveiled a new Manhattan 55 model. Features of the new three-cabin, 6-7 berth flybridge include curved glass and stainless-steel exterior detailing, a large forward sunbathing area on the flybridge, bow dinette seating, a beach club style bathing platform with folddown transom seating and an electric window connecting the aft galley with the cockpit. It will be powered by Volvo Penta D13-800 engines, which will offer 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles, and a top speed of 30 knots.

DIARY DATES Thames Boat Jumble at Bray 16th April Chichester Boat Show 25-26th April Horning Boat Show 2nd May Thames Valley & London Boat Show 8th-10th May Brundall Boat Show 16th May British Motor Yacht Show 14th-17th May South Coast Boat Show 15th-17th May All Wales Boat & Leisure Show 29th-30th May Poole Harbour Boat Show 12th-14th June Click any of the above for more info

Barrus acquire GRP repair product company Marine equipment distributor, Barrus, has acquired Blue Gee, a GRP repair product company established in 1985. Barrus took up distribution of its products in 2019 and will now carry stock exclusively at the Barrus headquarters in Bicester, which will be supplied to chandleries and individuals.

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

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

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sales@mdsbattery.co.uk

March 2020

THE ULTIMATE PICTURE. FROM OUR SMALLEST DOME. Caution Caution

Hazard

Safe

Safe

Introducing our smallest HALO™ Pulse Compression Dome Radar.

Combining unrivalled short-range performance, precise target definition and easy use modes, HALO™ Pulse Compression Dome Radars will improve your situational awareness and help you avoid collisions.

Already available in a 24-inch dome, the new HALO20+ is more lightweight and compact. Perfect for smaller vessels.

HALO20+ radar offers an almost real-time view, with industryleading 60 RPM operation at close range for the ultimate in collision avoidance.

VelocityTrack™ technology instantly identifies hazards at short-and long-range distances - up to 36 nautical miles.

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/HALO

NEWS Chichester Boat Show PREVIEW

CHICHESTER MARINA

This year’s Chichester Boat Show will be taking place at Chichester Marina on the 25–26 April.

Now in its third year, the weekend event is set to offer on-water and onshore stands and displays, with a selection new and pre-owned boats from onsite brokers, including new motorboats from brands such as Parker, Orkney, Rodman, Jeanneau, Beneteau and Prestige. Show features this year include a dedicated watersports area for those eager to get out on the water and, on the Sunday, there will be a flares disposal service. The RNLI will also be on hand to conduct lifejacket clinics and resident/visitor boat checks, which are available by appointment on both days. A ‘Meet the Experts’ tent will be hosting talks from marine industry professionals, with an array of stalls showcasing new products and services, including luxury cars, watersports equipment, SUP boards, kayaking and canoeing experiences, marine electronics and RYA training courses. The show is being organised by marina operator, Premier Marinas, and Motorboat Owner magazine is a sponsor for this year’s event.

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March 2020

SWANWICK GOSPORT & FALMOUTH MARINAS FREE SEA START UNLIMITED LIFTS 7 DAY SERVICE FUEL AT COST

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£247 PER MONTH*

FOR A SUPERB LOCATION AT LESS THAN THE COST OF A WET BERTH UPGRADE TO A PREMIER DRY STACK Swanwick Marina

Falmouth Marina

Gosport Marina

If you’d like to save on berthing, but don’t want to compromise on access to the water, service or security, check out our dry stacks: choose from Gosport Marina offering immediate access to the Solent, Swanwick Marina in the pretty upper reaches of the Hamble, or opt for Falmouth Marina on the glorious Fal Estuary. For a quote visit premiermarinas.com or call 01489 884 060 *Based on 6m at Falmouth Marina

DRY STACKS #PR E MIE R S INCE 1 9 9 4

HELSINKI K.Lahettaja/Vene Båt

HIGHLIGHTS

There are always a number of interesting boat debuts at Helsinki’s Vene Båt boat show. Editor Neale paced the hall to bring you the best of the new models for 2020

T

he Helsinki boat show, Vene 20 Bat, took place early in February and saw a host of new launches from some of Finland’s most prolific builders, as well as a few other European debuts. It may not be on quite the same scale as Düsseldorf, the

month before, but if your interest is in modestly sized boats, designed almost exclusively for northern European waters, Helsinki is a show that is really worth visiting. We did just that and here are some of the more interesting new launches we witnessed.

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March 2020

VENE BåT 2020 SHOW SPECIAL Messukeskus/VeneBåt

Nordstar 31+ Patrol

The Nordstar Patrol range are Finland’s lesser known walkaround wheelhouse cruisers, but they don’t deserve to be. The 31+ offers two cabins, one forward and another aft below the wheelhouse seating, that will comfortably accommodate a family and delivers all the comforts they would need for a stay on board. With single or twin sterndrive power options from both Volvo Penta and Mercury of up to 740hp, it is no slouch either. Top speed, with the most potent engine option of twin 4.2 litre Mercury diesels with Axius joystick control, is said to be over 50 knots.

LOA: 10.05m Beam 3.15m Displacement: 5,500kg Price from €254,200 UK dealer: MCC Marine Tel: 02380 456116 www.mccmarine.co.uk

AMT 165BR

The Finnish buy a lot of boats like the AMT 165BR. Modestly powered by a 50 or 60hp outboard, the helm is deep-set and well protected behind a tall windscreen. The all fibreglass built bowrider will accommodate up to six people and, if our experience of the brand is anything to go by, it will deliver a competent ride in an easy to handle and safe package. With a weight of just 450kg (ex engine) the 165 provides an easy package to tow on an unbraked trailer and, with a starting price of under €20,000, the compact family dayboat delivers a very affordable way into boating.

Don’t just take our word for it. The 165 was voted ‘Outboard Boat of the Show’ by a team of esteemed local experts.

LOA: 4.9m Beam 2.08m Displacement: 450kg (ex engine) Price from €19,990 UK dealer: Sal Marine Tel: 01590 679588 www.salmarine.com

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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HELSINKI

HIGHLIGHTS

Galeon 400 Fly

The 400 Fly was one of the largest new boats at the show and, as usual for the brand, dished up some clever design and features usually only seen on much larger craft. The best of these was the ‘Beach Mode’, a feature that allows sections of gunwale on either side to be lowered to create a huge aft cockpit/deck area. Combine this with the transom mounted BBQ and wetbar and you have ‘at anchor’ space that you would normally only find on a 50+ footer. Down below you get two cabins, the master being a full width midships cabin with full standing headroom. Power comes from twin diesels of between 225hp and 440hp each.

LOA: 12.50m Beam 4.00m Displacement: 10,000kg Price from €444,000 UK Dealer: Galeon Yachts UK Tel: 02380 456544 www.galeonyachts.co.uk

Terhi 480BR

The Terhi 475BR was a boat that impressed us immensely when we tested it a while back. It offered unrivalled value for money in a package that was great fun and utterly safe to drive. At the show this year Terhi was exhibiting a new 480BR. This is just a slight refreshment of the old model and, as the name suggests, is just 5cm longer. Like the previous model, the unsinkable 480 can take an outboard of between 40 and 60hp and the ABS built hull is very durable and about as maintenance free as it is possible for a boat to be.

LOA: 4.80m Beam 1.85m Displacement: 390kg Price from €12,990 UK Dealer: Chris Hoyle Marine Ltd Tel: 01803 752221 www.chrishoylemarine.co.uk 18

March 2020

VENE BåT 2020 SHOW SPECIAL

Nordkapp Gran Coupe 905

The Gran Coupe 905 is a funky looking, outboard powered, performance wheelhouse cruiser. This flagship model comes with an electric roof, a comfortable foredeck seat/lounging area, practical walk around side decks and a spacious cockpit. Inside you get a forward cabin with separate toilet and a versatile wheelhouse that includes a second, occasional, double berth for guests and a sliding door alongside the helm. Engine options include a single 300hp outboard or twin 200’s, which bring with them the option of joystick control for better manoeuvrability.

Either option should deliver speeds in excess of 40 knots.

LOA: 9.12m Beam 2.98m Displacement: 3,070kg Price from €133,500 UK Dealer: Wills Marine Tel: 01548 852424 www.willsmarine.co.uk

North Silver Eagle Cabin 655

North Silver is a brand that you may not have heard of, understandably as they don’t yet have a UK dealer, but these Russian built aluminium boats are gradually finding homes across Europe due to their robust construction and practical features. This model is the entry level product in a five boat ‘cabin’ range that goes up to 10m and each offering an all weather wheelhouse design. The 655 has a cockpit fore and aft with a wheelhouse equipped for occasional overnighting.

An Eagle Star Cabin model replaces the front cockpit with a forward cabin for improved cruising ability. Propulsion comes in the way of a single outboard of between 150 and 225hp.

LOA: 7.03m Beam 2.54m Displacement: 1,400kg Price €41,385 ex engine www.silverboats.ru

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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HELSINKI

HIGHLIGHTS

Silver Viper DCz & Beaver

Finnish builder, Silver, has expanded its fibreglass boat range with the new Viper DCz. The Viper is the mid sized GRP offering from this builder better known for aluminium boats, following on from the Raptor and Tiger launched over the last couple of years. The Viper offers a small cuddy with some basic galley features in the cockpit.

As with other boats in the ‘Z’ range, the Viper comes with a Petestep hull and is rated for a single outboard of up to 300hp for a 54 knot top speed. Silver has also been busy with their traditional aluminium line up, also launching the new Silver Beaver, another one of those compact, no nonsense family bow riders that the Finnish do so well. Available with a 40-50hp outboard, the Beaver is rated to carry five people.

Viper LOA: 6.72m Beam 2.42m Displacement: 1,350kg (ex engine) Beaver LOA: 4.80m Beam 1.95m Displacement: 440kg (ex engine) Price Viper from €65,990 Beaver from €20,490 UK Dealer: Silver Boats UK Tel: 01202 489634 www.silverboatsuk.co.uk / www.silverboats.com 20

March 2020

Award-winning quality from Finland.

SILVER TIGER DC Z

SILVER – UNSINKABLE ALUMINIUM BOATS

SILVER HAWK BR River Shack Boats | Wick Lane, BH23 1HU, Christchurch | Phone: 01202 489634 | info@silverboatsuk.co.uk | www.silverboatsuk.co.uk

SILVERBOATS.COM

HELSINKI

HIGHLIGHTS

Yamarin 60DC & 88DC Premium

The Yamarin stand had two new models on display. The first was an all-new boat, the 60DC, the second a new version of the existing 88DC, called the 88DC Premium. The 60DC offers a fairly basic day cruiser layout with a cuddy cabin up front to sleep two and a spacious cockpit with seating for six. The two power options both come from engine partner Yamaha and consist of either a 100 or 115hp outboard offering speeds of up to 38 knots. Standard equipment includes teak on the bow and bathing platform and a Yamarin Q 10” display at the helm. The 88DC premium offers all the usual features of Yamarin’s flagship daycruiser but with upgraded equipment and materials as standard. The 88 can make use of Yamaha’s largest engine option, the 425hp XTO 5.6 litre V8, for speeds of up to 49 knots, or you can choose a more modest 300hp outboard.

60DC LOA: 6.06m Beam 2.22m Displacement: 890kg (ex engine) 88DC Premium LOA: 8.80m Beam 2.95m Displacement: 2645kg (ex engine) Price 60DC from €39,900 Price 88DC Premium from €132,800 UK Dealer: Rock Marine Services Ltd Tel: 01208 863396 www.rockmarineservices.co.uk 22

March 2020

INBOX

@

Leonora photo

Since we first exchanged emails on the subject of Leonora, my uncle Alun’s old Fairline Vixen, back in 2017, I’ve been following your progress with the boat in the magazine. I was sorting out some digital photos the other day and came across this scan of an older photo which shows Tenby Harbour and Leonora on her mooring (just in front of and slightly to starboard of the converted Liverpool-class lifeboat), and thought you might like to see it. It must have been taken during Alun and my auntie Joan’s ownership, as it is their mooring.

