Motorboat Owner September 2019

FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Motorboat SEPTEMBER 2019

Owner Affordable practical boating

Sealine S41/S42/S43

BOAT TEST

Agapi 950 Cabin Destination Guide Fitting a bowthruster remote l OceanMaster 605S l Fairline Vixen

DIVES-SUR-MER

Welcome to the September 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

It’s that time of year again when anyone, within a reasonable travelling distance of the south coast, heads towards a shopping centre car park, the gardens of a hotel and a recreation ground to see the largest collection of the finest boats and boating paraphernalia assembled annually within the UK. Yes, it’s Southampton Boat Show month. I have been visiting this show since about 1987, with

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

2

September 2019

welcome aboard

It’s show time! See our Southampton Boat Show eight page preview on pages 20-27

the last 19 shows as part of my job, and I still look forward to it immensely. Where else can the average boating fanatic see so much shiny GRP, as well as the latest models that you may otherwise have only seen on paper or on your computer screen. Then there are the latest products and the ability to compare rivals side by side. The Internet may have changed our buying and reading habits, but it will

never take away the thrill of seeing a boat or product first hand and getting all touchy-feely with it.

In this issue we bring you a quick glimpse of 27 of the most interesting new boats that are being shown for the first time in the UK, and we’ll do our very best to get onboard as many of them as possible to bring you further details next month, in case you are unable to join us. If you are heading south, don’t forget that you can get tickets at up to half price by clicking HERE before midnight on the 12th of September, and when you do arrive, please feel free to drop by our stand for a chat. We’ll be in our usual spot on stand B064 in the Holiday Inn section with the whole team on hand to offer advice, guidance or just to say hello and talk motorboats. Enjoy the show and we very much look forward to seeing you.

Sub Editor, Pam Born Production Editor, John Frew

Subscriptions: 01268 922991 subscriptions@motorboatowner.co.uk

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

Contributors: Alex Smith, Richard Stead, Philip Hutchins, Penny Rawle Cover photo: Agapi 950 Cabin RIB on test off Southampton by Claire Frew

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

3

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2019

REGULARS

remote control Fit a bowthruster HOW TO

PRACTIC

PRACTICAL

NEWS page 6 INBOX page 28 CUTTING EDGE page 46 Q&A page 58 TESTED page 80

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Fitting a bowthruster remote control

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page 80 Tested

Floating Keyrings

SOUTHAMPTON PREVIEW page 20 GUIDE CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE

DIVES-SUR-MER Destination Guide

p84

Sealine S41/S43/S42

CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

p36 p66

OceanMaster 605S

BOAT TESTS

Agapi 950 Cabin

5

NEWS RYA says ‘last chance to have your say on red diesel’ The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is urging recreational UK boaters to respond to HMRC’s consultation on proposed changes to the rules for red diesel used in private pleasure craft as a result of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The government intends to abolish the ‘Fuel Marker Directive’ scheme introduced in 2008 that allowed users of diesel-powered leisure boats to purchase red diesel and pay the duty differential between red and white diesel on the fuel used for propulsion. The consultation outlines how the government intends to implement the judgment, by moving to white diesel for propulsion, and seeks evidence of the impact this will have on users of diesel propelled craft. HMRC has indicated to the RYA that there has been a significant, country-wide response so far to the eight-week consultation.

Boaters who have not yet responded now have until Monday, 9 September to put across their views. In its response to the consultation, the RYA has set out the implications and has also urged government not to implement the CJEU judgement, thus retaining the current system of red diesel, in the event of a no deal Brexit. The consultation is available here.

Rhéa Trawler 34 NEW BOAT The French boat builder, Rhéa Marine, will be showcasing its new Rhéa Trawler 34 this September.

The new 10-metre trawler will be unveiled at the Grand Pavois boat show, which takes place in La Rochelle from 18th-23rd September. It is available in a flybridge or sedan version, with single or twin diesel engine configurations, and offers four berths with two double cabins. The 34 is now the entry level model of the Trawler range, joining the 36, 43 and 47.

UK prices for the sedan version start at €413,400 with a Nanni 320hp engine.

The flybridge version starts at €437,400 with the same engine. A 370hp Volvo D6 option is also available, priced €11,000. UK dealer website www.rheaboats.co.uk 6

September 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

New pontoon at Berwick A new leisure boat pontoon has been installed at Berwick Upon Tweed, and has been receiving its first visitors for 2019. Built with a £2-million grant and completed in December 2018, the new floating pontoon is located in the southern corner of Tweed Dock, which is a mile upstream from the river entrance. It is £15 per night to stay on the 50-metre pontoon and it is equipped with water and electric, with toilet and shower facilities closeby. Fuel tanker deliveries can also be arranged for here. One recent Berwick visitor and MBO reader, Leon Davison wrote “We are staying here now and it is stunning. The staff are superb and we have been made to feel very welcome.”

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NEWS St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival Celebrating its 11th year, The Classic Boat Festival will see over 40 vintage boats congregating in the picturesque basins at London’s St Katharine Docks this September.

The 3-day celebration is billed to be ‘bigger and better than ever before’ and will allow visitors to chat to the boat owners, and even climb onboard some of the vessels, which include a number of the Dunkirk Little Ships. Held in association with Totally Thames Festival, St. Katharine Docks will also be hosting waterside events and waterborne activities, these include stand up paddleboard taster sessions, food stalls, live music, talks, Thames river tours and children’s activities.

DIARY DATES Classic Boat Festival 6th-8th September Cannes Yachting Festival 10th-15th September Swanwick Used Boat Show 13th-22nd September Southampton Boat Show 13th-22nd September Devon Boat Jumble 14th September Solent Boat Jumble 6th September Scotland’s Boat Show 11th-13th October Suffolk Boat Jumble 20th October Click any of the above for more info

Ideal Boat XO dealer The Southampton and North Wales boat distributor, Ideal Boat, has become a dealer for the Finnish brand, XO Boats and is now offering its 24-36ft model range. With its main headquarters in Pwllheli, the company is also a distributor for US brands Chaparral and Robalo, the Finnish range Finnmaster, British-built Spectre Boats and the RIB ranges, Capelli and AMP.

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8

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September 2019

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& RIDE & RIDE TO THE SHOW

PARK

Boat

TO THE THE SHOW TO £14.50 and enjoy complimentary Show from Premier’s Swanwick Marina for £14.50 and

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NEWS 40th Swanwick Used Boat Show The south coast marina operator, Premier Marinas, is preparing to host its annual Used Boat Show at Swanwick Marina, which runs concurrently with the Southampton Boat Show, 13th22nd September. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the used boat show will feature on and off-water displays of pre-owned motorboats from on-site brokerages, Ancasta International Boat Sales, Clipper Marine, Princess Motor Yachts, Sea Ventures and Sunseeker Southampton. Clipper Marine will have over twenty boats on display including a Princess V42, a Bavaria Cruiser 36 and a Bavaria Sport 360 Coupe, while its neighbour, Sunseeker Southampton’s line up includes a Sunseeker Manhattan 52 and a Sunseeker Predator 57. The show will be open daily from 10am-6pm and Premier Marinas is once again offering its popular ‘Park and Ride’ service to the Southampton Boat Show, enabling visitors to see both shows in one day. Park and Ride tickets are £14.50 per person, or £32 a family. Visit www. premiermarinas.com for more details. During the Southampton Boat Show Premier Marinas will also be celebrating its 25th Year anniversary.

New hotel at Troon marina The marina group, the Yacht Havens, will be opening its first hotel at its Scottish 400-berth marina, Troon Yacht Haven, in early 2020. The Salt House Hotel is set to offer ‘relaxed luxury’ suite accommodation overlooking the coastal marina, with a ‘Scandi-Scot’ exterior that combines Scandinavian timber homes and traditional Scottish boathouses. Alongside existing on-site restaurant, Scotts, the marina operators hope to attract holidaymakers, boaters and golfers to stay. The Yacht Havens Group was established in 1972, and owns and operates nine marinas across the UK and Europe.

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September 2019

Come and see us on

STAND M245-249

– SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY – SOLID, SAFE AND SPORTY “There is indeed something very – SOLID, special about boats made in this part of ”The unique SARGO hullOstrobothnian is built to last Finland.

I guess it’s the nature, the skill creativity of is and perform.

Its and robust structure the designers andand craftsmen that extremely strong the construction explain the robust of to thelast is nothing less than toughness heavy-duty. ”The unique SARGO hull is built product.

We’re proud of the solid and The unmistakably quiet and outcome perform. is Itsthe robust structure is trustworthy SARGO ride.” boat.” and smooth SARGO extremely strong and the construction is nothing less than heavy-duty.

David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd. Thomas Sarin, CEO,is Sarins Ltd. The outcome theBåtar unmistakably quiet UK Premiere Sargoride.”

31 Aft Door at and smooth for SARGO

SAFE AND SPORTY

Southampton Boat Show

David Sarin, Head of Production, Sarins Båtar Ltd.

Sarins Båtar Ltd., 67900 Kokkola, Finland, info@sargoboats.fi, www.sargoboats.fi

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

NEWS RYA stark killcord safety video The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has unveiled a stark new safety video and guidance highlighting the importance of wearing a killcord. Aimed at RIB and sportsboat drivers, the video shows a non-killcord wearing skipper ejected from a RIB at speed and its fatal consequences. The video is part of RYA’s new digital safety campaign to highlight its key safety messages ‘look after yourself, have a plan, keep in touch and know your limits’. RYA Safety Advisor Andrew Norton said “A kill cord is coiled in its design to allow the driver the natural movement required when helming a boat. Should the driver move away from, or be thrown from, the helm position the kill cord will detach from the console and the engine will stop. Detaching the kill cord also allows a crew or passenger to stop the engine if the driver becomes incapacitated whilst at the helm, if they have fainted for example. Failing to wear the kill cord is an unnecessary risk and we want to emphasise the potential consequences of not wearing this vital piece of equipment.” The RYA recommends that a killcord should be worn by the driver whenever the engine is running and clipped back onto itself around the skippers leg. It also recommends checking it for signs of wear and having a second kill cord onboard, so the boat can be re-started. For more detailed advice on kill cords visit ‘Safe Boating’ and for the video visit RYA Safety Advisories.

New Broads App A new app has been launched for boaters on the Broads.

Built initially for use on and around the Broads, Aweigh has been produced in conjunction with the Broads Authority and emergency services to develop maps, provide up to date info on tides, bridge heights, boating news and key emergency numbers. The mapping element also shows a current location and speed, and coming soon will be weather and sun phases. The app is available via Google Play and the App Store.

12

September 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Theresa May Buckers Hard visit Following her recent resignation, the former Prime Minister Theresa May MP boarded a Sunseeker and toured the Beaulieu River over the August bank holiday weekend. Mrs May and her husband Philip, explored the historic shipbuilding village, Buckler’s Hard, where ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built in the 18th century, and were given a guided tour around the Maritime Museum by Hon Mrs Mary Montagu-Scott, sister of Lord Montagu. She said “Mr and Mrs May were both particularly interested in British history and had recently been reading about the role that Buckler’s Hard played during WWII. They have both said that they thoroughly enjoyed their time here and their visit to the Maritime Museum.”

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Come and see us on Stand J316 T: 01869 363690 marine.chandlery@barrus.co.uk www.barrus.co.uk Glomex - Supported by Barrus

NEWS Fairline F//Line 33 London launch

In late August, the British boat builder, Fairline Yachts, unveiled its new F//Line 33 sportscruiser at a lavish and exclusive VIP party in central London. Revealed ahead of its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the publicity event saw the new boat moored on the River Thames, with the backdrop of Tower Bridge and Docklands. Designed by Alberto Mancini, the F//Line 33 is a sleek and stylish dayboat that Fairline say ‘draws upon its heritage, and is made for summertime fun and entertaining’.

Princess at Saxon Wharf MDL Marinas has announced that Princess Motor Yacht Sales has signed a 10-year lease at Saxon Wharf on the River Itchen, Southampton, a move that will see a new customer aftercare, maintenance and retrofit centre established. Readily equipped for large motor yachts lift-outs, repair work or refits and a dry stack facility, Richard Broadribb, MDL’s Property Director concludes “This is a really exciting development. Princess Motor Yacht Sales has a pre-eminent reputation, well respected in so many arenas, and we’re delighted to be able to accommodate them on site. The company’s presence highlights the benefits of Saxon Wharf in its location and quality of MDL’s highly skilled team. We look forward to working with them for years to come.” Saxon Wharf has a 200-ton boat hoist and pontoons able to accommodate boats of up to 80 metres.

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September 2019

42

NEWS eMotion 36 NEW BOAT Vanguard Yachts, is unveiling a new hybrid diesel-electric sportscruiser at the Cannes Yachting Festival this September.

