Motorboat Owner November 2018

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Motorboat NOVEMBER 2018

Owner Affordable practical boating

BOAT TEST

Parker Monaco 110 Destination Guide Shadow 26 l AMT 175 BR l Chatham Deck Shoes

RYE

Welcome to the November issue.

From the Editor

contact us

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

I have cruised along the Sussex coast more times that I can remember, usually as part of a delivery or positioning trip and, as such, I have always looked for the easy options when it comes to stopping en-route. Brighton and Eastbourne are convenient, all-tides ports that offer great facilities, fuel and more shoreside eateries than you could shake a stick at.

It’s no wonder that these two ports are at the

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

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November 2018

welcome aboard

If drying moorings and slimy ladders don’t put you off, spend a night or two in Rye. You won’t be disappointed. Page 40

I have to say I have changed my tune. The town of Rye is an absolute delight. I have never seen such a collection of original architecture in one place. It’s got a real Dickensian feel to it and, if you moved a couple of cars out of the way, some of the pictures we took while there could have been taken hundreds of years ago. It has made me realise that I should view these positioning trips as a cruise in their own right, rather than something to be endured and completed as quickly as possible. Next time I am moving between Essex and the Solent I am going to add an extra day or two to the itinerary and take the effort to work the tides and visit top of the list for anyone looking for an overnight stop along this coast. This month Rye by boat. I am also going to see what other fascinating places I may I visited, by car I might add, the Sussex have been missing out on just because port of Rye. What a revelation. I always knew this place existed, but have chosen to they are not the most convenient. never stop there due to small complications I bet every bit of coastline has got a hidden gem or two like Rye, so like its tidally restricted access and drying harbour. Pilot books showing slimy ladders sometimes it really is worth looking beyond the on the visitor berths are also a little offeasy option. putting but, having now seen the place,

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

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Contributors: Alex Smith, Ian Rycroft, Paul Crampton Cover photo: Parker Monaco 110 on test off Littlehampton by Claire Frew

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2018

REGULARS NEWS page 6 CUTTING EDGE page 22 Q&A page 34 TESTED page 68

page 68 Tested

Yamaha XTO

p16

page 52 Project Boat

Fairline Vixen

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Deck Shoes

Appendix Practical

p40

Winterising guide

p52 p56

RYE Destination Guide

p24

Shadow 26

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

AMT 175BR

p72

BOAT TESTS

Parker Monaco 110

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NEWS Court of Justice of the European Union rules against HMRC over red diesel On the 17th of October, the HMRC lost its defence against use of marked fuel (red diesel) for the purposes of propelling private pleasure craft in the UK and Northern Ireland. The court ruled that the UK had failed to fulfil its obligations under Council Directive 95/60/ EC of 27 November 1995 on fiscal marking of gas oils and kerosene (OJ 1995 L 291, p. 46). The ruling could end the use of red diesel for private pleasure craft in the UK, until such time Brexit transpires, and the impact of both of these on recreational boating is yet unknown. The majority of diesel sold at British marinas is red diesel, which is taxed at 100% when used only for propulsion, with a lower rate of tax when it is used for boat heating. A directive states that EU members must add a ‘fiscal marker’ (a red dye in the UK) to diesel which is not taxed at the full rate. Desputing the UKs practices, the European Commission indicated its intention to commence infraction proceedings against the UK in July 2011. In May 2013 the European Commission formally requested that the UK amend its legislation “to ensure that private pleasure boats such as luxury yachts can no longer buy lower taxed fuel intended for fishing boats” and issued a reasoned opinion to the UK Government, which HMRC indicated its intention to challenge in July 2013. As a result, in July 2014, the European Commission indicated that it had decided to refer the UK to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The October 2018 judgment ruling means that, while the UK remains subject to the fuel marker directive, the UK must bring its practices into line with this ruling. HMRC is now examining the judgment and will announce how and when the UK will adjust its practices in due course. The two marine bodies, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine are concerned and will be examining the impact on the leisure marine industry, and seeking urgent meetings with HMRC to discuss the next steps. The RYA said “The crux of the matter is ensuring the continued availability of diesel for the leisure boating community.”

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November 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

British Marine partners London On-Water show The UK’s marine trade association and Southampton Boat Show organiser, British Marine has formed a new partnership with the May boat show, London On-Water. Now in it’s fifth year and held at St Katharine Docks in the heart of the city, next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the show has new superyachts, motorboats, cars, luxury brands and marine equipment on display on the water and the land.

Organisers are claiming that the show will triple in size for 2019, with more boats and new features. British Marine hope to develop and enhance the event for exhibitors, sponsors and visitors alike. CEO, Lesley Robinson said “We are delighted to confirm our partnership with The London On-Water Boat Show and are very excited to be working with them to deliver a world class luxury event in this historic location at the heart of the capital.” The 4-day London OnWater Boat Show will take place Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th May 2019.

River Thames winter lock closures The Environment Agency will be carrying out its annual investment programme of works on the River Thames this winter, between October and Easter, and this will see the closure of a number of locks. The following locks will be closed from the first date listed and re-open on the day after the final date: Molesey Lock 29th October-31st January 2019, Teddington Lock 29th October-15th March 2019, Rushey Lock 1st December-1st March 2019, Cookham Lock 7th January-10th February 2019 and Caversham Lock 7th January-15th March 2019. A map showing the above closures is available via the Environment Agency website.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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NEWS Robert John Richardson Described as ‘the father of boating on the Broads’, Robert Richardson, sadly passed away on 20th October 2018, aged 95.

Robert was the co-founder of Richardson’s Boating Holidays, which now has bases in Norfolk, Suffolk and the River Thames.

Robert’s hire boat portfolio began with four row boats, which were let by his father, Robert Snr, while he served in the RAF during World War II, and in 1944 he purchased the company’s first motor cruiser. Mr Richardson Snr and Jnr then bought Old Mill House Boatyard in Oulton Broad, from which they let row boats, sailing boats and motor launches. By 1957 the hire fleet had outgrown the Oulton Broad sites, so it was moved to larger premises at Stalham where it continued to expand, creating what is thought to be the largest boatyard on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. In 1986 Horning Boatyard was purchased, followed by three boatyards in 1991. The last boatyard to be purchased was ‘Hearts Cruisers’ in Thorpe Norwich in 1992 and he then diversified with the introduction of Holiday Villages. For his achievements he was awarded the Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award by Marine Trades Association (MTA) and Boating Business in 2010. Greg Munford, Chief Executive of Richardson’s and President of British Marine said “Mr Richardson was a pioneer, innovator and an entrepreneur ahead of his time. One of the founding Fathers of post war tourism in our region. A quiet, kind and true gentleman whose passion for boating and business has allowed millions of people to enjoy our wonderful waterways in Norfolk and Suffolk, along with holidays on land through his inspired diversification into holiday parks. It is with sadness that we will be celebrating our 75th year without Mr Richardson but knowing the man he would certainly want it to be ‘business as usual.” You can read Mr Richardson’s full 75-year history via this link.

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November 2018

NEWS Rodman NEW BOATS

The Spanish commercial, military and leisure boat builder, Rodman will be launching two new models in 2019. Designed for leisure boating or fishing and the launch model of a new range, the 33 Offshore is a central console, open boat that is based on the hull of Rodman’s popular 33ft patrol boat. This outboard powered, T-topped fast fisher will be capable of 45 knots. The second new model will be the renewed 1040 ‘Evolution’, which will be available in two versions, Hard Top or Flybridge. The 6-berth 1040 has two separate cabins and will have an updated light and bright interior with hull windows for the cabin areas. Other features of its wheelhouse include stylish wraparound windows and a helmsman side door. Rodman has also announced that it will be making superstructure changes and interior design changes to its Fisher and Cruiser ranges. These include adding two stylish hull windows, with integrated circular portholes, to the Spirit models, and offering new choices of wood finishes and interior décor across all ranges.

Jeanneau & Prestige warranty As of September, the French boat builder Jeanneau and Prestige is offering its customers a new extended International warranty. Previously a 2-year general warranty was offered, but now customers will receive a 3-year general warranty, plus 5-year blister and 7-year structural warranties.

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November 2018

The complete single brand chandlery range - over 3500 products

High quality life-jackets and buoyancy aids for the leisure and professional user

Now available from Barrus

The UK’s leading marine distributor for premium brands For more information visit www.barrus.co.uk or email marine.chandlery@barrus.co.uk

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NEWS Actisense back Dorset NCI with product donation A product donation by marine electronics company, Actisense to one National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has enabled watchkeepers to accurately plot the position of ships and keep other seafarers safe off the Dorset coast. Requiring new equipment to convert incoming ship data ahead of its re-opening, the NCI watch station at Hengistbury Head approached Actisense to purchase an NGW-1 NMEA 2000 Conversion Gateway. The NGW-1 is used to link old and new boat data networks, converting NMEA 0183 data into NMEA 2000 data and vice-versa. Actisense kindly donated an NGW-1 to the watch station and its watch keepers can now accurately plot the location, course and speed of commercial and leisure vessels using AIS in Poole and Christchurch Bays on a computer. The NGW-1 has also improved the stations ability to communicate vital position information to other maritime organisations, including the RNLI or Coastguard. Watch keeper, Ed Essery, said “As a charity organisation run by volunteers, we were delighted by Actisense’s donation.”

Dredging Beaulieu River Dredging operations on the Beaulieu River are due to begin on 1st November and are expected to finish by 30 November. The visitor walk-ashore berths and the river pontoon won’t be available during this period and there will be times when the dispensing of fuel will be restricted.

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DIARY DATES East Hampshire Boat Jumble 4th November Irish Boat Jumble 7th April Beaulieu Boat Jumble April (date TBA) Norfolk Boat Jumble 14th April Poole Harbour Boat Show 7th-9th May London On-Water Boat Show 12-14th May Click any of the above for more info

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November 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

New self storage at Gosport Marina The marina operator, Premier Marinas has opened a new self storage facility at Gosport Marina. The 24/7 accessible Premier Self Store facility includes 18 individual container storage units, 10 or 20 foot in size, which are being made available to the marine community, local residents and businesses.

With sister sites already in operation at Port Solent, Eastbourne and Swanwick, the storage facility could mean no more lugging home dinghy’s, liferafts, outboards and boat bedding for the winter.

There is a minimum of 8 weeks booking and flexible rental agreements are available. Premier is also offering four weeks free for new customers.

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NEWS

Scotland’s Boat Show 2018 Despite ‘Storm Callum’ sweeping through the country, undeterred, visitors were still heading to Scotland’s Boat Show 2018 and it is being hailed as a ‘storming sucess’ by its organisers. Claimed to be the largest Scottish and the 2nd largest UK boat show, it was held once again in October at Kip Marina in Inverclyde. There was a new expanded layout for this year’s show, with an estimated 120 new and pre-owned boats on view ashore and afloat in the marina. Motorboat exhibitors included Banks Martin, Zodiac, Windermere Aquatic (with Sealine) and the Scottish businesses, Beneteau dealer DDZ Marine

and Marine Sales Scotland with a range of Quicksilver, Bayliner and Regal boats.

Kip’s onsite broker, Michael Schmidt & Partner (MSP) had a selection of motorboats afloat in the marina and these included a rare aft cabin, Cruisers Yachts 3850 for £50k, a diesel Bayliner 1988 2450, a Trusty 28 and Storebro 31 Biscay. MSP’s Roseann Sweeney said “With almost 400 viewings and many boats already under offer during the weekend, we are amazed at the success of this year’s show, given the conditions, and we are hopeful this could be one of our most successful ever”.

Out on the water, when the weather

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November 2018

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

allowed, RYA Scotland hosted free taster sessions helming motorboats and RIB driving. James Allan of RYA Scotland said. “We had a really successful three days at the show. On-water activities were rightly cancelled on the Friday, but despite this we still managed to fill nearly 150 on-water sessions over the weekend, come rain or shine.”

There was a new Riverside Inverclyde Pavilion, an undercover area hosting a diverse array of stands, including Motorboat Owner magazine, iPowerboat and C&C Marine. Outside the pavilion was a stunning 4-metre replica of the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Kelpies; a fantastic photo opportunity for visitors. Inside the main RYA Scotland Pavilion, The Cruising Association presented three days of lectures on the Sika Marine Stage, while the extended Clyde Life Pavilion hosted 40 designer, art and craft stalls, with cooking demonstrations and food stalls in the adjoining Scottish Food & Drink and Taste Inverclyde Pavilion. Adding to the mix over the show weekend was a lineup of fashion shows, pipe bands, choirs, and for children, a merry-go-round and bungee trampolining. The 2019 show will be held 11th-13th October.

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ACCESS ALL AREAS

Deck shoes

Ever wondered how deck shoes are made?

We found out at Chatham by Neale Byart

C hatham Marine Ltd is a bit of a British

success story. Started in 1989, this Exeterbased, family-run business is expanding, with sales of one million pairs of shoes in the high street and exports into emerging markets such as India and China. It is little known that Chatham actually make many of the ‘own branded’ deck shoes found in high street chains, as well as shoes in other areas such as fashion, sport and riding. While many of their products are made entirely overseas, they have a small production plant in the south west that produces their “Made in Britain”

collection. This includes their latest launch called ‘By U’. By U brings a level of customisation to the deck shoe market, allowing the purchaser to choose from a range of styles and then customise, with a choice of 10 colours, for the leather upper, the insole and the laces, with a mix and match approach. You can even have your initials etched into the innersole.

When we were invited down to Exeter earlier this year to see Chatham’s UK facilities, it was an offer we couldn’t refuse, especially as we were going to be able to see the whole process through from start

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November 2018

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Plain leather uppers are shipped in ready to be finished and customised in Chatham’s Exeter plant

to finish and come away with a pair of deckies that should, at least, be fairly unique.

The process starts with a bit of poetic licence. For something to be ‘made in Britain’ there is an allowance for a certain amount of the production to be carried out overseas, and this is the case with Chatham’s Made in Britain range. The upper leather part of the shoe is in fact produced in Indonesia using top quality, blemish free and consistently high quality hide. This is what comes through the door of the Exeter plant to be turned into the By U range, and the shoes are stacked in shelves in size order in their light 1.82.2mm thick crust leather, ready to be customised.