There is no cover on the boat, and a tender tied to the stern, so I assume Alun and Joan must have been onboard when the photo was taken. Looking closely I think I may even be able to see Joan on the stern seat, possibly enjoying a glass of wine after returning to the mooring. I don’t know the exact date it was taken, but the Ford Orion in the car park near the church would mean that Leonora was at least 10 years old in the photo. Andrew Lowe Editor comments: Thank you for the photo Andrew, its great to see our project in its natural environment. Progress has been slow, but we are getting there.

Hopefully she may feel the water on her hull again very soon, even if just temporarily while we conduct some engine trials. I still have my heart set on taking Leonora home to Tenby for her official re-launch, so stay in touch and hopefully we can meet up with Alun, Joan and yourself some time soon.

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March 2020

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

1980s brochure for Booker Marine’s rugged aft cabin, the Humber 35. The cover image shows the boat heading towards the western Solent and Hurst Castle

Starter boater

I was just reading in the February edition, about the 16-year-old who has the opportunity of a boat for free, but was asking about how much money to set aside. This simple letter really touched a chord with me, as I was in exactly the same state at that age too. This may sound like a strange request, but I would be grateful if you could pass my details on to the writer, as I would like to donate some of my own safety kit (lifejackets etc). I totally understand that you may not be able to pass my details directly due to data protection and safeguarding, so if more appropriate I would be happy to deliver items to your office and pay for them to be couriered to the young chap (or chapess) Sven Boulton Editor comments: Thank you so much for your kind offer Sven. I will pass this on to the young man and hopefully be in touch to facilitate this.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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@

INBOX ©Fleetwood Coastguard / MCA

Risky business

Whilst the origins of marine insurance can be traced back to Roman times (and possibly even earlier), most of the risks haven’t changed. Adverse weather, fire, theft and even piracy still exist. But some problems evident from claims we dealt with last year are perhaps more current and likely to remain a challenge in 2020 and beyond.

Damage to underwater gear is an example, where debris in the water and at times, low water levels, contributed to an increase in claims. Items tangled in props last year included old tyres as well as a large London Pride pub umbrella.

Caution and low speed, especially on waterways where problems might be expected, will help reduce the extent of such damage if not eliminate the problem. Plastic bags and other items being sucked into water intakes can also cause considerable damage, particularly if blockages aren’t quickly spotted. Keep a careful eye on temperature gauges and cooling water outlets.

At the start of a new season, it’s always important to run through all the usual checks, including making sure any drainage bungs or skin fittings removed for the winter have been replaced. Floodings and sinkings after launching occur every year.

Flooding can also occur from something as simple as the failure of a corroded jubilee clip. Check the condition of hoses and connections, replacing any suspect hoses. Make sure they are tight and double up clips.

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March 2020

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

©MPearce

Sadly theft continues to be one of the most common causes of claims, and outboards are still one of the main targets. Theft of a Honda 30hp where all control and electrical cables and fuel pipe were cut whilst the boat was on a riverside mooring was a typical example. The main advice is to ensure that your boat is not seen as the soft target. A purpose designed outboard lock is a must. Hatches and external lockers should also be fitted with decent quality locks. Trailers should have a wheel clamp fitted in addition to the hitch lock (or at least one wheel removed).

One a lighter note, perhaps the most unusual statement on a claim we received last year read as follows: “Fixated by a wasp. Took my eyes off direction of travel and collided with a tree”. I wonder if that also happened back in the Roman era?

Rod Daniel ACII, Craftinsure Editor comments: It’s always great to get an insiders insight into the world of boat insurance, and some tips on how to avoid a claim, so thanks for writing.

We managed to pick up a tyre between the duoprops ourselves last year, luckily we were going slow enough for it to cause no damage.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

27

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Install Engine Boost Pressure Gauges

YOU WILL NEED

W

hen driving our boats many of us like to keep an eye on the gauges, checking the T’s and P’s (temperatures and oil pressures) is a regular occurrence on our Sealine S28, TLSea. If ever there is the slightest sign that things are not right, maybe an unusual noise, or a general feeling that something is different, a sweep of the gauges is the first thing I would do.

Lately though we have been experiencing a problem that does not manifest itself with an indication on any instrument,

PARTS • A compatible boost gauge for your engine (1-2 bar typically) • A suitable sender unit (M18 thread on Volvo AD series) TOOLS • 24mm socket for removing blanking plug • 24mm spanner for installing sender unit • 52mm hole cutter

• 3mm drill bit for pilot hole • Electric drill • Wire cutters • Wire strippers • Crimp tool for terminals

CONSUMABLES • Wiring • Terminals

• Plugs • PTFE tape

ooooo DIFFICULTY RATING

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March 2020

All you need to check the health of your engine’s induction system is a sender, gauge and some wiring

apart from the rev counter. One of our engines has become lazy. It lags seriously behind the other when accelerating and is a few hundred RPM down on top end. The simple and easy things have been checked, the fuel filters were changed and a fresh air filter installed, but neither of these made the slightest difference. There are many more things that could be wrong, but before I delve too deeply I wanted to check the inlet manifold boost pressure.

Many boats come with boost gauges as standard, but unfortunately ours did not.

These gauges tell you the pressure inside the inlet manifold, pressure that is created by a fully functional turbo charger (and/ or supercharger) combined with a clear passage for it to get from turbo to inlet manifold and no leaks for the pressurised air to escape from. Any engine with forced air induction should either have the gauge installed already, or be able to have one retrofitted. The boost pressure is built up in the inlet manifold by the turbo charger and/or supercharger (also known as a compressor) and it is this pressure that forces extra air into the engine’s cylinder

when the inlet valve opens. This extra air creates a bigger ‘bang’ inside the cylinder and thus creates the extra power that a turbo charged engine is able to deliver.

I could have easily installed a temporary gauge on the engine, for some quick fault finding, but decided that this important information might be useful to have at hand generally, should any similar problems arise, so I decided to install permanent boost pressure gauges on both engines to not only see if my current problem is boost related, but to keep an eye on the general health of the induction system in future.

Boost gauges can be as simple as a rubber tube from inlet manifold to dashboard gauge that simply measures the pressure at the gauge, but due to the long runs of rubber hose needed, and the likelihood of a leak somewhere along the way, I decided to go with a system that uses a sender mounted on the engine that sends an electrical signal to the gauge at the helm. Here is how I did it: HOW TO IN 27 STEPS >

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

29

PRACTICAL

1

First, you need to work out where to install the sender unit. Our AD31 inlet manifolds have a blanking plug where Volvo would usually install the sender 4

And then screwed the sender into the manifold as tight as I could by hand, but I then hit a snag

7

This allowed me to get the spanner in and tighten the sender unit the final bit

2

3

This plug has an M18 thread and is simply unbolted, retaining the copper sealing washer to use with the sender unit

Although not strictly required, I put a couple of turns of gas tight PTFE tape on the threads of the sender units

5

6

Due to the injector pipework and other bits, there simply was not enough space to swing the 24mm spanner to fully tighten the sender 8

With the senders in place, we turned to the helm and finding a place to install the gauges. With limited free space, this wasn’t easy

Which meant I had to undo all four injector pipes at both ends and move them out of the way

9

Pod mounting on a flat surface was one option, but I decided to flush mount them below the steering wheel

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March 2020

10

11

12

This meant removing the steering wheel to gain better access for measuring and hole cutting

I also removed any panels that would give access behind to ensure that I could reach the back of the gauges and that nothing would be in the way

Numerous measurements were taken to ensure the gauges would be level and still visible behind the wheel

13

14

15

The first pilot holes were drilled and then everything was checked again. This revealed that the initial spot might be a tiny bit too low and wide

With that information, more measurements were taken and two new pilot holes drilled a little higher and closer together

Once I was happy with the positioning, and that it was clear behind, the 52mm hole cutter was put into action

16

17

18

If rear access had been limited, plan B was to cut a larger square hole and mount the two gauges onto a pre drilled plate

Now it was time to start the wiring. Two wires, of different colours, were run from the helm all the way back to the engine bay

A ring terminal was crimped on at the sender end and the wires fed through the engine wiring conduit for neatness

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

PRACTICAL

19

20

21

The insulated sender unit could be earthed locally, so a short wire was made up and earthed through a convenient engine bolt

At the helm, a terminal was crimped to the sender wire and the wire fixed into the Molex plug

The plug also requires two fused positives, one ignition switched and one permanent, and a negative.

These were taken from the ignition cluster wiring

22

23

24

Ensuring that the securing ring was behind the console, and that the plug was passed through it, the plug was connected to the gauge

The gauge was then installed into the helm and, reaching behind, the securing ring tightened

The two gauges installed at the helm. Now I just had to reinstall all the helm panels and replace the steering wheel

25

26

27

One final job that I had to do, due to the specifics of my installation, was to bleed the fuel system on both engines before I could test the gauges

Once underway, the port engine, the one operating normally, was showing 1.1bar boost pressure at 3500rpm. This is actually a little low for an AD31

The starboard, problem, engine was only showing 0.6 bar, indicating our issue is likely due to an induction fault

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March 2020

Research seems to indicate that, at 3500rpm, the AD31 should have a boost pressure of around 1. 5 bar. As ours were both low, the starboard being considerably so, it appears we have some issues on both engines, which I would never have known without the gauges. The next step is to start troubleshooting what the problem may be. Air and fuel filters have been changed, so the next step is to dismantle and clean out the aftercoolers. These can get clogged with oil and restrict the air flow through them. If this does not cure the problem, and a check for leaks on the induction system come up negative, I may have to look at the turbos themselves. As this is the most expensive possibility, all other avenues will be explored first.

The instructions that came with the gauges were not very clear when it came to wiring. There are eight pins on the back of the gauge, and obviously on the Molex plug that goes into them, but the

0

S 12V

2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

+

GAUGE ILLUMINATION

S

12V

+

SENDER

VIA IGNITION

The wiring instructions included were not much use, but a chat with VDO UK gave me all the info I needed to work out the correct procedure

instructions left lots of confusion with what goes where. An email to VDO elicited a useful response that cleared up any confusion and this diagram shows how I ended up connecting them. Pin 7 & 8 on the gauge are for a can bus system and not used when wiring in analogue like me. The second terminal on the sender can go back to pin three on the gauge or can be earthed locally. I chose the latter for ease of installation.

TIME TAKEN As is usual with any job that requires electrical connections between two distant parts of the boat, a large amount of time was taken up with feeding the wires from the helm to the engine bay. I also took extra time over making sure the gauges could be installed in my desired location without interference with any other kit.

Then there was the additional work of removing the injector pipes, replacing them and bleeding the engines. All in all, this job took me just over one whole day. With a slightly simpler installation, easier wiring run access and only a single engine, the job could be completed in a couple of hours.

COST £ The VDO gauges (part number VDO A2C3833490001) were £44.99 each and the senders (part number VDO 360-081-032-058C) were £43.88 each. On top of this I had to buy the Molex plugs (part number 334720801) separately, as the gauges did not come with them. These were £19.98 for two. Put all this together, and add in a couple of pounds for consumables such as wire and terminals etc, and the cost for this installation was almost exactly £200. Obviously if you only have a single engine you can halve this.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

CUTTING Garmin Perspective Mode

Garmin has added Perspective Mode to its clever Panoptix LiveScope live-scanning sonar. LiveScope offers real-time, moving, underwater images and previously offered both down and forward modes.

Now, Perspective Mode brings an overhead view, which is perfect for shallow water fishing. To take advantage, Panoptix Livescope system owners will need a Perspective Mode mount accessory that allows the trolling, motor-mounted transducer to be turned sideways to deliver the overhead view. The new mode is compatible with a wide range of GPSMAP and ECHOMAP displays. Price £86.99 www.garmin.co.uk

International

International’s new Propeller Primer offers DIY boaters a solution to a long standing problem. How to get antifoul paint to stick to your prop. The new primer is a water based paint, specifically formulated to provide outstanding adhesion through Dual Activated Bonding Technology. This is said to allow antifoul products such as Trilux 33 and Trilux Prop O Drev to remain bonded to the propeller for the whole season. Testing has been conducted on a heavily used commercial vessel with a prop speed of up to 1800rpm.