Developed and built by Italian Shipyard, Canard Yachts, the two-berth eMotion 36 Hybrid is powered by twin 250hp Yanmar 4LV diesel engines and two 20 Kw electric motors, and is capable of 36 knots in diesel mode, 8 knots in electric mode and 3 hours running on full electric. The company has also revealed plans for a new 45-foot model which will be launched in 2020.

Moorings 534PC The boat charter company, The Moorings has introduced a new powercat model to its fleet. The new 534PC catamaran has four ensuite cabins, panoramic windows and a large L-shaped lounge, It will also be equipped with several new modern amenities, including a water-maker, solar panels and a hydraulic bathing platform. An indoor-outdoor flow has also been created with a forward door to the foredeck.

Josie Tucci, VP of Sales and Marketing, comments, “We are excited to usher in this new era of Moorings powercats. The new yachts combine the many advantages of catamaran design, like space and maneuverability, with stunning, modern interiors that appeal to today’s charter guest.” The new boat will be available for charters in the British Virgin Islands from the beginning of May, 2020, and in the Exumas, Bahamas, in the autumn of 2020.

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September 2019

be unique 38

xpress

36 40 44 52

open

open

open

open

44

coupĂŠ

The new FJORD 38 xpress

xpress yourself driven by 2 x 350 hp outboards

Visit our Fjord display afloat at Southampton Boat Show / September 13-22

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the power of German engineering

www.fjordboats.com

NEWS Beneteau NEW BOATS Beneteau is launching two exciting new models for 2019-20. Firstly, the French builder is adding two new entry-level editions to its Gran Turismo range. The new Gran Turismo 32 and 36 marry the features of a dayboat and a hardtop sportscruiser and will be available with a choice of inboard or outboard engines. The 32 draws on the Flyer 10 express cruiser deck plan, offering a walkthrough windscreen and easily accessible forward sunpad, while down below there are two double berths. With power configurations of up to 600hp, it will offer speeds up to 35 knots. The American-built 36 offers an adaptable cockpit, a sunken foredeck sun lounge and four berths in two separate double cabins. Fitted with twin 300hp or 350hp outboards or inboard engines, again this should be capable of a top speed of 35 knots. The Gran Turismo 32 will be unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival this September, and the Gran Turismo 36, in Europe, in spring 2020. In the wake of the latest Flyer 8 and Flyer 10 models, Beneteau has unveiled a new Flyer 6 and 7. Both deckboats have been awarded ‘aggressively sporty’ sleeker lines, silver and black hull artwork, contemporary grey upholstery and black or stainless steel pulpits.

Both are available in two different deck versions, SUNdeck with a foredeck sunpad and cabin and SPACEdeck, with a central walkaround console with forward seating.

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September 2019

NEWS

Southampton Boat Show 2019 As we write, Mayflower Park in Southampton is being transformed into Britain’s biggest boating extravaganza. Back for its 51st year and backed by new title sponsor Borrow a Boat, this year’s Southampton Boat Show is expected to see 10,000 visitors ‘take to the water’ and explore the shows huge, purposebuilt marina and sprawling shoreside spaces.

The 10-day show, held Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd September, will see over 500 marine brands exhibiting with a huge array of new boats and equipment. New boats making their worldwide debuts include the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 Flybridge, Rodman 1090 Evolution and the Princess V55 (see page 22).

New features this year include a Rum and

PREVIEW

Gin Bar and a Seaside Storytime Ship feature for families. Visitors will also be able to climb aboard the tall ship, Shtandart, which is a replica of the 1703 frigate built by Peter the Great. Other activities include Try-a-Dive in a purpose built tank, a remote-controlled sailing pool and stand up paddleboarding taster sessions through Rockley Watersports.

The popular recurrent Try-a-Boat feature will be offering visitors free rides aboard various boats, including RIBS and motorboats, which are bookable at the show entrance arena. Departing from the show marina, the passenger boat, Ocean Scene, will once again be offering free mini cruise tours of Southampton Water. There is also a schedule

20

September 2019

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

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

of live music, talks and a silent boat auction planned. Finally at midday on opening day, Sunseeker will be hosting a special public tribute in memory of its company founder, Robert Braithwaite, who passed away this year.

Boat show organiser, British Marine, has once again pledged to make the show as eco friendly as possible and, with various refill points located throughout the show, is encouraging visitors and exhibitors to use reusable bottles, and urging the removal of all plastic bottles from catering outlets. British Marine also organised a beach clean in Southampton in August to reduce and offset the environmental impact of this show.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

The show will open daily from 9:30am6:30pm and 9:30am-6pm on the last Sunday.

Adult standard day tickets are £21 Fri-Sun and £16.50 Mon-Thurs. Children aged 15 years or younger enter for free. Motorboat Owner readers can save up to £7.50 on gate purchases by booking tickets online. The exclusive ticket offer code, EPTO537678, entitles readers to anyday flexible entry tickets priced at £13.50 when booking via the Southampton Boat Show website. Please note this offer closes on the 12th of September. For RYA members, there is still time to claim a free ticket, this offer also closes on the 12th of September. For more visitor information visit www.southamptonboatshow.com

21

NEWS

Princess V55 stand E055

Prestige 420 berth M600

Dale 40 ÂŁ698,998 berth M154

Nimbus T9 ÂŁ155,668 berth M279 22

September 2019

27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW

Futura 36 £197,276 berth M241

Sunseeker Predator 60 Evo stand C018

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 Flybridge £196,000 berth M621

Oryx 379 stand C013 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Sealine C390 berth M274

23

NEWS

Rodman 1090 Evolution ÂŁ252,000 berth M167A

Prestige 590 berth M604

Windy 29 Coho GT berth M103

Corsiva Coaster 640SC ÂŁ42,050 berth M012 24

September 2019

27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW

Princess F50 stand E055

Chris Craft Launch 28GT stand E094

Cranchi T43 Eco Trawler berth M248

Beneteau Monte Carlo 52 berth M128 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Sargo 31 Aft Door berth M247

25

NEWS

Cranchi E26 Rider berth M258

AMP Oceancraft stand E040

Fairline Squadron 50 berths M171-79

Seaward 27 £182,000 berth M124 26

September 2019

27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 695 S2 berth M607

Targa 25GT berth M259

Sunseeker Hawk 38 stand C018

Zodiac Medline 7.5 RIB stand FO16 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Quicksilver 605CR stand F020

27

INBOX

@

Red diesel consultation questions Having just read your latest edition of the mag, I thought I would drop you a line in response to the news of the red diesel consultation. Do you feel the likely changes to white diesel will be the death knoll for many boaters?

Diesel like many fuels has a limited life span, it is advised to keep the fuel no longer than 6 months as this could absorb moisture and bugs. With white diesel, if marinas actually invest in the extra equipment, such as pumps and tanks, they will not sell much fuel in the winter and the fuel will go off. So on to cost of the changes, with Road diesel selling around £1.30 per litre, marina fuel will likely be around £1.50 at least, compare this to when we first started boating Red diesel was £0.15p per litre. In Guernsey diesel is available at £0.56p per litre. However, if we switch to white diesel eventually the dye used will fade in the tanks, but if refreshed in Guernsey the dye will again be evident, does this mean prosecutions will then be possible? I know so many questions and not enough answers, why can’t we all have the same product and no discrimination. Peter Furby Editor comments: It does all feel a bit inevitable, and I see a time in the not too distant future where only white diesel at full duty paid rates will be available on the water. My hope is that the cost will be no more than road fuel, but as some marinas already sell red at 60:40 for more than white full duty paid on the roadside, I am not holding my breath.

Twin engine fuel disparity

Regarding your Q&A on twin engine fuel disparity, I had a similar issue and realised the diesel supply for the heating system comes from the port tank. So with winter use the port tank takes more fuel to refill. This is, of course, reduced during the summer months, if heating is not used. David Editor comments: Yes, heating is another likely cause of excess usage from one tank, especially in boats that rarely move but use the heater frequently.

28

September 2019

email:

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

BACK

IN

TIME

‘Dorys with style’ is the strapline for this 1991 Orkney Dory brochure

Come and see us at Southampton Boat Show

13-22

SEPTEMBER

deanreddyhoff.co.uk

We’re back at Southampton Boat Show this September, so join us for a drink and enjoy the view. Chat with the team at our main stand (EO43) and learn more about our fantastic marinas, or find us in the Ocean Hall (J310) to make the most of our expert boat care.

INBOX

@

Inland boat tests I didn’t download the May edition in time and now can’t find archived editions. Can you please point me in the right direction? Could I just also make a plea for a bit more on river boats?

In the past 2 or 3 years Sheerline have launched the 1090HT, Shetland the 245, Viking have updated their entire line up culminating in the launch of the 300 and a brand new company, Banks Martin, launched the Beaulieu 30. Yet hardly a word from the boating press and absolutely no tests. That said, I thoroughly enjoy the magazine. Nick Puttick Editor comments: All of our back issues, right back to number one, are available to download from our website. Just log in and click on the ‘Back Issues’ tab in the menu bar. Regarding river boats, we do like to cover both coastal and inland boats and have featured tests on a few different brands over the years. The Banks Martin is a boat that we would love to get onboard, but so far have not managed to nail down a test.

Cambelt change on AQ131/151

I read your article on a Volvo AQ131/151 cambelt change with interest and thought you covered the subject very well. I have one suggestion though, after completing the job it is a good idea to turn the engine through two complete revolutions and check the timing marks still align.

It is easy for the belt to be one tooth out and this will show that up. Alan Jones Editor comments: A good point Alan. I did do this myself, but neglected to mention it in the final step, so thanks for bringing it to our readers attention.

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September 2019

Go With Confidence

n ea

Oc ll, Ha d an St J3 72

SIMPLY CRUISE

Cruising to a beach, lake or simply exploring with friends, Simrad Cruise allows you to enjoy your day on the water.

An easy to use chartplotter that lets you know where you are and what is around you, plus with key information at hand like speed and depth you’ll be able to cruise confidently. There is even a built in sonar for days when the fish are biting.

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/CRUISE

PRACTICAL

HOW TO

Fit a bowthruster remote control

YOU WILL NEED TOOLS

• Screwdriver if hard fixing the unit

CONSUMABLES • Two screws

DIFFICULTY RATING

I

f you have a bowthruster fitted to your boat, have you ever wished you could control it away from the helm? At some point during the mooring up process, all but the most heavily crewed boats will require the skipper to step away from the controls to attend to a rope.

Murphy’s law will dictate that the second you step away, a gust of wind will come out of nowhere to scupper your perfectly planned manoeuvre. I have often had

ooooo to scramble back to the helm mid way through mooring to give a little tweak on the thruster to bring the bow back under control, at which point the whole process starts again.

There are, of course, propriety remote control options for many of the models available from the big manufacturers of bowthrusters. Our Side Power SE30 unit

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September 2019

The main control panel still takes precedence and the thruster needs to be switched on here first

can be fitted with an OEM remote control that will also control the windlass, but I have always been put off by the price of around £400 plus. I did, however, stumble across a product called Thruster IT earlier this year at one of the regional boat shows. Thruster IT models are available for Vetus, Craftsman and, most importantly for me, Side Power thrusters.

The kit comes with a wireless control box, complete with suitable connections to plug straight into your thruster’s wiring harness. The remote control unit comes with a lanyard to allow you to hang it around your neck and is said to work up to 23 metres away. The best thing though is the price. At just £149, these units give you remote control for considerably less than the OEM offerings. In the case of Side Power, it is one third of the price. OK, it doesn’t offer windlass control like the Side Power unit, but I can live with that.

It also doesn’t come with a nice cradle to store you remote handheld in, opting for some Velcro instead, but again, for the price I can cope with that too. Fitting it is an absolute doddle. It took me no more than 20 minutes, most of which was spent

gaining access to the thruster before work could start. With access achieved, it is literally a 5-minute job.

Operation appears to be very good and the range goes way beyond the promises.

I could still operate my thruster from 50m away, although I very much doubt that will ever be required. Two of the wires on the harness come with connectors so that in the event of the remote control operating the thruster in the wrong direction, these can be simply swapped to get the orientation right. This did actually happen in my case, but took just a minute to sort.

The remote comes with an on/off button to avoid accidental operation, but one thing to note is that the timed on/ off button on the main control still takes

The remote control can be located with Velcro

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

33

PRACTICAL

precedence and cannot be overridden from the remote. This means that you do have to turn the unit on at the helm otherwise the remote won’t work. The same applies if you allow the main helm

switch to time out.

