Motorboat Owner November 2019

FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Motorboat NOVEMBER 2019

Owner Affordable practical boating

Wellcraft 182F

BOAT TEST

Nimbus 305 Coupé Destination Guide Sterndrive propshaft seals l Broom 345 OS l Selva T270 VIB

SWANSEA

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

October is one of my favourite months for boating. In our, typically, unsettled weather, it seems to me that October consistently delivers some great boating days every year.

Granted, the evenings can be a bit cold, and the days are getting shorter, but I have been on the water three times last month working on tests and features for forthcoming issues and have struck lucky each time, which I

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

2

November 2019

corner. I know us Brits love to moan about the weather, but conversations with two boating friends from overseas this month remind me just how lucky we are. Both of these, one in Germany and the other in Finland, have to take their boat out for the winter and leave it ashore for as long as six months due to the harshness of their weather. We, on the other hand, can don some extra layers, crank up the heating, wait for those reliable winter high pressure systems that roll in off the Atlantic and experience some of the best, and quietest, boating you will get all season. I know that hardened boaters, like our contributor Simon, like to get out on the water all year round in small open boats, but if, can assure you is a rarity, even in the like me, you are a bit more delicate height of summer. October is also the than Simon, we have a couple of fourth warmest month of the year when cracking winter cruising boat options it comes to the water, which was a relief to me as one of these trips ended up with in this issue. Of course, if you are like Simon, we have a great option for me in the drink, but more on that next you too. However you month. Of course, now that the clocks have gone back and November is upon us, choose to do it, enjoy it is time to start accepting that autumn is your winter boating. fast fading and winter is just around the

welcome aboard

©SwanseaMarina

Sunset at Swansea Marina’s South Dock basin. See our destination guide, page 36

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

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

Contributors:

Alex Smith, Shaun Tytheridge, Simon Everett David Bagshaw, Mark Lambert, Norman Aplin Harry Jefferies, Andrew Wolstenholme

Cover photo: Nimbus 305 Coupé off Gothenburg by Henrik Ljungqvist

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

3

Our Marinas As part of an extensive and ongoing programme of developing and redeveloping marinas, we

Thames & Kennet Marina Racecourse Marina Windsor

are creating some of the best places in the

Walton Marina

UK for boat moorings. With outstanding quality

Upton Marina

and tremendous value, Tingdene Marinas

Stourport Marina

continue to oer our customers a range of

Brundall Bay Marina

boat moorings in idyllic locations in the UK.

Pyrford Marina

We provide marina services others cannot deliver that when combined with the surroundings, give you a better outlook on life

01933 449090

www.tingdene.net

Broadlands Marina Hartford Marina

CONTENTS TICA

seal Sterndrive propshaft

HOW TO

PRAC

PRACTICAL

REGULARS

L

NOVEMBER 2019

change

4 5 6

Once you second have expo sed O-ring, can usual the carriethe With the r by hand ly be withd carrier propshaft, rawn and workbenc gears on the undo the h, you need to six retain ing nuts 7

NEWS page 12 INBOX page 14 CUTTING EDGE page 28 TESTED page 50 Q&A page 52

8

Protecting the prop the shaft with wood, cone and some gently tap the of the shaft to end bearing dislodge carrier and shaft from the the 9

Once the are remo shaft and beari see and ved, you can ng The seals access propshaft the carefully need to be seals insidtwo carrier damagingremoved witho You shou e the them eithe the area arounut and disca ld also remo YOU WILL NEED ve rd the r by d O-rin puller two 10 r or a screwusing a gs TOOLS • Mallet or hamme grooves that are locat driver • Torque wrench ed in ets • Spanners of the on the outer • Hex keys or sock • Wire brush/wet 11 carrier edge • Puller or slide and dry paper • Container for old oil il • Funnel for new o

hammer • Seal puller or screwdriver • Socket or drift

or sterndrive I f you own an outboard oil dripping out and have ever noticed prop hub, or have from around your to be contaminated found your gear oil a milkshake, with water and resembling your that there is a good chance replacing. Age is propshaft seal needs shaft seals fail, but one reason that prop 30

12

COnSumabLeS ur drive • Suitable oil for yo All O-rin al and O-ring kit • Replacement se

g and

surfaces seal • Silicone sealant should ound • Non-seize comp thoro be se ughly • Waterproof grea remo clean

ed to ve scale Y RATING or of old DIFFICULT sealant any signs etc

ooooo 32

November 2019

I then put parts wash all bits throu gh a er, to debris from the remove any The correct overhaul process. should cleaning kit conta remain Ensure any and O-rin in all the shims in place seals your parti gs you need cular drive for Novem

ber 2019

page 48 Tested

Selva T270 VIB & 2.5hp page 68 Project Boat

Fairline Vixen

p30 PRACTICAL

Sterndrive propshaft seal change

p36

page 72 Hooked

Pollack Aplenty

p68 SWANSEA Destination Guide

p58 p16

BOAT TESTS

p74

Broom 345 OS

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Wellcraft 182F

Nimbus 305 Coupé

5

NEWS Trailer checks stepped up by DVSA In October the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) issued a reminder to boaters to check their trailers are safe and legal before each journey, as the agency is increasing the number of inspections it carries out.

In a recent Department for Transport report, 50% of trailers were found to be unsafe. The DVSA will be enforcing safe trailer use with a year-long operation which will check thousands of extra light trailers (under 3.5 tonnes) and caravans. DVSA can issue fines and immobilise dangerous vehicles at roadside inspections. Guidance includes ensuring you are carrying the correct driving licence to tow, encouraging regular maintenance of both trailers and towbars and awareness of the maximum towing weight of your vehicle and the maximum authorised mass of your combined vehicle and trailer.

It said if drivers are unsure of how to tow or use a trailer, they should contact the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) for a free trailer check. A DVSA video and full guidance on towing can be found here.

New pontoon in Yarmouth A new short stay floating pontoon has been installed at Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight. Positioned between the Wightlink ferry terminal and the slipway, the new 60-metre composite Tetradock cube float pontoon has cleats, railings on the inner side and protective bumpers, making it ideal for visiting smaller boats, tenders and ribs wanting short stay access to the town during the summer months. Previously such boats were accommodated directly on the wall which, when the tide dropped, notoriously claimed a few ‘hung up’ casualties.

6

November 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Yamarin 63 Day Cruiser NEW BOAT The Finnish boatbuilder, Yamarin has introduced a new model to its range, the 63 Day Cruiser. Introduced as the sister model to the 63 Bow Rider, which launched last autumn, the 63 Day Cruiser or 63 DC for short has a bow cabin offering two berths with seated headroom. It also has a versatile cockpit with a helm seat with a reversible backrest and a folding bench behind provides a comfortable seating arrangement for 5 to 6 persons, with an optional table available for dining. The model is fitted with a single outboard, the biggest being a Yamaha F150 giving a maximum speed of approximately 43 knots.

Discover space to relax at Portland Marina.

Marina, dry stack, boatyard.

01305 866190 Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

portlandmarina.co.uk

7

NEWS Hythe Marina Village raises £1k for RNLI A screening of Last Night of the Proms at MDL’s Hythe Marina raised £1k in donations for the RNLI. The free event, held an the grass area of the marina with a giant screen, was organised by Hythe Marina Association (HMA) and supported

by MDL Marinas, saw over 250 Union Jack-waving people attend, bringing picnics, singing and dancing the night away. A £1000 cheque was presented to the Calshot RNLI crew. Dave Lewis, Hythe Marina Village Marina Manager, said “What a fantastic event to support and raise money for such a worthwhile cause. The RNLI was chosen as it is close to the hearts of everyone that ventures out on the water. The brave volunteers of the RNLI help in all weather conditions, often putting their lives at risk to save others. I would like to extend a special thank you to all who came, especially to those who donated.” The HMA and MDL are planning next year’s events, supporting the RNLI with the annual raft race to be held at Hythe Marina on August 2nd and the Last Night of the Proms again in September.

Thames Valley and London Boat Show 2020 The dates and venue have been announced for the 2nd Thames Valley and London Boat Show.

The 3-day inaugural 2019 Thames Valley and London Boat Show was held in April at Penton Hook Marina in Chertsey and saw over 20 new boat brands, including Finnmaster, Sealine, Jeanneau, Haines, Cranchi, Glastron, Bayliner, Alfastreet and Orkney exhibiting. The free-entry show will be returning once again to Penton Hook Marina and is due to be held this time in May, between 8th-10th.

8

November 2019

NEWS Beneteau Antares 11 NEW BOAT The French boat builder, Beneteau has announced a new flagship for its Antares range. The new Antares 11 is being introduced as a safe, seaworthy, and spacious family boat, and its features include an innovative starboard swim platform, extending the cockpit space. Modular seating in the wheelhouse converts seamlessly for comfort while underway or at rest, with convertible L-shaped bench seating, a four-pane sunroof overhead providing plenty of light and a wheelhouse side door allowing easy access to the wide offset starboard side deck. Its interior can accommodate up to 7 people, with a double berth and a single in its full-beam mid cabin, a forward master with double island berth and a dinette converting into an occasional double in the wheelhouse. Its toilet compartment also features a separate shower stall. The 36ft, 11-metre model can be powered by twin outboards up to 300hp each. The new model will premiere at the Paris Nautic boat show in December next year.

Torbay plea for boaters to make ship horn music The Torbay Harbour Authority is seeking boaters to make music with their boat horns as part of an art project. On the 9th of November a light performance event, called a Dog Ballet, will be held on the Torquay beach, Torre Abbey Sands, and organisers hope to conclude the event with a musical composition of ships horns, and is inviting boaters to come forward to take part.

10

November 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Excel Boats aluminium Verano range The West Midlands-based inflatable and RIB manufacturer, Excel Boats has introduced a new aluminium Verano sportsfisher range. The new line-up comprises of three centre console models designed for fishing and day boating, the 480, 530 pictured and 580, made from lightweight and durable marine-grade 4mm aluminium.

Ex engine prices start at £8,799 for the 480, £9,999 for the 530 and £11,399 for the 580, with various power option packages available from outboard manufacturers Suzuki, Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu and Evinrude.

Christchurch Sailing Club disabled facilities Quadriplegic sailor, Geoff Holt MBE DL, has opened a new disabled lift and facilities at Christchurch Sailing Club. The new amenities will serve its members and visitors and make it a fully inclusive club, able to support disabled powerboat activities with Sailability and Geoff ’s own charity, WetWheels.

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

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

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

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

11

NEWS Heat mapping for RYA’s Recreational Coastal Atlas The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has been carrying out an interesting study of boating activity over the last 16 years. Since 2004 it has been collecting information about recreational boating to gain a picture of the areas most utilised for general boating to create the UK Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating. The latest edition of the atlas, updated in September 2019, sees a heat map based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. The RYA say that AIS data generally provides good coverage of the UK’s coastal waters and the heat map indicates a range from light to heavy activity, and serves as a useful data source when mapping proposed offshore developments and areas for conservation, and in discussions over navigational safety. There are however some data gaps, particularly in estuaries.

This part of the dataset is limited in that it only represents vessels that carry AIS transponders, and it is assumed that these areas, particularly estuaries, are frequented small boats and may not carry AIS transponders. Also in areas where there is no AIS data coverage, it recognises that this does not mean no recreational craft visit the area. On the atlas, the UK south coast and English Channel show as an extemely active boating area.

Premier Marinas winter berthing UK’s south coast marina operator, Premier Marinas, has launched its winter berthing packages for 2019/20. Berths are available at eight of the group’s nine marinas with prices starting at £205 per month for boats up to 8 metres and 10-metre berths available from £240 per month. Those who book for two months or more can opt to spend 28 days ashore with 10% off lifts. Deals are available until the 31st March 2020 with a minimum stay of one month.

12

November 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

National Coastwatch Day On the 14th September 2019, the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) celebrated National Coastwatch Day which this year coincided with the charities 25th Anniversary. The charity was formed by a small group of local people who reopened the station at Bass Point in 1994 following a tragic incident which saw two Cornish fishermen lose their lives not far from the abandoned coastguard station on the Lizard peninsula. There are now 56 operational stations manned by more than 2,500 volunteers around the coast of England and Wales. The charity is urging the public and boaters to visit and use their local NCI station (VHF ch. 65), and show your support for its volunteers.

As part of National Coastwatch Day, volunteers at NCI Newhaven formed the number 25 to celebrate the anniversary.

DIARY DATES Berlin Boat & Fun 21st-24th November 2019 Boot Düsseldorf 18th-26th January 2020 Horning Boat Show 2nd May 2020 Thames Valley & London Boat Show 8th-10th May 2020 Brundall Boat Show 16th May 2020 Poole Harbour Boat Show 12th-18th June 2020 Southampton Boat Show 11th-20th September 2020 Click any of the above for more info Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

RYA and Navionics The RYA has joined forces with mapping software company, Navionics, which will see the introduction of newly developed print and digital resources for teaching electronic navigation in the classroom.

Emma Clayton, Chief Instructor for the RYA said “We are delighted to be working with Navionics to develop these exciting new training materials.”

0800 310 2100

Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.

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

sales@mdsbattery.co.uk

13

INBOX

@

Nimbus 380 Commander

Just to say the magazine is a great read as always, particularly this month as we own a Nimbus 380 Commander 2009 model. We have had it coming up for five years and, to confirm they do exist, ours has the D4 300s fitted with a claimed 29 knots flat out, although we tend to fast cruise between 20 and 23 knots. They are brilliant boats and the manufacturer’s back up has been first class. I have ordered replacements fittings on their website and they arrive from Sweden within the week. When we found the centre windscreen had been mysteriously smashed in our marina, one phone call to Nimbus established they could, of course, provide a replacement and they gave advice to the boatyard on fitment once delivered. Manufacturer support does seem to be something that rarely gets mentioned in many boat reviews, but I have come across Nimbus owners with much older boats who still get excellent service for spares and accessories. If you want to check them out try shop.nimbus.se, you can even order a Nimbus door mat and mug. Happy shopping everyone. Tim and Yasmin Price Editor comments: Manufacturer and dealer support is, of course, very important, and it is always great to hear of positive stories like yours.

New sign up

I signed up at this year’s Southampton Boat Show to receive Motorboat Owner magazine and have just read the latest issue. I just wanted to congratulate you on producing a really great magazine, interesting features, good photographs and a very good mix of editorial. I am from a publishing background, having worked with printed material for many years. I had always preferred the printed copy of any magazine but you have converted me. Storing magazines on my iPad means I have great reading matter anywhere. Beryl Chalmers Editor comments: Thanks for your nice comments Beryl, and welcome to MBO. 14

November 2019

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

Whilst researching our Broom used boat this month, we unearthed this 1980s brochure for its older sister, the 9-70, built between 1984-88.