Price £TBA www.internationalyachtpaint.com

Actisense

Actisense is a company that excels at the geeky end of the marine electronics business, and provide a whole range of clever connectivity solutions, sensors and interfaces that help ensure our onboard electronic networks operate correctly. Their latest product is a smart universal micro-terminator for the NMEA 2000 bus. This acts as an intelligent diagnostic terminator that provides instant feedback on the state of the network. The IP67 waterproof TER-U also acts as a universal in-line terminator, in either male or female form, as it comes supplied with blanking caps.

Price £19.75 www.actisense.com

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March 2020

DEEP-V HULL MARINE ALUMINIUM BOATS

WHEN OTHERS STAY IN PORT

Idealboat Pwllheli The Powerboat Centre Pwllheli Marina, LL53 5YT Phone : 01758 703 013

Idealboat Southampton Southampton Dry Stack Drivers Wharf, 146 Millbank Street Phone: 01758 703 013

SALES@IDEALBOAT.COM

Finnmaster T6 & R6

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March 2020

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 6.39m / 21ft 0in Beam: 2.29m / 7ft 6in Displacement: T6 1,160kg R6 1,050kg Fuel capacity: 132 litres RCD category: T6: C7 R6: C6 Engines as tested: 1 x Yamaha F200 Other engine options: 1 x 130-200hp outboard Price from R6 £52,395 Price from T6 £53,583

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

37

F

innmaster are certainly making the most of their 6m hull mould. We have already seen and tested the S6 (March 18) and the P6 (June 19), and now they have launched a new T6 and R6. Anyone familiar with this Finnish brand will know that the T series represent their Day Cruiser range, of which we have already tested the T7 and T8, while the R series are their Bow Rider models.

For completeness, the P series are their wheelhouse boats, while the S series are their console boat style offerings.

T6 We are very familiar with Finnmaster’s T series, having tested both of the other models in the range, and having come away impressed on both occasions, the entry level T6 had a lot to live up to.

Clearly it was not going to be able to pack quite so many features into its smaller form, and obviously a smaller boat is always going to make a bit harder work of it in any kind of sea conditions, but if it could emulate its larger siblings, Finnmaster could be on to a winner.

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March 2020

Finnish finesse. The cockpits offer alfresco entertaining/sunbathing space and excellent storage areas

The T6 makes the most of its hull size by giving much of it over to cockpit, as it should be with a daycruiser. This is easily accessed over the transom and transom seat from either side using one of the two bathing platforms. The starboard platform has a fixed bathing ladder that, when deployed, reaches deep into the water to make its use very easy compared to some other boat’s ladders, while both platforms house a decent sized draining locker.

Beneath the lid of the starboard locker is where you will find the boat’s fuel filler.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Between the two, and arching over the outboard, a fixed towing tower makes a useful addition for those into watersports.

Stepping over the transom seat and into the cockpit you are greeted by a huge swathe of seating that loops around much of the aft cockpit and on the port side extends all the way forward when the backrest of the navigator’s seat is flipped forward. This creates a huge social area, with a small cockpit table, that can easily swallow up the boat’s full compliment of seven crew. Beneath this seating there are

39

On the T6, a walk-through windscreen and moulded steps provide access to a teak-laid foredeck

some spacious lockers, including a large one in the base of the navigator’s seat, and in the aft locker various floor sections lift out to gain access to the bilge, bilge pump, battery and aft part of the fuel tank with its connections and sender unit. Aft of the transom section of seating there is a locker that cleverly conceals the canopy and framework when not erected. This really helps to keep the lines of the T6 clean and sleek when underway in good weather. Of

A drawer coolbox is concealed in the seat base.

We loved the retro-style buttons on the dash

course, when the weather isn’t so good, it is a simple job to open this locker and erect the canopy by simply pulling it forward and attaching the front of it to the windscreen surround.

The starboard helm position comes with a supportive and adjustable single bucket seat and a simple helm console that provides space for a decent sized multi-function display alongside a couple of engine instruments right in front of the helm, with a couple of switchgear panels located either side of the steering wheel. Again, the helm gets a small open locker with cup holder low down in the side moulding, and there is also a padded armrest just aft of the throttle control.

The navigator’s seat is just about large enough for two, although it’s better with single occupancy, and by way of facilities, there is a small open glove box in the console in front, with a twin stainless steel cup holder above that, a small open locker

40

March 2020

Somewhere to put your head down. A large double berth makes the T6 ideal for overnighting

on the moulding alongside that comes complete with another cupholder, and a conveniently placed grabrail. In the seat base, there is also the option of installing a 30-litre drawer style refrigerator. Another option for food and drink stowage is an 18-litre portable Waeco fridge that can be located in one of the aft cockpit lockers.

Alongside the helm you will find three moulded steps that take you up and through the middle opening section of the windscreen and out onto the foredeck.

The teak on these steps, together with the cockpit floor, bathing platform and foredeck, all comes as standard. Alongside this is a sliding door that leads down into the cuddy. The cabin is pretty basic, with lots of moulded GRP and enough cushions to completely fill the whole cabin and create a large double berth. Remove a Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

couple of these cushions and you can step down into the cabin where you will find a window in each hull side, and opening overhead hatch, a single seat with enough headroom above to sit upright and a small locker alongside. There is no mention of a toilet option in either the standard equipment or optional extras list but I

The T6 cuddy is basic but offers accommodation for up to three people and has space for a toilet

41

The aft section of the two boats, up to the helm and navigator’s console, is identical

think that, with the cushions removed, a chemical toilet could be accommodated in the middle section, which would extend the length of the ‘day’ for this day cruiser.

Like the other boats in the T series, there is a space that leads back under the cockpit that is accessed from the cabin and that could be put to use as an occasional extra berth.

Up on the foredeck, the T6 comes equipped with a central teak deck area for grip underfoot. The bow rails are quite low until you get to the front where they rise and form hand rails to aid boarding over the pointy end. Below this walkway is an anchor locker and, following the theme of the other boats in the T series, there are the feature LED docking lights moulded into the topsides, just above the rubbing strake.

R6 Starting at the back of the R6, and the boat is identical in every way to the T6 until you reach the helm console bulkhead.

On the navigator’s side, this bulkhead incorporates a small lidded glove box, the console is a little wider, and the overall height appears to be just a little lower. On the helm side, the moulded steps have gone, together with the sliding cabin door, to create a walk-through companionway to the bow area. The windscreen still opens in exactly the same way to allow passage forward. In this companionway, there are locker doors on each side to allow access into the two console units for storage. A separate door has been added to the lower section of walkway to allow the bow to be fully closed off from the cockpit.

In the bow there are two bench seats/

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March 2020

loungers that run down either side, with padded backrests on the front of the two consoles, and fixed cushions on both cockpit uprights to allow passengers to sit comfortably with their feet up and facing forwards. A guardrail down both sides provides additional security and a convenient grab hold, if required. The bases of the two seats lift, and are held

open with gas struts, to gain access to the storage below. This storage runs into that of the two consoles behind to create plenty of space to store large items, or just to place cushions when not in use. Right at the aft end of the bow, just below the windscreen on either side, Finnmaster has included a break in the pulpit rail and added a small non-slip pad to allow easy

There are storage lockers under the aft seat and inside the helm moulding. The co-pilot seat reverses Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

“43 knots with more to give, performance was swift, sprightly and oozed quality� access and disembarkation over the side, direct from this area. Like the T6, there is walk-through bow access with raised grabrails and, again, a lifting locker lid provides access to an anchor locker. On the R6, the standard teak deck of the T6 is replaced by a soft, grey, teak-effect decking called Linedeck. The R6 also features the LED deck lights as found on the T6.

Underway With both boats tested being fitted with the same 200hp Yamaha, and very little difference between weights, we expected

to find very similar performance figures for the two models. They turned out to be so similar that we have combined them into one set, the differences being so small as to be voided by the accuracy of our recording equipment, and the fact that the sea wasn’t completely flat. With the 200 on the back, the boats were very sprightly.

From standstill they were both up and planing in around four seconds, and were doing 30 knots just five seconds later.

The top speed we recorded on the day was just under 43 knots, but we felt there was still a little more to give if the seas

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March 2020

PERFORMANCE As tested 75% fuel 0% water 2 crew Force 4

RPM

600 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5300

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

3.0 4.6 6.5 7.8 10.7 19.4 24.8 29.6 34.1 39.9 42.8

1.8 3.9 5.0 8.7 13.4 19.5 23.8 30.1 34.8 49.8 71.3

0.4 0.9 1.1 1.9 2.9 4.3 5.2 6.6 7.7 11.0 15.7

7.50 6.11 5.90 4.11 3.69 4.51 4.77 4.49 4.43 3.63 2.73

Range (nm)

218 177 171 119 107 131 138 130 128 105 79

The helm is fitted with a comfortable, supportive and adjustable ‘bucket style’ seat

had been flatter. We also noted that the maximum RPMs pulled on the day were 5,300, which is actually a little down on the maximum rated RPM for the engine of 6,000, although still within Yamaha’s specified top end range. Again, with flatter seas and a bit more trim I think we would have found a few of these missing revs, and probably seen figures closer to Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Finnmaster’s own of 45 knots.

Despite the swell on our test day, which was larger than the wind strength might indicate, we were able to maintain a comfortable 26 knots straight into it without any slamming or misbehaving.

If I was prepared to work the throttle,

45

I could get this up to 30 knots before things started to get uncomfortable. The boat did throw up a bit of spray, but none of it reached the helm and we felt well protected behind the screen. The standard pantograph wiper at the helm does a great job of keeping a large part of the screen clear of any spray, and for your crew there is the option of fitting one to the port side too.

Just as a good sportsboat should be, the handling was fun and easy with light, precise steering and good hull manners whatever manoeuvre we tried to pull.

There was noticeable bow steer in a following sea if you left the trim fully in, but allow the bow to rise just a little and everything returns to normal. Overall, both models are great driver’s boats, and both punch above their weight when it comes to handling and comfort. I would go as far to say that, pound for pound, the T6 may even be the best of the T series in this respect, and that is praise indeed as the other models are excellent in their own right.

Finishing touches and features, such as LED docking lights and faux teak, bring a quality feel

Conclusion Both of these boats are excellent at what they do. The choice of which one to go for will most likely be decided by the requirement for overnight accommodation, or some daytime shelter.

The standard equipment, on both models, is particularly impressive and leaves you with very few choices to make, and therefore little to spend, when it comes to optional extras. The T6 lacks a few features that you will find in many daycruisers, including the T7 and T8, such as a basic

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March 2020

galley and toilet, but in all other ways it is a very competent, and very affordable step onto the cabin boat ladder. You do have to remind yourself, as it’s easily forgotten when behind the wheel, that this boat is only 6m in length, and therefore some sacrifices have to be made. The R6 is, perhaps, a more rounded family dayboat, offering plenty of space and well suited to watersports or just generally having some family fun on the water. Although both models can be equipped with smaller engines, I think for watersports, and the best driver engagement, the 200 is the one to go for. Having said that, even with a 150 on the transom, both boats will top out at around 40 knots, so you won’t

T6 or R6? That will depend on your likely usage, but rest assured you can’t make a bad choice

be disappointed if your budget won’t quite stretch to the largest engine option. The best thing about these boats though, is that you know you are getting that legendary Finnish build quality.

ENQUIRIES: Ideal Boat Tel: 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Bayliner VR5

Bella 640DC

The new outboard-powered 640DC offers a similar package, but Bella also have a range of Bowriders in the style of the R6.

Finnmaster’s excellent 6m hull is also available in a pilothouse version and as a console boat, with outboards up to 150hp.

LOA: 6.23m Beam: 2.40m Displacement: 1,500kg Enquiries: Bates Wharf 01932 571141 www.bateswharf.co.uk

LOA: 6.58m Beam: 2.34m Displacement: 1,200kg ex eng Enquiries: T. L. Harvey Ltd Tel: 0121 568 8837 www.tlharveymarine.com

LOA: P6 6.35m/S6 6.39m Beam: 2.29m Displacement: 1000kg+ ex eng Enquiries: Ideal Boat 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com

Available in bowrider and cuddy versions, Bayliner’s VR5 is also available with a choice of inboard or outboard engines.

