FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Motorboat SEPTEMBER 2018
Owner Affordable practical boating
BOAT TESTS
Aquador 35 AQ
Glastron GS259 OB
Destination Guide Fairline Targa 47GT l Drystacking l SBS 2018 Preview
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
Welcome to the September
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
issue, which is, in fact, the 60th issue of the magazine. Just before the Southampton Boat Show kicks off we will celebrate our 5th birthday, and it’s great that we now have as many, or even more, readers than magazines that have been going for much longer. When we launched, back in 2013, we knew that a digital only magazine was a risk. Back then, the established paper mags, including
Editor, Neale Byart 01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk Associate Editor, Claire Frew 01268 922993 claire@motorboatowner.co.uk
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September 2018
Come and see us at stand B081
See Southampton preview page 20
London’s St Katharine Docks at night
the one that I had spent many years at, could barely muster more than a few hundred of their readers to go over to a digital platform. Even today, it can still be difficult winning people over to this ‘new’ format. Us boaters are a conservative lot, it seems. Having said that, once you grasp the benefits, it feels hard to go back. I still read paper mags myself, but now feel frustrated that I can’t click on a web
welcome aboard
MOTORBOAT OWNER
link and find out more, or go direct to a download. It just feels like the natural way to do it. Of course, being able to offer the content for free is a massive bonus, and the fact that new readers can, with a couple of clicks, go back and download any or all of the previous 60 issues without paying a penny is still something quite unique. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for sticking with us. As our birthday present to you, we bring you the largest ever Motorboat Owner which, at 124 pages is over 50% bigger than our first issue. We can only achieve this with the support of this fabulous industry, who lend us boats and products to test, keep us up to date with their latest news and choose to reach out to you directly with their marketing efforts. So whether you are a boater, an industry insider, or even a bit of both, thank you for joining us on our journey and stick around for the next five years, things are going to get even better.
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, Neil Mountain, Phil Hilyard, John Frew Cover photo: The Aquador 35 AQ on test in Turku in Finland by Neale Byart
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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SEE US AT THE SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW
E039
NEW PONTOONS FOR 2018 AT
HARTFORD MARINA
CREATING A BETTER OUTLOOK 259 New berths on floating pontoons
OUR PROMISE As part of our commitment to develop and re-develop our inland
Free WiFi to all berths
marinas we are commencing the
240v Power to all berths
2nd stage of the new look Hartford
Modern toilet and shower facilities
Marina. Enabling us to offer our customers berthing on state of
Fresh water to all berths
the art floating pontoons on the
Excellent transport links to London
beautiful River Great Ouse as well as
Direct bus services to Cambridge
offering modern facilities in a safe and secure environment.
To book your mooring
CALL NOW 01480 454677 hartfordmarina@tingdene.net
tingdene-marinas.co.uk
FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS ON Hartford Marina Tel 01480 454677 Great River Ouse
Pyrford Marina Tel 01932 343 275 River Wey, Surrey
Thames & Kennet Marina Tel 01189 477 770 River Thames, Caversham
Brundall Bay Marina Tel 01603 396 607 Norfolk Broads
Broadlands Marina Portishead Quays Marina Upton Marina Racecourse Marina, Windsor Tel 01603 396 608 Tel 01275 397277 Tel 01684 593111 Tel 01753 851 717 The Docks Portishead Lowerstoft, Oulton Broad Upton upon Severn River Thames, Windsor
Walton Marina Tel 01932 221 689 Walton on Thames Stourport Marina Tel 01299 827 082 Stourport on Severn
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2018
REGULARS NEWS page 6 INBOX page 28 Q&A page 64 CUTTING EDGE page 88 TESTED page 102
WIN
page 58 Project Boat Fairline Vixen page 70 Practical RIB plywood seat repair
a
2.5hp outboard
p103
p32 PRACTICAL
Essential Guide to Drystacking
page 84 Project Boat Mayland 16
p90
page 102 Tested Flag Bilge Paint
SOUTHAMPTON PREVIEW page 20 CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE GUIDE
p44
Fairline Targa 47GT CLASSIC CRUISER GUIDE
ST KATHARINE DOCKS Destination Guide
p74
Glastron GS289 OB
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
p104
BOAT TESTS
Aquador 35 AQ
5
NEWS £75m Plans agreed for Noss on Dart Harrison Sutton Partnership
The British marina operator, Premier Marinas, has been granted planning permission for the £75m redevelopment of Noss on Dart marina in Dartmouth, Devon. Noss on Dart was acquired by Premier in 2016 and comprises of 37 acres of foreshore and woodland set on the banks of the River Dart, near Kingswear and opposite Dartmouth. The site was formerly the Philip & Son shipbuilding yard, but has operated as a marina and boatyard since shipbuilding ceased in the late 1990s. Premier intend to create a new marina with around 232 berths, a dry stack for 100 boats, a boatyard with a 75-tonne boat hoist, with marine trade commercial units, a hotel, two restaurants and a spa, and a Heritage centre to celebrate the site’s history. Plans also include a passenger foot ferry link to Dartmouth with its shops, restaurants and places of interest. Demolition of the site’s many derelict buildings will commence this autumn and will be followed by work on the replacement boatyard, car park and commercial buildings. Renewal of the floating marina will start in the winter of 2019/20 and once completed, the development of the hotel, Philip’s building and public areas will go ahead. Premier hopes to complete work on these core elements of the site by mid 2022 with the majority of the residential development taking place thereafter. 6
September 2018
If you any have news from your region, please email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Iguana X100 RIB NEW BOAT The amphibious boat builder, Iguana Yachts, has created the Iguana X100, a 10-metre RIB. Designed for owners with waterfront property and those with tidal constraints, the X100 will be capable of speeds up to 55mph, with a 380-litre fuel tank providing 150 miles approx. It is available in multiple deck layouts, Day Cruiser with seating for 12, Fishing with an open deck, T-Top and integrated rod holders. Finally an Explorer and Supply Vessel version, which have the most rugged tracks. Features include an L-shaped dinette seating area, a cuddy providing 600L of storage and reversible driver and passenger seats. Prices will start at €220,000 and the UK dealer is Berthon at Lymington.
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If you’re looking to save on berthing, but don’t want to compromise on security and facilities, check out our dry stack locations: choose from Gosport Marina that offers immediate access to the Solent, Swanwick Marina on the Hamble River, or opt for Falmouth Marina on the glorious Fal Estuary. *6 metres
FOR A QUOTE OR FOR MORE, VISIT PREMIERMARINAS.COM GOSPORT MARINA 023 9252 4811 SWANWICK MARINA 01489 884 081 FALMOUTH MARINA 01326 316 620 DRY STACKS
NEWS Sunseeker launches ‘Project Menorca’ with charity partner Blue Marine The British boatbuilder, Sunseeker, has launched a marine conservation programme on the Balearic Island of Menorca with its charity partner, The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) to help protect Menorca’s marine environment. ‘Project Menorca’ will see Sunseeker and BLUE, a UK-based charity creating marine reserves, supporting local fisheries in creating sustainable fishing, establishing a network of ‘eco-moorings’ to preserve seagrass beds, protecting marine reserves by removing plastics and ‘ghost’ fishing nets, distribute recyclable bags across the island and recruit on-water rangers for various marine monitoring programmes. Sunseeker aims to widen the programme worldwide, commenting on the launch of Project Menorca, CEO of Sunseeker International, Phil Popham said “We are passionate about the marine environment worldwide. We strive to be global leaders in all that we do and it’s important to us that we also do our part to help protect one of our most valuable resources, so that we, and future generations, can all continue to enjoy our precious time on the water. By utilising the generosity and very unique qualities of the entire leisure marine industry including yacht owners from all brands, our dealers, suppliers and employees, we will be able to help reverse this dramatic decline.” For more information on the project visit www.sunseeker.com/blue or youtube video.
Premier Marinas boat show ‘Park & Ride’
Premier Marinas is running its annual ‘Park and Ride’ service between the Swanwick Used Boat Show and the Southampton Boat Show (14th-23rd September 2018). Tickets, £14 per person or £32 a family ticket, are now on sale and customers are able to park at Swanwick Marina. Boaters can purchase tickets from a Premier Marina reception or call 01489 884060. 8
September 2018
SE 14 E U th S A –2 T 3rd TH Se E SO pte U mb THA er MP / S TO tan N B d N OA um T S be HO rJ W 37 2
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NEWS BSS consultation for carbon monoxide alarms on boats opens A public consultation on a proposal to introduce mandatory new Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on boats opened in August. The BSS is a public safety initiative owned by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency. This development is in light of recent cases, such as the May 2017 ‘Love For Lydia’ double-fatal tragedy, with evidence starkly describing the potential risk posed to other boat users by carbon monoxide-rich engine emissions. The proposed mandate will see checks introduced for suitable CO alarms, their condition and location in accommodation spaces. ‘All who may be affected’ are being urged to comment and with the deadline set as Friday 9 November, comments can be made via www.boatsafetyscheme.org/alarmconsulation2018. A summary will be available on the BSS website on 21st December.
Barrus enters chandlery sector The marine engine distributor, EP Barrus has entered the marine chandlery market and is now representing the Dutch Talamex product range in the UK. The Talamex range includes a mix of technical and non-technical products suitable for motorboats and inflatables, and Barrus will hold a comprehensive UK stock of products at its Bicester headquarters, working with merchandising service, SailForce, with its sales and customer support systems. Barrus has also signed a distribution agreement for Besto Lifesavers, a brand of marine safety and lifesaving equipment, as part of the Barrus new Chandlery Distribution Division. 10
September 2018
E C Leisurecraft Ltd Eastern Counties Leisurecraft Ltd are proud to be a U.K. dealer and importer of the renowned French craft Ocqueteau Ecleisurecraft.co.uk
01702568482 Sales@ecleisurecraft.co.uk
The Ocqueteau range of boats “We haven’t invented the sea, just the lifestyle that goes with it...”
The Ocqueteau range from 5 to 10 metres • Pilothouse, Open and Cruisers Choice of outboard or shaft drive diesel power
• •
Our dealers www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk
www.whyboats.com
www.madogboatsales.com
NEWS Julian Claxton/Broads Authority
Broads bridge failure latest After a recent spate of bridge mechanical failures on the Broads, namely the two rail swing bridges of Reedham and Somerleyton, both built in 1905, and also Trowse, in August the Broads Authority held a workshop with engineers from Network Rail and boat owners to discuss the problem. At the workshop, Network Rail said that high temperatures were the cause of the Reedham and Somerleyton failures, namely temperatures of 26 degrees and over, saying Reedham suffers less from the temperature than Somerleyton. It added that the issues with Trowse swing bridge are down to the complexity of the controls, not with thermal expansion. At the meeting Norfolk Yacht Agency’s MD, James Fraser, discussed the impact of unreliable opening on businesses and Andrew Beale of the Broom Owners Club discussed the impact the unreliable bridge opening has on private boat users. Network Rail say the total cost for replacement of these structures is £80 million. This is in the context of a total five year budget of £160 million for the 6,000 structures across the region. As a result Network Rail is commissioning the preparation of asset management plans to make the case for separate funding and these are expected to be completed by March 2019. The meeting concluded with a set of actions agreed with Network Rail. In order for Network Rail to build its business case for political funding, it requires better reporting and data collection on the failures, measuring impact. Other actions included working on a better failure response system and improving bridge status communication for boaters using the waterways, for example with use of electronic boards, social media reporting and proposed use of a VHF Channel for information. You can see comments and actions agreed at the workshop here. 12
September 2018
join us at the boat show With marinas in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, we’re never far away. deanreddyhoff.co.uk
NEWS Norfolk & Suffolk Waterways user views sought JBass/Broads Authority
The Broads Authority has launched an online survey seeking the views of local people and boaters, to find out how people access information about the waterways, to ‘stay safe and make the most of their leisure time’ on Norfolk and Suffolk waterways. Working with the Environment Agency, Norfolk Fire and Rescue and Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, the authority said “All of our organisations work with the public and receive feedback that a mobile app or web resource, giving local information, would be useful. We want to find out if there is a need for such an initiative. Before we start developing resources we are searching for people who would like to be included in our research.” The survey, which takes a couple of minutes to complete, is available through this weblink and will be open until the beginning of October. The Broads Authority adds that the survey is anonymous and no personal data is collected.
DIARY DATES Essex Boat Jumble 2nd September TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 14th-23rd September Why Boats Used Boat Show 14th-23rd September Premier Swanwick Used Boat Show 14th-23rd September Devon Boat Jumble 15th September Scotland’s Boat Show 12th-14th October Click any of the above for more info
0800 310 2100
Marine Electronics in stock for immediate dispatch.
Chargers - Inverters - Galvanic Isolators - Fuses Fuse holders - Crossover switches - Cable Sets - Batteries
14
sales@mdsbattery.co.uk
September 2018
SWEDEN
THE NEW NIMBUS SERIES O U R L E G A C Y E V O LV E D
This year, Nimbus celebrates its 50th anniversary and, in connection with this, we release a whole new series, loaded with Nimbus DNA and design elements from historical Nimbus models. We have chosen the best of the best and have meticulously improved the design, functionality, safety and comfort for all on board. The new Nimbus series will be available in three hull lengths 8, 9 and 11 meters. The line-up consists of three purpose built versions for specific uses. Weekender (W9, W11) for day trips and social activities. Tender (T8, T9, T11) for all types of daily activities, transportation, water sports and fun and the Commuter (C8, C9, C11) for transportation all year round
Offshore Powerboats Ltd. Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire. SO41 3QD enquiries@offshorepowerboats.co.uk, Tel - +44(0)1590 677955
offshorepowerboats.co.uk
NEWS
Haines 320 NEW BOAT The first on-the-water photos of the new Haines 320 have been revealed by the family Norfolk builder, Haines Marine. Priced from ÂŁ209,502, the newly-revised 320 aft cabin model offers accommodation for six in two en-suite cabins and the saloon. Haines has updated the forward cabin to include an island double berth, with traditional twin V-berths as an option, and its exterior now has stylish frameless windows. Its upper deck steering position also has a folding screen option for low bridges. Boat number one, featuring an oak and walnut interior, left the factory in Catfield in July and has been delivered to the customer. Haines Marine is currently working on boat number two, which will be a stock boat for River Thames dealer, Val Wyatt Marine, and is due to be delivered in October.
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September 2018
MGM BOATS Hamble Unit 4 Hamble Point Marina Hamble Southampton SO31 4NB England +44 (0) 2380 456318
info@mgmboats.com
MGM BOATS Northern Ireland 3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. BT 38 8BJ Northern Ireland +44 (0) 2893 351141
MGM BOATS Head Office Old Coastguard Station Coal Harbour, DunLaoghaire Co. Dublin, A96 P400 +353 (0) 1 2802020
MGM BOATS Cork 3 Shearwater Pier Road Kinsale Co. Cork +353 (0) 21 4709 600
www.mgmboats.com
NEWS
Greenline 45 Fly NEW BOAT The Slovenian hybrid boat builder, Greenline Yachts has announced a new 45 Fly model. The flybridge model will be equipped with hybrid technology where you can chose between running on electric engines, cruising at 6kts, or shaftdrive diesels reaching speeds of 25kts with twin 370hp engines. The 45 Fly will also be available with IPS, with IPS 500 or IPS 600, giving top speeds up to 30kts. Features include a full beam flybridge with optional T-top, protected walkaround side decks, a tender garage, optional transom barbecue, a hydraulic bathing platform, and three cabins, including an ensuite full beam midships master cabin. It will also be equipped with Greenline’s trademark solar panels and ample battery power to back up many onboard home-from-home mod-cons. Price from ₏219,000.