Heybridge heaven

It was nice to see last month’s article on Heybridge Basin, I took particular note as I have been restoring my old Norman 20 there for the last two and a half years, and finally put her back in the water this summer. I agree with your article Heybridge is very friendly, and a beautiful little gem. Brian Woodhouse Editor comments: It certainly is, and by the looks of it, so is your Norman 20.

Do you have any pictures of the process? Sounds like there is a good story there.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

15

Nimbus 305 CoupĂŠ

By Alex Smith

24

November 2019

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 10.07m / 33ft 3in Beam: 3.25m / 10ft 7in Weight: 4,100 kg Fuel capacity: 250 litres Water capacity: 150 litres RCD category: B Engine as tested: Volvo Penta D3-220 Other engine options: Volvo Penta D3-110, D3-150 Price from £218,943 Price as tested £242,346

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

25

B

ased at the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Harbour on Sweden’s west coast, Nimbus has more than 50 years of leisure boat success on its CV. And despite a history littered with standout moments like the patronage of Bjorn Borg and the collaboration of Ferrari designer, Nuccio Bertone, it continues to feel like a very settled and recognisable brand. Its modern range comprises just nine boats from 30 to 43 feet and whether open or otherwise, each of them continues to be keenly defined by Nimbus’s established expertise in premium Scandinavianstyle mid-sized cruising boats.

There is, however, a general divide between the two sides of the Nimbus

fleet. On the one hand, you have the new 9, a starkly modern and dynamic looking platform with a stepped hull, outboard power and a trio of variants. And on the other, you have the distinctly modest and traditional feeling inboard-powered CoupĂŠ line, which is designed to maximise user practicality with

26

November 2019

“This 33ft Swedish Coupé is classically understated”

sociable living spaces and long-distance cruising ability. The Nimbus Coupé has already won great acclaim in that regard and central to its success has been the unusual nature of its deck layout.

The ‘Sidewalk’ design Like her larger siblings, the awardwinning 365, 405 and 405 Coupé Flybridge, this new 33-foot entry point to the Nimbus Coupé Series employs an asymmetrical deck layout known as the ‘Sidewalk’ concept. The idea is to use a superstructure offset to port to free up a safe, secure and spacious starboard walkway, helping maximise ease of movement from the swim platform to the forepeak and increase internal volume, Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

both in the main deck saloon and in the lower sleeping spaces.

The elevated port walkway is of course quite narrow and exposed, particularly when the roof-mounted grab rail comes to an end, but the starboard sidedeck certainly makes up for that. While you would sooner reach for the port midship cleat through the co-pilot’s side window, the starboard walkway offers a 47cm gunwale, which is ideal for bracing your knee against, as well as a stainless steel guardrail that lifts the bracing point up to around the mid-thigh as you move forward. That enables you to head for the foredeck with the utmost confidence, even when there’s a decent swell running.

Nimbus has also maximised the

27

practicality of the starboard deck by including a stepping off point amidships, right next to the skipper’s sliding door.

Though the lower step and the roof ’s overhanging moulding significantly limit the door’s size, it does enable you to stand on the side deck and conduct coming alongside manoeuvres with a clear view of the water and unobstructed access to the key helm controls. And when you step aft, the cockpit also does a good job of maximising the value of the 305’s offset design. It features a spacious five-man L-shaped settee, which is again stationed on the port side, freeing up easy access from the saloon to the cockpit and from the big starboard walkway to the open expanse of aft starboard deck space.

Main deck details While you’re on the aft deck, protected beneath the Coupé’s extended roof, it’s well worth checking out the engine bay. With clean compartmentalisation, robust insulation and the unusual bonus of internal LED lighting, it’s a very well conceived space. It enables you to stow heavy or bulky gear in here without the fear of compromising any vital cables, pipes or switches and it enables you to use both hands to find what you’re looking for, even when it’s dark. The nature of this set up does make the containment of the engine look quite tight for servicing purposes, but access to the top of the engine is unobstructed and a removable panel enables you to access the side of

28

November 2019

the engine bay from the neighbouring underdeck storage compartment to starboard. My only gripe is the labourintensive operation of gaining access. You have to remove the table, the aft bench’s cushions, the rigid seat base and the slotin bar that supports it in order to lift the transverse engine hatch. That’s fine once a month for an engine check, but it could prove a bit annoying if you want to use the storage space on a regular basis during a weekend away.

That said, there is also plenty of design to admire back here. The cockpit’s dining table, for instance, folds inwards, revealing eight recessed glass holders machined into the wood, alongside a pair of sturdy stainless grab rails to ease movement around the aft deck. And when you step onto the swim platform, things look equally well considered. The stern anchor is positioned out of the way to the port and the boarding ladder is cleverly located in the centre, generating the space for a pair of moulded seat pods on either side of the platform and making good use of the big four-fender basket as a useful grabbing point for swimmers.

This intelligence of design continues inside. Despite some substantial

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

“It’s a very user-friendly cruiser for year-round family fun”

29

©Nimbus/HLjungqvist

The dinette uses a simple flip-down co-pilot seat. The guest berth features some excellent storage

mouldings in the construction of the superstructure, as well as a prominent downward curve at the edges of the roofline, the saloon feels very open and bright. The breadth of the internal beam, engendered by the offset deck layout, is a key part of that and so is the lofty headroom, which at no point dips below 1.94m (six foot four). But aside from the generous physical parameters, there’s a subjective sense of space here too. That’s partly due to the broad central walkway of the layout and partly courtesy of the natural light ingress. With a onepiece wraparound screen and a pair of extended two-part overhead skylights that encompass perhaps 60% of the roof ’s entire surface area, it’s as bright as an enclosed saloon could be.

The large port diner also feels like a very relaxed space where four people could easily settle in for a long meal. It’s a simple operation to reverse the two-man co-pilot’s bench, which lifts to maximise the view when facing forward and drops to optimise the intimacy of the meal when facing aft. You do need to shift the co-pilot seat in order to open or close the hinged table but the detailing here feels distinctly

attractive. The hardwearing Scandinavian textiles are lovely, the integrated storage shelves and wall lamps on the aft quarter mouldings are a useful touch, and the leather-wrapped stainless steel roof rail, which runs fore and aft between the skylights makes a great steadying point for getting in and out of your seat.

Across the walkway to starboard, the galley is equally accomplished. Though it basically comprises a fore-and-aft strip between the skipper’s seat and the aft door, the inclusion of a fridge beneath the helm seat and a freezer beneath the aft twoman bench frees up the rest of the galley for the most important functions. You get an oven, a hob, a sink and a hinged skipper’s seat that flips forward to increase the scale of the work surface. You also get thoughtfully arranged storage spaces including a slide-out bin drawer and a mix of open cavities and bespoke slots for your Nimbus-branded crockery, cups and glasses. And again, the detailing, particularly inside the cupboards, is lovely, with designed-for-purpose joinery that feels much more like the work of a skilled furniture maker than the result of a shopping spree at a High Street shop.

30

November 2019

©Nimbus/HLjungqvist

Lower deck practicalities Down below, a pair of staggered top-lit steps drops down to a central atrium that leads in three directions. Forward is the main cabin, to port is a curtained partition leading to the guest double and to starboard is a door leading to the shared heads and shower compartment. Space is tight in this part of the boat, particularly when the heads door is opened but when you get where you’re going, the dimensions feel far more generous.

The main cabin for instance is available with a V-bed or a diagonal Queen-size bed – but with decent diagonal length allied to a maximum width of 2.5m, the V-bed option seen on the test boat is easily big enough to sleep three people in relative comfort. The overhead hatch and the two elongated hull windows provide pretty good natural light too and that’s supplemented by a pleasant glow from an LED strip set behind the upholstered The starboard toilet compartment is intelligently arranged and has a separate shower stall headliner and by the attractively bright Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

PERFORMANCE As tested 50% fuel 50% water 2 crew Force 2

RPM

and modern OceanAir blinds over the portholes. But it would be good to see some mirrors in here to help bounce the light about, and while the underbed storage compartments, accessed beneath lift-out ply lids, provide decent capacity for compact items, there’s some rough finish on the ply edges that could do with a more fastidious rub and perhaps a lick of lacquer.

Even so, the guest double is another very cruise-friendly piece of design. Headroom of 1.64m is perfectly serviceable in the seated changing area and vertical space of 0.83m at the head of the bed is also excellent for those who like to prop themselves up and have a read before nodding off. The scale of the

700 (idle) 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000

Knots LPH

GPH

MPG

5.5 6.2 7.1 7.8 8.8 9.2 10.1 11.2 12.7 15.1 17.6 20.0 21.9 24.2

0.180 0.318 0.504 0.804 1.335 1.868 2.554 3.043 3.775 4.686 5.609 6.907 8.073 10.464

30.56 19.50 14.09 9.70 6.59 4.93 3.95 3.68 3.36 3.22 3.14 2.90 2.71 2.31

0.82 1.45 2.29 3.65 6.07 8.49 11.61 13.84 17.16 21.30 25.50 31.40 36.70 47.57

Range (nm)

1343.1 856.9 619.0 427.0 290.0 216.6 174.0 161.9 148.0 141.8 138.0 127.4 119.3 101.7

Noise

52.0 64.3 65.6 68.1 70.0 74.8 76.9 77.0 77.6 79.6 80.6 84.3 85.1 86.2

bed is also very generous and the cabin’s easy-access storage space is thoughtfully arranged, with a sliding curtain partition in a well-sized ply cut-out exactly where you would want it. Across to starboard, 1.75m of headroom in the shower is not

32

November 2019

The helm features a useful, if compact, sliding door

“The drive is quiet, simple and relaxing, with a 220hp diesel giving 24 knots” huge but, like the rest of the lower deck, the heads compartment feels bright, well appointed and intelligently arranged.

There’s nothing special or dramatic about it but there’s no doubt that the simple correctness of the ergonomics would enable you to use this boat for a family week away without feeling in the slightest bit claustrophobic or compromised.

Underway Slip into the driver’s position and it’s immediately plain that the helm set-up is spot on. You get a cosseting seat with forward and aft adjustment, substantial wings for lateral support, a robust bolster for stand-up helming and a pair of foot braces to tailor the drive to your style, an Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

angled one at the foot of the dash and a fold-down foot pad on the leading edge of the seat itself. It’s a very safe, wellsupported and reassuring helm station and one which is perfectly matched by the singular character of the Nimbus hull.

Based on the contention voiced by Nimbus Product Development Manager, Mats Jacobsson, that Coupé owners are “fond of cruising at speeds from four to 20 knots”, the hull has been developed to maximise range, comfort and usability between exactly those parameters. The idea is that it should operate efficiently on modest engines; that it should run comfortably irrespective of speed, and that it should accelerate throughout the range with no perceptible planing threshold.

33

And when you drive it, all of that is fully borne out.

The traditional transition to the plane is conspicuous by its absence. There’s no digging in at the stern, no laboured ascent of the hump and no flat-lining in speed or spike in fuel consumption as the boat shifts out of displacement mode. On the contrary, the performance ‘curve’ here is pretty much a straight line from zero right through to 22 knots. Only at the very top end, from 3,750 to 4,000rpm does the efficiency take a notable dip and in practical cruising terms, that brings some very significant benefits.

For instance, despite the fact that this is a 33-foot boat weighing in excess of four metric tonnes, you can spec it with as little as a single Volvo Penta D3-110 for steady, frugal cruising. Ramp that up to the D3-150 and you can expect running efficiency of 1.5 litres per nautical mile at everything between ten and 15 knots. And for commercial users and those keen to invest in green technologies, you can also equip it with Torqeedo’s Deep Blue i 1800 inboard electric drive system for a quiet, fume-free six-knot cruise.

Even with the top-rated D3-220, the drive is extraordinary. Nine knots at seven

A place for everything. Crockery is neatly stored

litres per hour is flat, frugal and refined and 20 knots at 30 litres per hour is also an excellent return on a boat of this scale. The flatness of the ride throughout the range improves visibility aft as well as forward and, despite the relative bulk of the superstructure’s quarter mouldings, you never feel at the helm as though your view is in any way restricted. With less than 80 Decibels at anything under 17 knots, the ride is also fairly quiet and, while that is partly a consequence of the moderate speeds, there’s no doubt that the docile, composed and pocket-friendly nature of the 305’s cruising performance will be highly valued by non-sporting family cruisers.

34

November 2019

Conclusion If ever there was a boat that embodied the simple self-effacing practicality of the Scandinavian approach to boat building, the Nimbus 305 Coupé is it. While the brand’s new nine-metre model in Weekender, Commuter and Tender variants feels dramatic and desirable, the 305 Coupé is steadier, more measured, more modest.

It blends the stateliness of an Admiral’s Launch with the classical refinement of an inland cruiser in a cleverly arranged package that prioritises sustainable cruising over outright dynamism. With its modest power demands, its stable running attitude, its consistent cruising efficiency and its

The 305 Coupé is well arranged for all-season use

capacity to provide year-round recreation for a family of six, the Nimbus 305 offers a very authentic slice of the Sidewalk experience at a temptingly accessible price point.

ENQUIRIES: Offshore Powerboats 01590 677955 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Greenline 33

Sealine C330

Jeanneau MF1095

LOA: 10.99m Beam: 3.49m Displacement: 4,850kg Enquiries: Clipper Marine 01489 550583 www.greenlineyachts.co.uk

LOA: 10.31m Beam: 3.5m Displacement: 6,570kg Enquiries: TBS Boats 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com

LOA: 10.5m Beam: 3.35m Displacement: 4,638kg Enquiries: Sea Ventures 01489 565444 www.sea-ventures.co.uk

Modern, best-selling family cruiser with hybrid power for clean recreation and bright, one-level interior for optimised ease of use.

PRICE from £230,293

Cleverly arranged express cruiser with wide-open interiors and single or twin diesel options for 31-knot potential.

PRICE from £231,860

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

> NEXT MONTH

Classical outboardpowered family cruiser with optional flybridge and sleeping for as many as eight.