PRICE from £40,280

PRICE from £TBA

Finnmaster S6 and P6

PRICE £38,650-£50,157

> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Sargo 25 47

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Pet passports post Brexit

Q As we have now left the EU, what is the

situation with taking dogs overseas? Is the pet passport scheme still the same, or will there be new procedures? I am planning a trip over to France this summer, so need to be sure of current regulations.

A As we are in the transitional phase of Brexit, there will be no changes to

the scheme for this year. This means that you can continue to cruise to EU countries with your dog (cat or rabbit etc) in 2020 under existing pet passport schemes. You will still not be able to bring your pet back into the UK onboard your own boat, but that hasn’t changed since the introduction of pet passports.

You can read our guide to cruising overseas with pets in the August 2014 issue.

What will happen in 2021 we do not yet know, but as soon as we find out you will be able to read about it in the news pages.

VHF MMSI update

Q I have just purchased a used boat

and the VHF has the previous owner’s MMSI number programmed in. It is also stuck on the dashboard in Dymo tape. As the previous owner has bought a new boat himself, I assume that the number will swap over to his new boat and I have to apply for a new one. The trouble is, my VHF set will not let me change the number. The manual states that it can only be input once. Do I have to buy a new radio?

A The MMSI number actually stays with the boat. The previous owner will also inherit a number with his new purchase or, if new, will have to apply for a new one. All you need to do is to apply for a ships radio licence in your name and quote the existing MMSI number when you do so. Click here to start the process via the Ofcom Amateur and Ships Radio Licensing Portal.

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March 2020

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Leaking Volvo DPE trim rams

Q My trim rams on my Volvo DPE drive have started

leaking from the end seal. New rams are expensive and I understand can be difficult to replace. I understand they can be repaired in situ. Is that correct and if so, how does the repair stand up. I don’t want to be doing the job every year and would rather pay more now for a permanent repair.

A The biggest difficulty with complete replacement is the removal of the

inboard retaining pins. This requires access down behind the engine, which in itself is often difficult enough, but if the boat manufacturer didn’t include the required cut-outs in the transom for the pins to be extracted into, it may mean removal of the engine. This is why many people overhaul the rams in situ, something I have done before and covered in the magazine. Download the July 2014 issue for the full details. What I can tell you is that the repairs I carried out in 2014 on all four of my DPD trim rams are still going strong, so I would suggest that a repair is as good a solution as total replacement. Even though I have completely removed the trim rams from my older 290 drives fitted to our project Fairline, I have still chosen the repair route due to the significant saving over replacement. There is a third, mid way, option if replacing individual seals is a bit fiddly, or if your rams themselves are damaged or pitted, and that is a simple replacement of the end cap, ram and piston as one complete unit. They are available from Seabridge Marine, as are the seal kits, and mean that fixing a leaking ram can be done in about half an hour.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

£100k rugged cruiser

Q We’ve been boating for 15 years, moving from a 15ft dory to a 20ft Boston

Whaler style craft then Chaparral 240 signature to now a Merry Fisher 755.

Every one of these craft served us fantastically at different life stages as our family grew up and our needs changed. I would really appreciate some views on options for our next boat. We have a budget of £100K (I never thought I’d spend that on a boat) and am finding it hard to get some experienced guidance on a craft that would fit our needs. Ideally it needs to be sub 30 feet, as we have a very cost effective swinging mooring with that restriction. It would need to be capable of crossing to the Isles of Scilly from our home port of Falmouth, where conditions can change quite quickly. Speed is not critical, although ideally she should be capable of cruising at above 12 knots efficiently, and economy, both in terms of fuel use and maintenance, are important. I will need the support of professionals on servicing and repairs. We plan on doing some extended cruising as a couple, so a comfortable double berth is essential (I’m 6ft 2) though we are unlikely to have guests staying overnight. We are planning to keep it for many years, so workmanship and quality of fittings should be good.

A A few of your criteria jump out at me, such as cost to maintain, and

tough, well-built construction and these, together with your modest speed requirement and your 30 foot limit, keeps me coming back to something like a Seaward 25. My only reservation is that I am not sure how the headroom down below and the berth sizes would measure up to your stature. In just about every other respect, this would make a fine boat for a couple to head off for a bit of adventurous cruising. The model has been around for over 20 years, so there is a 25 for most budgets. With a new one coming it at £180,000+, your budget should pick up a one owner boat from around 2014 which, conveniently, is the year that Seaward lowered the wheelhouse floor to provide better headroom at the helm.

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– SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY – SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY

”The unique SARGO hull is built to last and perform. Its robust structure is extremely strong and the construction is nothing less than heavy-duty.

The is the unmistakably quiet ”Theoutcome unique SARGO hull is built to last and smooth SARGO ride.” and perform. Its robust structure is extremely strong and the construction David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd. is nothing less than heavy-duty.

Sargo – handmade in Finland;quiet The outcome is the unmistakably created, designed & built by one and smooth SARGO ride.”since 1967 family, in the business David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd.

Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4JD Sargo Boats UK Limited - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4JD +44(0)2380 453 245 info@sargoboats.co.uk Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk Website: www.sargoboats.co.uk Tel: +44(0)2380 Tel: 453 245 Email: Website: www.sargoboats.co.uk Sarins Båtar Kokkola, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi SarinsLtd., Båtar67900 Ltd., 67900 Kokkola,Finland, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

£150k Thames ‘Osney limbo’ cruiser

Q I am looking for a boat for the Thames, but I want to be able to do the

whole of the river from the upper reaches, above Osney Bridge, right down to the estuary and local coastal waters. I am struggling to find something with the low air draft needed for the upper Thames, and the seakeeping required for the estuary. Ideally I would like a single engine on a shaftdrive for economy and simplicity and speed is not important, although the power to deal with the tides and a bit of weather in the estuary is. Do you have any recommendations? My budget is up to £150,000.

A I knew someone based on the Thames with almost identical requirements

to your. His solution was an aft cabin Antaris 950, a used one of which should come in well under budget. Another, similar style of boat, that you could look at is the Intercruiser range. The 29, with its category B RCD rating, air draft of ??????the windscreens lowered and engine options of up to 220hp will deal 1.7m with with anything the tide and weather can thrown at you, as well as clear Osney bridge, with its 2.3m air draft with ease. A new 29 may be out of budget, but a used one should be doable. While looking, also take in searches for other boats from the Intercruiser/Interboat ranges. The Intender 950, Intercruiser 27, 28 (see Sept 15 issue), 31 and 32 would all fit the bill. Finally, the Davinci 30 (see Oct 17 issue) is another model worth looking at. Although mostly powered by single or twin sterndrives, they do offer a single shaftdrive version.

Q

Broom 29

Antaris 950

Sheerline 1020

English Harbour 27

Da Vinci 30

Intercruiser 28 Cabrio

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Guernsey Southsea East of the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour is an island boating haven that provides easy access to arguably one of the grandest Victorian seaside towns west of Brighton and Eastbourne. Southsea and its marina is often described as the back door to the Solent, and we can see why

S

outhsea is often referred to as the ‘hideaway Portsmouth’ with a decorated waterfront reminiscent of the coastal Victorian towns of Brighton and Eastbourne. Situated on the southern shore of Portsea island, Southsea owes much to the establishment of Portsmouth

Naval Dockyard and the expansion of Portsmouth as a city. It is said that this once small suburb was named after King Henry VIII’s fortress, Southsea Castle, and it was from this very same castle that the Tudor king watched his beloved flagship, the Mary Rose, sink during a

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Destination ©PremierMarinas

battle. The waterfront town flourished as a seaside resort during Victorian times, seeing the development of South Parade Pier. Wartime then brought more defence mechanisms to protect nearby Portsmouth Harbour, which included an underwater barrier extending out from the Southsea foreshore. Today the seaside town has a friendly and approachable opulence that is captivating. Its level waterfront esplanades are studded with landmarks, ornate piers and attractions, not to mention historic

SOUTHSEA

Southampton

Southsea Poole

Lymington

SOL EN

Chichester

Brighton

T

Cowes

navy buildings and monuments. Set back from the waterfront, Southsea’s town centre also provides shops and many independent eateries.

Far from the melee of busy Portsmouth Harbour, a couple of miles east of Southsea town and in the southwest corner of Langstone Harbour, lies Eastney Lake, which is home to two relaxed and friendly boating havens, and a picturesque shanty-style boating peninsular that is well worth exploring. Southsea Marina

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Southsea with its Portsmouth entrance transit. In June, America’s Cup racing will take place off here

and the Eastney Cruising Association nestle behind a peninsular on the southeastern point of Portsea island, both close but charmingly a world away from the buzz of the Solent. From here Southsea’s decorated waterfront is a short bus ride away, beautiful Langstone Harbour is easily explorable by water or by foot, and adjacent Hayling Island is easily accessed by a short ride on a foot ferry. The 300-berth Southsea Marina is a tidal basin with a half tide automatic sill gate that provides visitor berthing and boatyard services. It was built in the mid-1980s and has been operated by the south coast marina company, Premier Marinas, since 2002. The marina also boasts an on-site Indian eatery that many boaters in the

Solent would prefer to be kept secret.

Approaches

Southsea Marina is ideal for visiting Southsea, exploring Langstone Harbour and the surrounding area. A visit, however, will involve a little planning and will require an up-to-date chart and tidal information. Weather and wind direction also need to be taken into consideration, as like neighbouring Chichester Harbour, entry is not advisable in strong onshore or offshore winds.

The marina is approached along a dredged channel and has a half-tide operated gate that drops at 1.6 metres height of tide. There is a

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SOUTHSEA

Distances

Portsmouth Navy Memorial obelisk, with the Spinnaker Tower in the background. The decorative Queens Hotel on Southsea’s front

floating waiting pontoon outside. The marina gate is open up to 3 hours either side of high water (HW). However, recommended access is generally 3 hours before and 1 hour after HW, with such timings applying to motorboats drawing up to metre. Arriving on a rising tide is generally recommended on a first visit, which is also beneficial for conditions in the ‘Run’ which is detailed later. The channel itself is dredged to 0.5m below chart datum so again, with caution, motorboats of a metre draft or less will be able to access the waiting area on a rising tide to await the gate opening.

Boats drawing 1.5 metres or more should consider arriving for the gate opening or later, obviously being aware of traffic exiting the basin. Tide and gate opening times can be found on the marina website.

Making contact with the marina for berthing arrangements is advisable, as it can be busy and is also quite a small marina to manoeuvre inside. If you have not done so already, call the marina on 02392 822719 or VHF channel 80 callsign ‘Southsea Marina’ on your approach to Langstone Harbour.

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Southsea Marina: • Gosport Marina 6 miles • Bembridge 7 miles • Cowes 12 miles • Lymington 20 miles • Brighton Marina 38 miles • Cherbourg 73 miles

Weather & Tides • • • •

Southsea Marina weather & tides Chimet weather actuals Shipping Forecast Wight Met Office Inshore Waters Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis • Gosport National Coastwatch station channel 65 ‘Gosport NCI’ • Bramble Met weather actuals • Langstone Harbour weather station actuals

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray Y34 Chichester and Langstone Harbours • Imray 2200 Solent Chart Pack • Imray Y33 Langstone & Chichester Harbours • Imray C9 Beachy Head to Isle of Wight • Admiralty SC5600 The Solent and Approaches folio • Fernhurst Books Solent Cruising Companion • Imray Shell Channel Pilot • Reeds Nautical Almanac

Marina Charges • 10m Overnight £33.30 • 10m Month £612.50 • 10m Annual £4900

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LANGSTONE HARBOUR

SOUTHSEA MARINA APPROACHES Swinging Moorings

FERRY

ECA Eastney Lake

HAYLING ISLAND

Fort Cumberland

Southsea Marina

THE RUN

Swinging Moorings

FERRY

Southsea Marina

Hayling Pontoon

ECA

Mulberry Harbour

Mulberry Harbour

East Winner

SIT

TRAN

Rowey Wreck

Langstone Fairway

LANGSTONE APPROACHES

In your approach to Langstone Harbour you need to be aware of the large marked sand bar, East Winner, that extends south on the east side of the entrance. Those approaching from the east need to ensure they stay well offshore, also being wary of overfalls that this may create, before turning into the entrance. From the south there are two notable navigation marks in the entrance. Not to be confused with one another, ‘Langstone Fairway’ is the first

Avoid strong ebb tides in the entrance.

