Whitelighter
Well-Known Member
Ok, so you know where we were and what we did, so this is a bit more simple. Just lots and lots of pictures of boats.
Oh, and the odd opinion thrown in for good measure.
So you have seen the first two boats in a bit of detail. i basically made a beeline for anything new or different, so I dont have any pics of the usual fair from Sealine (3 boats at the show mind so good on em), Sunseeker, Princess (no V42HT) or Fairline (Squaddy 74 'yacht' that was guarded like fort knox and didnt really interest us any how). All the brit builders were well represented apart from FL, and Princess and Sunseeker had very big stands. Sealine stand was also busy when we passed so hopefully they made a few sales.
The next boat that caught my eye (and I think was a request too) was the new Jeanneau Prestige 50 - now I went on the 50s at Sibs a few years ago but the 50 is supposed to be a different layout and pretty well screwed together.
THe saloon certainly looks good, and I like the classic colours though high gloss cherry is getting on a bit and a lighter oak might be more on vogue here
Well layed out though, and with although the galley for serious cooks is down to port, there is a cocktail bar between the helm and main saloon seating which is perfect for the odd G&T or Sloe Gin (you know who you are!!)
Galley Down:
There is a proper sized full height fridge here too, which is important if you are planning on doing any serious cruising.
No bin though
The helm seemed well laid out, and both Rick and I felt the ergonomics were pretty good. We are both 6ft and a bit and all the controls fell easily to hand. There wasnt any adjustment for the seat mind, so those of us at the extremes of the height range might have felt less comfortable.
To port, next to the helm and the companionway is the dinette which seats 4 - 2 facing 2. this is a practical solution for breakfasts or quick lunches while underway as it is no more than a few paces and up a bit from that well appointed galley. The table support comes from the wall too, which is a neat touch as it frees up knee and foot space and makes it more comfy for four adults.
Accomodation is good, the forcabin has a centre line double, with the now mandatory mid ships master having a good offset double, vanity/dressing table and en suite. In fact, all three cabins have their own ensuite loo and shower, which is impressive in a boat this size. the payoff however is none of them - not even the master - have a seperate shower, favouring the circular screen and a waterproof bog.
Master Cabin:
Forward cabin:
Second Guest Cabin:
There is also a crew cabin astern with another double bed and washing facilities. While not as nicely appointed as the main accomodation, friends would be fine here on the weekend so it gives you somewhere to stick a few more buddies.
We had a look in as many draws and lockers as we could and the general fit and finish seems good. Before the £ slump it would have made a very attractive buy, and while still a very nice boat I suspect the economics will rule it out for many. Which would be a shame. All in all, I liked this one.
Next up we stumpbled across something very interesting. i didnt get a chance to look on board
What is so interesting? For those of you who think out board motors are just for RIBs, fishing boats and dingies think again:
I am ashamed to say i cant even tell you what it is, but with 600Hp hanging off the back I reckon its quite quick.
This was in the same hall as the next boat. Though I say boat, but with instructions like these you have to start to wonder:
I know a certain engineer has a soft sport for these no compromise beauties. 'Blue Angel II' perhaps? Its the right colour after all....
For those not in the know, its a Nortech catamaran. With very, very large engines /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Speaking of large things, rick found a prop attached to a boat which was pretty impressive:
and then there was the boat it was attached to:
I tried my best 'im scruffy so that makes me stinking rich' line with the girl up the red carpet behind the desk. Said I had been on the Princess 85 over the way but now wanted to see a real boat. She was polite, she smiled, said what a nice thing to say but 'bugger off' is still 'bugger off' however politely it is said so you will have to make do with the outside shot I am afraid (anyway, Im sure a photo of Rick makes up for the dissapointment).
A bit of expensive boat porn just for the hell of it:
Anyone who isnt MapisM or Poweryacht and can tell what it is wins a virtual prize /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Next up was one of the real suprises of the show, and near to the top of my list for boat of the show. Its the Meridian 391 Flybridge. For those of you who dont know Meridian, they are owned by Brunswick and came into being when they decided to carve up Bayliner. Back in the day Bayliner used to make yachts as well as sports kit but Brunswick decided in about 2002 to stop making bayliner Yachts and start Meridian. the first boats were all rebadged Bayliners (kind of a marine Lexus - those Lexus drivers who think you arent driving Toyotas, go to japan and try to buy a Lexus).
They have just started to come to Europe and first impression are that they have done a pretty good job. The styling is european and the price isnt half bad either starting at US$545,000 plus VAT.
The sallon is a pretty normal affair, but has the added touch of some nice freestanding chairs giving added flexibilty.
The helm is good again, the joinery and materials are good as seen here in the galley
and the two cabins each have big double beds and ensuite heads
The second cabin is a very nice double, but being offset with access around it meant that for families there was no option to split the bunks up for kids. Fine when they are young, but not for a couple of teens I suspect.
Some of the nicest attention to details was outside. All the power cabins for shore power are hidden beneath gulleys and covers across the bathing platform, eliminating the trip hazard. plus the engine access for daily checks was below the flybridge steps, giving stairs down rather than a crawl space
And there is a huge lazarette with a stupidly big genny and still heaps of space
The flybridge was an excellent layout, ruined only by a daft small table that cost $600!!!!
but once again the helm was well thought out and very comfortable, with good crew seating to port
The real interesting thing about this boat is the drive system. You may notice the joystick to the right of the helm. So its on Zeus or IPS right? Wrong.
Its on shafts. i swear, i checked. I spoke to the dealer and this easy dock system is standard. The joy stick controls the engines, bow thruster, stern thruster and rudders giving you the same control as the Zeus system. All in with the price.
A very complete boat in my opinion, and one that should give the EU builders a run for their money.
Thats it for now, more later when I can see straight again.