PRICE from £180,454

Parker 790 Explorer

35

CUTTING Mastervolt

Mastervolt’s new Combimaster range offers a variety of invertercharger models that provide a non-stop power solution. They combine a powerful and intelligent three-step battery charger with a pure sine wave inverter and intelligent switching to seamlessly move between the two functions. Available in 12 and 24v models, the range includes models that offer charges of between 40A and 160A and inverters of 2000 or 3000W. All models offer connectivity using MasterBus, CZone and NMEA2000. Prices £TBA www.mastervolt.com

Simarine

Simarine PICO battery monitoring kits provide smart battery monitors that allow you to view the status of your batteries on your smart phone.

PICO promises precise real-time measurement of your battery’s voltage, current and temperature, as well as tank levels, all delivered on a 3.5” LCD display with automatic screen brightness and a sleek anodized aluminium case. It has an expandable architecture that allows for up to 20 shunts and modules for monitoring, and can monitor up to six battery banks and 14 tanks.

The smartphone app is free and connects via WiFi.

Price from £283 www.energysolutions.co.uk

Auto Fender System

Fenders are essential on most boats and are often inconvenient to deploy when berthing your boat. Automatic Fender System banishes this hassle, by allowing you to deploy the fenders automatically, via your smartphone or tablet. The system stows the fenders between the railings on the boat, saving on stowage space. Power is provided by two solar cells that capture the sun, no matter its position or how cloudy it is. It is easy to fit and can be installed on small sportscruisers to superyachts, and can host a variety of different shaped and sized fenders. Price from £1,199 for port/ starboard pair www.boatsearch.earth

28

November 2019

the latest boating gear and technology

Awlgrip

Awlgrip HDT is a new, single-stage, professionallyapplied, repairable topcoat for boats. HDT (High Definition Technology) offers a high performance, mirror-like coating that promises to be long lasting and easily repairable. HDT is available in any colour through AkzoNobel’s Awlmix centres, or there are around 300 colours available online at www.mixitcloud. com. Testing has included being applied to boats in the last Volvo Ocean race, so it should be more than suitable for the average motorboat.

Imray East Coast Pilot

East Coast Pilot is the go-to book for boaters cruising between Great Yarmouth and Ramsgate. The new 5th edition has been thoroughly updated and includes clear and concise information on the many harbours, ports, rivers and creeks that abound in these waters. Written by two east coasters, the book draws on their extensive knowledge and personal experience of cruising this area. Updates are published regularly on eastcoastpilot.com Price £27.50 www.imray.com

Price £POA www.awlgrip.com

Standard Horizon

If you are looking for a compact, affordable and waterproof VHF, Standard Horizon’s new GX1400GPS/E could be the one. At just 15cm wide and only 10cm deep, the GX1400 should fit into places other radios won’t.

It is waterproof to IPX8 (over 1m for 30 minutes), has a built in GPS, offers noise reduction technology to eliminate unwanted background sounds and, of course, comes with all the usual DSC VHF functionality.

Price £169.95 www.standardhorizon.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

29

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Sterndrive propshaft seal change

YOU WILL NEED

I

f you own an outboard or sterndrive and have ever noticed oil dripping out from around your prop hub, or have found your gear oil to be contaminated with water and resembling a milkshake, there is a good chance that your propshaft seal needs replacing. Age is one reason that prop shaft seals fail, but

TOOLS • Torque wrench • Hex keys or sockets • Puller or slide hammer • Seal puller or screwdriver • Socket or drift

• Mallet or hammer • Spanners • Wire brush/wet and dry paper • Container for old oil • Funnel for new oil

CONSUMABLES • Suitable oil for your drive • Replacement seal and O-ring kit • Silicone sealant • Non-seize compound • Waterproof grease

DIFFICULTY RATING

ooooo

30

November 2019

more commonly their demise is caused by some fishing line or similar getting wrapped around the shaft. Plastic bags or netting can also work its way into the seal and cause damage, so if you ever find any of these wrapped around your prop shaft, you should think about getting your drive pressure tested to see if the seal is still sealing, or whether replacement is required. For more on pressure testing, see our July 2017 issue.

We have looked at changing prop shaft seals on a small portable outboard before (see October 2013 issue) but what is the process on a sterndrive unit? Like outboards, sterndrives come in many different models, and the process will be different for each make or type. There will also be differences in the job depending upon whether the drive uses a single prop or a pair of counter rotating props.

This month we are looking at changing

Volvo 270

Volvo 280

the prop shaft seal on a single prop Volvo Penta 290 drive. The process will be the same, or very similar, for any single prop drive from the Volvo Penta 200 series, including the popular 270 and 280 models. Some of the process will also be the same for duoprop drives from this manufacturer, albeit with a few extra steps and another seal to change. We will cover duoprops at a later date, but for now here is how the job is done with a single prop drive.

HOW TO IN 27 STEPS >

1

You will need to drain the drive oil before starting this job; otherwise it will get very messy later on.

Also remove the prop

2

Remove the two bearing carrier bolts. These require a 3/8in hex key or socket on the 290A drive

3

Using a puller or slide hammer, withdraw the propshaft bearing carrier from the lower unit

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

31

PRACTICAL

4

Once you have exposed the second O-ring, the carrier can usually be withdrawn by hand

7

5

With the propshaft, carrier and gears on the workbench, you need to undo the six retaining nuts

8

6

Protecting the shaft with the prop cone and some wood, gently tap the end of the shaft to dislodge the bearing and shaft from the carrier 9

Once the shaft and bearing are removed, you can see and access the two propshaft seals inside the carrier

The seals need to be carefully removed without damaging the area around them either by using a puller or a screwdriver

You should also remove and discard the two O-rings that are located in grooves on the outer edge of the carrier

10

11

12

All O-ring and seal surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to remove scale or any signs of old sealant etc

I then put all bits through a parts washer, to remove any debris from the cleaning process. Ensure any shims remain in place

The correct overhaul kit should contain all the seals and O-rings you need for your particular drive

32

November 2019

13

14

15

Refit the first seal, ensuring it is the correct way around. A light coat of gear oil on the outer edge is useful

Drift it squarely into place.

I used a socket, just a fraction smaller than the diameter of the seal

Ensure that the first seal is fully seated before installing the inner seal using the same method

16

17

18

The inner seal fits the opposite way around to the outer seal. Ensure it is fully seated against the outer seal

The channel between the lips of the two seals should be filled with waterproof grease

Slide the shaft and bearing back into the carrier. I placed these in the freezer for an hour and left the carrier in front of a heater to aid the process

19

20

21

Before it is fully seated, loosely screw the nuts back on as this is not possible once it is fully assembled

A final gentle tap on the protected shaft should ensure it is fully in place before fully tightening the six retaining nuts

Add two new O-rings to the bearing carrier and give them a light coat of gear oil to help with the install process

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

PRACTICAL

22

23

24

After cleaning up the mating surface on the lower unit, give it a light coat of a silicone sealing compound

The propshaft unit can now be pushed back into the lower unit, taking care not to disturb the needle bearing in the lower unit

You may need to turn the shaft to align the gears, and give it a gentle tap on a protected shaft end to seat it fully home

25

26

27

I like to use some non-seize product on the two fixing bolts to make it easier to remove them in the future

Tighten the two bolts evenly to the correct torque, 40nm in the case of the Volvo 290A SP drive

Replace the prop and refill the drive with the correct amount, and specification, of gear oil

TIME TAKEN With all the right tools to hand, notably a suitable puller, this job should take no more than two to three hours. It is worth taking extra time, as I did, to give all the parts a proper clean before reassembly.

If you don’t have access to a parts washer, you could give them a bath in some clean diesel just to wash any dust or debris away. If you find getting the bearing back into the carrier difficult, you will need to add an hour or so to cool the shaft and bearing in the freezer, and heat the carrier on a radiator or in front of the outlet of a blown air heater, as I did.

COST £ Individually the seals and O rings bought from a Volvo dealer will come in at around £40. You can buy, as I did, a complete aftermarket seal kit for a 290A SP lower unit that includes both propshaft seals, both bearing carrier O-rings plus a new seal for your oil drain and filler plugs for £18 from www. repowermarine.com . On top of this you will need some new gearbox oil, 2.6 litres for the SP drive, which cost me £8.80, giving me a total for this job of £26.80

34

November 2019

AL I C R! E SP FFE O

Leader 33 £199,995

L SE E DI

E DU

IN

Cap Camarat 9.0 WA £118,546

Parker 800 Weekender £79,995

D CE U D RE

Merry Fisher 695 Marlin £46,500

Brig Navigator 610 £41,540

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

Guernsey Swansea Located on the south coast of Wales, west of the Welsh capital of Cardiff, is a vibrant city that is steeped in maritime history. Swansea is an exciting and expanding boating hub

T

he city of Swansea owes its success to the Tawe River and a prolific copper industry. Established on the west bank on the River Tawe, the city dates back to 1000 AD and, conquered by the Normans, it became a fortified medieval market town. Trade and boat building industries grew and saw Swansea

Castle built to protect the expanding port.

With the coal industry booming in south Wales, ships would follow the river inland to load coal from Swansea’s mines, and soon industrial powerhouses and copper works were established. It is said that during the 19th century, over 90% of the World’s copper came from Swansea. Steel,

36

November 2019

Destination

SWANSEA

STytheridge

Swansea Milford Haven

Cardiff

Bristol Portishead

Watchet

Padstow

zinc, tin plate, pottery and fishing were also important industries of Swansea, and these in turn saw docks developed on the west and east sides of the river entrance, and a canal built upstream to carry, load and store goods. Elsewhere the arrival of a railway in Victorian times saw Swansea become a thriving seaside resort. When the coal and metal industries declined after World War II, oil became the port’s industry, and this saw commercial operations moved to the east of the river

entrance and the development of the Port of Swansea. Originally closed in 1969, South Dock, on the west side, became a marina in 1982. However, with limited tidal access of 3½ hrs either side of high water, the Tawe Barrage and lock were built in 1990, creating an inner basin and better tidal access.

In more recent years there has been development of the east docks, an area now known as SA1. Kings and Queens Dock lay dormant for many years and

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

37

Historic docks. Interconnecting basins have fantastic stories to tell of ship building and industry

are now being revived with waterfront properties, marine companies, restaurants and plans for a marina. Possibly the most compelling is the prospect of Swansea Tidal Lagoon extending out south east of the river entrance and providing tidal power for the city.

Today, within the tidal-locked Tawe, the sheltered 550-berth Swansea Marina nestles inside the historic dock basins between sandy Swansea Bay and the vibrant city centre. It has all the nearby sights and facilities a visiting boater Swansea Marina lies within the historic Maritime Quarter

could wish for. There is also plenty to do for families, with the beach, countless activities and museums, not to mention the retail therapy, with a big brandstudded high street, a large shopping centre, several retail parks and a large indoor market, all of which are walkable from the marina.

Approaches

With a tidal range up to 10 metres, tide movements and wind direction is definitely something to factor in on an approach to Swansea. Tidal streams in Swansea Bay flow up to 5 knots anticlockwise for 9½ hours between 3½ hours before and 6 hours after high water Swansea. This may see a tidal race

Švisitswanseabay.com

38

November 2019

Destination

SWANSEA

Distances

Sights of old and new at Swansea’s Castle Square

develop off Mumbles Head. Between 6 hours before and 3 hours after high water this stream reverses, moving in a north direction past Mumbles Head towards Swansea. Generally spring high waters are mid morning and neaps high waters are in the early hours and afternoons.

Swansea Marina is accessible via the Tawe Barrage Lock, which operates 7am-10pm BST and 7am-7pm GMT on weekdays, and 7am-10pm at weekends throughout the year. However, the lock is closed 1½ hours either side of low water on a spring tide, and approaches are not advisable over this period due to lack of water. You will find the latest tide times, lock closures and weather via the Swansea Marina website, or by downloading the Swansea Marina App. On your approach keep to seaward of Mixon Shoal. At south cardinal mark buoy, South West Inner Green Grounds (SWIGG), travel in a north east direction, keeping west of the dredged, 2.5-mile marked channel and clear of commercial ships travelling up the fairway to the Port of Swansea, which lies to the east of the Tawe Barrage Lock. Vessels approaching the harbour will see three columns of traffic lights. The westerly set controls pleasure craft, and when this light is red craft must not enter the river and hold SW

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Swansea: • Burry Port Marina 32 miles • Watchet 38 miles • Cardiff 46 miles • Milford Haven 55 miles • Portishead 58 miles • Bristol 66 miles

Weather & Tides

• Shipping Forecast Lundy • Inshore Waters Lands End to St Davids Head inc the Bristol Channel • Gower Live Swansea Tide Times & sunrise/sunset times • Gower Live Mumbles webcam & weather/surf actuals • Swansea Marina weather

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray 2600 The Bristol Channel Chart Atlas • Admiralty SC5608 Bristol Channel • Imray C59 Bristol Channel Worms Head and Bull Point to Sharpness • Imray Bristol Channel and Severn Cruising Guide

Where to fill up

Diesel and unleaded are available at a dedicated fuel pontoon in the entrance channel to Swansea Marina.

Call the lock/marina office 01792 470310, or on VHF channel 80 for access during working hours.

Events

Wales Airshow 4th-5th July 2020

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

39

SWANSEA APPROACHES

Swansea

MUMBLES BAY

Port Talbot

Stalheim

Swansea Outer Fairway

Swansea Marina

Tawe Barrage & Lock

N Outer Mumbles Head

S Outer Cabenda

Mixon Grounds

SWANSEA MARINA not to be used for navigation

SWANSEA BAY

Ledge Kenfig

HUGO BANK

Hugo

West Scar South Scar

East Scarweather

Porthcawl Point Fairy

The approaches are shared by commercial vessels, and there are two locks to negotiate for the marina

MUMBLES of the western breakwater. At this point theBAY speed limit is 4 knots and boaters

can call Swansea Docks VHF Channel 14, or Tawe Lock Channel 18 for more information, if necessary. Once between the two breakwaters the channel curves around to the north west. Once past the commercial docks depths can rapidly disappear. At lower states of tide deeper water generally can be found closer to the Western Breakwater at first as the channel sweeps around. The Tawe Barrage, with the lock on the west side, will soon come

into view and at this point visitors should contact ‘Tawe Lock’ on VHF Channel 18 for locking instructions. The lock is run by, and co-ordinates with, the Swansea Marina Lock and a queuing system may be in operation during busy periods. There is a small waiting pontoon on the port side before the barrage lock and, out of hours, there are two holding buoys outside the lock. Again, caution is needed at low water on a spring tide as these can dry out.