The yellow mooring buoys in the Run can submerge at HWS. Hayling Ferry, inset

port channel navigation beacon and, to the west, the isolated danger mark ‘Roway Wreck’ beacon. A prominent chimney and radar mast are easily identifiable features on the west side of the entrance. At Fairway Beacon, approximately one mile to the south of the harbour entrance, steer 344º in line with a conspicuous chimney to clear East Winner.

Those approaching Langstone from Portsmouth or the Solent have a choice

Langstone Harbour’s entrance is known as ‘the Run’ as tides can flow fast on a flood and ebb here 58

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Marine supplies

The tidal approach channel hugs the shingle peninsular, then heads west before turning south

on their hands. The eastern entrance to the Solent has a submarine barrier that extends from Southsea esplanade to Horse Sand Fort. Boaters can either go around the outside of this or, after taking care to cross the Portsmouth ship channel at 90 degrees, go through the barrier via two well-marked places, through the ‘Main Channel’ or an inner, narrower ‘Boat Passage’. Referring closely to a chart and being aware of bathing and charted watersports areas, in settled weather motorboats drawing a metre can then save more miles by running along at a safe distance (approximately a nautical mile) off Southsea’s foreshore.

Once in the Langstone approach channel, deeper water is generally found to the west, which has two marked piers, a large lit port beacon and a series of six yellow buoys. The speed limit in Langstone Harbour is 10 knots. Gently sloping shingle beaches form the channel sides of which is known locally as ‘The Run’. Here the tide is forced into a bottle neck, with currents at the height of flood and ebb reaching up to 5 or 6 knots. Pilot guides cover this in greater detail, but as a rule of thumb, avoiding entry on a strong spring ebb is advisable.

The Eastney Lake and marina approach channel, which is approximately half a

Southsea Marina offers hardstanding and is equipped with a 25-tonne hoist. Various marine businesses can be found in the boatshed behind the marina reception and café/ restaurant building. Here, there is a small chandlery pictured which is run by One Degree West Marine (02392 838335), which also offers marine engineering, electrical and maintenance services. At the marina is also JWS Marine Services (02392 755155) which provide boat repair, hull treatments and maintenance services. For canopy repairs, Bond Sails and Henderson Covers, can be found on the top floor of the boatshed building. The marina also has pump-out facilities and sells gas cylinders. Based at Port Solent Marina in Portsmouth Harbour, Golden Arrow Marine Portsmouth (02392 201171) is a local dealer of engines spares and services, including Volvo Penta.

ASAP Supplies (01329 277585) is a marine parts supplier with a base at Fareham.

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The entrance to Southsea Marina has an automatic sill that drops when the tide reaches 1.6 metres

nautical mile in distance, is marked by a series of port and starboard pile beacons, 9 port and 7 starboard, some of which are lit. These commence just after the Eastney Point ferry pontoon. Keeping a good look out for the blue-hulled Hayling Island Ferry, which operates every 30 minutes during working hours, turn to port once past the ferry pontoon. You will have swinging moorings to starboard and the steeply shelving shingle peninsular to port, the latter is lined with tenders and marked by a couple of old wooden

piles. The first mark is a starboard beacon, oddly marked with red tape, which has a sign for the channel’s 5-knot speed limit on it. Rounding the shingle spit, the channel proceeds in a south westerly direction between pairs of navigation beacons and more swinging moorings. The channel then bears around to the south-south-east before entering a wider marina outer waiting area (dredged to 2.5m), which has an L-shaped waiting pontoon on the port side, and a smaller waiting pontoon not connected to shore to starboard. An impressive network

The marina’s entrance, between the two piers pictured, is 7 metres wide 60

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Food supplies

Eastney Cruising Association is popular with motorboat owners and has drying mud moorings

of drying pontoon moorings belonging to the Eastney Cruising Association will be seen to the east.

A traffic light on the marina gate indicates when it is open and, if necessary or advised, arriving boats can use the outer pontoons to wait for the gate or the turn of the tide. When the gate opens those waiting can also check for sufficient water to cross the sill by using the tide gauge at the entrance that indicates the depth over the sill. To enter, boats need to negotiate the narrow, 7-metre wide basin entrance in a southerly direction.

Be aware there are no lights to control the movements between entering and departing vessels, and boats carrying the tide have priority. The basin itself has a maintained depth of 2-2.4 metres in central areas, dropping to 1.3 metres around the edges.

Where to moor

Southsea Marina welcomes visitors throughout the year, with berths inside

Basic food essentials can be bought from the newsagent and convenience Premier Store at Eastney. This is on the corner of Fort Cumberland Road and Ferry Road and a half a mile walk from the marina. Nearby Milton has a Co-op store (with a cashpoint), which is a 15-minute walk. Supermarkets in Southsea itself include a large Waitrose store, a Sainsbury’s local, an Iceland and several scattered Tesco Express stores. There is also a Co-op on the waterfront close to South Parade Pier. All of these are a bus ride away, so stocking up on bulkier food items before visiting is a good idea.

Transport

Two bus routes, 16 and 15, serve the Hayling Ferry and pass the Southsea Marina entrance. Boaters wanting to ride along and visit Southsea seafront will need the number 16 from the ‘Fort Cumberland’ stop, which is just a short stroll west from the marina entrance on Ferry Road, passing the number 15 bus stop. The 15 route goes inland, bypassing the Southsea peninsular and travels to the railway stations of Fratton, and Portsmouth and Southsea. These offer Southern Railway connections to Portsmouth Harbour, the Gosport Ferry and London Victoria (2hrs). Isle of Wight Wightlink FastCat and HoverTravel services to Ryde, and Wightlink car ferry crossings to Fishbourne are also available from Old Portsmouth and Camber Docks.

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Southsea Marina in Eastney Lake was built in the 1980s and floats at all states of tide with a sill

the basin available on an adhoc basis, so calling to arrange a berth in advance is advisable.

Pontoons A to H run east to west, occupying the southern side of the basin.

For fingers B to G, which provide 8-14 metre berths, berth numbers commence in the fairway, with evens on the west side and odds to the east. J pontoon runs along the north side of the basin. There are toilet and shower facilities at both ends of the marina, with an additional laundry block at the west end.

For overnight stays the marina charges £3.30 per metre for 8-12.5 metre boats and

Southsea Marina office overlooks pontoon A

£3.50 for 12.6-16 metre. Free wifi and £5 of shorepower is included. There is also a 4-hour £4 short stay fee.

The marina provides ample shelter.

However, the basin and entrance channel can become exposed in strong north to east wind directions, particularly during spring tides at high water.

For those not wishing to overnight in the marina, Langstone Harbour office (VHF ch 12 / 02392 463419) will usually be able to direct visiting boats to an appropriate swinging mooring. The six yellow mooring buoys on the west side of the Run are rented by the Eastney Cruising Association from the Langstone Harbour Board. These are for ECA members and are not to be used without prior consent.

The ECA does not currently offer visitor spaces on its pontoons. However, for those looking to stay longer term it offers annual boating and trailboat schemes, as well as social membership.

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Destination With its excellent clubhouse overlooking the harbour entrance, this active club is a highly regarded, affordable, working boatyard option for motorboat owners.

It is however extremely popular and we are reliably informed that there is often a waiting list for boating membership. Those looking to stay in Langstone Harbour will need to pay visitor and annual harbour dues to the Langstone Harbour Board.

Trailboating

There is a public slipway into the harbour immediately opposite the Eastney Cruising Association road entrance. This moderate concrete, one-boat-wide ramp is really only accessible over the high water period and is approached from seaward by coming around the eastern side of the cruising association pontoons. Another, known as the Eastney Slipway, lies on the west shore of the Run. This provides all states of tide access, but as its short concrete ramp leads to shingle, it is really only suitable for smaller trailboats with 4x4 vehicles. You will also need to be aware of strong cross tides here. There is limited parking close to this slipway with two interlinked car parks nestled in the dunes. Note there are no public facilities here and the larger of the two car parks has a 6ft 6in height restriction. There are

SOUTHSEA

Where to fill up

Diesel and petrol is available from Southsea Marina’s fuel berth which is at the southern end of the waiting pontoon. As aforementioned, access to this pontoon is subject to tide. Fuel is available during working hours 8am-6pm and visitors will need to call the marina on VHF channel 80 or telephone the reception on 02392 822719.

Fuel is also available at the Hayling Pontoon. Contact Langstone Harbour Office on VHF ch 12, callsign ’Langstone Harbour Radio’.

Further afield

Nearby Chichester Harbour is an idyllic, sheltered boating haven that would easily warrant a week of exploration, visiting mooring spots such as Itchenor and its various marinas, Emsworth, MDL’s Northney and Sparkes in the west, and Premiers Chichester Marina and Castle Marinas Birdham Pool in the east. Just five nautical miles west lies the Solent, which offers a multitude of harbours, anchorages and marinas between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire’s coast.

Eastney Lake slipway offers access up to 2hrs +/- HW. Fuel is available on the marina outer pontoon Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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two further shingle public car parks on the Eastney peninsula, but as you can imagine these get quite busy with walkers and ferry goers during the season. There might also be opportunities to launch from a trailer, berthing for small boats and/or store cars and trailers at Southsea Marina, so it is worth enquiring. Possibly the best option for trailboaters wanting to explore Langstone Harbour may be to consider using Ferry Point Slipway on the Hayling Island side, which is just west of the ferry landing pontoon and is accessible at all states of the tide. There is a nearby public car park with public toilets, a pub adjacent and a sandy beach extending southward from the slipway.

Adjacent is the Harbour Office building and its compound with another slipway.

The daily launch and recovery charge here is £14.40, with trailer parking and launching at the Harbour Board’s slipway available in addition by pre arrangement.

For regular use, trailboat membership at the Eastney Cruising Association is worth investigating, as this offers a dedicated

ramp, with winch facility, in its compound going straight into the Run. Again the club is very popular and there might well be a waiting list for membership.

Where to eat and drink

Southsea Marina boasts two excellent eateries in the marina complex. First and foremost, The Marina Bar Southsea (02392 829999) is a popular casual café-bar venue for boaters and walkers alike. Open daily from 8am until 10pm, it offers homestyle British cooking with a varied menu of coffee and cakes, breakfast, baguettes, burgers and fish and chips, not to mention Sunday roasts (bookings required). For Indian food lovers, a visit to the on-site Bombay Bay restaurant (02392 816066/7) is a must. Located on the balconied first floor, and overlooking the marina, it is open weekdays from 5pm, and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays. It also offers takeaways.

For those walking or cycling to and from Southsea along the seafront esplanade, there are several recommended

A sun trap, Southsea Marina’s popular on-site Marina Bar 64

March 2020

Destination pit stops on the way. Breaking the journey first is the beachside Coffee Cup, followed by the Southsea Beach Café. Close to this is South Parade Pier, which has its fair share of eateries, including resident fish and chip restaurant, Deep Blue. Finally, it is well worth taking a detour on the way back to local gem, the Tenth Hole, set next to the pitch and putt green. Plus fours are not required and cake, cake and more cake is its specialty.

In Southsea itself there is a great choice of independent eateries and watering holes along Albert and Osborne roads. But you are also likely to uncover more options in the roads leading off the waterfront, such as Palmerston Road, which has the nautically-themed cocktail bar and restaurant, Drift.

Taking the ferry over to Hayling Island serves up another two good beachfront eateries. Just a short stroll away is the family-friendly Ferry Boat Inn (02392 463459), and the modern Inn on the Beach (02392 460043) which is a 25-minute beachfront walk away.

Places to see and visit

Walking or taking a seafront bus ride into Southsea will not disappoint, as the

SOUTHSEA

A foot ferry to Hayling Island runs from the tip of the picturesque ‘shanty’ beach peninsular

town has plenty of waterfront attractions, historic landmarks, beachside cafés, restaurants and a shopping centre on offer.

It is a just under a 3-mile, 1-hour walk along the waterfront into central Southsea from the marina. However, a level, well-maintained beachfront esplanade, complete with cycle lanes, makes the walk or ride very enjoyable. An interesting stop on the way is South Parade Pier, a decorative, restored Victorian pleasure pier offering the usual pier delights of fast food, cafés and amusements.

