FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Sunseeker 31 l Birchwood 25 l Island Harbour

APRIL 2014

Changing Engine Oil PRACTICAL

BOAT TEST

OwnerA�ordable practical boating

Motorboat

JeanneauMerry Fisher 855

CRUISING West Country

October 2013

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Motorboat OwnerDigital Marine Media LtdDragon Enterprise CentreStephenson RoadLeigh on Sea,Essex SS9 5LY

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Editor, Neale Byart01268 922992 neale@motorboatowner.co.uk

Associate Editor, Claire Frew01268 922993claire@motorboatowner.co.uk

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

@

Welcome to the April issue. After what seems like non-stop wind and rain since the new year, I’ll say this very quietly, I think spring might have finally sprung. I know it’s only the middle of March and anything can still happen, but I have just spent a weekend on board our boat and I was sitting in the cockpit, half the canopies removed, wearing a T-shirt and drinking a cold beer. If I had remembered to have

taken them I would have even been wearing my sunnies. It’s now Monday morning and I do believe I may have even suffered a very mild case of sunburn. It is these weekends that make boat ownership worthwhile, and in one fell swoop all the previous bad weather is brushed aside or forgotten as you start to make plans for the coming season. This time last year James Gilbert was doing exactly that, and you can read all about his

summer cruise to the Isles of Scilly in this issue. Do you fancy doing something adventurous with your boat this year? Why not consider joining us for the inaugural Motorboat Owner Cruise in Company. We’ll be heading off to Normandy in this very special year, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. See page 67 for more details. If you are one of those whose boat has been damaged by the recent weather, I hope your insurance company has everything in hand and that you’ll be back on the water very soon. In light of these events we have spoken to an expert in boat insurance to get some advice about what can be done to protect your boat, not just against the weather, but also other common issues that can result in a claim. With the weather as fickle as it is, there is some sage advice to be stored for the future.

From the Editor

Jam

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Nelson 44 ‘Katriona’ moored in the tidal harbour of Mousehole. See page 20

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3 2 April 2014

CONTENTS

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 5

p34

Sunseeker Portofino 31

REGULARSNEWS page 6INBOX page 10CUTTING EDGE page 18

Q&A page 30TESTED page 58

APRIL 2014

page 50 Second Look1978 Birchwood 25

page 60 PracticalInsurance Advice

21

ISLAND HARBOUR Destination Guide

p42

PRACTICAL How to: Changing engine oil and filter

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16

April 2014

8

7

9

12

11

10

Now remove the old oil filter using a filter tool. The best

kind depends on access but between these two I haven’t

been defeated yet

When the filter is removed there will be some spillage

so you’ll need a container, or an airtight bag lined

with old rags, at the ready

Loosen the filter using the tool. As soon as it starts to

turn, stop. You’ll be able tofinish undoing it by hand.

Get the catchment kit ready

If the dipstick tube does notreach the sump bottom, you

may not get all of the oil out.Check the pump at the end

for the quantity expected

A few pumps and the oil will start to be sucked out.

You’ll know when it’s done as you’ll hear a change of

noise once it’s sucking air

Up to now it’s been a fairly clean operation, but before

you go any further you should protect your skin

from the old engine oil

15

14

13

Unscrew the filter and drop it into your container / bag.

There will be a flow of oil from the housing for a

while, so allow it to drain

Ensure that the seal from the old filter isn’t stuck on

the filter mount. If you add a new filter on top of an old

seal, it will leak

Lightly smear the new filter’s rubber seal with a bit

of engine oil. This willlubricate it and ensure a good seal when fitted

Motorboat Owner 15

HOW TO IN 20 STEPS

Start the engine and run it,

preferably in gear, until the

temperature gauge reads

around 50°C

Remove the filler cap as

this will allow a free flow of

air into the engine and help

the flow of oil out

A sump drain on the

bottom of the engine is the

best way to remove oil but

as most are inaccessible you

can use the dipstick tube

32

1

Changing the oil and filter

65

4

Some engines have a

dedicated oil removal tube

like this one, and some

even have a manual pump

fitted

If you are going to use the

dipstick or oil removal tube

you will need something to

suck the oil out. I use a Pela

Vacuum pump but there

are also electric pumps that

will do the job

You can poke a thin pipe

down the tube and into the

sump, or connect a thicker

pipe to the top of the

extraction tube

Before changing the oil you will need to run the engines, preferably under load, to get

the oil up to temperature. Hot oil will flow better, making it easier to extract, plus any

detritus in the engine will be taken into suspension in the oil and removed as the oil

is drained. In my experience the engine needs to be up to at around 50°C for the oil to

flow freely, without being so hot that any oil spills are liable to cause burns.

CRUISING West Country

p20

p68

p12

BOAT TEST

JeanneauMerry Fisher 855

The HX300E - the fi rst Marine VHF Handheld to offer the ability to

charge via a USB port

Due to the widespread popularity of the USB charging system, fi nding the correct charger for your handheld has never been easier.

Not only that, the HX300E is packed with masses of features, is lightweight, compact and waterproof with a three year warranty. If accidentally dropped overboard, it will fl oat face up and a red fl ashing light will activate on contact with the water, even If the unit is switched off.

www.standardhorizon.co.uk

Email us at marinesales@standardhorizon.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1962 866667

ChargedUniversally

If you have news from your region, email us ateditorial@motorboatowner.co.ukNEWS

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7 6 April 2014

The construction of the new £7 million 350 metre breakwater at Cowes, Isle of Wight will commence this Easter. It is expected that the structure will be ready for summer 2015, transforming Cowes into a “true sheltered harbour”, say the Cowes Harbour Commission.

Construction of new Cowes breakwater to start at Easter

According to the Royal Yachting Association, the Belgium Finance Minister, Koen Greens, has now advised that visiting UK leisure craft can use red diesel in Belgian waters, providing that they can present documents to demonstrate that exise duties have been paid in the UK. The Minister also stipulated that these documents should be no older than a year from time of inspection. This is great news to start the cruising season. However in light of the news, the RYA has stressed the importance of keeping receipts for diesel purchased in the UK and to request that the fuel retailer mark ‘Duty Paid’ on the receipt. They also advise boaters to log refuelling dates with corresponding engine hours, not to carry red diesel anywhere else other than the main fuel tank and not to buy red diesel in countries where it is not allowed. Link to the RYA news report

Belgium to allow UK boaters with red diesel

DIARY DATESViking Cruisers Open Weekend

28th & 29th MarchHenley & Wargrave Boat Show

12th & 13th AprilAncasta Easter Boat Collection

12th-21st AprilEast Coast Boat Weekend

26th & 27th AprilBeaulieu Boat Jumble

27th AprilJersey Boat Show

3rd-5th MayHorning Boat Show

3rd MaySandbanks Boat Show

10th & 11th MayBritish Motor Yacht Show

16th, 17th & 18th May Beale Park Boat Show6th, 7th & 8th June

Henley & Wargrave Boat Show returnsOn the 12th and 13th of April the Henley & Wargrave Boat Show will return for its 3rd year. The show is a collaboration between Thames companies Val Wyatt Marine, Bushnells and Hobbs of Henley. This year the show will give visitors an insight into river life, as well as the local community. Alongside the marine suppliers, there will be new attractions and exhibitors including local produce, outdoor lifestyle goods plus food and drinks stalls. As well as free entry to the show there will also be free boat trips available.

BoatShow10am to 4pm 2014

Henley&Wargrave

12th & 13th April

FREE BOAT TRIPS

MARINE STORE & SUPPLIES

NEW & USED BOAT DISPLAYS

FOOD STALLS AND REFRESHMENTS

henleywargraveboatshowTo get more information on what’s on visit

A great day out for all the family

brought to you by

It is going to be a busy year for Scotland, the 2014 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup golf tournament will be at Gleneagles. To celebrate these sports tournaments, the Royal Yachting Association Scotland is organising a Commonwealth Flotilla, which will see over 250 boats making the journey to the centre of Glasgow to see the action. The event will commence on the 25th of July with a reception and party at James Watt Dock Marina, Greenock and the flotilla will depart the next day for Glasgow, where it will overnight. The RYA is also organising a number of feeder cruises which will allow boaters to cruise in company from other parts of the UK in order to join the flotilla. For more information and to download a registration form visit www.ryascotland.org.uk/events/flotilla2014/flotilla .

RYA Commonwealth Flotilla

If you have news from your region, email us ateditorial@motorboatowner.co.ukNEWS

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 9 8 April 2014

African Queen fireA fundraising effort has begun to support the owners of the African Queen which was gutted by a fire in Dartmouth, on the night of the 10th March 2014. Harbour staff, fire crews and two RNLI lifeboats acted quickly to tackle a blaze aboard a resident 50ft wooden charter boat. The cause of the fire is unknown. The owners, who live on board had returned to the boat to find smoke coming from the funnel. They raised the alarm and were able to throw gas cylinders and flares overboard before the fire took hold. The RNLI has said the fire was so intense that within half an hour the vessel was gutted to the deck line. With so much water used to tackle the blaze there was a danger of it becoming unstable, so harbour staff brought it alongside the quay to be pumped out before more water was used. The boat, constructed from mahogany and oak, was built in Poole in 1946 as a general services launch and later named the African Queen. Captain Giles of the Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority (DHNA) said “We all want to help so we have set up a special bank account for people to pay donations into. It’s the least we can do, as an authority, to help owners Alan and Hilary, who are very well regarded on the river.”

New third partycover for boatersCraftinsure.com has launched a new ‘Third Party Only’ insurance option for boat owners. Online annual premiums start at £65.00, and there are no survey requirements. The company hopes to appeal to those needing just the basic level of protection and to comply with inland waterway requirements or other local regulations. The policy provides legal liability cover for £3,000,000 for any one event, with a separate limit of £15,000 to cover removal of a sunken vessel. Recent flooding has left many boats needing to be retrieved, and salvage charges sometimes exceed the value of the boat.See our insurance feature on page 60

The expansion of Cork Harbour Marina is in its final approval stages. The marina, located in Monkstown on the west bank of the River Lee, currently has 90 berths. If plans go ahead its capacity will increase to 280 berths. Plans include a marina pavillion building, incorporating a provisions shop, a restaurant, chandlery, marine and boat sales office, a gym,

toilets, showers and laundry facilities. The marina is awaiting a crucial foreshore agreement and will be assessed on the 7th of April. Visitor berthing is currently available for €25 a night for a 10-metre boat.

Step closer for Cork marina expansion Pwllheli Marina dredgingWork is underway to dredge the silted marina basin and entrance channel to Pwllheli, giving greater tidal access to the harbour. Contractors were on site early this year building the containment wall to hold the expected 90,000 cubic metres of dredged material. The dredger, ‘Van Oord’ started work in February and is due to be in operation until May. For updates www.hafanpwllheli.co.uk

RNLI - A

ndy K

yle

@INBOX email: editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 1110 April 2014

STAR LETTER

Having just read your Q&A in the March issue I thought I’d drop you a line. Diesel was, of course, historically the motor boaters’ fuel of choice as it had been so lightly taxed for many years. Indeed, the whole infrastructure and availability had been geared to this and it was surprisingly difficult for any competitor fuel to invade this territory. It was only the smallest boats, typically outboard powered, that used petrol with its high tax level. But fifteen years ago a third option surfaced: liquefied petroleum gas or LPG. This was a propane/butane mix as commonly used in central heating and cooking. Gas had some major advantages over its predecessors, mainly that it was cheaper and cleaner. Additionally, it could be burnt in petrol engines (carburetted or injected) that were lighter and cheaper than diesel engines. Being a perfect vapour it never suffered from the uneven mixtures that are the bane of atomised liquids. Even better, a helm switch would change between gas and petrol while on the move. This is a big safety feature as most engine stoppages at sea are fuel related. So, too good to be true? Not at all. In our Hunton 42 with twin 8.2L Chevrolet petrol engines we have covered about 18,000 miles on gas in the last fifteen years with virtually no trouble. The previous six years had all been on petrol. And where can you fill up? Presently Sparkes Marina at Hayling Island is the only Solent based filling point, although gas is also available in Torquay. If anyone is interested in converting their petrol engines to gas, or upgrading or repairing an older gas system, I will be pleased to help. We operate on a private basis as Scott’s Marine Gas Support and are backed by more experience of marine gas use than probably anyone else in the UK. Dr Walter Scott drwfscott@btopenworld.comThe Editor replies: Thank you for your input Dr Scott. It’s great to hear that you are still cruising on gas. If you are intersted in LPG, Dr Scott is the man to talk to.

Gas or Gasoline?

Following on from your Moonraker 36 article in the February issue, I found this original advertisement in a 1972 boating magazine. Your article was a great read and certainly brought back feelings of nostalgia for bygone days. I can remember standing on the quay in Salcombe in the early 70’s and seeing one of these iconic cruisers for the first time. It looked huge and certainly was a head turner in those days. It was the boat which I lusted after for many years but sadly, this never came to fruition. It surely is a testament that these, spacious, sturdy and popular classics are still providing their current owners with enjoyable boating, over four decades later. Charlie OwenThe Editor replies: I agree. I think many people with an interest in boats in the 70’s looked at the Moonraker as the boat of their dreams, I know I did.

Moonraker 36

Dr Scott takes on another tank of LPG in his Hunton

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Motorboat Owner 13 12 April 2014

HOW TO

Engine oil and filter change

T

What oil?