This aside, I love my new remote and am especially pleased with how easy it was to install. Here, in four simple steps, is the process:

HOW TO IN 4 STEPS

1

2

Once access to your thruster is gained, find the wiring loom plug close to the motor 3

Undo the plug, and insert the new wiring loom in between the existing plug and socket 4

If operation is the wrong way around, swap the two wires pre-fitted with connectors

Fix the unit where it will stay dry either with the Velcro attached or by using screws (not included)

COST £ The RRP of the Thruster IT remote control unit is £149 for all makes of thruster currently catered for. Enquiries: J C Marine Services www.jcmarineservices.co.uk

TIME TAKEN Once access to the thruster is gained, it is literally a five-minute job. Gaining access, and putting everything back together afterwards will take longer than fitting the unit.

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September 2019

Come and see us at the SOUTHAMPTON

BOAT SHOW on stand J150

MARINAS

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BOATYARDS

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DRY STACK

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BOAT CLUBS

Welcome aboard the Yacht Havens family!

We look forward to welcoming you into our AWARD-WINNING MARINAS 1

Join over 4000 happy berth holders across our 9 destinations: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Largs Yacht Haven Troon Yacht Haven Neyland Yacht Haven Fambridge Yacht Haven Lymington Yacht Haven Haven Quay – Dry Stack, Lymington Plymouth Yacht Haven Yacht Haven Quay – Dry Stack, Plymouth Jachthaven Biesbosch, The Netherlands

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OceanMaster 605 S

By Alex Smith

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September 2019

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 5.99m / 19ft 7in Beam: 2.37m / 7ft 9in Weight: 800kg Fuel capacity: 150 litres RCD category: C6 Engine as tested: Mercury 100hp Other engine options: Mercury 75hp, 115 or 150hp Price from £33,349 Price as tested £37,424

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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W

hile the sheltered serenity of Norway’s fjords and coastal archipelagos makes it a worldclass venue for recreational boating, the nation’s boat building reputation has often been more keenly defined by sporting pedigree and seakeeping prowess than soft-water recreation.

Even if you dispel the various narrowbeamed, sea-cleaving thoroughbreds from the likes of Goldfish, Arctic Blue and Hydrolift, Norway still seems blessed with its unfair share of agile, powerfully built rough-water cruisers. Of course, those who have enjoyed boating for a few years will know that Norway’s better-known marques have tended to attract premium prices, but when OceanMaster entered the market in 2004, it was never required

to validate the lofty mystique of the Norwegian industry by building boats like tanks, powering them like racers or fitting them out like boutique apartments.

On the contrary, while most of its established peers continued to pay a premium for longstanding domestic workforces, OceanMaster took a different tack. Right from the start, it aimed to maximise the efficiency of its operations by building its boats in Poland. It was one of the country’s first builders to do so, but by anchoring the brand firmly in Norwegian-inspired designs, while carefully monitoring quality control at its overseas manufacturing plant, its very first boat, the OceanMaster 605, achieved rapid success and went on to become one of Norway’s best-selling boats of all time.

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September 2019

A development on a bestseller, in line with previous models, the latest incarnation of OceanMaster’s 605 is clearly designed to do the simple things well. As an open outboard-powered sports boat, it majors on unobstructed deck space, courtesy of a central helm console, a five-man aft cockpit, a long bow and a pleasantly symmetrical arrangement of deck furniture. With its matt grey upholstery, its turquoise screen tint, its deep-cut hull step and the long, arcing downward curve of its gunwale, it also looks great in a classically understated Nordic fashion, which is precisely what most of us would want.

In terms of the onboard practicalities, things are again, for the most part, classical Nordic fare. At the back end, the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

“The 605 has been a radical success for OceanMaster.

At less than £40,000, it’s an appealing option” aft bench, which conceals the bimini, is bookended by a couple of stepping points that take you over the transom to the swim platforms. In the absence of any platform extensions, there’s not much space to play with back here, but there’s room enough for a ladder and, should you want it, a stern anchor. And to help make up for the compact dimensions, the rigging of the aft sunpad involves folding the backrest ahead of the seat base into

39

the main cockpit rather than aft into the zone above the engine well. That does of course swallow up most of the habitable space aft of the console but it works well enough and it still succeeds in keeping the walkways clear for heading fore and aft.

The console itself is a relatively compact but usefully upright unit, which perches at the heart of the deck with a central throttle, well out of the way of accidental knocks from people passing along the walkways on either side. There are two very attractive bolster-equipped helm seats tucked neatly in the lee of the screen, with easy wash-down fabrics and useful ‘wings’ for lateral support. The screen is also mounted on the front edge of a wraparound rail, which leaves sufficient

separation to create a useful grabbing point, enabling you to stand up and make your way forward with great ease, and as you do so, it becomes plain that, despite its position as the third smallest of OceanMaster’s eight hulls, the bow on the 605 is also a very valuable space.

It uses V-shaped bench seating with open compartments underneath, making

“Its long bow space is expertly arranged and the console seat is much better than most”

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September 2019

it very easy to pop your lines or cushions out of the way without any fuss, while also helping minimise the cost, weight and complication involved in lids, hinges, catches and rams. There are no drainage channels evident on the test boat so you would want to incorporate these in order to prevent your stowed gear from getting soggy but in concept, if not in execution, it’s a very sound feature.

The seat built into the front of the console moulding is another impressive piece of design. Traditionally this would be quite a redundant and one-dimensional space, particularly for those who view it (with some justification) as the least attractive seating position on the boat. But in this instance, you get a handy storage Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

hatch beneath the screen, some very useable storage inside the seat and a set of infills hinged together in concertina fashion beneath the cushion, making it a very simple job to rig the bow’s sun lounger.

The main storage space here is also worth a mention. Like the main aft space, it comes

Sage storage, compartment liners are a neat touch

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PERFORMANCE As tested 50% fuel 2 crew Force 2 The fuel figures below are taken from generic data and may not accurately represent the fuel usage in this combination

RPM

with a handy fabric liner, fastened in place with poppers, to help contain and square away your baggage.

It’s lightweight, it’s affordable and, though we can’t vouch for its longterm durability when weighed down with baggage on a lumpy seascape, it is certainly preferable to wide open storage spaces where the absence of compartmentalisation leaves your pipes, cables and connections exposed to untethered gear.

There are some neat little touches elsewhere too, not least in the cleverly considered fender storage. While it’s quite commonplace to see fender baskets semi-recessed into the cockpit mouldings to reduce encroachment on internal capacity, here, there are four full-sized

700 (idle) 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5250

Knots LPH

GPH

2.0 3.1 5.4 6.9 8.8 13.6 21.0 24.5 27.8 31.0 34.1

0.20 0.40 0.73 0.97 1.72 2.51 2.64 3.30 4.05 5.37 7.83

0.9 1.8 3.3 4.4 7.8 11.4 12.0 15.0 18.4 24.4 35.6

MPG Range Sound (nm) (dB)

10.0 7.75 7.40 7.11 5.11 5.41 7.95 7.42 6.86 5.77 4.35

329 255 244 234 168 178 262 244 226 190 143

53.2 55.7 64.5 70.4 73.4 76.0 81.8 82.3 84.1 85.1 87.3

slots precisely where they are of greatest practical use, two aft, beneath the steps on either side of the stern bench and two forward, set into the bow’s seat moulding where the walkway curves around the leading edge of the helm console.

As for the negatives, there are really only a couple. In the first instance, the storage inside the forward bench seats runs a

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September 2019

Its helm is close to perfect and the gentle slide of the stepped hull is very attractive. Our test boat was fitted with a Mercury 100hp delivering 34 knots, but the transom is good for 150hp

“Its stepped hull feels slick and efficient, while the driving experience is as novice-friendly as they come” little further aft than the aperture enables you to reach, so it can be awkward to retrieve stuff if you don’t stow it carefully.

And in the second instance, while its very satisfying that the aft bench opens without the removal of any cushions, the ram needs upgrading to cope with the extra weight, as it’s prone to dropping back down uninvited.

Grown up boating As you would expect of OceanMaster, the helm is very well conceived. It comes with an armrest to avoid fatigue in your throttle hand, plus seat bolsters, an integrated foot brace and some generous adjustment to help optimise your helming position. There’s great visibility here too, alongside a wheel and throttle that are as Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

perfectly placed as they are weighted. The big dash uses a glare-free matt finish on an intelligently angled backing and the distortion-free screen generates excellent shelter for two people, even when you’re perched up on your seat bolsters and running at wide-open throttle.

It’s a helm that enables you to relax and enjoy the boat’s measured and compliant performance to the utmost, because while the 605 exhibits a modest weight of around 800kg, allied to a slippery stepped hull, the use of a 100hp outboard on the transom means it’s in no way a handful.

On the contrary, having hit the plane in a slightly pedestrian 4.5 seconds, we push past 30 knots in ten seconds before topping out at 34-35 knots in 26 seconds.

The planing attitude throughout that

43

range is commendably flat and, however aggressive you choose to be with the wheel and throttle, the 605 feels resolutely mature.

In short, while the 100 does a very sound job for budget-conscious novices and relaxed family boaters, those who enjoy a vigorous drive would do well to look at the 115 or even the 150. Mercury’s 115 shares the same 2.1-litre block as the test engine and comes with no weight penalty but if you fancied upping that to the three-litre 150, the nature of the performance here suggests that the 605 would be well able to cope. In fact, with the extra power as well as an extra 40kg on the transom, the top-rated 150 might well dial in some of the helming ‘edge’ the test boat so stoically refuses to indulge.

That said, there’s no doubt that, even on very modest power, the 605 is dexterous as well as compliant. You can drop the speed by three or four knots on the trim switch alone, but if you have the confidence to elevate the leg, a fast plane, with the waterline well back and the vast majority of the hull out of the water feels very slick and efficient, without revealing even the

Fenders stow precisely where you need them

slightest vice to catch out the unwary novice. In terms of running efficiency, there was no fuel flow data available on the test platform but the 605 certainly runs high, flat and quiet, with impressive

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September 2019

balance, so I would postulate that its fuel efficiency, as well as its sheer userfriendliness, ought to be a major strength.

Conclusion If you spec the 605 up with a few well chosen options - the transom shower, the bimini top, the fridge, the picnic table, the toilet and the ski pole - it offers a very classy little powerboat, well suited to the mixed recreation so often demanded by family boaters and ‘do-it-all’ millennials.

It’s pretty, it’s cultured, it’s practical and, notwithstanding the need to supplement the basic package with additional extras, it’s relatively affordable. Yes, in the test boat’s guise, it feels as though it’s a bit shy on power for experienced skippers and keen

Balance is first-rate. OceanMaster boats have been built in Poland since the outset

watersports fans, but even with the toprated 150hp on the transom, you’d still be looking at prices from around the £40,000 mark. Given its design clarity, its quality of construction, the enduring appeal of its Norwegian heritage and the likelihood of solid residuals, that represents very decent value for money.

ENQUIRIES: Fine Design Marine www.finedesign-marine.co.uk YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Nordkapp Enduro 605

Jeanneau CC 6.5 CC S3

Bella 600 R

LOA: 6.06 m Beam: 2.2m Displacement: 920kg Enquiries: Wills Marine 01548 852424 www.willsmarine.co.uk

LOA: 6.86m Beam: 2.48m Displacement: 1,020kg Enquiries: Sea Ventures 01489 565444 www.sea-ventures.co.uk

LOA: 6.05m Beam: 2.34m Displacement: 900kg Enquiries: T L Harvey Marine 01215 688837 www.tlharveymarine.co.uk

Stylish and comfortable sporting runabout with space for seven and a ‘European Powerboat of the Year’ trophy in the cabinet.

PRICE from £32,545 Motorboat Owner

Sarrazin-designed family runabout with straightforward layout for eight and a 200hp transom rating.

PRICE from £35,801

The sister boat to the excellent 600BR offers the same compliant seven-man fun with extra family deck space.

PRICE from £31,117

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CUTTING ResQLink

ACR Electronics has launched its next generation ResQLink Personal Locator Beacons that come with a digital display option. The ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View PLBs have been designed using first hand feedback from survivors that have activated beacons in real life emergencies. Incorporating builtin buoyancy, the PLBs have a battery life of 24 hours once activated and use both a standard high powered strobe, as well as an infrared strobe, to assist rescuers using night vision goggles. Price from ÂŁ280 www.acrartex.com

Mercury Racing

The Mercury Racing 450R is a new outboard for those with a quest for unrelenting power. The motor produces a whopping 450hp from its 4.6-litre V8 four-stroke block with 40% more torque than the existing 400R model. it uses a 2.4-litre, belt-driven, twin-screw supercharger and incorporates a boost bypass valve to ensure that optimum boost is always delivered under changing ambient conditions.

A high capacity oil cooler manages temperatures while all electronics and engine components have been designed and positioned to ensure a compact package, light weight at just 313kg.