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September 2018
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NEWS
Southampton Boat Show 2018 The city of Southampton is gearing up to host this year’s 10-day TheYachtMarket. com Southampton Boat Show this September, 2018 being a special year for the show marking its 50th anniversary. The show first took up residence at Mayflower Park in 1969 and was a rather modest affair, with entry on the first day priced at ten shillings (50p) and tickets for the remaining days costing three shillings (15p). Fast forward 50 years and the show has grown, with a huge temporary marina installed off Mayflower Park each summer hosting approximately 330 boats. Taking place between 14-23 September, there will be a few new features this year,
PREVIEW
such as a Harbourside Gin Festival, with brands such as Silent Pool, Salcombe Gin and Mr Hobbs Gin available at a pop-up garden, with live music and a Gin Lounge with ‘mixology masterclasses’ available (£30.50 each inc. show admission). There will also be TheYachtMarket.com Regatta raising money for local children’s causes, as well as WetWheels and Sail4Cancer. Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers, will be cooking up dishes at the show’s waterfront restaurant and new Champagne & Seafood Terrace. The 1940s, 46-metre tall ship and film star, the Kaskelot, as well as the research ship, RV Callista, will be welcoming visitors aboard
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September 2018
If you any have news from your region, please email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
on the marina. Show visitors will once again be able to book a free ‘Try a Boat’ ride on a RIB or a motorboat upon entry to the show at West Quay (stand A101). For a second year in a row, the passenger boat, Ocean Scene, will be operating free 20-minute tours of Southampton Water from the show marina. Tours are available from 12 noon or 1pm, until 4pm daily. Out on the pontoons will be the usual array of boats, with several worldwide and UK debuts, such as the Princess R35, Jeanneau Merry Fisher 605 Marlin, Fairline Targa 43 Open and UK debuts from the Italian boat builder Cranchi, including the Z35. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
The show normally has several celebrity visits. Simon Le Bon pictured of 80s band Duran Duran will be opening the Sunseeker stand on Press/Preview day. The show is opening daily 10am6:30pm and 10am-6pm on the last Sunday. Standard day tickets start at £15.50 for adults, with gate prices £21-£25 depending on the day you visit. Motorboat Owner readers can save up to £12 on gate purchases by booking tickets online. The exclusive ticket offer code, EPTO18JKB9, entitles readers to anyday flexible entry tickets priced at £13 when booking via the Southampton Boat Show website. www.southamptonboatshow.com
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NEWS
Fairline Targa 43 Open £579,240 berth M214
Intender 780 £45,890 berth M207
Orkney Fastliner 19 berth M404A
Cranchi Z 35 £314,950 berth M224A 22
September 2018
27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW
Jersey 36 Elanco £315,000 berth M157
Aquador 35 AQ stand E096
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 605 Marlin £38,958 berth M669
Beneteau GT50 SportFly £547,661 berth M126 Viking 300 £89,950 berth M022 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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NEWS
Sealine F430 £446,444 berth M204
Prestige 460S £566,181 berth M518
Parker Monaco 110 £224,628 berth M010
Targa 27.2 £179,940 berth M237 24
September 2018
27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW
Targa 46 £699,720 berth M231
Cranchi M 44 HT £564,630 berth M224
Beneteau Swift Trawler 47 £568,341 berth M124
Jeanneau MF1095 £164,000 berth M657 Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Lagoon 630 berth M524
25
NEWS
Quicksilver Activ 675 Cruiser ÂŁ29,439 ex engine stand F020
Boston Whaler 130 SS stand M029
Princess V50 stand E055
Sunseeker Predator 50 ÂŁ774,000 berth M611 26
September 2018
27 NEW BOATS AT SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW
Agapi 950 RIB berth M455
Sunseeker Predator 74 berth M605
Princess R35 £TBA stand E055
Capelli T800 Topline berth TBA Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Nimbus W9 berth M221
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INBOX
@
ASAP Supplies service I am writing to tell you about my recent experience with ASAP Supplies Ltd at Beccles. Preparing for a two and a half week cruise, I decided to change my weed filters as they were showing signs of wear. I ordered them in good time and they duly arrived the week before we were due to go. They were actually delivered in a jiffy bag, so between the packaging and the postman, who forced them through our letter box, they arrived not quite flat, but with distinct creases in them, making them a ‘diamond’ shape. It was a couple of days before I could get to the boat to fit them and found that the creases in the new filters were touching the outer casing, which I thought might impact on their performance. A quick phone call the next morning to a very customer friendly employee, along with a word about the urgency, secured replacements, which arrived the very next morning by DPD carrier, this time inside a cardboard box. Thank you ASAP, I have ordered items from you before and been pleased with the service and, with my current experience of your customer service, I shall have no hesitation in ordering with confidence from you again in the future. John Brown Editor replies: It’s always nice to hear of good service and we are happy to spread the word. I have ordered from ASAP myself, on a number of occasions, and have been very happy with the speedy delivery. 28
September 2018
email:
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
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Highly competitive ‘Peace of mind’ cover 29
INBOX
@
Changing canopy canvas colour
The canopy cover on my Jeanneau Merry Fisher, whilst not damaged, was showing signs of requiring restoration. I had rewaterproofed it two years ago, but decided it would need a more thorough job this time. Furthermore, the original colour was similar to that of a cardboard box, which just did not go with the blue hull/white topsides of the boat. I had previously wondered if it would be possible to dye the canvas a different colour, but needed some guidance on the implications of doing this. Having re-read the September 2017 Motorboat Owner article, I decided to give Renovo products a try, and accordingly, I contacted Motorboat Owner Editor, Neale, who kindly obtained feedback information from Renovo International Ltd. In short the company said, with no guarantees or promises, it was possible, with a number of its customers changing the colour of their fabric soft tops (of cars) using its Renovo Soft Top Reviver, also recommending using its Ultra Proofer to protect the colour. I began by cleaning the cover in a washing detergent. Renovo recommends not using detergent, but as I had not yet received its products I was unaware of this. However, the cover was quite dirty and showing signs of mould in places so a thorough clean was very necessary. Once completely dry, I covered part of the lawn with old sheets and laid the cover flat on top. I then gave the outside of the cover a coat of Renovo’s Boat Canvas Reviver, in navy blue, using a two-inch brush. As might be expected, the canvas absolutely drank the first coat and I would recommend using as much Reviver as the canvas will absorb. I left it to dry overnight and then applied a coat to the inside surface. Again, use as much as the canvas will absorb. After allowing the cover to completely dry I gave the outside a second coat, which this time was not absorbed as much, followed the next day by a second coat on the inside surface. The texture of the cover now 30
September 2018
email:
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
MBO reader, Steve Hewitt changed the colour of his Jeanneau Merry Fisher’s canopy, beige to blue
looked and felt much more like new and was a little ‘stiffer’ than before I had started. The colour-change was completely successful with no sign of the original ‘cardboard’ colour. Finally, I gave the outside surface a coat of Renovo’s Marine Ultra Proofer (clear) to ensure it was completely waterproofed. Transferring the cover back to the boat, I found that its new stiffness was initially a challenge to refit but it soon softened slightly. I also found that the cover had shrunk marginally, only about a centimetre in each direction which on a large cover is almost negligible. Some Reviver had also run onto the zips it was necessary to lubricate the zip runners to enable free operation. As for being waterproof, shortly after refitting, a seagull ‘paid a visit’, this was easily washed off with water, which ran off like the proverbial duck’s back. A couple of points of caution. The restorer is water-like in texture and will run everywhere and dry out, particularly over the vinyl windows. It must be wiped off immediately. I made the mistake of leaving it in the sun and am now unable to remove some streaks and spots. I may end up having to replace the window areas. I would also recommend hanging the restored cover over a washing line in the rain or gently hose it before use. I found that after refitting to the boat the first rain experienced caused some blue streaks to run over the top sides, something which has not happened since. The ‘new look’ to the boat has already attracted favourable comment from other marina users and I am delighted with the result, the change of colour from light to dark being a complete success. I spent around £200 on the Restorer and Proofer, a considerable saving over the cost of a new canvas cover. Ensure that you purchase sufficient Restorer allowing for it to ‘soak-in’. The largest container available is 1 litre, this might be fine for a car cover but not so for a boat. It would be useful if 2-litre containers were available. Steve Hewitt Editor replies: Thanks for the update Steve. I remember your original question coming in, so it’s great to hear the follow up, particularly when it sounds like a very successful job. From the pictures, it looks fantastic. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
31
PRACTICAL
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Drystacking
D rystacking is one of the fastest
growing sectors of the UK marine market. Originating in the US around 60 years ago, stacking boats on makeshift racks was seen as a quick and easy way to maximise available space. Drystacking has come a long way since the 1950’s with wooden built racks and bog standard forklift trucks replaced with purpose built structures and some seriously impressive heavy plant to safely move some quite big boats. The UK was quite late to the dry stack market, with the first facility being installed only 10 years ago, which has meant that we have been able to go straight in with all the latest technology. Before that the
BY NEALE BYART
nearest we had were the park and launch facilities, where you left your boat on your own trailer in a yard to be launched and recovered by the operative, usually with a tractor. These facilities are still widely available in the UK, and offer a similar experience to drystacking, where, with limited horizontal space in key coastal locations, and unlimited vertical, dry stacks have been springing up at an impressive rate. So what’s it all about? What are the benefits, costs and, if any, pitfalls? We paid a visit to the UK’s first drystack facility, Yacht Haven Quay in Plymouth, in the year that they celebrate their 10th anniversary, to find out more.
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September 2018
What is drystacking? Put simply, instead of leaving your boat in a marina, it is stored in a rack on dry land. The racks can be as much as 20m high with as many as five tiers of boats. Some drystack racks are located undercover, often in old warehouse type buildings or sometimes in purpose built sheds, while others are entirely outside. Some, like Haven Quay, offer a mixture of the two. Boats are taken from rack to water and vice versa by specially designed fork lifts. Not only do they have to reach the heights of the top rack, but they also need to be able to lower the forks a few metres below ground level to put the boats into the water. They also need to be able to deal with the rather significant weight, bearing down on the forks. The Plymouth forklifts weigh in at a hefty 36 tons each, with 10 ton of that made up by the counterweight in the aft end. Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
What size of boat is suitable for drystacking? Drystack berthing is typically available for boats of between 4m and 13m. Some places have a minimum charge, such as the 6m minimum implemented at Plymouth, while the maximum size of boat can vary significantly, even between facilities run by the same group. For example, Premier Marinas Falmouth facility has an 8m maximum, while it’s Gosport and Swanwick facilities can take boats of up to 11m. Ultimately, the maximum size of boat that can be accommodated will depend upon the racks and lifting equipment available, but typically seems to extend to around 11m and somewhere between 5 and 10 tons. Height is not always an issue, as the racks are often modular in construction and can be adjusted to suit, but if your boat is particularly long, heavy or high, you should contact your chosen drystack to ensure that they have the facilities to handle it.
How do I work on my boat? With most of the boats up in the air, this is an obvious question for the drystack virgin. The answer is that most facilities have a number of “maintenance racks”. These are single, ground-level racks, out in the open and away from the racked boats where you can tinker to your hearts content. The lift in and out onto these racks is treated the same as your normal lifts and would be included in your unlimited lift deals, although at some facilities you may incur a daily charge for using the racks. If you have a limited lift contract, maintenance lifts would almost certainly count towards your total. Yacht Haven Quay has 30 of these maintenance racks and, within reason, your time spent using them is unlimited. 34
September 2018
Inside or outside?
The benefits of an inside rack are fairly obvious. With complete protection from the weather your boat will age at a glacial rate. Boats that have been drystacked since new, often still look as good as new even after a number of years. The wear and tear on items such as covers, teak decking, vinyl cushions and the GRP itself becomes minimal, with everything lasting so much longer and saving significant money in the long term, with fewer repairs or replacement. The benefits of being outside mostly come down to a reduced fee. It is apparent that where a facility offers both, there is usually a waiting list for the inside berths. You may also find some stacks that are neither one thing nor the other. Yacht Haven Quay, for example, has 140 berths in its impressive shed, with a further 60 berths outside. Some of these outside berths are on racks completely open to the elements, while others are open fronted, but with a roof over the top, which still offers a decent degree of protection from the elements. Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
What services and facilities should I expect? Apart from keeping your boat safe, what do you get for your annual fee? This is where you will find some variety from the different drystack facilities. At Plymouth you get unlimited launching and recovery, which should be the benchmark to aim for. A pressure wash at each lift out is another common and useful service. The availability of fuel onsite is something else to look out for, with some facilities even offering a valet refuelling service. Some contracts come with additional benefits such as free Sea Start membership, fuel at cost, or free nights in associated marinas. The ability to operate out of hours is also worth considering. Most facilities offer this, but you would be expected to arrange the lift into the water during working hours so that the boat will be afloat when you arrive after closing time. Similarly, if you return out of hours, you need to have a pontoon or quay where you can leave the boat, to be recovered when the working day commences. You may even find that some, like Yacht Haven Quay, offer boat delivery, maintenance and guardiannage services. In terms of facilities, you should think of a drystack as just like a marina and expect to find toilet and shower facilities, onsite boat maintenance and sales facilities and even somewhere to grab something to eat and drink. Plymouth had all of these, with an excellent cafĂŠ and 24 on-site businesses to support boat owners. While a well organized facility should mean that you are never hanging around, somewhere to sit and have a cup of coffee, read the papers of surf the internet with some complimentary WiFi is also a useful feature, should you ever find your boat not quite ready when you arrive. 36
September 2018
What about just sitting on my boat in the water? Undoubtedly, the biggest, and quite possibly the only drawback to drystacking your boat is the inability to just go and sit on it while it is afloat. Some of the drystacks that are part of a larger marina group get around this by offering a number of free nights in associated marinas. Premier Marinas, for example, has three drystacks, with two in the Solent and one in Cornwall. Annual drystack contracts include up to 42 free nights in any Premier marina. MDL, with three drystacks in and around the Solent, include their Freedom Berthing benefit, as well as Passport Escales, with annual drystack contracts, the Yacht Haven Group, with dry stacks in Lymington as well as the one featured in Plymouth, offer 14 nights berthing in marinas within the group, and Dean and Reddyhoff, with their new Portland drystack, offer 21 free nights and unlimited short stays, in other D&R marinas. As most of these drystack facilities are within, or very close to, an associated marina, spending the odd night onboard without going to sea should be very easy. The smaller, independent drystacks will not be able to offer this service, but may have enough pontoon space, particularly during off peak times, for a short stay alongside if required.
How much notice is needed for a lift? Again this will vary depending upon the facility and how busy they are. A midweek lift in the middle of winter would almost certainly be achievable without any notice. Just turn up and they will launch you on demand. A bank holiday in August is another matter and the more notice you give, the better. Most facilities ask that you provide between one and three hours notice, to allow the boat to be launched and ready for your arrival. If the weather is nice, and you know you will be using the boat during the coming weekend, there is nothing stopping you telling the drystack during the preceding week. They can then fit you in, maybe a day or two before the weekend if it is going to be busy, and leave the boat on the waiting pontoon ready for your arrival. Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
What are the benefits of keeping a boat in a drystack over a marina berth? We have already spoken about the protection from the weather, if the drystack is undercover, and the benefit this brings on terms of longevity of covers, seating and GRP, but it doesn’t stop there. With the boat out of the water for most of the time, there is no need to antifoul the hull. This in turn is not only environmentally friendly, it will undoubtedly mean your boat is always running at its absolute best, and most efficient, without any fouling on the hull or stern gear. A drystack is also especially kind to sterndrives that, with the best will in the world, suffer from constant immersion in salt water. Your maintenance bills will be much lower, with anodes barely ever needing changing, and your drives will suffer less from fouling and water intrusion. Regular lift outs will also make it easy to spot things like fishing line around the prop shafts or a tell tale oil leak that may otherwise go unnoticed. It’s not just the outer surfaces that drystacking protects, with the easy ability to fresh water flush your engine, you should be able to extend the life of the internal parts of your motor too. All of this adds up to not just savings on your ongoing costs, but a likely increase in resale value as well. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest advantages though is the ability to forget about your boat while it is not being used. Heavy weather, whether that’s rain, snow or wind, won’t have you worrying about how your boat is coping, and there is literally zero chance of anything untoward sinking your boat when you are not there. Finally there is the security issue. Many drystack facilities are locked out of hours and, even those that are not, provide the added protection of being up in the air. Not many opportunistic thieves or vandals are going to scale a drystack when there are easier targets nearby. 38
September 2018
But there must be some pitfalls? We have already mentioned the biggest, and that is the inability to just go and sit on your boat on its berth and chill out, although this can sometimes be arranged and overcome. The only other downside is that drystacking does require a little bit of forward planning. You can’t just turn up, jump on your boat and go. You do need to make that call and book your lift, especially if you don’t want to be hanging around waiting for your turn to be splashed. Having spent the day at Yacht Havens Plymouth facility I definitely overcame any objections I had to drystacking. In truth, if I lived within an hour or so of Plymouth, I would be seriously considering this as a way to keep a small to medium sized boat. The benefits really do appear to outweigh the drawbacks and I actually think that if you planned your trips carefully, you would barely notice the difference between a marina berth and a dry stack, at least until maintenance time when the benefits would be brought to the fore.