Engine branded oil will meets all the right specifications, but it’s not the only choice

TOOLS• Filterwrench• Oilextractionpumporspannerforsumpplug• Oilcollectionreceptacle

YOU WILL NEED

DIFFICULTY RATING

ooooo

he service requirements for your engine are many, and all of them are needed to ensure many years of trouble free motoring, but if there is one thing from the list that will ensure engine longevity, possibly more than all the others, it is the oil and filter change. Oil has a number of jobs to fulfil, each of them important in keeping the engine running, but the most crucial is the lubrication of moving parts. Two pieces of metal moving against each other will

Again your engine manual will answer this question. The quality and specifications of engine oil are all listed on the can, but first and foremost you need to ensure you get the recommended viscosity. This is usually listed as something like 15W-40 where the first figure indicates the oil viscosity when cold and the second when the oil is at 100°C. The lower viscosity helps ensure easier starting of a cold engine, while the higher viscosity better protects the engine once it is up to temperature. The second consideration is that the oil meets the right standards, of which there are a number of different ones. The two commonly quoted standards are API (American Petroleum Institute), and ACEA (Association des Constructeurs

often then cooled down by being passed through a heat exchanger/oil cooler. Even on engines without an oil cooler, the cooling effect of the oil is still important. Lastly the oil acts as a waste disposal service. It picks up debris, such as small metal fragments and carbon deposits and takes them to the oil filter where they are stored out of harms way. These small fragments, if allowed to circulate in the engine’s oil, could cause significant wear and tear on engine components as the oil becomes more and more abrasive. Under its waste disposal hat, oil will also deal, by way of its additives, with nasty chemicals produced by the combustion process. Engine manuals will indicate how often the oil should be changed, usually about

every 100 hours or once a year, but in my mind this is one job that you can’t do too often. If you change your oil at the intervals recommended by the engine manufacturer fine, but oil and oil filters are pretty cheap so doing it twice as often is no great financial hardship and your engine will love you for it. Think about all the jobs it is doing and understand that its ability to do each of these diminishes the older and more used the oil gets. It is also one of the easier engine service jobs to undertake. Yes it can get a bit messy, but proper preparation is the key to keeping this under control. You don’t need to take the boat out of the water and an oil change can realistically be achieved in about half an hour, or an hour for twin engines.

Européens d’Automobiles). API standardsstart with an S for oil designed for petrol engines with the latest grade being SN. SA to SH are all now obsolete but the oil is backward compatible so, for example, if your manual states you should use oil that meets API SH, you can happily use API SJ, SL, SM etc. The API standards for

very quickly build up heat, resulting in expansion and seizure. The oil lubricates the parts to ensure heat does not build up. Oil also plays a small part in keeping the engine cool. Some of the combustion heat is transferred to the oil, and the oil is

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Motorboat Owner 15 14 April 2014

HOW TO IN 20 STEPS

Start the engine and run it, preferably in gear, until the temperature gauge reads around 50°C

Remove the filler cap as this will allow a free flow of air into the engine and help the flow of oil out

A sump drain on the bottom of the engine is the best way to remove oil but as most are inaccessible you can use the dipstick tube

321

Changing the oil and filter

654

Some engines have a dedicated oil removal tube like this one, and some even have a manual pump fitted

If you are going to use the dipstick or oil removal tube you will need something to suck the oil out. I use a Pela Vacuum pump but there are also electric pumps that will do the job

You can poke a thin pipe down the tube and into the sump, or connect a thicker pipe to the top of the extraction tube

diesel oils are prefixed with a C, with the newest being CJ-4. Unlike petrol engine oil, the latest standard is not always suitable for older engines. If you manual calls for an oil to API standard CE, CD or CF or one of the other obsolete standards, you should stick to API CH-4 or CI-4 rather than the CJ-4. The ACEA standards use a simple A, B and C grade system. A is for petrol engines, B is for diesels and C is for diesels with a particulate filter. They add to this a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 depending upon the application. Boat engines typically require ACEA A3 or B3, or possibly B4. It is not unusual to find oils produced to meet the standards for both petrol and diesel engines, thus an oil meeting API CH-4 may also state that it meets API SJ and an oil that meets ACEA A3 may also meet ACEA B3. This means that the oilcan be used in petrol or diesel engines. Lastly your engine manual may indicate that the oil needs to meet a further standard, this is usually the engine manufacturers own standard, for example, your Volvo Penta manual might recommend oil that meets VDS-3. Ultimately it is this last standard that leads many boat owners to only buy oil branded by the engine manufacturer, but that is not always necessary. Granted it is the easiest option and contrary to popular belief it is not always the most expensive, but hunt around and you will find other oils that meet all of the specifications demanded by the manufacturer of your engine, useful if you are stuck somewhere where a car spares shop is your only option. You

won’t find Volvo Penta oil in Halfords, but you might find Mobil Devlac or Shell Rimula R4, which both meet all of the standards required. While we have touched on filters, it goes without saying that anytime an oil change is carried out, a filter change should be undertaken too. The filters collect all the debris and detritus that the oil scoops up around the engine and changing the filter is the only way to remove it completely from your engine. Some owners only change the filter every two oil changes, but for me this doesn’t make sense. For around £10 per filter the savings just aren’t worth considering. Like oil, the engine manufacturers don’t make oil filters. Buying an engine manufacturer’s branded oil filter is againthe easiest, but not the only option. Companies like Fram, Baldwin, Wix, Fleetguard and even Halfords sell filters that will cross reference the original part number. Unlike oil though, there are no standards written on the box, so I am a bit more wary of using a third party oil filter. The choice is yours, there are some small savings to be made, but for me an original filter seems the sensible option.

Original filters are the best bet, but they can be cross referenced with aftermarket equivalents

Before changing the oil you will need to run the engines, preferably under load, to get the oil up to temperature. Hot oil will flow better, making it easier to extract, plus any detritus in the engine will be taken into suspension in the oil and removed as the oil is drained. In my experience the engine needs to be up to at around 50°C for the oil to flow freely, without being so hot that any oil spills are liable to cause burns.

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Motorboat Owner 17 16 April 2014

87 9

121110

Remove the old oil filter using a special tool. The best kind depends on access to the filter, but with these two I haven’t been defeated yet

When the filter is removed there will be some spillage so you’ll need a container, or an airtight bag lined with old rags, at the ready

Loosen the filter using the tool. As soon as it starts toturn, stop. You’ll be able tofinish undoing it by hand.Get the catchment kit ready

If the dipstick tube does notreach the sump bottom, you may not get all of the oil out.Check the pump at the end for the quantity expected

A few pumps and the oil will start to be sucked out. You’ll know when it’s done as you’ll hear a change of noise once it’s sucking air

Up to now it’s been a fairly clean operation, but before you go any further you should protect your skin from the old engine oil

1716 18

151413

2019

Start the engine, check for leaks around the filter, shut it down and leave for a few minutes. Check the oil level again and top it up if required

Bottle up the old oil and arrange to dispose of it. If your boatyard doesn’t have an oil disposal point, your local authority recycling centre should have

Screw the new filter on. Doit up by hand and when you feel it tighten up against theseal, just give it another half turn or so. Do not use tools

Fill the engine with slightly less oil than is stated in the owner’s manual. This is to take into account any old oil left in the engine

Once you have added the oil, check the level on the dipstick and ensure it is between the low and full marks. Replace the filler cap

Unscrew the filter and drop it into your container / bag.There will be a flow of oil from the housing for a while, so allow it to drain

Ensure that the seal from the old filter isn’t stuck on the filter mount. If you add a new filter on top of an old seal, it will leak

Lightly smear the new filter’s rubber seal with a bit of engine oil. This willlubricate it and ensure a good seal when fitted

Aroundhalfanhourperengineoncewarm

TIME TAKEN

COST £Willvarydependingonengine,butforafourcylinderVolvodieselliketheAD31wewerephotographingitcostaround£55perengineusinggenuineVolvooilandfilters.

• Engineoil• Oilfilter• Latexgloves• Lotsofrags

CONSUMABLES

CUTTING the latest boating gear and technology

Motorboat Owner 19 18 April 2014

Silky MarineThere’s a new name in the marine cleaning lotions and potions market. Silky Marine offer a range of products from fibreglass and inflatable boat cleaners, through to enzyme based toilet deodorising products to super absorbent granules for spills, particularly useful for hydrocarbon based liquids.

CTEK MXS 5.0CTEK, the Swedish battery charging experts, have launched a clever new 5A charger for batteries up to 110Ah, or 160Ah for maintenance purposes. The MXS 5.0 has eight steps in its charging process, with adjustable parameters, and includes such features as battery voltage and starting power tests, and a test of the alternator’s performance. It also has a setting designed to maximise the charging of AGM batteries. Price: £79.99 www.ctek.com

Replacement CarburettorsAre you having trouble with poor starting, uneven idle, flat spots, or a loss of performance and increased fuel consumption from your Volvo Penta four cylinder engine? It may be due to worn Solex or Stromberg carburettors. DB Marine, a Thames based Volvo Penta dealer, has an answer. They have developed a range on new twin choke carb kits that come complete with inlet manifold, flame arrestor/air filter and all gaskets and brackets. These kits are available for AQ115, 120, 125, 130, 131, 140, 145, 151, 230 and 250 engines.Price from £593.82 www.dbmarine.co.uk

WaveTraxWaveTrax is a new logbook app for

your iPhone or iPad. It uses mobile and GPS technology to capture information and then creates a logbook that you can share with friends and family. WaveTrax is available through the iTunes store.Price: £8.99 www.wavetrax.com

Ap

p

Garmin VIRBThe action camera market may already be quite packed, but when a name like Garmin joins in you just have to take notice. The VIRB and VIRB Elite (with WiFi) offer digital image stabilisation, distortion correction to help remove ‘fish eye’ effect, and high definition video. They can also take still images at 16 mega pixel and have photo burst and time lapse options. The microSD card slot can take a card up to 64gb for over seven hours of video.Price: from £270 www.garmin.com/en-GB

Helly HansenIf you are looking to update your boating wardrobe, Helly Hansen has introduced a Spring/Summer collection, of lightweight casual and technical clothing. It includes the fleece-lined, waterproof H2Flow jacket (above), ideal for those chillier days out on the water.Price H2Flow Jacket £130www.hellyhansen.com

Raymarine Dragonfly 7Raymarine has launched a larger version of its

clever little Dragonfly CHIRP sonar/GPS unit. The Dragonfly 7 offers all the features of the original model, including photo like imagery of the seabed using DownVision technology and a 50 channel GPS chartplotter using Navionics cartography, but with an ultra bright 1500

nit optically bonded, sunlight viewable display. Price: from £745 www.raymarine.com

LED Odeo FlareThe new lightweight and waterproof Mk3 LED Odeo Flare uses LED’s as an alternative to pyrotechnic technology. It is powered by three AA Lithium batteries, which provide six hours run time with the option of extending this by simply replacing the batteries. The flare emits a light pattern that is said to replicate that of a handheld pyrotechnic flare.Price £119.94 www.oceansafety.com

Price from: £5.99 www.silkyproducts.com

CRUISING West Country & Isles of Scilly

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 2120 April 2014

Our holiday started with a bang, literally. With all the essentials loaded and the lure of the Cowes

Week finale, we departed our home berth at Sparkes Marina onboard Katriona, bound for Lymington in the hope of taking in the fireworks on route. Anchored in Osborne Bay, we ate pizza, crisps and dips, and swigged beer while watching a fantastic display. After the frenzy of bangs, flashes and colours had ended we weighed anchor and cautiously continued through the myriad

All points westDuring one of the warmest summers for years, Nelson 44 owners, James and Ruth, headed west for a special three week holiday they will never forget.

miles later we arrived in Torquay marina. After refuelling at Brixham the next day we set off towards Falmouth with fair tide underneath us. There were a few bumps over the Skerries bank but otherwise thepassage was smooth and we arrived takingthe last spot on the visitor’s pontoon. Thatevening we were joined by friends Bob and Fiona, who were at the start of their own one week charter of a Cornish Crabber. Ruth cooked up a delicious chicken green curry, washed down by the obligatory bottle of fizz. After another visit to the pub for a nightcap we turned in. It was 62 miles to St Mary’s from Falmouth and, being unsure of the availability and cost of fuel in the Scillies we took the opportunity to top up the tanks again at the Falmouth visitor’s fuel barge, before setting off the next morning. It’s a small Nelson world, preceding us on the fuel barge was Paul Frampton on Victory (a Dale Nelson 38). He was also heading to the Isles of Scilly accompanied by his friend David Harland. I had bought David’s previous boat, a Seaward 35 named Braveheart in 2009. With our tanks brimming we waved goodbye to Bob and

of boats towards Lymington. By midnight we were safely tied up in Lymington Yacht Haven. Catching a favourable afternoon tide the next day we pushed on to Torquay. The forecast was westerly F4 with sea state slight, although it did get bumpy in the overfalls around Anvil Point and Portland Race, which we passed through around 2 miles offshore. With the help of the tide we made 17 to 19 knots all the way and 83

Fiona and headed out to sea. The forecast was F3-4, occasionally F5 W-NW. With a favourable tide we followed the coast until the Lizard, where we headed west towards St Mary’s. Our track passed a couple of miles South of Wolf Rock where we took our last glimpse of the mainland. The last 10 miles was very bouncy and wet, so we were glad to arrive at St Mary’s. We were also relieved to find plenty of free buoys and selected one just behind the Lifeboat. But it wasn’t the calmest mooring, particularly noticeable at high tide. We took ‘Titty’, our Foxer dinghy tender, ashore to explore and grab a beer in the Atlantic Inn, followed by some window shopping and a stroll

Isles of ScillyFalmouth

Salcombe

Dartmouth

Weymouth

Poole

Torquay

Lymington

Fowey

Hayling Island

James Gilbert

Ruth helming Katriona as we enter Salcombe

Left, Katriona in Mousehole harbour. Above, our route took us as far west as the Isles of Scilly