Price TBA www.barrus.co.uk

Garmin

Garmin has entered the freshwater trolling motor market with Force, which is claimed to be the most powerful and most efficient trolling motor on the market. Force will be available in 50 and 57inch shaft models both using a brushless motor for reduced noise levels and with minimal sonar noise interference. The motors can operate at either 24v or 36v and come with an integrated transducer optimized for freshwater use and offering Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar, as well as high definition ClearVu and SideVu returns for better underwater visuals.

Price from ÂŁ3,299.99 www.garmin.com

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September 2019

the latest boating gear and technology

Navionics App AIS upgrade

Navionics has launched an upgrade to its app to allow live AIS data to be overlaid directly onto the apps charts. It is a real step forward for those that use a smart device and the app as a primary navigation tool onboard. Digital Yacht has announced that all of its wireless AIS and wireless NMEA devices are compatible, with other marine electronics companies no doubt following very soon. AIS allows users to see targets, notably large commercial vessels, as icons and provides a speed, direction, ship’s name and MMSI number. Price £Free www.navionics.com

Gill

Marine outfitters, Gill, has launched a new range of luggage. Offering everything from 10 litre backpacks up to 90+ litre rolling cargo bags, there should be something in the range for every boater, no matter how light or heavy they pack for their boating trips.

Price from £25 www.gillmarine.com

Dockmate

Dockmate is a retrofit remote control unit for your boat’s engines, thrusters, winches and horns. It is claimed to be future proof, thanks to its modular design that allows the product to evolve to operate extra onboard items as they are installed.

Dockmate Twist, adds joystick control to engines and thrusters, with proportional control of thrusters and full control of pod drives.

Price from £2,950 www.dockmatedirect.com Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Stress Free Navigation

Duncan Wells, the Yachtmaster and author of the successful ‘Stress Free’ series of publications has launched a new book on navigation. Called Stress Free Navigation, the book offers easy to understand instructions in the art of navigation, with diagrams, quick reference tables, flowcharts, step-by-step instructions, top tips and even QR code quick links to take you straight to explanatory videos. If you want to learn to navigate without stress, this is probably the book for you.

Price £17.99 www.bloomsbury.com

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Guernsey

Dives-sur-Mer Nestled east of the historic World War II beaches, lies a tidal harbour with a modern marina that provides easy access to a beautiful, historic town and the perfect window into the hidden beauty of Normandy. Dives-sur-Mer

J

ust over five nautical miles from the Ouistreham/Caen Canal entrance lies the mouth of the Dives river. Not well known to many, the river cuts through the shallow sands and conceals the ‘secret’ of a large modern marina and three beautiful

nearby towns, each captivatingly different in their own way.

Closest is charming Dives-sur-Mer, which has architecture dating back to the 13th century, as well as shops, cafés and restaurants. The focal point of the town

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September 2019

Destination

DIVES-SUR-MER

Portsmouth

ENGLISH CHANNEL Cherbourg St Vaast Ouistreham Caen

Dives sur Mer

AerialsŠPort Guillaume/Patrice LE BRIS

is a preserved timber Medieval market hall that comes alive with traders each week. The town of Dives-sur-Mer is also of significant historic importance. The story goes that, during the 11th century, Duke William of Normandy, later known as William the Conqueror, established independence from the King of France during a battle and departed Dives-surMer with his invasion fleet to Hastings in 1066, later to become King of England.

The 600-berth modern marina, reclaimed

from the dunes behind the sweeping Dives river in the 1980s, is named after him, Port Guillaume, Guillaume being French for William. Reminders of this ancient French wartime event are carried in the depictions of the Bayeux Tapestry that surround the eight-sided Capitainerie building at the marina entrance.

A short stroll away, the neighbouring market town of Cabourg is an elegant example of a traditional French seaside resort, with its promenade, beautiful

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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beach, many restaurants, immaculate gardens, fine architecture with turrets, bay windows and wooden shutters, not forgetting its casino and Grand HĂ´tel. It is in complete contrast to the sleepy town of Dives and well worth a visit.

On the east bank of the river entrance lies Houlgate, another beautifully decorated beach resort with ornate summer residences cascading down the green hillside to the shore. It is here that you will often see multi-coloured kites dancing over the sandy beach as you come into the Dives river estuary.

Approaches

Entry to Port Guillaume is very much tide and weather dependent. The wide approaches, being shallow and tidal, should only be attempted in settled conditions, and become very exposed in northerly wind directions, Force 4-5 upwards. The marina has a gate that opens when the tide level reaches 4.5 metres and this can open up to 3 hours before and after high water on a spring tide. Its basin has a maintained depth of 2-2.5 metres and can accommodate boats up to 15 metres.

Houlgate, with its elegant turrets and sandy beach, lies to the east of the estuary entrance

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September 2019

Destination ©FMahau/Calvados.fr

Picturesque views. The drying Dives river continues west, passing south of Cabourg town

For motorboats with draughts of a metre or more we would always recommend arriving on a rising tide, perhaps looking to be off the entrance 30 minutes before high water, or a little earlier. Estimated gate times can be found on the Port Guillaume web page, these times will be subject to change depending on the tidal coefficient and air pressure on the day. Dives/Port Guillaume has a double high water (HW), and this is up to an hour before HW Le Havre on mean HW springs, otherwise HWs are normally very similar to Le Havre.

The first point of approach to Port Guillaume is a safe water mark named ‘DI’. From seaward, the entrance may be picked out by the green hill on the Houlgate side of the river entrance with the high rise marina apartment buildings seen beyond the dunes to the west. Once at the safewater mark, follow the entrance channel at minimal wash speed. The channel is approximately a mile long and marked initially by port and starboard buoys, then beacons. Be aware that the outer channel route may change, with buoys moved as a result of silting after storms, so a visual buoy-to-buoy approach

DIVES-SUR-MER

Distances

Approximate distances in nautical miles from Dives-sur-Mer: • Deauville 9 miles • Caen 13.5 miles • Honfleur 19 miles • Saint Vaast la Hougue 50 miles • Cherbourg 69 miles • Portsmouth 98 miles

Weather

• Meteo France Baie de Seine • NOAA Wind and Wave Actuals Greenwich Lightship • Forecast for Ouistreham to Barfleur • Meteo Consult forecast – Port Guillaume • Met Office Shipping Forecast Wight • Cabourg Promenade webcam

Charts & Pilot Books

• Imray 2110 North France Chart Atlas • Imray Shell Channel Pilot • Reeds Nautical Almanac

Marina charges • • • • • • •

10m Overnight Jun-Sept €31 10m Overnight Oct-May €18.50 10m Week Jun-Sept €179 10m Week Oct-May €99 10m Month Jun-Sept €571.50 10m Month Oct-May €331 10m Annual €2855

Where to fill up

Petrol and diesel are available during working hours, or via self service at the fuel pontoon A, just inside the gate on the south side near the hoist.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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PORTLAND HARBOUR

Careful tidal planning is crucial as the approaches dry, but entry is relatively straight forward

is preferable over using chartplotter.

Keeping a close eye on your depth, the channel travels in a SSE direction at first, but at marker 8 it turns SW paralleling with a sloping quayside wall.

Deep water can usually be found by favouring the wall side and middle of the narrow channel, but you will need to be aware of any departing traffic. The channel rounds a sandy spit to starboard, which is often used as a beaching spot for watersports, such as sailing and kayaking.

As you round the sandy spit, giving it a wide berth, the Dives river entrance

sweeps away to the west. It is marked by green beacons and semi enclosed by a submerged training wall. Don’t be tempted to follow this. Head towards the marina entrance which should now be in view to port, this is easily identified by attractive high rise apartment buildings to starboard and the domed octagonal shaped marina Capitainerie building. On this final approach to the gate, be aware of a strong cross-current here on spring tides, often pulling you towards the river entrance on a rising tide. Also, just outside the gate to port, watch out for fishing boat

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September 2019

Destination ‘DI’

Marine supplies

safewater mark

T TR BOA ACK

N

S GROYNE

submerged walls

Disused lighthouse WA L

LQ

IDG BR OT FO

UA Y

DIVES RIVER

E

FISHING QUAY Slipway

Visitors

Capitainerie Shops & Restaurants

Visitors

DIVES

not to be used for navigation

HOULGATE BEACH

to Cabourg

DIVES-SUR-MER

It is a good idea to check out the latest satellite view to familiarise yourself with the entrance

activity on the commercial quayside and boats launching on the slipway. Entry through the marina gate is controlled by traffic lights, which are displayed on the Capitainerie building. Proceed on into the marina when permitted (speed limit 3 knots) and you will pass through what resembles a lock chamber lined with well-

Port Guillaume has a 13-tonne lift, with boatyard maintenance and hard standing facilities. Set on the other side of the railway, that runs beside the marina, is the chandlery and boat broker, Meca Marine. It offers storage and launching facilities, fishing tackle and GRP repair services. It is a Suzuki dealer and also provides inboard and outboard maintenance and parts services for most wellknown engine makes, including Yanmar, Nanni and Volvo Penta.

Contact the marina Capitainerie and they will be able to advise further local engineers and specific services.

Another similar useful outfit is Cabourg Marine, which is on the north bank of the Dives river.

Transport

Dives-sur-Mer Port Guillaume train station provides links to nearby Deauville (40 minutes) which offers connections to Paris (3 hours).

Caen is a 40-minutes bus ride from Cabourg, via the 5943 route. It is 15 miles to the ferry port at Ouistreham, which offers fast ferry or slow car and foot passenger services to Portsmouth through Brittany Ferries.

Caen airport is also a 40-minute drive, and offers services to the UK airport Southend, Palma and other cities in France. The Capitainerie may be able to recommend companies for car and bike hire, which are two great ways to get about and explore.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

53

spaced flag poles. Once inside, the long rectangular basin opens up ahead. You will find the self-service petrol and diesel fuel pontoon, pump out and hoist tucked in the corner immediately to port.

The entrance channel dries up to 2.6 metres, with golden flat sands extending out a mile offshore. It is quite a sight at low water.

Where to moor

The marina is well set up for visitors with dedicated pontoons that can accommodate up to 50 visiting boats at any one time, with a maximum size of 15 metres. Once through the marina gate there is a row of

floating pontoon fingers each side of the basin marked ‘Visiteurs’, named B and V. These narrow but sturdy fingers can accommodate boats up to 12 or 13 metres. Upon entry, you do have the decision as to which side of the marina you choose to berth up. While both are drenched in sunlight most of the time, the quieter north side, which is overlooked and sheltered by attractive apartments, provides easy access to the beach at Cabourg and marina facilities, but it is a long walk around to the Capitainerie when the tide gate is open.

Visiting boats of 14-15 metres should When the gate is open it is a good walk around to get to the Capitainerie. Fuel is on pontoon A

54

September 2019

Destination

DIVES-SUR-MER

Food supplies

Good facilities on site. There are a few shops and restaurants at the western end of the basin

contact the marina to pre-arrange a berth. Larger visiting boats are normally allocated berths on hammerheads within the marina itself, when available. The marina can be contacted on VHF channel 9 ‘Port Guillaume’ or by telephone, 0033 2 31 24 48 00. Daily office hours are 9am till midday and 2-6pm.

Being tide, size and depth restricted, Port Guillaume is often bypassed.

Consequently it is usually a restful, quieter stop along the Normandy coast.

If there isn’t a rally in, you may often find yourself one of only a handful of more adventurous visitors, even during high season. Visitor berthing prices are a little steep during high season, with significantly cheaper deals for overnight or longer stays available out of season.

Overnight berthing for a 10-metre boat is €31 from June to September and €18.50 October to May. Rally or group discounts may be available. The marina is also part of the TransEurope Marina group, so those with annual contracts at affiliated marinas may be entitled to a discount on overnight berthing. All berths have access to shorepower and water. There is wifi throughout the marina and a 24hr laundry on site. Those that are familiar with Port Solent on the UK’s south coast are sure to feel at home, as this marina boasts similar

Fresh baguettes, breads and croissants can be bought daily from the pizzeria restaurant, Chez Gaby, at the western end of the basin during high season. But you need to be there early as these sell out quickly.

In Dives itself, a Carrefour Express can be found in Rue de la Boucherie, overlooking the main square, and is really well stocked (open 8am9pm Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm or 9am8pm Sun in high season). There are also independent grocery stores, boulangeries/patisseries and butchers in town. If you are planning a fairly big shop, we would suggest taking a collapsible shopping trolley or an extra pair of hands, as it is a good 15-minute (0.7 mile) walk. There is also a Lidl south west of the marina, a 16-minute walk along the Dives riverbank. Every Monday morning in July and August at Port Guillaume, a fish market is held on the commercial quay outside the marina gate, and there is a food market on the west quay of the marina.