The lock has floating pontoons either side, with the lock control building on

40

November 2019

Destination

SWANSEA

Marine supplies

Entry to the barrage lock is controlled by traffic lights and it has floating pontoons each side

the port side. Boaters should obey the traffic lights before entering. Departing Tawe Lock inbound, visitors need to call ‘Swansea Marina’ on VHF channel 80.

Immediately ahead will be the 200-berth Swansea Yacht & Sub Aqua Club, with a series of orange buoys marking the barrage weir stream to starboard. The marina is located immediately after the fishing dock on the port side. Inside the marina lock channel is a newly-renovated fuel pontoon, which doubles as a Visitor check-in berth, if required. Visitors will normally be issued with berthing instructions on a map and a welcome pack whilst alongside this berth, or in the lock.

Be aware that the marina simulates free flow most of the time, with the outer lock gate, used by pedestrians, opening when boats need to enter. However, visitors may

There is a Force 4 Chandlery (01792 465570) at the marina at Fish Market Quay. Also on the quay is Yachts Co (01792 465550) which offer marine servicing and are Mercury specialists. Cambrian Boats (01792 655925) offer marine servicing, engine replacement, repairs and bow thruster fitting, and are suppliers and specialists in Volvo Penta, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki engines. Sabre Sails (01792 644111) is a canvas and canopy specialist at Fishmarket Quay.

Swansea Marina offers lift outs, hardstanding and boatyard services.

Calor Gas and Camping Gaz is also available at the marina fuel berth.

Further afield

Swansea is a great base for exploring the Gower Peninsula, and for journeys to Milford Haven and the Irish coast in the west, Cardiff and Bristol to the east, and the rugged Somerset, Devon and Cornish coasts on the horizon immediately south. You will find destination guides to Milford Haven, Portishead and Cardiff in back issues of MBO.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

41

Upon departing the barrage lock, the entrance and lock for Swansea Marina is on the port side

have to lock in over the high water period on large spring tides, and inside the lock are floating pontoons each side for this.

There are two National Coastwatch stations either side of Mumbles Bay, at Porthcawl in the east and at Worms Head on the Gower Peninsula to the west. Keeping a watch of the coast, both stations, which are staffed by volunteers, can provide really useful actual weather condition reports, and may be contacted via VHF channel 65 or the station telephone number.

Where to moor

Visitors moorings are available at Swansea Marina, and boaters are advised to book in advance via the marina app, email or phone. Swansea Yacht & Sub Aqua Club does not have visitor berths. The marina has a depth of approximately 2 metres and visiting boats are usually allocated berths, on an adhoc basis, in the South Dock due to its close proximity to facilities and the city centre. To get there, boats will need to pass through the marina holding basin (pontoons A-J) and a pedestrian bridge that is controlled by the lock (VHF channel 80). Upon entering the historic South Dock, which is part of Swansea’s Maritime Quarter, the marina pontoons are located on the south side of the dock, fingers K to U, while on the north side it hosts the eyecatching ‘Helwick’ Lightship.

The marina is predominantly decorated by many original red-brick buildings, with modern, multi-storey properties jostling for prime waterfront positions. In the South Dock there is a toilet and shower block at the top of the M pontoon shore ramp. Permission has been granted to Swansea Marina’s friendly and very helpful install a toilet and shower facility ‘pod’ on Marina Manager, Steve Kern, operating the lock Q pontoon, which Marina Manager, Steve 42

November 2019

Destination

SWANSEA

Food supplies

Marina Italian restaurant, Gallinis is popular

Kern, hopes to have installed during 2020.

Shorepower is available via a pre-paid card system, and it is £5 to purchase a card from the marina reception. Credit is nonrefundable, but can be transferred back on to the card for future visits. The marina charges £26.52 per night for a 10-metre boat. However, for those planning to visit regularly, buying the marina’s 28-Day Visitor Bundle is a cheaper option.

Just a short walk south from the marina basins, through a housing development, brings you to Swansea Bay’s dunes and sandy beach. Swansea’s shopping streets and Quadrant Shopping Centre are a 12-minute, 0.6-mile walk away. There is also a convenient Co-op store in the southwest corner of the basin.

Where to eat and drink

For those wishing to stay local to the marina, overlooking Tawe Dock along Fish Market Quay, there is the on site Italian restaurant, Gallinis (01792 456285), which comes recommended by berthholders and residents alike. Named after the local cardinal buoy, SWIGG is a trendy bar, also serving food, that overlooks the South Dock marina basin and is well known for its array of gins and wines. The Grape and Olive pub/

There is a Co-op food store in Trawler Road in the South west corner of the South Dock basin at Swansea Marina. There is a choice of supermarkets, all of which are a short stroll from the marina. The closest is a Tesco superstore on the other side of the main Oystermouth Road (A4607), while there is a large Sainsburys on the Tawe riverbank near the Sail Bridge. In Oxford Street there is also a food hall in the Marks & Spencer store and an array of fresh local produce is available at Swansea’s indoor market, which is open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm and 7:30am-5:30 on Saturdays, pictured below. At the marina, on Fish Market Quay, the fish merchant, Swansea Fish sells fresh and smoked fish Mon-Sat.

Transport

Aviva Trains from Swansea Station serve London Paddington, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Cardiff, Tenby, Camarthan and Shrewsbury.

You can rent Santander Cycles from various docking points around Swansea. Buses serve Port Talbot, Mumbles and Camarthen, with details on the First Buses website.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

43

AJefferies

restaurant is another good choice and, being located on the top two floors of the Swansea Marriot 28-storey tower, the views are spectacular.

Another popular eatery, that is worth a stroll, is La Parilla (01792 464 530), a Spanish restaurant located in the SA1 development, across the Sail Bridge. It also has a sister restaurant at Mumbles.

With plenty of other bars and restaurants in short walking distance, and a great place to head, is Wind Street, pronounced as Wine Street, where you will find a good selection of chain and independent establishments. Here you will also find the No Sign Wine Bar, which is regarded as Swansea’s oldest pub. With its wine cellars dating back to the 1400s, it is a historical bohemian hotspot, showcasing budding artists and was once a favourite of Swansea-born poet, Dylan Thomas.

For those who want to work up a bit of an appetite, the newly-opened beach café restaurant, The Secret Bar & Kitchen (01792 439220), is about a 20-minute walk west along the waterfront.

The Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club welcomes visiting boaters to its clubhouse.

The two-storey building, with its bar, restaurant and veranda on the first floor overlooking its marina in the Tawe River, is a good place to start an evening, or enjoy a Sunday roast.

Take a mooch over to Mumbles. Here you will see its lifeboat stations and Victorian pier

Where to eat and drink

We would recommend a stroll around the marina and the Maritime Quarter, with Swansea’s historic pump house, a statue of Dylan Thomas and part of the old swing bridge. Here you will also find pubs, bars, restaurants and amusements. Overlooking the South Dock marina basin, housed inside an original listed warehouse, is the National Waterfront Museum. The free entry museum recounts 300 years of Welsh industry and innovation. The Swansea Museum nearby provides the history of the city and docks, with exhibits including Lightship ‘Helwick’ and 1950s tug boat ‘Canning’ afloat on a Historic Vessels Pontoon.

44

November 2019

Destination

SWANSEA

Trailboating ©visitswanseabay.com

Visit a tropical paradise. Plantasia is a great local attraction for young families

Behind the National Waterfront Museum is the green, copper-roofed LC2, which is Swansea’s state-of-the-art leisure centre. Perfect for all ages, fitness addicts and those rainy days in port, it houses what is thought to be Wales’ biggest indoor waterpark and other activities, such as wall climbing. Across the main road is a 12-screen Vue Cinema. Another indoor attraction, ideal for families, is Plantasia, a tropical rainforest where visitors can see a variety of animals and discover rare and exotic plants. Located on the west side of the river on the edge of Parc Tawe Retail Park, entry is £7 for adults, £5 for children 3 years and above and a family ticket is £21. Also within the retail park is the 10-screen Odeon Swansea cinema, Ten Pin Swansea and Lazerzone. A couple of attractions pay homage to Swansea-born poet, Dylan Thomas, with a Centre telling his history and Theatre showcasing latest performing artists and shows.

No visit to Swansea would be complete without a visit to the nearby spectacle that is The Mumbles. You can visit by boat on a sunny calm summers day, or by bus or bike. Venturing across the bay you will

Swansea Marina does not have a slipway but has lifting and hardstanding facilities, and a dedicated, low-priced small boat pontoon. It also has a new area for five motorhomes with electric hook up facilities, which may appeal to those towing boats without accommodation. A good option for trailboaters is to head for Knab Rock at Mumbles where there is an excellent steep and semi-enclosed concrete slipway and Watersports Centre operated by Swansea Council.

It is £6.80 to ‘Park and Launch’ 8am9pm (£158 for the year) and the car park has dedicated trailer bays. It is £3.40 just to launch. Contact the Knab Rock Slip Office on 01792 363705 for more information.

The Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club has a good slipway, which unfortunately is for members use only. It does offer club membership packages, including £150 Trailer Sailor year and summer packages with storage for £200.

The Knab Rock Slip is accessible 2½ hrs either side of high water. On site is a restaurant, watersports centre, trailer parking and public toilets

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

45

KEY

High Street

1 Marina/Lock Office

9 Swansea Yacht & Sub Aqua Club

2 Gallinis 3 Yacht & Co 4 Marriot / Grape & Olive

10 Dylan Thomas Centre

11 Quadrant Shopping Centre 12 Plantasia

5 National Waterfront Museum

13 Parc Tawe Retail Park

6 LC2 7 Swansea Museum 8 Dylan Thomas Theatre

14 No Sign Wine Bar

Train Station Bus Stop / Station Footpath Slipway

15 SWIGG 16 Castle Square

C

Chandlery

C

Cashpoint

Fuel Berth

12 4

C

14

5

WE R TA

CC

E RIV

C 6

13

16

10

11

7

15

Coop store

2

Fishmonger

3

Tesco Supermarket

4

Sainsburys Supermarket

5

Swansea Market

6

M&S Food Hall

RIVER CRUISES

5 RIVER CRUISES

4

9 8

6

3

1

32

C

2

1

1

SWANSEA BEACH

Bars, restaurants, shops, a bustling indoor market, even a castle, Swansea city centre has it all

see the distinctive Mumbles Pier, an 835ft Victorian structure which originally had a railway operating along it, and is now a pleasure pier with cafés and amusements.

As well as numerous public slipways, you will also see the various evolutions of the RNLI Mumbles Lifeboat Station. The latest, housing a Tamar class lifeboat, is located at the tip of the pier with a mighty ramp reaching out into the sea. Be aware, with shallow areas and strong tides at play off this section of coast, anchoring is not generally advised off Mumbles.

Landing with a tender also carries the same caution. For those who prefer to leave their boat at the marina there is an excellent bus service for this. Walking just under a mile west along the beachfront from the marina, you can catch the 2, 2B or 2C bus from the bus stop known as ‘The Slip’, which takes you around the bay into Mumbles town. Alternatively you can catch this same service from bus stand W at Swansea’s Bus Station next to the Quadrant Shopping Centre, and the journey takes 30 minutes. For those with

bikes aboard, it is a 25-minute, 4.6 mile ride along the beachfront promenade, which has a dedicated cycle lane. The route follows the bygone quarry and passenger-carrying Mumbles Railway.

A total contrast to bustling Swansea, Mumbles is a charming, olde-worlde waterfront town that has plenty to offer, with lovely pubs, restaurants and independent coastal-themed shops. Just north west of Mumbles is the 12th century Oystermouth Castle, with its unique glass bridge and spectacular views of the bay.

Entry is £4 per person, a family ticket is £11 and under 5s enter for free.

A great way to see more of the River Tawe, and learn more about Swansea’s maritime history and prolific copper industry is on a Tawe River Cruise.

Operating from the Swansea Museum Historic Vessels pontoon, the ‘Copper Jack’ passes through the marina and up river, passing the Cambrian Pottery works and historic Copper Quarter towards the Morfa Shopping Park and Liberty Stadium. The trip takes 1½ hours and

46

November 2019

Destination Motorboat Owner has been told, with the possibility of a new landing stage, the trip may soon involve a stop off to take in the retail park and stadium.

Cruising locally, the remote anchorage of Pwll Du Bay is a favourite amongst Swansea’s boaters. Located west of Mumbles Bay, this secluded bay is quite inaccessible by road and offers shelter in the predominant south-westerly wind direction. Another favourite is the wide and quiet Oxwich Bay, which is slightly further west on the Gower peninsula.

Suitable for overnight anchoring, it provides plenty of shelter, particularly in dreaded north westerly winds.

If shopping is on your list of priorities, Swansea’s centre will not disappoint. Many high street brands can be found in the Quadrant Shopping Centre and along the tree-fringed Oxford Street. Swansea’s Indoor Market, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, is a vibrant food fest

SWANSEA

A statue of poet, Dylan Thomas looks across to the National Waterfront Museum

and well worth a browse. It has over 100 stalls selling everything from fish and groceries to clothing and laptop repairs.

The city centre is also studded with historic decorative buildings, such as the one now housing Holland & Barrett in Union Street. Castle Square is also worth seeing, with the contrast of old and new seen with the ruins of Swansea Castle and a colossal television news screen.

For more activities, sights and maps visit Visit Swansea Bay website or the Swansea Tourist Information Centre. MBO

STytheridge

The Swansea Marriot Hotel provides spectacular views and has the Grape and Olive pub at the top Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

47

tested PRICE (package)

£1720

Motorboat Owner

Selva T270 VIB & 2.5hp Guppy

“A lightweight and versatile package”

Value

4/5

Deciding on a tender isn’t the biggest decision you will ever Usability 5/5 make, but it can have a profound effect on the enjoyment of your Performance 5/5 boating, especially if your choice doesn’t live up to expectations.

There are all sorts of things that can play on your mind and give you options to ponder over, but it helps if you start with a deciding factor and work from there. For many people their budget for a tender is unlikely to be as much of a sticking point as the available deck or space for stowing it. Few people will tow their tender nowadays, that practice died out with the popularity of going fast, so a home has to be found for the tender onboard.

Davits, deck or locker? There is your starting point, if you have the luxury of davits you can stray from inflatable to rigid or semi-rigid tenders. If, however, your tender is going to be hoisted on deck or stowed then you are immediately into fully inflatable territory and suddenly a whole new list of criteria present SPECIFICATIONS themselves. Being able to easily manhandle the boat from the Selva T270 water to deck level is a major concern. If the little boat is going LOA 2.67m to reside upon the coachroof it has to fit the dimensions of the Beam 1.53m available space, if it is to be deflated likewise, but then the size of Tube diameter 42.5cm the deflated carcass has to be taken into consideration.