CRUISING West Country & Isles of Scilly

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 2322 April 2014

around some of the earthworks and castle ruins. We also ate ashore before returning to Katriona. By this time most buoys were occupied, and we spotted yet another Nelson, a 42 called Bold Lancer, nearby. The next day we headed ashore for some shopping and culture, calling in on our new neighbour Bold Lancer on the way. The owner, John and his daughter had come across the previous day from the Helford River. We were invited onboard and were soon comparing boats. We liked Bold Lancer’s more open layout aft, with

windows on the transom. It had also been re-engined with Perkins diesels. After a successful shopping expedition, which included the purchase of some SeaSalt clothing, some local produce from a farmer’s market and a £1 teapot from a charity stall, it was time for a cake and coffee. A visit to the St Mary’s Museum followed, inside was an interesting collection of artefacts, ranging from stuffed birds to parts of wrecked ships. It also oddly included Harold Wilson’s signature Macintosh. We returned to Katriona and invited the crew of Bold Lancer over for the obligatory Nelson tour. That afternoon the harbour was buzzing with water taxis and trip boats to-ing and fro-ing. A large cruise ship had also arrived and anchored in St Mary’s Roads. Fancying a more peaceful mooring we crept across to Tresco. As we pulled into the busy New Grimsby Sound the helpful harbourmaster, Henry, came out to greet us and direct us to a reserved buoy. John from Bold Lancer had kindly called Henry

ahead as we left St Mary’s. Soon after mooring up, we headed ashore to the pub at New Grimsby for a beer or two before returning to eat aboard. The anchorage was a bit roly-poly at high water, but certainly more comfortable than St Mary’s. Taking the dinghy ashore to explore the next day we noticed Bold Lancer nearby, John told us that they experinced an uncomfortable night in St Mary’s and decided to join us. Anxious to explore ournew surroundings we walked all the way around Tresco in a clockwise direction. Friends had warned us that they thought Tresco was too commercialised and crowded, but we only met a handful of people on our whole circumnavigation. Castles high and low guard the entrance to Grimsby Sound. On exploring the rocky bay we discovered a ‘secret’ cave. It was just above the high tide mark and inside was a large lagoon, but with only a small torch and no bathing gear we did not get far. It was like something straight out of the pages of a Famous Five novel. We only lacked the dog, sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer. After the

The visitor buoys at St Marys, Isles of Scilly with the old St Marys Lifeboat Station behind

excitement of the cave we continued round to Old Grimsby, which consists of a mixture of new development holiday timeshares and traditional cottages. This was the commercial face of Tresco. At the ‘Ruined Café’ we stopped for a cup of tea, which turned into a large glass of wine and a seafood platter. Walking on, we reached Tresco Abbey and Gardens; sadly it was hard to justify the £12 entry fee for the last 45 minutes of opening so we walked on around the perimeter, admiring the sculptures and bird life. The tide had receded a long way since we had tied the dinghy up to the wall in the morning. Luckily we had bumped into John and his daughter Victoria at the Tresco Stores and we were very glad of their help in dragging the dinghy back down to the water. The next day Ruth had arranged to meet up with a friend, Rona, whose husband was born and bred on St Martin’s. He kindly arranged a private mooring for us in Tean Sound. Here we took the bikes ashore and cycled through St Martin’s to meet up with Rona in Middle Town. After tea and biscuits she gave us a tour of the

‘Katriona’ and ‘Bold Lancer’ at Grimsby Sound Anchoring Katriona in Grimsby Sound is definately on our to-do list for next time

CRUISING West Country & Isles of Scilly

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 2524 April 2014

southern part of St Martin’s, including a visit to the vineyard owned by their aunt. After tasting a couple of their wines, it was only polite to buy a few bottles. Returning to Tean Sound we left the bikes on the beach and walked around the north end of St Martin’s where we eventually found the incredible Neolithic stones and the beautiful anchorage at Par Beach. We would have liked to have spent moretime in the islands, but the forecast of rain and F6 N-NW for the following days meant we decided to head back to the mainland, and make for the Helford River. The return 70nm passage was a bit wallowy, with a large swell on our port aft quarter, which Nelson’s don’t handle kindly. We went north of Wolf Rock and coming past Land’s End we decided to stop at Mousehole. We arrived just before high water, perfectly timed for a short

stay but this was more through luck than judgement. Whilst dithering outside the harbour deciding where to anchor, a fishing boat came alongside. It turned out to be the harbourmaster and he invited us into the tiny harbour to lie alongside a small fishing boat. The harbour dries but he reassured us that we would have enough water for a few hours short stay. The skipper of a Cornish Lugger, also on the wall, helped us with our lines. We followed his recommendation for fish and chips, and ate them sitting on a wall overlooking the beach. The beach and the harbour were busy with holidaymakers basking in the warm sunshine. After lunch we walked up to Paul Churchyard, and the final resting place of the Colenso’s, Ruth’s family ancestors. We found the church eventually, but sadly failed to find any Colenso graves. Pressed for time and tide,

we walked back to the boat and celebrated our slack shorelines with ice creams, before departing the cosy harbour. We couldn’t resist taking a closer look at St Michael’s Mount, before rounding the Lizard and making our way up the coast to the entrance of the Helford River. We picked up a visitors buoy for two nights, as Saturday’s forecast was for high winds and rain, but we were reassured that therewas plenty to do in Helford. After a bite to eat we launched the canoes and paddled up river to Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne Du Maurier’s book.On the way we saw Bold Lancer who hadheaded back, like us, ahead of the weather.Canoeing was thirsty work and the pubbeckoned. We aimed for the ShipwrightArms but at low tide the sticky oozy mud made this impossible, so we headed for the safer option of the sailing club pontoon, after hosing ourselves down to remove the mud. We had barely taken our first sip when John and crew of Bold Lancer appeared. They seemed to be almost part of the furniture at the sailing club and one pint turned into three, before paddling back, shivering to Katriona for our supper. The promised rain and F6 came the next day so the morning was spent onboard, replacing a broken bowthruster shear pin and improving the fruit nets, in the hope that the new potatoes and shallots would not make a bid for freedom every time we fell off a wave. After lunch the rain subsided slightly so we took ‘Titty’ ashore to explore the Trebah Gardens, where we sheltered from the rain under Gunnera and Bamboo. It was the day of the Helford

Rowing Regatta so we watched some of the action before heading into the Shipwright Arms for dinner. The following day the sun thankfully had reappeared and on a rising tide we headed up the Helford River to Gweek Quay. With plenty of secluded anchoring spots to choose from, we anchored for lunch and watched the egrets establishing pecking order on their favourite branch. After lunch we headed downriver and around the corner into Falmouth. It was the last day of the Falmouth Regatta but there was still plenty of action going on. We dodged the racing yachts and headed up the River Fal towards Truro. At Malpas we spotted a mid-river pontoon, with a gap almost big enough between a large catamaran and a yacht. The pontoon’s permanent resident was a friendly man on an old barge with a beautiful Persian cat for company. He helpfully moved the catamaran along so we could squeeze in. The day ended with a pub supper of moules, frites and calamari with Bob and Fiona, who we had bumped into again,

St Michael’s Mount on route to the Helford

The harbourmaster invited usinside the tiny harbour at Mousehole

CRUISING West Country & Isles of Scilly

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 2726 April 2014

and we retired in a pleasant haze. The next morning we set about turning ‘Titty’ into a sailing dinghy. After much head scratching she looked like a sailing dinghy and we headed up river towards Truro, short tacking most of the way. With little wind, and after grounding twice, we entered the narrow floodgate at Truro using the oars. We tied up against the quayand explored ashore, visiting the cathedral and the eclectic mix of shops, finishing up at Tesco for provisions. With the wind behind us the sail back to Katriona at Malpas pontoon was much easier. We understood the hidden curves of the deep channel better and only ran aground once. We left Malpas the next day and carried the east going tide to Fowey. We arrived to find the harbour busy, with Fowey Week in full swing, but the helpful harbour staff directed us to raft up on visitors buoy V3alongside a large Aquastar. It turned out tobelong to Keith Musto, of Musto clothing

fame. That day Ruth wore her Musto cap out of loyalty. We dinghied ashore and browsed the shops stopping at the Galleon Inn for some refreshment. On recommendation, we headed to Sam’s for dinner. It was a long wait for a table butthe seafood bouillabaisse was fabulous. Afterwards we went for a stroll and listened to a live band play on the quay.By the time we returned to Katriona there were five boats sharing V3 buoy. After a leisurely start, we headed 26 miles east to the River Yealm, finding a berth on the upriver visitor’s pontoon. Feeling in need of exercise we launched the canoes and paddled, against the incoming tide, down the river and up Newton Creek to land at Newton Ferrers, in search of milk. We then sought less wholesome refreshment the other side of the creek, enjoying beer and nachos at the Swan Inn in Noss Mayo, before paddling back to Katriona for dinner onboard.

Salcombe was next on the agenda and within an hour and a half of leaving the Yealm we were safely attached to a visitors buoy. The strong tide made picking up the mooring interesting, but with the harbour staff standing by in their launch we were secure in no time at all. Getting WiFi was a priority as the GSCE results were in and Ruth, being a teacher, was eager to find out how her school had fared. We went ashore for lunch, selecting a café more on the basis of its WiFi than any culinary aspirations. The postcards that we’d bought in the Scillies over a week ago

finally got posted and the GSCE results were downloaded for a full analysis later. On our way to Torquay the next day we stopped at Brixham to refuel. That afternoon Ruth’s parents joined us at Torquay Marina and would accompany us for the rest of the trip. Now well into our second week, we cruised slowly around towards Dartmouth, trolling for mackerel at 3 knots until the swell got too much. In the forecast F4-5 Katriona was far more comfortable at 17 Knots than at trolling speed. We picked up a mooring buoy at

The Helford River is well marked, we carried the tide up to Gweek Quay. Right, Fowey week meant the harbour was busy, but is was a lovely sight

In Salcombe the strong current gave us plenty of ferry gliding practice picking up the mooring

We picked up a visitors buoy at Dittisham and climbed the hill up to the Red Lion pub

CRUISING West Country & Isles of Scilly

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 2928 April 2014

Dittisham and had booked a table at the Red Lion. It was quite a climb up the hill but the views were fantastic. The Red Lion is a pub, village shop and B&B all rolled into one. The food was delicious. On the River Dart the next day we took the rising tide up to Totnes, turning around in the basin and then heading back downstream. We berthed at Kingswear Marina in readiness for our next wave of crew members to arrive. From here we took the Dartmouth Steam Railway from

Kingswear to Paignton where we met Colonel Slay and Ruth’s goddaughters, Lucy and Amelia. We splashed out an extra £1.50 on the return journey and rode in the luxury of the observation car. With seven people to feed it was time to break out the Tesco BBQ bucket. With just a 7nm passage to our next port, we were soon moored up in Brixham Marina and ready to explore. After the space of the Dart the old harbour in Brixham felt quite claustrophobic and crowded so we walked up the hill to Battery Park to escape the tourist bustle. It was one of the hottest days so far so a mandatory ice cream and dip off the beach near the marina followed. The water was chilly but ok once you got used to it. An evening meal of fish and chips at the Breakwater Bistro was followed by our second firework display of the holiday, seen from across the bay at Torquay. Now into our final week we headed across Lyme Bay towards Portland Bill in smooth seas. Smooth enough for Ruth and Debbie to scrape varnish off at 18 knots.We took the inside route around Portland Bill, hugging the shore to avoid the

overfalls, and then anchored for lunch and a swim off Weymouth beach. Heading into Weymouth Harbour later, we tied up at Custom House Quay. The Slays left us soon after and the four remaining crew headed to the Red Lion for supper. Departing Weymouth the next day we hugged the coast, taking in the sights of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay at a stately 3 knots, which is, apparently, the perfect trolling speed for the ever elusive mackerel. And, at long last, somewhere East of Worbarrow Bay, David caught his first, and only, mackerel. After the excitement of the fish, we anchored for lunch in Chapmans Pool. Ruth and I swam ashore whilst her parents rowed ‘Titty’ ashore and swam off the beach. We collected fossils and explored the rock pools before returning to Katriona. We were soon heading back out around St Albans Head, past Swanage and Old Harry Rocks, then into Poole Harbour. After negotiating the two lifting bridges, we spent the night at Cobbs Quay Marina and dined on the pan-fried elusive mackerel served with pickled samphire from the Isles of Scilly and home-made sausages from Weymouth. Bournemouth Air Festival started the next day so we anchored off Bournemouth Beach ready for the action to start. It was a little roly, but we didn’t notice once the planes started roaring overhead. When it was all over we hauled up the anchor and headed for Beaulieu. We tied up to the visitor pontoon, next to the Master Builders Hotel and dinner was consumed ashore in the Yachtsman’s Galley Bar, part of the Master Builders Hotel.

The next morning we visited the Beaulieu Maritime Museum. The museum tells the story of Bucklers Hard from the time of Nelson to the Second World War and it’s well worth a visit. Slipping our lines, we cruised up Southampton Water to take a look at the cruise terminal before heading homewards to Chichester. We anchored for lunch at East Head and our last night was spent at Northney Marina. The following morning we took Katriona home to Sparkes Marina. It was a fantastic trip. Three weeks of great weather, and it only rained once. Our harbour visits coincided with events, not through planning but just lucky timing. The only negative is that we would have loved to have spent more time in The Isles of Scilly. We’ll be back I’m sure.

Distance cruised: 622nmFuel used: 1930 litres (424 gallons)Average fuel consumption: 3 litres per mile

‘Katriona’ Nelson 44Twin Yanmar 370hp Yanmar 6LYAM

LOGBOOK

Photo opportunity. Dartmouth’s steam train ‘Lydham Manor’ trundles past us at Kingswear

Above,Fish supper, David catches the elusive mackerel

Right, Katriona’s teak rails get some attention underway

The Red Arrows at Bournemouth Air Festival

A When new, the San Remo 33 with twin 200hp AD41’s on duoprop drives would achieve 36 knots flat out. At a cruising speed of 25 knots, this combination would consume fuel at a rate of around 13 gallons per hour, providing an economy of around 1.9nmpg and a range of around 190nm from its 100 gallon tank.