The first stage is the dying process, having initially masked up any parts of the shoe that needs to remain dye free, such as the inside. The light leather is perfect for colour reproduction and the first coat of dye, one of ten available colours, is applied by hand using a sponge, having first put the shoe through

Each component is hand dyed using a sponge

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Ten colours are available, with each shoe receiving two coats of dye and one of a sealing lacquer

a rigorous quality control check that rejects any that show signs of blemishes or glue transfer that may show up after dying. The quality of the initial product is good, but even so the fastidious eye of the man with the dye still means a certain percentage end up being rejected. This hand applied coat is trickier than it looks to get the perfect, even and consistent colour. I was let loose on an innersole and, despite encouraging words from

the craftsman, I am sure it hit the reject box as soon as my back was turned. The hand application of this first coat ensures that the dye penetrates into all the little nooks and crannies before the shoe upper, having been allowed to dry for up to two hours, goes off to receive its second coat in a spray booth. Meanwhile the hand dye operative can get to work on the innersoles and leather laces, which can be the same colour or, as I chose, a

After laces are added, the shoe is placed on a ‘last’ and cooked in an oven to give shape and form 18

November 2018

ACCESS ALL AREAS

mix specially made to an individual’s requirements. It is at this stage that the innersoles are also customised with the owner’s initials, if required. After extensive testing, Chatham settled on using Italian dyes from a company called Fenice, supplied through its UK distributor in Northampton.

The second coat of dye is applied using a spray gun in a small, open fronted spray booth and the skill here, as well as in the first stage, is to ensure that there is complete consistency of colour between the two shoes in a pair, as well as between batches of shoes. Once the second coat is dry, another one to two hours, the brass eyelets are cleaned of dye before the shoe is then sprayed again in the booth with a lacquer top coat to fix and protect the colour.

Once the lacquer is dry, the masking tape is removed and the leather laces are installed before the shoe upper is placed on a ‘last’, a mechanical form in the shape of a foot of the correct size, before the laces are done up and the shoe is put through an oven to heat it up to 120°C. This makes the leather contract back onto the last to give it its shape and form. While hot, the shoe can be hand finished with a hammer, if required. The bottom is then roughed up on an abrasive wheel and a solvent based polyurethane adhesive is applied to the base, and also to the sole, which is made up from three layers, including a sticky rubber used in rock climbing for extra grip, and both are left for around 30 minutes for the adhesive to become touch dry.

Then, an operative heats up the two parts and puts them together. For

The sole is primarily bonded to the upper with glue and a serious dose of vacuum pressure

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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A secondary bond of stitching is added to the sole before the sock is glued in and the shoe gets a final polish

anyone who has worked with contact adhesive, or even double sided tape, you will understand that you only get one shot at this, and after all the work that has gone into each shoe up to this stage, you really need someone with a keen eye to line them up.

With the two parts together, the shoe is placed in a vacuum pressure machine, which squeezes them together with between 60 to 90 psi. This is considered to be the primary bond, but is not the only means of keeping the two parts together. The sole is also stitched on using a Blakes stitching machine, with the operative carefully following the stitching line in the sole, before finishing off by hand. The stitching used is wax coated to prevent water from wicking up and into the shoe. The final part of the shoe to be fitted is the innersole, or sock, which is simply glued in place with latex. The shoe is then mopped on a polishing machine, to give it a nice lustre, before being boxed and shipped out.

The factory, with its current staff and around £100k worth of machinery, is capable of turning out 50 pairs of shoes per day, with the capability of up to 300 pairs with additional staff. So what did I go for? Well, being the conservative sort, I went with a two-tone blue, navy and azure, but somewhere there must be an extrovert crying to get out, because I ticked orange for the insoles. The result is rather nice, and one thing I can say for sure is that, so far, I haven’t seen another pair the same.

If you want a pair of almost unique deck shoes, you can choose between the Newton lace-up design or the Faraday slip-ons. The 10 choices of colours are:

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November 2018

ACCESS ALL AREAS

My two-tone blue combo is rather conservative, but with By U you can be as outlandish as you dare

yellow, orange, violet, navy, coffer brown/ red, pink, red, green and azure. These colours can be mixed and matched across the leather upper, the leather laces and the inner sole and you also get a choice of two sole colours. Lastly you can choose up to three initials to be added to the inner sole. Both designs are available in men’s sizes from 6 to 15. At the time of our visit, By U was not available in

women’s designs. The price for this level of customisation is £150, against a standard Newton or Faraday shoe at £120. The order process usually takes around two weeks, so if you are looking for a unique Christmas present for someone close, or even yourself, there is still time. If you do, please send in a picture. I’m sure we can find a suitable prize for the most outlandish combination. MBO

A brightly coloured innersole and yes, my middle initial really is a V

Enquiries: Chatham www.chatham.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CUTTING MeacoDry ABC

It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to protecting our boats for the winter, and the installation of heaters and dehumidifiers. We are big fans of desiccant dehumidifiers, but if you want simplicity, low running costs and a low purchasing price, compressor models are still worth considering. The new MeacoDry ABC is said to be the quietest model Meaco has ever produced, the ABC hums along at just 35dB on low speed and 40dB on high. They are available in 10 or 12-litre versions (extraction rates per day) and in black, blue, green, white and silver finishes.

Price from £139.99 www.meaco.com

Mercury V8 Verado

The 250-300hp Mercury V8 Verado engines have been revamped. The new engines use a 4.6 litre block with dual overhead cam and 32 valves, feature electro-hydraulic power steering and are compatible with Mercury digital controls. They are also available with Mercury Joystick Piloting for improved manoeuvrability. Interestingly, they come with naturally aspirated induction, meaning they are minus the supercharger that Verados have been known for. Despite this, Mercury claim they are still quicker and more fuel efficient than competitor outboards.

Price from £22,123 www.mercurymarine.com

Digital Yacht

iPads can be useful onboard boats, with a vast array of charting and boating related apps, and the new WLN10 Smart NMEA to WiFi gateway from Digital Yacht, should make them even more so. The WLN10 allows information, such as GPS, AIS and other NMEA instrumentation to be transferred wirelessly to your iPad, meaning your apps will have access to real time info. The WLN10 creates a secure WiFi network and can be programmed to integrate at different baud rates, and with multiple devices.

Price £120 www.digitalyacht.co.uk

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November 2018

the latest boating gear and technology

Spinlock Vito

The new Vito, from Spinlock, is derived from their custom Deckvest VOR 170N as worn by Volvo Ocean Race teams. The Vito is the first lifejacket to feature a new harness release system (HRS) as well as being easy to fit and adjust, comfortable, lightweight and compact. The jacket offers 170N buoyancy, comes with a spray hood, light and fitting for an MOB AIS device, and uses the Hammer Hydrostatic firing device with an extra small CO2 cylinder to reduce bulk.

Price from £250.00 www.spinlock.co.uk

Gobi Dry

One of the main ways that water ends up in our fuel tanks is through moisture in the air, that enters the fuel tank via the breather, condensing on the cold internal surfaces of the fuel tank. The Gobi Dry is one of those products that you wonder why it wasn’t developed earlier. It is simply a large container of moisture capturing silica gel crystals that you insert into the breather hose. As water is absorbed, it changes colour to show when it needs recharging, which is simply done in a domestic oven, with a span of between 6 and 18 months suggested between recharges.

Price £195.00 www.danvolt.co.uk/store

Raymarine Ray90/91

Raymarine’s modular Ray90/91 is a VHF that frees the skipper from the helm. The two units, the 91 including a built in class B AIS receiver, come with two wired handsets and up to three optional wireless units. All handsets offer full functionality, including loud hailer and fog signal generator, and can also be used for internal communications between units.

The wireless units use the latest inductive charging technology to avoid cables, connectors or ports and have built in locator alarms to help find them when left around the boat. Price from £845.00 www.raymarine.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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AMT 175BR

By Alex Smith

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November 2018

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 5.15 m Beam: 2.08 m Weight: 580 kg Fuel capacity: 60 litres People capacity: seven Power: 50-80hp Engine as tested: Honda BF80 Other engine options: Honda BF50, BF80 Price from £23,870 Price as tested £26,270

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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H

aving been to Finland every year for the last 20 or so, I’ve grown to love the place. I love the smoked fish, the woodland berries, the absurd variety of alcoholic spirits and the tendency to break into spontaneous song. I love the 80s glam rock karaoke, the penchant for violent sports, the saunas, the midnight sun and the bewildering anonymity of its vast national parks. But most of all, I love the boats.

In a nation with around 200,000 lakes and a higher proportion of boat ownership than anywhere else in the world, people know their boats intimately and they insist, beyond all things, that they’re properly conceived for everyday use. It makes a Finnish boat feel every bit as singular as the country itself and, while this pronounced cultural commitment to

boat building pragmatism has generated some fine, four-season utility craft, it has also helped spawn a more grown-up and respectable alternative to the classical American-style bowrider.

Of course, there is (and always will be) a place for the puerile pleasures of a beamy, shallow-hulled, fair weather bowrider, dripping with cup holders, stereo remotes, deck lights and lounging platforms. But in the Nordic states, there’s also a place for sensible real-world boating features, like deep freeboards and lofty screens; like wash-down furniture and ready-rigged biminis, like bow ladders, stern anchors, wraparound grab rails and anti-glare dash plates with space for serious electronics.

It makes perfect sense then that a proudly Finnish builder like AMT should add even greater practicality to the mix by

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November 2018

“AMT’s first aluminiumhulled runabout is topped with attractive fibreglass topsides”

There is thoughtfully integrated storage for four fenders. The electrical equipment is usefully separated from the aft storage box

supplementing its established fibreglass bowrider line with a new aluminiumhulled model.

Why choose aluminium?

Despite aluminium’s reputation as a light and efficient building material for small planing boats, it’s interesting to note that the performance of the fibreglass equivalent remains slightly ahead in AMT’s own trials. That’s partly down to the fact that the aluminium model is 30kg heavier and partly due to the physical capacity of each hull to shed water. While fibreglass can be moulded with very acute and cleanly resolved angles, the manufacturing process with aluminium involves the bending and welding of plates. As a result, the aluminium model lacks the spray rails of the fibreglass craft, Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

so when it encounters a bit of chop, it incurs greater drag and tends to lose a little more pace. The shallower angles of the aluminium model (which has an 18-degree deadrise compared to the 20 degrees of the GRP craft) no doubt help mitigate the difference, but the fact remains that, like for like, the fibreglass bowrider has the edge.

So given that it is slightly heavier, slightly slower and slightly harder riding, what exactly is the point of the new aluminium-hulled variant of the AMT 175 BR? Well aside from the fact that AMT’s Swedish and Finnish customers have spent the last couple of years asking for it, the central idea is that, while glossy, oxidation-free GRP is likely to continue to win favour for coastal use, aluminium will prove the more effective choice for those

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The aft boarding points work around the bench seat and the ready-rigged canvas

whose recreation involves lots of shallowwater running and trailer work. After all, while an owner of the fibreglass 175 is unlikely to enjoy the idea of running his boat up a beach, tying off at the bow and stepping ashore for a picnic, owners of the aluminium equivalent can embrace a more carefree approach, safe in the knowledge that the hull is designed to take the abuse.

Aside from the alloy hull, the other thing that immediately strikes you about the new AMT is the screen. It’s truly huge by the standards of most small recreational runabouts and yet it avoids the dreaded ‘Noddy Car’ aesthetic of so many compact Hard Top models by virtue of its gentle blue tint, its subtly graduated rake and the thoughtful absence of any vertical mullions or oppressive frames. A peripheral grab rail, with a neatly spaced fist gap seems to float around its upper

edge and, like the main part of the screen, the central walk-through partition is a single, one-piece, frame-free Perspex door that hinges open or closed in its entirety.

It eradicates the need for the clumsy plastic partitions so often used to protect the cockpit occupants and, in addition to improving protection and making access to the bow much simpler, it also does good things for the AMT’s style.

Despite the back end of the screen on this engagingly squat and upright little boat terminating just behind the driver’s elbow, the levels of refinement in the cockpit are also extraordinarily good for a 17 footer. Certainly, there are some classical aluminium noises from the forward section of the hull as the water clicks and spits underway (noises which are conspicuous by their absence on some of the competition), but there’s

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November 2018

“The helm protection is superb for a boat of this scale”

no doubt that sound levels of 70 decibels at idle, rising to just 86 decibels at wideopen-throttle, are really extraordinary for a compact, outboard-powered, aluminium day boat. These readings do of course increase as you move aft, into the windblast at the port and starboard quarters, but the combined impact of the deepset deck and the elevated screen drives the wind so far up that, when you perch at the centre of the aft bench, it actually curls back into the low-pressure zone of the cockpit and hits you in the back of the head.

Back up at the wheel, things are just as you would have them. The helm and co-pilot positions both come with foot braces, adjustable seats, cup holders and easy grabbing points. And while it might be an accidental quirk of the design, there’s also a very useful moulded ledge Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

for the skipper’s throttle arm. The dash is mounted in a vertical position which helps improve dial visibility and it’s coated with a classy matt grey fabric to help minimise glare. True, some extra storage for small items wouldn’t hurt, but the anti-glare technique works a treat, so it would be good to see it rolled out onto the shiny white port console too.

In fact, while storage on the 175 is not massive, it certainly seems to work as hard as the skeletal necessities of boat building enable it to. For instance, there’s no under-deck storage beneath the cockpit because every spare inch inside the relatively shallow hull is occupied by the stringers, the damping foam and the fuel tank. There’s very little to speak of in the bow either, as the space and depth has been preserved for easy movement, but the port console is very generous

29

PERFORMANCE RPM

and the aft bench does a very neat job of compartmentalising the space, allowing you to dump your gear in the storage box without concern for your electrics. It’s a satisfying solution and it’s matched by equally considerate touches elsewhere, like the twin fender holders; like the dedicated hatch for the fuel filter and primer; and like the beautifully machined ‘AMT’ aluminium plates, which slot neatly over the deck drains.

Underway As an aluminium 17-footer with a 60 to 80hp rating, AMT’s 175 was never designed to be a race machine, but performance with the top-rated Honda

650 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

Range (nm)

2.0 2.8 4.1 5.7 6.5 7.6 16.9 21.6 25.2 29.0 32.0 33.6

0.9 1.8 3.0 5.0 7.5 10.8 10.2 12.6 18.3 23.4 30.3 34.4

0.24 0.48 0.79 1.32 1.98 2.85 2.69 3.33 4.83 6.18 8.00 9.09

8.33 5.83 5.19 4.32 3.23 2.67 6.28 6.49 5.22 4.69 4.00 3.70

106.7 74.7 65.6 54.7 41.6 33.8 79.5 82.3 66.1 59.5 50.7 46.9

BF80 is exactly where it needs to be. We’re planing within three seconds and, while a maximum speed of 34 knots might seem modest, there’s plenty of poke available, enabling you to lift the nose or inject a bit of pace when the wave shapes demand it.

Handling is excellent too and, while there does tend to be a little slamming on the side when you’re heeled over mid-turn with some chop on your beam, the general quality of ride at modest paces like these is very decent indeed.