Are there any other special considerations? Most drystack facilities have rules about making sure batteries and gas are all switched off, and you are unlikely to have access to electric while in the rack so you need to make sure your batteries are fully charged before putting back into storage. You may also need to remove transom bungs if stored outside, especially if your bilge pump is not operable with your batteries off. Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
So, how much does it cost to dry stack my boat? An annual drystack berth is usually in the same ballpark as the cost of a full service marina berth in the same location. While some may think that a drystack berth should be cheaper, as you are not taking up marina space, in reality, the opposite is probably true. Space ashore is more limited and the facilities to set up and run a modern drystack operation are expensive to build, procure and maintain. The prices we have found while looking into the subject have ranged from around ÂŁ200 per metre up to nearly ÂŁ700 per metre for an annual, unlimited lift, contract. Some drystacks offer lower prices for deals with restrictions on the number of lifts, for summer only lifts with winter storage, or even off-peak deals for those that boat during the week. You will also find many facilities offer short-term contracts for months, weeks or even days if you fancy giving it a try without an annual commitment.
Where are drystack facilities located? Drystacks are currently most popular on the south coast, where the availability and cost of land make going vertical a sensible proposition. There are a few further north, and the odd one inland, but with new marina developments becoming rarer than hens teeth, new drystack facilities are sure to pop up in an area near you soon. See our interactive map and click on the blobs to find out more information about each one. The map and list is complete and up to date to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. PORTSMOUTH
HAMBLE
1 KB Boat Park
5 Universal Marina
www.kb-boatpark.co.uk
www.universalmarina.co.uk
9
2 The Dry Stack at Trafalgar Wharf
10
www.thedrystack.com 3 Premier Gosport www.premiermarinas.com ISLE OF WIGHT
6 7 8 5
6 Premier Swanwick
www.premiermarinas.com
2 3
7 Hamble Yacht Services 1
www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
11
4 Bembridge Boat Storage
www.hysgroup.co.uk
8 MDL Hamble Point
www.bembridgeboatstorage.co.uk 4 21
SOLENT 20
19
13 12 14 16 18 17
15
POOLE 12 Parkstone Bay Marine www.parkstonebay.com 13 Cobbs Quay www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
DORSET 14 Dean & Reddyhoff Portland Marina www.deanreddyhoff.co.uk/dry-stack www.southamptondrystack.co.uk 10 MDL Saxon Wharf DEVON www.mdlmarinas.co.uk 15 Dartmouth – Blackness Marine www.blacknessmarine.co.uk LYMINGTON 11 Haven Quay 16 Plymouth – Haven Quay www.yachthavens.com www.yachthavens.com SOUTHAMPTON
9 Southampton Dry Stack
CORNWALL 17 Falmouth Drystack www.falmouthdrystack.co.uk 18 Premier Falmouth www.premiermarinas.com SOUTH WALES 19 Cardiff – The Marine Group www.themarinegroup.co.uk 20 Neyland – Dale Sailing www.dale-sailing.co.uk NORFOLK 21 Galleon Storage and Mooring www.galleon-storage-and-mooring.co.uk
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Max length M
Max Weight KG#
Unlimited Launches
Undercover
Outside
Toilet Shower Facilities on site
Fuel on site
Price £ per metre*
PRACTICAL Facility Haven Quay Plymouth
11
5,000
Y
Y
Y
Y
P
£420.00
14 free nights in a Yacht Haven marina / Valet fuelling service
Haven Quay Lymington
10
5,000
Y
N
Y
Y
No
£685.00
14 free nights in a Yacht Haven marina
Dale Sailing Neyland
11
6,000
Y
N
Y
N
PD
£200.00
Engine flush available for additional fee
The Marine Group Cardiff
9
5,000
Y
N
Y
N
No +D
£195.00 or £230.00
Limited free use of Cardiff marina berths and facilities.
Blackness Marine River Dart
11
6,000
Y=
Y
N
Y
No +P D
£413.04
Lots of other self-launching and ashore packages available
MDL Cobbs Quay
10
5,200
Y
N
Y
Y
PD
£583.54
Freedom marina berthing at other MDL marinas plus free nights at Passport Escales marinas
MDL Saxon Wharf
13
7,500
Y
N
Y
Y
No +PD
£502.58
MDL Hamble Point
10
5,200
Y
N
Y
Y
No +PD
£596.14
Freedom marina berthing at other MDL marinas plus free nights at Passport Escales marinas
Dean and Reddyhoff Portland
10 «
3,500
Y
N« Y«
Y
PD
£432.00
21 free nights in D&R marinas plus unlimited short stays
The Drystrack at Trafalgar Wharf
13
10,000
Y
Y
N
Y
PD
£563.37
Valet fuelling service / free WiFi / free SeaStart membership
Parkstone Bay Marina
10
5,000
Y
N
Y
Y
PD
£621.00
Complimentary refuelling service offered
KB Boat Park
10
4,500
Y
N
Y
T only
N +P D
£480.00
Close proximity to open, unrestricted water
Galleon Storage and Mooring
10
6,000
Y
N
Y
T only
PD
£198.00
The only inland drystack on our list
Southampton Dry Stack
10
7,500
Y
Y
Y
T only
N +P D
£442.80
Prices start at £195 per month. Service includes engine flush, fresh water rinse and cover placement
Premier Gosport
11
13,500§
Y
N
Y
Y
PD
£460.00
Free SeaStart membership, 42 free nights in Premier Marina, fuel at cost
Premier Swanwick
11
13,500§
Y
N
Y
Y
PD
£540.00
Free SeaStart membership, 42 free nights in Premier Marina, fuel at cost
Premier Falmouth
8
13,500§
Y
N
Y
Y
D +P
£430.00
Free SeaStart membership, fuel at cost
Falmouth Drystack
8
6,000
N
Y
N
T only
N +P D
£298.00
Main dealers for Volvo, Mercury/Mariner and Mercruiser
Hamble Yacht Services
10
4,000
Y
N
Y
Y
N +P D
£522.00
Pressure wash on recovery
Universal Marina Hamble
0
0
Y
N
Y
Y
No +P D
£492.00
50% discount on Trans Europe marinas visitor rates
Bembridge Boat Storage
10
6,000
Y
Y
Y
Y
No
£336.00 £437.00
Rates are for outside / inside
• • • • • • •
Additional features, benefits or information
Freedom marina berthing at other MDL marinas plus free nights at Passport Escales marinas
* Price per metre is based on an annual contract for a 10m boat (except Premier Falmouth and Cardiff with shorter maximum lengths). Some facilities charge different rates per metre for different sized boats # Maximum weight will depend upon weight distribution and centre of gravity + Where no fuel, or only one type is available on site. This symbol indicates what fuel is available at a nearby location = Easter to November. Boats laid up from November to Easter § Maximum rating of fork lifts. Actual weight will depend upon weight distribution and centre of gravity « Portland Drystack will be re-configured in 2018 and will be covered on three sides. The size limit will go down to 9m with this change 0 No response from drystack to our request for this information
42
September 2018
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Visit us at the Southampton Boat Show, berths M226 onwards Show premiere for Rhea 850 Timonier & Sargo 36 Fly Sargo Boats UK Limited/Marco Marine Hamble Ltd - Hamble Point Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4JD Tel: +44(0)2380 453 245 Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk or info@marcomarine.co.uk www.sargoboats.co.uk www.rheaboats.co.uk
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UK Limited/Marco Marine Hamble Ltd - Hamble Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SargoSargo BoatsBoats UK Limited/Marco Marine Hamble Ltd - Hamble PointPoint Marina, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31SO31 4JD 4JD Tel: +44(0)2380 453 Email: 245 Email: info@sargoboats.co.uk or info@marcomarine.co.uk www.sargoboats.co.uk www.rheaboats.co.uk Tel: +44(0)2380 453 245 info@sargoboats.co.uk or info@marcomarine.co.uk www.sargoboats.co.uk www.rheaboats.co.uk
CLASSIC CRUISERS
a complete guide to the best boats on the used market
Fairline Targa 47 GT
T
he British-built Fairline Targa 47 GT is an attractive and wellproportioned sub 50ft sportscruiser that is loved and lusted after by many. This hard-topped head turner boasts two ensuite cabins, an electric retractable roof, a tender garage, a colossal cockpit and a 30-knot-plus top speed. Fairline say 210 47s were produced between 2004 and 2010 and, with early examples now approaching 15 years old, is it still just as popular today on the used market. Destined for the Med or not, it is a boat that was designed to take you places in style.
Fairline unveiled its Targa Grand Turismo (GT) range in September 2003 with the introduction of its shaftdrive sportscruiser flagship, the Targa 62GT. The success of the model lead to the development and launch of two more retractable roof GT models a year later, the revised Targa 52 and 47. In the years that followed two more successful models were added to the GT range, the 38 and 44. Like its sister models, the 47’s hull was designed by naval architect, Bernard Olesinski, who is also well known for producing designs for fellow British boat builder, Princess
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September 2018
Built 2004-2010 Prices then £382,000 (2004) Prices now £269,000-£320,000 Length 48ft 5in / 14.78m Beam 13ft 2in / 4.01m Draught 3ft 5in / 1.05m Air Draught inc mast 15ft 7in / 4.75m Fuel 308 gallons / 1402 litres Water 80 gallons / 364 litres Displacement 12000-14410kg
Yachts. The 47 helped bridge the wide gap in the Targa range between the 43 (19972005), which it eventually replaced, and 52 models, and for a year or more it was still also available in a standard ‘Open’ nonhardtop version. Priced from £382k, the 47 GT made its debut at the 2004 Genoa Boat Show in October and, a matter of months later, it made its UK debut at the London Boat Show in January 2005. The model was available into early 2011, priced from £558k, with the last recorded 47 completed in November 2010, and after its 6-year production, the 47 was
replaced in the range by the new Targa 50, introduced in December 2010. With its time-defying looks, this chunky, well-built and featureful sportscruiser usually comes with a highend price tag. Current used prices are holding firm, and range from £269k upwards. However, at the time of writing there was one exception in the shape of Boats.co.uk’s retiring Med-spec charter 47 GT, for sale at £179k. We decided to step onboard this and another late and rather lovely 2010 model to see what you get for your money.
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Interior A companionway door slides under the helm console to reveal the impressive and very private lower accommodation. Four wood-topped steps lead down into the boats central saloon area. To starboard is a large, shallow U-shaped dinette area, offering seating for 5-6 people, with a stylish galley, with its sweeping worktop, to port. Those of a taller stature will have no trouble down here, as the saloon area boasts 6ft 6in headroom throughout. The interior is full of clever storage solutions and feels sumptuously comfortable. The saloon seating area has a chunky, folding-leaf pedestal table for dining, eye-level and corner storage lockers and further storage under the
comfortable plump seating. Note that air conditioning units, if fitted, are usually under the latter. The lower two-step section of the moulded companionway steps hinges up and conceals a storage area large enough to hold a vacuum cleaner and, in the case of one of the boats we visited, a small LCD television for use in the cockpit. There are also fairly deep, lined lockers for storage under the saloon and galley floor. When it comes to the galley, most boats will be ‘all-electric’ and this will be impressively appointed. Mounted into the galley worktop are two large round metal sinks, a metal grid for hot items, and a two ring ceramic halogen hob. Under the worktop is a microwave oven,
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September 2018
The sweeping galley has a full size fridge freezer, with additional storage in the companionway
canister bin and sectioned storage in the form of drawers and cupboards. Here a curved section of cherry wood flooring provides practicality underfoot. To the left of the galley unit is a full size fridgefreezer, perfect for liveaboard cruising. An LCD television unit is mounted onto the bulkhead ahead of the galley, facing the dinette area. The 47 was fitted with a 7kva
generator, usually Onan, as standard. The forward master cabin is comfortable and suitably spacious, and boasts a large island double berth (6ft 3in length), hanging, drawer and sectioned locker storage, and an ensuite toilet compartment to port. The foot of the bed base ingeniously lifts on gas struts and conceals lined sectioned storage for large items such
The saloon is spacious and social, with plenty of clever areas of storage Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
47
as bedding, books and clothing. The toilet compartment is quite unconventional in terms of its layout. It has a wash basin unit in the entrance, on the inner bulkhead, with the toilet and cylindrical-revolving shower cubicle on the hull bulkhead. It works really well.
Home from home storage. The master double lifts to reveal lined, sectioned storage
A two-step companionway leads off the saloon and into the guest mid cabin suite. Immediately inside is a dressing area with 6ft headroom, with a wardrobe and drawer unit and an ensuite toilet compartment beyond. Moving further down into the cabin reveals twin thwartships berths (6ft by 2ft 5in), which slide and lock together to create a 4ft 9in wide double, if required. Despite being under the cockpit sole, there is plenty of interior volume in this cabin, and with 5ft 9in headroom between the two berths, there is still plenty of space to move about and dress. It is a very versatile space for families and overnighting guests. Step up into the ensuite and you will find the second toilet compartment smaller by comparison, but equally well appointed. There was a choice of wood finishes available, a glossy American cherry
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September 2018
Choice of four £179,950 £319,950, Volvo D9s 500-575 Boats.co.uk 01702 258885 www.boats.co.uk Intuitive design. The forward toilet compartment has a cylinder-shaped shower stall with revolving door
and eucalyptus, or an American white oak with a satin finish, being the two main colour scheme options. Fashionable at the time, honey maple bird’s eye and burr wood finishes were also available on earlier examples. It is worth inspecting wood surfaces, as the glossy lacquer, can go cloudy through heat or sun exposure. Owners are very quick to compliment the amount of storage on the boat. One point made by owners is that the heads are a little on the cosy side if you’re 6ft plus, but added that this is a ‘trade off ’ and you get the space back in the cabins and saloon, which are the areas where you spend the most time. Those of a slightly larger frame may also find the doorways a little narrow. Also, with both toilet compartments being ensuite to the cabins, there is so no convenient day head access, although this does, however, provide more privacy when two couples are onboard. There are a few general checks to carry out while you are exploring down below, check the wood tread on the companionway steps for water exposure damage, and also look around the portholes for rust and signs of leaks. Where possible try and look deep inside lockers, to inspect seating, bulkhead and bunk base bondings to the hull.