Q&A Your Questions Answered

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3130 April 2014

Radar scanner for C80?

Q I am looking at buying a Sunseeker San Remo 33 with twin AD41 engines and duoprop drives. What sort of performance and fuel consumption can I expect to get out of this boat?

San Remo fuel consumption?

A Yes the C80 is indeed a multifunction display, which actually provides a very good radar function. All you need is a suitable scanner and cable, but unfortunately none of the current crop of Raymarine scanners will work with the C80. You will need to scour the second hand market to look for something suitable. The 2kw 18 inch RD218 or 4kw 24 inch RD424 were the last radomes that were compatible with the C80, although you could also look for a later example of the previous generation of scanners with model number M92650 for the 2kw version and M92652 for the 4kw model. Early versions of these radomes are not compatible with the C series multi function display, so you will need to look for one produced from mid 2003 onwards. Luckily Raymarine has made it easy to identify these by giving them a –S suffix after the model number. Alternatively you can tell by the serial number with all 2KW models from serial number 0530158, and all 4kw models from 0530247, being compatible.

Q My boat is fitted with a Raymarine C80 display. I understand this unit is radar compatible but I don’t have a radar scanner. If I buy one, will it just work or are there any other bits I will need to get? Do I need to buy a specific scanner or will any Raymarine model work?

Q We have recently purchased a larger boat and are planning to expand our cruising ground. In preparation for this, we are reviewing our safety equipment. Specifically, we are looking at Personal Location Beacons (PLB) and realise there are two types. The first are the type that use the 406MHz frequency, which is picked up by satellite and transferred to the Coastguard, but the boat that the individual has just vacated does not receive any man overboard (MOB) information from it, unless it comes from the Coastguard. The second is a personal AIS (automatic identification system) PLB that does not send a satellite signal to the Coastguard, but does inform those still on the boat of the MOB location via AIS. Which should I go for?

Which PLB should I buy?

A I think, as you have already worked out, the two different kinds of PLB serve two quite different functions. What you should buy will depend upon the risk you are looking to mitigate. If you are concerned about an MOB situation, and you never go boating alone, an AIS PLB is a good choice, assuming of course that the mothership is equipped with AIS receiving technology and whoever is left on board knows how to use it and how to drive the boat back to you. For the solo skipper an AIS PLB may not be much use unless you happen to be in close proximity to other AIS receiver equipped vessels, and even then unless the signal specifies that you are an MOB they may simply assume it is another vessel to be avoided. If the risk was an MOB when single-handed, or if you are looking for rescue in the event of abandonment, then a 406MHz PLB would probably be a better choice. There are of course other MOB systems out there such as Raymarine’s Life Tag, which will alert remaining crewmembers if someone goes overboard, although unlike an AIS PLB it won’t give you dynamic position information, as it acts like pressing your MOB button on your plotter and records where the MOB alerted, rather than where they are now. What I would do is consider an AIS PLB for each crewmember and a single 406MHz PLB for the grab bag in case of abandonment. If you ever find yourself single handed, fix the 406 version to your lifejacket as well as the AIS PLB and you should cover all eventualities. Of course the best course of action is to stay with the boat, so consider how an MOB could occur and plan to minimize the risk.

Fitted with a pair of AD41’s the Sunseeker San Remo 33 should achieve around 1.9MPG

The rescue me is the smallest PLB

Q&A Your Questions Answered

If you have a question, email us at

editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3332 April 2014

Q We were having a chat in the pub the other day about the recent weather and storm surges. While we all understood what a storm surge meant, in terms of higher than expected water levels, we were not all in agreement about what causes them.

What is a storm surge?

A The storm surge is caused mostly by the wind piling up the water and blowing it on shore. The low atmospheric pressure associated with the storm also has a small part to play in creating higher than expected water levels, but it is the wind that is ultimately responsible. The state of tide will have a significant effect on how damaging a storm surge will be as, if it coincides with high tide, particularly on a spring tide, there is nowhere for the extra water to go other than inland.

MEAN SEA LEVEL

NORMAL HIGH TIDE

NEA

PS R

AN

GE

STORM SURGE

Q After years of dreaming, I am now in a position to own a boat, but I am a bit confused as to what to buy. I have two children so need at least four berths, and need the running costs to be as economical as possible. I’m not interested in speed but want something I can enjoy all year round. I’d prefer to buy new, but have a budget of around £40,000, so that really limits choices. The main use would be cruising the South Coast but I’d also like to go cross Channel and venture into European waterways. Do you have any advice on a suitable boat?

What boat should I buy?

A Ask this question to 100 different people and you will get100 different answers. You have also set a hard criteria to meet with the budget. I’ll start by saying that many four berth boats are actually quite cramped when you have four people onboard, so if you are thinking of spending extended time on the boat, you would really want a boat of at least 28-30 feet. With a £40k budget new boats of this size are going to be out of reach so, if I were you, I would be looking at the used boat market where £40k will open up many choices. To narrow it down a bit more, I will consider your requirement for economical running as the next most important criteria. This really means you will need to sacrifice speed which, looking at your question, seems acceptable. I am thinking that a single engine semi displacement boat of around 30ft would be ideal. This brings me to my first

suggestion, and a boat that I would certainly be looking at in your shoes, a Marex 280 Holiday. There is one for sale now at York Marina for bang on your budget of £40k. It is 1997, so a long way from being new, but it has an economical single diesel engine which will push it along nicely at around 8 knots with the option to run at 16 knots if required. It has an aft cabin, so plenty of space for a family, and its low air draft would make it

very suitable for the inland waterways. Other boats of a similar ilk would be the Nimbus 3000 or 27 Familia, Fjord 930, Scand and Carver 2807. If you decide that speed is important after all, I would suggest something like the Sealine 290, 310 or S28, a Hardy Seawings 305, or a Falcon 275, again all from the 1990’s. If you really want to keep it as new as possible then you will have to compromise on size and, for the kind of use you have in mind, you might want to have a look at the wide choice of newer sportsfishers. The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 805 would be a good choice, as it offers a single dieselfor economy, although you would still belooking at about 10 years old for the budget. Newer and smaller still, £40k should get you a three year old Beneteau Antares 750 or a two year old Quicksilver Activ 705, if you can find one. Both good little outboard powered boats. If you want the economy of inboard diesel, Beneteau also do the 760, but again you are getting older as your budget should secure a model from around 2004. There really is a wide choice of boats andI have only scratched the surface, so you probably need to start trawling the brokers and getting onboard as many as you can. Some you will quickly dismiss for various reasons and others will make a short list. You may even stumble upon something completely different that meets your every need. That’s the best part of the search.

Sealine 310 Ambassador (top), Seawings 305 (middle) and the Quicksilver Activ 705 (bottom)

Marex 280 Holidays are priced from £40k

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3534 April 2014

Sleek, streamlined, stylish, poised and ready for action with an eighties flair is how we would describe the

Portofino 31. It was introduced in 1986, replacing the Portofino 28 and its hull was an update on the previous 31 Offshore. There is no doubt that Sunseeker were aiming their boats at the Mediterranean market, but they were equally well received in the UK. The Portofino 31 was no exception. It offered a large ‘sunseeking’ cockpit, diesel power options and accommodation for four. Twenty years on, these boats are every bit the

the boat. There is an excellent double helm and a mirror image seat on the navigator’s side. There is seating for 8-10 in the aft section of the cockpit, around tables on either side, while retaining enough room to walk between them when underway. It is worth examining all the cockpit upholstery for wear and tear, as with so much, it can be quite expensive to replace. Vinyl can deteriorate and crack through age and use, but typical areas of wear on this boat are on the helm seats and around where the engine hatch lifts. Check that the double seats are firmly attached and

Built 1986-1992Prices then £68,000 (1987)Prices now £27,000-£35,995Length 32ft 3in / 9.83mBeam 10ft 10in / 3.30mDraught 3ft 3in / 0.99m Air Draught (inc. mast)10ft 5in / 3.17mFuel 501 litres / 110 gallonsWater 160 litres / 35 gallonsDisplacement 5-6 tons

Sunseeker Portofino 31statement cruiser they were originally, but they now have a price tag of around £30K. And did we mention it’s a Sunseeker?

Cockpit and helmIt’s the cockpit that really excels on this boat and takes up over half of the boat’s length. As a result there is lots of canvas to contend with, but in true Sunseeker style, there is also plenty of room to lounge, sunbathe and entertain. The symmetrical, one level layout lends itself well to being underway too. It’s easy to move about and there is plenty of forward facing seating on

CLASSIC CRUISERSa complete guide to the best boats on the used market

Sunsee

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the wood bases are dry and in good condition. Have a thorough check of the condition of the canopy and the forward clear vinyl sections as they are susceptible to sun damage. Also examine the clear side sections, because if the canopy framework is not protected and it gets hot in the sun, it can burn them. Some boats only have a tonneau cover fitted, if this is the case it’s worth getting a price for fitting a full camper canvas as the benefits are huge, so you might want to consider this when making an offer and adjust it accordingly,

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3736 April 2014

dinette that converts into a double. This space is ideal lounging for two or dining for four people and, on many boats, you will find a TV mounted to the anchor locker bulkhead. Beneath the seating are deep hull lockers. While there is plenty of height under the canopies in the cockpit, anyone approaching 6ft in height will struggle to stand up straight down below, particularly in the toilet compartment. Whilst in the saloon area, check around the foredeck hatch for signs of leaks, and be aware that the clear section may be perspex, which is prone to crazing to the point of losing its transparency. If you are looking for a boat to entertain

The accommodation down below is very private. The dinette converts to an occasional double berth

A ‘sunseeking’ cockpit offers plenty of seating.Helm navigation equipment may require some upgrading and inspect the upholstery carefully

used, the navigation equipment, if any, may be original and require updating. There is no dash space for modern navigation equipment, and any original electronics were bracket mounted on top of the dash. If you are lucky this may have been upgraded to something a bit more modern. Examine the radar arch carefully for signs of stress cracking as this is an area that can suffer from the effects of pounding through choppy seas. Diesel heating is a worthy addition, and if it comes with an outlet in the cockpit so much the better, as it will go a long way in extending your season.

InteriorThis four berth, 30 footer is all about being underway and enjoying the elements from the cockpit, so as you might expect with only four small portholes and a foredeck hatch, down below is quite dark. On the plus side this does make the cabin feel private and it is also a very comfortable place to be. Going down the centre companionway steps takes you to the main saloon area. Forward you have a raised, V-shaped

The compact galley is basic but it’s certainly adequate for dayboating and overnighting

particularly if the boat is a similar price to those with full canopies. The cockpit sole is usually covered with carpet. Lift the carpet and check the floor for stress cracking. You might find evidence of this around the engine hatch or near the helm and navigator’s seat. Some boats have had the cockpit modernised with teak or synthetic teak, which really transforms the boat. There is a decent amount of storage in the cockpit with several lockers beneath the seats, plus two iceboxes. Be aware that the lids of the aft corner lockers are quite awkward to replace. The mid-transom seating pulls out and creates a sunpad or occasional double berth. At the helm, check the dashboard dials for signs of water ingress or sun damage. Depending on where the boat has been

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 3938 April 2014

The mid cabin has a crawl-in double berth and a locker gives access to the helm instruments

bed, a seat and a small wardrobe. At the foot of the bed there are large cave lockers with shelves that are great for storage. When you enter the cabin you are faced with the helm foot well, offering access to the back of the helm instruments. While there is ample room to sit up in bed, having such a low bulkhead in the cabin makes getting in and out of bed a bit of a scramble and night time visits to the toilet compartment a bit interesting, as one owner told us. While you are in this cabin it is worth lifting the mattress to check where the base of the bed joins the hull for cracks. The toilet compartment is on the port side. This is quite a basic washdown compartment but it offers plenty of room to shower and change, height aside, and a decent amount of storage too. As a last check inside the boat, have a general check around the portholes for signs of leaks or corrosion on the frames.

On DeckThese are not the easiest of boats to board, particularly with the canopy up, with the main access via the bathing platform, up three steps, through the canopy and up

and produce elaborate meals for guests, you may be disappointed with the boat’s compact galley and lack of worktop space. The galley consists of a hob and a sink, usually concealed under a gas strutted cover, but no oven. Underneath the galley unit is a large cupboard and a set of drawers. On some boats the large cupboard has been sacrificed to house a microwave. There is an identical shaped unit on the opposite side, which houses the fridge and drinks cabinet, and which also offers a bit of useful worktop space. The boat’s main switch panel is above this and, while you might find there is a general lack of 240v sockets in the accommodation, this is something that could easily be rectified. Entry to the mid cabin is on the starboard side, it features a large double The toilet compartment has a pull-out shower head

1987 £31,995 (as featured)Twin Volvo AD41 200hpSouthampton Waters Brokerage02380 634900www.southamptonwaters.co.uk

1991 £35,995Twin Volvo AD41 200hpParkstone Bay Yachts01202 724917www.parkstonebay.com

1988 £27,000 (€33,000)Twin Volvo AD41 200hpBoat Business (Spain)023 8129 0088www.theboatbusiness.com

over the raked transom. The design is ideal for stern-to berthing but you do have to be quite agile. Unfortunately access to the side decks is a similar story with the canopy up. Owners often remove the side canvas sections to get out onto the narrow side decks. A useful route out to the side deck, taken by some owners, is to climb over the side screens from the helm or navigators seats. Once on the single-level foredeck the stanchions are fairly high and the deck is finished with non-slip. Examine the foredeck and around the stanchion bases for stress cracks, in particular the last stanchion bases aft, as these are often used to board the boat and there could be some movement. Check the condition of the slatted wooden sections in the bathing platform. If they have not been treated or protected they may be slippery or rotten, but they are easy to replace. Inspect the corners of the platform for any scratches or impact damage, as well as the rubbing strake. The metal rubbing strake Don Shead’s racing deep V hull

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 4140 April 2014

speed of 24-25 knots. This cruising speed should give a respectable 1.9mpg and a range of just over 200 nautical miles from the 110 gallon tank. The old tech engines will smoke on start-up, but any smoke should clear after a time under load once they have warmed up. Engine access is via a large gas-strutted hatch in the cockpit floor. Lifting this reveals the inboard sides and tops of the engines. With the outboard sides of the engines more difficult to get at, service items may have been neglected. The hatch also offers access to the fuel filters and the back of the fuel tank. A visual check of the fuel tank for signs of corrosion is a good idea. The batteries are a bit more difficult to see and reach as they are located under the side lockers, so maintenance checks of these can be awkward. The aft side seat bases can be removed giving greater engine access if necessary. There is a small

These boats have been known to suffer from osmosis, therefore we would recommend a full survey is carried out. The boat’s sleek lines make an impact and are accentuated by its striped hull and superstructure. The Portofino 31 was available in a selection of colours, such as yellow, blue and red, contrasting with a light grey stripe. Be aware that boats of this age might well have been repainted or wrapped, if so check that it has been carried out to a sufficient standard and also be wary that any chips or scrapes may not be easy to conceal or repair.