30

November 2018

With its bracing points for your feet and your throttle arm, the helm is just right. The Honda 80hp option is good for 34 knots

“With the maximum 80hp on the transom, throttle response is lively” In terms of its cruising ability, a fuel tank of just 60 litres certainly isn’t huge, particularly as a boat like Buster’s perennially successful ‘X’ model is equipped with 100-litre capacity. However, it will furnish even the lively driver or watersports enthusiast with a 50 or 60 nautical mile range; and the more frugal boater can expect 70 to 80 nautical miles, which is easily enough for most family days out.

As for engine choice, the comparative figures make for interesting reading. You could save more than £800, more than 50kg of transom weight and more than 30cm of transom space by opting for the 998cc BF60 rather than the 1,496cc BF80, or you could save even more by spec’ing Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

the three-cylinder 808cc BF50. But it seems to me that the maximum 80hp motor is the engine to go for. After all, it’s a conspicuous asset that this boat is rated to carry seven people rather than the industry’s more standard six; and if you want to take advantage of the 175’s watersports potential as well as its carrying capacity, the extra torque of the bigger block is worth the investment. If you anticipate that you and your family will want to use a variety of onboard electrical devices, then again, the bigger engine with its uprated charging capacity, is undoubtedly a better way to achieve that, and not only does it bring you a more entertaining drive but a larger engine at lower revs is also part of what

31

brings this boat such refined cruising manners.

Conclusion The hybrid runabout is not a new concept.

The likes of Yamarin, Buster, Falcon and Silver already offer some very convincing aluminium bowrider packages in both full and hybrid forms - but for the many fans of Honda-AMT’s longstanding partnership, the addition of an aluminium option to the company’s four-strong fibreglass bowrider line will come as very welcome news.

With its deep bow deck, easy boarding points, supremely secure cockpit, novicefriendly aluminium hull and modest power requirements, this bowrider is rich with Nordic pragmatism. In terms of its lighter weight, softer ride and more efficient plane,

In terms of outright performance, the fibreglass model still has the edge

the fibreglass model still has the edge, but if you want a boat for tidal estuary exploration around the UK, this quick-planing, easydriving sportsboat is a fine ambassador not just for the merits of aluminium but for the merits of the Finnish approach.

ENQUIRIES: AMT Boats For your local dealer visit www.amtboats.fi YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Buster X

Falcon BR5

Silver Hawk BR

LOA: 5.25m Beam: 2.01m Displacement: 480kg Enquiries: Yamaha Motor 01932 358000 www.yamaha-motor.eu

LOA: 5.43m Beam: 2.05m Displacement: 630kg Enquiries: T L Harvey Marine 01215 688837 www.tlharveymarine.com

LOA: 5.40m Beam: 2.17m Displacement: 570kg Enquiries: River Shack Boats 01202 489634 www.rivershackboats.co.uk

Efficient seven-man day boat with removable furniture pods, Yamaha power and a 100-litre fuel tank.

PRICE from £28,120

The 35-knot, six-man BR5 is the entry point to Bella’s new aluminiumhulled Falcon line.

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Seven-man ‘Alufibre’ hybrid with a 100hp transom, a 105-litre fuel tank and optional sunpad.

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32

November 2018

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Broom 1070 delivery

Q I have just finalised purchase

on a used Broom 1070 that is based on the lower east coast and am thinking about getting it transported to my home berth in the Solent. Doing the sums, there does not appear to be much difference in cost between having it transported by road and taking it by sea.

Is there any reason why I should consider one way over the other?

A Having bought two boats from the Solent, that needed bringing back to the

east coast, I have always chosen the on-the-water delivery option. Having said that, with an unknown boat, having it taken by road is usually the stress free choice. Things to consider are: 1. Weather, do you have enough time to sit out any potential bad weather?

Having to meet a deadline is a recipe for problems, so you need to allow a good window with plenty of spare time in the schedule. Alternatively, be prepared to leave the boat somewhere en-route and come back to it later, understanding that this will also increase your delivery costs.

2. Your experience, are you experienced enough to consider a trip like this? It’s easy enough to do, but the Thames estuary needs careful planning and a few of the headlands en-route need treating with care. You could consider hiring a delivery skipper and offering yourself as crew if you are unsure.

3. The boat, is it up to the trip? A new-to-you boat may present some unforeseen problems on a trip like this, particularly if it has been sat idle for some time while awaiting a buyer. Although a survey may have confirmed structural integrity, it will say little about mechanical systems. A comprehensive service history may ease your mind a bit, but do you have the spares, tools and skills to diagnose and fix problems that a shakedown trip like this might throw up?

If you can answer yes to the above, I would say definitely go for a delivery by sea. There is no better way to get to know your new boat. If, however, you are unsure, get it delivered by road. You can then get to know the boat over a few shorter, local trips and build confidence in it slowly.

34

November 2018

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Birchwood 22 performance

Q I am looking at buying a Birchwood 22 with a 115hp Volvo petrol inboard. I was told that the boat should be good for around 20 knots, but on a sea trial it would not go above 9 knots. Do you agree that this engine should provide better performance than we were seeing?

A 115hp in a relatively heavy 22 footer is a bit marginal. I suspect that it

may have achieved somewhere close to 20 knots when it was new and lightly loaded, although I would think 18 knots is more likely, but wear on the engine, the weight of extra kit and any fouling on the hull, drive and prop will quickly knock that down. In reality, with marginal power it does not take much to stop a boat getting over the ‘hump’ and so you get stuck at displacement speeds, as you experienced. Another possibility is that the prop has been changed at some point in its life for better river performance. I don’t have specific prop data for this boat, but suspect it should be either 13 x 13 or 14 x 13 for fast speed work.

At best, with the engine running perfectly, the hull clean, the prop free of any damage, and the correct size, and the boat shed of all excessive weight, you might see it get over the hump and onto slow planning speeds, but I wouldn’t expect to see much beyond around 16 knots now. If faster speeds are what you need in a 22, I would suggest looking for one fitted with the more common 130hp engine, or even a 170hp version. If, on the other hand, you are going to be based inland, the 115hp motor should be fine.

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35

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Running a V8 inland

Q I am looking to buy a

sportscruiser to use on the Broads.

Most of the ones I am looking at, that fall within my budget, appear to have a single V8 petrol engine. I am quite aware of how juicy these can be when at speed, but what sort of running costs am I looking at when cruising at river speeds?

A At displacement speeds, a single V8 petrol engine is likely to consume

somewhere in the region of 1 to 2 gallons, or 5 to 10 litres, per hour. With the throttle just clicked into gear it will likely be the lower amount, but add a few revs and you could easily creep towards the upper figure, although you won’t see a doubling of boat speed for your expense, as the fuel will get used to create extra wash, so keep it slow and you will find a V8 can actually deliver economical boating. Just a word of warning though, please do fit a CO detector to the boat. Petrol engines give off far more CO than a diesel, and a following wind, or a breeze on the stern when moored and running, can quickly cause a dangerous build-up of this odourless gas in an enclosed cockpit or down below.

Is my QSD a VW engine?

Q The boat I have just bought is fitted

with a QSD 2.0 litre 115hp four-cylinder MerCruiser diesel engine. I am told that it is basically a VW engine. Is that correct?

A I believe that the base engine for this

MerCruiser unit is in fact an Italian VM engine. Looking at the VM website, I suspect that it is based on their MR 504 engine.

36

November 2018

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Fairline Mirage Volvo MD21B cable

Q The throttle cable

on my Fairline Mirage broke the other day. I had previously replaced it in 2007, so it had been fitted for 11 years, and the boat had done about 500 hours in that time. I asked the supplier if they thought this was a problem and was told that 11 years is a reasonable length of time for a cable to last. I had not previously thought about replacing cables as part of routine maintenance, but am now having second thoughts. Do you have any comments regarding this? Perhaps cables should be replaced every ten years or so? The engine is a Volvo Penta MD21B and the break was at the end of the inner cable where it goes into the crimp.

A To be honest, I have never thought of replacing cables as part of routine

maintenance. They usually start to cause problems, such as notchy or stiff operation, that instigates replacement, before they actually break in my experience. Come to think of it, I have never had one break on me, and I am sure that those in our Sealine are the original cables from 1997, so 11 years does seem a bit soon to be snapping. Having said that, the crimped end is always going to be a weak point, so perhaps regular checks of the ends, as part of your annual maintenance, would be a good idea and, if there are any signs of broken strands, get them replaced. I’ll certainly be checking mine next time I am on the boat.

The displacement Fairline Mirage 29 Aft Cabin, was built between 1981-84 and fitted with a single 36hp Volvo MD17D, 61hp MD21B, or twin MD17Ds 38

November 2018

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Guernsey Rye Boaters that dare to dry out are sure to fall in love, as we unlock the secrets of the East

by Claire Frew Sussex hidden gem that is Rye

N

estled just west of the intriguing peninsular of Dungeness lies a unique and unspoilt historic town that has attracted tourists and sheltered seafarers for centuries. The fortified hilltop town of Rye in East Sussex

is simply magical, and despite having just a tidal drying harbour basin for its boating visitors, the adventurous boater is well catered for, for spending days of historic time-travel and exploration of this beautiful, Dickensian town.

40

November 2018

Destination

RYE

Ramsgate Dover

Brighton

Rye

ENGLISH CHANNEL

Rye’s original Medieval citadel was established on a hilltop, almost surrounded by water. The two important ancient industries, shipbuilding and the wool trade, brought wealth to the town.

Consequently, through the years, its harbour provided shelter for warships and the shipping trade, and known as a Cinque Port, it is believed to have been one of the most important harbours in the country. However, its position on the narrowest section of the English Channel meant the threat of a seaborne invasion

Boulogne

was inevitable and Rye saw repeated attacks from the French. On one such attack, in 1377, fires swept through the town, causing much destruction. One of the few buildings left standing, poised on the edge of the town’s hill, was Rye Castle’s Baddings Tower, now known as Ypres Tower. Another landmark left standing is the formidable Landgate drawbridge, which was one of two town gates at the time. The town was rebuilt and fortified further, and its resurrection seemed to be ignited by a royal visit from Elizabeth I in

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

History and charm around every bend, the pebbled Mermaid Street, Landgate and a unique bench

1573, who dubbed it ‘Rye Royale’.

Today Rye remains very much unspoilt and positively dripping in history. The town’s labyrinth of pebbled streets are lined with beautifully preserved timberclad, listed buildings, with Georgian and Victorian residences cascading down the hillside. It is picture postcard perfection. It

is no wonder that it is the setting for many period productions. Walking its pebbled streets, amongst the ancient buildings and terracotta roofed timbered homes, you can easily imagine yourself in times when smugglers skulked in its alley shadows, dewy streets were lit by candlelight and decorated carriages, carrying rich nobles, clattered along the pebbled streets. The town’s characterful and devoutly noncommercial High Street is lined with independent boutiques, traditional tea rooms, cafés, art galleries and shops selling curiosities, crafts, jewellery and antiques.

The hilltop town is now located roughly two miles from the coast, and its harbour, a confluence of the three rivers, the Brede, Tillingham and Rother, is governed by the Environment Agency and home to a fishing fleet and several leisure boatyards.

During the 1800s Rock Channel was a centre for Not to be confused with the town harbour, the small village of Rye Harbour now shipbuilding. Sadly it declined in the 1900s 42

November 2018

Destination

RYE

Distances

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Rye Harbour: • Eastbourne 23 miles • Dover 28 miles • Brighton 41 miles • Boulogne 41 miles • Ramsgate 43 miles

Weather The town stocks overlook 17th century inn, the Ypres Castle and its medieval garden

resides close to the entrance, next to a preserved Martello Tower and bordering the town’s marsh nature reserve. Here you will find a pub, RNLI lifeboat station, public slipway, café and chandlery.

Rye is a treasure, and we guarantee that you will leave captivated and wanting to visit again.

Approaches

A visit to Rye requires careful planning, in tidal, navigation and weather. The approaches to Rye should not be attempted in strong winds, particularly onshore, and visitors should avoid entering at night or in fog. You will need to be aware of the Lydd MOD firing range, which extends south west of Dungeness and south of nearby Camber Sands, particularly if you are approaching from the east. Firing times can be obtained from the Harbour Master’s office (01797 225225) or Range Patrol can be contacted on VHF channel 73 or 13. Navigational advice can be found via Environment Agency (EA) ‘Rye Harbour’ web page.

As with any drying harbour, looking

• Met Office Inshore Waters North Foreland to Selsey Bill • Met Shipping Forecast Dover • Weather buoys Greenwich Lightship & Sandettie Lightship • Willy Weather forecast Rye Bay • Weather Pevensey Bay & Seaford • BBC weather forecast Rye

Charts & Pilot Books • Imray 2100 Kent & Sussex pack • Imray C8 Dover Strait - North Foreland to Beachy Head and Boulogne Passage Chart • Reeds Nautical Almanac • Shell Channel Pilot

Further afield

At a distance of 23 nautical miles, Eastbourne, with its modern locked Sovereign Harbour Marina, is the ideal springboard for passages to and from Rye. In the east, the harbours of Dover and Ramsgate are also well set up for visiting motorboaters. Cross channel passages are also feasible from Rye, with French ports such as Boulogne just 40 nautical miles away. For such passages you will need to cross the busy traffic separation scheme (TSS) at 90 degrees.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

RYE HARBOUR Strand Quay

RYE

Visitor Jetty

see inset

Slipway

Harbour Office

see inset

Town Centre

YAR D S AT

EL

Visitor Moorings

BO

Training Wall

Strand Quay RIVE R BR EDE

R OC

KC

NN HA

River Brede Moorings

RYE TOWN

s ree eg

9d

32

A visit to drying Rye needs careful planning. Pictured, the approaches to the Harbour Office and Strand Quay Rye Fairway

thus we would recommend careful studying of an up to date chart and also looking at the latest satellite imagery prior to a visit. A visit to Strand Quay by road to look at the drying quay bed at low water springs may also be useful.

Approach from the safe water mark, Rye Fairway Buoy, which is located 1.8 nautical miles off the entrance. In Rye Bay keep a look out for fishing pots and gill nets. Rye’s approach channel is well marked and carves its way in a north

s

ree eg 9d

32

Visitor ideally for bigger tides is essential, Jetty approaching a spring. At Rye, the tidal range on a neap is usually 2 metres, Harbour or just Slipway below, and up toOffice 4 metres on a spring tide, with bigger tides tending to fall conveniently over the midday-1pm/ lunchtime period.

TrainingTide times are available via the Rye Harbour Wall EA website.