There are three key attractions in close proximity on Southsea’s Clarence Esplanade, a castle, museum and an aquarium. The Tudor-built Southsea Castle is a prominent and rugged

World War II relics. Langstone Harbour’s Mulberry Harbour and two ex landing craft cum houseboats Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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SOUTHSEA MAP

KEY 1 Southsea Marina 2 Bombay Bay 3 Marina Bar & Restaurant 4 Eastney Cruising Association

19 18 17

13 D-Day Story Museum 14 Blue Reef Aquarium

5

15 Portsmouth Navy Memorial 16 Clarence Pier

5 Hayling Ferry 6 7 8 9

11 Southsea Beach Café 12 Southsea Castle

The Ferryboat Inn Inn on the Beach The Coffee Cup The Tenth Hole

6

17 Gunwharf Quays 18 Spinnaker Tower

1

19 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

10 South Parade Pier

2 4 3

20 Drift

7 1

HO VE RC

S

TE OU

FT

R RY

C 20

SOUTHSEA COMMON

RA

FER

5

4

16 15

8 3 BOATING LAKE

14

13 12

2C

11 10

9 Southsea centre Train Station Bus stop

C

Slipway

1

Premier store

4

Cashpoint

2

Co-op store

5

Footpath

3

Sainsburys store

Tesco Express Waitrose Ferry route

The seaside resort of Southsea has plenty to see and do, including shops, restaurants and attractions

landmark on Southsea’s Victorian waterfront that is well worth a visit. It was built in 1544 as part of a series of fortifications constructed by order of King Henry VIII to protect the coastline from foreign invaders. It was from here, famously, that King Henry watched his precious flagship, the Mary Rose tragically sink during a battle with the French in July 1545. The castle has been strengthened through the years in order to protect the nearby major naval epicentre of Portsmouth, including a tunnel built in the 19th century to defend its moat.

The free-entry castle is open from March to October, with most parts of the castle accessible to the public, including the tunnel and its gun platforms, which provide panoramic views of the eastern entrance to the Solent. On site is also a café, which is open throughout the year, with a micro brewery and gift shop.

A visit to the D-Day Story museum is a must for anyone with an interest in World War II history. Situated just yards west of Southsea Castle, the museum tells the story of D-Day through personal

accounts and an array of military artefacts and vehicles. New exhibits for spring 2020 include LCT 7074, a huge restored tank landing craft which was originally used at Gold Beach, and this will soon carry two of the museums WWII resident tanks. The museum is open all year round and entry is £10 for adults, £8 for seniors and £5 for children aged 5-17. For those simply strolling along Clarence Esplanade, the museum’s exterior memorial wall is also particularly moving.

The Blue Reef Aquarium is sure to be a hit with families, particularly on those rainy days in port. This year round attraction has a multitude of sea creatures on display, including otters, and has features such as a coral reef, underwater tunnel and feeding talks. Discounted tickets are available online, priced at £10.35 for adults, £7.88 for kids aged 3-12.

For families there is also Clarence Pier, with its theme park rides and amusements overlooking the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. On your way your will certainly not miss the colossal Portsmouth Navy Memorial obelisk monument that towers

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Destination over the well-manicured Southsea common. Built from Portland stone, it commemorates those lost in the two world wars, notably the crew of HMS Bulwark.

Boaters overnighting at Southsea Marina can hop aboard the number 16 bus into Southsea from the Fort Cumberland stop, just a short stroll west from the marina entrance. This delivers you to the Southsea and Clarence Esplanades.

However, for the shoppers, and indeed non-shoppers aboard, this route transits cobbled Old Portsmouth, and stops right outside the shopping outlet mecca that is Gunwharf Quays, which incidentally is next door to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, exhibiting HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose and more.

There are some fantastic coast and harbour walks to be had in the area. We can thoroughly recommend taking the Hayling Ferry over to Hayling Island where there are some great sea and harbour views to be had, particularly from the East Winner bank, which is a popular spot for kite surfers. Return tickets are £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for children under 14 and over 65s, and the ferry runs between the two piers roughly every half an hour.

On a sunny day, a great way to explore

Walking or cycling Southsea’s flat beachfront esplanade is a must. South Parade Pier pictured in the background

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Clarence Esplanade’s captivating D-Day Story museum has many WWII artefacts and vehicles

Langstone Harbour is by tender, and World War II history enthusiasts are sure to be interested in the part of a Mulberry Harbour in its centre. Unfortunately this particular concrete phoenix caisson, which was built on the Hayling Island shoreline, developed a crack after construction and did not make the French beaches for D-Day. Now, school parties travel out to visit the sad, but incredible, hulk sat on the sandbar where it was abandoned in 1944. Langstone Harbour was a base for many landing craft and barges before D-Day. A couple still remain, converted into houseboats and located inside the Eastney and Hayling peninsulars. MBO

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tested Shakespeare INFL8-5 inflatable VHF antenna PRICE

I have to be honest with you, when I first read about Shakespeare’s inflatable VHF antenna, I had to check that it wasn’t April the first. However, over the next few months the INFL8-5 started picking up nominations for awards, and even went on to win the ‘Product of the Year’ award at the 2019 HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show, so we thought we had better take a closer look.

Initially I struggled to see what problem the inflatable antenna was looking to solve, but once I got my hands on one, and had a play with it, I started to see why various international award jury members were so taken.

The antenna comes in a small high Motorboat Owner visibility pouch, making it easy to stow “A useful onboard, or in a grab bag. Pull it out of this pouch, and yank on addition to the lifejacket style pull cord, and suddenly you have a 5ft long, and your grab bag” surprisingly rigid, VHF antenna. But when might you need it?

Well, it comes with 6 metres of co-ax cable, on the end of which Value 3/5 Usability 4/5 is soldered a standard PL259 plug. This means it could easily act Performance 4/5 as an emergency antenna for your main radio set should your standard aerial get broken. It also comes with a solder-free SP239 connector that allows the antenna to be easily spliced into existing co-ax cable on the boat, great if your main aerial has been ripped away and the socket on the back of your radio is difficult to access. To mount the antenna, the bottom end comes with two long and sticky ‘hook and loop’ straps to make fixing it to your boat quite straightforward. It could also be very useful for kayakers, PWCers, or anyone else that likes to get out on the water in The emergency aerial packs down small and inflates when needed small vessels and venture

£149.99

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

The kit includes options to connect it to your main, or handheld, VHF set

any great distance. However, where I think it would really excel is in your emergency grab bag, assuming you keep a handheld VHF set in there too.

The INFL8-5 comes with an SMA adapter that converts the PL259 plug into something that could be screwed into the antenna socket of most popular hand held radios. We tried it with a selection of different make handheld radios and can confirm compatibility with all but an old Icom model. Modern Icom handheld are equipped with an SMA socket, but if you have an old model, or an oddball make, it is probably worth checking.

In an emergency situation, the 3dB gain antenna is said to provide a range three times greater than standard helical emergency antennas and, because of its length, it will significantly improve the range of a handheld radio being used close to the water, in a liferaft for example.

Even if the bladder of the antenna gets damaged, or it cannot be inflated for any other reason, it comes with grommets top and bottom allowing you to simply hoist it aloft or tie it up where it will still deliver its full functionality.

Inflation comes by way of small (16g) disposable gas cylinders but, just like a lifejacket, there is a manual inflation tube should it be needed.

Deflation is again, like a lifejacket, and once deflated the antenna is easy to pack back down into its case ready for action once again, after replacing the gas cartridge obviously. I have had trouble finding a proper rearming kit, but 16g CO2 cylinders can be purchased online for as little as £1. The downside to this is that you won’t get the little green tag that tells you when it has been fired and also acts as a weak barrier against accidental misfires, but I think I could live with that. The aerial itself is not cheap, but online deals indicate that it isn’t too difficult to find with around 20% off the RRP. Contact: Shakespeare www.shakespeare-ce.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

T

he weather has played havoc with my plans this month. First there was Ciara, then Dennis and as we reached the end of the month we were hit by snow and threatened by Jorge. I was hoping to start work on refitting the drive and associated kit this month, but every time I had an available day, it was either blowing a force 8, lashing with rain and sometime both at the same time. This has meant that the project has only proceeded as far as jobs I could do in the workshop.

In some ways this was a bit of a blessing, as I had a pile of little jobs either half done, or not quite started, that were hanging over me and a day in the workshop,

with the heater on full, was the prefect antidote to the world outside. I may not have achieved any great advancements this month, but all these little bits and bobs needed finishing and when the time comes to fit them it will help me crack on at a faster pace.

The first job was a spot of painting. The cooling system heat exchanger had long since been sand blasted and primed, but was still awaiting its top coat. Likewise, the engine oil dipstick and tube had previously been cleaned and prepared, but needed that final touch. Out came the POR15 engine enamel, that despite painting the whole engine with I still had

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Yet more parts have been painted and the second carburettor has been re-assembled

half a tin of, and both these items are now resplendent in red.

I had previously stripped and cleaned both Solex carburettors, but had only got around to rebuilding one of them. This was my opportunity to get that job fully ticked off and after some reference to the one previously rebuilt to remind me how it all went together, both carbs are ready to be mounted back onto the inlet manifold.

In preparation of replacing the drive I did have one job to tackle. One of the two rubber trim hoses that connect between the transom shield and the rams was damaged, and likely to leak when pressurised. I priced up a new one, but found you could only buy them in pairs,

and at a price of approaching ÂŁ200. The second hose appears in good condition, so I needed to find a more cost effective solution. The answer was a visit to Pirtek, the hydraulic specialist, who took the

A damaged hydraulic trim hose has been repaired at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The old hose, pictured right

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The wiring loom is in a worse state than anticipated and will need some replacement as well as numerous new terminals. All wires have been identified and marked

damaged hose and replaced it, using my existing end fittings, for the princely sum of £29. That’s worth remembering if you ever have any hydraulic hose failures.

Back in the workshop, and with freshly painted parts hanging to dry, I turned my attention to the engine’s electrics. The engine wiring loom is in poor condition, with corroded connectors and missing terminals. I started by referring to the workshop manual, and the photographs I had taken during disassembly, to make a note of what wire goes where and marking them accordingly. I then proceeded to cut off some of the old terminals, in preparation for replacement.

Unfortunately, in some cases the wire core itself was so rotten that it just kept breaking. This is going to need a little more work than I anticipated, and I will need to replace some of the wiring, as well as most of the terminals. I have made a list of the bits needed, and will get them in for next month.

With the loom put to one side for now, I decided to have a look at the alternator.

This was one of those components that had not been touched since removal, but I was happy to find that it still spun freely and smoothly. Apart from a bit of surface corrosion to the body, and a quite seriously corroded pulley, I think this may

The alternator appears to be OK, but the pulley was very corroded and had to be sand blasted 72

March 2020

be serviceable, so I removed the pulley and cleaned it up in the sandblaster as best I could. I will refit this and check that it works before taking any further action. If it does, I will source a replacement pulley, as I think this one is probably too far gone and will cause rapid belt wear, and

excessive belt dust in the engine room.

One trip to the boat was required, when storm Ciara blew out one of the canopy windows. It was in a poor state anyway, so it wasn’t a surprise, but Claire braved the weather to hand-stitch a replacement window panel in place. MBO

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Hydraulic trim hose £29

Balance from last month

Ciara damage control. Leo’s canopy proved too brittle to survive and has been repaired

£1667.45

Total to date: £1696.45

Join us

Friendly marinas & helpful boatyards

Great destinations in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. deanreddyhoff.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

Hooked W

Simon Everett says fly fishing is fun

hilst fishing with a rudimentary fly in the sea has been practised by countless anglers for well over two centuries, albeit given the simpler term of ‘feathers’, the modern era has seen the exponential growth of saltwater fly fishing, to the point there are now dedicated competitions and festivals, even in the UK. As if you didn’t have enough to spend your money on, now there is a good reason to go out and splash some cash on a whole new fishing outfit. If you are going to be doing any fly fishing in the sea, take it from me, whilst a light fly outfit will work for smaller flies, using your freshwater trout rod will do it no good at all. You would be well advised to invest in a dedicated saltwater rod and reel, of which there are plenty to suit every budget, especially if you trawl the usual, used items places. For the majority of UK

THE KIT: FLIES, ROD AND REEL

saltwater fly fishing, an 8-weight outfit is virtually universal.