2009 £285,000 Twin Volvo D9-500 Princess Brokerage 01489 222582 www.princess.co.uk
2010 £329,000 Twin Volvo D9-575 Ideal Boat 01758 703013 www.idealboat.com
2009 £269,995 Twin Volvo D9-500 Salterns Brokerage 01202 707222 www.salternsbrokerage.co.uk
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Fractures and movement are rare, and can usually be easily rectified. Cockpit and Helm Enclosed by the large electric GRP roof forward, and sloping canopies aft, the teak-laid cockpit is impressively spacious, social and versatile. At the helm there is a double seat
The mid cabin twin berths slide and lock together to create a double berth for guests
with a stand-up sit-down bolster, and ahead is a well-engineered, pleasing-tothe-eye helm console, incorporating a 12-inch chartplotter display. Above the helmsman and co pilot is the curved, electric retractable roof which, together with a gas-strutted foot bolster, allows you to stand with your head out of the top for forward visibility, or that wind-inyour-hair experience. With the roof open and aft covers off, there is good visibility forward and aft. However, one owner did say that ideally the helm seat could be raised by 5 inches or so, to improve visibility over/across the bow when seated. On the port side is an angled, raised chaise longue type seating area. This allows up to three more passengers semi forward-facing views while underway, and a lounging/sunbathing area when at rest. Directly behind the helm is a 6-8 person, J-shaped dinette seating area
50
September 2018
with a triangular fold-out pedestal table. Underneath the seating are draining storage lockers and dedicated liferaft storage. With the roof closed, natural light is provided by a stylish but relatively small Fairline shield skylight. On the port side is an L-shaped wet bar unit, where various chunky and wellengineered GRP covers lift to reveal a sink, draining wet locker/coolbox and an optional electric De Dietrich griddle. Below is an Isotherm cockpit fridge and optional Isotherm icemaker. It is perfect for drinks parties, BBQs and entertaining. Moving aft you will find a vast sunpad area offset to starboard, with a generous transom companionway with small gate to port. Underneath the forward part of the sunpad are two shallow, gas-strutted lockers, ideal for rope storage. The large sloping aft covers can be a little restrictive for aft helm visibility. We noted that the original one-piece canopy has just a zipable, roll-up doorway. One owner we spoke to had redesigned their canopy to
incorporate larger windows and several new zip-removable sections. Ensure that the canopy is serviceable and also check the sunpad cushion area for any signs of leaks. These cushions may either be vinyl or a weatherproof canvas-style fabric. On Deck The 7-8inch moulded side decks, with their chunky toerails, abundance of cleats and sturdy two level guardrails, make it
This large wet bar unit is perfect for entertaining
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easy to move about and crew. Admittedly, with so much headroom down below, the deck level is relatively high but not dissimilar to other boats of its size, and is still very workable. With the dinette and sunpad offset to starboard, cockpit side deck access is easiest on the port side. Stepping onto the sunpad is the only option for the starboard deck, as access from the bathing platform is quite a
difficult scramble. The raised moulded foredeck has a sunken sunpad cushion area with integral cup holders at the head end each side. Aft of this, on the starboard side, is a gasstrutted deck locker which, once again, is useful for rope storage. Without its cushions, the recessed foredeck feels safe, is sculpted for drainage and slopes to greet the narrowing decks. At the bow there is
There is plenty of lounging and sunbathing space with a huge sunpad and a chaise longue forward 52
September 2018
an electric windlass and an anchor locker that is able to swallow ropes and a spare anchor, if necessary. Under the boat’s vast sunpad and curved transom is the electronically-operated tender garage. You will find the control button for this set into the transom/deck companionway. The garage was designed to stow a 2.7m Fairline RIB, often a rebranded Valiant, with a tilted outboard on its transom, a small jet rib or a PWC. However, we are aware of one owner that fits a larger, partially-deflated jet rib, a Williams 325, in here. With a socket inside the garage for an electric inflator, and space for inflated towable toys too, you can be out on the water and having fun in no time at all.
tunnels to reduce shaft angle and draught, as well as increasing the boats efficiency. Inspect the hull carefully fro damage, particularly around the side-protruding bathing platform moulding. With only a few white-hulled versions leaving the factory, the majority of 47s you will see will have the attractive navy gelcoat hull band. Coloured hulls, while attractive, will need extra maintenance if they are to keep their lustre. These boats are very capable and have exceptional sea keeping abilities, and consequently highly regarded by their owners. One owner said that it is a very dry boat, even with the roof open. They are also very easy to handle at close quarters. Fairline fitted an 8hp bowthruster as standard, with many also fitted with an optional stern thruster for added ‘ease of use’.
Hull and Handling Designed by Bernard Olesinski, the 47 GT has a deep V hull forward and an 18-degree deadrise aft. Its underwater Engines profile features full length spray deflectors, The Targa 47 is a twin diesel shaftdrive while its propshafts are set into semiboat. The majority of the boats left the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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The 47 has a highly regarded and well mannered modified V hull, which was designed by Olesinski
Fairline factory with Volvo Penta engines. When it was introduced it was available with a pair of 480hp TAMD75Ps giving 32 knots. Soon after, two more modern D-series EVC engine choices were added, 33-knot D9-500s priced at £356,613 and 35-knot D9-575s at £377,763 (September 2004 prices). Twin 510hp C9 Caterpillars were added briefly to this line up, also producing 33 knots. A few years later the three engine options were the D9500s, D9-575s and top of the range were Caterpillar C9-575s, producing 35 knots. In 2006 Fairline was only offering the two aforementioned Volvo options and the boat was priced from £453,066. Finally in 2010 D11-670s were available and said to deliver 36 knots. Today, models fitted with D9-500s should offer cruising speeds of 25-26 knots (at 2200 RPM) and the D9-575s should cruise happily between 25-27 knots. At these speeds the 47 will be achieving up to 0.8-0.9 miles per gallon at best, which is quite impressive for a large shaftdriven sportscruiser. With a clean
bottom the D9-500 models should achieve 30 knots, fully loaded, and D9-575s a couple of knots more. Engine access is very good, and the engine bay fit out is simply first class. Access is via a large hatch in the cockpit floor, and also through a door under the companionway steps at the rear of the boat. The former is located centrally, mid cockpit and is very easy to use, even with the pedestal table in place. However, removing the opposing seating base cushion is advisable, as the table could eventually crush and damage it. The hatch reveals a steep four-rung metal ladder leading down to the front of, and between, the engines. At the foot of the ladder are the raw water filters, which are conveniently visible just by opening the hatch. Once down into the bay, a metal grid plate provides an excellent, and easyto-move-around, area for checks, with both engine dipsticks located centrally for easy access. For boats fitted with the Volvo D9 engines, servicing is relatively straightforward, as the oil and fuel filters
54
September 2018
are all located at the aft end of the engines, and easily accessible. The rear door, which is on gas struts and part of the aft sunpad moulding, also provides excellent engine bay access. Here a two-rung metal ladder drops down into a passageway, with a GRP battery box acting as a step. This aft area of the engine bay is encroached in the middle by the base of the tender garage, but there is ample space for storage boxes either side
of this, and enough crawl space to get to the back and between the engines. It can be slightly noisy when travelling at speed with the roof closed, with owners describing the noise as ‘turbo boom’. However, by all accounts this is something you get used to and also depends on sea conditions and trim. The noise is due to a lack of an engine bay aft bulkhead, therefore the engine noise resonates through the spacious engine room and
Engine access is via a hatch in the cockpit and the transom. Twin Volvo D9-575s pictured
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
55
is, of course, compounded by a closed GRP hardtop. Adding extra engine bay soundproofing has been known to help the situation, as can upgrading the hatch seals and soundproofing under both access hatches. As always, when buying a used boat, it is important to check that regular engine servicing has been carried out, which should be well documented on a large and relatively young boat like the 47. Consider servicing costs, and look into local support availability, prior to purchase. Maintaining examples fitted with Volvo’s TAMD
engines is a little more straightforward and do-able for the technically minded than the more electronically controlled and diagnostically reliant D6 engines. Conclusion The 47 GT has got be to one of the most attractive and well-proportioned sub 50ft sportscruisers of the 00s. Its timeless looks, excellent handling and interior comfort left us drooling. It may be big money, but it is probably all the boat you will ever need.
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 Targa 43
1997-2005
Prices £120,000-£170,000
Length 45ft 1in Beam: 12ft 5in A 45ft shaftdriven open sportscruiser offering 6 berths, and a tender garage. Buy one (pictured) 1998 £159,950 www.gibbsboatsales.co.uk
Phantom 40
2002-2009
Prices £150,000-£240,000
Length 41ft 1in Beam 12ft 3in Quite possibly Fairline’s best ever 40ft flybridge, offering 4-6 berths in two cabins. Buy one (pictured) 2008 £184,995 www.idealboat.com
Targa 44 GT
2007-2010
Prices £220,000-£260,000
Length 44ft 10in Beam 13ft 3in This beamy IPS-powered sportscruiser has an electric hardtop and two cabins. Buy one (pictured) 2007 £219,950 www.boats.co.uk
CONTEMPORARY CHOICE Fairline Targa 48 Open This stylish 47GT successor has a powered sliding canvas roof, tender garage and a mid cabin master suite. It is fitted with twin diesel Volvo IPS drives giving 32-34 knots, IPS700 D8-550s or IPS600 D6-435s.
Length 49ft 2in / 15m Beam 14ft 3in / 4.32m Fuel 288 gal / 1309 litres Water 106 gal /482 litres Displacement 13000kg Price £651,120 www.fairline.com
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September 2018
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Motorboat Owner
PROJECT BOAT
PROJECT Fairline Vixen
I
ts off! After weeks of patiently and carefully trying different methods to extract the bellhousing from the transom shield, I have finally done it. My method remained pretty much the same as it had been for a while, taking it slowly, gradually increasing tension on the jacking bolts and knocking each of the broken studs in turn into and through the mounting ring. The difference this time was that I had come prepared. I had ground down an old chisel to form a sturdy drift and had combined it with a 2lb club hammer. No more Mr nice guy, this time it was either going to come off, or break in the effort. Luckily, it was the former, as the bellhousing fell into
the empty engine bay with a satisfying dong, worthy of its name. There was some collateral damage unfortunately, in that the aluminium spacing ring that the jacking bolts were working against was showing signs of just how much effort had gone into getting these pieces apart, with one bolt almost completely wearing through it. In some ways this ring has acted as a sacrificial piece, as the aluminium bellhousing itself would otherwise have been seriously damaged. The downside is that this ring of aluminium comes with an eye watering price tag of around ÂŁ180. I shall be scouring the salvage market for a used one.
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September 2018
The bellhousing is finally free, after using a modified chisel and 2lb hammer. Unfortunately the aluminium spacer ring has been damaged by the jacking bolts and has broken into three pieces
While the battle has been won, the war is far from over. With the bellhousing back in the workshop, I set about trying to remove the broken studs. Firstly, I managed to free up the spacer ring, that broke into three pieces during removal, I then set about the studs with my whole arsenal. Two different types of stud extractors were tried, but neither of them would work due to the proximity of the studs to the casing alongside them. Next up was my old faithful trick of heat and penetrating fluid, used alternately so that the penetrating fluid is drawn into the threads by its cooling action when sprayed onto the hot fixing. Using this method, and a pair of vice grips, I was able to remove one of the five broken studs. The rest are all still in place, getting a regular dosing of penetrating fluid, while I take another step back and have a re-think. Again, I have to be careful not to shear the studs off, as I will then only be left with the option of drilling them out, something I am very keen to avoid. More heat, and bigger vice grips will be my weapons next time, but I have had to order the latter, so
I am hoping the enforced lull in the battle will reinvigorate me for the next round. Having said that, work on this particular part of the project boat hasn’t stopped there. The whole reason I wanted to remove it in the first place was to clean it up, repaint it and overhaul the jackshaft seals and bearings. Doing my best to ignore the four broken studs, I set about dismantling the central section. On this particular model, the seals and single bearing can be removed from outside of the boat, meaning it is possible to change your seals and bearing with the engine and
Dismantling the cylinder head, I found some serious corrosion on number four exhaust port
Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
59
The head has been stripped of camshaft and valve gear, ready for a repair and clean up
bellhousing in situ, just by removing the drive. Some models use a double bearing system, and these are removed from inside the boat, requiring the engine to be disconnected and removed, or at least shifted forward to get at the components. To overhaul the bearing and seals on this model, you start by removing the aft
most seal. To do this I first drilled a small pilot hole through the flat of the seal. I then screwed a long, ideally 75-100mm, wood screw a few turns into the pilot hole. Then, using a claw hammer, I yanked the seal out. Just behind this seal is the first of three circlips, two large internal ones and a small external clip on the shaft itself.
All valve gear has been carefully put aside in the order it was removed to ensure correct rebuild 60
September 2018
The first of the large ones is fairly easy to get out with bog standard circlip pliers, but the other two are deep set and require decent long circlip piers to remove. Next, I removed the small circlip from the shaft, which I later worked out I could have left in place and removed with the shaft out of the bellhousing. Lastly I removed the second of the larger internal circlips. This is the one you really will need a decent set of long reach circlip pliers to get at. The ones I am using I bought specifically for the job, but were less than £6. With the circlips removed, the shaft can be tapped out from inside using a bit of wood to protect the end. If this job was being done in situ, the experts tell me that you have to fashion some kind of puller, operated from the aft end, to withdraw the shaft and bearings assembly. To be honest I am not sure how that would work, as I can’t see what you would attach the puller to, but I am assured that it is possible. The forward seal then simply knocks through the housing and is removed aft. Again, you would have to use a puller if doing this is situ. Despite the neglect, the bearing itself wasn’t in too bad shape. Yes, there was excessive play, and it was a bit crunchy in its operation, but Volvo, in their wisdom, made it possible to lubricate this bearing during service intervals with a grease nipple on the top of the bellhousing inside the boat, and there was still plenty of grease evident. The shaft itself has a coating of surface rust, but nothing that is going to stop it being cleaned up and reused. The bearing was pulled from the shaft with a hydraulic puller, and the sizes of both seals and the bearing were noted. New ones have been ordered in readiness for reassembly at some point in the near
With the bellhousing on the bench, the shaft, seals and bearing could be removed. The deep set circlips needed some long nosed circlip pliers
future, but not until I have removed those studs, sourced a new spacer ring and cleaned up and painted the housing. With progress being made, I was spurred on to also tackle the top end of the engine this month. Despite the whole bottom end being overhauled, put back together and getting a base layer of paint, the head has sat untouched, and not even looked at, since removal from the engine last year and it wasn’t long before I was staring into the face of another setback. My plan was to remove the camshaft,
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Two different types of stud extractors failed to work on the broken bellhousing bolts
take all of the valves out and generally strip the head down to its bare bones, ready for a clean up and rebuild. I started by removing the thermostat housing, the camshaft pulley and the camshaft belt tensioning fixings. I then undid the camshaft bearing caps, removed the shaft and valve depressors, and placed to one side before starting on the valve gear. It is important, if these parts are going to be reused, that they are placed back in the same position that they came from in the cylinder head. With that in mind, I set aside an area where I could lay out all of the head components in the order in which they were removed, to ensure they go back correctly on reassembly.
It was at the start of the valve removal process that I saw the big problem that I mentioned earlier. I actually don’t know how I missed it up until this point and, indeed, it turns out that it is a very common problem on these four cylinder Volvo petrol engines. Number four exhaust port was badly corroded. In fact, it appeared to have been fixed at some point in the past with a metal insert, but the corrosion had now reached down to the bottom edge of the insert so it would only be a short matter of time before I experienced a serious exhaust leak if I used it in this state. I am faced with two choices. I could look at the possibility of having this head repaired by welding
The shaft could then be knocked out, before removing the bearing from the shaft with a puller 62
September 2018
some new aluminium around the exhaust port and machining it back to its original shape, or to look for a replacement head. These B230 engines were widely used in Volvo cars, and heads are not too difficult to come by, but there is a small complication. The AQ151 uses a 531 head, and most cars use a 530 head. I am told that the main difference between them is that the inlet ports are better designed for improved gas flow on the 531 head, so a swap to a 530 may see a very slight reduction in power. This wouldn’t be the end of the world, as with 146hp on tap, the AQ151 is already putting out far in excess of any stock motor that Fairline installed back in the day. Of course, if I swap to an automotive head I will need to swap the camshaft over, as the marine camshaft has a slightly different profile. The jury is out at the moment as to which way I am going to go. I have consulted with an engineer, and the initial prognosis is that a repair is definitely possible. I have to take the head to a specialist welder for a final confirmation, and of course balance the cost of repair over a used automotive head, but I should know more next month. In the meantime, I removed the valves, using a valve spring compressor and, after filing the springs, retaining collets, retaining washer and valves in their specified place, am now ready to take the head for its inspection. One of the benefits of doing a job like this over a longer period is that it gives me plenty of time to hunt out bargain components for the rebuild. This month I have picked up a Gates timing belt and tensioner kit and a new old stock radiator cap of the correct specification. It may be a while before I need these things, but it is
Where possible, using quality generic parts of the correct specification is helping to keep the cost down. The bearing removed was also SKF
helping to keep the cost down by buying them when they come up at a good price, rather than when I need them.