Trailboating

There is a free-to-use public slipway just outside the marina entrance gate, close to the fishing pontoon/quay.

This is a fairly steep ramp which is accessible 2 hours either side of high water. It is worth enquiring at the Capitainerie regarding trailer storage, as the marina has a gated compound for hardstanding, which may well be fairly empty during high season.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

55

????????

Picture postcard. You are sure to be captivated by Dives’s Village d’Art and its manicured gardens

modern facilities on a smaller scale. It is enveloped by attractive holiday apartment blocks and boasts a small selection of shops, cafés and restaurants.

Where to eat and drink

du Port, just past the fishing quay across the railway line, south east of the entrance.

For French meat and seafood cuisine, the 32-year-old Dives restaurant, Bougnat, is recommended, for lunch or dinner.

The marina team also recommend the restaurants, La Cabane à huîtres, which can be found along the Dives riverfront at Cabourg, and Le Bistrot du Port and La Voile Rouge, all found at the western end of the basin at Port Guillaume.

For families, a takeaway pizza from the marina’s pizzeria, Chez Gaby, will almost certainly hit the spot.

Must eats in Normandy have got to be galettes, which are basically savoury or sweet pancakes from French creperies.

The seafood in this region is usually to die for, as well as its tipple, Calvados.

For seafood lovers berthed at Port Guillaume, the nearby Crustaces du Port is just a short stroll from the marina and comes highly recommended. Here you can ‘chose your own shellfish Fruit de Mer’, selecting from a huge choice including A visit to the Medieval market hall at muscles, oysters, lobster, langoustines, Dives is a must. Better still, visit on giant prawns and more. It is located in Rue Saturday morning when it comes alive with stalls selling fantastic fresh French food. Also, why not go early and sit in the square with a morning croissant and café au lait, and people watch as the locals plunge into their weekly constitutional shopping trip. Whilst in town take time to explore the beautifully manicured, timber clad courtyards of the Village D’Art Guillaume-le-Conquérant, also home Cabourg’s elegant beachfront Grand Hotel

Places to see and visit

©JMGatey/Calvados.fr

56

September 2019

Destination

DIVES-SUR-MER

KEY Bus Stop Train Station

1

UL GA TE

Chandlery

£ Cash point

URG

CABO

HO

C

Carrefour Express

2

Fish Market

3

Chez Gaby

4

Lidl supermarket

7 2

1

8 9

3 10

Fuel

5 C

Shopping streets CABOURG Slipway

1 Port Guillaume Capitainerie

Footpath

2 Le Bougnat

Railway

3 Cave de l’Abbaye 4 Medieval market hall 5

Crustaces du Port

6

Village D’Art

7

La Cabane à huîtres

8

La Voile Rouge

9

Le Bistrot du Port

10 Chez Gaby

6 4

1

2 £

3 4

DIVES

Quaint and traditional, the town of Dives-sur-Mer is around a 15-minute walk from the marina

to the Tourist Information Centre, and browse the Cave de l’Abbaye, a wine cellar housed in a beautiful limestone abbey.

Topping up the drinks cabinet with a Normandy vintage or bottle of Calvados is obligatory. Dives is a decent 15-minute (0.7mile) walk from the marina. If you head to the south west corner of the marina basin and, passing the ornate clock tower building, cross the railway and the town is south. Head between the two restaurants, La Galia and Brasserie de la Mer following pretty back streets, Avenue Renevey and Secretan. Cross the main road to the manicured park and continue on Rue Gaston Mannevile, and the main shopping street, square and Medieval market hall can be found in the second road on the left.

The bustling seaside and market town of Cabourg is a short stroll away and has plenty to offer, including a first class beach, an excellent daytime option for young families. It also has an indoor food market, Les Halles du Marche, selling fresh produce, including bread, seafood, meat including cold cuts, cheese, fruit, vegetables, local cider and wine. General

street markets are held on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. The town is a lovely 25-minute walk across the river footbridge, found on the north side of the marina, and along the beach promenade.

Houlgate is another pleasant 30-minute walk east along the waterfront. This smaller but highly-decorated beachfront town has many gorgeous postcard views, a beautiful beach, shops and restaurants, and a market is held here every Thursday.

Recent Port Guillaume visitors, and keen cyclists, recommended cycling inland to nearby Beuvron-en-Auge for lunch, saying it was a relatively gentle 16km ride. Here they enjoyed ‘superb galettes’ at its famous crêperie, La Colomb’auge and added that Beuvron is ‘one of the prettiest villages in France’, dotted with half-timbered houses, dating back to the 15th-17th centuries.

Finally, if you visit on a Saturday night in July and August a party could await you. The friendly marina team host a ‘Capitainerie Party’ outside their building with local cider and nibbles on offer for berth holders and visitors. It would been rude not to join in. MBO

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

57

Q&A

Your Questions Answered

OMC Cobra spares

Q I have picked up a Bayliner with an OMC Cobra engine

and sterndrive. I understand OMC went out of business years ago, so where is the best place to get service parts and spares?

A OMC did go bust in 2001, but its spirit lives on in Bombardier Recreational

Products (BRP) who now produce Evinrude outboards, another old OMC brand.

Some spares for Cobra packages may still be available through the BRP network, but there is also a very healthy supply of aftermarket parts for these motors and drives. Tricket Marine, Keypart, Marine Parts Direct and Repower Marine in the UK are all stockists of genuine and aftermarket OMC Cobra parts and service items. There is also plenty of OMC cobra parts, new and old, listed on the likes of eBay. If you really struggle to find a particular part in the UK, there is always the United States. With literally thousands of Cobra power plants still in use over there, there is likely to be very little that can’t be sourced from across the pond.

Outboard overheating

Q I have been suffering from occasional overheats on

my outboard, which I think I have finally diagnosed as being caused by the thermostat. I have removed it and not suffered an overheat since. It seems to me that it would be better to simply leave it out, rather than risk a replacement causing potentially expensive damage if it also decides to play up. What are your thoughts?

A It is generally considered to be a bad idea to run an engine for long periods

without a thermostat. A thermostat will ensure that the engine is running at the correct temperature, and removing it can cause problems ranging from running too cool, and therefore inefficiently, to even causing damage due to hot spots, moisture build up and out of specification clearances between moving parts. I would be happy to run without a thermostat in an emergency, ‘get me home’ scenario, but I would not recommend it for day-to-day use, and would definitely run it for as short a time as possible, and at reduced power settings, until I could replace it.

58 September 2019

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

KAD32 turbos

Q I have a Sealine

F34 with twin KAD32 engines. The starboard engine has an issue that results in the supercharger cutting in and out almost continuously. This engine is also down on power and won’t rev much beyond about 3,000rpm with the revs going up and down as the supercharger kicks in and out. The supercharger appears to be working, as the engine revs up and the boat accelerates normally until they drop out, then the starboard engine starts to lag and its speed drops until the supercharger kicks in again. What could be causing the problem?

A My initial thoughts are that this may be a turbo boost problem. The turbo

should take over boosting the intake air just as the supercharger drops out, but this doesn’t appear to be happening with your starboard engine. Most boats don’t have turbo boost gauges as standard, but these would be perfect for highlighting this issue. Maybe ask your local Volvo agent to come and test the boost, which they should be able to do easily. If it is down, it is likely to be either a worn turbo, or a leak in the induction system, both of which are usually fairly simple to solve. We are planning to include a ‘How to’ feature on fitting turbo boost gauges in an upcoming issue, so watch this space.

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Engine misfiring

Q I have a BMC diesel in my Seamaster 27 and

the engine seems to suffer from a misfire. It runs OK, and the performance of the boat doesn’t seem to be affected, but just occasionally it will give a little cough or barely noticeable splutter before carrying on as normal. What is likely to be the cause?

A The first thing to look for would be air getting into the fuel system. Check

all connections are tight from tank to injectors, ensure that the filter is correctly assembled and make sure that all seals and O rings are in place. You could try running a completely separate fuel supply to definitely rule in, or out, the supply line from tank to engine. Just rig up a can of clean fuel with an inline filter plumbed straight to the engine. If the misfire continues, the problem is on the engine. If it stops, the issue is before that.

Updating Garmin GPS cartography

Q I have a Garmin GPSMAP 192C, which is in good

working order but has a chart card with rather out of date cartography. I understand that I need to update the operating software to get a newer G2 card to work in it. What is the process? The unit is currently running software version 2.2.

A The newest operating system for the 192C is V2.9. This can be downloaded

from the Garmin website, but you will need a blank Garmin Data Card and a special card reader to put it onto your plotter. These can still be purchased, but G2 Data Cards were only updated to 2014, after which Garmin stopped supporting them. Ultimately, if you don’t already have them, you will need to spend a few pounds on a blank card and card reader, and then track down a used Data Card of your cruising area as new as you can find. After all that, you will still have charts that are at least 5 years, possibly more, out of date. As much as I hate to throw away something that is still usable, your money may be better spent upgrading the 192C to something newer that will not only offer up-todate cartography, but will deliver much improved features and performance too.

60 September 2019

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Q&A

Your Questions Answered

Volvo trim gauge

Q The trim gauge on my 1980s Fairline

has stopped working after getting water in it. It is one of the old square ones as fitted to early 290 Volvo drives. I can only seem to find the more modern round replacements, but I have a square hole in my dash so one of these will not work.

Are the square trim gauges still available?

A Your square gauge, part number 828731, is showing as obsolete and cross-

references with part number 872571, which is indeed the round type. This indicates that the round type will work, so it’s just a matter of fitting your round gauge into a square hole and possibly purchasing a wiring harness to swap between the two potentially different connectors. Volvo do, or at least did, a conversion kit for this purpose. It was made up of three parts with the part numbers 872390, 872391 and 856822. The alternative is to make a square, the same size as your original gauge and from a similar material to your dash and mount it in that. Alternatively, and probably the easiest and cheapest option, is to search used boat parts sites and Internet auction sites for the original part number. There does appear to be a few used examples on offer.

Sealine replacement hatch

Q Do you know where I can buy a replacement foredeck hatch for my Sealine S28?

A I have just had a look on the Seabridge

Marine website, and they list two hatches suitable as OEM replacements for the S28.

Depending upon which hatch you require, one of these should be suitable. Just check the measurements to make sure that you order the correct one.

62

September 2019

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Agapi 950 Cabin

64 September 2019

BOAT TEST

Length (LOA): 10m / 32ft 10in Beam: 3.06m / 10ft Displacement: 2,200kg (ex engine) Fuel capacity: 300-480 litres Water capacity: 90 litres RCD category: C12 Engines as tested: 2 x Yamaha F300 Other engine options: Single outboard up to 350hp, twin outboards up to 300hp Price from ÂŁ150,000

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

65

R

IBs offer a very versatile way to get on the water. They usually punch above their size when it comes to seaworthiness, and deliver performance that is akin to a sports car on the water.

On the whole though, they usually lack one thing, or rather a combination of things, facilities and onboard comfort.

Maybe a cabin RIB is the answer. These combine the rugged toughness of a RIB with some level of facilities you are more likely to find on a cruiser. We jumped onboard the Agapi 950 to see if one boat could deliver the perfect balance of visceral fun, and onboard comfort.

Being a RIB, getting onboard couldn’t be easier. The tubes are almost at pontoon height and all along the top of both sides there are some very non slip patches stuck to them to ensure good grip underfoot.

The tubes blend into the side decks, themselves topped with non-slip synthetic teak, to provide side decks that are, effectively, about two

66 September 2019

foot wide. There are no external stanchion rails, but the top of the windscreen side sections offer good hand holds to ease your way past the helm, where internal mounted pulpit rails take over, at least until you get to the large, flat foredeck.

Here, there is little for crew to grab hold of, and it feels like quite an exposed place

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

“When open RIB meets 32ft sportscruiser, this is a cunning Swedish crossover”

67

to be, so foredeck crew are going to have to choose the right time to go forward for mooring and anchoring duties. The anchor locker is large enough to take a few fenders and the fold down cleats are a nice touch to reduce tripping hazards and keep everything looking sleek. Over the top of the cabin you can opt to install a sunpad,

and located between the two pulpit rails, it would be a secure place to be, even when underway. You can opt to have some lower profile rails on the foredeck, but with little else to steady your way up here, the taller rails, as fitted to our test boat, are considerably more practical.

In the cockpit you get some great

The aft cockpit seating is very flexible, offering a large array of options thanks to its sliding backrest 68 September 2019

space for family dayboating. At the transom there is a large, U shaped seating arrangement around the transom that is about as versatile as it gets, with options to sit, lounge, with or without table, or convert the whole thing into a large sunpad thanks to a clever backrest that slides fore and aft. This trick means that the transom seat can also deliver a comfortable, three to four person, aft facing bench seat, if required, and also you can choose whether to have your sunpad inside or outside of the cockpit.