EnginesWhen the boat was launched in 1986 both sterndrive petrol and diesel engine options were available. These were Volvo Penta AQ271 V8 270hp petrols or Volvo AQAD41 200hp diesels. Most boats that rolled off the production were fitted with the diesel configuration, giving 38 knots at the time. These engines should rev to 3800 and the accompanied 290 drives are usually fitted with A6 size duo props. Providing the engine has been properly maintained and the hull is not fouled these boats should still offer a 30+ knot top speed and a comfortable cruising

inspection hatch further forward in the cockpit floor which gives access to the top of the fuel tank. Engine consumables and spares are still widely available through Volvo Penta dealers and aftermarket dealers such as Keypart. If you have any concerns regarding the mechanics we would recommend that you have an engineer give them a thorough check over.

surround might also be suffering from corrosion, which could prove expensive to rectify.

Hull and HandlingThe Portofino 31’s had Don Shead’s racing pedigree but it is beamier than it’s predecessors. Well positioned spray rails make it a dry boat and the deep V hull, with its fine entry, provides responsive handling and a soft ride. It is a cracking boat to helm and is often referred to as a ‘drivers boat’. Give the hull a visual check for signs of stress cracking, paying close attention to the area around the sprayrails, as performance boats like these may have been pushed hard in rough conditions.

Twin Volvo Penta AD41’s diesels should be fairly economical to run, and give a 30 knot+ top speed

Prices £34,500-£39,995Length 34ft 9in Beam 10ft 11in Less cockpit with more accommodation and seating down below.Buy one (pictured) 1988 £34,500www.valwyattmarine.co.uk

Prices £35,144-£44,995Length 32ft 3in Beam 10ft 10inThe 31’s successor with built in bathing platform, curved windscreen and winged arch.Buy one (pictured) 1992 £44,995www.sunseekertorquay.com

Prices £45,000-£64,995Length 35ft Beam 11ft 6inThe successor to the San Remo 33 offers two separate cabins and winged radar arch.Buy one (pictured) 1993£48,000www.morganmarine.com

Family San Remo 35 1999-2003San Remo 33 1986-1990 Portofino 32 1992-1994

ConclusionThe Portofino 31 is an affordable boat, ideal for a couple. With its glamorous, timeless looks, great handling and cruising capabilities, it is a great step onto the sportscruiser ladder. Like any classic, maintenance is key, so it is important for any buyer to check the history and be aware of the regular costs involved, such as engine and drive servicing.

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

Retro details like these engine air vents give the boat that ‘wow’ factor

Destination ISLAND HARBOUR

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GuernseyDo you want to swap concrete for green fields and chill out in a peaceful Solent setting? Island Harbour has all the conveniences of a modern marina and it’s a great place to startyour exploration of the Isle of Wight

The Solent has often been referred to as the M25 of the South Coast; heaving with marine traffic of

every shape, type and size. It is, therefore, extremely refreshing when you find a picturesque and tranquil retreat that is just 2 miles south of the busy harbour of Cowes – the Mecca of the sailing fraternity. Like so many other boaters, our regular

Over recent years Island Harbour has been extensively refurbished and redeveloped and is currently being marketed by its owners as “one of the Solent’s best kept secrets” and I would wholeheartedly agree with this. The list of their accomplishments to date is very impressive; the marina itself has been dredged, new pontoons (all with electric, water and lighting) have been installed, the shower and toilet block has been refurbished and a brand new restaurant and bar, The Breeze Restaurant, has been built and is run exclusively by the marina. There are 215 moorings (annual and

trips to Cowes and the Medina River always terminated at the visitors pontoon outside the Folly Inn, which is the end of navigation for all states of the tide. But recently we ventured just half a mile further up this pretty river and followed the clearly defined markers into Island Harbour; a locked marina within a 112 acre estate of meadows and lakes which is a haven for wildfowl and fish.

by Pam Born

visitors), a chandlery, marine workshop, boatlift, free Wi Fi and even a ferry service to other parts of the river and beyond. But the thing that most impressed me about Island Harbour was the feeling of space and tranquillity; so rarely found in other Solent marinas. The lock, with a waiting pontoon, is operated from a stylish, sputnik-shaped control tower and is accessible approximately 3 hours either side of high tide. The marina staff are usually on hand to offer assistance when locking in. Once safely moored up you are free to relax and enjoy the tranquil countryside setting, the

Isles of Scilly

Falmouth

Fowey

IslandHarbour

Cowes

Southampton

THE SOLENT

Island HarbourIsland paradise, the view from the lock control tower.

The fuel berth is on the right

Destination ISLAND HARBOUR

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breathtaking views down river towards Cowes and the amazing sunsets. You may even be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher, or one of the islands elusive red squirrels.

The approaches to Cowes are often described as the busiest in the Solent and it is important to remember that the Solent tides can be quite strong. On an east going spring flood tide it can run up to 3 knots across the Cowes entrance. Large commercial ships pass the entrance before making the turn (avoiding the Bramble Bank) towards Southampton Docks. These large vessels have an exclusion zone around them when in the ‘precautionary area’ off Cowes, so you must give them plenty of space. It is advisable to keep a listening watch to VHF channel 69, the Cowes Harbourmaster channel. Visiting the River Medina during Cowes Week can be exciting and busy. The famous sailing event usually takes place during the first week of August and sees the Solent a mass of colourful sails and yachts of all shapes and sizes. During Cowes week it’s essential to book ahead when it comes to berthing. From whatever direction you approach, keep a good look out for ferries. The Red Jet fast ferry service from Southampton runs approximately every half an hour, it crosses the Solent and uses the main channel into Cowes. It turns and docks on the west side just inside the entrance. The larger car ferries from Southampton dock further upstream on the east side of the entrance. In addition to the main Fairway channel into Cowes, there is now a small craft channel which comes in from the East,

Approaches

from Castle Point. This route often avoids the melé and the ferries powering up and down in the harbour entrance, but be aware the channel is quite narrow. Immediately to starboard you will see the marinas of Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepherds Wharf. Both offer visitor short-stay and overnight berthing, a chance to explore the bustling town.After passing the two mainland ferry terminals the next obstacle is the chain ferry, or so called ‘floating bridge’. Always give way to this when it is underway (indicated by a flashing yellow light) and if you cross behind it, leave plenty of room, to avoid the lifted chains. Once you have negotiated the chain ferry the river traffic quietens down. Approximately 200 metres above the ferry on the starboard bank is the Cowes Harbour Fuels pontoon. Further upstream on the port side is Dean & Readyhoff ’s East Cowes Marina, which offers overnight berthing. Keep going upstream, along a part of the river densely populated with boat builders sheds, pontoons and slipways and through an industrial section with chimneys and a power plant, before the countryside opens up to green rolling fields. This is called Folly Reach. The Folly Inn on the port side, is a popular Solent watering hole. There are several

IslandHarbour

Folly Inn

East CowesMarina

ShepardsWharf

CowesYacht Haven

CHAINFERRY

Newport

COWES EASTCOWES

CAR FERRYTERMINAL

There is plenty to see and do along the River Medina, all accessible by ferry, bus, bike or on foot

It is free to cross the River Medina by foot on the Cowes Floating Bridge (chain ferry)

Below, this aerial shows Island Harbour in the foreground with the entrance to the River Medina and the Solent in the distance

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catch the No. 5 towards East Cowes at the end of Mill Lane, and it’s just a few miles to Osborne House; the much loved, country home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The house and gardens are magnificent and a fascinating insight into Victorian life. Entry prices are £13.40 for adults and £8 for children. A couple of bus stops further on takes you to East Cowes where there is a Classic Boat Museum and a chain ferry (free to foot passengers), which connects to West Cowes and the hustle and bustle of this “hub” of boating activity. The town is a must visit when Cowes Week is on as the town is alive with outdoor entertainments, marquees and stalls. If you don’t fancy the bus back, just catch a water taxi which can drop you off at the Folly Inn, or Island Harbour, if the tide is right. A 1.7 mile walk takes you to Newport,

pontoons available for short-stay and overnight berthing (note, there is no shore power available), most pontoons are not connected to the shore but you can dinghy or catch the ferry ashore. Island Harbour lies a half of a mile beyond and it’s a short riverside walk back to the Folly. If you are visiting Island Harbour, it is important to remember that all states of the tide access finishes in the Folly Reach. You will need to notify the Lock Control Tower at Island Harbour as you enter Folly Reach. Call “Island Harbour” on VHF Channel 80 or telephone the marina on 01983 539994. To enter the marina, stay in the main river channel until you have the starboard hand mark abeam of you, then turn in towards the lock, keeping the waiting pontoon on your starboard side. Tidal access is generally around 3 hours either side of high water. It is worth noting that the lock operates free-flow over the high tide period when this occurs during

office hours. The lock operates a red and green traffic light system that is visible on the white control tower. Island harbour has summer and winter visitor rates, as well as different pricing for weekends and midweek. For example to visit with a 10-metre boat will cost £27-30 per night in the summer, and £20-24 in the winter.

So, apart from just chilling out aboard your boat, what else is there to do in this locale? It’s easy to spend two or more days moored in this peaceful, reclusive hideaway, using it as a base to explore the Isle of Wight. For starters, if you like walking the harbour is well connected to a network of good public footpaths, running both north and south along the riverbank, through lush green fields and water meadows. From here you also have easy access to the excellent Vectus Bus service that operates throughout the island. You can

No trip to the River Medina is complete without a visit to the popular Folly Inn. Its just a short riverside walk from Island Harbour

Marine SuppliesRichardsons Yacht Services Ltdis the on site chandlery supplier at Island Harbour Tel: 01983 821095

Food SuppliesThere is a choice of supermarkets in Newport - Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Lidl, Spar, Iceland and a Co-op. There is also a Waitrose and a Co-op in East Cowes

TransportVectus Buses: www.islandbuses.info Water Taxi: Island Harbour Ferry 07825 016943 or VHF Channel 80Ferries: Wightlink & Red FunnelCar Hire: Newport Car Rentals& Premier Motors Solent

Tideswww.cowes.co.uk/tidetables.html

Where to fill upCowes Harbour Fuels fuel pontoon is situated on River Medina, 200m upstream of the chain ferry, on the west side of river and supplies fuel and Calor Gas Tel: 01983 200716 / 07860 297633Island Harbour’s fuel berth is on the right as you enter the marina basin.Lallows Boatyard (just south of Cowes Yacht Haven) supplies fuel and Calor Gas. Tel: 01983 292112

Weather information• Cowes Harbour Commision

Weather• Weather Actuals at Bramble Bank

Bramble Met• MET Office Inshore Waters Selsey

Bill to Lyme Regis• MET Office Shipping Forecast Wight

A visit to the historic Osborne House is a must

Places to visit

Destination ISLAND HARBOUR

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East of Cowes entrance and is a lovely place to spend a sunny day at anchor. Beaulieu and Hamble are also local places worth visiting by boat.

The Breeze Restaurant at Island Harbour offers breakfast, lunch and dinner using locally sourced produce. It is open from 8am-11pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am-11pm on Sunday, all year round. A dinghy ride or a thirty minute walk south brings you to the town quay of Newport; the capital of the Island. The Bargeman’s Rest is a great place to ‘refresh’ yourself following the walk. This quayside pub offers traditional home cooked pub favourites with generous portions. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10.30 am to 11.00 pm; Sundays 10.30am-10.30pm. Food is served 12 noon-9pm.There is a great choice of restaurants in Newport too, favourites include Olivo, an Italian on St Thomas Square, also Lugleys and Burrs, both on Lugley Street. A 20-minute walk along the Medina riverbank in the opposite direction brings you to the Folly Inn. The inn is a firm favourite with boaters and is renowned for its good food, views over the river and its live entertainment on a Saturday night. On the extensive menu there are all the usual pub favourites, again with large portions. But be warned it does get very busy on sunny weekends, so be prepared to queue for a table, but we can assure you it will be worth the wait. Watching the sun go down whilst eating on the terrace on a warm summer evening is pure magic. Remember to take a torch with you for the walk back.

Staying longer?If you are thinking of keeping your boat longer at Island Harbour, a 10-metre boat costs £400 per month in the summer and £240 per month in the winter. The cost of an annual berth for a 10-metre boat is £3000, which includes 3 months hard standing.