Spend so far
Motorboat Owner
PROJECT BOAT This month’s spend
Primary Drive Shaft Bearing £8.28 Drive shaft seals £6.52 Tensioner and cam belt kit £27.45 Heat Exchanger cap £5.95
Balance from last month
£1,101.56
Total to date: £1,149.76
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Q&A
Your Questions Answered
South coast cruises in company
Q Do you run or know
of an owner’s cruising club on the South Coast? I’ve upgraded my boat, which will now enable me to go off-shore cruising and am looking to join a club or local flotilla on trips.
A Outside of club-based
events for members, or events run for customers of a specific organisation, I am only aware of ourselves that do this sort of thing on the south coast. We are just back from a two week run down the West Country, of which you can read more about in the August 18 issue. Of the clubs that organise motorboat cruises, the one that jumps to mind is the Royal Southern Yacht Club ‘Motor Boat Club’ on the Hamble. There is also an active cruising in company programme run by the Cobbs Quay Berth Holders Association, but I think you have to berth there, and be a member, to take part. Depending upon the make of your boat, you may find an active owners club that organise cruises. I know that the Aquastar Owner’s Club do this and the Sealine Owners Club have certainly done so in the past. Check out our directory of owner’s clubs at the back of this issue and see if there is one for your marque. Other organisations that are worth looking at include The Pathfinder Powerboat Club, but their events appear to be short and local this year. It may be worth getting in touch with them to see if they have anything longer planned. The Southwest Sportsboat Rally Group also organise some great localised events, although these tend to be aimed at smaller, trailerable-type boats. The South West Sportsboat Rally usually musters over the May bank holiday weekend at Brixham 64 September 2018
If you have a question, email us at
editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Pump-out question
Q Being on the River Thames our toilet
is connected to a holding tank and I have a question regarding the plumbing layout of the pump-out hose on the tank. While pumping out, or rather sucking out, at one of the stations, I was curious how the process works, as forming a seal on the waste outlet is difficult. On investigation, the pipe is only connected to the top of the tank and not to the bottom. Is this correct, as for this process to work I would think it would require a sealed system, but we have a breather tube vent. I did turn the valve to the tank from the toilet off, so this part of the system is sealed.
A It is very common, and considered good practice, to attach the outlet
pipe to the top of the tank. This way, any failure of the pipe or its fittings should result in minimal spillage. The reason it works is almost certainly because there is a pipe on the other side of the tank fitting that goes down to the bottom of the tank. In fact, a common failure with holding tanks is that this upright pipe falls off inside the tank, resulting in a tank that cannot be emptied. Considering that the alternative might be a bilge full of black water, I think this is a risk worth taking and, despite my own tank not being set up this way, would recommend a top fitting for any new installation.
SYSTEMS SOLUTION The
• Quality engineering • Innovative design • Competitive pricing • Guaranteed compatibility • Unrivalled warranty
for WASTE
WATER
t: 023 8045 4507
e : SA LE S @ VE T US . CO. UK
W W W .V E T U S . C O M
ENGINES | STERN GEAR | FUEL | INSTRUMENTS | FRESH WATER | WASTE WATER | MANOEUVRING | ELECTRICAL | STEERING | HATCHES | VENTILATION
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Q&A
Your Questions Answered
Schepenkring.nl
Nidelv 24
Q In my search for a compact, single
shaftdrive diesel engined river cruiser I have come across a 1970’s Nidelv 24. It looks to be just about perfect but I have never heard of the make, or seen another one on the water. What’s your opinion of this boat and would it be a good buy?
A Nidelv are a Norwegian boat manufacturer and, like most Scandinavian-built
Smelly toilets
Q Have you done any articles on controlling or
eradicating smells from toilets, and if so, am I able to search previous issues for articles on this subject?
PRACTIC
PRACTICAL
AL
boats, comes with a good pedigree, great build quality and solid residual values. In 2010, production was moved to China which may, or may not, have affected the above with regards to newer boats. The brand is rather rare in the UK, in fact I can’t find a single one for sale, but are much more prevalent on the continent where you will see many of them on rivers and tidal estuaries. If the boat fits your requirements, is within budget, looks to have been well maintained and comes fitted with an engine for which spares are still easily obtained, I would not hesitate in suggesting you buy it. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Curing toilet odours
Installat ion
here are All of the syste no exter very simple ms to to thin the mos nal power requ install. Ther k abou e t diffic to site ult part irements and are at the same t replacing the the time. A free, ¾ the very components,is deciding whe good qualinlet hose inch the vario stubborn sanit and pushing re £4.50 per inlet hose ity, will cost odour metre. hose, old us compone ation hose onto Ultim around nts. Talk Jabsco ately, although permeate hoses often mod allow theing of the same el, the proc we fitted the idea whe through them smell to ess is n insta for so it men may lling a tioned. any of the solu much be an system You need tions water like this inlet to cut into the connectio pipe and sea HOW ns. Here make a few TO IN new ’s how 9 STE we did it. PS 1
HOW TO
!
2 3
Turn off seacock. the toilet inlet working You may be belo waterline NEEDw the YOU WILL of flood so there ES is a risk ing CONSUMABL
TOOLS • Tools • Hacksaw
4
• Hot water • Lubricant for pipe work
Disconne from yourct the inlet pipe on a few toilet. If it’s Decide difficult years it may been to mou where you are be to remo nt going be abov the unit. It ve should e the wate times and high rline at all toilet er than 5 the
• Sharp knife first to use your • Hose clamps • Screwdriver D o you dread being theunused • Length of for while? been • Drill and drill suitable hose boat toilet after it’s bits that the first flush Is it because you know with a rotten egg DIFFICULTY RATING will fill the whole boat will be forced smell so bad that everyone in search of fresh air? to abandon the boat This unit to explain to nonAre you fed up having and reassure es withuntil, a few return com is, each flush valve fade with so I attac a nongone. gradually boaters what the smell a The inlet smal If so, read on. hed smellofis completely thel piece flushes later, them that it’s not you? unit and connectedhose that was hose a week boattofor that suffer with thenyou the Many of us have boats Unfortunate insta valve ly, leave now push to the toile some glory. affect to seems the t is it’s back in its fulllled ed or so and this problem and it 16 sulphide, a side of the onto the othe others moored in the non retur r The smell is hydrogen boats, while leaving August 2015 The smell does n valve same place sweet smelling.
ooooo
6
A new piece connected of hose is now to the outlet unit’s spigot
12
Augu
st 2015
A Yes we have looked at this issue on a few occasions. The relevant issues
would be August 2015, where we had a general look at the causes and solution to the problem, the July 2016 issue where we installed a system designed to overcome the problem, and the December 2016 issue where we reviewed the system. All these issues can be downloaded from the back issues section of our website once you have logged in. In terms of searching for articles, we do also have a report index on our website. Unfortunately, this is not as up to date as we would like, but we are working on it whenever time permits, so it is always worth checking back, even if results were not found initially. 66 September 2018
Q&A
Your Questions Answered
Automatic trim systems
Q I have been looking at adding automatic
trim control to my 26-foot Monterey and was wondering if you had ever reviewed any of the different systems such as Mente Marine, or the AC3000 from Bennett? I would be interested in hearing what the experts thought, and whether this kind of move does all it says it will in terms of comfort and fuel economy.
A The only auto trim kit that we have reviewed is the Volvo Penta Boat Trim
System. Having said that, I have also used the Mente Marine system as well as Zipwake. The Mente system has the benefit of being able to be fitted to existing trim tab systems, which should make it cheaper and easier to install if you already have suitable trim tabs fitted. The downside being that standard hydraulic tabs are often quite slow to deploy, making trim corrections in a dynamic situation, less than perfect. The Volvo one works exceptionally well at correcting weight or wind-induced lean, correcting attitude changes very quickly, although I have suffered from two interceptor failures now, which has taken the shine off an otherwise great system. When I have tested boats fitted with Zipwake, I have always found it to also be excellent at keeping the boat level, plus you get a very funky control panel to boot, pictured. As to the value of fitting one of these kits, much depends on the boat. On our Sealine, I find it very worthwhile, as it is so susceptible to lean caused by weather or by people moving onboard. I don’t think I could be without it now, as trim adjustments seem to be almost constant and so it has increased the comfort level considerably. If, however, your boat is nicely balanced and requires little trim adjustment when underway, the additional cost of an automatic system might be hard to justify, with the Zipwake and automatic Volvo kit starting at around £1,500. In this case, the Mente upgrade to your existing tabs is a very cost effective way of adding automatic trim, as the system can be bought for around £500. I have no experience of Bennett’s AC3000. But if you have Bennett tabs on the boat already, this would appear to be the cheapest solution at around £350. With regards to fuel savings, I would imagine the result to be negligible unless you allow the boat to run with poor trim. If you are always adjusting for best trim, you are already running the boat efficiently, albeit with a high work load. 68 September 2018
PRACTICAL
PROJECT
Mini RIB plywood seat base repair
YOU WILL NEED
T
he seat in my mini rib appeared, on the surface at least, to be in very good condition. Unfortunately it was hiding a horror story below. Like many boat seats in RIBS and cruisers, the vinyl and foam is backed by plywood. Ultimately the plywood gets wet, and due to the nature of the way that the seats are fitted, the bases seldom really get an opportunity to dry out. Usually, the wood will rot nicely in conjunction with the vinyl and foam deteriorating, and thus the whole lot gets replaced at the same time. This
TOOLS • Drill and bits • Screwdrivers • Jigsaw
• Workbench • Tape measure • Staple gun
CONSUMABLES • Exterior grade plywood • Wood preservative
• Stainless steel staples • Sandpaper
DIFFICULTY RATING
ooooo was the situation I found myself in with my Bayliner, and I made complete new bases and frames before having the foam and vinyl replaced. But what happens if
70
September 2018
everything apart from the plywood is in good order? This was the case with my little RIB, as the seat literally came off in my hands when I lifted it to access the storage below. Whether it’s a simple jockey seat like mine, or a more complex cruiser seat, if the vinyl and foam are in good condition, you may get away with just replacing the wooden base. Here’s how I did mine:
Job done. The finished seat base was fitted back to the Valiant RIB
HOW TO IN 21 STEPS >
1
Despite being a bit grubby, the seat appears, at first glance, to be in good order 4
As the wood was so rotten, the staples holding the base covering just pulled out with minimal effort
2
Unfortunately the fixings had simply pulled out of the wooden base, leaving the seat totally loose 5
As did the hundreds of staples used to affix the vinyl. A more solid base would require careful and painstaking individual staple removal
3
The extent of the rot was quite staggering, with the base literally crumbling in my hand 6
The remnants of the base, including two longitudinal strengthening bars were removed
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PRACTICAL
7
8
9
The foam and vinyl were left in place, and left out in the sun to dry any remaining moisture trapped
Using a sheet of 9mm external ply, the old seat base was used, as best I could, as a template to mark a new base
After double-checking, by taking measurements of the foam, a new base was cut with a jigsaw
10
11
12
The corners were rounded, to match the original, and then all sides sanded to remove any vinyl damaging sharp edges
The longitudinal strengtheners remained rot free, so these were removed from the old ply to be re-used
Before they were fixed together, the areas of wood to be mated were treated with two coats of a quality external wood preservative
13
14
15
The three pieces were now screwed together, having pre screwed and countersunk the plywood
The new base was then placed back into the seat and carefully marked up for the seat fixings using the existing holes in the vinyl
The fixing point markings were further tweaked by taking careful measurements of the hinges still fixed to the boat
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September 2018
16
17
18
Four 6mm holes were then drilled into the base ready to take the fixings when the time came
Before that, the whole new assembly was given two good coats of preservative to ensure maximum life in a wet environment
Once the preservative was dry, the four seat base fixings were hammered into position. These are blind fixings, inaccessible without dismantling
19
20
21
The base was then put back onto the seat and the vinyl stapled back down using stainless steel staples
The old base covering was dirty but serviceable, so was given a good clean with a strong detergent and scrubbing brush
It was then stapled in place to complete the job before the seat was fixed back onto the boat
COST £ This will come down to the amount of wood you need. I bought a 4ft x 4ft sheet of 9mm ply, which was the smallest size available, and it cost £11. A more complex L shaped lounge seat base may require a full 8 x 4 sheet, and you may want to up the thickness to 12mm. In this case you would be looking at around £25 per sheet. On top of this some stainless steel staples, I used about £1 worth of 10mm T50 staples, and some wood preservative such as Sadolin, which is around £10 for a 500ml tin, gives us a total for our job of £22. In reality, I already had the Sadolin, and only used about £2 worth of wood, so this is actually a job that you can do for pennies.
TIME TAKEN Complexity rules again here. A simple job like mine will take a couple of hours, with a bit of laid up time on top between coats of preservative. A more complex seat arrangement could easily take a couple of days. Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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Glastron GS259 OB By Alex Smith
74
September 2018
BOAT TEST
Length (LOA): 7.7m / 25ft 3 in Beam: 2.54m / 8ft 4 in Weight: 2835kg Fuel capacity: 265 litres Fresh water capacity: 79 litres People capacity: nine Engine as tested: Mercury Verado 300 Other engine options: Mercury Verado 250 Price from €94,138
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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D
o you remember James Bond’s 1972 GT150, the boat that flew over a police roadblock in ‘Live and Let Die’? Or the magnificent Carlson CV23HT, which 007 used to escape a dastardly fleet of Glastron SSV sports boats in the 1979 film, ‘Moonraker’? If so, it’s likely that you, like me, think of Glastron with great fondness – not as just another builder of formulaic American leisure platforms, but as one of the world’s most iconic names and creator of the kind of fast, sexy little sports boats most of us would dearly love to own. In many ways, Glastron’s modern fleet still embraces that heritage. Of the 21 craft in the current line-up, 19 of them are small, sporting day boats of between 18 and 24 feet in length and the other two are essentially the same platform, a
compact 25-foot pocket cruiser known as the GS 259. It’s a boat we’ve seen before and, while on paper at least, the demands of four-berth accommodation, plus a downstairs galley and heads compartment, might imply a betrayal of the sporting character that has made Glastrons of the past so much fun, the truth is that the established GS 259 is one of the most enjoyable driving boats
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The 259’s excellent cockpit is unchanged and its two-tier swim platform remains large and open
of its kind in the world. So why would you take such a boat, oust the engine from its rightful place beneath the cockpit sole and launch an outboard model? Well the simple answer is that the buying public in North America (Glastron’s largest market by far) is driving a strong shift in favour of outboard engines. Key reasons for that include the relatively accessible purchase price, the increase in inboard space, the reductions in noise and vibration and the simplicity of servicing. But of course the fact that outboards have been progressively increasing in power also brings a range of boats into play that were not previously relevant. From 35-foot offshore fishers to mid-range sports cruisers, it’s a shift that is beginning to define the marketplace and the new outboard–powered version of the Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
“Outboard power brings a reduced price, a quieter ride and uprated storage”
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excellent GS 259 is Glastron’s response to exactly that.