Compartments 5 Max Power 8hp With these things in mind the new Selva 2.7m inflatable has Max engine weight 55kgs been conceived. This is a compact inflatable, large enough to Max payload 660kgs carry three and their gear for the day, compact enough to be CE Cat C 48

November 2019

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

Out of a bag and into the water. Both engine and boat can, separately, be carried by an individual

manhandled, inflated, or deflated solo and light enough to lift on your own, it would appear, it is the ideal short hop tender.

The inflatable airdeck provides a degree of stiffness and gives shape to the keel but isn’t rigid, nor is it meant to be. The advantage of the airdeck is that it is lighter and more compact than internal hard deckboards, which significantly increase the weight, plus there is the additional rigmarole of fitting them and being easy to put together is an important aspect for a tender that is going to be stowed aboard.

Inflating the boat, using the supplied hand pump, took me just 12 minutes in total.

There are five valves, one for each side of the V-deck and one for the bow, plus another each side for the side tubes. The pressure is slightly higher for the bottom, to give the shape and rigidity for the V-keel. The pump has a bayonet fitting on the pipe that locks into the valve and automatically shuts the valve as you remove the pipe at the end of inflation and a gauge is supplied to check the final pressure, although it isn’t critical and you will soon get to know the feel of the boat and be able to assess the pressure through experience.

The depth of the main tube is such that the internal freeboard is particularly good, so safety is high with the containment factor on offer between deck and gunwale. A hard Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

49

tested

thwart fits across the top of the tubes and is held in place by slotting lugs into fabric loops under tension. The system works well and not only helps hold the sides together but the thwart can also be used as a yolk to lift the boat for carrying it solo quite easily, should you need to. Around the perimeter of the collar a polypropylene grabline offers multiple hand holds, being rove through brass eyelets in the fabric mounting fringe.

If you are going to row from shore to mooring, and back again, then the supplied oars with fixed rowlocks will be sufficient for short trips and for scooting over shallow water. The oars are held captive by plastic nuts on the threaded pin and stow, feathered, against the tube in rubber crutches ready for immediate use. On the other hand, in wind, tide or if going further afield, there is an outboard capability of up to 8hp, although I tried it with the diminutive and lightweight new 2.5hp Selva Guppy. The transom plate is formed out of ABS with extra outboard pads to clamp on to and incorporates a sealable scupper to drain water when underway by simply lifting a sluice.

The Guppy has a ‘weed throwing’ aluminium propeller, To aid handling and as well as a trimmable mount and damped steering weight performance the inflated 50

November 2019

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

The Guppy is one of the lightest and most affordable portable outboards on the market

SPECIFICATIONS Selva Guppy £579 Power

2.5hp

Displacement Fuel tank Weight

87cc 0.9 litre 13.5kg

bottom extends aft to form an extended planing surface inboard of the cones with a cut out for the leg of the outboard. This planing pad also provides additional buoyancy aft to support the weight of the motor.

Underway the shaped keel provides grip on the water to reduce skating in turns and to soften the ride in choppy conditions, not that anyone is going to be racing about in this modestly sized tender. The large PVC tubes provide an enormous payload of over half a tonne, we had three burly blokes and some gear onboard and she barely increased draft.

Equally of interest in this package is the new Selva Guppy. There can’t be many outboards that you can lift with one finger, fully fuelled, but the Guppy is one of them.

In fact I lifted it with my little finger alone. To maintain this extreme portability a single cylinder motor is used, although sporting a decent capacity of 87ccs for greater torque.

It is a simple, rugged design that uses a small carburettor to feed the fuel and a magneto generator feeding the CDI to make nice fat sparks on an easy pull of the starter cord.

The inbuilt fuel tank holds just under 1 litre of fuel, which is good for over an hour of pottering about at a cruising speed of 4 knots, obviously holding the throttle open will use it faster.

It is a short shaft and has a slimmed profile over the previous model, to reduce both drag and weight. The saddle incorporates a simple, three position trim setting for shallow water operation and the 3-bladed aluminium propeller is of a practical weed throwing design. A choke lever and fuel tap are positioned just under the cowling, the side mounted gear lever provides neutral and ahead with 360-degree rotation providing the ability to steer astern, there is a steering damper fitted so you can adjust the steering weight to suit yourself at the turn of a knob. The little engine pushed me up to 6.1 knots and had the three of us with our gear at 4.8 knots, which is plenty to cope with most tidal situations. For such a lightweight, compact motor and tender it is very impressive.

With the Guppy being the least expensive 2.5hp outboard on the market, and yet still coming with a 5 year factory warranty, it could well be a replacement for the, much missed, old 2-stroke portable outboards.

Enquiries: Selva Marine www.selvamarine.co.uk Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

51

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Battery capacity

Q My boat currently has a single

85Ah starting battery and a single 110Ah domestic battery with a 1-2-both-off switch to allow me to select the one to use. I would like to add a second battery to the domestic bank as it seems to go flat overnight when running the fridge. Can I simply just buy another 110Ah battery and wire it up positive to positive and negative to negative? Is there anything else I need to think about?

A In principle you can do exactly that, but there are a few things to consider.

First, when connecting two batteries in parallel to make a bank, it is better for the batteries to take the positive cable from one battery and the negative from the other. This evens out the way the power is used and put back into the batteries. You should also consider buying two new identical batteries rather than adding a new one to your existing battery unless the existing one is new or nearly new and you can get one the same. A part worn battery will diminish the performance of the new one, and ultimately shorten its life. Lastly, ensure that your battery charger is powerful enough to be useful for the size of the new battery bank. You should aim for a charger rated to around 10-15% of your battery bank’s Ah rating, so for a 220Ah bank, you should be looking at a charger of around 25A. A smaller charger will be ok, but may take longer than desired to bring your bank up to full charge. While you are working on the electrics, why not consider swapping your 1-2-both-off switch for a VSR (voltage sensitive relay) and separating out your starting and domestics circuits. That way you won’t have to remember to switch banks, and you won’t risk accidentally leaving it on both when moored and not being able to start your engine.

Pictured, a traditional 1-2-both battery switch and a VSR (voltage sensitive relay) 52

November 2019

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sealine S28 trim

Q I have had a Sealine S28

for over 3 years now, and enjoy the boat very much.

However the past couple of years l have noticed that I seem to be forever wrestling with the trim tabs. Changing sea state, or people moving around on the boat whilst underway, means I’m continually adjusting the tabs.

We are reaching the end of the season and for next season I would like to fit automatic trim tabs. I have read your 2015 article on used S28s and note that you recommend the use of automatic trim tabs, my S28 also has the weight leaning problem to starboard. My trim tabs are the Eltrim system. Is there any particular auto system you would recommend and are most of them compatible with the Eltrim tabs?

A If you want to retain the Eltrim system, the best bet is to go with the Mente Marine system. Although it doesn’t specifically say that it is compatible with Eltrim tabs on their website, if you dig deep enough they do have a wiring diagram for connecting an Eltrim system here, so I am confident that it will work, although some confirmation from them before ordering would be good. I have used the Mente system on a few different boats and I have been impressed with it, so I don’t think you will be disappointed.

THE

ANCHORING SOLUTION

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

t: 023 8045 8400 | e: sales@maxwellmarine.co.uk | www.maxwellmarine.com

WINDLASSES, CAPSTANS, ANCHORS, BOW ROLLERS AND ACCESSORIES

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Volvo MD32 engines

Q I am looking to buy a Fairline Phantom

32 fitted with twin 106hp MD32A engines. The boat all looks good but I am concerned about the age and condition of the engines. Is there anything particular to be aware of with these?

A These Peugeot-based engines, correctly known as AQD32A when installed

with sterndrives, are likely to be around 40 years old now so their longevity has been proved. Having said that, they won’t last forever so you are right to be wary. The biggest issue you are likely to face is getting hold of parts. Some simple service items will be easy to find, but other items that will require periodic replacement, such as water pumps and exhaust manifolds may be difficult to source. Over the years there have been reports of the AQD32A suffering from top end problems, due to the aluminium head construction, and this is going to be a risk if you plan to use all, or most, of the 106hp that these engines produce. 212hp in a 32-foot boat does mean that the Phantom is rather underpowered and if you are going to use the boat fast at sea you will increase the risk of potential failure. If, however, the boat is destined for a retirement on the inland waterways, these engines will probably go on forever. In short, look after them and don’t stress them too much and the biggest problem will likely be parts availability.

Linking VHF to an old GPS

Q I am having trouble wiring my Icom DSC VHF

to my, quite old, Garmin GPS unit. I have joined all wires of the same colour together, but my VHF is still not picking up a position from the GPS. What am I doing wrong?

A Most likely the problem is that there isn’t a standard for colour coding the

wires when it comes to NMEA. You need to look in the manuals of both units and check what colour wire does what for each item and join these correctly. I suspect that as soon as you do that, your problem will be fixed.

54

November 2019

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

XM DSC VHF reset

Q I need to clear down my details from the memory

of my XM DSC VHF as I am giving this to the new owner. I understand that XM are no longer in business so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

A You can do a factory reset on this radio with the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the DSC key to display the main set up menu 2. Using the channel knob, rotate to ‘reset’ 3. Press the channel knob to select ‘reset’ 4. Rotate the channel knob to ‘settings’ 5. Press the channel knob to select ‘settings’ 6. You will now get a confirmation screen, select yes and press the channel knob This will reset the unit to factory setting, so will remove any MMSI numbers from your address book etc. What it will not do is to erase your own MMSI number, as this can only be input once when the radio is new. If you are selling the boat with the radio, the number should stay with it anyway, and the new owner should register it against his details. If you are passing on the radio separate to the boat, the new owner will need to find a general electronics expert who may be able to wipe the internal memory so that it can be re-programmed with their own MMSI number, but there will, undoubtedly, be a cost for doing this.

KAMD43 engine anodes

Q Does the KAMD43 have engine anodes? I have been told

both yes and no by different sources and am still none the wiser.

A No, there are no pencil anodes on the KAMD43. I think the confusion comes from the fact that the 43 is a variant of the earlier six cylinder 40 series engine from Volvo Penta that did have pencil anodes in the cooling system, including some of the very early KAMD42’s. By the time the KAMD43 came out, Volvo had stopped using anodes on the engine either because they decided they were not needed, or because they changed the metallurgy of the components.

56

November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

WellcraftFisherman 182

58

November 2019

BOAT TEST

LOA: 5.5m / 18ft 2in Beam: 2.4m / 8ft 0in Displacement: 937kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 212 litres RCD category: C7 Engines as tested: 1 x Yamaha F150 Other engine options: 1 x outboard 90-150hp Price from £39,500

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

59

T

hink of a centre console sports fishing boat and you are probably picturing something from the Boston Whaler line-up, and rightly so.

This quality US brand has almost worked its name into our psyche in much the same way that Hoover, Jetski and Biro have, and if you are looking for this style of boat, you will certainly have a model or two on your shortlist. Like Hoover, Jetski and Biro, there is also a world of alternatives that you mustn’t ignore. Many of these offer packages that are well worth

considering, are often equal in terms of quality or, in some cases, offer a very affordable alternative.

The Wellcraft name is one that you may certainly know, but it may not be one you associate with this style of boat.

If you are of a certain age, the UK market for Wellcraft is probably remembered as being dominated by sportscruisers such as their Martinique range, or sportsboats and bow riders like those from their Eclipse line-up. Nowadays though, Wellcraft is all about the centre console

60

November 2019

“Fisherman’s friend.

An aquarium-style livebait well is just one of this quality fisher’s features” with a range of boats of between 16ft and 35ft, all of this style. In fact, if you want to see the name Wellcraft on the side of your new boat, a centre console is the only way to achieve it.

The full line-up of 10 boats is divided into two ranges, with eight of the boats being branded ‘Fisherman’ and two carrying the ‘Bay’ tag. Personally, I am not sure what the differences are, but as only the Fisherman models are currently being brought into the UK, we can safely ignore the two Bay boats. When we tested the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

182 Fisherman it was the entry-level boat in what was, at that time, a six-boat range.

Since then there has been some additions at both ends with an entry level 162 and top of the range 352 coming to the market.

Like many of the boats we get to test, this 182 is packed with options that take it a long way from standard and add a fair bit to the ‘price from’ listed above. Having said that, many of these options make the boat what it is and are well worth considering if you find yourself, pen in hand, looking at the options list at the

61

dealers. We’ll point out the options and their cost, where known, as we go through the boat. Now, as the name suggests, the 182 is designed first and foremost to be a fishing boat and therefore many of the fishing features found onboard do come as standard. You get gunwale-mounted rod

holders on either side in the aft cockpit, some under gunwale rod storage on both sides of the cockpit, and a cool, tempered glass fronted, aquarium-style livebait well in the bow. The two cupholders on the transom also double up as rod holders, if required. The layout of the standard boat

Whether its for kit or bait fish, the 182 has good levels of storage and a separate toilet compartment 62

November 2019

also delivers excellent fishing platforms both fore and aft with plenty of raised non slip surfaces to stand and move about on. For more leisure-based activities, the raised bow platform can have the optional cushions (£850) to turn this into a lounging area or large sunpad, and of course the bait well could just as easily be treated as a cooler by filling it with ice and drinks. Just in front of the bait well, there is a large, lined, self draining locker with a good rubber seal to help keep any rain or spray out. Despite being raised around 38cm from deck level, the bow area still benefits from decent security from the bulwarks, which at deck level are around 75cm in height. This translates outside of the boat into some very impressive freeboard, which adds to security either Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

for fisherman or families. Around the bow, and back along both sides, there is the option to have a soft foam matting (£780), which not only looks nice, but provides a more comfortable backrest in the bow than the otherwise plain GRP. The anchor locker is a decent size and has mouldings to allow the lid to close when the anchor is deployed.

On the front of the steering console there is a single seat, again with soft foam mat backrest. This whole section opens forwards and upwards on stainless steel gas struts to reveal what must be a unique feature on a boat of this size, a storage compartment that is large enough to be used as a changing room and that can be equipped with an optional toilet, either a porta potti or sea toilet (from £320),

63

PERFORMANCE As tested 50% fuel 2 crew Force 4

RPM

700 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000

a feature that is really useful for family boating. At the back of this compartment, which is incidentally large enough to store all of the boat’s soft furnishings, there is a simple vinyl curtain that is press studded in place. Remove this and you have easy access to the back of the helm, making the fitment of any additional helm kit very easy.