Below the aft section of seating there is a huge lazarette cum equipment space, with access to fuel filters, batteries etc via an electrically lifted hatch. This is also where the boat’s gas locker is housed, with space for a single 907 sized Camping Gaz cylinder, as well as the double cockpit table that is neatly stored on the underside Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

of the hatch cover. Additional, and more easily accessible, storage can be found in the transom seat backrest and goes full width of the seat.

Moving forward, there is a two-person helm seat that flips over to reveal a small galley unit below. This is a fairly basic set

A compact galley unit below the helm should cater for dayboating and the odd night jaunt

69

up, with a single burner hob and small sink, but perfectly adequate for making a hot drink or some simple hot food. The clever part of the helm seat is that when it is flipped back like this, it creates a two person aft facing seat in front of the aft cockpit table, adding to the already generous seating behind. In the base of the helm seat/galley unit there is a small drawer refrigerator to complete your galley facilities.

The helm console offers an adjustable steering wheel and enough space to mount a good-sized multi-function display plus a VHF radio with a little space left over for additional kit, such as the dedicated

engine instrument display as fitted to our test boat. You also get a bank of switchgear, a couple of cup holders and a stainless steel foot rest. The best part of the helm though is probably the optional carbon fibre T-Top overhead. This ÂŁ9K extra provides shelter from the sun, but more importantly for a northern European climate, it provides a framework for a cockpit enclosure. With the canvas in place you get a very protected driving experience and a canopy that is cleverly designed to allow flexibility in its use, and ease of access to deck space even when fully installed. On top of the T-Top there is a solar panel for battery charging when

70 September 2019

“Weekend comfort, there are three berths, with an additional occasional double in the cockpit” away from shorepower.

Alongside the helm is a companionway down into the cabin. The 950 is primarily a dayboat, so facilities down here are not expected to be as luxurious as a cruiser, Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

but even so, they are pretty good. You get a double vee berth forward, which is a generous size and offers under bunk storage, and there is a separate toilet compartment to port. This is rather

71

PERFORMANCE

As tested 30% fuel 40% water 2 crew Force 2

compact and lacking in head height, at only 4ft 7in, but is actually quite usable once inside. The aft part of the cabin offers around 5ft headroom and offers a bench seat that doubles up as another berth. This is probably best described as a single, varying in width from 3ft 6in down to just 18 inches, but could be used as a double at a push. Again there is some under bunk storage, with one or two other small storage solutions scattered around the cabin. The cabin is quite dark, with just a couple of small portholes and an overhead hatch, but as a place to spend the occasional night it offers enough

RPM

Knots

LPH

GPH

MPG

Range (nm)

600 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5600

3.8 6.0 7.3 11.3 19.5 24.2 29.8 36.4 40.3 44.9 49.9 50.2

4.8 9.8 15.9 25.8 39.5 48.4 62.5 91.3 123.6 159.1 202.3 203.8

1.06 2.16 3.50 5.68 8.69 10.6 13.7 20.1 27.2 35.0 44.5 44.8

3.58 2.78 2.09 1.99 2.24 2.28 2.18 1.81 1.48 1.28 1.12 1.12

378 293 220 210 236 240 230 191 156 135 118 118

space and facilities, and a good level of privacy and comfort, for a couple, and I would have no trouble extending my stay onboard for a longer cruise. If you do need to sleep more onboard, the large aft sunpad is over 6ft long and could easily

72 September 2019

Top spec, our test boat was fitted with the twin F300 Yamaha option, hitting just over 50 knots

“It hit 40 knots in just over 10 seconds, it’s fast, raceboat fast” be put into service as a double, once the cockpit canopy is erected.

Out on the transom there is a small bathing platform either side of the engine/s, with a transom shower and boarding ladder located on the port side.

Our test boat was fitted with the most powerful engine option, twin 300hp Yamaha that add just shy of £20k to the starting price. Other options include a single 350, or twin 200’s or twin 250’s.

The overall package is just about trailerable if you deflate the seven chamber tubes to reduce overall width, and a trailer is available on the options list.

The tubes are also mounted in such a way Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

that they can easily be slid off for repair or replacement, if needed.

Underway The 950, with twin 300’s, delivers just about all the performance you could ever want. With maximum speeds of just over 50 knots, it is certainly fast enough, but it’s not just all about out and out speed.

The performance is delivered all the way through the throttle range with the boat jumping onto the plane in just three seconds, hitting 30 knots just four seconds later and carrying on to reach 40 knots in a shade over 10 seconds. That’s not just fast, that’s race boat fast. Of course, all

73

this power would be nothing without a hull that can put it down into the water safely and with a good degree of control.

Luckily the Agapi 950 does not disappoint on this score and the hull laps up the high speeds with ease. The hull grips well, with just the merest hint of ventilation in really tight turns that helps keep everything under control and in check. The steering is light, precise and perfectly balanced to make helming an absolute delight, and those engines just never seem to run out of torque. On flat seas you can cruise at 40 knots effortlessly and at 30 knots any wake we encountered on our otherwise calm day disappeared beneath the hull without a murmur. Before I get too carried away, it is worth noting that although noise levels are pretty good at normal cruise speeds, things do get rather loud at the top end. Having said that, at over 200 litres per hour, most will settle for keeping the

A solar panel is fitted to the carbon fibre T-top

engines at least 1000 rpm below maximum where fuel consumption is a little more bearable, noise levels are acceptable and speeds in the 30-40 knots range should prove more than adequate.

At the helm the screen offers good protection and excellent visibility while the helm seat delivers a comfortable driving position either seated or leaning.

The electronic throttles are very sensitive and, with this much power on tap, will require careful use in choppy conditions

74 September 2019

to avoid accidentally putting to much power down when not required.

Conclusion If you are looking for a day boat that offers stunning performance as well as very competent facilities for occasional overnighting, the Agapi 950 must be right up there among your contenders. At high speeds the fuel usage is going to hurt your pocket, but at more modest speeds of up to 30 knots the 950, even in twin 300hp guise, returns a very reasonable 2+ nautical miles per gallon, which is comparable to many other cruisers of this size, including diesel powered ones. The only problem we foresee is that the whole package is so competent,

Fitted with teak and rails as an option, the foredeck feels quite exposed but looks very smart

and fun to drive, at those higher speeds, it may be difficult to suppress your urge to explore those last 1500rpm and take a bit of a hit in the wallet for your enjoyment.

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LOA: 9.35m Beam: 2.95m Displacement: 2800kgs Enquiries: Offshore Powerboats 01590 677955 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk

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> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

Beneteau Antares 9

75

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT

PROJECT Fairline Vixen

A

fter taking two weeks holiday this month, there was little time left to spend on our project boat. I did, however, manage to sneak an afternoon away from my desk just to progress things a little further and give me a break from my computer screen. With the engine back in the boat it is time to start taking a look at some of the ancillaries. The twin Solex carburettors had spent the best part of 18 months soaking in diesel. When removed from the boat they were seized solid and after their long soak I managed to remove them from the manifold and start to strip them down. Now they need a deep clean and the answer is an ultrasonic bath and a bit of sand blasting. I have left one of the

carbs fully built, so that I have a reference should I forget where any of the bits go, but the other carb was further striped to remove jets and all other removable parts and given the ultrasonic clean treatment.

The inner workings of carburettors are a bit of a black art to me, so this was all done under the watchful eye of an experienced engineer, who also happened to own an ultrasonic cleaner. The results are quite amazing. There is still a little mechanical cleaning to do, but on the whole the parts can be put back together with a decent chance of working correctly. I just need to buy an overhaul kit that will include new gaskets, seals, washers, idle mixture screw and float chamber needle valve.

76

September 2019

After soaking and dismantling, there was still some grime to be removed from the carburettors

Elsewhere I have started to take a look at the 290A sterndrive. When I drained the oil from this there was some evidence of water ingress. Normally the kind of water contamination I found would not worry me on a leg that was serviced every year, but this drive has been sitting for years without being touched, and if that water has been in there the whole time there could be big trouble ahead.

I know from my initial removal and pressure test that the culprit for this water was the split U-joint bellows and very

leaky input shaft seal, so I started at the top end by undoing the four bolts that hold the top shaft and bearing carrier in place. With these removed, some gentle persuasion was required to tap the housing away from the drive. I also undid and removed the gear housing cover. With these two parts removed, not only could I now think about changing the input shaft seal, but it gave me a good opportunity to closely examine some of the components at the top of the drive. The top bearing, the input bearings, the gear set and the cone

A complete strip down, ultrasonic clean and sand blast was the answer Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

77

Drive time. The 290A drive is getting stripped for inspection, starting at the top end

clutch all appeared to be in very good condition and show very little sign of wear and zero signs of corrosion. This is a relief, as these are some of the most expensive parts of the drive. My relief may be short lived of course. Any water that has been sitting in the drive will gradually separate out from the oil and sink to the bottom of the drive. The real test would come with removal of the prop shaft that would allow me to see the condition of the bottom gear set and bearings.

After undoing the two bolts that hold the bottom housing in place, I came to a bit of a dead end. These components will not budge without the use of a specialist puller and I simply ran out of time to beg,

borrow, make or buy one.

After some deliberation, and copious Internet research, I have come up with a design for an easy and cheap-to-make puller that I hope to be able to show you next month. In the meantime, I have removed another part that will need replacement. The cooling water hose connection had all but rotted away completely and I was initially concerned about the metal that it fixes to. After removal of the crumbling item and a quick clean up of the surrounding area, I think a new gasket and some sealant will ensure a good connection for the replacement part, despite some corrosion and pitting.

Already being aware of the state of these

So far, so good. All top end components appear to be in excellent condition 78

September 2019

Next comes the bottom end, but not before removing one very corroded water connection

Spend so far parts, they had previously been ordered and delivery taken this month.

While I am waiting for a spare moment to make my prop shaft puller, I will place an order for two carburettor overhaul kits and a new input shaft seal, so that when things are ready to start going back together, I have all the bits I need.

Motorboat Owner

PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend

Cooling water hose connection £21.17 Gasket for above £6.05

Balance from last month

£1,419.24

Total to date: £1,446.46

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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tested Floating Keyrings

Floating keyrings, nearly all of us will have at least one, thinking we are protecting ourselves against loss of boat, house or car keys when we are on and around our boat, but the stark reality was brought home to me recently when I dropped my keys, complete with large cork ball, into the ‘oggin’ at my home berth. I was rather surprised to see them disappear below the water almost as fast as they would have without the cork ball. Luckily, my berth dries out and at low water I was able to retrieve them from the mud, but it got me thinking. How many other people keep adding keys to their floating keyring without giving much thought to the actual weight these things are designed to keep afloat?

A quick straw poll found that most people I spoke to use either a cork ball like mine, or one of the many varieties of floating keyring that are given away free as a promotional product, and why not, they are free, easy to come by and do the job just as well as one bought and paid for. Or do they?

I thought it would be fun to see just what sort of weight some of these floating keyrings can actually deal with. To that end, I have been busy collecting freebies over the last few months and have put them up against the ubiquitous cork ball and a couple of more serious alternatives from Hurricane Fenders.

If nothing else, I hope this might make one or two of you who, like me, have overloaded their keyring think about reducing the load.

Over time I had ended up with an ignition Weight is ‘key’. Each keyring was tested key, two cabin door keys, two separate locker until it could only just support the weight keys and the gate key for the boatyard on on the surface. Even a single key could sink the smallest floating keyring mine. I was lucky to get them all back.

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

7 grams

14 grams

21 grams

28 grams

35 grams

42 grams

57 grams

64 grams

100 grams

Each keyring that we tested is shown alongside the maximum weight of keys it could keep afloat

Each product was tested with an ever-increasing load until it could no longer sustain the weight. In many cases, it was surprising just how little weight, and how few keys, it took to drag the float to the bottom. The branding on the products is not relevant.

Most of these are marketing freebies and the same keyrings will be available with a variety or branding. The test was conducted in fresh water. In a salt water environment, all products would perform slightly better and deliver approximately 2.5% greater buoyancy.

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tested PRICE

ÂŁ7.59

100g of keys saved by the large Hurricane keyring, pictured left. Above, the best in contest. The Hurricane for its sheer lifting capacity and the Honda-branded freebie for its stunning performance against a compact size and soft construction.