A family boat, the 259 will easily accommodate four people with two separate sleeping areas
Implications at the stern The first and most obvious result of perching a Verado 300 on the two-tier swim platform is the aesthetic. It’s a strange and incongruous thing to witness the Verado’s big black cowling, set way aft, as if chasing the bulk of the boat without any hope of catching it up. It looks for all the world like a separate entity, rather than an integrated propulsive solution and yet it does mean that this new model loses virtually none of the aft space enjoyed by its inboard sibling. You can still access the swim platforms from the cockpit’s port walkway and move freely from side to side, entering the water or embarking from the pontoon with
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Cruising comfort for a couple, the master mid double berth is bright and well proportioned
the utmost ease. And it’s good to see that the reversible backrest on the two-man transom bench has also been retained, enabling you to sit beyond the back end of the cockpit and admire the view. However, a cup holder or two here would be useful, as would an extended starboard grab handle and a hinged foot brace to make it more sociable and secure. As for the space beneath the aft part of the cockpit, vacated by the MerCruiser engine, this is now a large rectangular storage compartment, neatly lined on all sides with vinyl panels. On a boat that is otherwise rather lacking in cockpit storage, this is excellent news for the committed cruiser, because it means you can stow all your bulky gear close to
“The cabin headroom is impressive, particularly at the galley” Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
hand without cluttering up your cabin, your heads or your galley. But in a world full of outboard-powered platforms with ingeniously conceived aft guest cabins, it’s difficult not to feel that Glastron’s designers might have committed to something a little bit more adventurous than this. Cruising credentials Aside from the changes at the back end, the 259 OB is exactly the same boat as the original and, for the most part, that comes as welcome news. For a start, the nine-man cockpit feels like a very sociable place to spend your time. The walkway is offset slightly to port, alongside a lounger that runs up and down the port side, with a very serviceable wet bar at the aft end. This frees up the starboard side for a long C-shaped dinette that runs all the way from the swim platform to the helm seat and, with a pair of reversible backrests, one at the helm and one on the aft bench, it’s versatile too. If you have no wish to retain the dining space or the driving position, you can use the table as an infill, reverse the helm seat’s backrest to
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PERFORMANCE RPM
face aft, fold the stern bench out over the swim platform, and transform the entire starboard side into an unbroken ten-foot lounging platform. This layout does of course mean there’s no traditional forward-facing nav seat alongside the helm, just a port lounger that faces aft or inward, allied to a forward-facing lounge position set against the leading edge of the wet bar. On a long passage, therefore, as people naturally migrate aft in pursuit of forward-facing seats, the skipper may well find himself isolated from the rest of the cockpit occupants, but given the size restrictions at play here, I have to concede that the management of space is exemplary. When you head through the folding
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
Knots
LPH
GPH
MPG
2.4 4.1 5.6 6.2 6.8 8.1 9.8 17.0 22.3 29.9 34.5
2.3 5.3 10.5 16.2 28.4 39.6 47.2 51.1 62.0 78.8 97.6
0.51 1.17 2.31 3.56 6.25 8.71 10.4 11.2 13.6 17.3 21.5
4.71 3.50 2.42 1.74 1.09 0.93 0.94 1.52 1.64 1.73 1.60
Range (nm)
274 204 141 101 63 54 55 88 95 101 93
doors and down the steps into the cabin space, the layout again appears to make very good use of relatively compact proportions. There’s a convertible dinette directly ahead, a full-height galley to port, a heads compartment to starboard and a guest double, tucked behind a privacy curtain beneath the cockpit sole. Aside from the heads compartment, there are no doors or bulkheads to divide the space or swallow up valuable inches, and while
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The driving experience of the outboard version is not quite as accomplished as the inboard model
“The 300hp Mercury Verado outboard delivers a 34 knot top speed” that obviously limits the degree of privacy available to your guests, Glastron has done well to maximise the sense of open-plan brightness with pale woods and fabrics, alongside extended hull windows and multiple overhead skylights. It’s also notable that the primary berth is intelligently organised, with a diagonal configuration that extends further aft on the starboard side to butt up against the forward bulkhead of the heads compartment. A squared off bow shape, meanwhile, helps generate some useful extra breadth of accommodation, even in the forward-most part of the dinette, and despite the fact that the 259 enjoys quite an attractive, low-slung profile, the headroom in the primary traffic areas is Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
also very comfortable for a six-footer. Underway So far so good then, but the real challenge for the new outboard model was always likely to consist in its capacity to live up to the dynamic on-water performance of its sibling. After all, in inboard form, the 259 is a truly outstanding driver’s boat, able to respond with dexterity to helm input and to retain its pace through lumpy conditions without taking to the air, losing shape or slamming through the troughs. Right from the off, however, the 259 OB feels like a different proposition. When you try to free up her hull with a bit of trim, anything beyond a single notch on the rocker switch tends to engender a
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bout of porpoising and, as the nose lifts and drops and the hull flies and ploughs, the engine loads up and eases off by up to 1,000rpm at a time, causing a similarly erratic reading on the speedo, which bumps around within a four or five-knot window without any manual alteration in throttle setting. You can attempt to mitigate this by keeping the leg tucked in and ploughing the hull, but of course neither method does great things for the comfort, the helming experience or the running efficiency. On the contrary, whatever we did on our test day, the best ‘at speed’ fuel economy we saw hovered around three litres per nautical mile and, with an unchanged 265-litre fuel tank and a standard 20% safety margin set aside, that makes our usable range pretty tight. We’re looking at a cruising range of no more than 75 nautical miles and even though Glastron’s own figures give a slightly more positive story of 91 nautical miles at 29 knots, even that falls significantly short of the 250 and 300hp inboard models, both of which are able to exceed 100nm quite comfortably. More to the point, if we take the standard inboard model with the MerCruiser 4.5-litre 250, which we tested on the same waters in much the same
Vacated engine space is used as a lined locker
conditions with a similar load, exactly 12 months prior to this, the comparison between the two test boats is even more stark. While the lower powered inboard model was a couple of knots shy of the outboard model at the top end, we were getting significantly more pick-up lower down the rev range, allied to a safe range of around 110 nautical miles at 24 knots and a safe range in excess of 100 nautical miles at every point between 20 and 30 knots. With a more composed and enjoyable ride and around 30% better returns on a given quantity of fuel, the implications for the cruising credentials of our new outboard-powered test boat are less positive than I had hoped. Conclusion Like the identical inboard model, the 259 OB is a thoroughly un-intimidating and
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easily managed way to make the step up from day boating to authentic cruising. It is spacious and versatile in its layout, seating, sleeping and entertaining options, but what it adds in storage and reduced noise levels it loses in simple composure and driveability. While the inboard model treats you to a healthy dose of driving entertainment, and is very capable on a lumpy sea, the outboard model only turns in an adequate performance. Yes, it’s a spacious and competent pocket cruiser that makes lots of practical sense, and the fact that it is likely to be even more affordable than the established craft makes it particularly tempting. But for me, Glastron’s quest to tap into the burgeoning market for
The elevated bow rail is a welcome new addition
outboard-powered cruisers has deprived this particular model of the magic that makes the original so impressive. Perhaps in time, a reworking of the weight distribution might close the gap but, for now, the inboard craft remains the more capable allround cruising companion.
ENQUIRIES: For your nearest UK dealer visit www.glastron.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
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Though it shares the same hull as the 259, the V255’s cockpit uses an unbroken port seating section with a wet bar to starboard.
The smallest sportscruiser in the range comes with an integrated swim platform and a cockpit that extends well aft to maximise space.
LOA: 7.67m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 2,801kg Enquiries: Shepherds Marine 01539 446004 www.shepherdsmarine.co.uk
LOA: 8.07m Beam: 2.56m Displacement: 2517kg Enquiries: Marina Marbella 01202 714970 www.marinamarbella.net
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Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Bayliner Ciera 8
This traditional 27-foot, pocket cruiser comes with inboard options from 250 to 300hp, plus some useful cockpit flexibility. LOA: 8.15m Beam: 2.55m Displacement: 3,100kg Enquiries: Bates Wharf 01932 571141 www.bateswharf.co.uk
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Motorboat Owner
PROJECT BOAT
PROJECT Mayland 16
I
t’s been a few months since the project Mayland Olive graced these pages. The last time I worked on it was back in February, when the transom was strengthened with some extra layers of fibreglass in readiness for an engine upgrade. It’s amazing how quick time flies, and I was shocked to realise that six months had passed with no further progress being made. You may remember at the end of that session that there was a problem with a couple of areas of fibreglass that had not taken properly. These were ground out a few months back and I can use the excuse that I was waiting for some decent weather to make good
the repairs. Well we have certainly had the weather, so I could delay no longer. The two patches were both given three layers of matting, to match the surrounding area, and were overlapped with the existing GRP for strength. While this was curing I made a new outboard mounting plate for the outside of the transom from some 12mm exterior ply. The wood was given two coats of Sadolin and then fixed to the transom with four hefty screws and a generous spread of Sikaflex. When the engine is installed, the whole lot will be through-bolted too. Another little upgrade I made while I was working on the transom was to
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replace the transom drain. The old cheap plastic one had been ruined when the fibre glassing was taking place, so I added a metal drain. It won’t be as convenient to remove the bung, as a spanner is needed, but it feels altogether more substantial than the previous one. A slightly larger hole through the transom was needed and the inside of the hole was given a complete coating of Sikaflex to help keep any water out of the transom core. Back inside, with the GRP fully cured, it was time to give it a coat of paint. Luckily, I still had some of the Flag, off-white bilge paint we had originally used on Olive’s cockpit, so after two coats it was starting to look back to normal. All that remained was for me to bolt a metal plate, which the outboard
A new metal transom drain has been fitted to replace the damaged plastic one
thumbscrews bolt down onto, back to the transom. The plate that I had removed looked to be some kind of old galvanised steel, and I was going to throw it away and find a suitable piece of aluminium plate or similar, but cleaning it up with an
The failed GRP on the transom has been ground out, re-laminated and then coated with bilge paint Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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To prepare for the new engine, the transom has been given new mounting pads inside and out
angle grinder and flap disc revealed what I believe to be part of a bronze plaque, of the sort you find outside a posh office, so I decided to re-use it. Olive is now ready for her engine transplant, which is going to be a little more complicated than just dropping it onto the transom. The new engine is electric start, has battery charging capability and I would like to rig up some engine instrumentation to show RPM’s, temperature and maybe even take advantage of the E-Tec’s System Check function. I had hoped, at the beginning of the year, to get some use out of Olive with
her new engine this season. I think in reality, I may have to accept that 2018 is going to pass her by. I will continue to fit the engine upgrade in around continuing with the Fairline and hope that, come spring, she will be ready to go. There are so many trips I want to do, that I can only accomplish with a trailboat, that I cannot bear the thought of another year passing without achieving some of them. I have big hopes that 2019 will be Olive’s year. Watch this space.
With an extra 10hp on tap, Claire may be allowed back into the cockpit 86
September 2018
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CUTTING Raymarine Axiom UAV
Raymarine Axiom multi-function display users can now integrate its DJI Mavic Pro drone with the latest Lighthouse 3.6 update. The Axiom UAV app automates functions such as launch, airborne imaging, in-flight navigation and return to boat. You can use the drone to act as a fish spotter, a forward scout, to capture birdseye images of your boat or just for fun. The drone’s position, speed, course, altitude and camera orientation will all show on your Axiom, Axiom Pro or Axiom XL. Price £FREE www.raymarine.com
Sail-Pilot Croatia
For anyone heading off to Croatian waters, the Sail-Pilot Croatia app looks rather useful. Available on both Android and IOS platform, the app is free to download and works like an almanac, with five separate areas available to buy. The areas range from €6.99 to €8.99 or you can download the whole of Croatia for €19.99. Price £FREE via App Store or Google Play
Volvo Hybrid
Volvo has announced a new hybrid marine propulsion concept. The system is designed to work with IPS drive units and incorporates an electric motor drive system sitting in between the diesel engine and the IPS unit. The system will allow the boat to be driven in electric only mode at speeds of up to 10-12 knots. Due to be released in 2021, the hybrid system will initially be aimed at the commercial market, with leisure versions following soon after. Price £TBA www.volvopenta.com
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September 2018
the latest boating gear and technology
Crewsaver Crewfit 180N Pro
Crewsaver’s new Crewfit 180N Pro lifejackets will be available at the forthcoming Southampton Boat Show. Available in black and red or white and red, the new jacket will include a free surface light as standard. The jacket will also be available in a heavy duty version, the 180N Pro HD, which offers heavy duty front panels for extra durability, as well as additional reflective tape for improved visibility. Price from £95 www.crewsaver.com
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Guernsey St Katharine Docks A London boating city break with a difference
T
ravelling through the UK’s capital is on many boater’s bucket list. Here the mighty Thames meanders through the busy commercial and tourist capital, traversed by multiple bridges, before flowing out to sea. The city landscape is diverse with modern and historic buildings and landmarks coexisting and jostling for that prime waterfront real estate. In its heart, the
historic St Katharine Docks, with its network of marina basins and preserved trading warehouses, provides boaters with a unique and picturesque environment, quite unlike any other in the UK. We think it is the perfect base for a city exploration, and, despite high visitor berthing prices, you are sure to fall under its spell. Fondly referred to as ‘St Kats’, the docks take their name from the former
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Destination
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
London Teddington
Burnham on Crouch
Chatham Ramsgate
hospital next to the Tower, established in the 12th century. The docks date back to Victorian times, when seaman were venturing across oceans to discover new worlds and desirable goods. At its opening in 1828, the dressed tall ship ‘Elizabeth’ motored into the 180ft lock, designed by Thomas Telford, and was the first of many arrivals of its kind. The docks became an important and busy import hub for diverse and decorative goods, such as hardwood, ostrich feathers, ivory, silks and mother of pearl, which were often landed at the spot
now known as Commodity Quay. With its three connected dock basins, it is claimed that the West Dock saw trade of raw materials, such as indigo powder, woods, spices and animal skins, while the East Dock saw the arrival of finished goods for exporting, machinery, foods and beads. Heavy bombing during World War II, and a decline in London’s once prosperous river trading, saw the docks fall out of use, with its closure in 1968. That same year the empty docks were used in the World War II film, Attack on the Iron Coast.
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However, developers soon started to rejuvenate and sympathetically revive the site, integrating apartments, commercial spaces and a marina haven. The 1970s saw the tall Tower Hotel erected on the west waterfront. The attractive Ivory House (1852), with its distinctive clock tower and arched brickwork, overlooking the central basin was one of the warehouses to survive, and is now luxury flats with cafés and restaurants on its quayside level. Looking from the river, you would not know that the basins and this unique community and boating environment exist. The basins are, after all, among the smallest of London’s docks. Being afloat inside the sheltered docks, the buzz of city life simply passes you by, and stepping off the gated pontoons brings a world of possibilities for exploration, with nearby tourist landmarks such as the Tower of London, plus tube and river connections, on your doorstep. Speaking of buzz, did you know that honey is made at the
Docks? There are two hives on the top of International House, and over 10,000 busy city bees have produced 34 batches so far. Jars of honey are available via the marina office. If you see the glimmer of gold in the docks it will almost certainly be marina resident, the Queens rowbarge, Gloriana. You might also spot Winston Churchill’s funeral barge, Havengore. It is also home to several traditional Thames sailing barges, and rafted together in the west Dock, these provide nostalgic glimpses into London’s trading past.