Moving down the side of the helm, it is noticeable how much room the 8ft beam gives you, with over 40cm of usable deck, even with the optional T-top framework.

The T-top is a costly option at around ÂŁ4,000, but one that is worth considering.

Not only does it significantly enhance the look of the boat, it offers useful protection to those sitting at the helm from both

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

1.8 3.7 4.8 6.3 7.2 13.0 19.4 23.6 26.0 29.9 33.2 37.6

0.6 2.5 5.0 7.5 11.0 14.1 18.3 23.8 28.9 40.2 50.7 61.1

0.13 0.55 1.10 1.65 2.42 3.10 4.03 5.24 6.36 8.84 11.2 13.4

13.8 6.77 4.36 3.82 2.98 4.19 4.81 4.50 4.09 3.38 2.96 2.81

Range (nm)

643 315 203 178 139 195 224 210 190 157 138 131

sun and rain. The powder coated frame is installed in such a way that if the height causes any problems with regards to storage, in a garage for instance, it can easily be removed by undoing just four bolts. The helm console comes with a stainless steel tilting steering wheel, complete with steering knob, a panel of engine instruments and circuit switches,

64

November 2019

The Yamaha F150 is plenty powerful, but we would be interested to see if the standard F115 suits it better

“Topping out at 37 knots, it is fun to drive and offers phenomenal grip” and space for a large multi-function display. In fact, on our test boat, the little 7-inch Garmin seemed a bit lost in a sea of white GRP. There is also a place for an optional entertainment system with a standard mobile phone holder and USB charge point alongside.

Our test boat was fitted with a seat/ leaning post, but we understand that models now will be delivered with a flipable backrest to provide a more comfortable seated position, both when driving, and facing aft when at rest or fishing. Below the helm seat there is a dedicated space to install an optional ‘igloo’ style coolbox. In the aft cockpit you can have an optional raw water washdown (£408), useful if you need to wash the debris of your fishing exploits away, and Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

there is a clever multipurpose transom platform. This full-width area comes with a non slip surface, making it great as an aft casting area, but also cleverly houses a couple of further seats that come into use by simply flipping up their back rests. You can then also flip up their bases to gain access to some useful storage below. In between the seats there are the two cup/ rod holders mentioned earlier and right in the middle of the transom you can opt for a watersports pole (£408) if that is your thing. Moving further aft still, there are a pair of small bathing platforms on either side of the outboard. The starboard platform is equipped with a nice deep reach bathing ladder and a perfectly placed grab handle to aid your passage out of the water.

65

Underway The hull, which is available in a choice of colours but comes as standard in white, has a 19° deadrise at the transom, which delivers a pretty impressive ride for a boat of this size. It cuts through the chop with minimal fuss and grips extremely well in tight turns. The windscreen offers good protection for both of the helm seat positions, but does deliver some distortion of the view when looking through the curved corners. The two pop up transom seats are comfortable and secure places to sit when underway, although they are exposed to both wind and spray. I tested the boat twice, the first time with four adults onboard and the second time with just two. With four onboard, two of whom were in the aft pop up seats and of a generous size, it did feel like it was too aft heavy, especially as we had the larger, 150hp, engine option. With just two onboard, both at the helm, the boat felt much better balanced. The F150 provided

The helm seat now comes with a flipable backrest and has space below for a good-sized ice box

plenty of power, with the boat jumping onto the plane in around six seconds and going on to just shy of 38 knots. I would be interested in trying the boat with the smaller capacity and weight F115, which I think might actually suit the boat better, especially if you don’t need the extra power for watersports or carrying heavy loads. The 150 just felt a little too much for the boat for everyday use. The bow seemed to like to stay firmly stuck to the

66

May 2019

water, which meant it delivered good head sea performance, but did throw up quite a bit of water in a following sea, making the ride quite wet, especially for those in the transom pop-up seats. Overall though, the 182 is fun to drive, easy to throw around and offers a comfortable driving position when standing and leaning against the seat.

Conclusion The 182F is a competent all rounder. It is obviously good at what it is designed for, fishing, but would equally deliver a decent watersports or day cruising package if fitted with the right options. With the T-top it is a nice looking boat and it has some nice touches that put it right up there with the best centre consoles at this size. The toilet

The 182F is competent and family friendly

compartment/changing room alone are enough to win us over. The best part though is that it feels like a top quality package but comes without the associated price tag. Choose your options carefully and you get a versatile starter boat for a very attractive price.

ENQUIRIES: Sea Ventures (UK) Ltd Tel: 01489 565444 www.sea-ventures.co.uk

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Bayliner Element CC6

Boston Whaler 180 D

Atlantis 20CC

LOA: 5.5m Beam: 2.2m Displacement: 907kg Enquiries: Bayliner See www.bayliner.com For your nearest dealer PRICE from £26,000

LOA: 5.5m Beam: 2.46m Displacement: 907kg ex eng Enquiries: Dorset Yacht Co 01202 674531 www.bostonwhaler.co.uk

LOA: 6m Beam: 2.25m Displacement: 800kg ex eng Enquiries: Atlantis Marine 07781 158514 www.atlantismarine.biz

Possibly the most affordable of its size, but don’t let its price fool you. It is a competent and impressive, albeit rather basic, boat.

From the original US centre console builder, the 180 Dauntless is one of a large range, but its high quality comes at a price.

PRICE from £59,000

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

The Guernsey built Atlantis models range from 16ft to 26ft. This 20 footer can be powered by a single outboard of up to 150hp.

PRICE from £39,360

67

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

B

eing at Southampton Boat Show for ten days always makes September a bit of a busy month for us. This means that some things have to give, and last month was another period without any progress on the project boat.

Thankfully, normal service has been resumed this month, and I managed to get a couple of days to mess around in the workshop fettling some of the parts that currently reside there. Last time I finished up being thwarted by the removal of the Volvo Penta 290A prop shaft. I wanted to check the condition of the bearing and gear set, as any water that had been sitting

in the drive for the many years it had been laid up would have separated out from the oil and possibly left these valuable and important bottom end components lying in pure water. Any corrosion on the lower gear set could, potentially, render the lower unit uneconomical to fix and leave me looking for a replacement.

To remove the propshaft and housing I needed to produce some kind of tool.

Volvo use a slide hammer that screws into the end of the propshaft and draws it out slowly with each yank. I decided to do things a little different, mainly due to the complexity of making a slide hammer.

68

November 2019

Using a piece of flat steel, two lengths of threaded bar and four nuts, I set about my design. The metal plate needs to be sturdy enough not to bend under the force likely to be needed to separate the components, and I would imagine at least 5mm would be required. I used a piece of 8mm thickness, which was probably overkill and

made drilling a bit harder than it needed to be, but at least it wouldn’t bend. The plate needs to be around 180-200mm long by approx 50-60mm wide. Here is how I made and used my puller that will not only do this single prop drive, but should also work on our Sealine’s Duoprop drives, if ever needed.

HOW TO IN 15 STEPS

1

I marked the centre of the metal plate and centre punched it ready for drilling

4

The bolts on the bearing carriers are 137mm apart on SP drives and 130mm apart on DP drives so I used diagonals through the centre to allow for both

2

3

I then measured 68.5mm in each direction along the length from the centre marked and punched two more marks

As I also want the puller to work on a Duoprop drive, I also punched two more marks at 65mm each from the centre mark

5

6

Using cutting oil, I started drilling the holes with a small drill bit. With thinner metal I could perhaps have gone straight for the right size

I gradually increased the hole sizes until the centre hole was at the required 16mm and the four outer holes were at 11mm

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

69

7

9

8

All holes were cleaned up.

The top left and bottom right are for SP drives while the other two are for DP drives

The other parts that make up the puller are two lengths of 7/16 threaded rod of around 250mm length and four suitable nuts

The two bolts holding the propshaft bearing carrier were removed and the threaded rods screwed into place

10

11

12

You can lock two nuts together on the end of the rods if you need mechanical help to screw them all the way home

Two nuts were then wound down the rods roughly to where the propshaft splines start, and two large washers were also slid along the rods

The metal plate was then slid over the rods and onto the end of the propshaft.

The splines stop it going any further

13

14

15

The propshaft nose cone is then screwed on to the end of the propshaft and tightened against the metal plate

It is then simply a matter of tightening the two nuts evenly against the metal plate, and gradually pulling the bearing carrier out from the lower unit

Once the carrier is out far enough, simply remove the nose cone and plate and unscrew the two rods

70

November 2019

Once removed, I was glad to see that all of the lower unit components were in good condition

With the propshaft and carrier on the bench, it was time for a close inspection of the important bits. As luck would have it, the lower gear set, both on the end of the prop shaft and inside the lower unit on the bottom of the vertical shaft, were in excellent condition and completely free of any corrosion or damage. The same goes for the main propshaft bearing which was smooth-running and quiet. The seals on the prop shaft had passed both pressure and vacuum tests but, due to their age, and the fact that I had the drive apart anyway, it seemed a sensible precaution to change them at this time. So, all that was left to do was to overhaul the prop shaft housing with the new seals and O rings, and you can read how to do this in our practical feature this month, and put it all back together again. Before doing so I did mop out the very last of the old drive oil that was still sitting in the bottom of the lower unit, and once it was all back together I partially filled the drive with fresh, clean oil so that the internals would be protected against corrosion while I continue with the drive overhaul.

Apart from a cosmetic clean up, all that

is left to do with the drive is to replace the seals and O rings on the input shaft, which I am still waiting to receive, refitting the input shaft and then looking at the hydraulic trim rams. These were, again, showing no signs of leaking, but they look long overdue for an overhaul so this will be one of the next jobs that I tackle.

On the engine side, I have received my carburettor overhaul kits and will be starting to rebuild the first, stripped and cleaned, carb before starting on the second one. That’s a job that will, unfortunately, have to wait until next month.

Spend so far

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Propshaft seal and O-ring kit: £18.00 Materials to make propshaft puller: £9.19 Sterndrive oil: £8.80

Balance from last month

£1,446.46

Total to date: £1,482.45

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

71

Hooked Pollack aplenty! by Simon Everett

W

inter is the time when some people with cabin boats take them out of the water, while many with small open boats, and good foul weather gear, go out in search of the winter fish. When the conditions allow, the open rocky coast offers pollack fishing, with the late autumn and winter providing the better sized fish. They can also be caught on offshore reefs and wrecks, and like a bit of tide flow. Slack water and slow tides tend to see them switch off, then when the tide starts to run they will come on the feed like someone has flicked a switch. Pollack are fast growing, so those 2lb spring fish are now double that weight, and offer good sport as well as being excellent to eat, especially in a fish pie.

Pollack are predators, feeding mainly on small fish such as sandeels and sprats, so using lures that imitate these are very effective. Even mackerel feathers will catch smaller ones, and individual hooks in larger sizes are sometimes tied with feathers for pollack but the artificial rubber lures have largely taken over and are proven catchers.

Most anglers will use a rod in the heavy spinning category, or a light boat rod of 6lb or 12lb class depending on the depth of water to be fished and strength of tide.

LURES: SIDEWINDER SANDEELS & SHADS

The significance of this is the amount of weight needed to get to the bottom and still be in communication with your lure.

If your weight is too light you won’t have sufficient contact with the lure. You need to be able to feel every nuance, and a correct setup will allow you not just to know when you’ve hit bottom, but to feel the different texture of the seabed. This is largely down to experience, but you need enough weight that your line remains taught between the hook and the rod tip, if it is too vague, you need more weight, and if you need more weight, you need a heavier rod to work it. The shallower the water the lighter the gear you can get away with, is a good rule of thumb. If you are fishing offshore, use heavier gear.

In shallow water, say up to 15m or 20m deep, it is possible to use a weighted lure clipped direct to the end of the line. In deeper or faster water you need to use supplementary weight, and this is when the ‘flying collar’ rig comes into its own. A flying collar uses a wire boom attached to the end of the reel line, the weight is attached to the bottom of the boom and a long, flowing trace of 30lb fluorocarbon joins the end of the boom to the lure. I prefer unweighted eels on this type of rig as I find I get snagged less often, weighted eels tend to hit the bottom before I can reel up far enough to prevent it, inevitably resulting in a lost lure.

To help with this feel most people use braid as their mainline, which is much thinner than monofilament, cuts the tide better

72

November 2019

and gives more direct contact with the lure.

The method is very simple, inevitably you will be drifting over the rough ground, reef or wreck, drifting is best. The lure is dropped to the bottom and then immediately start to wind slowly to work the lure up through the water column, count the number of turns on your reel as you go. As soon as you feel a knock, you have an idea how far off the bottom the fish are feeding. When you feel a knock, do not strike, in fact don’t do anything other than keep on winding, the fish will chase your lure and hit it with a ferocity that has to be felt to be believed.

Pollack hit and run, they chase up, grab the lure and power dive back to the safety of the bottom, for this reason you need to set the drag on your reel to give line as your rod hoops over. The correct setting is just before the rod bends to 90-degrees or a quarter circle. I set mine so it gives line at about 60-degrees, if I need a bit more I just put a bit of pressure on the spool with my thumb.

Leave the drag at this setting and just change the angle of the rod by lifting the tip higher to increase your cranking power. If you don’t have your drag set correctly the power dive from a pollack has smashed many a trace simply because of the sudden shock of it, your drag is your safety margin and it will also help to preserve the hook hold. Quite a few fish are lost during the fight because the hook tears a hole in the membrane at the side of the mouth and the hook falls out, keep your line taught at all times, any slack will allow the fish to escape with just a shake of its head.

For best eating, bleed the fish as soon as they are landed and despatched with a sharp blow on the top of the head. If you

use a pair of side cutters there is no danger of cutting yourself, a moving, slippery deck and sharp knives are not a good combination. Side cutters or strong scissors, such as poultry shears, are ideal and cut the bottom of the gill raker, that is the white ligament that carries the red filaments in the gill, just snip it right through. Be aware the blood will flow easily, so either have the fish in a box, or over the side where the boat can be easily washed. I would suggest putting a line through the mouth and out the gill and making it fast so it can bleed out in the water. The difference in taste between those fish freshly bled and fish left entire is amazing. After a few minutes the fish can be brought back into the boat and put on ice in a coolbox to keep it as fresh as possible.

There really is no finer way to have fish than to eat those you have caught yourself.