Visiting boats take to the ground, on a soft mud bed, at Strand Quay. This is approximately 2.6 nautical miles upriver from the entrance via a twisty channel,

Ry

ŠRye Harbour

44

November 2018

Destination

RYE

Transport

All visitors need to report in at the Harbour Office, which is on the starboard (east) bank

westerly direction through vast mud flats, with steep, weather-sculpted pebble beaches beyond on each side. You will note that the popular seaside holiday haunt of Camber Sands lies directly to the east. Two training walls, reaching out into the English Channel, mark the entrance. They submerge with the tide but are well marked by navigation beacons.

A western breakwater rises up out of the beach landscape, this is aligned with the longest of the two training walls to port, which is marked at its southern end with a large port beacon, a red painted tripod-shaped metal structure. To the east, harbour information is displayed on a green board with a starboard beacon on top, and above this board are traffic signals to alert boaters of shipping movements off the small wharf at Rye Harbour (very occasionally, with pilots). From here there follows-on several starboard beacons, marking the starboard training wall. It is here, if you have not already done so, we would suggest calling up the harbour, callsign ‘Rye Harbour’ on VHF 14 or telephone 01797 225225, letting them know your intentions. The Harbour Office is equipped with a ‘super-duper’ pair of binoculars, so the team may well already have you in sight and be able to guide you

Stagecoach buses operate regular routes from Rye (route map here), such as the 342 or 100 The Wave to Winchelsea and Hastings, and the 102 The Wave to Camber, Dungeness and Dover, with bus stops at Rye’s Strand Quay, Undercliff and Rye Station.

Southern Railway operates services along the coast, east to Ashford International for connections to London Kings Cross St Pancras (Eurostar), Dover and Canterbury, and west to Hastings, Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton. Another great way to see the area is by bike.

If you don’t have your own onboard, Rye Bay EBikes offer electric bike hire and guided tours of the area.

Tours and bike hire can be between 30 minutes to all day and with these you can take in the Rye’s sights, the neighbouring town of Winchelsea and the Rye Nature Reserve. For route ideas and pricing see website.

Where to fill up

We would recommend having enough fuel to arrive and depart Rye. There is a private diesel fuel berth for commercial fishing boats, but no other riverside fuel outlet in Rye. Waterside fuel, unleaded and diesel, is available at Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour Marina, Dover Marina and Ramsgate Marina. For fuel in cans there is a Murco garage to the east of town, just off the A259 main road.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

Rye Harbour, visitors moor temporarily against the timber/metal jetty, near the green notice board

in if necessary.

To allow for enough time to get up to the moorings at Strand Quay, visitors should aim to be at entrance exactly an hour before high water. Once within the training walls the harbour speed limit is 6 knots. All visitors must tie up and report in at the Harbour Office on arrival.

This is located approximately a mile (10 minutes) from the entrance on the starboard side, and overlooks the first of two jetties. Heading for the second long timber/metal jetty, visiting boats can moor up temporarily against this, next to the southern-

most set of steps and marked by a green sign with instructions as such. Although the piles are sheathed with rubber, you will need to be well fendered. We would suggest coming alongside port side to, thus stemming the incoming tide. The north section of the jetty is often occupied by fishing and charter vessels. Avoid using the ladders to get ashore, as these may be slippery, instead using the inset steps.

At the Harbour Office you will be met

by Harbour Master, Jason Bateman or his Deputy Karl, who will issue you with a harbour plan, a printed aerial image with facilities marked, and will advise you on the next part of your journey up to Strand

46

November 2018

Destination

RYE

Marine supplies

Passage up to Strand Quay, The Rock Channel shown looking east approaching low water

Quay. The office has a CCTV view of the moorings at Strand Quay and should be able to direct you to a suitable berth.

The passage up to Strand Quay will take you approximately 20 minutes (1.7 nautical miles). Again 2018 satellite views of the harbour show the channels at low water and are a useful navigation aid. Here you will travel up the River Rother in a north-westerley direction, before turning west, then south west into the River Brede, into what is known locally as the ‘Rock Channel’ and taking the branch north into the River Tillingham to Strand Quay. The north bank (the town hill side) of the Rock Channel has a cluster of boatyards on the foreshore, which are followed by attractive multi-storey waterside properties. Before the junction for Strand Quay you will pass the River Brede Moorings boatyard which has pontoon and staging moorings to port. At this point the Brede continues on through a lock gate. Turning north for Strand Quay, two red triangles (seen next to a slipway on the starboard side) provide a transit up the channel. Soon Strand Quay will come into view, distinguished by its longstanding resident, Fairmile World War II gunboat, RML526 and the River Haven Hotel and Restaurant to port.

A sluice gate at the end of Strand Quay

The River Brede Moorings boatyard (01797 226213) is equipped with a crane that can lift boats up to 18 tonnes and offers hard standing and boat repairs. Two more potentially useful boatyards in the Rock Channel are Rock Channel Marine (01797 223234) and Moon Marine (01797 222679) with its stock of new and used chandlery items. Next to the slipway at Rye Harbour is the small chandlery, Rye Harbour Marine (01797 227667) which provides marine spares and is also an outboard specialist for brands such as Honda, Mercury and Tohatsu.

Food supplies

In town you will find local butchers, delis, bakers and green grocers, such as Rye Butchers, in Cinque Ports Street, with a greengrocers directly next door. You can eat and purchase freshly-prepared fish (including smoked) and seafood from Rye Bay Fish in New Road, to the east of town. A supermarket and post office (with two cash points), Jempsons, can be found close to Rye Station in Station Approach, which is open 6am-10pm Mon-Sat and closed on Sundays. The supermarket is a 6 minute (0.3 mile) flat walk from Strand Quay. It is also worth noting that a weekly market takes place every Wednesday between 10am-1pm on Strand Quay selling a mixture of produce.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

47

Strand Quay dries to mud that is soft enough for all kinds of stern gear, shafts included, to sink into

quay wall. Deploy long mooring catenary lines, which can be re-adjusted from onboard, if necessary. We would always Visitors will be directed to moor alongside recommend staying aboard when your east quayside wall. This is most convenient boat first takes to the ground.

Visiting boats up to 10 metres are for the town, quayside restaurants, and charged a flat rate of ÂŁ20 a day, and those also the coded harbour toilet and shower facilities which are located just across the over 10 metres are ÂŁ25 per day. There is road. Here, spaced wooden piles front the water and shorepower available along the quayside. Always ensure that you have corrugated metal quay walls and these double as mooring posts on the concrete- sufficient cable deployed for the tidal topped quayside. There are also irregularly range and the harbour master asks that visitors disconnect the shorepower before spaced wooden ladders, which can be venturing ashore. There is also a Petanque slimey, and some mooring rings on this marks the end of navigation.

Where to moor

Visiting boats need to use long catenary lines to dry out. Inset, the Strand Quay red triangle transit 48

November 2018

Destination

RYE

pitch on the east quay side.

Trailboating

The main public slipway is at Rye Harbour village pictured, which is directly opposite the Harbour Office. This is the fairly wide and well maintained concrete ramp, shared with the Rye Lifeboat, that slopes north (upstream) and has railings to mark the channel edge. There is another shorter ramp downstream, sloping east directly into the channel, which is used by the overlooking sailing club. We would only recommend use of this for smaller tenders, jet skis and hand launches at high water, as this gradual concrete slope has a drop off. Parking for trailers and tow vehicles is subject to availability, and along the gravel-topped breakwater and sailing club fence line. Be aware that this public car park has been known to submerge on exceptionally large tides, so at such times parking behind the seawall is recommended. Trailboaters can pay their daily fee of £14 at the Harbour Office or at the chandlery, Rye Harbour Stores, located at the slipway entrance (next to the café).

Jet Ski users are not permitted to venture upstream. There is a second public slipway on the east side of Strand Quay. This wide

Trailboaters can grab a drink and a bite at the nearby, William the Conqueror, at Rye Harbour

concrete ramp is behind a locked barrier and usage again is administered by the Harbour Office.

Where to eat & drink

There is a fantastic choice of restaurants both in the hill top town centre and also along Strand Quay. Also, being an active fishing harbour, it is not surprising that fish features on many menus and there are several fish restaurants in the town.

With parts dating back to the 12th century, the timber-clad Mermaid Inn in the pebbled Mermaid Street has many captivating stories to tell. You can sip local ale and eat in its Giant’s Fireplace Bar, or dine in its sophisticated and

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

49

KEY 1 Visitors Toilets & Showers 2 Rye Heritage Centre

3

14

3 The Ship Inn 4 Simply Italian 5 The Mermaid Inn

£1

7 Ypres Tower

13

8 Ypres Castle Inn 9 The George in Rye

18

10 Catcher O’ Rye

£ £ £

11 Rye Castle Museum 12 Kino Cinema

15 The School of Wizards and Witches

18 Apothecary Coffee House

ST RA ND

3

11

RI VE R

6

4

QU AY

RO TH

7 8

17 IL L NH TOW

I LL

17 The Old Borough Arms

12

5

15

1

H WN TO

16 River Brede Moorings

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9

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13 Mahdi Lounge 14 Thai House

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2

N HILL TOW

6 St Mary’s Church

Slipway Fuel Train Station

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RIV ER

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EDE BR

16

Bus Stop

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NE

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TO RY AND E HAR NAT BOU URE R VIL RES LAG E ER V E

£ Cash point 1

Jempsons Supermarket

2

Rye Butchers

3

Rye Bay Fish Footpath High Street

Strand Quay is convenient for the town. Apothecary Coffee House and Old Borough Arms, pictured

upmarket, white-tableclothed restaurant.

In Rye’s High Street, the newly renovated George Hotel, with its pretty courtyard garden, dates back to 1575 and is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes charcoal fired steaks and seafood dishes. A popular family fish restaurant, also in this street, is the Catcher in Rye (01797 458030). For those craving a curry, there is Mahdi Spice (01797 222830) and Mahdi Lounge (01797 223091) in Cinque Ports Street. For Thai lovers there is the Thai House (01797

Church Square in the citadel is a delight

222327) in Tower Street in town.

For those not wishing to make the cobbled climb into town, there is a good choice of watering holes and eateries a stones throw from Strand Quay. These include Simply Italian, The Ship Inn, the Old Borough Arms and its Mermaid Street Café, Greek Kitchen, Café on the Quay and Kettle o’ Fish, many of which are housed inside old shipping warehouses.

Places to visit

A leisurely walkabout the town should be high on your list of priorities. The town is easily accessible from Strand Quay by ascending the pebbled Mermaid Street. But a word of warning, when exploring Rye’s pebbled streets, we would recommend leaving your deck shoes aboard the boat, as the terrain can be a little hardgoing for thin soles. Fear not though, as there are plenty of diversions and charming tea shops in town to rest tired feet.

However, possibly one of your first

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Destination

RYE

Rye’s high street is unspoilt and full of temptation. The fortified Ypres Tower commands superb views

stops should be the Rye Heritage Centre at Strand Quay. Here you can pick up a town map, learn about the history of the town through a scale model and 20-minute show, and download a free walking audio tour (approx. 2 hours) or book a tour with a guide. Ghost guided walks after dark are also available. There is also an interesting Old Pier Penny Arcade upstairs.

We would recommend taking in the views across the red, terracotta-roofed town skyline from St Mary’s church tower, which is the oldest building in Rye. Not for the faint hearted, negotiating a spiral staircase, a narrow passageway and climbing a ladder is rewarded with panoramic views over the town. Adults are £4 and children are free with each accompanying adult, otherwise £1.

The 13th century Rye Castle, known as Ypres Tower, perches high on the edge of the town’s hill and has warded off attacks from seaward for centuries. Through its long history, the castle has had various other roles too, serving as a private

dwelling, court hall, town jail (with stocks in its grounds) and mortuary. It is now a museum which provides superb river views and is open to the public between April to October 10:30-5pm and 10:303pm during the winter months, November to March. The Rye Castle Museum in East Street also makes for an interesting visit.

On those rainy days in Rye you can enjoy the latest film releases at the town’s Kino cinema in Lion Street. For families a magical, fun-packed 1-2 hour show at The School of Wizards and Witches is bound to be a hit.

There are also so many stunning coast and country walks and cycling routes in the area, taking in sights such as the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and nearby medieval Bastide town of Winchelsea.

With regular running bus routes, the historic towns of Hastings, Battle and Winchelsea are within easy reach, while to the east of Rye, the only sand dune on East Sussex coastline, Camber Sands is another worthwhile visit. MBO

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Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

I

t’s been a quiet couple of months on the project boat front. Attending two boat shows in as many months hasn’t left much time for workshop tinkering.

Having said that, there has been a little movement in a couple of areas, even if much of this was, in effect, to move the problems on to someone else. Yes, that’s right, my usual DIY only policy has been broken, but not without good reason.

When we last reported on the Fairline’s progress, there were two problems I was facing. The first of these was that the remnants of the bolts that held the bellhousing to the transom mount were still stuck fast and showing little sign of movement. I had been applying penetrating fluid over a period of weeks

and, due to the fact that I could not get any type of stud extractor that I currently own to get a decent grip, I decided to invest in a good quality pair of new vice grips.

With the new grips tightened firmly around the first broken stud, I applied heat and penetrating fluid while wiggling the vice grips back and forth just a small amount in the hope of getting things started. My experience with the one stud that I did manage to remove was that, if I could get the merest hint of movement, I would be able to get the thing out. I initially thought I was winning, until the slight movement back and forth turned into a sudden jolt as the shaft sheared just about level with the surface. Suddenly I had made the job a whole lot harder for myself

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November 2018

Despite using heat, penetrating fluid and gentle persuasion, the bellhousing stud broke again

and there were still another three broken studs that needed removing.

I already had an appointment with my local engineering workshop to discuss the corroded exhaust port on the cylinder head so, after removing the valve stem oil seals with some long nose pliers and the spring seat with a magnet, I took the now completely stripped head and bell housing for a consultation. While I was at it, I sought his advice on the aluminium spacer ring that had broken during the initial battle to remove the bellhousing.

This ring of aluminium is still available as a new part, but at a significant cost.

After inspecting what was left of it, I have been advised that one can be produced

from scratch for a much smaller number.

I was also advised that with access to significantly hotter heat that my little propane gas torch could muster, he would also be able to remove the stuck studs in the bellhousing. So, these two jobs, together with the welding and machining that the corroded cylinder head would need, which was always going to have to be a professional job, is how I have ended up passing this little part of the Fairline’s restoration over to someone else.

Unfortunately this leaves me a little in limbo in terms of moving the job forward.