Approaches
A visit to St Katharine Docks needs careful preparation and planning. The Port of London Authority (PLA) has produced a very useful Tidal Thames: Recreational Users Guide. The two-sided laminated chart covers Teddington to Southend and the Medway (Sea Reach Buoy), and details leisure craft routes, navigation information, ferry crossings, leisure craft
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Destination channel crossing points, speed limits, VHF channels to monitor (London VTS Ch.14) and calling instructions for the Thames Barrier. This, as well as tide times and bridge heights, are available to download via the PLA website. There is also a useful free PLA Tidal Thames app that you can download to your smartphone, which provides tidal gauge information, notices to mariners, ship movements and visitor mooring information. If your approach is from seaward, ensure that you have up-to-date charts when plotting your route through sandbanks in the Thames Estuary. The journey takes you through the industrial east end where cargo, ferry and cruise traffic converge. You will pass through Tilbury and under the M25 QE2 bridge, through the Thames Barrier and Woolwich. Soon the riverbank and horizon will be densely populated by skyscrapers and waterfront residences, interspersed with historic landmarks, such as Greenwich Maritime College and the Cutty Sark. London is a busy port with a fast flowing tidal current and lots of fast and slow moving commercial traffic, such as the 30-knot Thames Clipper ferries
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
Distances
Approximate distances in nautical miles from St Katharine Docks: • Thames Barrier 7 miles • Hammersmith Bridge 8 miles • Richmond Lock 14 miles • Teddington Lock 17 miles • QE2 Bridge / Dartford 17 miles • Sheerness / Medway 39 miles • Gillingham Marina 46 miles • Chatham Marina 48 miles • Burnham-on-Crouch 55 miles • Ramsgate 70 miles
Weather & Tides
• Shipping Forecast: Thames • Met Office Inshore Waters: Gibraltar Point to North Foreland • Tower: Live Tidal Gauge
Charts & Pilot Books
• Imray 2100 Kent & Sussex Coasts Chart Pack (Imray Chart Folio) • Imray ‘Navigating the Thames Through Central London’ book • Imray Y7 Thames Estuary South • Fernhurst Books ‘East Coast Rivers’ Cruising Companion • Admiralty SC5606 Thames Estuary, Ramsgate to Tower Bridge • Imray Y18 The River Medway and Approaches Sheerness to Rochester and River Thames Sea Reach chart • Admiralty SC5607 Thames Estuary - Essex and Suffolk Coasts
Mooring charges A Port of London Authority (PLA) chart details all the essential Tidal Thames information
• • • •
10m Overnight £80.30 10m Week £351.60 10m Month £1057.10 10m Annual £7893.60
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C P
L
D
M
N WEST DOCK K
B F A
G CENTRAL BASIN H
R BRID GE
LOCK
J
TOWE
EAST DOCK
Marina Office & Lock Control
N
Tidal entry, the entrance lock at St Katharine Docks is just downstream of Tower Bridge and there are waiting buoys outside. Approaching vessels need to monitor ‘London VTS’ VHF 14
St Katharine Pier
RIVER
THAM
ES The O2
12-knot Speed Limit Hammersmith Bridge Thames Barrier
8-knot Speed Limit
Thames Barrier
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Destination (with flashing lights) that zig zag between landing pontoons, and tugs towing large barges, so you will need to have your wits about you. It is imperative to keep a good look out ahead and behind you at all times, staying as far over to starboard as possible to allow these commercial vessels to overtake you if necessary. There is a blanket speed limit of 12 knots from Margaretness through central London to Wandsworth Bridge, where the limit reduces to 8 knots. However, you will need to keep an eye on your wash. Those travelling from upriver, or the non-tidal Thames, from Teddington Lock for instance, may well have to punch the tide and, with this, will need to factor in the air draught clearance at Hammersmith Bridge (minimum 3.5 metres at MHWS). Be aware that high water at Teddington and Richmond is just over an hour after London Bridge. The lock at St Katharine Docks operates 2 hours before and 1½ hours after high water London Bridge during working hours. Locking times are between 06002030hrs April to October and 08001800hrs November to March. The Docks are 17 miles from Teddington, and 39 miles from the entrance to the Medway.
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
Visitors need to be prepared to raft at busy times
On a first visit we would recommend an arrival before and as close to high water as possible. This way, from seaward, you can carry the tide up into London and avoid the strongest tidal currents at the lock entrance. As a rule of thumb, high water at London Bridge on spring tides tend to be mid-late afternoon, between 3-4pm usually, and neap high waters are usually in the morning, between 7-9am. Visitors intending to visit St Katharine Docks are advised to book in at least a month in advance, during which time they will be prompted to book a lock-in. The marina is very busy throughout the season, and particularly over bank holiday weekends and during marina events. With longer locking periods coinciding with spring
CANVEY ISLAND
QE2 Bridge
THAMES ESTUARY
Lower Hope
RIVER MEDWAY
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Inside the lock is a single floating pontoon to starboard and a lock wall with running chains to port
tides, it is worth noting that the marina operates ‘double lockings’ roughly 1012 days a month, ie. two outbound and inbound locks, during working hours. All locking start and finish times can be found on the website, and additional locks may be available by arrangement. The marina will give you a time that you are able to lock in from, and requests that inbound boats arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of locking so that all operations are complete within the hours stated. You will need to contact the marina, on VHF channel 80, using call sign “St Katharine’s”, once Tower Bridge is in sight. Before Tower Bridge, coming from seaward, you will pass the waterborne division of the Metropolitan Police at Wapping, with its pontoon adorned with Finnish-built Botnia Targas. On the starboard side is the tall, sprawling Tower Hotel. The hotel overlooks the lock from the west. If you are waiting for an imminent lock, be prepared to get a little rocked around, and keep well out the way of commercial traffic visiting St Katharine Pier. There are six waiting buoys outside the marina with pick-up lines attached, so do be careful not to stray between them. If you have a long wait for the lock, the
pick-up lines are very slimy and may be damaged, so try and use your own lines where possible, securing to the top eye on the buoy. Avoid securing by lassoing the buoy, as ropes can snag around the chain underneath. Due to the close proximity to the naval base, HMS President, east, larger motorboats (over 16 metres) may prefer using the west buoys on a flood tide. Visiting motorboats intending to berth in the marina are able to overnight here and will stay afloat over the low water period by using the outer row of buoys only, as the inner ones are in shallow water. You can also secure yourself fore-and-aft (up and downstream) to two buoys to prevent swinging in the strong tidal flow. Be aware that the inside of St Katharine Pier is no longer available for waiting and overnight berthing for marina customers. On your final approach to the lock, prepare fenders at gunwhale height and lines both sides. A lock keeper will usually direct boats into the lock from the starboard pierhead, rafting them up if necessary. Inside there is a high floating wooden pontoon to starboard with plenty of well-placed cleats. At busy times the high lock wall on the port side is used, this has large bollards on top and several chain
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Destination
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
Marine supplies
When departing, you’ll need to request bridge openings from adjoining basins on VHF ch 80
running lines for low freeboard boats to hang onto if necessary. Inbound and outbound boats need to be aware of the uncomfortable swell inside the lock whilst the outer sluice gate is open, which is usually caused by daytime river traffic and wind against tide conditions in the river. Visitors will need to arrange and book a departure lock during their stay. On the day, there will be an announcement 15 minutes before on VHF channel 80, detailing the boats scheduled to depart and preferred order of boats into the lock. As on the arrival, exiting boats are usually arranged on the floating pontoon inside the lock. Again the lock wall may be used at busy times, here you will need to adjust your lines as the level drops.
Where to moor
Visitors will normally be allocated a berth inside the central basin, or berths as they become available in the west
The marine chandlery, Ocean Leisure (0207 930 5050) can be found along the Embankment, close to Charing Cross Bridge. The nearest tube station to this is Embankment. Another useful chandlery is Linden Lewis Marine (01932 247427) at Shepperton Marina on the non-tidal Thames. It is also an engine parts stockist (inc Volvo, Yanmar, MerCruiser). With most marine companies and chandleries offering online ordering, the marina office is happy to take deliveries in.
Where to fill up
There is no fuel at the marina. However, a diesel fuel barge can usually be found downstream of the lock at Wapping. This is operated 24hrs by Thames Marine Services (0203 793 9925) who also operate another barge called Conquestor that moves about to refuel commercial vessels. This can enter St Katharine Docks for a multiple fuel order if necessary, by arrangement. There is no waterside petrol available on the tidal Thames. The nearest fuel berths selling petrol are at Gillingham Marina on the River Medway and Shepperton Marina on the nontidal Thames. The nearest garage to the marina is a Texaco that is 0.5-mile, 11-minute walk east, along the main and busy A1203 road that runs north of the docks.
Thames Marine Services fuel berth is downriver Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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and east docks. The West Dock can accommodate 8-16 metre boats, while the recently reconfigured East Dock can take larger vessels of 8-23 metres. Boats arriving for rallies and events are usually accommodated together, and possibly around a covered floating events pontoon, which moves about the marina. Overnight visitor prices are £7.50 per metre for boats up to 10 metres, boats between 10-11.99 metres are £8.03, over 12 metres is £8.11, with more pricing brackets 14, 16 and 28-metre plus. Admittedly, these berthing prices are quite steep, but if you consider the price in comparison to a hotel on a city break, you will almost certainly feel justified to arrive and witness such a location by boat. There are two marina facility blocks on site. The main one is located within the lock control and marina office building, this includes a laundry and modern individual shower/toilet cubicles. There is also a floating, wooden-clad facilities block in the north west corner of the East Dock. There are black box pump out
West Dock is close to the stylish Piazza and tube
facilities on every pontoon, which are operated by the marina team. A pump out is £25 for visitors and annual berthholders are entitled to 10 free pump outs a year.
Where to eat and drink
There are plenty of eateries to choose from around the marina basin at St Katharine Docks. The Dickens Inn (0207 488 2208) has to be the most iconic. Here a bar and two restaurants are housed inside an attractive, three-storey, balconied, black timber-clad, 18th
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Destination
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
Transport
The Thames Clippers are a convenient and fast way to get about and operate from nearby Tower Millennium Pier, upstream to the London Eye and downstream to the O2. Tower Hill is the nearest tube station (6-minute walk), which is on the Circle, DLR and District lines. Fenchurch Street Station is just a short walk north from Tower Hill and offers C2C trains east to Essex. There are Santander electric bike docking stations at the marina, these are designed for short journeys, and you pay £2 for 30 minutes.
Food supplies
Dock-side gem, the Dickens Inn offers drinks and ‘pub grub’, as well as a Pizzeria and Grill
century warehouse located on the cobbled Marble Quay, overlooking the Central Basin. This reliable favourite it is not only convenient but should also cater for most tastes, budgets and ages, consequently it does get busy on a hot summers day. On the ground level is the Tavern Bar serving pub drinks and grub, for example chicken and chips £10 and a traditional breakfast from 9am at weekends. There is a Pizzeria restaurant on the first floor and a Grill on the top floor. For the curry lover, Mala Restaurant (0207 480 6356) immediately next door is another favourite. There are a whole host of restaurants and cafes to discover, along the central docksides at Ivory House, and also at
There is a small Tesco Express in the road next to West Dock, open daily 6am-Midnight. There is a larger Waitrose supermarket in Thomas More Street, east of East Dock, opening 7:30am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7:30am-9pm Sat and 11am-5pm Sun.
Further afield?
The Medway and its marinas of Chatham and Gillingham are within easy reach of London and a perfect Thames Estuary stepping stone. Those looking to explore the picturesque non-tidal River Thames will need to buy a visitor licence at Teddington Lock. Consideration must be given to air draught due to low bridges, taller motorboats may not be able to proceed further than Windsor (4m) and Cookham Lock (3.81m). The ports of Ramsgate and Burnham-on-Crouch are an easy days cruising from central London.
Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
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KEY 1 The Dickens Inn 2 Marina & Lock Office 3 Mala Restaurant
N F LONDO TOWER O
To Tower Hill Station
4 Ivory House restaurants, cafés, bars 5 The Medieval Banquet 6 The Piazza restaurants & bars
6
5
EAST DOCK
4
WEST DOCK
2
£
£
£
1
CENTRAL BASIN
1 3
2
TOWE R
BRIDG
E
Fuel Train Station St Katharine Pier
To Butlers Wharf
RIVER
To Wapping
THAM
ES
Bus Stop
£ Cash point 1
Tesco Express
2
Waitrose Supermarket Bike Hire Ferry Footpath
Historical landmarks, rail connections, cafés, restaurants pubs and supermarkets, are all close by
the swanky Piazza, which overlooks West Dock. Here you will find a mix of independent and chain restaurants and cafés, such as The Slug and Lettuce, the Asian-inspired Dokke, the Natural Kitchen deli, the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi, French restaurants Cote Brasserie and Café Rouge and Chinese restaurant Ping Pong. Both the St Katharine Docks Café and the White Mulberries Café serve breakfast daily from 7:30am, and are recommended for a bite to eat or a coffee. There are also two Starbucks cafés on site. A marina Privilege Card offers discounts, or in some cases a free bottle of wine with a meal, in many of the docks eateries and bars. In high season there is more food temptation, in the shape of a food market held at Marble Quay on Thursdays and Fridays from 11am. A World Food Market is also held along the waterfront outside The Tower Hotel each year in August. If you find yourself venturing towards Tower Hill, the barbecue smokehouse, Bodeans (0207 488 3883) in Byward Street comes highly recommended. There is also a very good, large Thai restaurant, Thai
Square (020 7680 1111), in the Minories to the north of Tower Hill, which is a 15-minute walk from the marina. We can also recommend visiting historic Wapping High Street, with its three iconic Thamesfront pubs, The Town of Ramsgate, The Captain Kidd and Prospect of Whitby, also Italian, Il Bordello. If you venture across Tower Bridge you will find a choice of restaurants and bars at Butlers Wharf. Finally, for something out of the ordinary at St Katharine Docks, you will find The Medieval Banquet (0207 480 5353) in the nostalgic vaulted basement rooms of Ivory House. Here you can feast in the company of Henry VIII himself and the royal court entertainers for two hours, with a four-course banquet with unlimited drinks priced at £50 per person and costume hire for £10.
Places to see and visit
A matter of yards from the marina are the walls of the Tower of London, an ancient riverfront moated fortress that is dripping in history and captivating stories. As well as a royal palace and menagerie, it was
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September 2018
Destination a place of torture and imprisonment, seeing many prisoners arrive by water via Traitors Gate and not making it back out of its walls. These included Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. In its centre, towering behind its fortified walls, stands the distinctive turreted royal palace, the White Tower, which dates back to Norman times. To this day the Tower remains the long-term guardian of the crown jewels and home to the Tower’s red uniformed Tower custodians, the Yeoman Warders, not forgetting the Tower’s Raven community. Entry to the Tower is normally via the west next to the ticket office and welcome centre. However, during the high season visitors with tickets can enter via the south embankment. Adults aged 18-59 are £26.80, 60s and over are £20.90 and children over 5 £12.70. Visitors can save 15% by booking online. Tower Hill was the site of the execution of traitors imprisoned in the Tower of London. Today a memorial stone marks the spot, in Trinity Square Gardens, where it is thought up to 125 people were executed during the 16th-18th centuries. This included Henry VIII’s chief minister, Thomas Cromwell.
ST KATHARINE DOCKS
The nearby highly decorative River Thames landmark of Tower Bridge also makes for a fascinating visit. Built in 1854, the famous lifting bridge’s exhibition allows you to discover its inner workings in its preserved Victorian engine rooms and of course, take in the panoramic views of London by walking between its two towers on a glass walkway. Each time you visit the marina you are likely to discover something new. For the walker, there is the Thames Path and also the area of Wapping which has some hidden gems, such as the aforementioned historic pubs and Spirit Quay with its ornamental canal running east. Nearby is also Tobaco Dock and Shadwell Basin. Why not catch an afternoon matinée or evening theatre performance at London’s west end? With the nearest station, Tower Hill, just a short walk away, London’s theatre district is within easy reach. The Thames Clippers also provide an excellent link from Tower Millennium Pier to attractions such as the O2, London Eye, Tate Modern and the Sea Life London Aquarium. Details of London’s many more activities and attractions can be found via the Visit London website. MBO
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tested Flag Bilge Paint
PRICE 1 litre
£12.71
I have, over the years, painted a number of bilges, using a variety of different bilge paints. I have always considered the best of these to be International’s Danboline, which covered like nothing else, and usually only required a single coat. The others have tended to be a bit hit and miss, with the worst of Motorboat Owner them performing little better than household emulsion. As you may have already read in this issue, my latest painting job was on our “A top-notch original project boat, Olive, and here I used Flag bilge paint. Unlike performer with a Danboline, which is available in three colours, grey, red or white, budget price tag” Flag is only available in ‘off-white’, which is actually a creamy colour. Value 5/5 Flag Bilge Paint has a similar thick consistency to Danboline Usability 5/5 and goes on almost as well. It needed little more than a shake Performance 4/5 of the can before using, and brushes are easily cleaned in thinners or similar. One coat was not quite good enough for Olive’s bilge and transom, although I am being picky, and to get a perfect finish I did go over the whole area with a very light second coat. In all honestly, the photo I took after the first coat doesn’t really look any different to the one taken after two, but there were just a few dark marks and streaks very slightly showing through. The dried surface appears tough and shiny and, in other parts of the boat where the same paint was applied a year or so earlier, it is wearing very well. It also seems to live up to its sales hype of being resistant to oil, grease and water, and where any marks were showing, they wipe off easily with either water or a weak detergent. The off-white colour worked for me, with Olive, but if I’m honest they really could do with adding a couple of alternatives. When it comes to painting out the bilge of our Fairline project, I want it to be a nice pure white so I will have no alternative than to go back to International’s excellent Danboline, but be lighter in the pocket for it. With an RRP of £12.71 for 1 litre, Flag is wellpriced compared to alternatives. It may not cover quite as well as the class leader, but even if you do have to apply a second light coat, like I did, it still offers excellent value for money. Easy to apply, giving a shiny finish
Contact: Flag Paints www.flagpaints.co.uk
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September 2018
Reader Survey
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This competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over, except employees, and their families, of Digital Marine Media Ltd and E.P. Barrus Ltd. The prize is a Mariner 2.5hp four stroke outboard engine. The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative available. The closing date is the 31st of October at 12:00 GMT. The winner will be contacted by email within four weeks of the closing date. Only one entry per registered reader is allowed. Multiple entries will result in disqualification. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost or corrupted due to technological problems. In the event of the prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an equivalent of equal value. The winner agrees to the disclosure of their name, photograph and town/county of residence for publicity purposes. These details will be published in the January 2019 issue of Motorboat Owner. The winner’s details will also be passed on to E.P. Barrus Ltd. The winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted, are unable to comply with the terms and conditions, fail to meet the eligibility criteria, or fail to provide an address for delivery, the prize will be forfeited and the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next randomly drawn eligible entrant received before the closing date. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. These terms and conditions are governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. The prize is provided by E.P. Barrus Ltd. The Promoter is Digital Marine Media Limited, Suite 6 Philpot House, Station Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HH.