DistancesApproximate distances in nautical miles from Island Harbour:• Ocean Village 13nm• Hamble 10nm• Beaulieu 10nm• Lymington 13nm• Yarmouth 13nm• Bembridge 14nm• Chichester 25nm• Portsmouth 12nm

Charts & Pilot Books2200 Imray Solent Chart PackReeds Channel AlmanacShell Channel Pilot Wiley Nautical ‘The Solent’ bookOrdnance Survey Map OL29 Isle of Wight - Cowes, Newport, Ryde.

EventsIsle of Wight Festival12th-15th JuneAberdeen Asset ManagementCowes WeekSaturday 2nd-Saturday 9th August

For more information visit:www.island-harbour.co.ukwww.cowesharbourcommission.co.ukwww.cowes.co.ukwww.visitisleofwight.co.uk

the islands capital. There are oodles of good restaurants and pubs, supermarkets and a high street shopping centre of huge proportions, with just about every well-known retail outlet in evidence. There are two elegant town squares and quaint little streets and alleyways. Many of the buildings date back to Georgian and Victorian times. Newport also boasts a Bus Museum, Museum of Island History, Arts and Crafts Centre and the impressive medieval Carisbrooke Castle, which stands proudly on the southern outskirts of the town. Entry prices are £7.70 for adults and £4.60 for children. Island Harbour is conveniently located for the Isle of Wight Festival and has a ring side seat for the evening fireworks. All the action takes place at Seaclose Park Recreation Ground on the outskirts of Newport which is a 30 minute walk along the riverbank. Acts due to perform this year are, Kings of Leon, Passenger, Boy

George, Alison Moyet and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Day tickets cost £75.

A visit to Cowes is a must and, if you are looking to overnight, the two marinas Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepherds Wharf have visitor berths and offer direct access to the town centre. For the intrepid explorer, it is possible to have a short stay at Newport town quay over the high water period. For approximately 1 1/2 hours before and after HW Portsmouth springs, the channel to Newport should have up to 2 metres depth. Overnighting is possible if your boat is able to dry out. The moorings dry to soft mud at low tide, and some berths have access to water and electric. Beyond the River Medina the Solent is a boaters playground of sheltered anchorages, marinas and harbours all in close proximaty. Osbourne Bay lies to the

Further afield

If you can dry out, Newport quay offers all the towns attractions and amenities at close quarters

Where to eat & drink

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If you are boating on a budget there is a wide choice of boats out there that need a bit of work, modernisation or

TLC that can be bought for little money and turned into really usable boats again, with a little bit of work. But what if you have a small budget and want a boat that you can just use, maybe without doing anything to it at all. Well that’s possible too and in that vein we bring you Tricia B, a Birchwood 25, that you should be able to pick up for circa £10k and in which you could be cruising with the family this spring. The 25 was launched by Birchwood

Birchwood 25 ‘Tricia B’

in 1968 as the Interceptor, which with a name change in the 1970’s, became the Birchwood 25, often referred to as the mk2, and was in production until 1980. Early models had a short wheelhouse roof while some later models, called the Executive, came with a separate forward cabin. During production the model was fitted with a range of petrol and diesel engines, from a single inboard on a shaft, up to a pair of larger engines on outdrives. Top speed ranged from 10 knots with the single inboard, a good choice for inland waterways and estuaries, up to 30 knots with the largest twin options, making

FOR SALE

£10,950

it a useful coastal and offshore cruiser, although the hull doesn’t produce the kindest ride in choppy conditions. Tricia B is a 1978 model and one of the boats fitted with the small inboard petrol engine on a shaft, in this case a Ford WaterMota Sea tiger producing 80hp at the crankshaft and a cruising speed of around 6 knots. The engine is effectively a Ford 1600cc crossflow as found in Ford cars of the era, so spares should be easily sourced and service items are still widely available. The engine was built in the days of leaded fuel, but it should run fine on unleaded as long as it remains cool and is not run at high revs. It may have been converted to unleaded, with the addition of hardened valve seats, so it’s worth

enquiring with the current owner. On the outside Tricia B looks in pretty good condition, considering she is knocking on 40. There are a few mooring related dings and scratches on the beige coloured hull, notably around the aft quarters, but nothing that requires immediate attention and the pair of new corner fenders aft should protect against any future mishaps. Stepping aboard

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vinyl on this aft seating is in very good condition but I would describe it as dated and in need of modernising. It really doesn’t need to be done, but for me it would be one of those jobs that I add to the ‘to do’ list, as and when finances allow. The cockpit floor is covered with a layer of household vinyl, which actually looks half decent but restricts access to the lifting floor panels beneath. These floor panels are not in bad order so I would be inclined to do away with the vinyl for ease of access. The aft section of the cockpit floor lifts to reveal two more lifting panels. Beneath these is access to the lazarette area, where not only is there plenty of stowage for fenders and such like, there is also the recently installed holding tank, access to the steering gear and rudder stock and access to the engine cooling water sea cock. While the latter looks perfectly serviceable, it is of the gate valve variety, so another job for the future could be to replace this with a suitable ball valve. Moving forward, there are three more sections of removable floor, with the middle one giving access to the engine. The engine room is very impressive, looking spick and span and very well cared

is fairly easy over the side and through a panel in the aft canopy. Onboard the cockpit feels spacious and well protected by the hardtop, which provides shelter all the way aft. The canvas, which is in good condition, provides for the choice of fully enclosed wheelhouse or open backed wheelshelter, depending upon the weather. There is 6ft headroom under the hardtop and the roof panels have all recently been relined. A large sliding section above the helm, with clear Perspex panels, allows light in when closed, and fresh air when the weather allows. Around the transom is a U shaped

seating arrangement for up to four crew. Beneath the starboard side seat is a gas locker, big enough for a pair of 4.5kg Calor gas bottles. There is also space for a small can of spare fuel if you need to carry it, and as the only self draining locker on the boat is certainly the best place for it. The flexible hose is date stamped August 2007 and with an accepted lifespan of around five years it might be prudent to renew this. A bubble tester is a nice addition and a worthwhile safety feature. The locker beneath the port side seat is nice and deep and perfect for storing ropes and/or cleaning apparatus. The

The aft cockpit seating converts into an occasional double berth. A lazarette offers storage plus a newly installed holding tank

The WaterMota petrol engine looks like it has been well looked after

for. There is an oil tray beneath the engine, with no evidence of oil leaks, the filters look recently changed and the alternator looks to be brand new. Everything is easy to get to for servicing, including the traditional stuffing box type stern gland. This is one engine I really would be very happy to maintain. There is a small amount of corrosion on the exhaust manifold to elbow connection, but again nothing that looks like it needs immediate attention. The engine bay sports an automatic dry powder extinguisher and a neatly mounted scavenger pump fixed to the aft bulkhead, useful for clearing up leaks or even sucking out the oil from the gearbox or engine. Beneath the starboard floor panel you

The large gas locker comes complete with a bubble tester but the hose may need replacing

The wheelhouse roof has recently been relined, and has a large sliding section with perspex panels

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fuel shut off valve. The helm and navigator’s seats fold out from the sides and sit on removable legs to allow access beneath the floor. The helm seat has been fixed with a bit of imaginative woodwork that seems to do the job but is something to consider fixing properly at some point. Next to each seat is a large open storage compartment and next to the navigator’s seat is a well-placed chart/pilot book pocket. Both seats are nice and high which provides a good vantage point and they both come with a much needed footrest. The helm looks to be pretty standard and original with more brown vinyl, some basic engine instrumentation and a 12 volt switch panel. There are a couple of later additions at the helm such as a stereo, gas alarm and an old style spinning NASA depth sounder . The latter has been mounted high and to my mind obstructs the view forward. I would be inclined to move it, or do away with it altogether if the boat is staying inland. The throttle and gear change are on separate levers and are a bit wobbly. Five minutes with a spanner should rectify this. The handheld fire extinguisher mounted at the helm is a little over five years old so is due an extended service. In practice it is easier and probably cheaper simply to replace it. As mentioned earlier, the high helm seat provides excellent visibility and to help in the rain, a pair of wipers were supplied from new. Speaking of rain, there seems to be little or no evidence of leaks into the wheelhouse from either the windscreen, side windows or sliding roof. Inside the cabin there is a dinette to port, which converts into a double berth. The 25 is a 4+2 berth with the cockpit

providing the extra two berths in warmer months. As a dinette, it offers comfortable seating for a family of four and the area below the seats is one continuous and huge U shaped locker. Aft of the dinette is a locker that provides access to the rear of the helm for electrics etc, but also acts as a hanging locker with full ceiling to bilge height. The electrics at the helm look reasonable, although there is scope for a little bit of tidying up, and the stereo appears to have been disconnected. This locker is also useful for storing the V berth infill and cushion and other bulky items. Like the cockpit, the upholstery is in good overall condition, bar small amount of damage to one of the V berth cushions, but is very dated. If you like retro this is fine but otherwise some upholstery work could be on the cards. The carpet looks to be in good condition and is nicely edged, although a little grubby. It should

will find the boat’s two batteries, neatly fitted into nicely made wooden battery boxes, with room for more, or bigger batteries if desired. Next to the batteries is the toilet seacock, a ball type valve that looks like it was only fitted recently. Lift the port side floor panel and you find the boat’s 30 gallon, 136 litre, fuel tank. This looks to be steel and on initial inspection seems to be in good condition. The beauty of this installation though is that if the tank does need changing in the future, it should pop straight out of the floor access with no surgery required, not something you can say about many 25ft boats. The port side floor panel also has a small cut-out allowing quick and easy access to the

The galley has a gas oven in the cupboard below the hob

The dinette offers masses of storage and converts into a berth

come up nice with a decent clean but I would want to sort the join in front of the galley where the caret appears to have been cut at some point. Opposite the dinette is the toilet compartment. This is probably the area of the boat most in need of attention. It has had a new toilet fitted recently but requires some vinyl to be refixed, and a

The 25 offers four berths in an open plan cabin

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Boat Name:Tricia BMake/Model:Birchwood 25Year: 1978Engines: 1 xFord WaterMota Sea TigerLOA: 7.62m / 25ft 0inBeam: 2.82m / 9ft 3inAir Draft: 2.56m / 8ft 5inDisplacement: circa 2300kgsFuel: 136 litres / 30 gallonsWater: 91 litres / 20 gallonsPenton Hook Marine Saleswww.thamesboatsales.co.uk

SPECIFICATIONS

headroom between 5’11” at the companionway door, down to 5’9” by the V berth. The galley is located midway along and comprises a sideboard type unit with a sink, a two burner hob and a cutlery drawer all underneath lifting sections on the top. There is some storage behind, a small gas oven in a cupboard underneath, together with some more low down storage. Notably there is no fridge fitted to the boat, but one could very easily be installed in the end of the dinette seating opposite the galley. The V berth forward, provides the boat’s two permanent berths, or some extra daytime seating. Beneath the forward part of the V berth is the flexible 20 gallon water tank, and underneath the two sides are a pair of deep storage lockers. The forward bulkhead provides access to the anchor locker and beneath the foredeck there is a solid fibreglass escape hatch. Aft of the V berth on the port side is a further storage unit and cupboard.

coat of fresh paint would liven it up no end. The toilet compartment also houses a sink with a pumped cold water supply. If you want hot water you will need to add a calorifier and if you want an on board shower, the later Executive model may be more suitable. The toilet compartment does not offer full standing headroom. The rest of the cabin comes with

The port side guardrail is slightly bent inwards, and one or two bases are cracking

Overall the interior is in good condition. Often on a boat of this age the interior woodwork can be a patchwork of water damaged or rotten ply, but Tricia B seems to have been looked after in this respect. There is very little evidence of water leaks or damage, either historical or current. There are one or two areas where the interior vinyl is loose, or has been poorly stuck back, and the forward curtain rail fixing points have broken but like I said in the beginning, there is nothing stopping you jumping in this boat and enjoying it right now. Gaining access to the side decks is easy enough with the side canopy sections removed. Once there you will find very generous side decks, with decent hand rails until you are behind the safety of the guardrails. The port side guardrails seem to have taken a bit of a knock and are slightly bent inwards, but being aluminium they should be reasonably easy to straighten out. A couple of the bases are cracked and it looks like some re-bedding may be required to ensure leaks don’t develop. There are a few areas of stress cracking on the topsides, and one or two poorly executed minor gelcoat repairs, but overall the gel is in surprising good condition for its age and a good polish would improve things no end. If this boat is going to venture out in the dark, there is one job that will need doing straight away, the lenses of the navigation lights need replacing. UV has taken its toll and they are all opaque and, in the case of the steaming light, falling apart. The boat has a BSS certificate valid only until May 2014, but from what we have seen I can’t imaging there will be much, if anything, to do to get Tricia B through another BSS examination. This boat is ready to be

An infill converts these two singles into a double if required with lockers below

used as is and it can be yours for a similar price to a three year old Mondeo, but I guarantee it will provide the family with a whole lot more fun.

A new toilet adorns the heads compartment

tested

Motorboat Owner 59 58 April 2014

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

Navico’s Simrad NSS series of touch screen multifunction displays have always been in the shadow of some other well-known alternatives, but I have always really liked them. They were simple to use and offered great value for money. Unfortunately in this business things move at a very fast pace and in just a couple of years they felt like they were starting to fall behind their competitors in term of functionality, looks and processing speed. Enter the NSS evo2. Available in 7, 9, 12 and 16 inch models, the evo 2 comes with an ultra bright widescreen that takes up more of the space, thus getting a bigger screen for the size of unit. The evo2 has a similar number of knobs and buttons as the previous unit, and of course also offers touch screen functionality. The new version comes with Navico’s multi-touch control, which means that you can

use a finger and thumb to pinch to zoom, like you would on a smartphone or tablet. Like the previous generation of NSS, the evo2 is very simple to use. With

Simrad NSS evo2

Navico UK Ltdwww.simrad-yachting.com

no reference to the manual, I had found my way deep into the menu to make settings adjustments in a matter of a minute or so. All manufacturers are getting better in this respect but, sticking my neck out, I think the NSS evo2 might just have the edge in this department, it really is that easy to navigate around. Another area where it has improved is its processor speed. Panning and zooming was as good as seamless and, despite the previous generation being pretty good in this respect, there is a noticeable improvement. Cartography is provided by using either a C-Map, Navionics or other third party charts, or you can use Navico’s Insight Genesis, a custom made mapping program. You can even display charts from two different sources on a split screen at the same time. The NSS range is compatible with all of Navico’s great technology such as 3g and 4g radar, Structure Scan, on-screen autopilot, and music integration through Sonic Hub.