Precision engineers are worth their weight in gold and if you have one locally, make sure you make use of their services. Good

The last few bits were removed from the cylinder head before it was sent off for professional work Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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The engine bearers were showing evidence of delamination and cracking in their GRP coat

The cracks and loose fibreglass were ground out and the area cleaned up with acetone, ready for re-laminating

ones are hard to find, and this means that they are usually pretty busy, so my jobs are in the queue and I just need to be patient while I wait to get them back. Once I do, I will be able to reassemble the cylinder head and finally get the engine back together.

In the meantime, and with a view that it may actually not be too long before the engine is ready to go back into the boat, I thought I would tackle another job that has been on the list for some time. Back when I was cleaning out the engine bay, having removed the engine, I noticed some delamination of the fibreglass on the engine bearers. The wood below was still solid, so this was nothing more than a cosmetic and protective issue, but needed to be tackled to ensure the future integrity of the bearers. With face mask and safety goggles on, I set to work on the GRP with an angle grinder and a 60 grit flap disc. In a little under an hour, and with me resembling a snowman, the delaminated GRP had been ground away.

The area was then cleaned up and the bearers, and surrounding area, wiped down with acetone in preparation of re-fibreglassing.

Then it was just a case of applying a couple of layers of 2oz chopped strand matting over

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Both engine bearers were ground down to bare wood or solid fibreglass

each of the bearers and leaving it to dry. All the fibreglassing materials were left over from the transom strengthening job I carried out on the Mayland earlier this year, so there has been no actual spend this month, which is a good thing, because I have a feeling I may have a decent sized bill coming soon from an engineering company. I was hoping to get some painting done during these last few weeks, either on the engine block or the engine bay, but time got the better of me again. I hope to be able to get both of these jobs done next month before the weather really turns. While I can carry on working in my heated workshop throughout the year, most bilge paints require a minimum temperature of 5°C for application, and I don’t think we have many weeks left of 2018 where I can rely on that.

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend £0

Total to date: £1,149.76

Each engine bearer was given two coats of 2oz chopped strand matting which, when dry, will be painted in preparation of re-installing the engine

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Shadow 26

W

idely regarded as a boat that belies its size, the Shadow 26 is one of those rarities that seems to have withstood the test of time, remaining popular to this day. Often pigeon holed as a riverboat, it is also something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The 26 was designed by British naval architect, Bill Dixon, and introduced in 1987. It marked a radical step, and the first attempt at building a motorboat, by yacht builder, Victoria Marine. Built at Stone Pier Yard at Warsash, the 26 was available in two hull configurations, a ‘Riverboat’

shaftdriven version for inland use, and an ‘Offshore’ semi-planing, sterndrivepowered version for coastal pursuits. It was also available with either an openbacked wheelshelter with a sunroof, or as a soft top ‘Cabriolet’ open-cockpit version.

Priced from £28k, this 8-metre, wide beam motorboat was available in two layouts providing 4-6 berths.

The Shadow was in production for several years, with a larger sister model, an aft cabin 33, added to the line-up in 1989.

However, when builder Victoria Marine merged with another yacht company in

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A.Annabelle

Built 1987-Present Day Prices then £28,732 (1988) Prices now £15,000-£35,000 Length 26ft 4in / 8.03m Beam 9ft 8in / 2.94m Draught Riverboat 0.66m Offshore 1ft 8in / 0.51m Air Draught 2.54m Cab. 2.36m Fuel 80 gals / Riverboat 50 gals Water 40 gallons / 181 litres Displacement 2400kg approx

the early 90s, production of the Shadow range sadly came to an end.

Luckily, all was not lost. The Shadow 26 mould tools were purchased by the Norfolk builder and hire boat company, Swancraft, in 1993, with the 33 mould a year later. The Shadow 26 design returned to the market in 1996. Initially the inland version was being built for a growing hire fleet, but the builder was soon receiving orders from private individuals. The layout and design remained almost identical, with the Brundall-based builder adding features such as opening portholes,

a folding windscreen, even a walkthough transom on newer versions. Paul Crampton at Swancraft told Motorboat Owner “To date a total of over 200 26s have been built, with approximately 30 built in Norfolk. All the way through the build run it has been split 50/50 between hardtop or soft top versions. Since 2003 we have only built one sea-going version of the 26, the rest were Riverboat versions.

The initial half a dozen where fitted out for hire fleet use and the rest for private sale.” Paul went on to explain that the superstructure moulding was changed

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in early 2000 due to customer feedback.

It now has a higher coach roof, giving greater headroom for moving forward in the cabin area. Swancraft is planning to start building another 26 in 2019 with a revised interior design, ‘bringing it more in line with other manufacturers’ Paul adds. Shadow Boats still remains a branch of Swancraft and it continues to offer both versions to this day. The Shadow

Original brochure and print from photoshoot

26, riverboat version, is available from £82,950. A hardtop is a £2500 extra and it is £10,000 to upgrade to the offshore version, which has a strengthened hull.

Described as a Tardis by one owner (in a spacious, rather than a time travelling, sense) and priced on the used market between £15-£35k, we stepped aboard one to find out more.

Interior Wide, angled patio-style doors part in the middle to reveal a deep and spacious interior. As you descend rather steeply via two steps, you are greeted by an incredibly wide, open plan cabin area. High, sloping side deck mouldings, a broad bow and a 9ft beam provide full standing headroom, just shy of 6ft, and voluminous full beam accommodation, a real rarity for the era. The cabin area is lit from two sets of

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2nd incarnation of the 26, Swancraft raised the coach roof and added wood finishes to the cabin

portholes each side, which unusually did not open on the example viewed.

On the port side is the toilet compartment, offering a sea toilet, a moulded wash basin unit equipped with a shower mixer tap, an opening porthole and open shelving for lotions and potions.

The moulded sloping floor provides 5ft

11in headroom and there is still plenty of ‘elbow room’ to shower, which is an excellent feature on a boat of this size.

A large, L-shaped raised dinette area lies immediately to starboard, which will comfortably seat four, maybe more. With the dinette seat back cushions removed, this converts into an enormous 6ft 7in, 4ft

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2in wide double berth. Its wooden infill inserts and cushions all stow neatly into a lined long locker under the fore-andaft seat. A removable large side-mounted table swivels and works well in the space.

This configuration also allows for easy

access to the large lined storage locker under the raised dinette floor, which is often utilised for a holding tank. A fridge unit is mounted under the seating here, and is easily accessible from the companionway.

Its cabin area is light and versatile, with a fashionable grey finish, clever storage and a decent galley 60

November 2018

1988 £15,950 (featured) Twin Volvo Penta 131 petrols TBS Boats Bray 01628 773177 www.tbsboats.com

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????

1988 £26,000 Single Volvo 2003TR diesel Tewkesbury Marina Boat Sales 01684 293737 tewkesbury-boat-sales.co.uk

Not bad at all for a 26 footer. The toilet compartment is compact and well appointed for prolonged stays

Immediately opposite the dinette is a compact and well equipped galley unit. On the worktop you will find a single round metal sink, with chopping board cover insert, and a two-burner gas hob. Beyond the worktop is a storage unit with sliding plastic doors with a large open shelf on top. Below the worktop is storage, with a cutlery drawer and two separate shelved cupboards. There is a grill and hob (a full gas oven was an option). You will note that there may be no opening window in the galley, so ventilation is usually provided by an extractor and the forward escape hatch.

Moving forward, past a cutaway bulkhead and metal pillar roof support, there is a rather spacious, V-shaped, second dinette area. Again

1989 £16,500 Twin Volvo Penta 131 petrols Jones Boatyard 01480 494040 www.jonesboatyard.co.uk

1989 £22,500 Twin Volvo Penta 151 petrols Private sale Full details via Apollo Duck www.apolloduck.com

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????????????

with a removable side mounted pedestal table, this is another sleeping area or an extension to your entertaining space, seating up to five people. With its privacy curtain it can be utilised as a V berth, which is an excellent prospect for a young family (the bunks are 6ft by 2ft approx).

On some models this area may also convert into a vast double, measuring approximately 6ft 2in in the centre.

Cunningly, one owner has created and stowed a large wooden double infill under the forward dinette carpet, ready to deploy when needed.

A second layout option from Victoria Marine provided a separate bow cabin, which featured an offset double berth to starboard, and a small settee, dresser and large wardrobe to port. Although this is quite practical for a couple, the majority of 26s seen today will have the standard and

versatile open plan, two dinette layout.

As you move about the cabin you are sure to spot many of Shadow’s clever storage solutions, for example the hanging locker in the starboard aft corner that makes use of a void between the cockpit and hull mouldings. There is a second hanging locker in the bow void, which is a superb feature for a boat of this size.

You will also find that the majority have moulded liners too, which was really ahead of its time. Use of the clever but clinical grey colour interior finish across bulkheads and units, perhaps was an attempt to be modern and echo that of the two pedigree British sportscruiser builders, Sunseeker and Princess, with their respective Portofino and Riviera models. On most models the grey is set off by red wood stain used on the cabinetry edges, which is quite distinctive. In its

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Cockpit seat pedestals have footwell storage. A simplistic helm position lacks space for equipment

second build era, Swancraft updated the interior, adding a bit more home comfort with vinyl cabin linings and wood finishes.

Swancraft has carried out work on several Victoria Marine-built 26s. Paul explained that several maintenance issues are starting to come to light, including electrical issues, such as poor and untidy cable runs, dropping headlining, worn sliding door rollers and leaky windows.

Swancraft has refurbished porthole windows, supplied door rollers and replaced headlinings.

Cockpit and Helm As previously mentioned, the 26 was available with either an open-backed wheelshelter, with a canvas sunroof, or as a soft top ‘Cabriolet’ version. Being very practical for the UK climate it is not surprising that the wheelshelter is a popular and common choice on the used market. However, with its low profile, gradually slanting windscreen and full

canopy, the Cabriolet provides that ‘wind in your hair’ sportscruiser effect when the weather allows, and has the added benefit of a low air draft.

In its hardtop guise the 26’s clearance is 2.54 metres, while the Cabriolet version is 2.36 metres above the waterline. A folding windscreen provides 2.13m clearance, which means exploring the River Thames above Osney Bridge (2.28m) is possible.

The moulded cockpit feels quite

New features. Modern Swancraft models have a central transom door for easier access onboard

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A spacious foredeck, sturdy guardrails and well placed grabrails make you feel safe on deck

modern and offers a large bench seat aft, with separate helm and co-pilot seats. Its spacious back seat can accommodate 3-4 people comfortably and, cleverly slotting into a well under its wooden base, there is another infill to create a sunpad, which in turn can be used as an occasional double berth. Arm rest cushions each side provide additional comfort and a support on the starboard side for the interior table means the area can be used for alfresco dining. A dip in the cockpit transom moulding provides access to an integral 1ft 2in deep bathing platform. Offshore

versions will normally have a transom shower mounted on top of the cockpit coaming, to port. A central transom door was one of the updates that Swancraft made to the model in 2003, which makes boarding easier. This sees the seating pushed to the corners, with symmetrical L-shaped plinths each side.

The helm and co-pilot seats are mounted on raised, moulded plinths, each with a locker in the footwell. Two Calor Gas bottles are stored inside the starboard locker with storage available inside the port one.

Features include moulded side step and integral bathing platform. Replacement vents are available from Swancraft 64

November 2018

The Offshore, above, has a variable V hull for semi planing. The Riverboat is shaftdrive with a keel

Hull and Handling As aforementioned, the Shadow 26 was available in two hull variations.

Inland versions are powered by a single shaftdrive, with a hull form that incorporates a keel and a prop shaft and rudder set into a protective tunnel.

This configuration provides responsive On deck handling and grip for close quarter Moulded steps in the aft cockpit provide manoeuvres and a relatively shallow draft access to the side decks. These are for inland work. It also has a ‘weed hatch’ approximately 6.5 inches and grip is set into the tunnel, above the waterline, provided by an attractive, simulatedwhich is rare and very useful feature for woven texture. Well-positioned grabrails clearing fouled props. along the wheelshelter roof allow you to The Offshore version has a variable-vee, move forward on deck and up a slight semi-planing hull and is fitted with single slope, where a single sturdy guardrail or twin sterndrives. Sterndrives may often commences and provides security. Moving be described as skittish so you may find further forward there is a vast flat area owners have installed a bow thruster for ahead of the protruding sloping coach added piece of mind at close quarters. roof, which feels incredibly safe behind the Regarded as heavily layed up and high guardrail. As previously mentioned, strong, Victoria Marine’s construction post 2003 Swancraft models have a flatter, of the 26 was somewhat unusual. Unlike extended coach roof, which sees this many conventional motorboats, where forward deck area pinched, but it does stringers and bearers are glassed into provide a bit more of a seat at the bow. the hull, a ‘floor tray’ moulding, already The narrow helm console, located on the port side, is simple and well laid out.

Additional equipment needed for coastal work, such as a chartplotter, will normally be bracket mounted from the roof. You will note that the side windows next to the helmsman and co-pilot do not open.

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This 1988 version is fitted with Volvo 131s on 275 drives

151s (£34,753) and 167hp 171s (£35,713).

Single diesels choices were a 130hp AD31 (£33,861) or a 200hp AD41 (£37,317), or twin AD31s (£42,532). Diesel versions were normally fitted with power steering and available with a duo prop upgrade, at £575 per engine. 1990 saw Volvo’s petrol series rebranded and engine options then included the likes of the 120hp AQ230, 167hp AQ251 or a 205hp AQ431, and in Engines twins, AQ230s or 146hp AQ250s.

In its first era, the 26 came with a choice Most Victoria Marine-built Offshore of Volvo Penta engines. The Riverboat versions that you will come across today version initially came fitted with a single will be fitted with twin Volvo Penta 43hp 2003TR diesel engine as standard, which was priced from £29,894 (1988). By petrol outdrives. A boat fitted with twin 146hp 151s should provide a top speed 1989/90 a 59hp MD22 engine was added of 22 knots and a cruising speed of 12and priced at £44,246.

16 knots. One owner with this particular Capable of speeds up to 32 knots, the engine configuration worked out that it Offshore version came with a choice of cost approximately £10 an hour, running single or twin, petrol or diesel engines, the boat at inland river speeds. One 1990 mated mostly to Volvo 290 outdrives. In version, previously for sale in the UK, 1988 single petrol options were a 120hp had been re engined in 2001 with a 170hp Volvo 131 on a 275 drive (£28,732) or a 167hp 171 on a 290 (£29,526). Twin petrol Volvo KAD 32 diesel engine. Perhaps options were 120hp 131s (£33,419), 146hp re engined from a single petrol, or even incorporating these, was bonded to the hull with resin.

Inspect the raised engine vents as these were originally plastic, which become brittle through time. Flush-mounting stainless steel equivalents are now fitted to modern versions of the 26 and are available through Swancraft.