Catching predatory fish using the fly fishing method is very effective, and virtually all fish in the sea are predatory.

The main species targeted are those that inhabit the upper layers, or shallower water. Mackerel feature highly, as do garfish, scad and pollack, but the most sought after fish for ‘fluff chuckers’ is that Queen of the Sea, the bass. The silver flanked beauties are suckers for taking a fly presented to them and, once hooked, they provide the kind of sport that people pay good money to experience, both here and abroad. There are specialist guides who will provide you with the tackle and tuition in their boat, giving you access to their specialised knowledge of the water, the fish and when best to be where so as to get you hooked into a fish you will remember for the rest of your life, everyone remembers their first fish on a fly from the sea, like it was yesterday. One such is Austin Goldsmith who runs a boat called Zen2 out of Falmouth, he can even provide bed and breakfast, making for a memorable getaway.

The majority of fly patterns used are suggestive of sandeels or small baitfish, some are weighted to help get the fly down in deeper water or faster current, plus the weight gives the fly an enticing action. Casting is an art, and casting in the confines of a boat even more so, so

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Clockwise, Simon playing a strong fish. The Pirate 18CC’s foredeck was perfect for casting. Austen ‘Oz’ Goldsmith is known for his bass guiding service out of Falmouth. Garfish taken on a weighted fly

boats have been created with clear casting areas on deck, such as the Pirate 18cc that I am casting from the bow of early in the morning. There really is something magical about being out on the water for a summer sunrise, chasing fish with nothing but a few flies and a rod and reel, I think it is the simplicity and the directness of

this type of fishing that really gets under your skin. Many people who try it for the first time become completely obsessed and end up chasing exotic fish all over the globe. For now, though, I am happy catching more mundane species, but using a method that is anything but mundane.

There are no flies on fluff chuckers!

Mackerel are small tuna, and fight well on fly gear. Sheltered estuaries offer the fly angler great sport Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Saga 26HT

T

his month we have opted for a more traditional ‘back to basics’ boat that oozes Scandinavian simplicity. The Saga 26 HT. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020, the Norwegian boat builder, Saga Boats, was established in 1960 when the Drageseth family built their first boat in a little town on the northwest coast of Norway, north of Bergen, called Selje.

Their boat, known as Joller, followed traditional, local boat lines and featured a canoe-shaped stern and a simulated clinker hull. Such was its success, from 1967, brothers Asbjorn and Wald

Drageseth started building their first production GRP models, the Saga 20 and Sagaling 30. Focusing on practical, semi-displacement hull forms, with keelprotected transmission and sterngear, Saga soon became a well-established brand and a succession of Saga models followed, including a new flagship 35 in 1978 and, in 1991, its successful Saga 26. Today, Saga is still run by the same family, with father and son, Idar and Solve, now running a modern state-of-the-art factory facility, which is one of the major local employers in Selje, producing a six-model range from 32-42ft.

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Built 1991-2006 (500) Prices then £69,772 (2003) Prices now £28,000-£37,500 Length 26ft 4in / 8.03m Beam 9ft / 2.67m Air Draught 7ft 9in / 2.36m Draught 3ft 4in / 1.05m Fuel 44-61 gal / 200-280 lt Water 14 gallons / 65 litres Displacement 2500kg approx

Saga launched two versions of its 26. First came the 26 CV, standing for ‘closed version’ in 1991, which offered an enclosed wheelhouse with patio door.

Then came the 26 HT in 1994 which was described as ‘convertible’ with an openbacked wheelhouse and a soft top sunroof.

Both models were also available with two hull forms and two single diesel engine configurations, semi displacement or planing, shaftdrive or sterndrive, offering top speeds of 16-28 knots.

The Poole-based boat dealership, Wessex Marine has specialised in marketing a number Scandinavian boat

ranges in the UK for over 45 years and is perhaps better known as the supplier of the fast, Finnish Targa range. They have, however, been the sole UK dealer for the Saga range for 22 years and, of the range, the 26 has arguably been one of Saga’s most successful UK imports. Speaking to Motorboat Owner, Wessex Marine’s Managing Director, David Adams, was quick to praise what Saga describe as its worldwide best seller, saying “the 26 HT was a milestone in terms of its sunny year-round cockpit with seating for up to 8 people, so it sold better in UK waters for its ‘convertible’ nature. The convertible

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canvas wheelhouse top was brilliantly conceived and simplicity itself ”.

The 26 HT’s simplicity certainly appealed to boaters on the south coast, particularly those based in Poole harbour.

Wessex estimate selling around 30 26HTs to UK buyers through the years, and of these only a couple were sterndrive powered. The company added that if it was built today there would still be buyers for it. However, David Adams admitted that Saga “wouldn’t build them now, as it was quite an expensive boat to produce. With it’s very detailed and strong imitation clinker hull and loads of interior woodwork, it could not be built today for a price the market would be prepared to pay”.

Wessex marketed the CV version until 2005-06, but only a few were sold in the UK. Could this have been down to price?

David Adams told Motorboat Owner that the CV and HT were a similar price at the time, saying the CV proved more popular in Greenland and Scandinavia.

Indeed looking at a 2003 UK price list there was a mere £3k difference between the two versions fitted with the same shaftdrive engine. A total of over 500 26s were constructed between 1991 and 2006.

Of these, 50% were exported all over Scandinavia and Europe, with the biggest markets being Greenland and Germany.

Talking about secondhand 26 HT values, David said “They are easy boats to value second hand and, no matter how old, the going rate is between £28-£35k.

A well maintained example will be static in value in today’s market.” Motorboat Owner estimates a CV version on the UK market today, sterndrive or shaftdrive, would be priced at a few thousand pounds

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A traditional layout. A half-height storage unit divides the forward dinette from a side pilot berth

higher than its HT equivalent.

Interior A two-part door leads down into the cabin area via a set of fairly steep wooden steps.

At the foot of the steps the inviting open plan and volumous cabin offers 5ft 10in of headroom in a central lobby area. Ahead, a smart, V-shaped dinette area nestles in the bow. This will seat 3-4 people for dinner around a pedestal table and converts into a sizeable double berth, measuring 7ft at its widest and 7ft along the centre. Open shelving each side, a louvre-effect bow cupboard and moulded seat bases provide ample storage opportunities. The cabin is lit by high, eye-level banks of windows and an escape hatch overhead.

Turning to port, a good size, louvered half-height hanging locker and drawer unit separates the dinette from a useful pilot berth, which extends under the copilot seating. With the hanging locker acting as a headboard, the berth measures a generous 6ft 7in in length and, widening Its toilet compartment is well appointed, albeit a small shower tray and slight lack of headroom out at the head, under 2ft in width. It is Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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ideal for stowing bags by day, and is bound to excite the younger crew members as a hidey-hole or day bed.

Opposite this lies the wash-down toilet compartment. Inside, a shapely moulded unit provides a wash basin, with a shower mixer tap and storage in its base, a sea toilet is mounted aft, while a slide-front locker provides more storage in an underdeck void. The compartment offers 5ft 9in of headroom just inside the doorway which is snug, but with the shower curtain deployed across the door, there is enough lateral space to have a shower. Inspect the compartment’s moulded joins, as these may well have been re-sealed. This could be due to movement, or possibly just replacement due to mildew growth as the compartment does not have an opening window, only an extractor. Saga fitted a

holding tank as standard.

With the galley located up in the cockpit in typical Scandinavian style, the cabin proves a spacious environment for living and sleeping. With most of the living done in the cockpit area, you could argue that the downstairs area be kept made up for sleeping. This would justify some diesel heating to be installed in the cockpit, if none exists, or simply use the downstairs dinette, which is more private, during the winter months. Eberspacher diesel heating was available as a factory extra, priced at just under ÂŁ3k.

Cockpit & helm With the full-height canopy up, access over the stern, via the moulded bathing platform and hinging half-height transom gate, is easiest. Stepping down via the

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1999 £37,500 (featured) Single Yanmar 4JH3-HTE TBS Boats Penton Hook 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com

A sunroof and raised plinth mean you can helm seated or standing. A fridge is under the helm seat

seating you are greeted by a welcoming and wood-laden, typically Scandinavian cockpit area, with wraparound seating capable of taking 7-8 people, an adaptable aft table, galley unit to starboard and helm and co-pilot seats forward. With its swivelling, fold-out table, the aft seating area is quickly transformed into a dining area for 2-4 people, with additional companionway space for an additional folding chair, if required.

These boats are normally fitted out with a hard wearing and traditional-looking teak and holly striped veneered cockpit sole.

Underneath lies the engine and propshaft, with further hatches aft revealing a cavernous aft lazarette-type space that extends under the aft seating. Down here there is ample space to stow a deflated tender, an outboard, fenders and more. The boat’s batteries are normally

1999 £32,500 Single Yanmar 4JH2-DTE York Marina 01904 621021 www.yorkmarina.co.uk

1999 £34,950 Single Yanmar 4JH2-DTE Euroyachts 01475 687204 www.euroyachts.com

Storage under the nav seat, which flips forward for extra worktop space

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boxed and mounted in here on the port side, along with a calorifier, water tank and an emergency tiller. Battery shut-offs are readily accessible and recessed into the port side seat base.

The rather traditional looking galley unit is a basic but all-encompassing affair for weekending. It is usually equipped with a single metal round sink and a

covered, two-burner, meths powered hob.

There was an option of upgrading this to a diesel powered hob. Gas was not often an option on many Scandinavian boats at this time, but may have been retrofitted at a later date, with a gas locker sited under the nearby starboard seating. The teak galley unit itself has drawers and cupboard storage under the sink, while a

A cockpit table folds out for dining and swivels out of the way. The area converts to a berth/sunpad 82

March 2020

fold-out leaf section aft provides further worktop space. A storage unit on the opposite side provides more storage and additional worktop space, which doubles with the co-pilot seat hinged forward. A fridge can be found under the helm seat.

The galley positioning up in the cockpit does, however, mean that you have to go up into a potentially cold cockpit to make that morning cuppa. However, whether underway or static, it is a very sociable layout and particularly useful for a family when you need to keep an eye on the kids.

Moving forward the floor level drops in the centre companionway between the helm and co-pilot seats, both of which are set on raised plinths. These seats offer good visibility out through the shallowslanted, three-pane windscreen. The helm console to starboard is fairly simplistic with chart storage, switches and dials flush mounted. Nav equipment tends to be bracket mounted on the overhead pelmet,

and open glove boxes each side provide useful deep storage. Overhead a large battened sunroof concertinas back, using the two corner handles. This allows the sunshine in and provides the helmsman and co pilot with an excellent standing

Standard canvas sunroof or optional hatches

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The first version of the 26, the CV, is more your conventional wheelhouse-cum-coupe cruiser

view out through the hardtop. Ensure that the roof is in good condition and attached properly, as this may be prone to shrinkage and could prove costly to fix or replace. Sliding glass roof hatches were an optional extra on the HT model, available for just under ÂŁ1k.

Changes in the cockpit saw Saga moving from the use of white or blue vinyl, to a soft blue-coloured, Alcantara-style fabric. Both of which are comfortable, being heavily bolstered, attractive with button detailing and practical. There is a lot of beautifully-crafted teak to maintain and protect from the elements in the cockpit. Ensure that the canopy, sunroof and window seals are in good order to

preserve this.

Popular in European countries, such as Holland and Germany, the rarer CV model sees a shaped patio door transform the boat into a more conventional wheelhouse cruiser. It does not have the traditional teak and holly striped lined cockpit, but does, however, have a more typical wash down, leave-outin-the-elements GRP-lined aft cockpit that, unless you are a traditionalist, is perhaps more practical in the UK climate.