It also has GoFree WiFi capability, allowing repeat and control functions on your WiFi enabled tablet or smartphone. Later this year Navico will be launching a forward looking sounder and this will plug straight into the evo2, providing yet another useful and clever feature. Navico are offering two base models, the NSS7 and NSS9 with an ‘m’ suffix. These are fully expandable with all of the bolt ons, but will require modules for integration. The 7,9,12 and 16 without the ‘m’ suffix come with integrated StructureScan and Broadband sonar. The evo2 has brought the NSS back into the playing field. It looks great, it’s easy to use, and it comes with the option of lots of really nice features and functions.

Pumping up a dinghy is quite hard work and, being of a lazy disposition, I am always keen to explore any avenue that saves a bit of effort. The Rule iD20 high speed inflator sounded like it might be just the ticket. With a 2.2m dinghy as a test bed, the iD20 had the three chambers pumped up in under three minutes, with a decent lump of that time

taken up by swapping the pump between chambers. It says high speed on the box and it isn’t wrong, the specs state that it can pump 550 litres per minute. The dinghy in question had an inflatable floor, the kind that requires high pressure, and to be fair the iD20 didn’t have the capability to reach the pressures required. Having said that it would have been usable as it was, and it did only take 12 seconds to get there, but I ended up putting the last little bit in the floor using the foot pump supplied. The pump comes with a range of adaptors, so there should be one for every dinghy, and the 3m leads come complete with crocodile clips on the ends. I had a spare car battery for the test, but if I was to have one of these pumps on my boat, I would wire in a heavy duty 12 volt outlet (the pump draws 25 Amps) in an accessible spot on board, cut the crocodile clips off and install a suitable plug. It would be a hassle to have to get to the batteries to clip the pump on every time you wanted to use it, and the whole point of buying a pump like this is to make things easy. It’s not cheap, but what price can you put on the amount of time andeffort it saves. I think it’s worth everypenny.

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now it’s even better”

Xylem Water Solutions UK Ltdwww.jabscoshop.com

PRICE

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NSS (top) and evo2 (bottom)

Motorboat Owner 61 60 April 2014

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Insurance BY ROD DANIEL ACII

nsuring many thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes, we at Craftinsure inevitably deal with a wide range of claims during the year, providing a valuable insight (or hind sight) as to what can cause problems both on and off the water. The past 12 months has been no exception,

Flooding

Not surprisingly, the severe flooding experienced this winter has resulted in many boats suffering damage, and has had a major impact on boating communities in many areas. Craftinsure’s more recent flood claims were particularly concentrated in the River Medway, Thames and Wey areas, where a number of boats were either stranded or submerged,

whilst many others suffered less serious damage such as scuffing, abrasions and damage to trim. East Anglia, including the Norfolk Broads, fared better but there were some incidents, including a tender washed away due to the tidal surge at Wells-next-the-Sea. Other areas, including the south coast and Midlands, also produced claims due to the floods.

In light of recent events, we asked an insurance expert for advice on what can be done to protect boats during floods, should it happen again, plus other topical insurance issues

Whilst it’s impossible to eliminate the risks of damage altogether, there are some steps owners can take to help minimise the impact of floods and heavy rainfall, and based on our experience, the following advice may help:

• If you are moored to fixed jetties or similar, add extra mooring warps and consider using higher anchoring points as lower ones may get covered should levels rise.

• Try and arrange for local boatyards or residents to keep mooring lines adjusted if you are not able to check the boat regularly.

• Take additional steps to reduce the risk of any part of the boat becoming trapped under a jetty, sill or similar obstruction as water levels rise.

• Ensure drainage channels are kept clear of leaves and debris so that water doesn’t build up in cockpits and find it’s way into the bilge.

A helpful marina or boatyard may keep an eye on your boat for you, if you are unable to

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with tornadoes and severe storms thrown into the mix, followed more recently by the extreme flooding. Sharing some of the stories and experience gained from these events just might help to ensure you enjoy trouble free boating in the year ahead.

I

ADVICE

ADVICE

Motorboat Owner 63 62 April 2014

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• During periods of heavy rain, check for an accumulation of water in the bilge. This can lower freeboard to a critical point and even lead to the boat sinking if above waterline hull openings become submerged.

• Don’t rely on automatic bilge pumps to prevent flooding. Failure can easily occur due to loss of battery power or blockages in the pump.

• Dinghies and small boats need to be brought ashore and moved to higher ground. Remove outboard motors to a secure building.

• Sign up to the Environment Agency, or other relevant information sites, to ensure that you can be kept informed of any flood warnings. Floodline Warnings direct is a free service that provides flood warnings by telephone, mobile, email, SMS and fax. To sign up call 0845 988 1188 or visit

Poles banged into the riverbed can be used to stop boats getting stranded on the riverbank

www.environment-agency.gov.uk, or in Scotland www.sepa.org.uk.

• Create an Emergency numbers list in your mobile. Include boatyard phone numbers and the Claims Helpline number for your insurer.

• As levels rise, a boat can drift over the bank and become stranded. If you can, secure it in such a way that this can’t happen by tying it away from the bank, or by using long poles or planks to stop it mounting the bank.

Flooding ADVICE continued

MAKING A CLAIM If you believe your boat has been a victim of a flood, contact your insurers as soon as possible and provide them with any information available. Take whatever steps you cansafely make in order to try and minimise the damage. The best initial advice is to act as though you do not have insurance, as insurers will support you in taking any reasonable action that could mitigate a claim. If engines have been submerged, it’s essential to try and get these ashore, stripped down and first aid action applied to prevent corrosion.

Take specialist advice on how to dry out interiors and any removable items. If canopies or covers have been blown away or torn, erect temporary covers to prevent any further ingress of water. Once the boat has been made secure and the extent of any damage can be assessed, insurers will usually require an estimate for repairs, together with photographs of the damage. If a surveyor hasn’t already been appointed to help with recovery, the insurer may well now do so if it’s apparent that the damage is extensive.

Apart from weather related incidents, theft is still sadly one of the most common problems, and accounted for just over 14% of Craftinsure’s claims last year. Although the overall volume of theft claims for 2013 were similar to the previous year, we saw an increase in the number of outboard motors stolen, as well as electronics such as chart plotters and other navigation aids. As far as it is practical, attractive items should not be left mounted or visible to opportunist thieves when boats are unattended. Fit good quality locks and consider investing in a sophisticated alarm system. Make sure outboards are fitted with a good purpose-designed anti-theft locking device, and keep a note of the engine serial numbers. A successful deterrent against outboard theft is removing the hood of your outboard motor when you are not using your boat. By removing

Other incidents

If your boat is on a fixed pontoon you will need to adjust the lines as the water rises, to avoid the boat being pulled under by its own lines. Take care not to put yourself in danger though

Outboards should always be locked, insurance companies often insist on it before offering cover

the outboard hood the engine is much more difficult to sell on, and you can easily protect the outboard from the elements using a canvas or PVC outboard engine cover, which can be purchased for relatively little money. Some police forces sell a suitable cover. Although theft of a complete boat does occur, it is less common, with most incidents involving gear and equipment. One other category of claim where we have seen a steady increase in numbers over the last 3 years, is damage

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to underwater gear due to hitting an obstruction. A lot of these have occurred on the inland waterways and might indicate an increase in the amount of debris and rubbish being deposited in our canals and rivers. In one example an old bicycle became wrapped around a propeller of a cruiser on the Thames near Bray, resulting in an expensive claim. If you do believe you have hit something underwater, or have possibly grounded, keep a careful watch for any signs that could indicate damage or blockages. Assuming you are able to continue, carry out more thorough checks as soon as it’s possible to do so. If you have grounded and suspect damage, your insurance should cover the cost of a lift to check the

Damage to underwater gear is common on inland waterways.Above, the remnants of a bicycle was encountered by a boater on the River Thames. Left, this boat ran over a submerged sprung mattress

The result of an unplanned unhitching while the boat was in transport

hull, even if no damage is found. Each year Craftinsure also sees a number of claims for damage to boats whilst being towed on the roads. If you do need to move your boat on a trailer, make sure it’s been carefully checked with particular attention to tyres, wheel bearings and hitch mechanisms. Some boatyards offer a low cost trailer check covering the main components. When left unattended, trailers should be secured with a hitch lock and wheel clamp, (or wheels removed), and it’s a good idea to clearly mark the trailer with the name of your boat as an added deterrent. Our premiums reflect the fact that despite all the risks mentioned above, the vast majority of boat owners will not need

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to resort to their insurance in the year ahead, so don’t be alarmed, but do carry out thorough pre-season checks as our experience shows this can prevent many of the problems we encounter.

These props and outdrive, as well as the hull, were damaged as a result of a grounding

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 6766 March 2014

Cruising in company is a great way to broaden your experience, expand your cruising horizons and build confidence. It also offers great security for those venturing offshore for the first time. Our team will be there before, during and after each passage, offering a helping hand and assistance whenever it is needed. We make all of the arrangements for the cruise, leaving you free to turn up and enjoy your holiday.

We are starting in the Solent and heading off to the Normandy coast of France, where there will be lots of activities surrounding the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. We are planning to visit the ports of Cherbourg, St-Vaast, Dives-sur-Mer, Carentan and Caen.

We will be departing on the 23rd of June and arriving back home on the 5th of July

Simply log in to your account at motorboatowner.com and download the March magazine from the back issues section. Page 72 and 73 provides full details. Alternatively just call Claire Frew on 01268 922993, or send us an email at claire@motorboatowner.co.uk

Just drop us an email expressing your interest and we’ll send you an application form. Email cruise@motorboatowner.co.uk

Cruise in CompanyNormandy Cruise 22nd June -5th July

Motorboat

Owner

Cruise in Company

The cruise will visit Caen and will pass through the historic D-Day landmark, Pegasus Bridge

Where

When

How do I book?

Where can I find out more information?

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Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 6968 April 2014

Jeanneau MF855 Length (LOA) 8.72m / 28ft 7inBeam 2.99m / 9ft 9inDisplacement 3177kgs with Single DF300Fuel Capacity 400 litresWater Capacity 100 litresRCD category CEngine as tested: Single Suzuki DF300Other Engine Options:Single F300 Yamaha,Twin BF115-150 Honda, Twin F150 Yamaha,Twin DF150 SuzukiPrice from £83,882

BOAT TEST

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7170 April 2014

A brand new hardtop boat, able to accommodate the whole family and capable of taking you, and them, on

extended sea passages to allow exploration of foreign shores, all for under £100k. We didn’t think it was possible until we tested the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 855. I don’t know about you, but I think Jeanneau have a knack of producing some very handsome boats. I’ll grant you that the Marlin range may not be to everyone’s taste, but every Merry Fisher, from the 595 up to the 855 seem to have captured the perfect balance between good looks and practicality. The top of the range 855 combines this with great accommodation and the capability to make it a serious entry-level contender for someone looking to do some serious cruising. Those that think you have to have a diesel inboard to go proper cruising will probably not be swayed, but keep an open mind, because when the numbers are crunched, the reality is that the 855, with single or twin

cockpit immediately feels very safe with large deep sides. It initially felt a little small, but once the outboard is lowered and the aft seating slid back you have a space much more akin to the size of boat. A bench seat along the transom is standard in the 855, but our test boat also had the optional seating/sunpad and table. As well as providing a nice al fresco dining area, this option also provides four decent sized under seat lockers, although all of these would be for wet storage only. In the cockpit sole there is a large opening hatch. Beneath this is a lazarette storage area which, because of the fuel tank positioned below it, is not particularly deep. There is open access to the starboard side bilge, which adds some useful storage. Overhead, the wheelhouse roof extends partially over the cockpit providing some shelter, but for full protection a cockpit enclosure is on the options list for a tad under £3,000. The 855, like other boats from the range, has asymmetric side decks. The wider starboard side is receded into the boat,

making it feel very safe moving forwards. It also has a gas locker, capable of taking a single Camping Gas 907 bottle, conveniently built into the aft section. This is easily accessible from the cockpit for bottle changes, or simply turning the gas on and off. To provide as much width as possible on both side decks, the guardrails are mounted outboard. This works really well, but could leave them prone to damage if the boat isn’t well fendered. The foredeck offers a nice large flat working area, and beneath your feet, the anchor locker is sectioned with chain on one side and enough space for a couple of fenders on the other. The port side deck is quite narrow, although still not bad for a boat of this size, but with your boat access on the starboard side and that really good starboard side deck, you are really not going to want to moor port side to very often. Access into the boat is via a three-part patio door and immediately on the starboard side you find the galley, which offers a two-burner gas hob and sink beneath a lifting lid. When in use there is little work surface in

petrol outboards does make good financial sense, as we’ll go on to explain. Entry onto the boat is via a small bathing platform and transom gate on the starboard side. Obviously the outboard makes having a full-width bathing platform impossible so mooring port side too will mean clambering over the cockpit sides. The starboard bathing platform has a bathing ladder mounted on top, which leaves the boarder rather short of somewhere to put their feet. On board, the