Conclusion There is no replacement for displacement. Quite clearly, the larger keyrings worked the best and, if you want to protect a heavy load you will have to put up with the bulkiness and buy the large round Hurricane keyring, which can take a whopping 100 grams before sinking and outperformed every other keyring on test by a huge margin. The large long Hurricane is almost as bulky but delivers quite a bit less buoyancy at just 65 grams. Of the freebies, there is quite a marked difference in performance ranging from just 7 grams (one single medium sized key) right up to an impressive 64 grams. If you only need to protect a single smallish key, almost any freebie will do, although we have proved that a single medium to large sized key can still overcome the weakest performer. For a bunch of keys ignore the smaller models, shaped ones, or any with cutouts, as these all compromise performance. A large solid one such as the Boot Dusseldorf branded keyring, or a soft square spongy one like our Honda Marine branded version will deliver 60+ grams of buoyancy, which should be enough for a typical bunch of up to eight or so boat style keys, while still being small and unobtrusive enough to fit in your pocket. As for the common cork ball, it really is a very average performer and, as shown, can easily be pulled under with just four keys, The traditional cork ball so it might be time to upgrade, I certainly have. sunk with just four keys 82

September 2019

CLASSIC CRUISERS

a complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Sealine S41/S42/S43

I

f you have outgrown your 30ft plus sportscruiser and are looking for something larger on a similar vein, with twin diesel engines and around £100k, we think we may have just found a trilogy of models that will not only fit the bill, but will outdo many 50 footers for space. May we introduce the Sealine S41, S42 and S43.

This British-built Sealine trio’s journey surely started with the two-cabin, T-topped, 40ft twin or triple sterndrive sportscruiser flagship model, the 365 Sportbridge, which was introduced in the

early 90s. Next came a brief appearance of the 40ft 380 Ambassador model, offering an almost identical layout and which morphed into the short-lived 400 Ambassador in 1994. It seems by the mid to late 90s, with the advent of higher output sterndrives, Sealine’s fellow British sportscruiser builders were also moving upwards into the 40ft bracket, and arguably more successfully, with the likes of Princess introducing the V series, starting with the popular V39 in 1994 that evolved into the V40 in 1996. 1997 saw the introduction of the shaftdriven Fairline

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Built 1999-2009 (est.200 built) Prices then £190,438 (1999) Prices now £94,000-£140,000 Length 42ft 3in / 12.89m Beam 13ft 4in / 4.06m Air Draught HT inc mast 13ft 10in / 4.2m HT 10ft 11in 3.34m Draught 3ft 7in / 1.09m Fuel 170 gallons / 772 litres Water 83 gallons / 375 litres Displacement 8941-10400kg

Targa 43, followed by the sterndrive Targa 40 in 1999.

In 1998 Sealine unveiled artist impressions of a new S40 model concept.

The twin diesel sterndrive-powered 40ft model, with its playful curves, sweeping hull lines and Sealine’s twodecade characteristic anchor-swallowing bowsprit, had a 4-6 berth layout, with two ensuite cabins, and featured a raked back radar arch with a rather unusual T-bar canopy support. A year later, a 42ft model with an identical layout was launched, the S41. One major characteristic of this new

33-knot boat was its choice of a standard ‘Open Sport’, forward-raked arch or a GRP bimini hardtop that included an electric sunroof. Priced from £190k, the S41 made its debut at the Southampton Boat Show in September 1999 and, at the time, was Sealine’s largest sportscruiser to date.

Echoing what was happening over in the Princess sportscruiser stable, Sealine then launched a shaftdriven version alongside the S41 and called it the S43. Like the Princess V40, Sealine used V-drive gearboxes to power larger Volvo shaftdrive engines, providing speeds up to 35 knots.

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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Sealine also went on to offer a faster, 37knot, ‘Tunnel Drive’ configuration that was given the name S42.

With the various model and engine guises causing confusion amongst owners and buyers, Sealine, in its wisdom in 2004, simplified things and decided to simply call the model the S42. It continued to be available in both stern or shaftdrive configurations and remained in production until 2009. An estimated 200 examples of the various models were built over the decade long production at the factory in Kidderminster, during which time it had inspired models, such as the S38, SC38, S48 and of course its replacement, the SC42, which later became the S450. Plans for a modern equivalent, a new S430, are due to be

unveiled by Sealine’s German builders this year.

With used prices ranging from just below £95k to £140k, we decided to take a closer look at this dynamic trio.

Interior Three gradual, well-spaced wooden steps negotiate what seems a short but steep descent into the accommodation. Here you are greeted by a roomy saloon that is impressively appointed. There is a rather inviting, low, U-shaped dinette area to starboard, and a galley area to port. The dinette is capable of seating 5-6 people, with an addition stool sometimes stowed under the small-ish glossy oval table.

The seating area can be made into an occasional and shapely double berth (6ft

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6in x 3ft 8in) with a board-backed infill cushion, and there is plenty of storage in lined compartments in its base, some of which may be used for air conditioning units, if fitted. The boat’s main electric switch panel can be found on the aft bulkhead above the seating area.

The galley is an excellent size with a large, but unobtrusive, Corian worktop running fore and aft. It is equipped with a covered sink and drainer and a threeburner gas hob, with a separate oven/grill mounted at eye-level into an aft unit. An all-electric galley, featuring an electric hob and microwave, may be in lieu of this if the optional generator is fitted. On versions fitted with gas, Sealine offered an optional microwave under the sink.

What is particularly impressive about

the galley is the amount of storage on offer. Below the worktop and either side of the large capacity Engel or Isotherm fridge are two shelved cupboards and a set of large drawers. On early models a TV cupboard with revolving door closure also

The glossy galley has great cupboard storage

Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd

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provides storage, leaving space to mount a modern flat screen above it. On later models this evolved into a glass display cabinet. There is also a useful deep bank of eye-level cupboards each side of the saloon.

Moving forward in the saloon area, a door on the port side leads into the forward toilet compartment or day loo, and this has ensuite access to the forward cabin. The toilet compartment itself is a good size, with 6ft 2in headroom, and has a sea toilet, sweeping worktop with a washbasin and good storage, both underneath the basin and above the worktop.

As mentioned, the boat has two ensuite cabins, so you have a choice on your hands as to which is to be used as the master. The forward cabin is a comfortable and conventional space, offering 6ft 2in

headroom and a 6ft 3in by 4ft island double berth. Inside there is a small dresser unit to port, with a mirror above it, and storage in its base. There is also a double full-length wardrobe on the starboard side, which deceptively narrows at its base due to the hull shape. Under the bed’s folding mattress are two lined lockers that are ideal for storing larger items, such as duvets.

A door on the starboard side leads into a separate ensuite shower compartment.

This wash-down, curtained compartment is an excellent size, offering 6ft 3in headroom, a convenient moulded seat and shelves for lotions and potions.

Back aft, and leading off the saloon on the port side, is the full beam midships cabin, which, in our book, is the piĂŠce de rĂŠsistance and puts its closest rivals to shame. It is not dissimilar to what you

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S41 2000 £109,950 (featured) Twin Cummins QSD 4.2 320hp Tingdene Boat Sales 01189 477 770 www.tingdeneboatsales.net There is a day loo and a separate ensuite shower compartment forward. Dark coloured or polished wood finishes were used in these compartments

might find on a modern-day 45-50ft cruiser and has the storage space to match.

Step over the threshold to this cabin and you will find yourself inside a generous sunken area lit by a large round escape hatch into the cockpit and high level portholes. On your right is a double wardrobe, followed by a dresser unit and a good size toilet and shower compartment. On the left is what first appears to be a generous double berth (6ft 6in x 5ft).

But peel back the covers and remove the narrow infills and you can have two singles, making this cabin quite versatile for family use.

Under the berth is also the boat’s 83-gallon water tank.

Set aft is a small, two-person settee and a smaller bank of cupboards, which include more hanging space. On the S42 models there was an optional third berth in this cabin, which could be positioned aft in lieu of the settee and some of the aft hanging storage space. Again, this is another great option for a family.

Despite the cockpit moulding recessed directly over the bed, there is still 6ft headroom to move about in the cabin and ample room to sit up in bed. Headroom alongside the bed itself is reduced to 5ft.

Choice of two S42, S43 £139,950 Volvo 310hp D6 or TAMD74s Burton Waters 01522 567404 www.burtonwaters.co.uk

2001 S43 £119,950 Twin Volvo TAMD74 480hp Norfolk Yacht Agency 01603 713434 www.nya.co.uk

S41 2000 £99,950 Twin Yanmar 300hp 6LPSTZE Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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The mid cabin toilet and shower compartment is a decent size and offers headroom of 6ft 3in. Inside there is a sea toilet (with electric and/or fresh water flush options), a wash basin unit equipped with a shower mixer tap and a storage base unit. Above, a mirrored cupboard provides further storage for toiletries.

Overall, the accommodation would suit a couple with occasional guests, or indeed a family. Perhaps a larger or extending saloon table would be a bit more comfortable for family or group dining, but eating ‘alfresco’ in the cockpit is another good option. Sealine’s glossy cherry wood interiors are hard wearing and easy to care for. We would recommend examining the area around the portholes, as these have been known to leak. Sagging headlining might also be a sign of leaks or, more likely, its foam backing deteriorating.

Finally, we move on to the question of

the moment, which cabin to choose as the master? Sealine named the mid cabin as the master, but the MBO office is divided and it seems owners are too. While the forward cabin has the full headroom and separate ensuite shower, the mid cabin certainly seems to have a little more going for it. It is self contained and offers ample storage and facilities for distance cruising.

The jury is out.

Cockpit & helm When you step aboard and enter the cockpit, this boat’s chunky scale and huge proportions are immediately clear to see. Its vast teak-laid cockpit has serious impact, it is modular, moulded, uncluttered and very impressive. It is also full of clever storage areas and offers plenty of handholds, making it easy to move about.

Standard boats have an open cockpit with a narrow radar arch. However, the

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SPS (solar protection system) bimini top was a popular option. Available for under £6k, it extends three quarters of the length of the cockpit and has an integral electric sunroof. Sealine added a couple of clever canvas ideas to the bimini top, firstly the flexible rods that shape the taught aft canopy stow inside a dedicated channel to starboard in the SPS T-top, and the canvas itself stows in a handy clamshell on its underside. Both options provide a conservatory cocoon area and, escaping the flybridge trauma of layering up, you will find yourself putting to sea in no more than a T-shirt on sunny winter days. Admittedly there is a lot of canvas to maintain on this boat, and significantly more on boats with the standard arch.

Shrinkage is common, so ensure that canopies are in good condition, or factor in a reasonably-sized bill for replacement.

One S42 owner, after trading in their Sealine 410 flybridge, said they love the fact they can see their crew at all times, and added that the hardtop with sunroof works well, offering ‘the best of both worlds’.

As you step through the port transom gate and into the colossal arched, 7ft high aft canopy enclosure, you’ll find yourself in a lower level aft cockpit area, with

Alfresco entertaining, its aft cockpit is equipped with a sink and fridge, and optional barbecue

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Helm tweeks. Changes in plotter design may require modifications if fitting modern electronics

curved transom seating, a small table, integral storage and a sink/fridge unit to starboard. Directly ahead, is a stylish wet bar and storage unit with optional barbecue. This lower seating area is great for entertaining when the boat is static but also converts into a sunpad with a kidneyshaped pedestal cushion.

Move up a step and the upper raised cockpit is equally impressive. There is a long bench running fore and aft to starboard, with good storage in its base, a curved seating area with a fold-out table

to port and to starboard, a helm position with a generous double helm seat. This area can easily seat seven people, with the option of the co-pilot seat folding to provide more seating around the pedestal table. There is also a clever backrest locker in the port side seating that will swallow the aft sunpad infill.

On SPS bimini versions there is good standing headroom, of up to 6ft 8in, underneath it, with 6ft 2in of headroom at the helm. The shapely navy gelcoat helm console, which saw little change over the decade of production, is sprawling, intuitively laid out and comes with a large chart storage area. It seems the elliptical dash was originally designed to incorporate a central 7-inch portrait chartplotter, such as the Raymarine C70. However, on later models, Sealine mounted larger 7-8 inch landscape format plotters, such as the C80, into the area next to the wheel. Be aware the navy Open Sport. A standard radar arch equals more gelcoat can degrade in the sun if not canvas but, with a tonneau, are ideal for the Med protected.

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It is high sided but easy to crew and get aboard. Earlier models have elaborate metal engine vents

The cockpit area was originally equipped with two navy or white-coloured plastic tables on pedestals. Replacement teak table tops are available through the company, Marine Teak.

On deck Eight-inch, one-level side decks and sturdy guardrails make this boat a joy to crew and move about on deck. The scalloped side decks are easily accessed from the cockpit and, equipped with four chunky cleats each side, sweep all the way aft. There are certainly excellent handholds recessed into the roof sides for moving forward on the hardtop version.

The slightly recessed foredeck feels safe and uncluttered, and provides an area for an optional sunpad. At the bow there is the characteristic anchor bowsprit with an electric anchor and large chain locker.