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

73

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Broom 345 OS

T

he words ‘Broom’ and ‘aft cabin’ have become almost synonymous in the UK boating market. The 100-year-old British Broads-based boat builder has an excellent reputation for building superbly comfortable, high quality aft cabin cruisers from 31-60ft, for inland and coastal use. Despite the sad closing of its boat production doors in 2018, such distance, chameleon cruisers are still very highly prized and sought after on the used market. This month we set ourselves the challenge to find a sub 35ft aft cabin Broom that was comfortable for

a family, affordable to buy and capable of a decent turn of speed. With used prices starting at £99k, the stylish Broom 345 Offshore seemed to fit the criteria.

The 345’s size roots may well lie in Broom’s classic 70s and 80s European 35 and 1070, but it was the Broom 33 that blazed the trail for it in the late 80s. The 33 was introduced in 1988 as a fast, fully-planing, entry-level aft cabin and was the first complete hull and superstructure design by naval architect, Andrew Wolstenholme. It offered a fairly conventional Broom, two-cabin, two-WC

74

November 2019

Built 1996-2001 (14 approx) Prices then £162,737 (1996) Prices now £99,950-£130,000 Length 34ft 10in / 10.6m Beam 12ft 4in / 3.8m Air Draught 15ft 2in /4.62m mast down 10ft 8in / 3.26m Draught 3ft 3in / 1.04m Fuel 200 gallons / 910 litres Water 70 gallons / 318 litres Displacement 8000kg approx

layout. However, it was its strikinglysporty exterior, planing hull and extensive power options that went on to redefine Broom’s entire Offshore range.

In 1992 a larger sister model, the 36 Offshore, shortened to 36 OS, was introduced. For this, Wolstenholme stretched the 33’s hull to produce a 4-6-berth aft cabin boat and, with its fast planing hull, it was billed to offer speeds up to 30 knots. Crucially its rather striking exterior featured a modernlooking, black-framed wraparound saloon windscreen. The 36 effectively became

the 33’s replacement as, in that same year, production of the 33 ended.

The loss of the entry-level 33 was redressed when, in 1995, Martin Broom asked Wolstenholme to design a replacement. Cleverly amalgamating the 33 and 36, Wolstenholme penned the shapely and modernistic 345 OS, using a variation of the 33 and 36 hull. According to Wolstenholme the 345 also used the identical ‘bow plug’ or mould as the 36, sharing the same foredeck, porthole positioning and wraparound windscreen.

The slightly smaller 345 did however

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

75

have some key, game-changing features aft. Broom was finding it expensive to produce aft dodger mouldings seen on the 36, so Wolstenholme enclosed the aft cockpit with an inner coaming, creating a walkaround transom deck. He also introduced his ‘sweeping kick’ gunwale design, which saw a step-free deck echoing the boats wake pattern, ascending up aft over a full beam master cabin. Such features went on to shape Wolstenholme’s Broom Ocean range, in particular the Ocean 38, introduced in 1997.

Priced from £162k, the 345 launched in 1996, joining the 39 and 41 in the Offshore range, with the 36 ceasing production that year. It was built until 2001, during which time there was only a window design update to note. The 345 evolved into the 365, becoming the 370 a few years later.

Motorboat Owner was surprised to hear

that Broom only built 14 345s during its 6-year production, so they are quite rare, but as a comparison it only built 20 36s in 5 years. Judging by the longevity of ownership and the lack of these models on the market, these are indeed sort after. We stepped aboard a 1997 example to take a closer look.

Interior A two-part companionway door and a set of wooden steps lead down into the spacious, comfortable saloon area.

To starboard a large and very inviting U-shaped seating area, with an extending table, is suitable for 6 or more with drawer and storage in the seat bases. To port, a curved-front unit offers shelved cupboard space, as well as dedicated TV and drinks cabinet storage areas. Ahead of this, where historically there would have been an

76

November 2019

inside helm position, a large single seat provides the perfect spot for reading and relaxing. With storage voids in the base and backrest, one owner had utilised this to fit an inverter, with the necessary battery banks housed in a dedicated locker in the seat base. The large wraparound windscreen provides plenty of light and has a large slide opening window each side. Originally fitted with curtains, owners may have upgraded to made-tomeasure concertina blinds, which are easy to use and work really well in providing all-round privacy. With 6ft 1in headroom, it’s a great space for entertaining and provides ‘home from home’ comfort for couples and their guests. Whilst in the saloon, it is worth investigating the top of the sideboard, along the saloon settee backrests and under the windscreen for evidence of window leaks.

Three steps lead down into a forward lobby area, with a spacious and wellappointed galley to starboard, and doors leading off to the toilet compartment and forward guest cabin. The galley has two deep, round metal sinks, a threering hob and a bin set into its spacious

Its well equipped U-shaped galley offers plenty of storage and worktop space

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

U-shaped Corian worktop. Below this is a large shelved cupboard, cutlery drawer, a medium capacity fridge and a gas oven with grill. A microwave may be installed at eye level above the hob/oven, or sat on the worktop. Carefully matching the wood, one owner had customised an angled unit for a microwave in the aft corner of the galley to great effect, so much so it looked like it had always been there.

Opposite the galley is a wellproportioned toilet compartment, or day loo, with 6ft headroom. Inside the lined compartment is a sea toilet, with a long moulded worktop, extending fore and aft, integrating a deep round metal sink and storage cupboard below. A vanity cupboard at eye level with a retaining inner bar provides storage for lotions and potions. You will note that the floor may have a shower drain, but a shower mixer

tap and sump was an extra. It is worth investigating and lifting the galley carpet for evidence of windscreen leaks.

Stepping down and over the oval door threshold, you are sure to find the forward cabin light and of a good size. With between 5ft 11in-6ft 2in of headroom, it offers a comfortable V-berth, with each bunk measuring 6ft 3in long and 2ft 4in wide, and a useful step-cum-seat between them. There are also various storage areas in the bunk bases and a large half height wardrobe with integral shelves. A hatch under the carpet provides access to the bowthruster, if fitted.

A set of semi-spiral steps lead down from the saloon and into the aft cabin master suite, which oozes comfort and quality. Inside the cabin, dark exquisitely-crafted wood cabinetry runs along each side and it is lit by a large

78

November 2019

1997 £99,950 (featured) Twin Yanmar 6LPA-DTP 260hp Clarke & Carter 01621 785 600 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk Two toilets. Forward day loo, left, and the aft cabin ensuite with its integral shower stall, pictured right

single escape hatch in the transom and side teardrop windows on each side. A large central tapered island double berth, complete with a padded headboard, is the focal point of this space, measuring a generous 6ft 4in along its centreline and 4ft 4in at its head. The boats stainless steel water tank is housed under this, with further storage lockers in its base providing access to an emergency tiller system.

The units along the port side consist of a large, full-length hanging locker and a mirrored dresser offering shelved cupboards, lockers and drawers. A door along the starboard side leads into the ensuite toilet and shower compartment, and there is a half-height hanging locker in the aft corner, incorporating useful shelves and a hatch in its base to access the starboard exhaust hose.

The lined toilet and shower compartment is of excellent proportions and has a separate shower cubicle leading aft. This cubicle is enclosed by a concertina door and moulded upstand, while inside is a seat, a slide opening window and 6ft 2in headroom. The main toilet area is equipped with a sea toilet, a wall-mounted vanity unit, a towel rail and a moulded worktop incorporating a deep round

1996 £99,950 Twin Volvo Penta D6-310 Tingdene Boat Sales 0118 947 7770 www.tingdeneboatsales.net

1999 £119,950 Twin Yanmar 6DLP-DTE 250hp Norfolk Yacht Agency 01603 713434 www.nya.co.uk

Broken window catches are the same as a Citroen 2CV and easily replaced

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

79

metal sink and storage.

For added comfort and remote, winter boating capability look for features such as low battery drain LED lighting, diesel heating, an inverter and a generator.

Broom factory-fitted 4KW Fischer Panda generators to 345s.

On deck On the 345, you can move about on deck with ease. It boasts step-free sidedecks, which are fantastically-wide at 10.5 inch and enclosed by sturdy, double-height guardrails. A long rail running along a third of the boat, on the coachroof, assists movements between its scalloped foredeck and the shapely aft cockpit. A woven fabric-like deck finish provides grip underfoot and is bordered by a substantial, angled toerail with drainage

gaps. The deck itself is equipped with three substantial cleats each side, the aft quarter one being particularly easy to get to, unlike some other aft cabin boats. With no steps to negotiate, a barely noticeable gentle slope leads down forward from the aft deck level to a Broom stalwart feature, a useful chained central stanchion gate.

When teamed with a moulded step in the hull next to the engine vents, or the optional slot-in metal steps, access could not be easier.

Whilst on deck you will notice another useful feature, the coach roof has a cut-out section that can be removed, which allows the engines to be lifted out, if required.

Moving out of the enclosed cockpit area, and immediately parallel, there is a gap in the aft stanchion where a chained transom gate leads down onto the bathing platform

80

November 2019

via a vertical, four-rung metal ladder. The transom is equipped with fender baskets and is pre-moulded for davits, while the full width bathing platform is a great size and is fitted with a bathing ladder.

There was one very interesting exterior change during the 345s production. Early examples have black-framed windows and black-painted pillars forming quite a distinctive, wraparound saloon

windscreen. For later models, circa 1999, Broom reverted back to using bare pillars in its saloon windscreen. While stainless steel frames are not listed as an option for the 345, some later models do have this attractive upgrade. The former blackcoated frames can suffer from flaking paint and corrosion. The painted saloon windscreen pillars might also need seasonal attention and protection.

Features on deck, a side engine vent step with chained gate, and a roof panel for engine lift outs Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

81

Aft Cockpit & Helm Step through the cockpit coaming gate, and under the full height (6ft) canopy, and there is an immediate feeling of safety and security. Speaking to Motorboat Owner, Wolstenholme was critical of the cockpit, suggesting it was ‘too small’, but this conservatory-cocoon-like area has plenty to offer. Immediately aft there is L-shaped seating, with a pedestal table to starboard and a bench seat to port.

Originally Broom fitted a rather small moulded GRP pod-style table top with

moulded cup slots here. With this being only really suitable for social gatherings and not dining, Broom added a fold-out wooden top at a later date, enabling four or more people to sit down to eat. Owners may well have since replaced these with an attractively-modern, slide-out or fold-out teak top. Such table tops are available from companies like Marine Teak.

The boat’s vented, gas locker can be found under a hatch in the aft seat base and securely houses two 4.5kg gas cylinders. The remaining seat bases offer

Saloon windscreen evolution, from black wraparound to stainless frames with unpainted pillars 82

November 2019

Twin supportive, bucket-style helm seats swivel round for aft cockpit dining and get togethers

plentiful storage areas, deep enough for buckets, ropes and cleaning equipment.

Backing on to the starboard seating area is the helm position, which has two independent and fully-adjustable pedestal bucket seats for the helm and co pilot.

Both seats swivel around to face aft for dining, social occasions or indeed, with the helmsman seat lining up with the fore and aft seating, for lounging. The helm console itself is thoughtfully laid out, with various panels displaying dials and switches and a large chart storage area.

Navigation and auto pilot equipment is housed inside a separate lockable cabinet ahead of the co pilot. Inside this there is just enough space for a 12-inch display, and one owner had also cleverly relocated ignition switches and buttons in here too. With the large, two-pane windscreen, seated visibility is superb from the helm. However, some may find standing headroom with the canopy up a little restrictive when helming, with 5ft 7in

under the framework.

The boats air draft is 4.62m, including the light mast, but with the arch down it becomes 3.26m, meaning adventures through UK waterways and European canals down to the Med are a real possibility. The 345’s fibreglass arch was equipped with a hinge as standard, with Broom offering gas struts, a hydraulic lifting system and supports as optional extras. Broom continues to offer such

The comprehensive helm offers good seated visibility and a locker for nav equipment

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

83

modifications at its base at Brundall, and provides these items to order. One 345 owner advised buyers to ensure that the original mast hinge is strengthened, and suggested adding a metal backing plate. To lower the arch, the forward part of the canopy is released from the windscreen and is folded back on the arch, unfortunately this leaves the helm momentarily exposed to the elements.

The rear part of the canopy lowers with the arch and, according to one owner with a gas strut system, without having to do anything else and no poppers to release. On the 1997 example viewed, the combination of a retaining and extending arm at the base of the forward framework and a zip releasing from the mast enabled the forward canopy to stay up as a bimini, which is clever for occasions when only the mast needs lowering. A great addition on the 345 would have been Broom’s canny cabriolet forward canopy hoop, seen on later models like the 39kl and 450

OS. Simply undo a couple of clips and it folds back on the radar arch. The top part of the stainless light may also hinge if a boat has been used predominantly inland.

Hull and Handling The 345 Offshore has a conventional medium V planing hull with a 15-degree deadrise. Its underwater profile has sprayrails leading to smooth aft sections and a short keel, bringing a combination of speed and stability. Its sporty exterior is somewhat deceiving as this is a boat that is happiest at modest planing cruising speeds. Likened to a semi-displacement cruiser, it is a boat for distance cruising.

Owners are quick to praise the build quality and handling of the 345, saying its very sure-footed, capable and unfazed.

One owner admitted that it can slam a bit in weather, which is a trait of most planing hulls, but added that it always feels reassuringly solid. At planing speeds the 345 does tend to ride a little bow high,

84

November 2019

A Wolstenholme design, the Broom 345 OS has a conventional medium V planing hull

so a bit of tab is often needed to level the boat out. It also has the tendency to lean into wind at planing speeds, so again trim is needed to correct this. Trim tabs with a helm display were available as a £1.5k in-build extra and an auto trim system upgrade might be beneficial. The ride at top speed is described as lively for short bursts, but is usually unnecessary and certainly uneconomical.

When it comes to close quarter manoeuvring, the 345 upholds Broom’s excellent reputation for obedient handling, and it was often fitted with the easy ‘one-click’ mechanical Morse controls.

However, being high sided, a bowthruster provides that added reassurance in windier conditions, with a 7-inch bowthruster available as a £3k extra.

A navy blue hull was available as an option, which is attractive, but will need extra seasonal attention to keep its lustre.