Aquador 35 AQ
104 September 2018
BOAT TEST
Length (LOA): 10.28m / 33ft 9in Beam: 3.49m / 11ft 5in Displacement: 6,200kg Fuel capacity: 599 litres Water capacity: 173 litres RCD category: B Engines as tested: 2 x 260hp Mercury V6 TDI Other engine options: 1 x Volvo Penta D6 400hp Price from £298,200 Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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A
quador is a brand that conjures up pictures of small to mid-sized, conservatively-designed boats, many of them with practical wheelhouses, or wheelshelters. The image that you have in mind almost certainly has good walkaround decks and likely blue topsides. This is the way Aquadors have been presented to the world since the turn of the century. Then, a couple of years back, they came out with the ST range. With the 30 and 35ST models, Aquador moved away from the previous design with boats that, while still conservative in look and practical in execution, brought the brand bang up to date. Then, last year,
Aquador did something rather unexpected. They ventured into the future with a boat that, even a year or more after its launch, still has a rather futuristic look about it. It also has one or two features that, at its launch, were unique and ahead of its time in the boating world. The 35AQ is a 10-metre wheelhouse boat that deserves a
106 September 2018
closer look. We took it for a spin in its home waters to find out more. The 35AQ’s unique look is thanks to Aquador’s partnership with prolific Norwegian designer, Espen Thorup, who also has on his résumé many of the current Bella and Flipper models. When Espen is involved, you know the end result will be something clever, and often a little different. The first thing you notice is the abundance of glass. Previous Aquadors, even the ST range, used glass sparingly, but with the AQ it is all about letting the light in and merging the inside with the outside and vice versa. This, coupled with the use of light coloured materials gives the 35AQ one of the brightest interiors we have seen on a boat of this style. This light and airy feeling extends all the way down into the lower accommodation area, where the 35AQ is equipped with two Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
“The characteristically conservative, navy blue hulled Aquador has vanished. Make way for the futuristic 35 AQ”
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separate cabins and a toilet compartment. The master cabin is in the bow and takes full advantage of those big forward hull windows which, together with two smaller overhead skylights, an opening hatch and a full 6ft 3in of headroom make this cabin feel particularly spacious. Storage comes by way of a full height cupboard on either side, one shelved and the other hanging, and some further space below the berth. Standing room, aft of the berth, is limited but delivers adequate space for a private dressing area. This cabin is configured in such a way that removal of a small infill cushion piece turns it from a double into a twin, which adds to the 35’s family friendly credentials. Moving aft into a small lower lobby area provides access to the toilet compartment on the starboard side, and the boat’s
second cabin to port. This ‘mid’ cabin provides a large, full-width double below the wheelhouse. Headroom over the berth is limited, but enough to sit up and read and, with its full-width configuration comes windows at both ends of the berth that open up what might otherwise be quite a dark space. This cabin also offers a decent dressing area, with 6ft of standing headroom and a small double bench seat. Storage in here is provided by a fullheight hanging locker against the forward bulkhead. In the toilet compartment opposite, the space has been divided to provide a shower/toilet section and separate area with a sink and storage. The latter comprises a double cupboard below the sink and a second locker above. Space in here is pretty generous with
108 September 2018
plenty of elbowroom and a little over 6ft headroom. A small hull window allows in some natural light, and an opening port provides ventilation. Back out in the lobby, two steps, both with storage built in, lead up through the companionway and into the wheelhouse. Here the tall glass windows, large opening sunroof, full width opening rear doors and near 6ft 5in of headroom throughout, create a living space that blends inside with out, and feels more spacious than it actually is. Up front there are three forward facing seats, one for the helm and a twin bench to port, with the helm also having a full height, albeit a little short, sliding door alongside for easy access to the decks. The helm itself is well laid out and comfortable, with the option of standing with your head out of the Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
Accommodation is spacious and light throughout
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roof for communications with crew and close quarters work. The console of our test boat was laid out in a glass bridge style, with two big Simrad screens to take care of navigational stuff and engine instrumentation. The area is big enough for traditional engine instruments, while still leaving room for a large single multifunction display, if you prefer a more traditional helm experience. Our boat was fitted with the optional Mercury joystick control, which had been placed down alongside the seat to starboard. While this made it easy to use when seated, it maybe isn’t ideally located when standing with your head out of the roof, perhaps when you might need it most while manoeuvring in tight spaces. The double navigator’s seat opposite is supportive and comfortable and comes with individual
lifting bolsters and a sturdy grabrail. The overhead sunroof again provides fresh air to this position, but an opening window alongside would have been a nice addition. The one-piece convex front windscreen of the 35 is heated, a feature that is so useful on enclosed helm vessels, but typically not found on boats of this size, despite being widely available on your average Ford saloon for more than 20 years. Let’s hope that Aquador are the standard bearer in this regard and we see similar appearing on other boats of this size and style. Behind the helm is the boat’s compact but practical galley, which runs down the remaining length of the starboard side of the wheelhouse. Comprising a single sink, two-burner diesel powered hob and optional oven, the galley also delivers
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plenty of storage with five drawers and a single cupboard. The standard, 130 litre, fridge is located alongside, in the space beneath the helm seat, and the options list includes a second, 29 litre, fridge/ freezer as well. Overhead, a flush mounted extractor above the hob, adds to the practicalities of this area. The dinette is located opposite the galley, and this has a clever trick up its sleeve. In basic form it’s fairly compact, but large enough for a family meal tucked up inside the wheelhouse when the weather is less than perfect. When the weather allows, however, you can slide all four sections of the wheelhouse door over to the starboard side, add a small cushion and move the tables around to A table for 12? The saloon and cockpit seating create a completely conjoined cockpit/ and tables join together for large gatherings saloon seating area that could probably Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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PERFORMANCE
As tested 60% fuel 0% water 4 crew Force 2-3 RPM
650 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
accommodate the full RCD rated complement of 12. Out in the cockpit you get seating along the transom and port sides, and one particularly nice touch is that the designers have added a small return on the starboard end of the transom seat to provide a corner and support for anyone seated here. Overhead the wheelhouse overhang is filled with a central canvas section that can offer protection from bad weather, or be rolled back to allow good weather in. Access to the large bathing platform is through a stainless steel transom gate and out here is a simple uncluttered area with a hidden bathing platform on the starboard side and the
Knots
LPH
GPH
MPG
3.4 5.3 7.8 9.2 13.6 23.8 30.3 35.6
1.6 3.4 15.0 30.0 46.2 58.8 75.0 95.6
0.35 0.75 3.30 6.60 10.2 12.9 16.5 21.0
9.71 7.07 2.36 1.39 1.33 1.85 1.84 1.70
Range (nm)
1279 931 311 183 175 243 242 224
Sound levels dB*
54 55 67 73 76 78 80 81
option of a neatly concealed stern anchor to port. Access forward can be safely achieved on either side, as both side decks are very wide and usable. The port deck is raised, and the low profile guardrail will probably mean owners and crew will favour the sunken starboard side deck, but its nice to have the option. A hidden fender locker in the aft section of the port side deck, behind cockpit seating, is a useful feature and the gas strut to hold it open while in
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Apart from some turbo lag, the VW-based Mercury V6 diesels deliver a responsive performance
“Surprisingly nimble, with all the characteristics of a sportsboat” use, a very practical touch. Just in front of the side helm door, the starboard side deck has two steps to take you up to the raised foredeck. The lower of these steps conceals a small open locker that is perfect for storing a midships line, as it is adjacent to the boat’s midships cleat. This is a handy feature when single handed, making it easy for the skipper to leave the helm and get a line ashore in one easy fluid movement. The flat side decks continue all the way forward, where they meet to create a large flat working area with double access hatches to the cavernous anchor locker below. Underway If you think that driving the 35AQ will Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
be a bit muted and staid, you would be wrong, but don’t worry you would be in good company. We thought the same too, until we got behind the wheel. In fact the Aquador is surprisingly nimble, and has all the characteristics of a sportsboat. Light, precise steering, good directional stability, leans tight into fast turns and accelerates briskly. The only downside in its sporty performance is the rather epic turbo lag from the twin V6 diesels. Push the throttles forward and there is a full 2.5 second delay until the turbos spin up and the 35 takes off like a scalded cat. Even with this delay, the 35 gets up onto the plane in 6.5 seconds, hits 20 knots just 2.5 seconds later and is cruising at 30 knots in a mere 15 seconds. That’s
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pretty impressive performance for a sixton family wheelhouse cruiser. Fast and tight turns will produce a reasonable drop in speed and engine RPMs, but with abundant torque, the VW-based diesels win that speed back quickly as soon as the helm is straightened out. Although the 35 feels light when helming, this does not appear to translate to a feeling of lightness when it matters. On the contrary, when taking a decent sized wake bow on, there is no slamming, only composed ploughing through the waves. Visibility is generally good, bar the usual wheelhouse blind spots, although the raised helm seat does mean that you have to duck a little for an unhindered view to starboard, due to the bulkiness of the wheelhouse support. I was half expecting the convex front screen to slightly distort the forward view, but this was not the case at all, and the triple pantograph wipers ensure that the forward view stays good whatever the weather. With the roof open, the ability to stand with your head out at any speed and have a full 360° view, overcomes any minor shortcomings that
Practical decks do not mean you have to forego little luxuries like a large double sunpad
the 35AQ may have in terms of visibility from the helm. With the back doors closed, the 35 delivered a remarkably quiet environment at all speeds. Even with the roof open, which allowed a good flow of fresh air, the noise levels barely increased. For your crew there is plenty of comfort to be had when the boat is underway. The double navigator’s seat is supportive and offers a good view forward. The cockpit is nicely sheltered, and those corner cushions provide a good opportunity to securely wedge yourself in.
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Conclusion The Aquador 35AQ is a flagship worthy of the name. It offers fantastic family friendly accommodation, a sporty driving experience and a very pleasant onboard ambiance. The light, airy and roomy interior belies its LOA, and little touches like the heated front screen and standard fit diesel heating will make all year round boating as natural and easy as all year round driving. Looks-wise, the jury seems split. It may not offer the sleek lines of other boats in this class but I think its design delivers a rugged practical look of the sort provided by the likes of Finnish compatriots Sargo and Botnia Targa. When
A sprightly performer. The 35AQ delivers a driving experience that is both sensible and fun
you start to talk about the 35 in the same sentence as those two, you know you must surely be onto a good thing.
ENQUIRIES: MGM Boats Tel: 02380 456318 www.mgmboats.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Sealine C330
Jeanneau NC33
Parker Monaco 110
LOA: 10.31m Beam: 3.5m Displacement: 6,670kg Enquiries: TBS Boats 01932 570055 www.tbsboats.com
LOA: 10.5m Beam: 3.32m Displacement: 5,366kg Enquiries: Jeanneau Visit www.jeanneau.com for your nearest dealer
LOA: 11.2m Beam: 3.62m Displacement: 5,900kg Enquiries: Parker Visit www.parkerpoland.eu for your nearest dealer
The S330 has just been given an outboard option; the C330 Coupe version is currently available with single or twin sterndrives.
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The French built NC33 offers a very similar layout and is available with just the one engine option of twin Volvo Penta D3 220’s.
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Parker’s flagship model is slightly larger and powered by twin outboards of up to 400hp each, delivering a top speed of over 40 knots.
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> NEXT MONTH Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd
Husky R8S
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Viking / 22
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Andrews / 25ft Launch
1987 | £7,000 | 22ft | 6.7m
1973 | £15,000 | 26.3ft | 8.0m
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Interboat / Intender 780
Intercruiser / 29
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Volvo Penta V6 -200C Petrol Engine £36,950 INC VAT Lying Windsor
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Glatron GT229 Cuddy
Volvo Penta V6 - 280C Petrol Engine £59,950 INC VAT Lying Windsor
Admiral 570
Mariner 15 EFI Outboard Engine £19,567 INC VAT Lying Walton
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Cranchi 44HT
2x Volvo Penta D6-EVC400 Diesel Engines Lying Windsor £560,240 INC VAT Arriving Windsor soon
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Owners Directory i Arvor Boat Owners Club
Dell Quay Ranger website
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www.dellquayranger.supanet.com
Aquastar Owners Club
Electric Boat Association
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Bavaria Owners’ Association
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Bayliner Owners Club
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Broom Owners Club
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Classic Offshore Powerboat Club
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Cranchi Owners Club & Forum cranchiownersclub.com
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www.freemancruisers.com
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Jeanneau Owners Network
www.jeanneau-owners.com
Marex Owners Club www.marexownersclub.co.uk
Mariah Owners Club www.mariahownersclub.com
September 2018
Maxum Owners Club
Sealine Owners Club
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www.sealineowners.com
Microplus Boats
Seamaster Club
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www.seamasterclub.org
Monterey Fourm
Seaward Owners Club
forums.montereyboats.com
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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
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princessownersclub.com
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Single Vetus 65hp diesel engine, bow & stern thrusters
£39,950 01189 403211 email address
121
Classified
Two Seasure Folding Bikes
Very good condition, as only used a couple of times and stored in original carry bags and boxes. 6 gears, suspension for soft ride, 16inch wheels. Collection only from Reading area.
£150 the pair 07585 963701
Motorboat Owner Affordable practical boating
1978 Freeman 30
1979 Broom 35 European
Twin Ford 80hp diesels. Classic wheelhouse cruiser. Sleeps 4, with forward V berth and saloon dinette. Fridge, inverter, gas oven, hob and grill
Twin Ford 80hp diesels. Aft cabin cruiser offering 4-6 berths. Diesel heating, electric toilet, inverter, generator, four-burner hob and oven, Great handling family cruiser.
£23,000
£29,950
01189 403211 info@valwyattmarine.co.uk
01189 477 770 guy.girling@tingdene.net
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Aquador (MGM Boats)...................................................................... Page 17 Boat Track.......................................................................................... Page 14 Dean & Reddyhoff Portland Marina................................................. Page 13 Cambrian Boats................................................................................. Page 119 Craftinsure.......................................................................................... Page 29 Evinrude / BRP.................................................................................... Page 87 EC Leisurecraft (Ocqueteau)........................................................... Page 11 Insure4Boats...................................................................................... Page 19 MDS Battery....................................................................................... Page 14 Offshore Powerboats (Nimbus)........................................................ Page 15 Parker Poland.................................................................................... Page 69 Premier Drystacks............................................................................. Page 7 RBS Marine (Rodman)...................................................................... Page 57 Sargo Boats / Rhea Boats................................................................. Page 43 Seabridge Marine............................................................................. Page 67 Tingdene Boat Sales......................................................................... Page 118 Tingdene Marinas............................................................................. Page 4 Val Wyatt Marine.............................................................................. Page 117 Vetus.................................................................................................. Page 65 Windermere Boat Sales.................................................................... Page 116 Yacht Haven Quay Plymouth / Yacht Havens............................... Page 89 122
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Ducks take a rest on Pedro bathing platform SPOTTED! by John Frew
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