The cockpit seating and sunpad are options. The bathing ladder can get in the way when boarding, but the gas locker is very conveniently located on the aft end of the starboard side deck

Clean and simple interior with two cabins and a

sociable wheelhouse

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7372 April 2014

wires to them might be tricky. One of the boat’s nicest features is the sliding door next to the helm. This allows instant access to the side deck, and is perfect for anyone helming single-handed. Just rig a midships line, get the boat alongside and lasso a cleat, job done. It would also be useful for nipping out and giving your crew a hand once your job is done. From the helm take two steps down into a lower companionway with three doors leading off it. The forward sliding door leads into the master cabin with its island berth. With the door shut behind you, there is room for one person to stand and get dressed at the end of the bed in an area with around six foot headroom. There is a glass panel overhead that lets light flood in from beneath the windscreen in the wheelhouse. A privacy panel fits over this from the outside if required. The berth

The forward cabin offers an island berth with good storage beneath

The guest cabin is of a generous size but storage is in short supply

the galley, although with the dinette table just behind you this should not be an issue. The galley unit also contains a large drawer with a spacious cupboard below, although on our boat the latter was occupied by a microwave, which took up most of the available space. A fridge is mounted beneath the helm seat just forward of the galley. Opposite the galley is the dinette. Big enough at a squeeze for four adults, it is perhaps more suited to a couple or a family with young children. The forward seating unit slides fore and aft, making it part of the dinette seating when stationary, or a nice double forward facing seat when underway. There is a well positioned grab rail just in front of the seat when used facing forward. The lack of storage in a galley with the microwave option is more than made up for with storage under both the fore and aft dinette seats. The dinette can also convert into a berth, which although a little short, could make a cosy double or a very comfortable single. A large sliding window next to the dinette will allow plenty of air in, if needed. The single helm seat is fixed in place with a bolster to allow comfortable helming while standing. Whether seated or standing the helm works well with everything in easy reach and forward visibility unrestricted. In fact all round visibility in the 855 is very good, which is not always the case in a wheelhouse boat. Above, in the wheelhouse roof, are two large glass panels that slide back and lock in place, a useful safety feature to help avoid a nasty accident. Both sunroofs have blinds and insect screens fitted, and the whole wheelhouse can be set up for privacy with curtains on the sides and across the patio doors and covers for the windscreen. There is a fold down

foot rest which, when standing at the helm, allows head out of the roof boating, although I think you would need to be at least six foot for this to work well. It does however provide an opportunity for even us not-so-tall skippers to communicate with the foredeck crew when berthing or anchoring. The helm on our test boat was quite basic with a compass and a pair of Suzuki instruments. There is, however, plenty of space to fit additional instruments and electronics with a nice large area directly in front of the helm, which could easily take a 10-inch multi function display. The optional bow thruster control is well placed for ease of use, as are the trim tabs on the other side of the wheel. The instrument switches, wipers, lights etc, are a little awkward to get at, as they are mounted low down by your knee. There is also a panel in the wheelhouse roof designed for more instruments if needed, although running

The compact galley lacks worktop space when in use, but the dinette table is conveniently opposite The toilet

compartmentis spacious

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7574 April 2014

one is quite short on height so you need to duck through, but once inside there is full standing headroom for anyone under six foot. Again there is an overhead glass panel into the wheelhouse to allow light into this otherwise quite dark cabin, and again, there is a privacy screen that can be affixed from outside, if required. The berth is very generous and the hull window has an opening port for ventilation. Storage in this cabin consists of a half height locker in the standing area or you have access to an unlined area of the bilge beneath the bunk. At the end of the berth is a cupboard offering good access to the boat’s services such as the calorifier, water pump and electrical panels. The boats water tank is located beneath the berth. The remaining door off the lower companionway takes you into the toilet compartment. Head height in here is just under six foot but what it lacks in head

height, it certainly makes up for in floor room and elbow space. There is a toilet, sink and shower, but no shower curtain. This would mean water possibly getting into places it shouldn’t, so before using the shower it would be well worth considering adding one. An opening port provides ventilation, but the two hull windows do not allow enough light in to make this a bright compartment. Beneath the sink is a cupboard with access to pipe work etc. The toilet seacock is also located in here and this must be the first boat I have been on where

“The hull handled the chop very well at sensible

planing speeds”

The helm has lots of space for additional electronics and the side door provides easy access to the decks

you can open the toilet seacock while sitting on the toilet. A feature more useful than you might imagine, especially if you are in the habit of turning seacocks off when not in use.

UnderwayOur test day saw some blustery conditions with a stiff south-westerly, gusting force six. In Southampton Water this produced a short sharp chop of the sort that can cause a short hulled boat to crash and slam. The 855 actually held up very well. While we struggled to get some high speed figures due to the conditions, the hull handled the chop very well at sensible planing speeds. Going into a head sea it proved to be a very wet boat but that’s the joy of a hard top, it’s just the boat that gets wet. The dual pantograph wipers, with fresh water wash, kept the windscreen clear and not a drop found its way into the wheelhouse. Finding flat water in the lee of some moored ships, we managed

RPM

Knots LPH GPH MPG Range (nm)

Noise (dB)

1000 2.9 4.3 0.95 3.05 268 631500 5.4 8.5 1.87 2.88 253 702000 6.9 11.0 2.42 2.85 251 732500 8.1 18.7 4.11 1.97 173 823000 9.6 28.4 6.27 1.53 135 843500 14.2 36.5 8.03 1.77 156 864000 21.3 45.3 9.96 2.11 186 914500 26.4 59.0 13.0 2.03 179 935000 30.5 86.2 19.0 1.61 142 1015200 32.0 90.1 19.8 1.62 143 103

performance As tested 85% fuel, 2 crew, Force 5-6

itself is not the largest, at a tad under 6ft, but you have to remember that this is a 28ft boat with two separate cabins. There is a small hanging locker on the port side and, apart from this, the storage is all beneath the bunk. Lift the aft section of the mattress and the bunk base lifts up on gas struts to reveal a large lined locker. The base of this also lifts out for access to the bow thruster and its dedicated battery. There is another storage area beneath the forward part of the bunk. The two large side windows offer lots of light but, with no opening ports, ventilation is provided solely by the overhead hatch. This comes with a blind but no mosquito screen. The cabin has a minimalist feel with no carpet and lots of bare fibreglass and wood, basic but very easy to keep clean. Back out in the companionway the door to port leads into the guest cabin. Like the other doors off the companionway, this

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7776 April 2014

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

Flipper 880ST

> neXT monTH Invicta 295

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LOA 8.8m Beam: 3.1mDisplacement 3400kgEnquiries: MGM Boats UK02380 456318www.mgmboats.comPRICE from £142,504

LOA 8.52m Beam: 3.15mDisplacement 3000kgEnquiries: TL Harvey Ltd0121 568 8837www.tlharveymarine.comPRICE from £110,000

A clever hardtop boat that manages to pack in an aft cabin. With twin outboards of up to 600hp, it should provide an exhilarating ride

Aquador 28CA practical, single engine, outdrive powered boat with a second cabin concealed beneath the wheelhouse floor and two side access doors

outboard suddenly starts to look good. Add to this the savings in the purchase price of a single outboard boat over a twin, or even single diesel sterndrive, and not only are the fuel costs wiped out, they become pretty insignificant. If you really want twin engines, maybe for the comfort of knowing you have a back up, you can specify the 855 with twin 115hp-150hp Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha’s, but your fuel economy will take a bit of a hit because of it. With modern outboards being so reliable I would seriously question whether twins are needed, beyond offering a placebo effect, and would happily head off into waters unknown with a single from any of the manufacturers on the options list.

ConclusionA really usable boat and perfect as an entry into new boat ownership. The base price is good at £84k, and the options list isn’t too scary either. The preference pack gets you all the useful goodies, including a bow thruster, fridge and electric windlass to name just a few, and for a reasonable £14k you pretty much have everything you could want. If you need to stand out from the crowd, the Legende version comes with a Blue hull foran extra £1400. There is the odd area where savings have been made in production, but overall this boat offers great value for money. At under £100k as tested, there aren’t many sub 30ft boats, with a hardtop and two separate cabins, that come close.

Beneteau Antares 8.80

LOA 8.91m Beam: 2.98mDisplacement 3700kgEnquiries: Dickies International01248 363400www.dickies.co.ukPRICE from £75,000

The 8.80 offers an open plan interior but doesn’t have the side door access. It is available with single or twin outboards up to 300hp

to open up the Suzuki DF300 and record some fast speed runs. Unfortunately our test boat had an issue with the prop that may have skewed some of our figures. During tight turns with the power on, the prop ventilated quite badly, not helped of course by the sea conditions. The prop problem also affected our speed data, as it would only pull 5200rpm, some way below its maximum rating of 5700-6300RPM. Having said that, we still managed to record 32 knots. And with those extra RPM back, the 855 with a single 300hp outboard should hit 35 knots without too much trouble. The DF300 was fitted with Suzuki’s electronic throttle and shift, called Suzuki Precision Control or SPC. It was the first time I had had the opportunity to

use it and was impressed. Not as light as some fly by wire systems, the throttle had enough friction that it almost felt like it was operating on cables but with a smoothness that you expect from electronics, which is a good thing when being bounced around while trying to work the throttle to provide a comfortable ride. With the patio doors open, noise levels were quite high, particularly at speed, hitting 103db at full throttle. Luckily you can close the doors and things become much calmer. Ultimately though you don’t buy a boat like the 855 for its out and out performance, you buy it for comfortable family cruising, or maybe a spot of fishing. At a more sedate 21 knots sound levels were down to 91db, even with the door open, and fuel burn was 45 litres per hour. Now this brings me to an important point. In years gone by, when red diesel was 20 pence per litre, cruising with a petrol powered boat was considered prohibitively expensive. With today’s generation of efficient four stroke outboards and the loss of the derogation on red diesel, the gap has narrowed. At 21 knots our 855 was achieving just over 2mpg and this is pretty much exactly the same as I get with my twin diesel engine S28. OK diesel is still around 20% cheaper with the 60/40 split but if you consider that I have to service two diesel engines and two outdrives, the running costs of a big single

The single Suzuki DF300 offers a good mixture of performance and economy

Motorboat Owner © Digital Marine Media Ltd 7978 April 2014

Arvor Boat Owners Clubwww.arvorboatowners.co.uk

Atlanta Boat Ownerswww.atlantaboats.co.uk

Bavaria Owners’ Associationwww.bavariaowners.co.uk

Bayliner Owners Clubwww.baylinerownersclub.org

Birchwood Boat Owners Forumbirchwoodboatowners.myfreeforum.org

Broom Owners Clubwww.broomowners.com

Chaparral Boat Owners Forumforum.chaparralboats.com

Classic Motor Boat Associationwww.cmba-uk.com

Cleopatra Owners Clubmycleopatra.ning.com

Coronet Cruisersfreespace.virgin.net/simon.sherlock/index.htm

Cranchi Owners Club & Forumcranchiownersclub.com

Dawncraft Owners Club & Forumwww.dawncraftowners.com

Electric Boat Associationwww.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Fairey Owners Clubwww.faireyownersclub.co.uk

Fairline Owners Clubwww.fairlineownersclub.com

Fjord Clubwww.fjordclub.com

Fletcher Owners Clubfletcher-boats.co.uk/your-fletcher/owners-club

Freeman Cruisers Forumfreemanboats.forumer.com

Freeman Owners Clubwww.freemancruisers.com

Haines Owners Clubwww.hainesmarine.co.uk/owners.php

Hampton Safari Boat Clubhamptonsafaribc.webplus.net

Hardy Owners Clubwww.hardy-owner.org.uk

Mariah Owners Clubwww.mariahownersclub.com

Maxum Owners Clubwww.maxumownersclub.com

Microplus Boatswww.microplus.dk

Monterey Fourmforums.montereyboats.com

Owners DirectoryMoonraker Owner’s Clubwww.moonraker.dk/eng_index.htm

Nauticuswww.nauticus.co.uk

Nelson Boat Owners Clubwww.nelsonboatownersclub.co.uk

Nimbus Owners Club UKwww.nimbusowners.co.uk

Norman Appreciation Societywww.normanboats.co.uk

Princess Owners Clubprincessownersclub.com

Regal Owners Forumwww.regalownersforum.com

Relcraft Boaters Groupwww.relcraftboatersgroup.co.uk

Rinker Owners Clubwww.rinkerboats.com/owners-club

Sea Ray Owners Clubwww.clubsearay.com

Sealine Forumwww.sealineforum.co.uk

Sealine Owners Clubwww.sealineownersclub.org

Seamaster Clubwww.seamasterclub.co.uk

i

Owners Club missing?contact us at

Seaward Owners Clubwww.seawardboat.com/club.html

Shetland Owners Associationwww.shetlandowners.co.uk/shetland/

Star Craft Owners Clubwww.bates-starcraft.co.uk

Sunseeker Owners Clubsunseekerownersclub.com

Viking Owners Clubwww.vikingowners.org.uk

Warrior Boats Owners Clubwww.warriorboatsownersclub.co.uk

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Motorboat Owner 81 80 April 2014

My kind of boating. The mooring is

Britain’s only FREE dedicated motorboat magazine

ONLINE 17th APR

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@Spotted something weird, wonderful,

or interesting on your travels?

LymingtonsunsetGorgeousSolentsunsetaswereturnedtoLymingtonSPOTTED! byRobKettel

TheweedkillerWeedcutterontheGloucester&SharpnessCanalSPOTTED! byDavidBagshaw

It’sallintheboatnameThisBelgiumfisherwasnamedaftermeSPOTTED! byStevePierce

ClassiccruiserStunningStorebro34arrivinginPortsmouthSPOTTED! byVickiHayes