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a 130hp diesel. Volvo Penta engines are generally highly regarded and have good availability of spares. The twin cam AQ171/AQ251 is prone to internal damage from a cambelt failure, so regular checks and replacement is essential.

In its second era (90s onwards), Swancraft normally fitted Kubota 4 cylinder diesels marinised by Beta, namely the 43hp in the 26’s Riverboat guise providing an 8-knot top speed. New boat buyers today can choose between 20-50hp, but also specify an eco-friendly electric drive in the Riverboat version. The Offshore version is offered with 130-200hp engine options.

As on many aft cockpit boats of the 80s, on Victoria Marine versions, engine access is a bit of an undertaking. For this the aft cockpit floor lifts as one or two hatches with a central bearer. Restricted by the bench seat, these lift for visual checks and may not be fitted with gas struts. For

servicing for example, getting the hatch or hatches fully open ideally requires the bench seat cushion, seat base and sunpad infill to be taken away completely, and is not something that could be done easily in a seaway. A further forward hatch in the cockpit reveals the boats single fuel tank.

On shaft drive boats, this compartment houses the engine, with the aft section becoming a lazarette. A 50-gallon fuel tank was fitted to river versions and an 80-gallon tank to the Offshore models.

Conclusion The Victoria Marine Shadow 26 was a trailblazer as a riverboat, and surprising as a sportscruiser. It’s understated, comfortable and, above all, affordable. It is ideal for a couple or a young family and with so many versions available must rate as the most versatile 26 footer on the market.

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

To contact other Shadow owners, see the Victoria Shadow Association www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Family Shadow 33 1989 - Present

CONTEMPORARY CHOICE Shadow 26 Length 26ft 4in Beam 9ft 8in Fuel 288 gallons Water 106 gallons Price from £82,950

Prices £34,000-£110,950

Length 33ft 3in Beam 11ft 4in Aft cabin, 4-6 berth cruiser also available in Riverboat or Offshore version, with hardtop or cabriolet options. Now built

by Swancraft at Brundall. www.shadowboats.co.uk

Built in Norfolk and the latest incarnation of the Shadow 26.

The four berth cruiser has a wood finish interior, transom door, extended coachroof and is still available in two versions, as well as in hardtop and cabriolet guises.

Shadow Boats 01603 712362 www.shadowboats.co.uk

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tested Yamaha XTO

PRICE

£TBA

Motorboat Owner

D

oes Yamaha’s 425hp XTO herald a better approach to big boat outboard propulsion?

The race for outboard supremacy has gathered serious pace over the last decade, with mainstream manufacturers moving from 200s and 250s to 300s, 350s and 400s. That in turn has enabled boat builders to employ outboard propulsion on much larger weekenders, cruisers and offshore fishers than ever before, and as the global market has continued to embrace and perpetuate that shift away from inboard propulsion, so it has become more and more inevitable that we would eventually see a robust, big-

block outboard optimised specifically for the task. That’s exactly where Yamaha’s new XTO comes in.

“The XTO is so much more than a competitor in the race for bigger outboards”

Value NA Usability 4/5 Performance 5/5

A question of torque Plainly, if all Yamaha had wanted to do was generate enough power to trump its established competitors, it could have achieved that with the 5.3-litre V8 block from its existing F350. But in order to cater for heavyweight platforms of between 25 and 50 feet in length, the

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

The three-part cowlings and easy-access ports make in-water oil changes simple

new XTO is all about the generation and delivery of truly seismic torque.

To that end, the new engine marries industry-leading cubic capacity with an extraordinary compression ratio of 12.2:1, alongside shorter exhaust routes and the market’s first Direct Injection system on a four-stroke outboard. It also uses a tough, oversized 15cm gear case and extremely large XTO OSTM propellers of between 16 and 17.125 inches in diameter, with radically increased blade area for improved thrust both forward and astern. And in addition to toughened gears and a robust

The XTO is a 425hp, 5.6-litre, Direct Injection V8 SPECIFICATION

The XTO is all about torque. Big props are required to transmit all that torque to the water

Engine type: V8 DOHC 32-valve Displacement: 5.6 litres Prop shaft horsepower: 425hp @ 5,500 rpm Compression ratio: 12.2:1 Fuel induction system: Direct Injection Max alternator output: 90 Amps Weight: from 432 kg Price: TBA

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tested Yamaha XTO continued...

new offshore mounting bracket, it also employs plasma fusion technology for the cylinder liners in a bid to reduce friction and enable greater engine capacity without undue expansion of the powerhead.

The quad-rig Tempest 50 was loaded with ten people and 1,500 litres of fuel. The pick-up is urgent and linear right through to 5,500rpm

sustainable than you might expect. True, with 53 knots and 5,950 on the clock, the A distinctive helming experience new quadruple-rig Capelli is burning 556 On the water, the relentless, load-resistant litres of fuel per hour (or 129 litres per linearity of the XTO’s throttle response hour per engine). At current UK prices, feels quite unique. On Capelli’s prodigious that equates to an hourly bill of around new 50-foot Tempest, for instance, a quad £800, which, for family cruise boaters, rig of XTOs takes us from zero to 20 knots sounds quite terrifying. But when you in four seconds; zero to 30 in eight; zero ease back toward a more sedentary pace of to 40 in 12 and zero to 50 in just 16. And between 20 and 30 knots, you can run on while it certainly requires a lot of coaxing as little as a quarter of that, with fuel flows to spin the last 400 to 500 revs from those of between 30 and 50 litres per hour on big props, the immediacy of the grunt each engine, which is surprisingly close to from a standstill right up to 5,500 rpm is the kinds of figures you might expect of a more pronounced and striking than on comparable diesel inboard. any other outboard we’ve tried.

Refinement is also, for the most part, very Remarkably, the economy is also more good. At no point do our noise readings at 70

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

the helm exceed 90 decibels and the driver interface, allied to Yamaha’s integrated electric steering system, is the very model of sophistication. The eradication of the pumps, hoses and rigging complexities of hydraulic lines and linkages means a much tidier engine well and it also translates into very fast, smooth and dependable fingertip alterations at the helm. Notwithstanding the prominence of fumes and the conspicuous clunk of gear engagement during low-rev manoeuvres, the XTO feels as refined and accurate as it does powerful.

Where different makes sense Despite weighing a massive 43% more than Mercury’s Verado 400R, Yamaha’s XTO is a special piece of work. By sidestepping the established contest for industry-leading power-to-weight ratios With big props and an electric steering system, in favour of greater torque, ease of use the joystick is very effective and durability, it has the capacity to be a superb outboard option, not just for those involved in towing or the carriage of heavy loads, but for anyone keen to mitigate the inherent compromises of outboard propulsion on large cruising platforms. It does of course require the transom of a carefully chosen craft to be seen at its best but hopefully, the arrival of this optimised ‘big boat’ outboard will compel the world’s designers to lavish it with exactly that.

Enquiries: Yamaha Motor UK www.yamaha-motor.eu

The easy fingertip interface is extremely slick

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Parker Monaco 110

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November 2018

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 11.3m / 37ft 1in Beam: 3.63m / 11ft 11in Displacement: 5,900kg (ex engines) Fuel capacity: 700 litres Water capacity: 200 litres RCD category: B Engines as tested: 2 x 300hp Mercury Verado Other engine options: 2 x Mercury or Suzuki outboard 200hp-350hp Price from £231,130 Price as tested £325,172

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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D

espite being launched in late 2017, the Parker Monaco 110 has been a rather elusive boat. The first example of the flagship of the Polish Built Parker range has been on a tour of European boat shows, and it wasn’t until September of this year that the British public were first able to set eyes on it at the Southampton boat show. Just as the show finished, we took the opportunity to jump onboard and find out if the wait has been worthwhile.

It seems the way of the world now that boats of this size and style will invariably be outboard powered and the Monaco is no exception. Our test boat was fitted with a pair of supercharged 300hp Mercury Verados, but the boat is available with a wide range of twin engine

installations up to 350hp, including Suzuki’s newest twin contra rotating propeller models. The starting price and sales literature state that twin 200’s are the smallest option, but realistically twin 250’s would probably be as small as you would want to go on a boat of this size and weight.

Talking of weight, it should be pointed out that our test boat was fitted with just about every conceivable extra, including a

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November 2018

generator and air conditioning, so a more modestly spec’d boat would almost certainly improve on the performance figures we achieved and may actually make a pair of 250’s the perfect choice.

While we are talking about extras, it is worth noting that the grey hull wrap, which goes a long way to making this boat look as good as it does, is a £2.5k extra, and is available in an almost infinite choice of colours.

Onboard, the Tony Castro designed Monaco continues the Parker trend of delivering a well-built boat with clever use of space. Starting down below, the space is particularly apparent in the boat’s two cabins. The master cabin in the bow is relatively palatial. Walk through the door, and shut it behind you, and you find yourself in a dressing area that is 4ft (1.2m) wide and 3ft 5in (1.05m) fore and aft, between the end of the bed and cabin door. There is also at least 6ft 3in (1.9m) Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

“Parker’s new twin outboard, 11-metre hardtop flagship is as stylish as its namesake” headroom throughout this area. I have been on much bigger boats that don’t provide this amount of space. The island berth has big steps up on either side, and storage is provided by four soft-closing drawers in the base of the bunk and a small hanging locker on the port side.

To starboard, there is another door that provides en-suite access to the boat’s single toilet compartment. The cabin is bathed in light, courtesy of the large in-hull windows on either side, an opening hatch overhead and a double skylight ahead of this, but it was noted that on the test boat

75

there were no blinds or curtains at any of these.

The second cabin, which is amidships and accessed via a door off to port in a small lower lobby area, is equally impressive in terms of space offered.

Again, there is a large full standing area for dressing that offers between 6ft 8in (2.03m) and 6ft 3in (1.9m) headroom, as well as a small bench seat. Unusually, the berth runs fore and aft across half the boat’s beam, rather than the usual full width, but the berth itself doesn’t lose anything because of this and provides a large double or, with a small infill at the forward end removed, a pair of adjoining singles. Storage is quite limited in here, with a single hanging locker and cupboard below, a small amount of storage in the base and behind the backrest of the bench

seat, and an open shelf on the starboard side bulkhead. A small in-hull window with built in opening port provides light and ventilation to the berth, while an overhead skylight baths the standing area in natural light, at least during the daytime. Again, there was no evidence of blinds, curtains or any means to fix them in this cabin.

Opposite the entrance to the second cabin is the main door into the toilet and shower compartment. This is divided into two by a bi-fold Perspex door. The compromise here is that to provide ensuite access to the master cabin, the occupants will have to pass through the shower to get to the toilet. Another compromise is that the basin is installed behind the main door, so can only be used with the door closed. This is a small niggle,

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November 2018

and can be forgiven, given what Parker has achieved with the space available. What you end up with is a spacious shower compartment, complete with large seat, as well as a roomy toilet, the latter equipped with a generous amount of storage.

Headroom is again great, with 6ft 1in (1.85m) in the shower and 6ft 3in (1.9m) in the toilet section. An opening port in the hull window of the shower helps ventilate this compartment, but again, there are no blinds at either of these two windows.

Back out in the lobby, where a floor hatch provides access to the toilet sea cocks and shower grey water pump, three steps lead aft and up into the wheelhouse.

This is boat number 1 and a few changes have been made to the design, including these steps that now offer storage below.

The wheelhouse delivers good headroom throughout and comprises an almost full Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

length, fore and aft, bench seat to port, with a small return on the forward end, and a galley and helm station to starboard.

The port side seating is on a raised plinth, to deliver better headroom in the cabin below, and allows seating for four or five around the table. The galley, opposite, mirrors the seating, with a return at the aft end. This not only provides extra galley facilities, but it also, with the aid of a lift up window aft of it, blends the galley into

The toilet compartment has dual access doors

77

the cockpit. The galley itself has plenty of cupboards and drawers, which is good because the saloon seating doesn’t offer any storage in its base. There is, however, two huge lockers in the standard, solid oak, floor. The lining of these lockers can be lifted out to gain access to the bilge area below and the tanks and services contained within. The galley comes as standard with a diesel hob, and the additional fuel tank required for this also allows for the option of diesel fired heating, if required.

At the helm, Parker provide the skipper with a large, comfortable helm seat with a lifting bolster, an optional electric opening roof overhead, a fold down raised floor to allow you to stick your head out and a sliding door alongside. The latter is probably best described as half-height, but even so it is easy to step through from the helm, where you can access the conveniently placed midships cleat, perfect for when single or short handed. The helm console offers enough space for a variety of navigational or engine instrumentation.

The well laid out helm is complimented by a side access door and electrically opening sunroof 78

November 2018

Our test boat was fitted with a huge, 18 inch, display and still had room for more alongside, including the control panel for the optional bow thruster. The onepiece windscreen provides a good view forward, and a pair of pantograph wipers that sweep all but a tiny middle section of the screen, maintain that visibility in all conditions.

To move out into the cockpit you pass through a two-part door that opens and folds back on itself to port. The cockpit offers a central transom seat with access and a transom gate on either side leading to two separate bathing/boarding platforms, the starboard of which houses a bathing ladder. Behind the seat there is a sunpad that can be extended by moving and folding the seat cushions. This sunpad sits over the engines and cleverly utilises what would otherwise be wasted space.

The whole seat assembly slides forward and the sunpad section lifts to allow the engines to be fully tilted. With the seat back, the trim of the engines is limited, to avoid the cowlings coming into contact with the fibreglass moulding above them.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

In the central section of the cockpit sole is a large hatch that gives access to a goodsized lazarette, although much of this is taken up by the boat’s 700-litre fuel tank.

Elsewhere in the cockpit sole there are three other lift out hatch lids. These are heavy and difficult to remove due to their design but two on the port side provide access to additional storage lockers and the starboard one gives alternative access to the lazarette. The cockpit overhang, that offers good protection for the occupants, can be equipped with an optional electric sliding canvas roof for when that protection is not needed and, on such days, the additional cockpit fridge will add to the practicality of this space.

Although boarding the boat is easy from either side, the side access gate to starboard is a nice touch and makes boarding even easier, and more importantly safer, from the pontoon.