Engines When it was introduced in 1996, the 345 was priced from £162k and available with three engine options. It was fitted with 180hp MerCruiser D3.6Ls as standard, which according to Broom offered speeds

of up to 21 knots. Next was a pair of 200hp Volvo TAMD41Ps giving 24 knots for £6k extra or, for an additional £5.2k, a pair of 220hp MerCruiser D4.2Ls, which are said to deliver 23 knots. Just over a year later, now priced from £173k, it was being fitted with either 200hp Volvo TAMD41Ps or 23-knot 230hp Yanmar 4LH-STEs as standard. The 220hp MerCruisers remained available and two Perkins options were added, namely 265hp 265TIs or 300hp 300TIs giving 25-27 knots.

MerCruiser options vanished soon after, with the Volvo TAMD41Ps continuing to be available as standard throughout the rest of the build. 250hp Yanmar 6LPDTEs giving 26 knots appeared in 1999 (£189k) and were cheaper than the top

It is fitted with underwater exhausts

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

85

Yanmars are fairly common. This re-engined 1997 example has 260hp Yanmar 6LPA-DTPs

spec Perkins 265hp engines at ÂŁ196k.

Then 300hp Yanmar 6LP-DTEs, offering 28 knots, were added in 2002 and priced from ÂŁ217k.

According to the Broom Owners Club, the typical engine configurations for the 345 OS were the 220hp MerCruisers, or 230hp or 250hp Yanmars, with the latter proving more popular in build.

Re-engining is not uncommon. The 1997 boat viewed had been re-engined from its original 220hp MerCruisers with 260hp Yanmar 6LPA-DTPs giving 27 knots, while another 1996 example

This 1996 example has 310hp Volvo Penta D6s and the easier, metal-edged engine hatches

had been re engined with modern 310hp Volvo Penta D6s, as well as new props and prop shafts in 2007, giving 34 knots.

With regards to performance and economy, these boats should be achieving just over a mile a gallon at cruising speeds between 18-20 knots. The 220hp MerCruiser D4.2Ls are described as very smooth and refined, but not the best for economy. Albeit a little underpowered, these should provide an un-laden top speed of 23 knots, and cruising speeds at 16-18 knots. However, one owner told MBO they prefer to cruise at 20 knots, which provides 0.8mpg. The common 250hp Yanmars should be comfortable at cruising speeds between 16-20 knots with economy of 1.3mpg at 19 knots. The 1997 example that we viewed, with later 260hp Yanmar 6LPA-DTPs, offers an economy of around 1.3 mpg running at 16 knots.

We have yet to find a 345 engined with the 180hp MerCruisers or 200hp Volvos, but can imagine that they may feel a little underpowered, which would make them a good choice for inland cruising.

86

November 2019

Engine access is via three hatches in the saloon floor, and this will either involve rolling back the carpet or lifting out dedicated metal-framed hatches on later boats, which is far easier. The central hatch reveals a decent space to get down between the engines, but being quite a drop, one owner had a ladder laying in the bilge in readiness. Treadplate may have been added here. Inside the engine bay, the batteries banks nestle centrally forward, with the large raw water filter bowls mounted either side. A forward hatch in the galley companionway reveals the calorifier, battery charger and manual bilge pump. The primary fuel filters are at the rear of the engine bay and are, unfortunately, a little difficult to access.

This issue was resolved by one owner retrofitting a dedicated access hatch in the

aft cabin/saloon bulkhead. The boat’s three fuel shut-off valves are built into the aft cabin stairwell.

While Yanmar configurations appear to have been favoured in this particular boat, all four engine makes, Yanmar, MerCruiser, Volvo and Perkins have a good reputation, regarded as easy to work on, and have good availability of parts and service. Ensure that regular servicing has been carried out, regardless of hours.

Conclusion The 345 OS is an attractive aft cabin.

It may not be cheapest to run, but it is a compact, manageable, modernlooking boat that has all the home comforts together with all the cruising ability a family should need.

The Broom Owners Club is a fantastic platform and resource for owners and potential buyers. Before buying any used boat, always employ the services of a YDSA or a IIMS accredited surveyor and, if you have any doubt about the engines, a separate engine survey by a suitably qualified person is recommended.

Family 33

1989-1992

Prices £69,000-£90,000

Length 34ft 4in Beam 12ft 2in A Broom trailblazer and 345 predecessor, provides roomy accommodation for 4-6 people.

Buy one (pictured) 1990 £84,950 www.nya.co.uk

Ocean 38

1997-2002

Prices £100,000-£140,000

Length 38ft 6in Beam 12ft 3in A popular aft cabin, offering superb seakeeping and spacious cruising accommodation.

Buy one (pictured) 2000 £119,995 www.boatshowrooms.com

36

1992-1996

Prices £90,000-£130,000

Length 36ft 6in Beam 12ft 3in One of Wolstenholmes favourite models, the 36 combines speed and interior comfort.

Buy one (pictured) 1995 £99,950 www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

87

CRANCHI E26 CLASSIC FROM £ 105,000 INC VAT

EW

EW

N

N

2019 Cranchi T43

Volvo Penta IPS 500 Diesel Engines £799,950 INC VAT Lying Brixham

EW

1999 Success 108 AK Ultra Iveco 8061Diesel Engine £79,500

Volvo Penta D4 260 Diesel Engines Lying T&K £299,950 INC VAT Lying Windsor

EW

N

N

Glastron GT185

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

Glatron GT229 Cuddy

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

EW

Thames & Kennet Marina 01189 477770

Volvo Penta D4 260 Diesel Engines £82,950 Lying Windsor

N

Suzuki 30hp Outboard Petrol Engine £59,966 INC VAT Lying Thames & Kennet

TINGDENE SALES OFFICES

2006 Jeanneau Prestige 34HT

EW

N

2019 Viking 24 Highline

2019 Cranchi Z35

2004 Bayliner 285

Mercruiser 350 MAG Petrol Engine £39,950 Lying Windsor

2019 Cranchi E26 Rider Mercury 250hp Outboard FROM £109,000 INC VAT

“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

Lying Windsor

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Freeman / 23

Well presented cruiser, 2 double berths, low air draft, winter cover

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

Shetland / 4+2 HT

Perfect river cruiser, bowthruster, hot water, heating, equipped galley

Doral / 250se

Social cockpit, wide swim platform, 2 doubles, bowthruster

Princess / Riviera 286

Classic sports cruiser, twin diesel Volvo 200hp, shower, galley

1974 | £9,750 | 23ft | 7m

2010 | £17,950 | 21ft | 6.4m

2001 | £24,950 | 25.3ft | 7.7m

Interboat / Intender 760

Creative Marine / Frolic 31

Intercruiser / 27 Cabin

Haines / 350

2017 | £46,000 | 25.3ft | 7.7m

1999 | £79,950 | 31.5ft | 9.6m

2012 | £85,000 | 27ft | 8.5m

2007 | £135,000 | 34.6ft | 10.6m

Immaculate day boat, seating for 9, Esthec flooring, fridge, bimini

Elegant launch, mahogany decks over grp hull, new batteries, cover

Perfect weekend cruiser, heating, battery charger, bowthruster

FROM

£346,680

400 AFT CABIN

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

British built since 1980

1988 | £25,000 | 28.5ft | 9m

Spacious aft cabin cruiser, 4kw generator, BSS until 2023

FROM

INTENDER 820

£48,570

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

Premium Dutch Quality

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

Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dawncraftowners.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Atlanta Boat Owners

Electric Boat Association

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Elysian Boat Owners

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairey Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fairline Owners Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Birchwood Classics

Fjord Club

www.birchwoodclassics.com

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Group

www.broomowners.com

www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

Freeman Cruisers Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

freemanboats.forumer.com

Classic Motor Boat Association

Freeman Owners Club

www.cmba-uk.com

www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

Freeman Cruisers

www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

Haines Owners Club

mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

Hardy Owners Club

corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

90

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

November 2019

Owners Club missing?

Contact us at

Marex Owners Club

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Sea Ray Owners Club

www.clubsearay.com

www.marexownersclub.co.uk

Sealine Forum

Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com

www.sealineforum.co.uk

Maxum Owners Club

Sealine Owners Club

www.maxumownersclub.com

www.sealineowners.com

Microplus Boats

Seamaster Club

www.microplus.dk

www.seamasterclub.org

Monterey Fourm

Seaward Owners Club

forums.montereyboats.com

www.seawardboat.com/club.html

Moonraker Owner’s Club

Shadow Boats - Victoria Shadow Association

www.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

www.victoriashadow.co.uk

Nauticus

Shetland Owners Association

www.nauticus.co.uk

www.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Nelson Boat Owners Club

Star Craft Owners Club

www.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

www.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UK

Storebro Passion

www.nimbusowners.co.uk

www.storebropassion.de

Norman Appreciation Society

Sunseeker Owners Club

www.normanboats.co.uk

sunseekerownersclub.com

Classic Princess facebook group

Viking Owners Club

Click here for Facebook group

www.vikingowners.org.uk

Regal Owners Forum

Warrior Boats Owners Club

www.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

www.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Group

Advertise with us

www.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

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

Rodman Owners Club

www.facebook.com/rodmanownersclub

Classified adverts from £25

advertising@

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

1953 63ft RAF Pinnace ‘1387’

£45,000 ONO 07591 343750

91

OFFSHORE POWERBOATS LTD

EXCLUSIVE UK, CHANNEL ISLANDS & IRELAND AGENTS FOR NIMBUS & PARAGON YACHTS ‘APPROVED & PREFERRED’ AXOPAR UK DEALER SINCE 2014

AXOPAR 24 T-Top 2017 £55,000 VAT Paid, Beaulieu

NIMBUS 280 COUPÉ 1998 £47,950 VAT Paid, Lymington

NIMBUS 280 COUPÉ 2004 UNDER OFFER, Lymington

NIMBUS 305 COUPÉ 2017 £199,000 VAT Paid, Lymington

NIMBUS 320 COUPÉ 2005 £82,950 VAT Paid, Hamble

AXOPAR, NIMBUS & PARAGON YACHTS ALWAYS REQUIRED. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR BOAT. IN MOST CASES CUSTOMERS WAITING!

NIMBUS 365 COUPÉ 2010 £195,000 VAT Paid, Lymington

NIMBUS 43 NOVA 2010 £265,000 VAT Paid, Hythe

PARAGON 31 FLYBRIDGE 2010 £154,950 VAT Paid, Lymington

WHITE SHARK 265 2006 £48,000 VAT Paid, Lymington

PARAGON 31 FLYBRIDGE 2011 £174,000 VAT Paid, Lymington

You can always rely on our 39 years’ experience backed up by valuations and surveys, and when you buy from us you know you are getting not only the right advice but also top value for your investment.

Our website www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk has further details on all the boats featured & much more.

Tel: +44 (0) 1590 677955 Mob: +44 (0) 7734 144834 Email: enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk

New and Used

Boats for Sale

Advertisement Index

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

Corsiva / 500 Tender

Interboat / 17

Nimbus / 2600

Broom / Continental

NEW | £13,100 | 16.4ft | 5m

2007 | £21,950 | 18.7ft | 5.7m

1989 | £25,950 | 27.1ft | 8.3m

1970 | £26,000 | 37ft | 11.3m

Interboat / Intender 700

Interboat / Intender 820

Broom / Ocean 40

Intercruiser / 29

2019 | £49,000 | 23ft | 7m

NEW | €79,196 | 26.6ft | 8.1m

1989 | £85,000 | 40ft | 12.3m

2018 | £199,950 | 29.5ft | 9m

Modern look with social seating, teak effect floor, up to 60hp engine

Perfect day boat, seating for 8, teak floor, serviced & antifouled

Spacious interior, cockpit galley, bowthruster, winter cover

Vast accommodation with berths for 4, heating, inverter, current BSS

EW

N

Discover space to relax at Portland Marina.

Marina, dry stack, boatyard.

01305 866190

Luxury dayboat with triple back sundeck & unique folding transom

Stylish new boat, solid teak floor, sink & toilet, bowthruster, bimini

Beautifully finished, perfect for extended cruising, fully equipped

FROM

portlandmarina.co.uk 400 AFT CABIN

£346,680

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

Stunning boat, high spec, bow & stern thrusters, Volvo 220hp

FROM

INTENDER 820

British built since 1980

Lying

EW

N

£48,570

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

Premium Dutch Quality

Glastron GT185

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

EW

N

See us on berths M012, M300 – M303

Enjoy the life you live

2019 Viking 24 Highline

Suzuki 30hp Outboard Petrol Engine £59,966 INC VAT Lying Thames &

TINGDENE SALES OFFICES

Thames & Kennet Marina 01189 47777

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

Racecourse Marina, Windsor 01753 851

New Boat Sales | Used Craft | Moorings & Storage | Boat Maintenance

tingdeneboatsales.net e

Walton Marina 01932 221689 Broad

All adverts are clickable

Cambrian Boats............................................................................... Page 35 Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas............................................................. Page 7 JC Marine Service............................................................................ Page 11 MDS Battery....................................................................................... Page 13 Offshore Powerboats........................................................................ Page 92 Parker Poland.................................................................................... Page 9 Sargo Boats....................................................................................... Page 57 Seabridge Marine............................................................................ Page 55 Tingdene Boat Sales........................................................................ Page 88 Tingdene Marinas............................................................................. Page 4 Val Wyatt Marine.............................................................................. Page 89 Vetus.................................................................................................. Page 53

106

Narrowboat Tingdene/Colecraf Beta Marine 38 Diesel Engine FROM £139,950 INC VAT

November 2019

L K what I saw

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

@

send your images to us at

editorial@

motorboatowner.co.uk

Itchen foiler

Unusual craft spotted in Southampton SPOTTED! by Garry and Dawn McGuire

Southampton sunrise Sunrise at Town Quay Marina SPOTTED! by Sven Boulton

Lifeboat’s fender planters

We missed these in bloom but what a great idea SPOTTED! by Claire Frew

Southend ghost ship

A night scene reminiscent of an Adnams ale bottle SPOTTED! by Paul Killick Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

107

Britain’s only FREE dedicated motorboat magazine

NEXT MONTH ONLINE 30th NOV

CRUISING

Essex coast to the Thames BOATS • Parker 790 Explorer • Fairline Squadron 43

PRACTICAL • Project Boat update PLUS

• Your questions answered in Q&A • The latest products and technology • Tested -The team put some nautical kit through its paces • Inbox – your comments • Inland and coastal news

108

January 2018

FREE DIGITAL BOATING MAGAZINE

SIGN UP 8

at www.motorboatowner.co.uk PLUS access to all back issues and downloadable versions to read offline PRACTICAL ADVICE

NEW & USED BOATS

PRODUCT REVIEWS

CRUISING GUIDES

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

OWNER STORIES