Depending on the engine configuration, two gas-strutted aft cockpit hatches reveal either the sterndrive engine or a large lazarette storage area. Additional teak seating was also available in the

The CV has patio doors, a lazerette, and a wheelhouse C-shaped settee with optional co-pilot seat 84

March 2020

cockpit area, as well as a second, outside, helm console mounted to starboard, similar to that seen on some modern-day sportsfishers. Inside the wheelhouse, the layout is almost identical to starboard, with a shapely and shallow C-shaped settee now running down the port side, with a co-pilot seat available as an extra.

On deck With much emphasis on the cockpit, as you might expect, this has impacted on the side decks somewhat. Measuring between 6-7 inches with a barely negligible toe rail and no stanchions, these extend all the way aft beside the cockpit. There are, however, ample grabrails on the hardtop to get you forward, and here the foredeck is enclosed by a sturdy inner pulpit which, once over, offers reassurance on top of the A raised cabinroof is enclosed by an inner pulpit Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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curved coachroof and the lower foredeck.

At the bow, an anchor bow roller and an electric winch were optional extras, priced at just under £400 for the former, and around £3k for the latter. A useful locker each side of this offers storage for anchor, chain and warps, perhaps even a couple of small cylinder-shaped fenders.

The moulded, stepped, bolt-on bathing platform provides the easiest way to board the boat, from the side or stern. This offers a series of three moulded storage lockers along the transom, a fold-out bathing ladder, and is often equipped with a transom shower. There is also relatively good side access to the cockpit through the canopy side panels, by stepping down via the seating, forward of the canopy framework.

A radar mast/arch, known as a ‘Targa

Semi displacement guise. A keel extends to a prop-protecting skeg, with underwater exhaust

Bar’, could be fitted to the hardtop behind the sunroof. This option was priced at £580. Lots of spares and accessories are still available for the 26 from Saga Boats in Norway, and can be found online via the company’s website.

Hull and Handling The 26’s hull was designed by Ing Eivind Amble in co-operation with the Saga boatyard. Both the CV and HT could be specified either with a semidisplacement or planing hull. Powered by a single shaftdrive, the more popular semi-displacement version combines a medium vee hull with a fairly deep, halflength keel extending to a prop-protecting skeg and fairly large rudder. At speed the boat maintains a rather conservative, flat through-the-water stance, and offers handling that is responsive and reassuring. The rarer sterndrive-powered, planing hulled version will be a different, livelier-handling animal. Its modified vee-hull shape provides speed and lift, with a slight keel still bringing good slow speed maneuverability. However, on both versions, hull chines will serves to push the water aside and generate

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A shaftdrive Yanmar 4-cylinder diesel is common, but it was also available with a Volvo sterndrive

lift. Above the waterline, the hull sides simulated clinker strakes are more for effect and strength, rather than function when underway. Trim tabs were fitted as standard to both versions, although they tend to be deemed unnecessary on the shaftdrive version. A bowthruster, which was available as a factory extra at just under £3k, is sure to add peace of mind for close quarter manoeuvres, where a single shaft drive boat can often prove difficult to master.

Wessex Marine maintain that the 26 is ‘extremely well built, survey well and have no commonly known problems.’

The boat was available in two exterior decal colour finishes, a dark red and a blue. This saw stripes running above the rubbing strake and along the cabin sides, but also accentuating the hardtop roof.

A coloured hull was available on specific request, with a 2001 UK version seen with a particularly attractive navy hull.

Coloured gelcoat does, of course, bring with it a little bit of extra maintenance.

Engines As aforementioned, the 26 was available with either a single shaftdrive or sterndrive diesel engine. Pre noughties, shaftdrive HT models were commonly fitted with one of two Yanmar four-cylinder diesel engines, an 88hp 4JH2-DTBE or a 90hp 4JH2-DTE, both providing in the region of a 16-knot top speed. There are also references to a smaller 60hp Yanmar option in the early stages of production, which would be more than adequate for inland and estuary cruising, offering a top speed of up to 12 knots.

From 2003-05 the HT in its shaftdrive guise was being offered in the UK with two Yanmar engines, a 72hp 4JH3TBE (£72,615) or a 96hp 4JH3-HTE (£77,726). A sterndrive version of the HT was available with a 170hp Volvo Penta KAD32 priced at £81,603. The semi displacement CV was being offered with the same Yanmar 4JH3-HTE (£77,338) or, in its planing sterndrive guise, a somewhat outdated 150hp Volvo Penta AD31

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(£82,485) or 200hp AD41 (£86,068), with Wessex Marine stating on its price list that other sterndrive options were available.

Despite records showing no 26s built after 2006, Wessex continued to market the 26 in the UK into 2007. The shaftdrive version was still being offered with the two aforementioned Yanmar engines, at 72hp (£77,903) or 96hp (£82,191). The planing version was available with a modern 160hp Volvo Penta D3-160 running on a DPS drive priced at £87,537. Again with Wessex Marine stating other sterndrive options were available.

Between the galley and seating, two teak veneered hatches in the cockpit sole lift thwartships to expose a soundproofed engine bay and prop shaft. Note that hinges on these may well have been added at a later date, or to later boats, for support and ease. The hatches reveal the engine in its entirety, giving good overhead access for servicing and checks. Inside there is just enough room to climb down into the bay to the right of the engine. On this side you will find a raw water filter mounted on the side bulkhead and an engine seacock in the base of the engine bay. Ahead of the engine bay another hatch reveals the metal 44-61-gallon fuel tank.

Fitted with the shaftdrive diesel Yanmar engine, the 26 should cruise happily at 11-12 knots and, at this speed, provide a 140 nautical-mile range, allowing for a 20% reserve. Fitted with the single sterndrive a much faster pace is to be expected, for example the 200hp AD41 diesel should offer a top speed of up to 25 knots and a cruising speed of around 18 knots. Overall, having a single diesel engine keeps fuel and maintenance costs down, with even less maintenance to do on a shaftdrive version. Both engine

Two fuel tank sizes were available and this can be found in the cockpit-cabin companionway

configurations should offer excellent economy of around 4 miles per gallon at cruising speeds.

As it is a single engine cruiser, mounting a suitably-sized, long shaft auxiliary outboard on the bathing platform is a possibility that might bring some added piece of mind when travelling great distances, or venturing across open water.

Conclusion With its more traditional, convertible, wood-lined cockpit offering masses of entertaining space, and a cabin providing three-berth comfort, the HT is certainly not lacking in appeal.

In its popular shaftdrive guise it is a passage maker, not adverse to open sea crossings, and very suitable for those wanting to cruise along at a slower, quieter, more economical pace. Ideal for someone moving from sail to power perhaps. With less wood to maintain, the rare CV is, perhaps, the more rugged of the two. It is a boat in which you could simply close the patio door and set off. Whichever you choose, HT or CV, shaft or sterndrive, these boats have an excellent reputation for quality, and are sure to deliver fun on the water for years to come.

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TARGA. THE TRUE ORIGINAL. T23.1

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T25.1

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T27.2

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WESSEX MARINE, Salterns Marina, Salterns Way, Lilliput, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8JR, England +44 (0) 1202 700702, info@wessexmarine.co.uk, www.wessexmarine.co.uk

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T46

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Kruger/ Delta II

Ideal fishing or open day boat, new Mercury 25hp, trailer

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

Princess / 25

Popular cruiser, single Volvo diesel, 2 double berths, BSS 2023

Corsiva / 595 Tender

Modern lines, large social seating, teak effect floor, takes up to 60hp

Antaris / RB18

Spacious day boat with generous seating, full cruising canopy

2016 | £8,995 | 15.4ft | 4.7m

1979 | £10,700 | 25ft | 7.6m

NEW | £15,195 | 18.9ft | 5.8m

Corsiva / 690

Moonraker / Super 36

Sheerline / 950 Tri Cabin

Creative Marine / Frolic 31

NEW | £21,250 | 22.1ft | 6.8m

1989 | £40,000 | 36ft | 11m

2000 | £79,000 | 31ft | 9.5m

1999 | £79,950 | 31ft | 9.6m

Stunning boat, large cockpit with seating for 9, takes up to 115hp

Aft cabin cruiser with twin diesel on shafts, bowthruster

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

FROM

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400 AFT CABIN

PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT ST

British built since 1980

2007 | £18,500 | 20ft | 6.1m

Elegant launch, new batteries 2019, winter cover

FROM

INTENDER 820

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PRICE AS AT JANUARY 1ST 2019 EX WORKS, INC 20% VAT

Premium Dutch Quality

Enjoy the life you live www.valwyattmarine.co.uk | 01189 403211 | info@valwyattmarine.co.uk Val Wyatt Marine, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8LH New Boat Sales | Used Craft | Moorings & Storage | Boat Maintenance

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WHITE SHARK 265 2006

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AXOPAR 28 CABIN 2019 £119,950 VAT Paid Hythe

£195,000 VAT Paid Lymington

£265,000 VAT Paid Hythe

£48,000 VAT Paid Lymington

Offshore Powerboats Ltd Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3QD +44 (0) 1590 677955 / +44 (0) 7734 144834 / enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk / www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

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

92

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

March 2020

Owners Club missing?

Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Club

www.maxumownersclub.com

www.sealineowners.com

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardboat.com/club.html

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

advertising@

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

1991 Sealine 260 Senator

£25,000 01189 403211 email address

93

Classified

1994 Targa 25

Single Volvo Penta KAD300 285hp diesel sterndrive. 2-berth, turn-key spec, Furuno chartplotter/GPS, Simrad autopilot, Lowrance HDS9, VHF DSC radio

£39,950

01202 700702 David@wessexmarine.co.uk

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

2009 Haines 320

2006 White Shark 265

Single Nanni N4.60 shaftdrive diesel. Comfortable 4-6 berth aft cabin cruiser with ensuite master aft cabin. Hydronic heating, inverter. bow & stern thrusters

Twin Yamaha F150 Four Stroke outboards. T-Topped centre console deckboat ideal for watersports. Electric windlass, Simrad chartplotter, Fusion stereo

£125,000

£48,000

01189 403211 James@valwyattmarine.co.uk

01590 677955

enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk

New and Used

Boats for Sale

Advertisement Index

01189 403211

Kruger/ Delta II

Princess / 25

Corsiva / 595 Tender

Popular cruiser, single Volvo diesel, 2 double berths, BSS 2023

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2016 | £8,995 | 15.4ft | 4.7m

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Corsiva / 690

Moonraker / Super 36

Sheerline / 950 Tri Cabin

Antaris / RB18

Spacious day boat with generous seating, full cruising canopy

2007 | £18,500 | 20ft | 6.1m

Creative Marine / Frolic 31

Stunning boat, large cockpit with seating for 9, takes up to 115hp

Aft cabin cruiser with twin diesel on shafts, bowthruster

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

Elegant launch, new batteries 2019, winter cover

NEW | £21,250 | 22.1ft | 6.8m

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2000 | £79,000 | 31ft | 9.5m

1999 | £79,950 | 31ft | 9.6m

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AMP Oceancraft/Ideal Boat........................................................... Page 53 Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas............................................................. Page 73 Finnmaster/Ideal Boat..................................................................... Page 4 JC Marine Services.......................................................................... Page 11 MDL Marinas..................................................................................... Page 9 MDS Battery....................................................................................... Page 12 Offshore Powerboats........................................................................ Page 91 Parker Poland.................................................................................... Page 23 Premier Marinas............................................................................... Page 15 Sargo Boats UK................................................................................. Page 51 Silver Boats....................................................................................... Page 21 Simrad............................................................................................... Page 13 Targa/Wessex Marine...................................................................... Page 89 Val Wyatt Marine.............................................................................. Page 90 Vetus.................................................................................................. Page 49 XO Boats/Ideal Boat........................................................................ Page 35

94

March 2020

L K what I saw

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

@

send your images to us at

editorial@

motorboatowner.co.uk

Channel shipping eclipse

Container ship shrouds the sun as it rises SPOTTED! by Neil Mountain

Dell Quay dusk

Winter sunset over Sophie’s Boatyard, Chichester SPOTTED! by Dana Stevens, RBS Marine

Mumbles horizon

View of Swansea past the Mumbles SPOTTED! by David Bagshaw

Fire light sunrise

A Great Ouse morning and sky looks like it is on fire SPOTTED! by Rob Adamson at Jones Boatyard Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

95

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