Moving forward is easily achieved on both sides, although the asymmetric design favours the starboard side deck, which is a huge 14in (36cm) wide and has a deep toe rail and thigh high guardrail all the way

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PERFORMANCE

As tested 25% fuel 10% water 3 crew Force 4 RPM

up to the helm position. Two deepset, self-draining lockers in the side deck offer good storage for fenders and lines, as well as access to the boat’s fuel filler. Just in front of the helm, the side deck steps up but remains flat and wide, with knee high guardrails, all the way forward, where there is a large flat working area and a deep anchor locker with two hatches and a hidden electric winch. At the bow, the rails lean out just a little more than I would like, as it means you can’t brace yourself against them when working in this area. The port side deck remains raised all the way back to the cockpit, where two steps lead you back down. Despite being biased towards the starboard side, the port side deck is

550 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4250 4500 5000 5500 5700

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

2.1 4.0 5.8 7.3 8.2 9.5 13.8 18.2 21.6 23.8 28.4 31.3 35.2

3.0 7.4 12.8 19.8 30.4 46.8 60.0 76.4 89.4 101.6 135.6 190.8 227.0

0.66 1.63 2.82 4.35 6.69 10.3 13.2 16.8 19.7 22.3 29.8 42.0 49.9

3.18 2.45 2.06 1.68 1.23 0.92 1.05 1.08 1.10 1.07 0.95 0.75 0.70

Range (nm)

489 377 317 258 189 141 161 166 169 164 146 115 107

still a very generous 10in (26cm) wide and is suitably equipped with guard and grab rails to ensure your crew’s safety.

Underway When you put the hammers down, it should come as no surprise to hear that the twin supercharged 300hp Verados respond briskly. The boat jumps up onto

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The helm has room for a huge multi-function display , a couple of medium sized ones or a combination, including engine instruments

“When the Monaco is in its happy place you will be rewarded with 1.1nmpg ” the plane quickly and reaches 20 knots in just 10 seconds, 25 knots three seconds later and 30 knots six seconds after that; not bad figures for a heavily spec’d 6 ton boat. At speed, the boat is responsive and easy to drive. The hydraulic steering is light and well-balanced, meaning you can throw it around like a sportsboat, and it maintains its speed well in moderate turns. It does have one vice, and that is its readiness to lose grip at the back end in really tight, fast turns. It is quite a predictable trait, and easy to work around and stay on the right side of, but it is something to watch out for. Ultimately, if you push it too hard and too fast you will be met with a loss of speed and copious cavitation until you bring it back under Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

control. Every boat has a sweet spot when it comes to relaxed cruising, and with the Parker this luckily coincides with its most economical planing speed.

At 4,250rpm, and cruising along at just under 22 knots, the Monaco is in its happy place and you will be rewarded with an economy of around 1.1 nmpg. Set up right, the Monaco will maintain a planing attitude right down to 14 knots at about 3,500rpm, which could be useful if you get caught out in choppier seas. Talking of which, the 110 is very composed and relaxed in a following sea, but can start to slam a little going into a head sea. In these situations, a bit of bow down trim does wonders for the ride and comfort, as it forces that sharp stem into the waves.

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While this increases comfort, it does have an effect on economy, and we saw around a 10% increase in fuel consumption when cruising with the trim tabs down. We felt that during our test the limit placed on the engine’s trim, by the sunpad above, was just a little too restrictive. It would have been nice to be able to trim the engines out just a little more when the seas allow, which would conversely have improved our fuel economy a small amount. We understand there is a little leeway in this area, and future boats will have come with a slightly broader trim range. We also note that the new Verados have a different cowling design, which may allow a greater trim range below the sunpad. It is worth noting that the mounting of the engines below the sunpad made a noticeable improvement in noise levels. We didn’t take readings on this test, but my overall impression was that the engines were quiet, compared to similar boats without this design, throughout the rev range. At the helm everything is just about spot on.

The driving position works well, seated or leaning and, with the bolster up and the roof open, anyone of around 5ft 9in or over can stick their head out for a good, clear view forward. Visibility is good all

A sunpad can be added onto the cabin roof to compliment the one over the engines

around, except when the boat is turning tightly to port and the view to port is restricted by the wheelhouse roof, which is a universal problem on almost every wheelhouse style boat.

Conclusion I have to say that I really like the Parker Monaco. Its use of space is excellent, it offers great family cruising capability and it looks gorgeous. My only reservation is its fuel economy. I know the world is turning away from diesels, and boat builders away from sterndrives, but it is going to be hard to stomach burning through up to 227 litres in an hour. Even at a moderate cruising speed you are going to be seeing you bank account diminish by

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over £100 per hour. A lighter spec’d boat, fitted with a pair of 250’s might go some way to lessen the impact, but there is no getting away from the fact that a pair of big petrol engines are going to be expensive to feed. The answer may come in the shape of the new generation of diesel outboards from the likes of OXE, COX and Mercury, but with the EU having ruled against our use of red diesel in the last couple of weeks, the savings made in the future may not go very far in offsetting the huge initial capital outlay. In the end it is probably best to forget about fuel, and just enjoy the boat.

No one said boating was always cheap and, in the greater scheme of things, the fuel will

A class act, the Monaco is a great family boat

almost certainly not make up the majority of your annual boating spend. Yes, just forget about the fuel and enjoy the Parker Monaco for what it is; quite possibly one of the best boats in its class.

ENQUIRIES: Parker Poland for your nearest dealer www.parkerpoland.eu YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

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83

MAIN AGENTS FOR:

O V E R 1 0 0 B O AT S O N S I T E

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CRANCHI ATLANTIQUE 50 £249,950

HAINES 400 £249,950

BROOM 395 £239,950

Built 2007 and commissioned 2008 - Powered by twin Volvo D9 575hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation across 3 cabins plus crew cabin, two toilets and two showers . Specification to include; Air conditioning, bowthruster, generator, holding tank and full Raymarine navigation equipment. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. Recent full machine polish and antifoul. A fine example of these cavernous flybridge cruisers.

Launched 2010 - Powered by twin Volvo D6 330hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Very well specified to include; bow and stern thrusters, Generator, warm air heating, trim tabs, full Raymarine navigation equipment, electric windlass, Tracvision and holding tank. Teak laid, cockpit, bathing platform and decks with folding radar arch. A fantastic example, clearly very well kept and lightly used with under 300 engine hours!

2010 - Powered by twin Volvo D4 225hp diesel engines. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification including Bow thruster, generator, warm air heating, holding tank, shore power, hydraulic folding arch, full teak laid decks and cockpit. Less than 300 engine hours! One owner from new and cruised on the Thames. A fantastic opportunity to acquire a lightly used Broom 395.

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FAIRLINE PHANTOM 40 £174,950

RODMAN 41 £169,950

HAINES 34 SEDAN £144,950

Built 2004 - Powered by twin Volvo TAMD63 diesels. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification to include; Bow thruster, holding tank, electric windlass and full updated Raymarine navigation equipment to include the hybrid touch plotters. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. A very well kept-example, in great order throughout with under 700 engine hours, to be fully prepared by our Service Centre

2006 - Powered by twin Volvo D6 IPS500 370hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation across 3 cabins with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification to include; Warm air heating, trim tabs, electric windlass and a range of navigation equipment including Raymarine E120 and E80 plotters, Raymarine Tridata and ST6002 smart pilot. BSC 02/19. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. Three cabin arrangement, ideal for cruising with family

2008 - Powered by a single Nanni 200hp diesel. 4 berth accommodation with one toilet and one shower. Specification to include; Generator (fitted 2018), bowthruster, warm air heating, electric windlass, a range of Raymarine navigation equipment and holding tank. BSC 07/20. A well specified, high quality used Haines. Very well cared for by her current owner, full machine polish and antifoul 2018. Viewing highly recommended!

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AQUADOR 26 HARDTOP £49,950

SHADOW 26 £34,950

ORKNEY PILOTHOUSE 20 £34,950

2002 - Powered by a single Volvo KAD43P 230hp diesel. 4 berth accommodation with facility for an extra 2 in the cockpit, toilet and shower. Specification to include; Bowthruster (fitted 2016), holding tank, warm air heating, trim tabs and shore power supply with battery charger. BSC 03/21. Engine and outdrive 2018. A real head turner, high quality interior finish with a striking blue hull, well kept both mechanically and cosmetically. Viewing highly recommended!

2001 - Beta 37.5 hp Diesel Engine. Up to 4 berth accommodation in open plan layout with 1 x electric toilet/shower compartment.

Specification including bow thruster, inverter, shore power, screen demisters, warm air heating, solar panel chargers, BSC 03/12/18.

A good example of these comfortable Sports style economical River Cruisers with a low airdraft allowing a good cruising range

2017 - Yamaha 80hp outboard Petrol Engine. 2 berth accommodation in lockable wheelhouse/cabin with sea toilet with holding tank. Galley with sink and gas hob. Spacious self draining cockpit with synthetic teak decking, ideal for fishing and relaxing.

Spec including VHF radio, Raymarine ES98 Chart plotter/fish finder, cockpit cover. High spec, fitted with the ‘Valiant package’ enhancing comfort and delivering renowned sea keeping .

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SEALINE S23 £32,950

AQUAFIBRE 32 £29,950

BROOM SKIPPER £24,500

Built 2002 and commissioned 2003, Single Volvo KAD32, 4 berth accommodation with 1 toilet and shower. Specification to include; Battery charger, immersion, Raymarine Raychart 425 chart plotter, Raymarine VHF, Raymarine ST60 tri-data, trim tabs.

Folding radar arch allowing excellent access across the Broadland network. NYA Stock, recent engine service, full machine polish and antifoul. A very tidy example of these modern sports cruisers.

1987 - 1 x BMC 1.5 Diesel engine. Up to 6 berth accommodation in two cabins and Saloon with 2 x toilet/shower compartments.

Spec including Shore power, battery charger, immersion heater, warm air heating, dual steering, canopy new 2018, speed depth log. Generous space for her size providing comfortable living all season.

Circa 1977 - 1 x Perkins 4.108 48hp Diesel Engine. 4 berth accommodation over forward the forward cabin and spacious saloon with separate toilet and shower compartments. Galley with fridge, 4 burner hob, oven and grill. Benefiting from an engine overhaul in 2017. Fitted with a bow thruster for ease of handling and folding wheelhouse screens offering a low air draft for exploring further afield.

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LYING NYA HORNING - NYH67347 - P/EX POSSIBLE

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Brundall Office Brundall Bay Marina, Brundall, Norfolk NR13 5PN

Horning Office Ferry Rd, Lower Street, Horning, Norfolk NR12 8PS

T: 01603 713434 F: 01603 713143 E: boats@nya.co.uk

T: 01603 211033 F: 01692 630077 E: horning-boats@nya.co.uk

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New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Call our friendly team to arrange an appointment to view any of the used boats for sale below – or visit our website for this month’s complete range www.valwyattmarine.co.uk

Freeman / 23

Popular shaft drive cabin cruiser with Ford Watermota 30hp

Classic / Frolic 21 launch

Nelco 48V engine, teak side decks, bimini & full cruising canopy

RLM / Bahama 31

Spacious 7 berth cruiser with twin diesel engines

Interboat / 650

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

1974 | £7,500 | 23.0ft | 7m

1989 | £10,000 | 21.3ft | 6.5m

1970 | £15,950 | 31ft | 9.5m

Birchwood / TS31

Interboat / Intender 700

Bayliner / 285

Haines / 32 Sedan

1988 | £39,950 | 31ft | 9.45m

NEW | £49,950 | 23ft | 7.0m

2009 | £54,995 | 28.8ft | 8.8m

2015 | £169,000 | 32ft | 9.75m

Sturdy craft with wide side decks & super accommodation space

Luxury day boat with folding transom & triple back sundeck

Fantastic example with heating, bowthruster & Mercruiser 300hp

2009 | £26,950 | 21.3ft | 8.4m

Fully equipped for coastal use with 100hp, immaculate and just 142hrs

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

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

01189 403211

As well as an impressive range of river boat and offshore brands – including the handmade Interboat and British-built Haines – we offer: • sales - new and used • moorings and maintenance • friendly, expert advice

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

Open seven days a week.

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

CRANCHI Z35

2x Volvo Penta D4-260 Engines FROM £270,000 INC VAT EW

EW

EW

N

N

N

Cranchi Endurance 30

Cranchi T43 Trawler

Volvo Penta V8 Petrol Engine FROM £124,000 INC VAT

2x Volvo Penta 370 IPS Diesel Engines FROM €513,000 EX VAT

EW

2x Volvo Penta D6-EVC400 Diesel Engines Lying Windsor £560,240 INC VAT Lying Windsor

EW

N

EW

N

Glastron GT185

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

Cranchi 44HT

N

Glatron GT229 Cuddy

Volvo Penta V6 - 280C Petrol Engine £59,950 INC VAT Lying Windsor

Admiral 570

Mariner 15 EFI Outboard Engine £19,567 INC VAT Lying Walton

EW

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2003 - Cranchi Zaffiro 34

2x Volvo KAD43DP Diesel Engine £79,950 Lying Thames & Kennet

TINGDENE SALES OFFICES Thames & Kennet Marina 01189 477770

2004 - Cranchi 33 Endurance

2x Volvo Penta KAD300 Diesel Engines £69,950 Lying Windsor

Admiral 450

Mariner 15 EFI Outboard Engine £12,567 INC VAT Lying Walton

“LARGEST BOAT SALES ON THE RIVER THAMES” Portishead Quays Marina 01275 397277

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

Upton Marina 01684 593111

tingdeneboatsales.net e. boatsales@tingdene.net

Classified

1991 Neptune PT 465

Rare and much loved aft cabin flybridge cruiser. Twin Caterpillar 3208T 375hp shaftdrive diesels. Three cabins, covered aft deck, generator, inverter.

Ideal for entertaining and distance liveaboard cruising. Refurbished propellors, new fuel tanks. Lying Suffolk

£99,995 Click here for listing

01473 659681 suffolk@clarkeandcarter.co.uk

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

Coronet 24

Single 115hp Mercury Optimax outboard (2014), fully serviced, 112 hours. 2-4 berth cruiser. New canopy & window covers 2018.

Plotter, echosounder, heating, bowthruster, trim tabs, sea toilet.

£9,000

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CRANCHI ATLANTIQUE 50 £249,950

View our complete range on-line at nya.co.uk

HAINES 400 £249,950

BROOM 395 £239,950

Built 2007 and commissioned 2008 - Powered by twin Volvo D9 575hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation across 3 cabins plus crew cabin, two toilets and two showers . Specification to include; Air conditioning, bowthruster, generator, holding tank and full Raymarine navigation equipment. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. Recent full machine polish and antifoul. A fine example of these cavernous flybridge cruisers.

Launched 2010 - Powered by twin Volvo D6 330hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Very well specified to include; bow and stern thrusters, Generator, warm air heating, trim tabs, full Raymarine navigation equipment, electric windlass, Tracvision and holding tank. Teak laid, cockpit, bathing platform and decks with folding radar arch. A fantastic example, clearly very well kept and lightly used with under 300 engine hours!