Oh, and the odd opinion thrown in for good measure.
So you have seen the first two boats in a bit of detail. i basically made a beeline for anything new or different, so I dont have any pics of the usual fair from Sealine (3 boats at the show mind so good on em), Sunseeker, Princess (no V42HT) or Fairline (Squaddy 74 'yacht' that was guarded like fort knox and didnt really interest us any how). All the brit builders were well represented apart from FL, and Princess and Sunseeker had very big stands. Sealine stand was also busy when we passed so hopefully they made a few sales.
The next boat that caught my eye (and I think was a request too) was the new Jeanneau Prestige 50 - now I went on the 50s at Sibs a few years ago but the 50 is supposed to be a different layout and pretty well screwed together.
THe saloon certainly looks good, and I like the classic colours though high gloss cherry is getting on a bit and a lighter oak might be more on vogue here
Well layed out though, and with although the galley for serious cooks is down to port, there is a cocktail bar between the helm and main saloon seating which is perfect for the odd G&T or Sloe Gin (you know who you are!!)
Galley Down:
There is a proper sized full height fridge here too, which is important if you are planning on doing any serious cruising.
No bin though
The helm seemed well laid out, and both Rick and I felt the ergonomics were pretty good. We are both 6ft and a bit and all the controls fell easily to hand. There wasnt any adjustment for the seat mind, so those of us at the extremes of the height range might have felt less comfortable.
To port, next to the helm and the companionway is the dinette which seats 4 - 2 facing 2. this is a practical solution for breakfasts or quick lunches while underway as it is no more than a few paces and up a bit from that well appointed galley. The table support comes from the wall too, which is a neat touch as it frees up knee and foot space and makes it more comfy for four adults.
Accomodation is good, the forcabin has a centre line double, with the now mandatory mid ships master having a good offset double, vanity/dressing table and en suite. In fact, all three cabins have their own ensuite loo and shower, which is impressive in a boat this size. the payoff however is none of them - not even the master - have a seperate shower, favouring the circular screen and a waterproof bog.
Master Cabin:
Forward cabin:
Second Guest Cabin:
There is also a crew cabin astern with another double bed and washing facilities. While not as nicely appointed as the main accomodation, friends would be fine here on the weekend so it gives you somewhere to stick a few more buddies.
We had a look in as many draws and lockers as we could and the general fit and finish seems good. Before the £ slump it would have made a very attractive buy, and while still a very nice boat I suspect the economics will rule it out for many. Which would be a shame. All in all, I liked this one.
Next up we stumpbled across something very interesting. i didnt get a chance to look on board
What is so interesting? For those of you who think out board motors are just for RIBs, fishing boats and dingies think again:
I am ashamed to say i cant even tell you what it is, but with 600Hp hanging off the back I reckon its quite quick.
This was in the same hall as the next boat. Though I say boat, but with instructions like these you have to start to wonder:
I know a certain engineer has a soft sport for these no compromise beauties. 'Blue Angel II' perhaps? Its the right colour after all....
For those not in the know, its a Nortech catamaran. With very, very large engines /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Speaking of large things, rick found a prop attached to a boat which was pretty impressive:
and then there was the boat it was attached to:
I tried my best 'im scruffy so that makes me stinking rich' line with the girl up the red carpet behind the desk. Said I had been on the Princess 85 over the way but now wanted to see a real boat. She was polite, she smiled, said what a nice thing to say but 'bugger off' is still 'bugger off' however politely it is said so you will have to make do with the outside shot I am afraid (anyway, Im sure a photo of Rick makes up for the dissapointment).
A bit of expensive boat porn just for the hell of it:
Anyone who isnt MapisM or Poweryacht and can tell what it is wins a virtual prize /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Next up was one of the real suprises of the show, and near to the top of my list for boat of the show. Its the Meridian 391 Flybridge. For those of you who dont know Meridian, they are owned by Brunswick and came into being when they decided to carve up Bayliner. Back in the day Bayliner used to make yachts as well as sports kit but Brunswick decided in about 2002 to stop making bayliner Yachts and start Meridian. the first boats were all rebadged Bayliners (kind of a marine Lexus - those Lexus drivers who think you arent driving Toyotas, go to japan and try to buy a Lexus).
They have just started to come to Europe and first impression are that they have done a pretty good job. The styling is european and the price isnt half bad either starting at US$545,000 plus VAT.
The sallon is a pretty normal affair, but has the added touch of some nice freestanding chairs giving added flexibilty.
The helm is good again, the joinery and materials are good as seen here in the galley
and the two cabins each have big double beds and ensuite heads
The second cabin is a very nice double, but being offset with access around it meant that for families there was no option to split the bunks up for kids. Fine when they are young, but not for a couple of teens I suspect.
Some of the nicest attention to details was outside. All the power cabins for shore power are hidden beneath gulleys and covers across the bathing platform, eliminating the trip hazard. plus the engine access for daily checks was below the flybridge steps, giving stairs down rather than a crawl space
And there is a huge lazarette with a stupidly big genny and still heaps of space
The flybridge was an excellent layout, ruined only by a daft small table that cost $600!!!!
but once again the helm was well thought out and very comfortable, with good crew seating to port
The real interesting thing about this boat is the drive system. You may notice the joystick to the right of the helm. So its on Zeus or IPS right? Wrong.
Its on shafts. i swear, i checked. I spoke to the dealer and this easy dock system is standard. The joy stick controls the engines, bow thruster, stern thruster and rudders giving you the same control as the Zeus system. All in with the price.
A very complete boat in my opinion, and one that should give the EU builders a run for their money.
Thats it for now, more later when I can see straight again.
. But nice boat, though too many acres of cherry as you said. What are the 2 switches for by the helmsman's right foot?