The locker leaves the chain exposed but is

capable of swallowing several fenders for easy storage.

The generous, curved, teak-laid bathing platform makes side-on and stern-to access a doddle, which is essential as the boat is high sided, making climbing up from pontoon height very difficult.

There is also a useful raised step on each aft quarter. The transom moulding has mounts for davits, a dinghy crane or a passerelle, and is equipped with a large draining locker and bathing ladder.

Hull and Handling The boat has a variable V planing hull.

Owners are quick to sing the boat’s praises for speed and noise levels against its rivals.

Its handling characteristics are sporty, as a sportscruiser should be. However, as you would expect, there are a few notable differences in ride and capabilities in stern and shaftdrive configurations. Sterndrive

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It has a modified planing hull. Stern or shaftdrives, economy should be 1-2mpg at cruising speeds

versions provide that boisterous, getup-and-go handling, while shaft V-drive models provide a more conservative ride and performance.

At speed these boats are sensitive to trim and wind induced lean, so an automatic trim system would be a beneficial addition. Sterndrive-powered versions also have the reputation for chine walking. We understand Sealine made a small modification to the hull with the roll out of the S42 to help correct this.

As it is a fairly high-sided sportscruiser, creating a lot of windage, the standard 5hp bowthruster is particularly useful for close quarters handling. A sternthruster may

also be fitted to some shaftdrive versions.

The models came with a white hull as standard, but a navy blue gelcoat finish was available as an optional extra. Hull spotlights are a typical characteristic of these hulls and left to the elements, you will need to look out for degradation of the plastic lens covers on these. One hull/ superstructure change was the engine vents. Earlier boats have elaborate metal teardrop grill vents, which can corrode.

Engines Access to the engines is easy via a large hatch in the lower aft cockpit. The hatch lifts on gas struts to reveal a very deep engine bay with each engine almost unencumbered and accessible in its entirety. Getting down into the bay is aided by a vertical metal ladder that leads between the engines. The neatly engineered bay has fuel filters, fuel valves and crossover levers arranged on the forward or side bulkheads, while a generator, if fitted, will be positioned to port, with batteries located to starboard.

All S41s will be fitted with twin Great performer but inspect early hulls for stress cracking which could be a result of chine walking sterndrives, all S43s will be shaftdrive 94

September 2019

Early S41s were fitted with Yanmar engine and MerCruiser drive set ups, which initially had ‘mating’ issues. Any problems should have been rectified by now

with a V-drive configuration and S42s can be either, although most are sterndrive.

Priced from £190k at its launch, the S41 was available with the two 300hp options, Yanmar 6LPSTZEs engines or MerCruiser D-Tronic D7s mated to Bravo 3 drives, giving 34-35 knots. Twin 260hp Volvo KAD44Ps (£196k) were also available giving an estimated 30 knots.

By 2000 the S41 price had increased and Sealine was now offering Volvo 285hp KAD300s, providing 29-31 knots and priced at £214,832. The shaft-driven V-drive S43 followed in 2001 and, priced from £234k, its engine options were 480hp Volvo TAMD74Ps giving 35 knots, or 420hp Yanmar 6LYZs providing 32 knots. Soon after, a ‘Tunnel Drive’ S42 model was available, spec’d with 480hp Volvo TAMD75s priced at £249,955 and giving 35-37 knots. We have yet to find an example with this configuration.

Between 2005-09 the S42 was available with only two or three sterndrive choices.

These included 300hp Volvo D4s giving 32 knots, 310hp, 330hp or 350hp D6s giving 32-34 knots, or Cummins 350hp MerCruiser QSD 4.2 with Axius joystick control giving 35 knots. Later brochures also mention IPS power, namely Volvo’s 370hp IPS 500s offering 34 knots, but

again we have yet to find an example with this configuration.

When it comes to speed and economy, S41s fitted with KAD300s should cruise at around 23 knots at 3200 rpm, burning up to 12 gallons per hour. The rare and perhaps underpowered 260hp KAD44Ps configuration should offer cruising speeds in the low 20s. S42s fitted with modern D6 engines should cruise along happily at 25 knots, and offer top speeds of 32-34 knots.

With the heavier V-drive configurations you should expect economy of around one mile per gallon and a cruising speed of around 25 knots. S41s and S42s are fitted with two fuel tanks, while the V drive S43s has three fuel tanks in order to provide a similar cruising range.

So what to buy, shaft or sterndrive?

When it comes to economy, a sterndrive

TAMD74s or 75s are common on V-drive S43s

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Volvo D series engines were fitted to S42s, including large D4s and various D6s. Above, twin 330hp

model will win hands down. The used price for a shaftdrive model tends to be quite a bit more than a sterndrive version and, as mentioned, it is going to cost you more in fuel to use. On the other side of the coin, you will save money and time when it comes to the simpler servicing demands compared to sterndrives, so potential buyers will need to consider ongoing maintenance, as well as running

35 knotter. A re-engined 2000 S41 with modern 320hp Cummins MerCruiser QSB 4.2 engines

costs of both stern and shaftdrives before jumping in. There really is no right or wrong answer. On boats fitted with the older, non-diagnostic engines, you should be able to source spares and carry out most of the work yourself, saving on labour costs. If you are looking at models fitted with Volvo KAD series sterndrive engines, be aware that these 24-valve motors require regular checking and adjustment of the valve clearances to avoid potentially expensive cylinder head damage. This is something that you can do yourself, but you need to check the service history documents to make sure that this has been carried out within the last 200 hours, or be prepared to do it yourself before casting off for the first time. Modern electronically controlled engines, such as Volvo D series and the Cummins MerCruiser QSD range, may require an engineer with a computer to diagnose problems and conduct routine maintenance tasks.

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Most early sterndrive S41s were fitted with Volvo KAD44 or KAD300s mated to DP drives, with a very small handful of early boats having the MerCruiser 300 D-Tronic engines running on Bravo 3 drives. A reasonable number had Yanmar 6LPSTZE coupled to MerCruiser Bravo 3 X drive configurations, which apparently suffered ‘mating’ problems leading to some boats being re-engined with Volvo engines, usually KAD300s on DPG drives,

by Sealine under warranty. It is said that the drives were not able to handle the engine’s torque when used hard, leading to premature drive failure. As a result you are likely to find the odd 1999/2000 boat with 2001/2 engines fitted. We would always recommend going through service records, not only to see whether regular maintenance has been carried out, but also to see if major changes like this have

occurred. Equally, examples from this era do still exist and are still in use without problems, so it is a case of buyer beware and doing plenty of research.

Re-engining, or installing new drives, is also not uncommon. The 2000 S41 we viewed for sale had been fitted with new Cummins QSD 4.2 320hp diesels, possibly for the reasons described above.

Conclusion The S41/43/42 is quite simply a sportscruiser of huge proportions.

Whichever drive system you choose, this is an awful lot of family cruiser for a rather modest sum, and one that you will struggle to match for onboard comfort, versatility and price.

The Sealine Forum 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 Sealine SC35

2007-2013

Prices £120,000-£180,000

Length 36ft 1in Beam 12ft 2in Radical and clever hardtop with a versatile, two-cabin layout and large cockpit.

Buy one (pictured) 2011 £149,950 www.solentmotoryachts.com

SC38

2008-2011

Prices £137,500-£174,000

Length 39ft 4in Beam 12ft 3in Hardtop successor to the C39/ SC39 offering 4-7 berths with a two-cabin layout.

Buy one (pictured) 2008 £137,500 www.norfolkboatsales.co.uk

S38

2003-2008

Prices £95,000-£135,000

Length 37ft 1in Beam 12ft 3in Popular 2-cabin, 4-6 berth cruiser which shares its hull with its hardtop sister, the SC38.

Buy one (pictured) 2004 £114,500 www.tbsboats.com

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TARGA. THE TRUE ORIGINAL. T23.1

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T25.1

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T27.2

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T30.1

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T32

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T35

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T37

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T44

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

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T46

New and Used

Boats for Sale 01189 403211

Corsiva / 500 Tender

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

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

Interboat / 17

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

Nimbus / 2600

Spacious interior, cockpit galley, bowthruster, winter cover

Broom / Continental

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

NEW | £13,100 | 16.4ft | 5m

2007 | £21,950 | 18.7ft | 5.7m

1989 | £25,950 | 27.1ft | 8.3m

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

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

£346,680

400 AFT CABIN

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

1970 | £26,000 | 37ft | 11.3m

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

FROM

INTENDER 820

British built since 1980

£48,570

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

Premium Dutch Quality

See us on berths M012, M300 – M303

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

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CRANCHI Z35 2x Volvo Penta D4-260 Engines FROM £270,000 INC VAT NE

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Cranchi E26

Beta Marine 38 Diesel Engine FROM £139,950 INC VAT

Mariner 40EFI ELPT Outboard Petrol Engine FROM £49,866 INC VAT Lying T&K

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1996 Broom 345

2010 Bayliner 315

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Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forum

www.arvorboatowners.co.uk

www.dawncraftowners.com

Aquastar Owners Club

Dell Quay Ranger website

www.aquastarclub.co.uk

www.dellquayranger.supanet.com

Atlanta Boat Owners

Electric Boat Association

www.atlantaboats.co.uk

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Association

Elysian Boat Owners

www.bavariaowners.co.uk

www.elysianboats.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Club

Fairey Owners Club

www.baylinerownersclub.org

www.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Beneteau Owners’ Association

Fairline Owners Club

www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk

www.fairlineownersclub.com

Birchwood Classics

Fjord Club

www.birchwoodclassics.com

www.fjordclub.com

Broom Owners Club

Fletcher Owners Group

www.broomowners.com

www.facebook.com/groups/4011883149

Chaparral Boat Owners Forum

Freeman Cruisers Forum

forum.chaparralboats.com

freemanboats.forumer.com

Classic Motor Boat Association

Freeman Owners Club

www.cmba-uk.com

www.freemancruisers.com

Classic Offshore Powerboat Club

Freeman Cruisers

www.classicoffshore.com

freeman-cruisers.forumotion.co.uk

Cleopatra Owners Club

Haines Owners Club

mycleopatra.ning.com

www.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Coronet Cruisers

Hampton Safari Boat Club

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

hamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Corvette Motorboat Association

Hardy Owners Club

corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com

Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com

102

www.hardy-owner.org.uk

Jeanneau Owners Network

www.jeanneau-owners.com

September 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

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1998 Sealine S28 Bolero

£49,950 07701 287046 email address

103

Classified

1994 Falcon 27

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£19,950

07701 287046 thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating

1996 Sealine F33

1973 Ocean 30

Twin Volvo Penta AD41DP sterndrive diesels. Flybridge offering 4-6 berths with two seperate cabins and a convertible saloon.

Bowthruster, diesel heating

Twin Mercedes-Benz OM 636 diesel engines. Classic river and estuary cruiser offering 4-5 berths with airy saloon and seperate V-berth forward. New canopies, davits.

£69,950

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01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk

New and Used

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Advertisement Index

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Interboat / Intender 700

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Broom / Ocean 40

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2019 | £49,000 | 23ft | 7m

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Barrus (Glomex & Barrus Chandlery)............................................. Page 7 &13 Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas............................................................. Page 29 Fjord / Inspiration Marine................................................................ Page 17 Hardy Marine / Windboats.............................................................. Page 15 Marine AGlaze.................................................................................. Page 79 MDS Battery....................................................................................... Page 19 Ocqueteau / EC Leisurecraft.......................................................... Page 29 Offshore Powerboats (Nimbus & Axopar)...................................... Page 17 Parker Poland.................................................................................... Page 83 Sargo Boats....................................................................................... Page 11 Seabridge Marine............................................................................. Page 97 Secure Marine (Hurricane Mouldings fenders)............................. Page 63 Simrad Yachting............................................................................... Page 31 Swanwick Used Boat Show / Premier Marinas.............................. Page 17 Targa / Wessex Marine.................................................................... Page 99 Tingdene Boat Sales........................................................................ Page 101 Tingdene Marinas............................................................................. Page 4 Val Wyatt Marine.............................................................................. Page 100 Vetus.................................................................................................. Page 59 Yacht Havens................................................................................... Page 35 104

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

September 2019

L K what I saw

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SUP Downward Dog

Morning stand up paddleboard at Bembridge SPOTTED! by Penny Rawle

Sparkes sunset

Sunset silhouettes in Chichester Harbour SPOTTED! by Ross Young

Cooking up lock rules

Lock sign ‘cooking prohibited’ unless shared SPOTTED! by Kat Young

St Marys pot of gold

Rainbow over St Marys taken from a Tresco buoy SPOTTED! by David Bagshaw Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd

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