2010 - Powered by twin Volvo D4 225hp diesel engines. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification including Bow thruster, generator, warm air heating, holding tank, shore power, hydraulic folding arch, full teak laid decks and cockpit. Less than 300 engine hours! One owner from new and cruised on the Thames. A fantastic opportunity to acquire a lightly used Broom 395.

FAIRLINE PHANTOM 40 £174,950

RODMAN 41 £169,950

HAINES 34 SEDAN £144,950

Built 2004 - Powered by twin Volvo TAMD63 diesels. 6 berth accommodation with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification to include; Bow thruster, holding tank, electric windlass and full updated Raymarine navigation equipment to include the hybrid touch plotters. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. A very well kept-example, in great order throughout with under 700 engine hours, to be fully prepared by our Service Centre

2006 - Powered by twin Volvo D6 IPS500 370hp diesels. 6 berth accommodation across 3 cabins with 2 toilets and 2 showers. Specification to include; Warm air heating, trim tabs, electric windlass and a range of navigation equipment including Raymarine E120 and E80 plotters, Raymarine Tridata and ST6002 smart pilot. BSC 02/19. Teak laid cockpit and bathing platform. Three cabin arrangement, ideal for cruising with family

2008 - Powered by a single Nanni 200hp diesel. 4 berth accommodation with one toilet and one shower. Specification to include; Generator (fitted 2018), bowthruster, warm air heating, electric windlass, a range of Raymarine navigation equipment and holding tank. BSC 07/20. A well specified, high quality used Haines. Very well cared for by her current owner, full machine polish and antifoul 2018. Viewing highly recommended!

LYING NYA BRUNDALL - NYB67503 - P/EX POSSIBLE

LYING NYA BRUNDALL - NYB67983 - P/EX POSSIBLE

place text or t want to be trimmed inside this

place text or t want to be trimmed inside this

Where the will be cut- P/EX after printing) LYING NYApaper BRUNDALL - NYB64232 POSSIBLE

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LYING NYA BRUNDALL - NYB58110 - P/EX POSSIBLE

Where the paper will be cut after printing) Edge of print (where background colours and images should reach, to then be trimmed off before despatch, avoiding white borders)

Edge of print (where background colours and images should reach, to then be trimmed off before despatch, avoiding white borders)

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AQUADOR 26 HARDTOP £49,950

SHADOW 26 £34,950

ORKNEY PILOTHOUSE 20 £34,950

2002 - Powered by a single Volvo KAD43P 230hp diesel. 4 berth accommodation with facility for an extra 2 in the cockpit, toilet and shower. Specification to include; Bowthruster (fitted 2016), holding tank, warm air heating, trim tabs and shore power supply with battery charger. BSC 03/21. Engine and outdrive 2018. A real head turner, high quality interior finish with a striking blue hull, well kept both mechanically and cosmetically. Viewing highly recommended!

2001 - Beta 37.5 hp Diesel Engine. Up to 4 berth accommodation in open plan layout with 1 x electric toilet/shower compartment.

Specification including bow thruster, inverter, shore power, screen demisters, warm air heating, solar panel chargers, BSC 03/12/18.

A good example of these comfortable Sports style economical River Cruisers with a low airdraft allowing a good cruising range

2017 - Yamaha 80hp outboard Petrol Engine. 2 berth accommodation in lockable wheelhouse/cabin with sea toilet with holding tank. Galley with sink and gas hob. Spacious self draining cockpit with synthetic teak decking, ideal for fishing and relaxing.

Spec including VHF radio, Raymarine ES98 Chart plotter/fish finder, cockpit cover. High spec, fitted with the ‘Valiant package’ enhancing comfort and delivering renowned sea keeping .

LYING NYA BRUNDALL - NYB68399 - P/EX POSSIBLE

LYING NYA HORNING - NYH66591 - P/EX POSSIBLE

LYING NYA HORNING - NYH67897 - P/EX POSSIBLE

SEALINE S23 £32,950

AQUAFIBRE 32 £29,950

BROOM SKIPPER £25,950

Built 2002 and commissioned 2003, Single Volvo KAD32, 4 berth accommodation with 1 toilet and shower. Specification to include; Battery charger, immersion, Raymarine Raychart 425 chart plotter, Raymarine VHF, Raymarine ST60 tri-data, trim tabs.

Folding radar arch allowing excellent access across the Broadland network. NYA Stock, recent engine service, full machine polish and antifoul. A very tidy example of these modern sports cruisers.

1987 - 1 x BMC 1.5 Diesel engine. Up to 6 berth accommodation in two cabins and Saloon with 2 x toilet/shower compartments.

Spec including Shore power, battery charger, immersion heater, warm air heating, dual steering, canopy new 2018, speed depth log. Generous space for her size providing comfortable living all season.

Circa 1977 - 1 x Perkins 4.108 48hp Diesel Engine. 4 berth accommodation over forward the forward cabin and spacious saloon with separate toilet and shower compartments. Galley with fridge, 4 burner hob, oven and grill. Benefiting from an engine overhaul in 2017. Fitted with a bow thruster for ease of handling and folding wheelhouse screens offering a low air draft for exploring further afield.

LYING NYA BRUNDALL - NYB2414 - P/EX POSSIBLE

LYING NYA HORNING - NYH67347 - P/EX POSSIBLE

LYING NYA HORNING - NYH68089 - P/EX POSSIBLE

Brundall Office Brundall Bay Marina, Brundall, Norfolk NR13 5PN

Horning Office Ferry Rd, Lower Street, Horning, Norfolk NR12 8PS

T: 01603 713434 F: 01603 713143

T: 01603 211033 F: 01692 630077

E: boats@nya.co.uk

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91

Winterise

YOUR BOAT

www.stuhaynes.co.uk

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

W interising is the act of protecting your

boat and its equipment and contents from the ravages of the winter weather. Failing to carry out any preparation for winter can result in expensive damage to the engine, domestic water system and even your soft furnishings. The requirement to carry out any winterising will depend largely on whether you keep your boat in fresh water or salt and how far north you are in the UK. If you keep your boat in fresh water I would say that it is almost imperative to carry out some basic

If we get another winter like this, will your boat be protected?

winterising. With salt water the need isn’t quite so great because salt water freezes at a lower temperature than fresh, typically around –2°C. Damage is caused by water expanding as it freezes, and this expansion can crack even a solid iron engine block.

I know that many people on the south coast who keep their boat in salt water do not carry out any winterising at all, and for the most part will get away with

1 First published December 2013, updated Oct 18

BY NEALE BYART

Motorboat Owner

Paul & Sandra Field

it, but is not unheard of for damage to occur even here, so I would suggest a little bit of preventative work is well worth doing to save the worry and, even remote possibility, of a large repair bill.

The complete process of winterising and protecting the boat can be broken down into a number of different jobs. The most important is winterising the engine as this is where the most expensive damage can occur. Next comes the domestic water system which, because it is full of fresh water, is the most prone to damage when the temperature dips. Although tales of engine damage are thankfully quite rare, possibly because most owners do take some precautions, stories of damage to the boats freshwater supply are far more common and I have personally been caught out with this one. Next comes the interior of the boat. There are some simple steps to take to ensure the soft furnishings see it through the winter unscathed. You can simply take them home and store them, you can ensure the boat has good ventilation to keep mildew at bay or you can go the high tech route and use some form of dehumidifier. The last section is the boats exterior. It is a good idea to give the boat a wash and a coat of good quality wax at the beginning of winter as it will protect the gelcoat from airbourne contaminates and any UV over winter, meaning re-commissioning in spring should require nothing more than a quick wash and a recoat of wax.

While you are on the boat and in your work clothes you may want to consider carry out some servicing. This is not strictly winterising but fits in well with it and will, in a small way, help to protect the

Freezing water can split metal, this is a damaged tap, but it could be your engine

boat over winter. A freshly serviced engine means that the boat is ready to go in the spring, it has nice clean oil protecting the engine’s inner workings, it’s a great opportunity to use up your existing engine spares and order some new ones for next season, but most importantly, it gives you lots of time to deal with any problems that might show up during a service. The sort of thing we are referring to is finding water in your outdrive oil, or worse still in your engine oil. Find a problem like this in the spring and you will be hard pressed to secure the services of a decent engineer as this is their busiest time, so you are likely to start eating into your season while waiting for repairs. Find a problem before Christmas and, expense aside, getting the repair carried out should be painless and most importantly, completed in time for the start of next season.

So, how do you winterise a boat? Simply follow the steps detailed on the next few pages, or at least the ones that are relevant to your boat, and you can relax knowing that regardless of what mother nature throws at us in the coming months, your boat will remain safe and serviceable as soon as spring has sprung.

2

PRACTICAL

HOW TO IN 9 STEPS

PART 1

The Engine

If your engine is fresh water cooled the block itself should be protected with antifreeze already, so you just need to displace the raw water that is trapped in the heat exchangers with an antifreeze mixture. Raw water engines will need an antifreeze solution run right through the engine so will need running up to temperature first.

1

On a freshwater cooled engine the captive antifreeze mix should be changed every two years. Change it, or if it not due, check the strength to ensure it is up to the job.

4

On a stern drive boat you have a choice of feeding the antifreeze mix through the leg via a set of muffs, or by removing an inlet pipe inside the boat. Check first that the hose is not below the waterline if still afloat.

2

Mix a solution of antifreeze and water at a ratio of 1:1.

Around five litres of mixture is usually enough per engine so a 5 litre container of antifreeze should be enough for most twin engine boats.

5

Outboards often have a flushing port which you can use to introduce an antifreeze mix. Alternatively use a pair of muffs or simply lower the leg into a container filled with an antifreeze mix.

3

On a shaft drive boat close the seacock and remove the raw water strainer cap. Pour the mix into the strainer with the engine running and shut the engine off just as the mix runs out.

6

Antifreeze is toxic so it should not be allowed to enter the water or soak into the ground. Try and catch the expelled antifreeze mix in a bucket. If this is not possible consider using nontoxic polyethylene glycol.

3 First published December 2013, updated Oct 18

7

8

An alterative to inhibiting an engine with antifreeze is to drain it. Check your owner’s manual for the drain points on your engine and follow the instructions carefully to ensure you remove all of the raw water.

Once the engine is inhibited remove the impeller and store it for the winter to reduce distortion. Replace the pump faceplate if the boat is staying afloat to reduce the chance of water entering the engine room.

9

Place a sign on the helm to advise that the engine should not be started due to winterisation. This could also remind you to replace the impeller and open the seacock if required.

HOW TO IN 9 STEPS

PART 2

Domestic water systems

As previously mentioned the domestic water system is most prone to frost damage. You can inhibit it with a non-toxic antifreeze but we recommend simply emptying the system completely to remove any threat of expansion damage.

1

2

Drain your domestic water tank to remove as much water as possible by running a tap. There will always be a small amount of water remaining in the bottom of the tank but this won’t cause a problem.

Motorboat Owner

Remove the connections from your domestic water pump. Using a dinghy pump blow back through the inlet hose to ensure there is no water trapped in the hose from the tank to the pump.

3

Open one tap at a time and blow water through the pumps outlet pipe until only air comes out of the tap, then close the tap. Do this to each tap, both hot and cold not forgetting any cockpit or transom mounted taps.

4

PRACTICAL

4

Remove the water pump filter and empty any water trapped inside. This is also a good opportunity to clean the filter element. Now open all of the taps and leave them open.

7

Manual toilets should be pumped on the dry setting to remove any water from the pump body, as these have been known to crack when water inside freezes.

5

If your calorifier has a drain cock, open it and drain the last of the water out. If you have a gas water heater open the drain valve on this to empty it.

8

To keep the seals and valves lubricated you could pour a little vegetable oil down the pan as you are excavating the water in step 7.

6

If you have any shower sumps on board, ensure they are empty. If necessary remove the lid and mop it out. Again this is a good opportunity to clean the pump filter inside.

9

If you have grey or black water tanks, pump them out and leave them as empty as possible.

Many owners like to bung up exhaust and ventilation ports. This is fine but make yourself a note to remove them in the spring.

5 First published December 2013, updated Oct 18

HOW TO IN 9 STEPS

PART 3

Other jobs

These jobs are really more a mixture of preventative maintenance, servicing and good practice rather than strictly winterising, but it makes good sense to consider doing them while you are on a roll.

1

2

Using a corrosion protection product, give the engines, mechanicals and any exposed electricals a good spray. You can also grease any movable linkages and squirt some grease into any grease points.

4

5

A dehumidifier will help to keep the boat dry. You can use chemical ones if you have no power, but an electric version does a much better job. One with a builtin timer, set for 6 hours a day, will save electricity.

Motorboat Owner

Diesel tanks can be filled to the brim, to reduce condensation problems, or left empty. Petrol fuel tanks are best left empty, or if this is impractical, add some fuel stabiliser to keep the fuel fresh.

Change the engine oil, so that the internal components of the engine are coated in clean contaminant free lubricant.

It is also an opportunity to check for major problems such as water in the oil.

3

A good coat of wax all over the boats exterior should help see it into the new season with a shine, and will certainly make the first wash of the year much easier.

6

It’s the same with gearbox oil on sterndrive and outboard legs. It’s not uncommon to find water in here and you don’t want that water sloping around your gears all winter.

6

PRACTICAL

7

9

8

Check your props for damage. Like good engineers, the people who refurbish propellers get very busy in spring, so get in early if required.

Inspect your safety equipment. Items such as lifejackets, liferafts, PLBs, EPIRBs and fire fighting equipment all have service requirements. Winter is a good time to get this done.

Check the electrolyte levels in your batteries, top up if required and ensure that the batteries are fully charged if they are going to be left idle for any length of time.

What about leaving the boat in commission?

Q&A

If you are planning on using the boat throughout the winter, inhibiting the engine and domestic water supply after each use is going to be costly and time consuming. The easiest thing to do with the domestic water system is simply not use it. Take bottled water on board and use the marina facilities.

If you do need to use it, perhaps see if you can decommission the most susceptible parts such as transom and cockpit outlets. If you have reliable shorepower you can put some greenhouse tube heaters in the engine room to keep frost at bay and prevent engine damage. Rather than simply running them 24/7, consider plugging them into a thermostat set at around

3°C so that they only come on when the temperature is getting close to freezing. You should consider blocking up the engine room vents too to help keep any warmth in.

Just remember to remove the plugs before starting up. If you are going to be reliant on electric to stop your boat from freezing, it is a good idea to invest in a shorepower monitor that will alert you if someone unplugs your boat, or if the power supply fails. The Envirotxt from Tekview Ltd will not only alert you to a power loss, it will also monitor temperatures on board, and alert if they fall outside of the preset parameters. tekview-solutions.com

7 First published December 2013, updated Oct 18

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